LANSING, Ill. (April 17, 2020) – This weird week began with empty church buildings on Easter Sunday, April 12, and ended with a snowstorm on Friday, April 17.Pastor David Price of First United Methodist Church (18420 Burnham) checked with Lansing police and the Village of Lansing about hosting a special Easter church service while observing safe social distancing. People were invited to gather in the church parking lot—remaining in their cars, and leaving at least one parking space between. Neighboring TF South High School offered their parking lot for overflow. Pastor Price (center) delivered the message using a public address system. “People told me, ‘Oh, I really needed this. Thank you for doing this,'” said Price about the unique gathering. (Photo: Dan Bovino)On Monday, the feeling of spring continued with green grass, blooming daffodils, and budding magnolia trees. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Along the Pennsy Greenway Trail, the trees began to flower. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Ted’s Pet & Feed Store (17950 Burnham, 708-474-3000) is using yard signs to let people know they are still open and offering curbside service or local delivery. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)At Waters Edge Gift, Garden, and Pond Center (18418 Wentworth), owner Carolyn Scofield has been using Facebook to keep Gift and Garden sales going until Pond season can begin in earnest. Customers can place orders for curbside pickup or delivery: facebook.com/Watersedgecenter. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)While the quarantine has forced layoffs and reductions in some businesses, others are working to keep up with increased demands. The Lansing Family Dollar (17829 Burnham) is hiring. Applicants can visit www.familydollar.com for more information about the company and available jobs. The Lansing store is #5011. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Keith Grill, owner of Gus Bock’s Ace Hardware in Lansing (3455 Ridge Road), says he has been selling a LOT of paint during the quarantine as home-bound homeowners tackle remodeling projects. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)The Home Depot (1550 Torrence, Calumet City) uses an app to limit the number of in-store shoppers to 100. A worker at the entrance receives updates from a worker at the exit each time someone leaves the store. As the total dips below 100, another shopper is allowed to enter. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Gary Leistra is one of America’s essential workers, delivering loads of steel to builders and contractors throughout the area. He and his co-workers take precautions such as cleaning their trucks more often, having drivers use the same truck rather than sharing, leaving paperwork and not requiring signatures, and wearing masks when interacting with people during deliveries. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Unable to host events that might encourage people to participate in Census 2020, Lansing’s Complete Count Committee is relying on banners and yard signs to spread the word. The census can be taken online at my2020census.gov. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Postal carrier Katrina says she’s seen a decrease in regular mail—even junk mail—but an increase in packages since the quarantine was enacted. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)On Wednesday morning, Lansing woke up to snowfall on the lawns and cars. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Ridge Road, Wednesday morning. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Ridge Road, Thursday morning—the sun returned, though the temperatures remained brisk. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Ridge Road, Friday morning—three inches of snow in Chicagoland broke a record for April 17 snowfall that was set 70+ years ago when the area received a half-inch of snow. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Tim, Jody, and Tony of Lansing Public Works did not let the snow prevent them from the spring clean-up they had planned for Friday. They spent the morning lifting the tree grates along Ridge Road and raking away the leaves and debris that had collected there. Even on a cold wet morning, says Jody, she doesn’t miss her desk job. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Lansing residents Joe and Jennifer Saia made a quick trip to Munster on Friday afternoon to participate in a socially distant birthday parade for their granddaughter (left, seated). (Photo: Jennifer Saia)By Friday evening, the skies began to clear, and the forecast promised warmer temperatures in the coming week. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.
Wonderful article, Melanie, filled with great pictures and so much hope!!! The Journal is such a boost to my spirit every day. Thanks again, so much, for giving us such daily joy!!!
What a week! Wonderful Photos!
Hello Mello, loved your article. By being in quarantine, I enjoyed the variety which you displayed. Thanks for the stories. Stay safe.
Thanks for this article and for the Lansing Journal, Melanie! I read it every day. 🙂
Thanks for the great article and pictures. I’m sending a virtual hug.
Thank you, all, for your kind encouragement. With the quarantine in place, I’ve been doing a lot of walking, and I’m always amazed at the sights I see around town. I appreciate having a format for sharing these glimpses of life, and I hope they will provide a historical record of these unusual times.
Wonderful article, Melanie, filled with great pictures and so much hope!!! The Journal is such a boost to my spirit every day. Thanks again, so much, for giving us such daily joy!!!
What a week! Wonderful Photos!
Hello Mello, loved your article. By being in quarantine, I enjoyed the variety which you displayed. Thanks for the stories. Stay safe.
Thanks for this article and for the Lansing Journal, Melanie! I read it every day. 🙂
Thanks for the great article and pictures. I’m sending a virtual hug.
Thank you, all, for your kind encouragement. With the quarantine in place, I’ve been doing a lot of walking, and I’m always amazed at the sights I see around town. I appreciate having a format for sharing these glimpses of life, and I hope they will provide a historical record of these unusual times.