All of us, except for Native Americans, are descendants of immigrants.
Liverpool itself was founded by Irish immigrants in the early 19th century before being joined by Germans, Anglo-Saxons and Italians. But here in the 21st century immigration has become a major American controversy as millions of Hispanics and other non-citizens swell our population.
This year, in an appeal titled, “Justice for Immigrants – A Journey of Hope,” Catholic bishops of the United States implore their congregations to rekindle our nation’s policies on immigration.
American values cited
St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church in Liverpool hosts an open forum on immigration reform at 6:45 p.m. Thursday March 24, at the Parish Center, 1001 Tulip St.
St. Joe’s longtime pastor, the Rev. Father Charlie Major, encourages everyone to get involved.
“In the back of the church we have a petition people can sign that asks our legislators to support fair and just immigration reform that reflects our nation’s history and values,” he said.
On Sunday March 20, Father Charlie reminded parishioners that the inscription on New York City’s Statue of Liberty welcomes “your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free.”
He also quoted a higher authority, citing Scripture: “…For I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35).
For info, visit justiceforimmigrants.org.
Corned beef chef
Veteran restaurateur Otto Weber was in the village last week cooking up delectable corned beef and cabbage dinners for customers at The Retreat. Weber, an old buddy of Retreat owner John Gormel, fills in as a guest chef here every St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Gull to get second deck
Speaking of John Gormel-the man with the mile-wide smile-on March 9 the village planning board OK’d his application to build a second-floor deck on the Barking Gull, his party facility on South Willow Street near the Salt Museum. The Gull already has a first-floor deck, and a second outdoor deck should allow it to host bigger and better summertime shindigs.
Lizard adds pergola
Meanwhile, at that same March 9 meeting, the Limp Lizard received contingent approval from village planners to build a shady pergola in front of its new restaurant at the former Mother’s location at 201 First St. Hired LL staffers say the new place should be smoking brisket and ribs slathered in barbecue sauce within a few weeks.
Faded Fantasy
While other village businesses, such as Pizza Villa and Keiffer’s Cigars, have beautified their storefronts, an adjacent neighbor’s looking relatively sad.
That blanched purple awning over the entrance to Fantasy Fashions on Third Street resembles a faded swatch of lavender lingerie that has seen better days.
