Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania’s Columns
  • Advertise
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
    • Submit a Press Release
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Seniors
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Toggle search form
  • State Rep. Cyril Nichols
    Arab Americans oppose “MENA” bill and urge “ARAB” be recognized as an MBE and in Census Census
  • Town President Larry Dominick and the Cicero Senior Center hosted the annual Hearts and Shamrocks luncheon. Cicero's senior services program is one of the most extensive in the Midwest offering an array of services including lawn cutting, snow shoveling, handiman assistance, transportation and a range of healthcare services. For more information visit www.TheTownofCicero.com
    The Town of Cicero Senior Center hosted the annual Hearts & Shamrocks dance Baby Boomers
  • Harlem Avenue closed from 86th and 87th pending investigation of pedestrian struck by vehicle News
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    Court orders ex to provide transportation so Dad can see his daughter Civil Rights
  • Brandon Johnson leads a protest demanding to defund the Police. Phot courtesy of the Vallas for Mayor Campaign
    Johnson Refuses to Answer Whether He Would Pursue Stricter Penalties for Repeat Gun Offenders At WGN Debate  Chicago
  • Orland Fire Protection District extinguish fire in apartment building at 144th and Ravinia Sunday Jan. 30, 2022
    One fatality in Orland Hills Home fire Cook County
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau continues to lie and slander people Blogger
  • Writing my very first news story that ran in the Messenger Press Baby Boomers
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Senator Michael Hastings supports bill to protect consumers from pesky auto-renewal charges Features
  • Major League Rugby 2023 Championship to take place at SeatGeek Stadium July 8
    Major League Rugby 2023 Championship to take place at SeatGeek Stadium July 8 Entertainment
  • Paul Vallas candidate for Chicago Mayor 2023. Photo courtesy of the Paul Vallas website
    Paul Vallas calls out Johnson’s lies walking back calls to defund and undermine police Chicago
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    Psychological support for divorcing dads topic of CLE at Leving firm Chicago
  • Ronette McCarthy, a candidate for Mayor of Palos Park, addresses the Palos Park Village Board on the issue of expanding Wu's House parking into land adjacent to the huge restaurant on the east.
    Whoa is Wu’s House in Palos Park Blogger
  • Pekau campaign signs violate village ordinances News
  • Rotary Club of Orland Park Logo
    Orland Park Rotary offering scholarships to graduating seniors Education

All Hands on Deck

Posted on June 8, 2020June 8, 2020 By Steve Metsch 1 Comment on All Hands on Deck
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Loading

All Hands on Deck

Willow Springs man organizes distancing party

By Steve Metsch

It was “All Hands on Deck” for some residents of a Willow Springs subdivision on a recent Thursday evening.

The event was the brainchild of Carey Cochrane, who wanted to bring some fun to his neighbors while they were sheltering at home due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I just thought of doing it because of the virus, something for people with cabin fever,” Cochrane said on May 21.

“Get out on our decks and say ‘hi’ to our neighbors in a safe way,” he said.

Carey and Mary Cochrane enjoy margaritas during the “All Hands On Deck” party he organized in their Willow Springs subdivision. Photo by Steve Metsch.

 

Cochrane lives with Mary, his wife of 34 years, and daughter Kelly in a unit at The Windings of Willow Ridge, located between 91st Street and the Des Plaines River.

He put his idea into the association newsletter, inviting folks to party on their decks or driveways, which offers social distancing of much more than the recommended six feet.

He also urged them to buy food and beverages from local merchants.

There’s no better way to party safely, Cochrane said sitting comfortably on his deck.

He and Mary were in the spirit, sipping margaritas as the tropical music of Jimmy Buffett played. As if on cue, Buffett’s biggest hit, “Margaritaville,” played in the background.

At the next unit, Sal Grigola stepped out onto his deck.

“What are you sipping there?” Cochrane asked.

“Vodka Collins,” Grigola replied with a smile.

“This is a wonderful idea” Grigola added.

One floor below, on a walking path, Harvey Johnson strolled past and paused to chat, looking up at Cochrane.

“I think it’s great,” Johnson said. “Actually, we have a house in Indiana. I drove back just to come here … You did good. This is a good idea.”

Cochrane has time on his hands to think of good ideas.

He had just started a new job selling scoreboards to high schools, colleges and park districts. Then the virus hit.

“Twenty-nine days in to the new job, I got furloughed,” Cochrane said.

“So, I took a part-time job with Jewel,” he said. “I’m a driver for Jewel, doing the home grocery delivery a couple of times a week. Just to get out of the house. Something to do.”

Like many, sheltering at home has daughter Kelly doing her job – she is a counselor at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago – from her computer at home.

“I just ended a virtual Jeopardy job skills game with the kids,” Kelly said. “We talk about resumes, workplace conflict, stuff like that.”

Now, though, it was time to enjoy a margarita during “All Hands on Deck.”

Mary and Jim Demikis took their “All Hands On Deck” party to their driveway in The Windings of Willow Ridge subdivision. Photo by Steve Metsch.

 

Across the street, Mary and Jim Demikis took their outdoor shindig to lawn chairs on their driveway.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Mary Demikis said. “We’re all cooped up. And now we have to figure out a safe way to be around other people.”

Jim and Mary, married 27 years, consider themselves fortunate because they are both able to both work from home.

Jim had hoped to see more people on their driveways and decks. “It’s not a real mingling community,” he said around 6 p.m., “but it’s still early in the evening.”

Cochrane hopes to bring the subdivision closer with more deck parties this summer.

“I think it’s good for the community,” said Cochrane who has noticed one change for the better during the pandemic lockdown.

“To me, everybody is a lot friendlier and outgoing,” Cochrane said. “Hopefully, that’s going to continue. When I drive, everybody waves to each other and it didn’t used to be like that.”

“We’ll get through this,” he added, “It will just take time.”

Desplaines Valley News

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch is an award winning veteran reporter who previously worked for the Daily Southtown Newspapers, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. Metsch is a writer and editor at the Southwest News Newspaper group based in suburban Chicago, and a freelance writer a health magazine, the Suburban Life, the Naperville Sun, and other organizations.
Email Steve Metsch at sm4610@sbcglobal.net
Steve Metsch
Latest posts by Steve Metsch (see all)
  • James Koc rejoins Lyons ZBA - November 26, 2022
  • “It’s time,” says McCook top cop Svetich - November 26, 2022
  • No town too small, Pritzker visits Southwest suburbs - November 4, 2022
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
News, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:All Hands On Deck, Carey Cochrane, Willow Springs

Post navigation

Previous Post: The sounds of silence
Next Post: Growing cannabis in Bridgeview

Related Posts

  • Bridgeview Police shut down a stretch of 79th Street between Roberts Road and 78th Avenue on Wednesday  night August 17 , 2022 after a pickup truck and motorcycle collided.
    Motorcycle-truck accident shuts down 79th street in Bridgeview breaking news
  • Lyons Township High school
    New treasurer appointed to Lyons School District Education
  • Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady (far right) accepts a donation from the Orland Park Lions Club. Presenting the donation from the Orland Park Lions Club are (left to right): Gail Anton, Treasurer, Kathy Fenton, President, and member Steven Anton.
    Orland Township Receives Donation from Lions Club Cook County
  • Congressman Dan Lipinski, challenger Marie Newman, faced-off in the March 20, 2018 Democratic Primary election in Illinois's 3rd Congressional District. Lipinski won by a slim margin with 50.9 percent of the vote.
    War heats up between Lipinski and challenger Newman Chicago
  • Chicago Wolves hockey player Oscar Dansk. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Wolves
    Wolves capture another division title Chicago
  • State Rep. Cyril Nicholas, State Sen. Elect Willie Preston, and 18th Ward Alderman Derrick Curtis collected thousands of bottles of water, enough to fill two 18-wheel semi-trucks to help the water-starved residents of Jackson, Mississippi on Saturday Sept. 3
    Nichols and colleagues collect bottled water for Jackson residents Chicago

More Related Articles

Two Guys on Politics Podcast with former Congressman Bill Lipinski and former Chicago City Hall reporter Ray Hanania Was the Jan. 6 violence at Congress an insurrection or a protest gone wrong? Bill Lipinski
All in Illinois, website for children during the coronavirus Pritzker Announces New “All in Illinois” Kids Content Series Featuring Illinois Museums and Attractions Chicago
44 years later News
State Rep. Fran Hurley clothing drive Hurley Holds Business Attire Clothing Drive to Benefit Local Non-profit Government
RTA Pace Bus No 2682 Photo courtesy Wikipedia Pace Wraps up Central Harlem Avenue Corridor Plan News
First District Illinois Appellate Court Justice Aurelia Pucinski Aurelia Pucinski receives support for retention as Illinois Appellate Court justice Chicago

Comment (1) on “All Hands on Deck”

  1. Pingback: Each and every one Hands on Deck - Suburban Chicagoland - Chicago Local News

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau continues to lie and slander people
    March 21, 2023
  • Writing my very first news story that ran in the Messenger Press
    March 19, 2023
  • Ronette McCarthy, a candidate for Mayor of Palos Park, addresses the Palos Park Village Board on the issue of expanding Wu's House parking into land adjacent to the huge restaurant on the east.
    Whoa is Wu’s House in Palos Park
    March 14, 2023
  • Foxx policies punish police rather than the criminals
    March 8, 2023
  • Pekau silences accountability to expand his political power
    February 27, 2023
  • Terrorist Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin who is guilty of massacring civilians in his war against Ukraine. Photo credit Wikipedia
    America should stand with Ukraine and set aside internal politics
    February 24, 2023

Subscribe

  • Ray-Hanania-Newsletter-300-wide-Banner.jpg

Trending

  • Ronette McCarthy, a candidate for Mayor of Palos Park, addresses the Palos Park Village Board on the issue of expanding Wu's House parking into land adjacent to the huge restaurant on the east. Whoa is Wu’s House... Whoa is Wu's House in Palos Park Residents in Palos Park thought they had t... posted on March 14, 2023
  • Harlem Avenue closed from... Harlem Avenue closed from 86th and 87th pending investigation of pedestrian... posted on March 24, 2023
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith P... Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau continues to lie and slander people By Ray Ha... posted on March 21, 2023
  • Brandon Johnson leads a protest demanding to defund the Police. Phot courtesy of the Vallas for Mayor Campaign Johnson Refuses to Answer... Johnson Refuses to Answer Whether He Would Pursue Stricter Penalties for Re... posted on March 22, 2023
  • Pekau campaign signs viol... Pekau campaign signs violate village ordinances Pekau and his endorsed cand... posted on March 13, 2023
  • NEWS
  • State Rep. Cyril Nichols
    Arab Americans oppose “MENA” bill and urge “ARAB” be recognized as an MBE and in Census
    March 25, 2023
  • Town President Larry Dominick and the Cicero Senior Center hosted the annual Hearts and Shamrocks luncheon. Cicero's senior services program is one of the most extensive in the Midwest offering an array of services including lawn cutting, snow shoveling, handiman assistance, transportation and a range of healthcare services. For more information visit www.TheTownofCicero.com
    The Town of Cicero Senior Center hosted the annual Hearts & Shamrocks dance
    March 25, 2023
  • Harlem Avenue closed from 86th and 87th pending investigation of pedestrian struck by vehicle
    March 24, 2023
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    Court orders ex to provide transportation so Dad can see his daughter
    March 23, 2023
  • Brandon Johnson leads a protest demanding to defund the Police. Phot courtesy of the Vallas for Mayor Campaign
    Johnson Refuses to Answer Whether He Would Pursue Stricter Penalties for Repeat Gun Offenders At WGN Debate 
    March 22, 2023
  • Orland Fire Protection District extinguish fire in apartment building at 144th and Ravinia Sunday Jan. 30, 2022
    One fatality in Orland Hills Home fire
    March 22, 2023
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

The Political Pundit

Political Pundit Aug. 24, 2021. Taliban thanks president for boxes of MAGA hats
  • WORD PRESS REVIEWS
  • MyCloud by Western Digital, a hard drive that doesn't last. Don't purchase Western Digital.
    Western Digital tubes its loyal customers for profit
    October 17, 2021
  • Macho Themes website front page. Don't buy their themes. They don't work
    Difficulties with Macho Themes for WordPress
    August 21, 2021
  • TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Senator Michael Hastings supports bill to protect consumers from pesky auto-renewal charges
    March 18, 2023
  • Wreaths Across America Radio logo
    Wreaths Across America Radio Announces New Strategic Partnerships with Veteran Radio Programs
    February 6, 2023
  • Dr. Helen Edwards Fermilab particle physicist
    Foster, Durbin, Duckworth introduce resolution to name Fermilab Research Center after renowned physicist Dr. Helen Edwards
    February 3, 2023

Follow Ray Hanania at
Gab.com, MeWe.com
IDobbinate.com,
Twitter, Facebook

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

First Installment of the Property Tax

What We’re Reading

Arab News Newspaper Leading English Language Publication in the GulfArab News Newspaper

Ray Hanania on Politics
SW News Newspaper Group

  • SPORTS
  • Major League Rugby 2023 Championship to take place at SeatGeek Stadium July 8
    Major League Rugby 2023 Championship to take place at SeatGeek Stadium July 8
    March 17, 2023
  • Chicago Wolves 2022-2023 season
    Chicago Wolves top Stars for second win in a row
    October 25, 2022
  • Stagg Marching Band Pit Crew as efficient as a NASCAR pit stop! The team that does a lot of the work to help the Stagg High school band perform works behind the scenes like a NASCAR pit stop. The students are profiled in this feature
    Stagg Marching Band Pit Crew as efficient as a NASCAR pit stop!
    August 31, 2022
  • Soccer. Photo by Md Mahdi on Unsplash
    International soccer returns to SeatGeek Stadium
    August 7, 2022
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • State Rep. Cyril Nichols
    Arab Americans oppose “MENA” bill and urge “ARAB” be recognized as an MBE and in Census
    March 25, 2023
  • Town President Larry Dominick and the Cicero Senior Center hosted the annual Hearts and Shamrocks luncheon. Cicero's senior services program is one of the most extensive in the Midwest offering an array of services including lawn cutting, snow shoveling, handiman assistance, transportation and a range of healthcare services. For more information visit www.TheTownofCicero.com
    The Town of Cicero Senior Center hosted the annual Hearts & Shamrocks dance
    March 25, 2023
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    Psychological support for divorcing dads topic of CLE at Leving firm
    March 14, 2023
  • Tony Award Winner Robert Falls returns to Goodman Theatre to direct his adaptation of "The Cherry Orchard" Photo courtesy Goodman Theatre
    Tony Award Winner Robert Falls returns to Goodman Theatre to direct his adaptation of “The Cherry Orchard”
    March 6, 2023
  • Popular Ziyad Brand Green Za'ater. Photo courtesy of Ziyad Brothers
    Ziyad Brothers reports that the appeal of Mediterranean foods continues to rise among consumers
    February 16, 2023
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • Ronette McCarthy, a candidate for Mayor of Palos Park, addresses the Palos Park Village Board on the issue of expanding Wu's House parking into land adjacent to the huge restaurant on the east.
    Whoa is Wu’s House in Palos Park
    March 14, 2023
  • Popular Ziyad Brand Green Za'ater. Photo courtesy of Ziyad Brothers
    Ziyad Brothers reports that the appeal of Mediterranean foods continues to rise among consumers
    February 16, 2023
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar
    Cook County Announces Call for Transportation and Community Grant Program Applications
    January 23, 2023
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    Buckner unveils plan to help businesses and strengthen job
    January 19, 2023

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Click this link to watch or use the widget below:

Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.
Email Ray Hanania for more information about performing at your event at rghanania@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme