New workshop yields old friendship

By Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

Last week I mentioned a new weekly workshop for kids that would be coming to the neighborhood on Wednesdays when Original Creations by Yaya visits the Monarca Event Rom, 3300 W. 63^rd St.

Kayla and I went over on Wednesday to check it out. When we got there, I was surprised to find out that I have known the instructor for many years.

The instructor who goes by the nickname of Yaya is actually Adriana Gomez and she is a relative of a friend of mine. Some of you might recognize her from Girl Scouts as she worked with the troops at St. Mary Star of the Sea for 10 years. In recent years she has had a studio in her home.

Kathy Headley

Why is she doing this? “I just love art,” she said. “And I like to share what I know with the kids.”

She certainly does share quite a lot of techniques and hints during the workshop. This is not just painting a picture on a piece of paper. The kids have an easel with a sturdy canvas, a pallet with paints, several different brushes used for different purposes and, of course, an apron.

Gomez and her crew of Yvette and Gaby give plenty of individualized attention to each child. Kayla had a good time and she learned a lot. The workshop is well worth the $15 fee per child (or 2 for $25), which includes materials and snacks. The workshop takes place at Monaca every Wednesday at 2 and 4 p.m. Call ahead to save a spot at (773) 677-2149.

This Saturday, July 23, the Community Cinema at the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S. Kedzie, will be screening the 2010 film Diary of a Wimpy Kid beginning at 2:30 p.m.

This Sunday, July 24, the new organ at St. Thomas More Church, 2825 W. 81^st Place, will be blessed and dedicated at the 10 a.m. Mass. The Rev. Scott Haynes will be the celebrant.

Wednesday, July 27, is Family Craft Hour at the Chicago Lawn Library from 4 to 5 p.m. Families with children ages 6 to 13 are invited to join in the fun. Call ahead at (312) 747-0639.

The St. Rita of Cascia Grammar School class of 1972 is celebrating the 50^th anniversary of their graduation on Saturday, Aug. 27, at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115^th St., Merrionette Park. The cost is $50 for food and beverages. The festivities will be held in a private room from 7 to 11 p.m. Purchase tickets now through Zelle: berniemurray98@hotmail.com or Venmo: @Bernie-Murray-1 or go to the St. Rita GS Class of 1972 50 Year Reunion Facebook page for more information.

Bernie M’s (no relation to above-mentioned Bernie M) remembrances of the discount variety on 63^rd Street where Metropolitan Family Services is now at 3843 stirred up memories for a lot of folks from their childhood. The first one to come up with the name Steinberg Baum was Wade M. We talked about how, it was there for a long time and then all of a sudden it wasn’t. So, what happened to the chain?

Here’s what I found: Louis Steinberg and Frank Baum were among the area’s most successful businessmen until 1971 when a federal grand jury indicted them in what was labeled at the time as “the largest bank fraud and embezzlement in the nation’s history.”

Accused of embezzling $6.8 million from Cosmopolitan National Bank, Baum pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years in federal prison. When he got out, he moved to Fort Lauderdale, where he manufactured ladies’ purses. Steinberg, on the other hand, fled the country and bolted to Rhodesia. He returned when political turmoil made life unpleasant in Africa and went on trial, where he was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

For next week, do you remember what occupied that location after Steinberg Baum left?

Since I was little at the time, Steinberg Baum brings images of some long-gone toys, those made by companies like Kenner, Ideal, Hasbro, Matchbox, Tootsie Toys. The list could probably go on. At any rate, it was a fun and popular store for young and old alike.

Now, also for next week, let’s go over to 59^th Street. Where would you have gone to get your Matchbox cars, among other toys, and hobby supplies?