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By Mary Stanek
Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon
3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 284-7394
I hope everyone had a safe and Happy Easter. Sorry I missed you for a week. Eastern Orthodox folks will be celebrating Easter this Sunday, April 16.
I’m chomping at the bit to do some gardening, but I have learned my lesson and need to be patient. Two years in a row I was forced to cover up my plants because of early planting. To avoid a spring frost this year, I need to wait until May.
From what I have researched, there are more than one St. Richard in the Catholic faith. Saint Richard of Chichester’s feast day is April 3 and was celebrated by the entire student body of Sts. Bruno & Richard School.
St. Richard is the patron saint of coachmen. This is because he worked on his brother’s farm, where he handled horse-drawn carriages.
He died in 1253 and was canonized in 1262. From what I read, he was a frugal man and a vegetarian. A Mass commemorated his feast day and the students participated in a morning filled with fun activities.
It is time for a fiesta at Sts. Bruno & Richard School. On Saturday April 29, in the Harding campus gymnasium there will be food, music and a bar. Purchase your tickets in advance for $25 at the school’s offices or $30 at the door.
This is a “21 and older” event which will also feature a tequila sampling from 6 to 6:30 p.m. If you reserve a table of 10, a complimentary bucket of Coronitas will be provided. I believe Coronitas are those cute little bottles of beer.
On the same evening, our friends to the west of us, St. Symphorosa School, 6148 S. Mason, will be having a casino night fundraiser. The event runs from 6 to 11 p.m. and the cost is $30. The price includes two beverages (beer, wine, soda) and $25 in casino chips. Food will be available for purchase.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository has been expanding. There is a building going up around the 4200 block of South Keeler. This facility is part of the Depository’s Nourish Project. It will expand the capacity to prepare and distribute healthy meals that meet dietary needs of the most at-risk people.
Happy Birthday to journalist Ray Hanania on April 17. Also, birthday wishes go out to my dear friend, Pat Charleston, on the 17th as well.