Things are looking bright at Lith Youth Center

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By Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

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Cleaning, restoration and remodeling continues at the Chicago Lithuanian Youth Center on Claremont Avenue. New programs have been well attended and recent classes, Like Making Your Own Bacon Buns, have sold out quickly. Thanks to recent donations from Nelia Paulauskas and Dr. Linas Smulkstys, longtime supporters of the Center, restoration work on stained glass panels has begun.

If you are willing to help support this project with a donation that covers the full restoration of a panel, you will be acknowledged with a plaque near the panel. Restoration is being done by Baltic Art Studio. Checks can be mailed to the Center at 5620 S. Claremont Ave., Chicago, 60636, Attn: Stained Glass Project. For more information on how you can join, call the center at (773) 710-7330.

This Saturday, March 23, the Chicago Lithuanian Youth Center is hosting a celebration of the 70^th anniversary of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union in Exodus (USA and Canada). March 7, 1954 is considered the date of restoration of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union (then called LSS in Tremty). The celebration begins at 3 p.m. For more information and for tickets, call the center.

Kathy Headley

Get up early this Saturday, March 23, dust off your bicycle and join in a guided ride on the Marshall “Major” Taylor Trail at Dan Ryan Woods. Learn about who he was and his connection to the Forest Preserves. The ride is about 16 miles. Meet at the Visitor Center on the corner of 87^th and Western at 8 a.m.

Then get ready for Family Project Hour: Spring STEAM Day with the kiddos ages 6 to 13 at the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S. Kedzie, from 2 to 4 p.m. This month, families will learn about three concepts: science with salt painting, technology by using a timer and engineering by building a tower out of plastic eggs. Register ahead of time at (312) 747-0639.

The Augustinian Young Adults will get ready for Holy Week by taking an interactive pathway that allows them to journey through the Passion of Christ in St. John, Ind. on Sunday, March 24. Tamales and transportation will be available. A $10 fee is requested. For more information, call (773) 434-9600.

This Sunday, March, 24, Community Cinema brings the Warner Bros 2023 film Barbie to the Chicago Lawn Library at 2 p.m.

On Wednesday, March 27, something a little different for seniors is coming to Marquette Park. March Madness Shoot and Win, hosted by the park and sponsored by JenCare, will take at the fieldhouse, 6734 S. Kedzie, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Move up the brackets as you go head-to-head in a game of basketball arcade. There will be a grand prize for the winning team. A JenCare doctor will be on hand discussing vaccinations. Plan representatives will be there for questions on what JenCare offers.

Next Friday, March 29, the Sandridge Nature Center invites everyone to a spring breakout adventure at Dan Ryan Woods from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy, discover and create by spending spring break outside with several outdoor recreation activities. For more information, call (312) 415-2970.

Tickets are now on sale for the upcoming 12^th Annual Midwest Augustinian Gala on the evening of Friday, April 19, at the Drake Hotel. This year’s honorees are the Rev. William Lego OSA, Greg and Wendy Jania and the Rev. Walter McNicholas OSA (posthumously). Many will remember Father Lego for his years as pastor of St. Rita of Cascia Parish and for his dedicated community involvement here. As many of you know, he currently serves as pastor of St. Turibius Parish.

Generations of students who attended St. Rita High School will remember Father McNicholas. Fondly known to his students as Father McNic, he spent much of his 58-year ministry as a teacher at the school, where he was known as a legend. Some may also remember him from Holy Cross Hospital where he served as a chaplain for many years.

To secure a reservation or for more information, visit AugustinianGala.org or call JoAnn Altenbach at (773) 614-5881.

Now let’s return to 1979. When we left last week, I asked if you remembered either of two gentlemen who passed away in the beginning of the year. Tom Pilafas and Dr. Thaddeus Klabacha both left their mark on the neighborhood.

Bill S. was the first to identify Tom as the former owner of Gertie’s Ice Cream Parlor. Bill remembers seeing him there behind the counter at 59^th and Kedzie in his white shirt, white apron and bow tie.

No one identified Dr. Thaddeus. I’m guessing we might all be too young to remember him as the owner of the Chicago Lawn Medical Center and Chief of Staff at Holy Cross Hospital.

Interestingly both men were 65 years of age at the time of their death.

Now how about this one: Forty-five years ago, what was the name of the savings and loan at 83^rd and Kedzie? How about the bank at Ford City?