Bingo at St. Clare was something to yell about

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Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

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Recently I mentioned a bingo fundraiser the Augustinian Young Adults of St. Rita of Cascia Parish were holding. This was their first attempt at a bingo and they put on a really nice event. Held in the former St. Clare of Montefalco School gym, they set up the room to be cheery and welcoming.

Upon entering, the very first thing I noticed was the aroma of homemade chili, which proved to be very tasty. Prepared by Hugo Lopez, chief of staff at the 15^th Ward aldermanic office, it was so tasty, in fact, that I made sure to purchase enough to take home. Nachos, hot dogs and cheesecake rounded out the menu.

Kathy Headley

The pots for each game were quite generous too. I hope they do this again.

I also must mention what a nice surprise it was for 15^th Ward Ald. Raymond Lopez to stop in and visit. It has been quite awhile since I have seen an alderman stop into a church sponsored event like this.

Then, on Tuesday of the same week, our alderman gave up his time to attend the CAPS beat meeting for our area. That night I learned something I never thought of and I’d like to share it with you. Officer Anderson told us that if we notice a vehicle parked in front of a fire hydrant on our block at night, to make sure to call it in. If this is not addressed, it could indicate that “anything goes on the block” and no one is watching.

This Saturday, April 20, all are invited to join the Sisters of St. Casimir in a Mass praying for the beatification of Mother Maria Kaupas in the SSC Chapel, 2601 W. Marquette Road, beginning at 9:30 a.m. As always, light refreshments will be served after with an opportunity to socialize for a bit.

On Sunday, April 21, Community Cinema brings the 2023 Warner Brothers film The Flash to the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S. Kedzie. The showing of this PG-13 film begins at 2 p.m.

On Monday, April 22, the Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie, celebrates Earth Day with Home Depot Gardening 101 at 10:15 a.m.

Then on Wednesday, April 24, Senior Suites will sponsor a “super bingo” at the Senior Center, also at 10:15 a.m.

The library will be closed all day on Wednesday April 24, for an   All-Staff Institute Day.

On Thursday, April 25, from 5 to 6 p.m., kids in grades 3 to 8 are invited to join the Spy Academy STEAM Club at the library. Members will test their speed and logic skills, make a spy ID buzzer, build a magic box and reflective eyeglass lenses and construct an escape zipline. Registration is required. Visit chipublib.org or call (312) 747-0639.

Over at Dan Ryan Woods, during the evening on Thursday, April 25, it is Night Hike: Stars and Stories. This sounds pretty cool. Stop by and listen to the story “Under the Drinking Gourd” and learn the significance of why reading the stars was important for survival. Meet at the visitor center on the corner of 87^th and Western at 6:30 p.m. There is no admission charge.

On Friday, April 26, the Augustinian Young Adult group is hosting a Sip & Paint Social, at the St. Clare of Montefalco Pastoral Center, 5443 S. Washtenaw, from 6 to 9 p.m. This is a BYOB event for those 21 years and older. There is a $20 fee. Snacks will be provided. For more information, call the parish office at (773) 434-9600.

Next Saturday, April 27, enjoy yoga at Dan Ryan Woods from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This is a free event, but registration is required by calling (312) 415-2970.

Also next Saturday, April 27 is this year’s Unofficial Bogan Reunion. The event will be held at The Brick Tavern, 6030 W. 111^th St., Chicago Ridge, beginning at 6 p.m. Bogan will have the whole bar to itself. As in the past, there’s a $10 cover charge. There will be a DJ, pizza and a cash bar. For more information, check out the Facebook page at Unofficial Bogan Reunion.

Now back to 1979. When we left last week, we were anticipating a ribbon-cutting ceremony signaling the start of the remodeling and reconstruction of the A & P Food Mart at 61^st and Kedzie. Brad O. was the first to identify this location as the future home of the Southwest Regional Senior Center.

The reconstruction included constructing a new13,000 square-foot wing to the existing building. The new wing they spoke of, now contains the atrium, dining area, exercise room and more.

Early in 1979, under the weight of the snow, the roof collapsed at the Gage Park Bowling Alley. Then looters went in, taking cash from the vending machines and jukeboxes, as well as equipment and blenders from the bar area. Almost six weeks later, yet another disaster befell the building. Remember what it was?