Getting kids off their computers

By Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

In case you were wondering, the gas company project over here on Francisco is moving along. I must say the contractors seem to be wasting no time and have been as respectful as possible. But alas, it is a messy project and I’m sure I speak for everyone here when I say we cannot wait for this to be finished.

Richard Deanda has been a soccer coach at Davis Square Park for the past nine years. He is starting a soccer club for kids ages 4 to 8 at Marquette Park.

“The idea is to get kids off the tablets,” said Gaby Torres, who is helping the coach promote the group. The games will be played on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to approximately 8 p.m. at 71^st and St. Louis. To get your kids in on the fun, call Gaby at (773) 543-0099.

The Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie, is celebrating Older Americans Month by bringing back fitness programs, reopening the pool room, hosting games and movies and more. Super Bingo is coming on Thursday, May 26 at 10:30 a.m. The deadline to reserve your spot is this Monday, May 23. A $5 pre-payment will reserve your spot. All funds collected will go toward prizes.

How about some Tai Chi for better balance and flexibility? Orientation for Tai Chi Fitness Class will also be on Thursday, May 26, at 2:30 p.m. After that, classes will be held on Thursdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. For more information on either of the above events call the center at (312) 747-0440.

Registration is now open for a free training program hosted by the Greater Southwest Development on learning how to grow your business on social media. Lessons will cover content creation, paid ads and more. Classes will be held on Tuesday May 31 and June 7, 14 and 21, from 8 to 10 a.m. To register, call (773) 735-6729.

Many of you may remember Sister Marilyn Kuzmickus, SSC, who just passed away at the age of 83. A 1955 graduate of Maria High School, Sister spent her first 11 years as an SSC teaching in the elementary grades at St. George School (Bridgeport), Immaculate Conception School (Brighton Park), and Sts. Peter and Paul School (West Pullman).

Among her many duties and accomplishments here, Sister served as Assistant General Superior of the order for two terms, was elected General Superior for ten years, was co-editor with Sister Agnesine Dering of the book, “The Founding of the Sisters of St. Casimir” and was Diocesan Postulator for the cause of Mother Maria’s sainthood. The Rite of Christian burial for Sister Marilyn was held last week and can be viewed through the Lack and Sons Funeral Home livestream at asimplestreaming,com/smkuzmickus.

When we left 1992 last week, we learned one of our local residents had just appeared as one of six contestants on the Illinois Lottery’s $100,000 Fortune Hunt. The television show, which aired on Saturdays at 6:30 p.m., was broadcast on WGN-TV (Channel 9). His name was Vito Lazauskas, and I am imagining his customers were gathering at his place of business to watch the proprietor on television when the show aired.

Jim K. knew we were talking about Vito’s Amber Lounge. Jim tells us Vito was the father of three, one boy and two girls. Vito first opened the doors to his business in 1978. The exact address was 2835 W. 71^st St.

Now let’s go have something to eat. From Vito’s we’ll have to drive up to Kedzie, turn left down Kedzie, head south to 77^th Street then turn left again into the parking lot at 7701. Many of us remember this restaurant as Aylward’s, a local favorite for sure. But in 1992 it was not called Aylward’s any longer. Anyone remember the name?