We must always build bridges

By Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

No matter our religion, our beliefs or how we have spent the holidays over the years, it has always been a special time to connect with family and friends.

Last week the International Human Relations Council hosted their annual holiday party at the Chicago Lawn (8^th) District Police Station here on 63^rd Street. Folks that may or may not have ever gotten together, joined each other to enjoy the festivities.

Fatima Abu Eid took the microphone to wish everyone a happy holiday season and in doing so remarked, “We are a community and what affects one of us affects all of us. We must never stop building bridges.”

That always rings true no matter what the season doesn’t it?

If you drive by the convent at St. Thomas More this Christmas season, you will see the beautiful Nativity created by former beloved pastor, the Rev. Anthony Brankin. Father Brankin, well-known for his artistic talent, grew up here in Chicago Lawn. He and his sister and three brothers attended St. Rita Grammar School.

He tells the story that from an early age, all of them loved to draw everywhere all the time. Finally, his dad, who was a Chicago Police captain and former watch commander in the Deering (9^th) District, built a blackboard for them that filled a wall in the kitchen.

As parishioners of St. Thomas More know, even though he is retired, his love of art, especially sculpting, has stayed with him throughout his life. His sculptures stand in both Italy and the United States.

Over at St. Rita High School, members of the Cooking Club whipped up lasagna with meat sauce and an Italian salad for Southwest Chicago Homeless Services (PADS). With their moderator, Mrs. Catharine Hennessy and Service Coordinator, Mr. Andy McIntosh they arranged to host the dinner. Then the Ritamen served the meal at the homeless shelter.

Congratulations to Nativity BVM parishioner Domas Rasymas, who has achieved the highest rank in Boy Scouting, that of Eagle Scout.

For those of you who attended John F. Eberhart Grammar School in the 1970s, you no doubt will remember Mrs. Kott. Longtime third grade teacher Mary Frances Emelia Kott passed away recently at the age of 94.

As they have done in the past, Greater Southwest Development Corp. is partnering with local small businesses for holiday shopping. There’s still time to check out the list of participating businesses at greatersouthwest.org. Shop at any of them and receive a free gift with purchase.

Today, Friday, Dec. 23, is the Christmas Movie Marathon at the Southwest Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie, beginning at 9 a.m.

Morning Lauds Prayer which has been held every morning at 5:30 a.m. ends today, Friday, Dec. 23, at St. Adrian Church.

Also at St. Adrian, the children have been practicing throughout the month of December for their play: Children’s Celebration of the Three Kings. So save the date if you can for Tuesday, Jan. 3. The play will begin at 5:30 p.m. in St. Adrian Church.

Any kids ages 6 to 13, there’s still time to pick up your book, Ikenga by Mnedi Okorafor for the Thursday, Jan. 5, Tween Book Club meeting at the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S. Kedzie. The monthly meeting runs from 6 to 7 p.m.

Over at Nativity BVM, a champagne brunch is coming up on Sunday, Jan. 8, at 12:30 p.m. in the parish hall, 6812 S. Washtenaw. Tickets are $75. For reservations and additional information, call Audra at the parish office (773) 776-4600.

Now back to 1978. Last week, if we were subscribers to the Southwest News-Herald, we were anticipating receiving our Christmas gift from our carrier – the new 1979 calendars. Anne B. was the first to be able to identify them this week as ‘flip flap’ calendars, able to view three months at a time. She said they were really quite handy and didn’t take up as much space as a standard calendar.

Now when we left 1978, we were going to stop at the drug store on the northwest corner of 63^rd and Kedzie to check out some stocking stuffers. Most everyone knew it had a Rexall sign, but it was John G. that remembered the name Penner.

Well we have finished our Christmas shopping and even gotten all the stocking stuffers we need. Before we go back home, we’d better pick up a treat to have on hand for when people drop in. How about a nice box of Turks – Texas pecans with butter rich caramel, dipped in pure Swiss milk chocolate? Where will we go for the Turks?