The Ides of March is upon us and we hope that although it appears as a lion, it will turn kindly to be a lamb and spare us any more snow. We’re tired of shoveling, and we’re tired of falling on the ice.
As senior citizens, we are entitled to some special privileges after paying taxes and for the maintenance of our homes and community for many years. And, although I don’t believe we should ever get a “free lunch,” we are encouraged by the Chicago Transit Authority to use the remaining value on our Reduced Fare Permits if we already have one. And we will be entitled to a refund on unused remaining value from March 17 through July 1.
Refunds will be available in person at CTA headquarters in cash, or refund checks may be mailed to each (allow three to four weeks for checks to arrive). More information may obtained by calling (312) 744-0440.
Seniors who do not currently have permits but are interested in participating in the Senior Free Ride Program need to apply for the RTA-issued permit. Citizens age 65 or older who live in the RTA service region should call (312) 836-7000 or TTY: (312) 836-4949.
We remind you that Tuesday, March 25 is the 20th Annual American Diabetes Alert Day, and the American Diabetes Association urges the more-than 60 million Americans who are unaware they have diabetes to take the Risk Test, and if they score high, to schedule an appointment with their doctor. The Risk Test, in English or Spanish, is available in brochure form by calling toll-free at (800) Diabetes (1-800-342-2383) or by visiting http://www.diabetes.org/alert.
If you are interested in attending the Roman Catholic Mass in Latin at St. Thomas More Church at noon, call Terry McGlynn ASAP at (773) 585-6539, as the Holy Name Society of St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish will be meeting at 10 a.m. Sunday, March 9 for breakfast and then proceed to the Mass. Holy Name members may attend for free, but non-members will be charged $10 each.
Wedding banns recently announced at St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish are those of Rolando Alvarez and Elizabeth Villapando.
Newly baptized babies at St. Mary’s are Dominic Joseph Piscotti and Nathaly Jean Castillo-Ruiz.
The next newspaper and magazine/tin-can drive to benefit the Athletic Association will be held in May in the school lot at Queen of the Universe school, 71st and South Avers. Rich Rzasza thanks all contributors and helpers.
At 11 a.m. Saturday, March 8, an Easter Egg Workshop will take place at the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture, 6500 S. Pulaski Road. For more information and to register, please call the Museum at (773) 582-6500.
We wish all of our readers and our service men and women wonderful St. Joseph’s and St. Patrick’s Days.
And we remind you that Clearing Post 600 of the American Legion is planning its great corned beef, cabbage and sausage dinner — cooked and served by Louise and her Crew — for $10 each at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 14. Call (773) 767-0230 for reservations and information.