Greetings fellow Oak Lawnians!
The Oak Lawn Raiders Social and Athletic Club will host its annual Winter Picnic from 1 to 6 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Homestead Barr, 9306 Central Ave. in Oak Lawn. Everyone is welcome and it’s a great way to get to know the Raiders, who always know how to have a good time.
The Raiders is a not-for-profit organization that raises funds for charities and those in need within the community. Mike Neu has been a member of the Raiders for at least 20 years and chairman for many of the Winter Picnics, including this year. Neu said the Raiders were formed in 1974 and the picnic started in 1978.
It’s no coincidence that the date for this year’s picnic was chosen to coincide with Presidents Day weekend.
“We kind of do that so that everyone can have fun,” he said.
The Winter Picnic is well known within the community and draws a large crowd.
“We expect to have upward of 200-250 people. We pretty much have the same amount and regulars that come every year,” Neu said. Even last year’s Winter Picnic, which was held on Valentine’s Day, was well attended.
More Top Picks Animal Trap
For many years the Winter Picnic was held in a local forest preserve, but it was eventually relocated to the Homestead Barr.
“Originally, we were out in the forest preserves. We’d have horseshoe tournaments, pony rides and sleigh rides. We just got tired of dragging equipment to the forest preserves and having to get permits,” he said. “We’ve been having it at the Homestead for about 10 or 15 years now.”
Since the event is primarily outdoors, heated tents will be set up, along with fire pits, and folks can wander from the tent area into the Homestead Barr. The Winter Picnic “is our first and biggest fundraiser of the year,” Neu said.
The picnic is always a fun event for the entire family. There will be kids activities, raffles, a DJ who will provide musical entertainment and, of course, a variety of food for everyone’s taste. The menu includes ribs, chili, deep fried turkey, Italian sausage with peppers, mac and cheese, hot dogs, corn on the cob and other favorites and the Raiders take great pride in cooking all the food themselves. Beer, wine, pop and water will also be available.
Proceeds raised from the Winter Picnic will benefit several local causes.
“We’ll delegate a certain percentage toward the Oak Lawn Raiders Memorial Scholarship which is administered by the Oak Lawn Spartan Educational Foundation, to local charities and to people in need. We (the Raiders) try to do at least 5 fundraisers a year. We do them for breast cancer, to feed the needy and other events,” Neu said.
The Raiders currently have 55 members from Oak Lawn and nearby communities.
“We like to keep it at 55,” Neu said. “We have two or three people on the wait list now.”
Admission donation for the Winter Picnic is $20 per person, $30 per couple and $40 for a family. Tickets can be purchased on event day at the Homestead Barr. Information on the Winter Picnic or club membership is with Neu at 708-205-4887.
Celebrity announcements: Happy 9th birthday to Jack Makuch, from his parents, brother, Luke, and sister, Happy birthday to Ronnie Guagenti and Julie Smith, who are both turning 13, from their grandparents, Sandy and Dave Wills. Tim and Maurren Haggerty wish their sons, Kevin and Mickey, a happy 13th birthday. Theresa and Wally Antonowicz send birthday wishes to their grandson, Anton Tomacic, who’s turning 14. Andrea DeMoss’s family send her their love on her 25th birthday. Happy 25th birthday to Christina Pender, from her parents, Tina and Tim, and Rachel. Happy birthday to Kristen Brooks, who’s turning 32, from her family and Meaner Brooks. Birthday wishes go out to Yolanda Sawicki from her family. Happy birthday wishes go out to Jim Bruen, from his children, Kelcey, Sean and Patrick.
Wedding anniversary wishes go out to the following couples: Bob and Kathy Cook; John and Betty Kastros; Michael and Beth Durkin are celebrating their 13th anniversary; Ian and Cori Ellis are celebrating their 29th anniversary; and Jim and Charlotte Dillon are celebrating their 39th anniversary.
Keep your fellow Oak Lawnians informed about birthdays, special events or special “stuff” going on with your family or within the community by calling 708) 899-9544 or through email. Until next time…
Cheryl Petzel is a freelancer.