The article by Colin McMahon titled “Prodigal President” (April 5) did a disservice to a very talented man–Valdas Adamkus. Most readers of the article I have talked to felt the story missed the mark in its portrayal of the Lithuanian president. One is left wondering why McMahon used such a negative spin by choosing to quote people who met Adamkus only once or twice.
Maybe by having talked to a broader group, McMahon would have seen how off-base the comments about Adamkus lacking political savvy and a sense of humor really were.
Dale S. Bryson
Naperville
GLORY DAYS
Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed Howard Reich’s article on the Pilgrim Baptist Church (“Echoes of Glory,” March 29).
This may seem trivial, but he neglected to mention that the church is housed in a building designed by the great Louis Sullivan (together with Dankmar Adler).
Saving the church not only saves souls, but also saves one of the dwindling number of treasures Sullivan left behind.
Tony Plosnich
Carol Stream
Nowhere in the eight pages of Howard Reich’s article on the Pilgrim Baptist Church does he mention that this church originally was the first KAM synagogue, and that its superb architecture and acoustics were the creation of Dankmar Adler, whose father was the rabbi of the temple. I find it hard to believe that Reich would consider acoustics unimportant in a lengthy feature on gospel music.
Mike Hecht
Deerfield
I truly enjoyed the article. I’m 48 and fondly remember Professor (Thomas) Dorsey. He wrote music for my aunt, Edna Moss, who was a gospel singer. I cherish original sheet music composed by Dorsey (“Little Wooden Church on the Hill”).
Norene Jenkins
Woodridge
FIXING OUR SCHOOLS
My spirits soared after reading “Do You Know Where Your Children Are?” (March 8). I’ve been there, having attended Northwest Side schools (Prussing Elementary and Schurz High School). Expectations from our parents, many of whom were recent immigrants, demanded that we do our best and respect our opportunities.
Fifteen or so years ago, as I introduced my own children to the area, we were horrified at the disrepair, boarded-up windows and graffiti.
Last year, I was invited to an open house at Schurz and was amazed at the vast exterior improvements (still much needed inside).
Obviously, both Mayor Daley and Paul Vallas have the vision and wherewithal to accomplish much-needed miracles. Right on!
Norma Beuter Larson
Lake Mills, Wis.
A LEFT-OUT CELEB
You forgot to mention Mary Alice on your A-to-Z hometown celebrities list (“Hollywood on the Lake,” March 22). She appeared as one of the nurses in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” and is a graduate of Lucy Flower Vocational High School. I know–I am an alumna of the same school.
Cecilia Ramos Murillo
Carol Stream
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