Fall colors can take your breath away

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By Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

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As happens every year, all of a sudden there is a chill in the air, events move inside and we spend less time out of doors. But of course, there is nothing like a walk or drive through Marquette Park to truly appreciate autumn. The trees were bursting with color this past week. When the sun is out and glistening on the water, it can just take your breath away, can’t it?

In addition to enjoying the scenery, there’s still plenty to do at the park and at the other outdoor amenity in the area, Dan Ryan Woods.

Golfers are taking advantage of the weather on the course, and I see them walking over the bridge to the practice greens on the east side as well.

Whether you are an athlete or not, the Marquette Park Run Crew meets, weather permitting, every Tuesday at 5 p.m. by the running track for their 3-mile trek. You may choose to run, walk or jog at your own pace. For details on joining, contact dominique@cararuns.org.

Kathy Headley

Coming up Friday, Nov. 3, a celebration of the Day of the Dead/ Día de los Muertos will take place at Marquette Park in the fieldhouse, 6734 S. Kedzie, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The event will feature performances from Mexican Folkloric Dancers and the Marquette Park Composers Workshops, along with food and games for the whole family.

Over at the Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, at 87^th and Western, every Wednesday throughout the year is Open Nature Play Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Little ones can connect with nature, enjoy stories, art and do some exploring. Depending on the weather, this takes place either indoors or outdoors.

Then next Friday, Nov. 10, it is Star, Stories and S’mores at the Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion from 5 to 8 p.m. Join the fun for S’mores by the fire, storytelling astronomy and more.

This Saturday, Nov. 4, all are invited to join the Sisters of St. Casimir in praying for the beatification of their foundress, Mother Maria Kaupas. As always, Mass will be celebrated in the SSC Chapel, 2601 W. Marquette Road, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Community Cinema brings the 2021 Walt Disney animated film Raya and the Last Dragon to the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S. Kedzie, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5.

While on the subject of the library, thanks to Jonathan from St. Nick’s and Gael from Cristo Rey for their help with the recent Halloween bash at the library. Children’s librarian Susanna Garza appreciated their help, saying, “They were hard workers and had almost as much fun as the little ones.”

The Augustinian Young Adult Group will host “Fess Up – Confession 101” next Wednesday, Nov. 8, in St. Augustine Hall at St. Rita Parish, 6201 S. Fairfield, at 7 p.m. All young adults are invited to join in as the group dives in to the common misconceptions of confession, with Fr. Tom McCarthy OSA and Fr. Sam Joutras OSA. Enter through the parking lot.

The Checkers and Chess Club plays every day at the Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie, after 1 p.m.

On a sad note, I’m sure many of you knew lifelong Chicago Lawn resident and parishioner of St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Paul Marshilonus. He sang with both English and Spanish choirs for many years. Generous with his time, he was always available to help organize church activities like bingo nights, church picnics and fundraising carnivals.

Paul was active in the community as well, serving as a leader with the Southwest Organizing Project, volunteering much of his time working on housing issues over the years.

Paul and his wife, Janelle, were quite often contributors to this column, coming up with answers and additions to the history questions.

I remember Paul saying he and Janelle used to like to go to Daina across from Neringa for the sauerkraut soup. He had said, “I just loved their bread basket!”

Another comment that sticks in my mind is that whenever his brother (who moved to Oregon as a young man) came to town, Paul would say, “You know we always have to make sure we go to Little Eddy’s! (59^th and Pulaski).

Paul will surely be missed.

Now back to 1981. When we left last week we learned that one of the founders of Lawn Manor Hebrew Congregation, 6601 S. Kedzie, had passed away. He was active in community affairs and also a local retailer with a store on 63^rd Street, just west of California. What was the name of his shop? John O. was the first to identify Zemsky’s.

It was in 1929 that Morris J. Zemsky opened his first business on the Southwest Side when he founded Zemsky’s Fashions at 2805 W. 63^rd St. It was the first of several clothing/department stores that would bear his name. In 1981 Mr. Zemsky passed away at the age of 75.

Now assuming it is 1981 and we are over the age of 21, we have found a coupon for a roast beef sandwich and a stein of beer for the amazing price of $2.67 and we would very much like to take advantage of this deal. It is from a place called The Side Door Pantry and Pub. Now if we can find this place, we will be all set for lunch. Anyone remember where it is?