Honoring the last St. Adrian pastor

By Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

Last Saturday was the memorial Mass and celebration of the life of former St. Adrian Parish pastor, the Rev. Tom Mescall. The main celebrant, Bishop Andrew Wypych, in talking about what a kind and strong leader their former pastor had been, also pointed out that Father Tom retired as the parish was merged with Queen of the Universe to become Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish. Thus, he would go down in history as being the last pastor of St. Adrian.

In honor of Father Tom’s passing, the Rev. Jose Antonio Murcia Abellan, who is the pastor of the new Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish, said they wanted to do something special to honor his memory. Father Jose spoke of how open and welcoming Father Tom was and, with that in mind, the parish has decided to put in a beautiful new front door, which will be known forever as Father Tom’s Door. Great idea, isn’t it?

Congratulations to all the young men and women who were confirmed by Bishop Robert G. Casey last week at St. Adrian Church.

Over on 63^rd and Talman, the seniors at Churchview Manor Apartments recently enjoyed a visit from 16^th Ward Ald. Stephanie Coleman and Oak Street Health. The visitors were there to discuss health and wellness. Afterwards, the alderwoman sat down to play cards with the seniors.

Are you hungry? Do you like Puerto Rican food? In that case, if you are reading this on Friday, June 10, you are in luck because Eatin’ Puerto Rican LLC will be at the Monarca Event Room, 3330 W. 63^rd St., from noon to 2 p.m. There will be plenty of room to sit down and eat, or you can just pick up and take home.

This Saturday, June 11, the 2022 film Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will be shown at the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S. Kedzie, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

A reminder to all former members and alumni of St. Kilian Parish that you are invited to the final Mass at the parish, will be held this Sunday, June 12, before it unites with St. Margaret of Scotland. A reception will follow in the school gym. For more information, call the office at (773) 651-4000.

Next Saturday, June 18, Poetic Platforms comes to Marquette Park along with Singing Our Way Forward Karaoke. The People’s Stage Karaoke invites singers of all ages to come together to sing and share the music of our lives. The event begins at 11 a.m. by the fieldhouse.

Now back to 1992. For the past two weeks the question has been: When WMAQ decided to film a half-hour comedy show here entitled Two Dinos, where did the filming take place? Some good guesses, but no one got this one, so let’s talk about it.

The show was filmed here in February 1992 and aired this past week in ’92. It was produced and directed by John Davies who is the creator of WTTW’s Wild Chicago. The show was the story of two bumbling cousins named Dino trying to keep their business afloat while their banking system, a cigar box behind the cash register, comes up short just when they find themselves in trouble with a gambling debt.

So what kind of business were they in? Well, they owned a barbershop. Now does that give you a big hint where the show was filmed? I am guessing you are all thinking that the answer is Peter Herbert’s Barber Shop at 3312 W. 63^rd St. You would be right!

Thirty years ago this week, it was time for the annual St. Clare of Montefalco Parish carnival. This was the 40^th year for the event. The featured band entertaining on Friday and Saturday was The Sticks and Tones. Anyone remember listening to them? I am guessing they were local, but I don’t actually know for sure.

This month in 1992, a local eatery was celebrating 30 years in business. Owner Craig Lloyd, in thanking the folks in the neighborhood for all the years of patronage, was holding specials all month long. The address of his business was 5733 S. Kedzie. If that wasn’t enough of a hint, in addition to daily specials, everyday all month long he was offering a hamburger, small fries and small drink for only $1.49. What do you suppose is the name of Craig’s place?