Explore the prairie in the city

By Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

As autumn settles in and we come closer to Halloween, there are an abundance of pumpkin farms and apple-picking opportunities advertised that are not too far away.

Almost every one of them has a corn maze, some really expansive and taking over an hour to find your way out. Fun as they are for older kids and adults, a short maze seems better suited for little kids.

That said, may I suggest taking them to the Ashburn Prairie area of Marquette Park? While it is available to explore year-round, it is most fun at this time of year. The path is easily followed and well-marked. It even has signs identifying many of the nearly 100 species of native plants (now in the autumn stages of their lives). It is just one more hidden gem at our park.

Also, it’s almost time for indoor soccer season for kids ages 5 to 14 at Marquette Park. Registration takes place this Friday, Oct. 14, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the fieldhouse, 6734 S. Kedzie. The $120 fee per child includes practice, games and a uniform.

For 18^th Ward residents, the drive-through community shred-s-thon takes place this Saturday, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Oak Street Health, 3348 W. 87^th St.

Community Cinema continues their spooky theme this week presenting the 2012 Columbia Pictures film Hotel Transylvania at the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S. Kedzie, on Saturday, Oct. 15, beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Brother Chuck’s 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament in the former St. Clare of Montefalco School gymnasium began last Tuesday and continues this Saturday, Oct. 15, and Tuesday Oct. 18 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. with the final event on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. Food and awards will be a part of the event. Anyone ages 14 to 24 is welcome to attend. Enter at the corner of 55^th and Talman.

A tin picture frame workshop is part of an art workshop series at Marquette Park focusing on honoring and celebrating the lives of loved ones that have passed away. This family event, with William Estrada, is part of a series exploring themes of Dia de los Muertos and takes place at the fieldhouse on Monday, Oct. 17, with two sessions, one beginning at 5 p.m. and the other at 6 p.m.

A reminder for seniors who need to renew their state ID cards or driver’s license. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office will visit the Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie, on Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Make sure to bring the necessary documents.

The Chicago Bungalow Association is holding a Young Artist Competition entitled My Favorite Bungalow. Chicago kids in grades K-6 are invited to submit their artwork pictures of bungalows. Twelve young artists will have their art featured in the calendar, plus receive two free calendars and a $25 gift card to Target. Artwork must be submitted by Tuesday, Oct. 25 to chicagobungalow.org.

Last week on our trip back to 1978 we were planning on picking up a roast and making a big meal at home. Where were we headed? The address was 3452 W. 63^rd St., and Brad O was the first to identify Bill’s Meat Market. Close behind was Virginia S., who distinctly remembers the sawdust on the floor.

Bill opened his shop back in 1946. As you may remember, his meat market was right next to Adeline’s Gift Shop for many years. The sirloin tip roast we planned on purchasing was on sale for $1.69 a pound back in 1978.

Forty-four years ago this week, a games party was going on at the south end of the neighborhood. The party was hosted by the Cardinal Mundelein Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary Council 3024 in their clubhouse at 2715 W. 71^st St. Welcoming the partygoers were president Irene Urban, chairladies Ann Lawrence and Sophia Malas, along with publicity chairlady Susan Binkis.

While the ladies were at the games party, the guys just might have been watching a soccer match. The Spartans had been doing pretty well on their road to the playoffs until this week’s loss in 1978 to Brother Rice. Do you remember what school the Spartans played for?