Sweets are set for trick-or-treaters

By Mary Stanek

Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon

3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 284-7394

The Halloween weekend is here. Hope Monday is a warm and beautiful day. The plan for our block is that we and neighbor Sam plan to sit on neighbor Claudia’s porch and all hand out candy. But don’t fret, each family will have its own candy to hand out so no child will be slighted. I myself am working on eight bags so far. I am sure there will be some Tecate for the adults.

Mary Stanek

Some of our local markets and “pop-up” markets are selling marigold plants. I asked myself, “Why at the end of growing season?” Marigolds play a very important role in the Día de los Muertos celebrations. They are believed to guide the spirits of the deceased to their altars by using their vibrant colors and pungent scent.

Congratulations to Curie High School. It is the only U.S. school to win the “World’s Best School” designation in an international competition for improving students’ lives with its health team and arts curriculum. In addition to this honor a grant will be awarded.

I have written in the past about the mayor of Marquette Park, Kenny, who lived there for quite some time. We befriended him and I would bake every so often some jelly cookies for him. An update, he is doing really well living in a home by the Kankakee River. And what a surprise, recently he sent us a gift card. Thank you, Kenny.

Twenty-third Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares’ Get Behind the Vest pancake breakfast was a success with the help of several volunteers from around the city. The breakfast was held in support of the Chicago Police Department.

That said, I am writing of another fundraiser. Ed Sajdak, the president of the Peace Officers Memorial Foundation of Cook County, has asked me to mention their 20^th anniversary celebration fundraiser being held at 115 Bourbon Street. The date is Friday, Nov. 11^th from 7-11 p.m. Tickets at the door are $35 and include food and drink. All proceeds will go towards honoring fallen officers and building a memorial. Please visit POMFCC.org.

Happy Birthday to Sue Kermnitzer Pawlak. Sue – I miss seeing you on the Orange Line for our morning chats. Happiest of Birthdays to Elvira, whom I met at the St. Turibius Religious Education Program.

Both birthday wishes and thank you go out to my young neighbor, Arielle. She and her mom, Vanessa, and brother, Adam, came over with a birthday gift of fresh flowers and a gift card. We in turn tried to think of something original for Arielle and decided on a S’mores maker along with chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows. Hope she is enjoying it, I’m sure Vanessa is!