St. Gerald Parish, 9310 S. 55th Ct., hosted its second annual Giant Pumpkin 5k Run/Walk on Oct. 29. The 5k kicked off at 8 a.m. and the “Little Pumpkin Run” for children ages 3-12, started at 10:30 a.m. Mother Nature provided a sunny and mild fall day, which brought out lots of runners, walkers and “little pumpkins.”
Debbie Janicke, development director for St. Gerald School and one of the event coordinators for the 5k, said things couldn’t have gone better.
“It was a beautiful day,” she said. “We had 170 runners and walkers and we even had a few walkers in their 80s. We had 60 little pumpkins and 100 volunteers from the parish.”
The event was organized in memory of Colette McGinnis, who passed away last year. McGinnis was a longtime parishioner and kindergarten teacher at St. Gerald, as well as the director of religious education. Family members of McGinnis also participated in the 5k, even though it was a bittersweet reminder of her passing.
“Collette loved the school and she loved the kids,” Janicke said. “I can’t believe she’s been gone a year now. The 5k keeps her memory alive.”
Father Lawrence Malcolm, pastor of St. Gerald Church, and Father Michael Flynn, associate pastor, also participated in pre- and post-event activities. Janicke said, “Father Flynn did the opening blessing and Father Malcolm talked to every single runner I think. He really enjoyed himself.”
The 5k route was a Certified Course using ChronoTrack timing. Janicke said the route “was the same as last year. It was a looped course and started at St. Gerald then across the street from the church where we started and finished.” The Little Pumpkin Run, which was located behind the Church’s grotto, featured an obstacle course with 10 stations that challenged children of all age groups.
“The ladies from the parish put it together,” Janicke said. “It was a really good addition this year.”
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Event organizers received a lot of support and guidance from both the Oak Lawn police and fire departments.
“The Oak Lawn Police Department was so fantastic. I can’t say enough good things about them,” she said. “Division Chief (Mel) Clark and his staff were just wonderful. Southwest Highway is a busy street, but we had 4 squad cars that held traffic as we crossed. It was such a relief for us not to worry about it. We also had a paramedic from the Fire Department. We had so much support,” said Janicke.
After the 5k, St. Gerald’s Holy Name Society hosted a full breakfast for the runners/walkers and their families, including raffles and an award ceremony with medals and trophies.
Proceeds raised from the 5k will benefit St. Gerald School, which is Oak Lawn’s oldest Catholic school. “The school is an old building and it always needs repairs. We have to take care of the school so we can take care of the children,” Janicke said.
Results from the race are on the race website at www.giantpumpkin5k.com.
Here are this week’s featured celebrity announcements: Happy birthday to Jenna McDonald, who’s turning 15, from her parents, Andrea Maria and Dennis, Michael and grandparents. Happy 20th birthday to Sarah Dynia from her family. Happy birthday to Steven Sevening, who’s turning 26, from his family. Happy 28th birthday to Jared Oksanen, from his parents and Sparky. Happy 30th birthday to Sheri Latronico, and to her brother, Glenn, who’s turning 31. Birthday wishes go out to Sharon Douglass from her “lucky leprechauns” friends. Jessie and Nicole Sharon send birthday wishes to their parents Dawn and Joe. Birthday wishes go out to Sally Sendra. Anne Marie Casey’s family wish her a happy birthday. Lee Hoffman wishes his wife, Jannine, a happy birthday. Birthday wishes to out to Debbie Boyes from her family. Happy birthday to Kevin Michicich from Deborah, Sam, Anna and family. Jim Noble’s family wish him a happy 56th birthday.
Wedding anniversary wishes go out to the following couples: Frank and Carolyn LoScuito’s 4th anniversary; Mark and Cathy Gillan’s 5th anniversary; Allan and Christine Cupicciotti’s 19th anniversary; Bob and Barbara McCarville’s 29th anniversary.
Keep your fellow Oak Lawnians informed about birthdays special events or special stuff going on with your family or within the community. Contact me on my cell (708) 899-9544 or e-mail me at [email protected].
Until next time…
Cheryl Petzel is a freelance columnist for the Daily Southtown.