On September 20, several dozen neighbors gathered for HMP’s 7th annual Fall Festival. The family-friendly event included the popular chili cook-off and cornbread competitions. In addition to chili and cornbread, many neighbors brought side dishes and desserts to share.

Congratulations to Dave Wheeler from neighboring Heywood Park who won the chili competition. Marty Dezelan and Margie Luchtman tied for second place. First through third place winners in the cornbread contest were Lee Smith, Lee Rhys, and MeKeeba Lomax. In this year’s new “Peoples’ Choice Awards,” Jimmy Webb and Bryan Simpson placed first for their chili and Lee Rhys won for his cornbread.

HMP extends its sincere appreciation to Lee Smith and Mark Webb for generously opening their yard to us. A big thanks goes to our “celebrity” chili and cornbread judges:

  • Bob Holt, Commander, IMPD North District
  • Rodney Jackson, HMP USPS letter carrier
  • Michael Osborne, Executive Director of the Near North Development Corp
  • Vop Osili, chair of The Children’s Museum’s Neighborhood Working Group
  • Ellen Quigley, neighbor and representative of Congressman Andre Carson
  • Patricia Swenson, Head of School, St. Richard’s School
  • Dr. Stephen Towns – neighbor and reigning four-time Chili and Cornbread Champion
  • Neline Wooley – representative from State Auto.