Spring seems to have finally arrived. April is the cruelest month. But the seasons go on and so do we.
We in Forest Park are blessed to have some wonderful unsung people in our midst. One such family is the Gasse family, Sarah, Daniel and Ernesto. The Cheny Mansion in Oak Park was the setting for the Gasse’s Opus 3 Piano Trio concert of all Argentine music on April 8. It was an exciting evening with some unknown (at least here in the US) music performed. Maybe the Gasse Opus 3 ensemble could record some of this wonderful music. Dr. Daniel Gasse is the Founding Director of the Gasse School of Music here in town. He teaches cello and coaches chamber music. Gasse’s degrees include a Professor de Violoncello degree from the Concervatoria Provincal de la Provincia de Cordoba, an M.A. and a PhD from the University of Illinois. He has served as principal cellist with several orchestras in the Chicago area and has a resume that would fill the page. Dr. Gasse has written several books about music, among them The History of Spain Through the Arts. Sarah Gasse is herself an accomplished musician who teaches violin and viola and has also earned degrees in music at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music in Glasgow, Scotland. Mrs. Gasse is on the staff at Olivet Nazarene University, the Suzuki Orff School and the McHenry County Music Center. Dr. Gerald Anderson, pianist with the ensemble, teaches at Olivet Nazarene University and has many music credits in his resume. The next time this group performs, come and bring the family.
On Sunday, April 9 the music department at Concordia presented a concert featuring the chamber orchestra and festival chorus. Performing with the chorus were Olinda Fink, Marilyn Gotsch and Erik Hollander. The chamber orchestra conductor was Forest Parker Jonathan Stahlke. Professor Stahlke’s wife, Mary is music director at Trinity Lutheran Church in Villa Park. The Stahlke’s each have a PhD in music. But the most exciting event in the Stahlke Family is the fact that they have recently become parents of five Ukrainian children. Number six is on the way and everyone is anxiously awaiting his arrival. The five youngsters are 12 year old Paul, 10 year old Adam, 9 year old Rachel, 8 year old Sarah and 6 year old David. Nikola (Nicholas) hopes to join the family soon.
On April 23 at 2 p.m. Dr. William C. Burger, PhD., author of Flowers: How They Changed the World will discuss his book and sign copies at Centuries & Sleuths, 7419 Madison Street. Dr. Burger is Curator Emeritus of the Botany Department at the Field Museum. The store window displays for this event are courtesy of Quitsch Flowers, Forest Park Florists, Moss, and McAdam Nursery and Garden Center. On Saturday, the 29th of April at 2 p.m. a special guest speaker, Alzina Stone Dale will speak on the topic The Golden Oldies of Mystery & More such as Dorothy L. Sayers first time published short story, Josephine Tey’s works as well as several other authors. Augie has some special events planned for the near future, so read the Review to find out what they are.
Belated happy birthday to John Michael Pronek on April 9 , also belated birthday greetings to Sarah Stahlke on April 14. On April 19 Lorraine Sansone and Kim Rambeau have a birthday ; on the 20th Michael Accetura, Ben Waldron and Krystle Kuktak get a birthday wish; on the 21st the same to Edward Gleason, Kate Leinweber and McKenna Mintz; April 22 Regan Doolin has a birthday; on the 23rd the Jeff Oswalds have an anniversary ; April 24, Sue and Rich Bothie get a happy anniversary and happy birthday to Daniel Christopher Hawkins, Joe Dornecker and Katie Kelly and also Mayor Richard M. Daley. It’s April 25 and happy birthday to Anne Childs, Art Grams and Annette Pardun; on the 26th birthday greetings to Kyle Littlejohn.
You can learn to play bridge at the community center on Tuesdays, April 18 till May 30 at 10 a.m. Registration is required, sorry I’m late with this. Senior Bingo April 27 1 p.m., $2.50, with lunch at noon ($5.50 per person). Registration, as usual, is required. Polka Party June 14 with lunch, entertainment and prizes. The senior movie will be “Walk the Line” on May 11 at 1 p.m. about the early years of Johnny Cash. Free popcorn with this one. On May 4 and 5, AARP 55 ALIVE from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. $10 per person. Call 771-7737 for more info on any community center activities. Thanks for your time.
