Friday, April 27 was a gray, cold cheerless day here in Chicagoland. It was the day Mistislav Rostropovich died in Moscow. “Slava” was probably the greatest cellist of our time and a great humanitarian. He had a deep love for his Mother Russia where he returned to die a few weeks ago. For many years he conducted the National Symphony here in Washington, D.C. He loved and was loved by everyone. The world is a poorer place without him.
On Sunday, May 13, Mothers Day, Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church, located at Adams and Hannah streets, there is a special treat in store for everyone in the congregation. Music Director Debbie has arranged a music program that will be stunning. Classic guitarist Aleji Mauramn and violinist Ludek Muran, both Slovakian musicians, will perform at the 10:30 a.m. services. Everyone is invited and I promise you a thrilling experience.
Tina Li had an exciting birthday party at Go Bananas last week. Her birthday was April 24, but the celebration was held on the 21st so her “Babba” and others could attend.
The Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest will present its last concert of the season at First United Church of Oak Park on Sunday, May 6 at 4 p.m. Grieg’s Piano Concerto and the Dvorak 8th Symphony are featured on the program. Tickets are usually available at the door.
On Saturday, May 5 LaPiazza and Chef Gaetano Benedetto will serve a special spaghetti dinner at the community center compliments of the Kiwanis. For a measly $5 you’ll taste the wonders of Forest Park’s premier Italian restaurant. This year you will be able to purchase wine as well (not part of the $5). Chef Benedetto was a special guest on channel 11’s Phil Ponceshow last week; he showed us how to make a special cold fish dish.
Congratulations to our neighboring church in Riverside, Saints Peter and Paul, which will be celebrating their 50th year in their present church. During the May 6 service several Lutheran pastors will join Pastor Lauritsen in the 10:15 a.m. service. The jazz ensemble from RB High School will add to the program along with the choir under the direction of David Richards.
Loretta Woltje had a special visitor from Denmark last week. Sven Wickman, a designer for the movie industry in Denmark, spent the day here catching up. They reminisced about the days when he, Loretta, and her late husband traveled together to Hollywood where Mr. Wickman worked with Disney and other entertainment giants.
Kyle Littlejohn had a big birthday celebration April 24 with his grandmas and great-grandmas and lots of big balloons!
Congratulations to new parents Scott and Nora Boher. Baby Luke Daniel Boher was born April 20. His maternal grandparents are George and Janet Yanos; paternal grandparents are Michael and Judith Boher of Oak Park.
Julie Doloszycki is a busy girl these days. Not only is she on St. Bernardine’s Parish Council, she is on Cardinal George’s Advisory Board where she represents 14 parishes.
Birthdays this week are; May 2, Karen Hawkins, Kate Schultz, Alexandra Zaverdas, Madison Grace Kaup, Maria Gianelli; May 3, Phil Blum; May 4, Mary Jane Grimes; the 5th, Bill Dwyer and Sarah Ann Booth; on the 6th, Shirell Mollo; May 7, Erin Casey, Ashley Kanelos, Chantel Kamm; May 8, special happy birthday to Dorothy Tricoci; on the 9th, Becky Marcantonio and Carrie Schwebl.
