House Red and Forest Park welcome internationally known pianist and graduate of Julliard, Di Wu. Ms. Wu will perform at House Red on Friday, Oct. 17 in the evening. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to hear a world class musician right here on Madison Street. A few weeks ago she performed in the Fine Arts Building on Michigan Avenue and the audience loved her.

Apologies to Jamie Alonzo for misspelling her name a few weeks ago.

Here’s a bit of leftover barbecue. Nancy Robinson, master barbecue taster, was one of the official judges at our recent Rib-fest. She has judged competitions all over the U.S. Judges never know who wins these contests, Robinson said. Barbecues are judged on appearance, taste and texture. Needless to say, Nancy loves her hobby. It’s a costly one, however, since judges must pay all their own expenses: travel, hotel and meals (excluding all the barbecue they eat).

Thanks to Nancy Bower for this one. During the floods, traffic along Madison Street was practically at a standstill. Rokky Patel, manager of the Dunkin’ Donuts at Madison and Jackson streets, ran out with free coffee for the stranded drivers. It’s a beautiful Dunkin’ Donuts. Why not drop in some day?

Citizens United in Forest Park will hold its annual Rummage Sale at First United Church, 1000 Elgin Ave., on Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Donated items can be dropped off at the church on Sunday, Sept. 28 from 1 p.m. until 3 pm, or Tuesday, Sept. 30 from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. If you need help getting your donations over there, call 771-2478

On Saturday, Sept. 27 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. “blue8+- 2” (yes, that’s the name) will offer an art show at 252 Lake St. in Oak Park. In keeping with the crazy name, getting to 252 Lake St. is also a bit whacky. You have to go around and down the alley. But Joan Steinbach assures you it will be worth the trip.

There will be a concert for peace on Saturday, Oct. 11 at Unity Temple, 875 West Lake St. in Oak Park. Doors open at 7 p.m., concert begins at 7:30. Proceeds will go toward the support of the many organizations in our area which support peace. Requested donations of $10 and $25 (family) will be collected at the door.

Saint Bernardine Parish and the Harlem German Chor will host this year’s Oktoberfest at the Grove, 7824 West Madison St., in Forest Park on Friday, Oct. 3 from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 2 p.m. until 11 p.m. Admission for 21 and up is $3, seniors is $2 and under 21 get in free. For more information call 366-6890. Special thanks to Ferrara Pan Candy for sponsoring the event.

On Sept. 24 happy birthday wishes to Samantha Grams; on the 25th, Elsa Katlic, and happy anniversary to Marge and Al Buccholtz; Sept. 26 birthday wishes to Caryn Lichtenberg, Lou Thompson, Jason Almeroth, Mary Ann Murray, and happy anniversary to Connie and Ted Considine. On the 27th Laura Zimmer has a birthday, and happy anniversary to Lori and Jim O’Shea. On Sept. 28 birthday wishes go to Lorian Menhennett, and happy anniversary to Tina and Gary Neubeiser; Sept. 29 birthdays include Sydney Mangiacina, Roy Sansone, Laura Zimmer, Michael Clifton and Kimberly O’Shea. Also on that date, Art and Diane Janopoulos are the anniversary couple; on the 30th, Abigail Childs, Pat Falbo, Sawyer Paeth, Ed Lambke, and anniversary greetings to Maryann and Jim Blazek.

Belated happy birthday to Len Gappa, who celebrated Aug. 29.

Jackie is a former Chicago and Elmwood Park schoolteacher with an undying love for music, friendly pets and a host of life’s other treasures too numerous to list. She was born on the far southwest side of Chicago in a great neighborhood when it was a great time to be young.