Last Wednesday morning felt like the beginning of a new world. Never having had a “born again” experience, I can only imagine it would feel something like the euphoria that was felt across the world last Tuesday. We are reaching the mountaintop. Congratulations to us for the historic moment we produced.
It has been nearly a year since the death of Catherine Trage. Her many friends and the O’Connor family have begun a foundation in her name, proceeds to go to the Make a Wish Foundation. This year, they will hold a benefit at Fitzgerald’s, 6615 Roosevelt in Berwyn, in Cathy’s memory. For a $50 donation you will enjoy an evening of dinner, music, drinks, and fellowship. The date is Saturday, Feb. 21. Music is by Dick Holiday and the Bamboo Gang, and there will also be a silent auction and a raffle. It takes place from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Tickets for the event can be purchased from the Web site www.cotfoundation.com, or by writing to COT, 715 Walnut Drive, Apt. 103 Darien, IL 60561.
Forest Parkers can also contact Bridget Garlisch at 366-3683 for tickets or more information.
Prior to the event you are invited to attend a memorial Mass at St. Luke’s, Lathrop and Lake, at 3:30 in the afternoon.
February is Love Your Library Month. You can show your love for your library by becoming a member of the Friends of the Forest Park Library. The friends do great things, such as purchasing equipment that helps visually impaired patrons use the computers that are at the library. Talk to reference librarian Diane Collins. She’ll tell you all about it. While you’re back there, say hello to reference librarians Kate Niehoff and Ben Haines. They are happy to answer any questions you may have about anything. They can tell you how to become a friend of the library.
Jan. 28 is the anniversary of the Challenger explosion, which occurred just 74 seconds into the flight, in 1986.
On Jan. 29, former president William McKinley was born in 1843. He was killed by an assassin’s bullet in 1903. Groundhog Day celebrations begin in Woodstock, Ill. You can join in by calling (815) 338-2436.
On Jan. 30, the Beatles played their last concert in 1969.
Ghandi was assassinated in New Delhi on Jan. 30, 1948.
On Jan. 31, 1940, the first social security check was issued to May Fuller of Ludlow, Vt., in the amount of $22.54. Ms. Fuller lived to be 100 and amassed a total of $22,888 before her death.
Jackie Robinson was born Jan. 31 in Cairo, Ga., in 1919; American Heart Month begins Feb. 1, as does Black History Month, National Bird Feeding Month and Return Shopping Carts to Supermarkets Month.
February 2 is Groundhog Day, and marks the birthday of jazz great Stan Getz.
On Feb. 3 the music died when Buddy Holly’s plane crashed.
As I’m sure you already know, it’s the year of the Ox. President Barack Obama was born in the Year of the Ox. Must be a great sign.
For local birthdays, Jan. 28 is the birthday of Marlene Quandt, Matthew Walsh and Sharon Andrews; the 30th, Lia Pardun and Rickie Beam; Feb. 1, Rosemary Krieger, Megan Childs, Becky Lauris and Sally Cody; on Feb. 2, happy anniversary to John and Marie Spence, and happy birthday to Rose Everson; on the 3rd, birthday greetings to Ashley Mendez; on the 4th, to Laura Courtney.
