Congratulations to all the eighth-graders at St. Bernardine who participated in the Chicago Metro History Education Center. These kids certainly know how to do research. Four projects were selected to compete in Chicago at the regional level on April 17. The students are Diana Bueno, who researched the Our Lady of the Angels Fire; Jessica Coleman, who presented a study on Ruth Rothstein, an Illinois health care leader; Austom Wilcox, who studied the Chicago Defender newspaper; and Shekinah Whitehurst, whose topic was Channel 11. Three of these winners have earned a spot at the Illinois state competition, which will be held in Springfield on May 6. Congratulations and good luck to Diana, Jessica, Austom and Shekinah as they head down to Springfield.
Corynne Romine was the Hallmark winner of the Mother’s Day competition. His card will be sold across the U.S. You can see his winning work at our Gold Crown Hallmark Shop on Madison Street. This local fourth-grader is a good student. His family and all of us are proud of him. Corynne won a monetary prize, as well as the honor of knowing his work will be displayed all over the country. Shown with Corynne are his brother Joseph, mother Emma, brother Michael, sister Michelle and Aunt Corynne Romine.
Speedy recovery wishes go to Pastor Audree Catalano who broke her arm two weeks ago.
Belated sympathy to Phil and Nancy Robinson on the death of their mother. Mrs. Robinson lived a long and full life, but she will be sorely missed by her family and all who knew her.
Laureen Thornton was also in the hospital this week. We trust by now she is doing better.
Literacy Volunteers champion Zeno Jacquat is again promoting attendance at the annual spelling bee to be held at Holley Court Terrace on May 5. Representing Forest Park will be Marge Zwadlo, Nancy Robinson and Marilyn Pettit. Donations can be made to the support of the literacy program. You can buy a letter for $25, buy a word for $50 or support your home team for $150. Any questions? Call 708-848-8499. Forest Park spellers won first place a few years ago. Let’s go cheer them on to win again in 2010!
Nancy Bower wants everyone to get to the Kiwanis annual spaghetti supper at the Community Center. For a measly $5 you get a great dinner, choice of sauces (or gravies, if you’re Italian) wonderful bread and desserts. May 15. A sad note: last year’s Kiwanis dinner was the last time many of us saw Ed O’Shea. He died the following Saturday. We miss Ed and always will.
Special Happy Birthday to Irene Kelso who is 100 years old this year. Irene has moved to a place where she can get care, if she needs it, but she is always here in spirit; also celebrating birthdays this week are Tom Cody, Angie Ventrella, Tom Hawkins, Larry Geraci, Emily Fjelstad, Karen Hawkins, Kate Schultz, Alexandra Zaverdas, Madison Grace Kaup, Marie Gianelli, Amy Bax, Jary Jane Grimes, Beth Apilado, Bill Dwyer, and Sarah Ann Bothie. Happy anniversary to Debbie and Bill Schaubel.
The outstanding Heritage Chorale will perform at Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 Division Street in River Forest, May 1-2. They will perform the unusual requiem by Durufle as well as pieces by Russian composers, and a suite by Vaughn Williams featuring our local outstanding baritone, Doug Anderson.
