Answer to the recent quiz about the battle of Agincourt, Henry V., etc. “A horse a horse, my kingdom for a horse.” The winner is Bob Uphues.

Please remember this: Commissioner Rory Hoskins attended the funeral ceremony for John Gartner. He didn’t know John personally other than as a regular attendee at council meetings. Hoskins felt that if John regularly attended those meetings, the least he (Hoskins) could do was pay his respects at John’s funeral. It was a truly beautiful and unforgettable funeral service. Suzie Gartner gave a loving eulogy for her “incredible” brother (Suzie’s words) recalling incidents of John’s early years. Funny but bittersweet in remembrance. She led the congregation in the singing of her brother’s favorite song, “God bless America.” The Gartner Family, mother Mary, sisters Suzie and Carol and grandson Casey, are uncommonly sincere, good people. We wish them consolation in their grief. Incidentally the cat’s name is Dusty, not Sandy as reported last week.

Saint Bernardine’s Women’s Club is bustling with activities this season. The parish centennial celebration kick-off will be Nov. 21. A luncheon will follow the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Desserts are needed to top off this event. Bring your contribution to the kitchen before Mass, please. At 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 there will be a social evening and meeting with dinner, catered by Freddy’s wine, cheese and entertainment befitting the season. Get your reservations in by Nov. 30. You may drop your R.S.V.P. into the collection basket or mail it to Kathy Rush. Call 848.8481 if you have any questions.

The Institute for Positive Mental Health is having a fundraiser. The date is Thursday, Nov. 18, lunch or dinner or take-out. The place is Francesca’s Fiore at 7407 Madison Street in Forest Park. Phone 708.771.3063. Eat what you want, when you want. No speeches to listen to. When you are ready to leave just mention the name of the Institute for Positive Mental Health and the IPMH will receive 15 percent of your bill. You will also receive $10 off a bottle of wine at Francesca’s that day. That’s Nov. 18 all day. The IPMH serves disabled persons, persons with mental or emotional disability and mothers and or fathers receiving temporary assistance to needy families. Many of these people have undiagnosed mental health challenges. The institute provides vocational and social rehabilitation, education, and consultation to those who need it. Besides, Francesca’s is a nice place to eat.

My camera is in need of batteries so photos I took are gone forever. My birthday book has disappeared, again because of my problems with AT&T. Long story. So happy birthday and happy anniversary to you if it’s your birthday/anniversary this week. Sorry for the omissions. Hope your week is better than mine seems to be going.

Thanks for your time.

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.