Wayne Schauer’s death has sent most of us into a tailspin. Alive, vigorous and working in his garden on Tuesday (or, was it Monday?), and gone by Thursday night. He was probably one of the most well-loved men ever to walk down Madison Street. He will be sorely missed. Everyone wishes the best to his sons who will rise to the occasion and fill Wayne’s shoes.

Saint Bernardine’s September reunion is off and running, and if you want to catch it call Sheree Pintozzi at 785-663-3384.

Congratulations on a job well done to retiring teacher Gloria Backman.

On a recent trip to the Swedish Museum in Andersonville, Sally Felice posed in a diorama, with some of her Swedish ancestors as they waited it out on Ellis Island. The museum is really a special place, so get there if you can. The gift shop is unique and worth a stop; but, in my opinion, you can skip the Swedish Bakery – The Oak Park Bakery far surpasses it and Kay’s has better cookies.

On hot Monday evenings a trip to our cool library to watch a classic movie will start the week off just right. On June 20 you can see Funny Girl; on July 11, Casablanca; and on July 25, How to Steal a Million. The shows begin at 7 p.m.

Remember the library’s book sale on Friday, June 10, from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.; on Saturday, June 11, from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.; and on Sunday, June 12, from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Stock up on reading material for the summer months!

Also remember that you’re always welcome to join the knitters, who are at the library on Sunday afternoons at 2:30. You can meet other knitters, work on your own project, help out others, or get some assistance, too.

Congratulations to Paul Lindblad who composed a special “Alleluia” for this year’s eighth-grade graduation at Walther Academy

This Thursday, June 9, at 8:30 a.m., is Gloria Hansberry’s celebratory Mass at St. Bernardine’s, 7246 Harrison St. A reception will follow Mass in Fearon Hall.

Congratulations to all the 2011 graduates; and happy birthdays to: Hailey Ann Watson, Rev. Mark Jargstorf, Ellery Bland, Robert Gerger, Jacob Koehne, Matt O’Shea, Alice Zimmerman, Edith Evert, Marge Griffin, Eric Bradley, Dave Smentek, Paul McKune, Mary Moravec, Cecilia Webster, Gerry Schermerhorn, Karen Dylewski, Clayton Huebner and happy anniversary to Al and Jenny Juozaitis, Nick and Sue Mangiaracina, and Kelly and Tim Woods.

Thank you 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.

This article has bee updated to correct the phone number for Saint Bernardine’s September reunion.