Deepest sympathy to Ruth Lossau on the death of her husband, Al. Ruth and Al were a devoted couple who could be seen together everywhere for many years. The Lossaus had a life full of happiness but with a share of heartbreak. Sympathy to daughter Cathy Kaiser and to grandsons, Michael and Tim Accetura. Ruth and Al’s daughter, Debbie Accetura, died many years ago.

Congratulations and happy 90th birthday to Madeline Kochman, who is as active and helpful as ever. Madeline’s family held a party in her honor at Oak Park Temple on Sunday, July 29.

In 1987, Bernie Woods opened his sharpening business on Circle Avenue. For many years before that, he’d operated the business out of his basement. Now saws, gears, scissors, and knives from all over the world are being sharpened by the Woods Family right here in Forest Park. For your convenience, you can drop your knives and scissors off at Schauer’s Hardware and they’ll get the job done for you. Among the workers are Peggy, Sean and Michelle Woods, Pelle Montelo, and Bob Dowdle. Ah, the Dowdles, another well-known Forest Park family.

Speaking of Schauer’s, apologies to Rich for misspelling his name last week.

A group of parishioners from St. Peter’s Syrian Orthodox Church were visiting our St. Peter’s last week. The group’s leader is Rev. Dileesh Shalan. Maybe we’ll be seeing more of them in the future.

Happy anniversary to the Goetzes on Aug. 8. And to Tim and Peggy Grams that same day.

Happy birthday this week to all these Forest Parkers: Roger Grant, Janet Sullivan, T.J. Janopoulis, Danny Seveda, Ronnie Robey, Hannah Novak, Journey Alvorado, Rebecca Greskoviak, Allison Pacyga, Jake Brown, Al Verri, Phil Jilek, Linda Brhel, Natalie Erickson, Elizabeth Dornicker, Dakota Staiger, Grant Neubeiser, Sandy Boy, Reid Thompson and Maureen Harnett.

Coming soon: Kiwanis Peanut Day, Sept. 28.

The opening of the 2012-13 season of the Symphony of Oak Park-River Forest takes place on Sept. 30. The big number for that concert is the Overture from Parsifal. Whoopee! That should draw in the crowds. Remember the new venue for the symphony is the concert hall at Dominican University, a beautiful place with plenty of free parking.

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.