Beatrix Salomea Taylor Sagan arrived on Sept. 11.

How about that pope? No changes, but at least the camel got his nose under the tent.

The charming young lady at the front register at Schauer’s is, we hope, a soon-to-be famous designer of women’s fashions. Erin Von Kannon, recent graduate of Dominican University, showed her latest stunner gowns at the Chicago Beethoven Festival to the accompaniment of strings performed by Rachel Kolly d’Alba and Consuela LePauw. Erin’s piece de resistance, shown here has sparkling LED lights within the fabric. It was modeled at the festival where it earned a prestigious Drihaus award. Erin credits her teachers at Dominican for any honors she might receive. She was especially influenced by Susan Strawn, McKinley and Claire Johnson and Tracy Jennings. Ms. Von Kannon was also given the leadership award by the 100 Club at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Sunday, Sept. 29 marks the beginning of the Oak Park and River Forest Symphony season. The orchestra will begin with French composers these featuring Debussy, Saint-Saens , Ravel and Scriabin. Following the concert you are invited to dinner at Autre Monde Café in Berwyn. Concerts this season will include Czech music, Shakespeare in music, and an Austrian-themed concert. The symphony performs at 4 p.m. at Dominican University, 7900 Division in River Forest.

Saint John Friends of Music series begins Sunday, Oct. 13 at 4 p.m. and the series will begin with the Allegro Brass Quintet. Members of the quintet are Steven Sowinski, James Hahn, Darren Malina and Lance Malina. All concerts at Saint John are free, a good will offering is appreciated. Light refreshments are often served after the concert.

Good news for the Christmas Holidays! The Boar’s Head Festival will be back at Saint John this December!

Ian Michael and Kimberly Beth Taylor were thrilled to welcome baby Beatrix Salomea Taylor Sagan, who showed up around 8 a.m. on Sept. 11. Grandparents Charles and Nancy Leister of Naperville and William Taylor of Downers Grove and Sharon Rogers of Joliet are excited to meet the new granddaugher.

Loretta Jantz is the artist responsible for the scary window at Schauer’s Hardware. Don’t get so scared you don’t come to the casket races Oct. 26, however. Get there early or you might miss it.

Afterwards, Oct. 26, don’t miss the dramatization of the Historical Society’s Des Plaines River Anthology, an original premiere play adapted and directed by Amy Binns-Calvey with original music by Forest Park History Singers Kathy Atwood. The event will be performed at the Park District at 2 and 7 p.m. Donations benefit the Historical Society and the Des Plaines River Anthology book, coordinated by Augie Aleksy, will be available for purchase. Thanks to Allium Press’ Emily Victorson, for shepherding the manuscript to greatness.

Members of the Harlem Manner-und Damenchor invite you to an evening of good music, good food and good fellowship. Director Laura Schmuldt will lead the singers and the Walter Flechsig Orchestra will supply the music for dancing. The place is the River Grove Lodge, River Road & Fullerton. The date, November 2. Call Isabelle and Peter Herdeg at 630.545.1041 for more information.

The United German American Societies of Greater Chicago invite you the attend Commemoration Day ceremonies at Saint Benedict Church, 2215 W. Irving Park Rd. in Chicago on Sunday, Oct. 6 at 2:30 p.m. Former President Ronald Reagan declared Oct. 6 of each year as German American Day. The Kinderchor, united choruses, authentic costumes and lots more will be featured. Guest speaker will be Dr. Gregory H. Wolf, of North Central College.

Happy birthday to Caryn Lichtenberg, Lou Thompson, Mary Ann Munoz, Laura Zimmer, Christina Wiesneth, Sydney Mangiaracina, Michael Clifton, Kimberly O’Shea, Abigail Childa, Pat Falbo, Sawyer Paeth, Sade Tomkins, Ed Lambke, Gigi Alfano, VanEsta Harris, Mike O’Connor, Diane Rice, Sheryl Neff. Happy anniversary to Bridget and Bob Dowdle, Dan and Donna Danielson, Sandy and Joe Byrnes, Tina and Gary Neubeiser and Lori and Jim O’Shea.

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...