Earlier this month the library staff gave a tea to honor and thank the Friends of the Library. A highlight of the event was Erica Sanchez’s demonstration of the newest library aid, the colibri, which was donated by the Friends. This machine can, in about five seconds, completely wrap a book or magazine in plastic to preserve it for years and years. Rodger Brayden then read a list of the items donated by the friends which amounted to about $9,000! The friends work the book sales and occasionally present programs. They would like you to join them. Just stop by the desk and ask for a form.
Christmas activities are underway around here. On Saturday, Nov. 2, the Christ Episcopal Church in River Forest will hold its annual bazaar featuring the world’s best pickles. “Episcopickles” are sold along with hundreds of enticing items as well as tons of home-made butter cookies, gingerbread, etc. all in anticipation of Christmas. Janet Paulin has several Christmas Craft Fairs on her agenda beginning with the annual OPRF High School fair on Sunday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. This craft fair is presented by the Oak Park Women’s Exchange and is an eagerly awaited event.
Johnny Edwards, along with the other crossing guards, is enjoying the warmth and safety of the new winter uniforms. These uniforms can be seen in the dark for a long distance. Johnny is a faithful guard having never missed a day, except for the time his wife was very ill, in five years. He loves his work and the kids. You can tell by that smile.
NBC’s new show “Chicago PD” made another filming stop in Forest Park, this time at Ed’s Way Food Mart, 946 Beloit Ave. Karen Hinz and daughter Marissa Serio were extras in the show, along with Kim Nutley, Lauren Huebner and Jessica Jordan. Marissa and Karen got to hang out with actor Elias Koteas. I understand the episode featured an embarrassing scene with an aisle display of male disposable undergarments. It will air Jan. 8.
Welcome home to James Perkins, who just returned from a driving vacation that went from Texas back up through several states to Illinois and Forest Park. The vacationers have been friends since school days and had a memorable time.
Congratulations to Augie Aleksy , the performers, writers and musicians of Des Plaines River Anthology which gave us a moving, heartbreaking afternoon/evening last Saturday. The actors were all pros, as were the writers and musicians, who donated their talent and time to the Forest Park Historical Society. This masterpiece was adapted and directed by Amy Binns-Calvey. And before we move on, let us observe a moment of silence in honor of the late Dr. Frank Orland, founder of the society and tireless researcher. After Dr. Frank retired from the University of Chicago he spent most of his waking hours researching the history of the town. The poster image is the artistic achievement of John Lotus, student at the University of Chicago and son of our proud editor.
Birthdays this week : Karen Woods, Spencer Brooks, Jessica Dodge, Peter Gianakopoulos, Alena Murguia Uphues, Kevin Massoth, Sean Thiesse, Michael Fabre, Robyn Popelka, Stella Hope Zach, Meredith Dorneker, Sharon O’Shea, A.J. Turek, Ryan Miller, Jimmy Brown, Jaxon Entler, Carl Jajec, Laura Steinhaver, Heather Dornbusch, Michael Bruzek, Michael Rudolph, Ed Spinelli, and Harriet Smith. Happy anniversary to Kathy and Jim Thompson.
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.
