Sympathy to the sisters and friends at Dominican on the death of Sister Kaye Ashe, a most remarkable person, leader, author, teacher and prioress of the Sinsinawa Doninican congregation for many years.
Let’s hear a very loud round of applause for the mail carriers of Forest Park and everywhere local for the super job they have done during this frightful winter. Working long into the night, wearing miner’s lights in their caps so they could see. Representing the whole gang is a familiar face around town, Cedric Williams who has been bringing us our bills and petitions for donations for more years than I can remember. He also brings birthday cards, friendly letters and party invitations. Yes, a few such things still come in the mail.
Sympathy to our mail carrier, Tanika Meyles on the death of her mother whom she loved and cared for so tenderly, especially since her mother’s health has been failing.
The antidote to a long cruel winter is an evening with G.F. Handel at Grace Episcopal Church. Last Saturday’s concert was truly sublime. The next Handel (pronounced to rhyme with “sandal”) concert is Sunday, March 2 at 3 p.m. at Grace Episcopal, 924 Lake Street in Oak Park. “Music for Royal Fireworks” and “Te Deum” are included in that program. For tickets phone 708.383.4231. A reception follows the concert.
Recently Mimi and Garrett Glass of Oak Park held a Schubertiad where guests played the piano as the spirit moved them. The outstanding performer of the evening was five year old Freya Wang who played several Schubert composisitons as well as difficult music by other composers. Remember that name, Freya Wang. You heard it here first.
While we’re in the music department here’s news of a late release of a rare photo collection of Grammy-award winning Harmonica Player (and Forest Parker!) Sugar Blue. He was born James Whiting and made his first recordings in 1975. Photos include shots with a young Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy.
Apologies to the family of the young man who died recently. His name was Frank, not Steve. Donations to the food pantry in his name appreciated.
Birthday greetings this week to Diane Janopoulos, Arthur Kazar, Connor Sullivan, Gina Pardun, Sebastian Selizi, Jo McMahon, Aaron Rada, Chris Borzello, Christine Quintana, Deason Alexander, Geri Kowalski, Kim Reina, Roland Scot, Heather Babcock, Diannemarie Williams, Grace Spence, Billy Brown, Edith Scheiwe, Jill Smentak, Rich Green, David Rodenbostel, Brandon Thompson, Ava Scollard, Abigail Fletcher, Logan Ellickson, Revian Russell, Kimberly Howard and yours truly. Anniversary greetings to Judy and Derick Gist, Renee and Joe DiGangi, Lucy and Joe Gianelli.
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.
