Now that the school bell has rung once again, it’s time to look on the bright side of school days. Believe me, when they’re all over you’ll only remember the bright side. One way to make school more fun is to participate in some kind of music activity. Studies have shown that kids who participate in any kind of music, chorus, instrumental, piano, whatever, music improves brain function in several ways.
A very bright former Forest Park student, who is now teaching at Garfield is Julie Huebner Brown. Julie has had much experience on the piano as soloist and as accompanist. She misses performing so much that she decided to return to teaching piano after school hours. You’ll enjoy studying with Julie Brown either at her house in Berwyn or in your own home. You can reach her at 708.484.7428.
Those Lutherans know the benefits of music. Coming Sept. 21 Saint John Lutheran Church is Andrew Schaeffer, Ph.D. Musical Arts Candidate at the University of Oklahoma where he is studying with Dr. John Schwandt. Mr. Schaeffer recently completed his Master of Music degree in organ performance from the Yale School of Music. He earned his BA with distinction from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, where he also studied choral conducting with Anton Armstrong. We can hear this very talented young organist on Sunday at 4 p.m. as he performs on Saint John’s Aeolian-Skinner organ. This concert is sponsored by “Friends of Music”
Laurie Notar was one of several drivers who wanted to brush up on her driving skills by taking the “Rules of the Road” course offered at the community center. The course was offered by Secretary of State Jesse White. Others in the group felt many points presented would be beneficial to all drivers. Parking on a hill seems to present a problem to those of us who live in the flat Midwest. The group benefited from this review. When parking on a hill remember wheels go “up up and away” from the curb. Review traffic sign identification by shape, don’t depend on the words, stop behind the white line or crosswalk. A rolling stop is an automatic failure on the road test. Always use turn signals, even if no one is coming. Use them when changing lanes, when pulling over to or away from any curb. You might want to get a copy of the workbook and study it. Call 312.814.3676. You’ll probably be glad you did.
A DOLL’S TEA PARTY!!! The Artisans and Crafters of the Oak Park Women’s Exchange are having a Doll’s Tea Party on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. This party is the 19th annual event and includes crafts for girls and dolls, refreshments, and a free raffle ticket for every child who attends. The grand prize is the American Girl Doll of the Year: Isabelle. There are many other prizes included in the raffle and additional tickets are available for purchase. Doll hairstyling is available for a small fee. The Women’s Exchange is located at 839 S. Oak Park Avenue. Telephone 708.848.4693.
Birthdays this week: Jamie Carr, Sheila O’Shea, Eric Battersby, Dan Novak, Connor Hoehne, Marc Neumann, Jack Brennan, Larry Steinbach, Jodie Giblin, Marianne Fabbrini, David Kazar, Erin Vonkannon, Toni Terrana, John Deering, Aaron Bakartis, Christine and Joey Carr, Todd Marler, Amanda Koehne, Michael Dylan Clifton. Happy anniversary to Tony and Lucy Vodraska.
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.
