Spent most of the week end at the Oak Park Animal Care League (not my dog, a neighbor’s). It all ended well. But I learned that Hawks Left Winger Bryan Bickell is a great champion of bull dogs. I also learned there is no such breed as a “pit bull.” There are many kinds of bull dogs and many mixtures, but the term “pit bull” has labeled and stigmatized many gentle, loving dogs. Here is the myth: “pit bulls” are inherently aggressive.
Remember “Petey”, the Little Rascals dog? He fit the description of what we call “pit bull” and probably would have been euthanized if he were around today. But back then everyone wanted a dog just like “Petey.” Dogs who are sometimes mislabeled as “pit bulls” are American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Carne Corso (looks like a Boxer), Bull Mastiff, Boston Terrier, Mini Bull Terrier.
DNA test your dog; stop using the term “Pit Bull; visit bickelfoundation.org to sign a pledge. Questions about the dogs? Email info@bickellfoundation.org.
The Michael Teolis Singers will perform at First United Methodist Church on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m . Their programs are always a bit different, offering delightful musical surprises.
On Sunday, Nov. 23 at 4 p.m. Paul Lindblad will conduct the Oak Park Concert Chorale in a holiday season concert. Music by local composers and carols new and old will round out this exciting musical event. $18 General Admission; $10 Students and Seniors.
The Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest will perform Sunday, Nov. 21 at 4 p.m. Dominican University, 7900 Division in River Forest. A preconcert lecture will be given by Dr. David Leehey.
The annual Sing Along Messiah will take place at First United Methodist Church 724 Oak Park Avenue, Sunday, Dec. 7, 3:30 pm. Bring your music or buy one of theirs.
Centuries & Sleuths will celebrate Independence Day Nov. 29, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. This Independence Day honors independent booksellers and their authors. James Finn Garner, Michael Black, Sue Meyers, Bob Goldsborough, Michelle May, Luisa Buehler and others will be honored.
Please note: Tom Holmes will discuss and sign copies of his recently released book Forty Days in Thailand with a discussion on pluralism. This will take place at Centuries and Sleuths on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m.
Birthday greetings this week to Jane Lentini, Dr. John Brancel, Andy Reiley, Louise Douglas, Derek Miranda, Paula Diverde, Scott McAdam, Jennifer Mendenhall, Eric Bothie, Michael Harnett, Honor Millette, Cara White, Carol Jargstorf, Dave Michaelson, Jessica Dylewski, Aaron Apilado, Pat Curey, Letitia Olmsted, Niholas Mear.Happy anniversary to Gloria and Steve Bachman, Phil and Pat Czuprynski.
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.
