The familiar duo of Rich Scaffidi and his faithful dog Sean will no longer be seen running together all over town. Ann Scaffidi, Rich’s wife, had to have knee surgery and will be unable to assist Rich and Sean. So Sean had to move to a friend’s home with a big yard. A sad farewell to both of them and best wishes for a speedy recovery to Ann.
On a happier note for 2015, the old Park playground equipment has been disassembled, refurbished and sent to a park in Palestine. The non-profit children’s organization Kids Around the World was chosen by the park commissioners to be the recipient. Rachell Entler and a crew of volunteers and staff helped tear down and package the beloved playground equipment for its new home.
Speedy get well wishes to Kasey Krupa who celebrated her birthday as well as the end of her cancer ordeal. Kasey and her friend, Dave the Magician observed the occasion at Goldyburgers. Dave amazed the crowd with his bewildering card tricks. Kasey’s friends from far and near are still scratching their heads over those tricks.
At this time of year it is customary to recall friends of the past who left us this year. Among the many Forest Parkers (and honorary Forest Parkers) who left us in 2014 were Sal Ferrara, Judy Topinka, Carl Schwebl, Bernie Woods, Joan Nadeau, Kathy Huebner, John Moore, Pete Thiesse and Kay Madden. Rest in peace, old friends.
Mark this on your calendar, Sunday, Jan. 18 at 4 p.m. the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest, along with the Symphony Chorus, will perform Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at Concordia University. A rousing, inspirational way to begin the New Year.
Happy Birthday to these January new year babies: Lauren Trage, Amy Hochemmimer, Rich Gray Gray, Rita Trage, Caitlin Miller, Jennnni Jargstorf, Alice and Lara Mellin Lou Moran, Tom Kloess, Ian Hoffmann, Joan Huynh, Deb Harris, Lynn Karavitos, David Leehey, Mike Marcantonio, April Kutak, Urban and Luke Baum, Fred Marunde Cecilia Consalve, Karen Skinner. Happy Anniversary to Mark and Amy Vabornik.
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.
