Ah the cold! It keeps us inside wishing we could get out. So get yourself a dog and you have no choice. Just get out.
Your heart would have been warmed by the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest last Sunday, Feb. 15. The concert opened with Wagner, just as you like him, a small dose by local handsome baritone, Doug Anderson singing “Evening Star” followed by Mahler’s “Songs of a Wayfarer.” Susan Krout was the soprano in Carl Nielsen’s Symphony #3. Jay Friedman did his usual masterful job conducting the program.
Grace Lutheran’s Bach Cantata Vespers will feature the Bach B Minor Mass on March 22 at 4 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church. These programs are performed with chorus and orchestra. Remember, those Lutherans know how to do music as it should be done. The Bach B Minor Mass should be heard by everyone at least once in a lifetime.
The cold weather keeps us indoors and leads to thoughts of the past. Say, about 60 years ago. I came across a picture of kids’ roller skating around on the basement floor of Saint Bernardine’s. The Baptist Church at Harlem and Dixon was dedicating a new addition. There was an ad for a shoe store at 7335 Madison. Oak Leaf Cleaners was at 7408 Harrison, they picked up and delivered your clothes. Candidates for mayor 60 years ago were William Meyer, Howard Mohr and Vernon Reich. Among the commissioners running for office was Mike Lambke. Remember Pastor Paul at Saint John? He officiated at the wedding of Carol Berlin and Heinz Piehl. Carol was the daughter of Betty and Paul Berlin, who owned a florist business and Paul was a commissioner. A big dog named Rex now lives in their former house.
There was a charming photo of Howard Mohr with his wife Ruth and sons Michael and Tom. Patty was not yet born, I guess. Hope some old timers enjoy hearing and seeing a bit from the past.
Now for the present and the happy birthday celebrants: This week: Leonard Gist, Mary Haley, Shartiase Clay, Kisti Kasack, Alexander Reina, Jonah Victorson, Elaine Czarnak, Jacque Madden, Megan Lyons, Bill Dunne, Janet Paulin, Michael Gillian, Xauer Skinner, Jean Guntow, Chris Wood, Jean Leinweber, Chris Thornton, Mary White, Sam Huynh, Gary Neubeiser, Alexandria Eterno, Rachel Hamilton, Rich Krieger.
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.
