It is such a reminder of what life has in store for us when in the midst of such beauty and gentleness of the weather, death still waits, right outside the door. Last week we had Bridget Dowdle. This week another Forest Parker, not as well known as Bridget but precious to those who loved him, Johnny Hughes, husband of Peggy Hughes, died unexpectedly and is mourned by many.
One way to cheer up in town is a visit to The Junction! Rose Wiley, visiting from Roselle, wanted to check The Junction out as a place for her grandson’s birthday. While there, 2-year-old twins, Donald and Donavin Wieczorek, were busy awaiting the train that carried twin cupcakes for those birthday boys. They were exactly 2 years old on that day, March 15, and everyone was having an exciting time. Along came the cupcake train and everyone sang “Happy Birthday!” Those twins may forget this day, but no one else who was there will. There were several adults who were playing with the village. And what a village! It has a playground with swings, etc., which can be operated by you (the kid). There is village train, fire engine, bus, police cars, all kinds of action for kids (or adults) to operate. The Junction is located at 7401 Madison.
While at The Junction, you may want to look in on the Cooking School Flavour, offering cooking classes for a variety of dishes. There are special classes for young chefs as well. Closet Cleanout shows you how to make something delicious with a bunch of those leftovers in the fridge. The date for that is April 14, also located at 7401 Madison.
A really big day in the lives of the Strzelczyk/Oberg family is the great feat of Joe Strzelczyk, who bowled his second 300 game! Joe’s wife, Joyce, is also a good bowler, so she’s especially proud of her husband. His in-laws, Patrick and Joyce Oberg, sent the news to the paper.
Apologies for missing the seventh birthday of Haley Flores-Hemstreet on Feb. 7. Belated happy birthday to Haley!
And happy birthday wishes to Reina Alexander, Bob O’Brien, Steve Urban, Joe Gianelli, Geoff Flight, Sue Fishman, Alexandria Reina, Lauren Haeger, Grace Snyder, Peter Zapotek, Andrew Huebner, Natalie Mazzone, Riley Gerard, Tom Reich, Claire Sanchez, Terry Udil, Ella Daylo, Claire Manor, Hillary Kutak, Jim Becker, Nicole Carlson, Julia Flukey, and Delilah Rosell. Anniversary greetings to Marissa and Sonny Serio and Mr. & Mrs. Greg Horvath.
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.
