Deepest sympathy to young Haley Flores Hemstreet on the death of her father Brandon. And to Brandon’s wife, Lisa Flores Hemstreet. Brandon’s parents are Bob Hemstreet and Donna Cibula Hemstreet Xerri. Young Brandon died suddenly after having an evening out with his father and some friends last week. Sympathy to all the Hemstreet, Cibula, and Flores, families.
An adoption-raising event will be held on May 2, sponsored by Cat Vando. Animal-themed artists and crafters are invited to participate. There is no booth fee and the event will be held in delightful surroundings. You are invited to attend and join the raffles, and sales activities. For information, call 708-829-6013 or email catvandonr@yahoo.com with EXPO in subject line. As you probably know, Cat Vando retrieves stray cats, spays or neuters them, then returns the animals to their previous, familiar locations.
Animal lovers attention: you are invited to the Animal Care League’s “Spring for the Animals” on Sunday, April 26 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Oak Park Country Club, 2001 North Thatcher, River Grove. RSVP by April 22. This is the league’s 18th annual luncheon and has been generously underwritten by the Lynne Cooper Harvey Foundation. You will enjoy a delicious buffet, a silent auction, a live auction, a raffle, entertainment and favors. For more information, contact the Animal Care League of Oak Park at 708-848-8155.
Pilgrim Preschool in Oak Park will also sponsor a craft fair on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Pilgrim is at 460 Lake Street. It’s where the Farmers Market is held in summer.
The Oak Park Women’s Exchange invites you to an afternoon tea a la Downtown Abbey on Sunday, May 3. Tickets are $10 in advance and at the door. You will enjoy tea, nibbles, silent auctions, demonstrations, handcrafts and much more. Guests are encouraged to wear fancy vintage clothing and a prize will be awarded to the best costume. Proceeds will benefit local artisans. The Women’s Exchange is located at 839 S. Oak Park Avenue.
Re that “unique boutique” mentioned above, remember those crafters take orders for jewelry, pottery, knitting, scarves, doll clothes, baby goods, potholders, soaps, lotions and lots more.
For more of the same, there will be a reception on April 17 from 6 until 9 p.m. This fashion show on site will feature textiles, clothing, accessories. Shows will be ongoing from April 17 until May 8. The exhibit location is Expressions Graphics Gallery, 29 Harrison St. in Oak Park. The hours April 18 are 4 until 7 p.m.
Happy birthday to Irene Kaldis, Eleanor Locati, Marge at Goldyburgers, Benjamin Gerger, Don Cote, Joe Rice, Jessica Witt, Parker Ryan Wojtas, Shawn Miller, Grace Ahern, Pricilla Bruce, Lisa Grimes, Lorraine Sansone, Frank Nee, Michael Acceturo, Bob Farrow, Kate Leinweber, McKenna Mintz, and Ruth Meyer. Happy anniversary to Jean and Mike Lotus.
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.
