If you’re reading this column to find a birthday, sorry, you’re out of luck. Things are a bit chaotic this week and the book has vanished. So, if it’s your birthday this week, sincere wishes for a happy birthday. Sorry, that’s all for this week.
And belated happy birthday wishes to Josh Olfay, July 18. Sorry for the delay.
Among Forest Park’s many talented musicians is Richard Sladek, who, along with his “Friends” will present French composer Claude Bolling’s Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio at the 19th Century Charitable Association on Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m. This is a revolutionary “crossover” composition, which rocked the classical world. Baroque elegance meets modern swing. Tickets are $20 online at www.nineteenthcentury.org; by phone, 708-386-2720; or $25 at the door, 178 Forest Ave. in Oak Park.
Brigio and Narcissa Millar joined about 1,000 of their Filipino friends on their annual pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville. This is the 72nd annual such pilgrimage. These devout believers pray for health and to give thanksgiving for past assistance.
Several weeks ago, the notice of Jack Stout‘s death appeared in the paper. It seems the tragedy did not make our local paper. Jack was a resident of Melrose Park but a friend of many Forest Parkers. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a member of the 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame. He was a member of the River Forest United Methodist Church, after our Forest Park Methodist Church burned down many years ago. Sympathy to his family and many friends.
Did your dog get “skunked” yet? Mine did, as I mentioned last week, and now also my cat! Prairie State Animal Hospital has a detailed recipe for dealing with this exciting and memorable event in your life. The recipe was in my birthday book … so much for that. Basically it boils down to hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. A quick fix is vinegar and water. You probably know all this, but just in case there’s someone who doesn’t, that’s the advice from Prairie State.
On Monday, August 17 from 5 to 10 p.m., Brian Boru’s, 7652 Madison St. will host a selection of gift items, all handmade by local women, girls and perhaps even a man or two. Many of these items are available at the Women’s Exchange on Oak Park Avenue, but this is a special party night just for the exchange: 10% of all sales at the pub that evening will benefit the exchange. It’s a chance to get acquainted with Brian Boru, sample their fine food fare, acquaint yourself with the Women’s Exchange and what it has to offer and mostly just have fun with your neighbors. The exchange is an official drop-off for “Project Linus,” which gives thousands of blankets to poor, sick and hospitalized young children and babies.
Here’s some advance notice on a special afternoon at Centuries & Sleuths: On Sept. 20 at 2 p.m., Catriona McPherson will be the guest on “Meet the Author” to discuss and sign copies of her newest novel The Child Garden.
Some old birthday dates: Happy birthday to Rebecca Greskoniak, Allison Pacyga, Jake Brown, Al Verri, Phil Jilek, Dakota Staiger, Grant Neubeiser, Reid Thompson, Colleen Murray, Rocco Cirrintano, Angela Tricoci, Kevin Nutley, Donna Prchazka, and Thomas Curry.
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.
