If you’re feeling the blues with the passing of summer, the days getting darker and cooler, no more open windows, screen doors, and all that, well, Dominican University just up the street in River Forest, has a good antidote for you. Every Thursday from now until Dec. 3, you can have a delicious dinner, elegantly served, nutritionally balanced, and attractively displayed on contemporary china, all for a mere $10. Just call the Recipe Box ad, 708-524-6690, before noon on the Monday proceeding the Thursday you wish to attend. 

Here are a few samples of what’s being served: On the 15th of October, parmesan Panko crusted chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and tri-colored quinoa salad plus fall fruit salad for dessert with cinnamon tortilla chips. On the 22nd, falafel, hummus, fattoush salad, and baklava. I’m omitting much of the menu to save space. But each week you will probably be introduced to a new dish that will enrich your palate and your life. These dinners are held in the Parmer Hall Atrium, seating at 5 p.m. Hope to see you there. 

Creativita is really getting more creative every year. Now they have included Kindermusik with Pat (with teacher Annemarie) several mornings each week. You and your baby will “cha-cha,” dance to bird songs, some Woody Guthrie poems, do the Charleston — all kinds of music and dance. Call 708-763-9823 for more information. Everyone was having a lot of fun, a lot of laughs, a lot of smiles. 

Congratulations to ballet dancer Olivia Schauer, who has been chosen to participate in The Nutcracker at Dominican — the best Nutcracker in the Chicago area! Quite an accomplishment for our Olivia. So we’ve got to get over there to see her and the delightful “Nutcracker Suite” this year. Dates will be here as soon as we can get them to you. 

A few streets held block parties last weekend. Not the best weather. Better luck next year, neighbors.

Winter is coming! Don’t forget the birds and squirrels. The Feed Store, 5498 S. Harlem Ave., is having a big sale. On Saturday, Nov. 7, the lowest prices of the year will be in effect. From Nov. 9 through 13, “Memory Lane Stables” will feature a petting zoo! A special guest will be “It’s a Pittie Rescue,” dedicated to rescuing rehabbing and re-homing pit bull breeds, most of whom are lovable, loyal pals.

St. Bernardine will host a bake sale to benefit the religious education program along with the pancake breakfast on Sunday, Nov. 8 in Fearon Hall. 

The Symphony of Oak Park-River Forest will present its first concert of the season, featuring the Four Seasons by Vivaldi and also the less well known “Four Seasons” by Verdi. A horn concerto by Gliere is also on the program. The place is Dominican University, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Canadian Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated Monday, Oct. 12. Good neighbors, those Canadians. Happy Thanksgiving. 

Happy birthday to Bob Sullivan, Barbara Sedlak, John Rice, Jack Vainisi, Nicholas Radkiewicz, Mark Hosty, Judy Arnold, and Riley Johnson

Happy anniversary to Carol and David Fagan, and Dan and Rebecca Scollard.

And, finally, sympathy to the family and many friends of Jimmy Cavanagh.

  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.

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...