When Danielle Riske married Michael Leonard recently, the Las Vegas event was as much a Forest Park reunion as it was a wedding.
Danielle is the daughter of Ron Riske, and granddaughter of Pat and the late Darlene Riske. (Now here is where I may get mixed up) Also in on this family are Ruth and Tim Owens. More family members are aunt Brenda (Riske) Powers, old friend Joe Breseman, dear old friends Joe and Sandy Byrnes, Rich and Mary Ann Barger, Ed Nutley (and probably other Nutleys, too).
There were Panzanis and Papas in attendance along with Brenda’s lifelong friend, Linda Domke. Las Vegas was alive with Riskes, Owneses, Leonards, Nutleys … you get the idea.
The 600 block of Beloit sends prayers and good wishes to Nancy Fabbrini and Chuck Leber, neighbors who gave their families quite a fright last week. But now both are back in their homes recuperating.
A special birthday was held at the community center last Saturday. It was No. 95 for May Bill, planned and executed by her daughter, Janet Fink. May arrived shortly before 1 p.m. and stood greeting well-wishers until 5 p.m.
Ninety-five years old and she stood on her feet the whole time! The only time May sat was when she was serenaded by her neighbor, Chuck Alvarado. His song, “Queen May” was a beautiful and fitting tribute to a remarkable lady. May is also shown with her long time special neighbor, Mel Block.
The Howard Mohr Community Center will be taking senior citizens to Nashville, Tennessee, and Asheville, North Carolina, from March 28 until April 2, 2016. Reservations are being accepted on a first come, first served basis.
The trip is $1,100 per person and includes deluxe coach travel, five breakfasts, five lunches, five dinners, tax and tips. Call the center at 708-771-7737 for more information. Denise Murray promises you a host of wonderful memories to take home with you.
The Oak Park Concert Chorale will present a concert Nov. 22 at 4 p.m. at Saint John Lutheran Church, 305 Circle Ave. Paul Lindblad, famous accomplished director and has been directing this and other singing groups for many years. Unfortunately, the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest concert is on the same day, same time, different venue, the symphony is at Dominican University in River Forest.
A pancake breakfast at the American Legion Hall is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 15 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. $6, adults, $3 kids all you can eat, sausage, pancake, orange juice and coffee. Begin the holiday season by meeting and greeting your neighbors at the hall on Circle Avenue and Adams Street.
Apologies to anyone who looked for the Feed Store where I said it was, of course it’s at Archer and Harlem. Run by a hard working Forest Parker and his brother …
On to the birthdays: Janet Todd, Max Trage, Mark Hosty, Jane Lentini, Sandy Riley, Danielle Sullivan, Louise Douglas, Dr. John Brancel, Derek Miranda, Scott McAdam, Honor Millette, Jennifer Mendenhall, Jacquie Neubeiser, Eric Bothie, Michael Harnett, Rebecca Borzello, Cara White, Carol Jargstorf, Dave Michaelson, Jim Bruzek, Hilda Kearney, Jessica Dylewski and Chris Brown.
Happy anniversary to Phil and Pat Czuprynski and Gloria and Steve Backman.
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.
