Exciting news … and just in time for Christmas … it’s Independents Day at Centuries & Sleuths. Independent writers will discuss and sell copies of their latest work. That’s on Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., 7419 Madison St. A list of the authors and their books is available at the bookstore but you can drop in at any time and listen (and buy).
Veterans Day in Forest Park was dignified and brief. The mayor spoke after an impressive, ceremony which included presenting of the flags, firing of the guns and laying a new wreath at the foot of the flag. Shown at the ceremony are veterans Robert Strittar and Al Bucholtz with his wife, Marge.
The St. Bernardine annual football game party wasn’t as well attended as it is when the Bears play Green Bay. But those who were there had a great time, especially since the Bears won. The TV watchers were howling and applauding, the Cinderella Staff was busy in the kitchen. Kathy Plepel, Mary Hofmann and Kathy Jankun are shown here taking a few minutes off to catch their breath.
It’s not too late to get your ticket for the Ballet Legere Nutcracker at Dominican University on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. or Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2 pm. Boston Ballet dancers Shelby Elsbree and Paul Craig are featured in this production. Many local dance students are also in the show. These young dancers must undergo a very difficult audition in order to qualify. The Dominican Nutcracker is famous for its professional performance. Remember, free parking, and a short ride to get there.
Unfortunately, you have a difficult choice to make for Sunday, Nov. 22 at 4 p.m.
Right here at St. John Lutheran, 305 Circle Ave., we have the Oak Park Concert Chorale presenting What Sweeter Musick (“What sweeter musick can we bring than a carroll for to sing the Birth of this our Heavenly King? Awake the voice! Awake the String!) This text by Robert Herrick is the inspiration for OPCC’s annual Christmas concert. Now in its 35th season, the group was a recent recipient of the Community Bank of Oak Park-River Forest Best in Class Award from the Oak Park Area Arts Council.
Your other choice is the Symphony of Oak Park-River Forest performing Brahms’ Symphony #1 and the Beethoven Violin Concerto with Concertmaster John Gerson as soloist. Also on the program is a work by Berlioz. This concert, titled “The 3 Bs,” also begins at 4 p.m. and is conveniently located at Dominican University, 7900 Augusta in River Forest. Free parking! You’re close to home, no driving downtown, no $25 parking fee. What more could you ask?
Start singing “Happy Birthday” to Chris Brower, Aaron Apilado, Rich Bothie, Nicholas Mear, Susanne Jasper, Sara Scheiwe, Lillian Sansone, Lisa Haeger, Nicholas Mangiaracina, Alex Trage, Kevin Harnett, Gina Orland, Olinda Fink, Jaime Cook, Brandon Paugh, Roberta James, Karen McGrath, Carla Loyd, William Shremsher, Ariel Michelle Smith and Daryl Latall.
Happy anniversary to Chris and Dennis Roselli.
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.
