Forest Park’s favorite bookstore was more crowded than usual on “Shop Small” Saturday, Nov. 28. Augie and Tracy Aleksy were celebrating not only the “shop small” event, but the “Independents Day” authors event as well. Among those authors were J. D. Kaplan and Bob Shiel, shown comparing notes. The independent authors did quite well selling their wares. Augie and Tracy were marking 25 years in the book-selling business and 50 years of wedded bliss — all on the same day. Shown in the photo are Augie, Tracy and their good friend, John Klein. Congratulations to Centuries & Sleuths and to the Aleksys.
There’s lots of Christmas music around this week. So get in on the beauty and Christmas spirit. The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show is at Dominican University, 7900 Division St., River Forest, on Friday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. You can hear the Michael Teolis Singers at First United Methodist Church on Oak Park Avenue this Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3:30 p.m., come sing along with the MacDowell Messiah also at the Methodist Church, right across from the Ernest Hemingway Birth Home. Admission is free, donations are given to Housing Forward (formerly PADS). Professional soloists and orchestra accompany the soloists and chorus (that’s you).
While you’re still in the holiday mood, remember The Nutcracker at Dominican University, Lund Auditorium the weekend after next. Performances are Saturday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. Professional dancers Joseph Caruana and Megan Walsh of Elements Contemporary Ballet are featured.
Happy birthday this first week in December to Roland Maughm, Joan Purvis, Dixie Quitsch, Reagan Hosty, Susan Beach, Barbara Hasty, Cheryl Kolnick, Adele Sharkey, Carli Loyd.
Happy anniversary to Geri and Roger Grant and speedy get well wishes to Roger.
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.
