The Christmas Walk outdid itself this year, or so I heard. A problem at home kept me away. Santa Dan and Rudolph (aka) Jacquinete captured the crowd’s approval. Or was it Santa’s mailroom and workshop with elves Loretta and Corinna toiling away in front of the crowds? The workshop, mailroom, etc. were designed by Loretta Jantz.
That was then, this is now. You are warmly invited to attend Irene Kaldis‘ annual Always in Style beauty salon at 7516 Madison St. Irene presents a Christmas Open House every year featuring Greek pastry made by Greek nuns in Kenosha, Wisconsin. You can buy these super-delicious, hard-to-come-by pastries at Irene’s, Thursday through Sunday, at Always in Style from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday and from noon until 5 on Sunday.
You don’t need to be reminded that this time of year gets more hectic as time goes on. But one event surely not to be missed each December is the “Sing-Along Messiah,” sponsored by First Methodist Church of Oak Park and MacDowell Artists. No charge, reception following and you hear a professional chamber orchestra with professional soloists. It was great. (Sorry, but you missed it this year. Remember it next year.)
The Michael Teolis concert was also a success. In case you missed that concert, they will be performing again Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. at Unity Lutheran Church, 1212 Balmoral in Chicago. On Feb. 28 (thinking ahead), the Teolis Singers will perform at Pleasant Home at 4 p.m. So you’ll have more chances to enjoy them.
St. John will hold a holiday program on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. “Nine Lessons and Carols,” music provided by the St. John Choir and instrumentalists, followed by a potluck dinner
Birthdays this week include Kallen O’Shea, Matt Pingel, DeMaria Gilbraith, Brian Mullen, Scott Marler, Danny Rosell, Gloria Chaney, Andrew Doss, Mary Alice Nee, Marilyn Hosty, Peyton Brown, Morgan Trage, Madison Hannah Pronek, and Andene Maughm.
The Prophet Mohammed was born on Dec. 11; Beethoven’s birthday is the 16th; “The Nutcracker” was first performed on Dec. 18, 1892.
I wish you peace for this hectic season.
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.
