It’s next year already! The Forest Park Community Center, hosted by Brenda Riske Powers, gave the best village party ever. The theme of this year’s party was “It’s a Wonderful Life” and the questionnaire was really difficult. But the party itself was the best — the best company you could imagine, delicious food, served by our beautiful young people, a delightful band, Ken Wojcik kept the volume just right for conversation. I hope they get Ken again. The art work and decorations were by Zack Shorner, stand up comedy, Joe Byrnes, a welcome by Mayor Tony Calderone. All in all, a really great New Year’s Eve party. I mean, really great.
Speedy get well wishes to Gunther Neumann who spent a few days at Rush Oak Park Hospital. And while we’re with the Neumanns, belated happy birthday to Michael Neumann, Dec. 2.
Congratulations to grandparents Geri and Roger Grant, who greeted grandchild #7 (I think). Violet Adeline Zach was born to Lydia and Joel Zach just before Christmas this year. Her big brother, Jonathan, welcomed her along with the Grants, who drove to Hastings, Nebraska for the big event. Grandma Geri stayed on for several days to lend able assistance. Geri has many years of experience in this field.
Patrons of Centuries & Sleuths are well aware of the fact that Jan. 6 is the birthday of the world’s most famous crime solver, Sherlock Holmes.
Augie Aleksy reports that many patrons come into the store walking with the use of canes. After browsing and reading the books in the store, these patrons leave without needing or using canes! Miracles not unlike Lourdes, you might say. Right here in Forest Park! Come and see for yourself.
Along with Sherlock Holmes, you can sing happy birthday to Urban and Luke Baum, Fred Marunde, Karen Skinner (Karen shares a birthday with Charlie Rose), Maxwell James Beasley, Katie Leninger, Tina Marcantonio Fielden, Danielle Riske, Phil Bonhert, Brianna Dodge, Elvis, Tyler Daniel, Kirsten Bjornson, Mary Gallela, Victoria Burdett, Linda Bursey, Nancy Blum, Ryan Farrell, Ellen Krupa, Mary Fabbrini. David Thornton, and Steve Hawkins.
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.
