It will be a while before Forest Park comes to its senses after the terrible shock of losing Freminnie Moscio Jodoin last week. I never saw so many mourners at a funeral nor St. Bernardine’s so full for a Funeral Mass. I’m sure if you asked anyone what was outstanding about Frem, they would be at a loss for words. She was fun to be with, she was always glad to see you and you were always glad to see her., She was just there, listening, a really good listener, very bright, and seemed to know how to problem-solve. But mostly, as I remember her, she was there. And now she’s gone. Sorry for her family, sorry for all of us.
Last week Augie Aleksy had some special visitors at the bookstore. The Department of Diversity sent Claudia Weems and Scarleth Ortiz to distribute some books on diversity, though Forest Park doesn’t need books on diversity. I think we pretty well live it.
Beginning Feb. 4, Dominican University will again present its Thursday luncheons for a mere $10. These luncheons represent the efforts of the nutrition classes at the university and are the culmination of their semester efforts. Always a diverse menu, usually with a unifying theme. I’ll never forget the cucumber soup during the Polish theme last year, yumm. You must make a reservation by calling the university and asking for the “recipe box.” That’s 708-366-2490, ext. 524-6690. Get there by 11 a.m.
The Daedalus Duo, Diana Schmuck on piano and Bonnie Campbell on clarinet, will perform at Saint John, 305 Circle, at 4 p.m. this Sunday, Jan. 31. We are indeed fortunate to have two such world-renowned musicians in our midst, performing works by Schumann, Dvorak and Brahms. Ms. Schmuck was described by the Chicago Sun-Times as “one of the finest chamber pianists on the scene, playing with her ears as much as her gifted hands.” Ms. Campbell has made solo chamber and orchestral appearances across the U.S. as well as being featured clarinetist at the opening ceremonies of the Bastille opera in Paris. Admission is free, refreshments served after the concert.
Meanwhile down at the Hellenic Museum, in partnership with the Field Museum, “Agamemnon to Alexander” is happening from now until April 10. But before that ends, the Trial of Antigone will take place at the Field Museum on March 10. That trial of Socrates sold out in a matter of hours a few years ago, so call the museum and order your ticket. Our top attorneys will prosecute and defend the poor girl; Patrick Fitzgerald, Robert Clifford, Dan Webb and Patrick Collins. Tickets are $100, but they go fast. It’s well worth your money.
Get-well wishes to everyone’s hero, Johnny Lattner, who has had a bad spell recently.
Now birthdays observances for this week: Marlene Quandt, Matt Walsh, Sharon Andrews, Lia Pardun, Rickie Beam, Orian Jaview, Kolton Smente, Sharon Andrews, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
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.
