What did you accomplish by age 7? These little girls, Freya Pang and Emmie Gus, have spent much of their seven years at the piano, in the pool, in the skating rink among other endeavors.
The crowning glory of Freya’s life, so far, was her appearance playing the piano at Carnegie Hall, yes, Carnegie Hall, at age 6. The two young ladies have so many honors and credits to their names there isn’t space on the page to name them.
But for those who may feel they should have spent their childhood playing at being “normal”… just what is “normal?” Does “normal” mean being like you?
These happy little girls love playing the piano as much as some kids enjoy playing with their dolls. Maybe more. They run joyously to the piano. After playing for a while, the two little friends happily hug each other.
The girls appeared at Brookdale last Sunday in a recital there honoring the memory of the late Brookdale resident, Muriel Schnerow, a pianist and music lover. Muriel died a few weeks ago leaving many friends and a family who mourn her loss. She would have loved the memorial in her honor. Several Forest Parkers were there enjoying the music.
Joan Steinbach was running around the playground at Garfield Sunday evening. She was happily pushing her seven grandchildren from swing to swing as they enjoyed some last minutes together before the kids’ daddy and family went off to Guam where he’ll be serving with the Navy.
These Littlejohn kids have seen much of the world already thanks to Uncle Sam. So long, kids. Grandma will miss you!
Congratulations to all the soapbox derby participants. Among the enthusiastic participants were Forest Park student Justin Bender and home-schooled student Tom Warneuke. The boys did a great job, but we didn’t stick around for the results.
It’s been a while, but I want to personally thank all of you who took the time to send condolences on the death of my beloved dog, Callahan.
Who can explain why our dogs are so special, how do they understand us as they do? How can we keep going after they are gone? My vet got me another little dog a few days ago. He certainly keeps my mind off my troubles.
The little bundle of energy came with the name “Berkley” which I changed to “Barkly.” It doesn’t matter, he doesn’t respond to either name.
Belated happy birthday to Ken Trainor, Cindy Wood, Kim Jargstorf, Hailey Ann Watson, Rev. Mark Jargstorf, Alice Zimmerman, Robert Gerger, Jacob Koehne, Matt O’Shea, Tom Lane, Edith Evert, Anna Scaffidi, Eric Braddley, Sue Giblin, Dave Smentek, Bernice Mathews, Mary Moravec, David Jargstorf, Cecilia Webster, Gerry Schermerhorn and to G.K. Chesterton on 14th. Happy anniversary to Nick and Sue Mangiaracina, Kelly and Tom Wood and Al and Jenny Juozaitis.
Remember June 16 is Bloom’s Day. Also on the 16th the Senior Moments reading group will discuss Orphan #8 did you read it? Anxious to hear your thoughts of it.
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.
