I don’t know about you, but I’ve always thought clowns were creepy. Remember John Gacy? Wasn’t he a clown? Bozo was OK, but he’s an exception. Enough about the clowns. On to other things.
We have the best community center for miles around. Denice Murray gets up before sunrise to make sure she gets her bid in for the best activities. She jumped in for Hamilton tickets before anybody else. Those tickets went faster than light, but there is a waiting list (31 at last count). You might want to suggest to your family that a gift certificate for one of the trips or programs would be welcome. They are available in any amount.
Reservations for the New Year’s Eve Gala are on sale now. An elegant dinner is served by really classy servers. Music, raffles, prizes, dancing a champagne toast at “midnight,” party favors, poppers, everything. All for a measly $46 if you’re a resident, $50 for non-residents. Everyone is welcome, but you must make a reservation. Drop in or call 771-7737. It’s always a great party, you’ll see neighbors and old friends you dearly love or maybe just like.
The Suburban West Actors Guild presents Fiddler on the Roof, Nov. 4-16 at Beye School, 230 N. Cuyler in Oak Park. For ticket information, call 708-699-8696 or visit swagtheater.com. The show is directed by Maui Jones; musical director is David White. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m. $22 general admission; $18 seniors. Children under 12, $15. Remember, our own Ben Goodman is Tevye!
The sale you have been waiting for is almost here! It’s the Wild Bird Seed Sale! Just in time for the winter when food is hard to find for our little friends. The dates are Nov. 5 through 15 at The Feed Store, 5408 S. Harlem in Summit. That’s one block south of the Stevenson. Phone: 708-458-1327. This business is locally owned (partly) so you’re benefiting Forest Park when you shop there. An adoption event, “It’s a Pittie,” will be ongoing during the sale. You can also visit their chickens and listen to the roosters crow, if you’re lucky. Those of us who spent time on a real farm in our youth will thrill to the sound. The store hours are Monday through Friday, 9 to 6; Saturday, 9 to 5; and Sunday, 10 to 2. Don’t come on Wednesday though. They’re closed Wednesdays.
Have you been to the National Hellenic Museum yet? It’s at 333 S. Halsted in Chicago and a very exciting place to see. The Greek Kouzina is a part of Greek history. The word “epicurean” is derived from the name of the Greek philosopher, Epicurus, born in 341. The Greek poet Archestratos wrote the first cookbook and the big white chef hat is also from the early Greek cooks. Of course, you love baklava. It originally came from Mesopotamia, but the Athenians refined the dough and made it as thin as a leaf. Phyllo dough comes from the Greek word for “leaf.” On Thursday, Nov. 3, a celebration of some of Chicago’s finest chefs will be held at the museum. The celebration of Greek cuisine will begin at 6:30 at the museum. Call 312-655-1234, ext. 28 for more information. Tickets are $100.
Dr. Steven Wente, professor of music, department chair at Concordia, and cantor at St. Paul Lutheran Church will showcase St. John’s Aeolian Skinner organ with a program of works by John Cook, J.S. Bach, Gaston Litaize, Reger, Rheinberger and Durufle. This Sunday, Oct 16 at 4 p.m. The concert is free.
Belated congratulations to Mary Alice and Fran Nee on the occasion of their 35th anniversary. Their grandson, Riley Johnson, treated them to dinner at his favorite place, The Olive Garden.
Birthdays this week include Mark Hosty, Eve Dudzik, the aforementioned Riley Johnson, Donna Eggers, Bob Sullivan, Jack Vainisi, Jim Murray, Laurie Kokenes, John Rice, Patrick Sullivan, Kim Dorner, Luke Erickson, Jillian Dorney, Pat Mueller, Roc Pruitt, Samantha Jilek, Rich Boyer, Hannah Fink, Bridget Cote, and Terry Steinbach.
Happy anniversary to Carol and David Fagan and Joe and Michelle Breseman.
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
