It was a grand evening. Pastor Dean Kucera was the cook and his specialty is Hungarian Goulash. Pastor Dean did all the work and waited on the guests. He speaks several languages fluently because he was raised in that quaint cosmopolitan village of Downers Grove. Downers Grove? He gave us a brief lesson in his native Hungarian. Pay attention: kosonem szepen (some dots and accent marks are missing, sorry) but it means “thank you.”
Members of several Forest Park churches enjoyed the dinner and Barbara Marousek said everyone is invited to attend church at First United, 11 o’clock on Sunday. Margaret Lambke reminds us that there is a pancake breakfast at Saint Bernardine’s on Oct. 30. Along with enjoying the pancakes and friendships, you will probably want to examine the clever crafts on display — and don’t forget the bake sale, always a big hit.
It was a treat to see the Marinier family after so many years. The late Charlie Marinier was always a favorite of mine. He was a faithful member of First United along with his family.
As you probably know, the Girl Scouts will be conducting a food drive on Saturday, Oct. 22. Put your donations outside your front door by 10 a.m. They will be picked between 10 and 2 p.m.
There are seats available for all trips sponsored by the Community Center. All except Hamilton. Even the Mystery Trip has a few seats left. I don’t know how Karen Dylewski does it, but she’s right up there with the first leaders. Denise credits Mayor Calderone with much of the success of the center. His support is invaluable, she says. He loves his seniors. There are a few openings for the Mercury Theatre trip on Nov. 3, and the Dickens trip to Antioch on the 9th of November. There is still a lot of room for the New Year’s Eve Gala, always a great fun afternoon. Champagne, elegantly served dinner, music, entertainment, a great way to end 2016 and begin 2017.
Bird lovers, remember the Wild Bird Seed Sale begins Nov. 5 through 15. That’s at The Feed Store, 5408 S. Harlem in Summit. Call 708-458-1327. This business is owned by a Forest Parker. Closed on Wednesdays. Feed the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, whatever. They (the Feed Store, not the chipmunks) will give you a free 2017 calendar with your purchase.
Also remember Fiddler on the Roof at Beye School, 230 N. Cuyler in Oak Park. Nov. 4-6, 11-13 and 18-29, Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. Call 708-699-8696. $22 general admission, $18 seniors, $15 children. Starring our own Ben Goodman.
Happy birthday to Diane Barron, Tim Bode, Joe Byrnes, Caitlin Gillian, Phil Abruzzino, Tiera Curry, John Tureck, Ted Hosty, Niraj Koll, Helen Schirami, Ray Scicotta, Scott Burisch, Rebecca Jargstorf, Michael Sansone, Judy Gist, Noreen Carr, Elizabeth Schiffman, Angelina Cote, Gary Stetler, Anil D’Souza, Frank Anselmo, Mark Ross, and Michael Rudolf.
Happy anniversary to Kathleen and Michael Redmond, and to Jill and Peter Smentek.
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.
