If you were a friend of Zeno Jacquat, you probably felt you were one of a select few. Zeno was such a good listener, he made you feel like you were the only one who mattered. And you were … at that time. So when his funeral, a solemn High Mass, was celebrated at Saint Edmund Church last Saturday, everyone who attended was astonished — astonished at the size of the crowd. It was like Midnight Mass; the church was packed.
All the people who knew and loved that dear man. Bishop Gerald Kicanas (head bishop of Tucson, Arizona), Rev. John McGivern (pastor of St. Edmund), Father Bernard Kennedy OFM, and Father Vendramin, all concelebrated. Liz Rexford played her violin, another Forest Parker who participated was Tania Neubeiser. Hymns were sung in many languages, Zeno spoke at least seven languages. His dear friend, Peter Herdeg gave a closing eulogy. Each of Zeno’s children and grandchildren were a part of the celebration. It was a stunning experience and, I hope, a consolation to Georgette, Zeno’s loving wife.
He truly made the world a better place.
Some sad news, our attentive, helpful Adult Services Librarian Diane Collins will be retiring at the end of December. She, too, is loved and respected — by all who use the library.
While we’re at the library, look up the many events and activities for people of all ages, newborns to seniors. Patti Ecker will lead us in songs of Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. The Builders Club will create Lego brick constructions. This is for kids, but kids under the age of 5 must have a parent with them because of the danger of those little Lego bricks getting swallowed. This all happens this Saturday, Dec. 3, Jan. 7, and Feb. 4, all at 2 p.m. On Jan. 14 at 2 p.m., the annual Comic Con returns to the library with special guests artists, authors and characters, including Albert the Alien creator Trevor Mueller. Families and all ages are welcome
Some golden oldie movies at our library on Fridays at 1:30 Dec. 2, 9 and 16: It Happened on 5th Avenue on Dec. 2. So old I don’t even remember it. So they’re probably really good.
Join your friends and neighbors at the annual Sing-Along Messiah this Sunday, Dec. 4th at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free but there will be a free will offering to benefit Housing Forward (formerly West Suburban Pads). This takes place at First United Methodist Church of Oak Park, 324 N. Oak Park Ave. 708-383-4983. Professional orchestra and soloists and a reception following the concert.
Remember the animals: Friday, Dec. 2, 3 till 9 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Pictures with Santa, 1003 Garfield in Oak Park. Call 708-848-8155 for details.
Birthdays this week: Bradley Edward Specter, Carol Ann Hills, Michael Neumann, Roland Maugham, Reagan Hosty, Susan Keach, Barbara Hosty, Jill Wagner, Cheryl Kolnick, and Adele Sharkey.
Happy anniversary to the Grants, Geri and Roger who are just back from England where they celebrated in royal style.
Thank you to the village and Mayor Calderone for the holiday free parking!
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.
