Here are some of the topics we wrote about in 2024:
We began by accentuating the positive. I reported on getting a brand-new engine in our 2013 Kia — for free! I was also grateful for a free computer that makes writing columns possible.
While I was on the subject of “me,” I wrote about our adventures exploring Amsterdam and Paris. I also joined the Dive Bar Letter Writers and mailed my grandsons postcards from Amsterdam.
Ed’s Way closing was sad, but thankfully we have Aldi’s nearby for emergency groceries. Still, I miss the Ed’s Way crew and John, their full-time butcher.
It was also sad when Karen Yarbrough passed away, but she taught us life lessons about caring for grandkids.
I also lost my childhood friend, Ed Wackrow. We’re going to celebrate Ed’s life during his favorite time of year, March Madness.
We lamented the fact that Americans are becoming dumber and also losing their spatial awareness — but celebrated the patriotism of protest.
We talked about the curse of living with happiness insomnia, the wisdom of mindfulness, and the importance of keeping our serenity.
We celebrated ukelele players at the Eagle’s Hall, storytelling at the Friendly Tap, and drinking pisco cocktails with Catalina Gaete-Benz at Piacere Mio.
We talked about the misery of February, the trials of being a middle child, and had a meaningful conversation with a dog.
We obtained a list of street signs honoring residents and described why Ed Nutley, Joe Byrnes, Theresa Giglio, Andy Collis, Austin Prabhu, Anthony Spinelli and Isaac Beal deserved their signs.
We mourned the passing of former Park Director Dave Novak and celebrated the grand opening of Rieger Park.
We discovered the artistry of Chuck Michalak, listened to Allyssa Allgood jazzing it up at Robert’s Westside, and recognized Lucia Whalen for headlining at Zanies.
We had a plaque dedicated to Dr. Joseph Corbin, recognizing his grave in Forest Home Cemetery for being on the National Register of Historic Places.
We may have lost Centuries & Sleuths bookstore and The Book Table in Oak Park, but we gained The Pile Bookstore in Berwyn.
We were sad to see American Legion Post 414 shut down but were thankful we got to see the Forest Park Theatre present plays there.
We couldn’t believe Curtis Horras remembers his “cookie” from kindergarten in 2011 and proud that he’s going to college on a scholarship.
We were happy to welcome koalas to Brookfield Zoo and were reminded that “imaginary” koalas had lived there when my daughter wrote a story about them.
We were reminded that “whatever” is still the most annoying word in the English language, reviewed the stages of childhood for young parents, and warned against giving our kids too much help with their schoolwork.
We encouraged readers to attend the University of Life, talked about the virtues of mindfulness, and reviewed tips for enjoying the holidays.
Finally, I have a few stories I didn’t write about for the Review.
I’ve been going to my eye doctor, Dr. Garreffa, for years and they’ve been so helpful. They proved it again when my frames broke. They miraculously had my frames in stock and gave me a discount.
A neighbor reported on the kindness he gets from Forest Automotive. His car had a flat but Scotty fixed the tire for free in thanks for the referrals he gets from my friends.
And last, not least, I’m grateful for the privilege of tutoring students from Ukraine, Mexico and Venezuela at Triton College. I traded my recipe for sweet potato casserole for my student’s recipe for borscht.
