Grapes of Reflection 2022

I gravitate toward a sense of reflection each year on New Year's Eve.

I'm reminded of Mater's quotation in the movie Cars: "Ain't no need to watch where I'm going. Just need to know where I've been."

While time is progressing on to a new year, in the spirit of REO Speedwagon's lyrics, "Keep on rolling", I think there's wisdom in Mater's insight about having an awareness of where we've been that drives us while we move forward.

I feel that I can draw from memories as I go forth into a new year by meaningfully finishing a concluding year.

And so, in accordance with the Spanish custom of consuming 12 grapes for the occasion of New Year's, I here reflect on 2022:

Grape #1: Traveling to the Washington, D.C., area was a splendid trip springing with highlights.

Grape #2: Traveling to California had so many wonderful experiences, like the beach, the Pacific Surfliner, and visiting Tijuana, my first time in Mexico.

Grape #3: Going to Jamestown for Lucy sightseeing was a great way to connect with my Grandma Dottie in the wake of her passing, who introduced me to I Love Lucy, and get the insider look at a show I enjoy so much.

Grape #4: I had some great opportunities to get involved with the OPRF History Museum.  In September, I participated in a presentation about the creation of the present-day middle schools in Oak Park.  On October 15, I volunteered at the museum for Open House Chicago.

Grape #5: It was an honor to have the exhausting and exhilarating experience of serving as an election judge twice during 2022, especially in teh connections I made with the community, including people I know from Church and specifically in the Religious Education community, including former students.

Grape #6: I am so grateful to God for the opportunity of landing my new job in the Klinck Memorial Library of Concordia University Chicago.

Grape #7: September 4 was a special day as I joined in the celebration for Mom and Dad's 40th anniversary.

Grape #8: As I partied like it was 1991 all over again on April 28, the anniversary of my baptism, I had double reason to celebrate on account of the priest who baptized me, Father Pacocha, who that day marked the 60th anniversary of his ordination.  I was blessed to attend a special Mass and celebration held in his honor on April 23 at St. Eugene.

Grape #9: I went back to St. Teresa's on September 18 to serve a meal for the college students, which was a great way to give back to that community by ministering to the current students, and for me to reconnect with a significant place in my life.

Grape #10: It was such a memorable day to mark 30th anniversary of when my family moved to our beloved home on Clarence Avenue in Oak Park.  It was truly all I envisioned it to be.

Grape #11: I had many friends visit me here in Oak Park in 2022.  Rogenique and Roy visited on New Year's weekend after we attended the wedding of Heather and Zach.  To bring it full circle, the Ruggabers visited me earlier today on New Year's Eve.  These were great visits as I brought together significant parts of my life.  And I was glad Matthew came during Memorial Day weekend to take up my offer of accompanying me on a CAC tour, as I got two free walking tour tickets for volunteering during OHC 2021.

Grape #12: I made so many great connections in Religious Education this year.  The Confirmation Masses that I attended earlier this year on February 19 and March 12 were two very special days.  Notably, the first Confirmation Mass happened on the final weekend of the 2022 Winter Olympics.  I saw parallels between both events:  Those involved in each had the opportunity to do like is sung in the song "I Believe" by Nikki Yanofsky--written for the 2010 Winter Olympics--to stand tall and make the world proud by joining together as one, the powerful invincible force by which we achieve highly--and in the case of the Confirmation Mass, it is the power of the Holy Spirit bringing us together that enables us to do the greater things that Jesus speaks of in the Gospel according to St. John.  It is a great honor to be in the trenches, so to speak, and participate in the formation of these young people to grow in relationship with God and live more deeply in the mystery of God we realize by faith.

In these and so many other ways, 2022 had ample opportunities for me to embrace what I hold dear and what is most important in life, timeless values that shall persist into 2023 and beyond.

Thanks be to God for the works He did in our lives and circumstances in 2022.

2022 News and Events in Review

This year had a distinct political focus that comes with a midterm election year.  The November elections had mixed results.  The Democrats eeked out a narrow majority after a Georgia runoff election triggered by a third-party candidate.  The Republicans got a slim majority in the US House.

Notably, the primary election in Illinois was on June 28, rather than in March as it has often happened in the past.

One issue at stake was inflation, as prices for commodities like food and gas spiked.  2022 brought exceedingly high gas prices, though they've come down somewhat since the middle months of the year.

Undoubtedly, a major issue driving the politicking that led to the November elections was the Supreme Court's decision in the Dobbs vs. Jackson case.  A slight majority effectively allowed the Mississippi state law limiting abortions to stand and also overturned Roe vs. Wade.  The official decision came after someone leaked a draft opinion in early May to Politico, in which Justice Alito wrote an opinion that overruled Roe vs. Wade.  (I haven't heard the results of the investigation that Chief Justice Roberts directed the Supreme Court Marshal to undertake, after he acknowledge the draft's validity in a press release.)

Abortion proponents went into overdrive in an attempt to prevent this decision from being issued, and also prepared to take steps to protect abortion.  Protestors went to the homes of Supreme Court justices who were in favor of upholding the Mississippi law and overturning Roe vs. Wade.  (Chief Justice Roberts ruled to let the law stand, but didn't necessarily join the majority to overrule Roe vs. Wade.)

The justices wouldn't be pressured, and the ruling held when officially issued on the morning of June 24.  That date is significant as the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, who leapt in the womb of his mother when he sensed the presence of Christ in the womb of His mother Mary.  It was also the Feast of the Sacred Heart, and it was a sign that God bestowed His mercy on the USA by righting a terrible wrong.  I went to Mass later that day, and it was special to experience the palpable excitement of the priest celebrating Mass about what was a truly notable development.

Much work remained to uphold protections for the unborn.  The day the ruling was issued, many states immediately enacted laws to restrict abortion.  Many other states took action to protect abortion.  The Oak Park Village Board of Trustees took action to make Oak Park an abortion sanctuary.

There were ballot initiatives addressing abortion in the primary and November elections, which were unsuccessful in protecting the unborn.  It's clear that much work remains, but a notable victory has been achieved that now shifts the debate back to where it belongs, closer to the people.  I continue to hope and pray for the conversion of hearts and minds so that June 24, 2022, will be recognized in our society as a truly great day.

Justice Stephen Breyer announced his retirement, and President Biden nominated Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as his successor.  She was confirmed by the Senate and took her place on the Supreme Court when its term began in October.

Another major news story was Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which began in late February.  It was largely condemned throughout the international community.  There were even protests in Russia.  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emerged as a powerful leader in this time of crisis.  He made an impromptu visit to the United States in December and addressed a joint session of Congress.  Pope Francis led a consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Virgin Mary on March 25.  In July, Pope Francis went on a trip to Canada to meet with First Nations peoples to offer an apology for abuses that occurred in residential schools.

The US bishops formally launched the Eucharistic Revival initiative on June 19, Corpus Christi Sunday.  Bishop Barron moved from Santa Barbara as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to become Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.

Among the departures this year were Bishop Emeritus of Gary Dale Melczek, journalist Barbara Walters (right at the end of the year), actress Angela Lansbury, actor Sidney Poitier, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, historian David McCullough, and Queen Elizabeth II, whose passing was a major news story because she had achieved a high-profile status as the longest-reigning British monarch in history.

Her son succeeded her as King Charles III.  Two days before her passing, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Liz Truss as prime minister.  Following the funeral proceedings, Prime Minister Truss unveiled a plan to boost Britain's economy, but it caused such havoc that she was compelled to resign as Prime Minister about 6 weeks after taking office.  Rishi Sunak, who had competed for the spot previously, became the new Prime Minister.

Giorgia Meloni created a stir when she was elected prime minister of Italy, taking a strong right-leaning stance in her victory speech, addressing issues related to gender ideology and the family.

Locally, there were leadership changes in Oak Park.  Dr. Ushma Shah became the new District 97 superintendent.  Joslyn Bowling Dixon became the new executive director of the Oak Park Public Library in November, after David Seleb retired earlier in the year.  Shatonya Johnson became the new Oak Park Police Chief.

Notable anniversaries this year included 100 years since the births of St. Gianna Molla and Charles Schulz, and 200 years since the birth of Louis Pasteur.  The McCaughey 7 turned 25 in November.

The long-running children's TV show Arthur released its final episode in February, but it's a quality show that will last for a long time to come.

There was intense summer heat throughout the western United States in August.  Hurricane Ian caused major devastation in Florida in September.  An intense Arctic wintry blast engulfed the central and eastern USA in December, which partly contributed to major operational problems for Southwest Airlines.  In November, parts of New York state experienced copious amounts of lake-effect snow.  

The world came together for the Winter Olympics hosted by Beijing, and then in Qatar for the World Cup.  Emery Lehman, who first competed in the 2014 Winter Olympics during his final year at OPRFHS, participated in the 2022 Olympics and got a bronze medal.

Another 21 for Illinois at 204

With the recent 30th anniversary celebration of my coming to Oak Park, it's so appropriate to turn my attention to celebrating the birthday of Illinois today and party like it's 1818.

In the spirit of celebrating my residency in Oak Park for 3 decades, here is another list of 21 to celebrate Illinois, focusing on the Chicago suburbs:

1. Illinois Beach State Park in Zion

2. Orland Grassland by Orland Park

3. Swallowcliff Stairs in the Cook County Forest Preserve near Palos Park

4. Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center near Willow Springs

5. National Shrine of St. Therese in Darien

6. Will County Barn Quilt Trail

7. Lambs Farm

8. Woodstock Opera House

9. Rotary International Headquarters in Evanston

10. The Tower in Western Springs

11. The Glen Town Center in Glenview, on the site of the former Glenview Naval Air Station

12. MainStreet Libertyville

13. National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe

14. Chain of Lakes State Park

15. Naperville Riverwalk

16. Volo Bog State Natural Area

17. Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve

18. Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago

19. Virginia Cassin, the longtime Oak Park Village Clerk

20. The new Candycopia Store on lake Street in Oak Park is a sure way to have a sweet day

21. The Kettlestrings Family was among the first to settle in what is now Oak Park, beginning a long lin of people who consider Oak Park so dearly, including me.

Happy Birthday, Illinois!

Partying like it's 1818 with an Italian-style beef sandwich for lunch today from Pete's Red Hots in far southern Oak Park

Not in the suburbs for this photo, but still partying: Mom photographed me near Wolf Point in downtown Chicago on the evening of December 3, after we viewed the light display at Merchandise Mart.  One of my former co-workers, a big Lincoln fan, sent me the scarf I'm wearing as  a gift, and it fit my mood for this day.

30 for 30 Years in Oak Park

Earlier this year, Oak Park marked 120 years as a village on January 25, 2022.

This month marks 30 years since Saturday, November 28, 1992, the moving day when my family came to Oak Park.

Morning time in Oak Park, IL, on November 28, 2022

Being here for 30 years gives me so much reason to celebrate as I think about memorable events, places I hold dear in my memories, and places I still enjoy, a portion of which I recount now in this list of 30:

1. As a Julian alumnus, it was momentous when the PBS NOVA documentary "Forgotten Genius" debuted, which was a biography of Dr. Percy Julian.  There was a special ceremony a week prior at Julian.

2. Fair Share Finer Foods was a great neighborhood grocery store in southern Oak Park.

3. Jerusalem Cafe is a great restaurant with wonderful Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food offerings.

4. I really enjoyed the concept of Red Mango on Lake Street, pumping out the frozen stuff into a cup and then adding the toppings.

5. Hole-in-the-Wall is a famed ice cream stand in southern Oak Park.

6. Maze Branch Library reopened in early June 2006 after months of renovation work, and at the ceremony that day, Oak Park Public Library Board President Kelenson remarked, "Communities build libraries because libraries build communities."

7. In October 2003, the OPPL opened its Main Library in early October 2003 after months of work to construct a fine new building.

8. I had such a great time participating in the OPPL Children's Summer Reading program, and when I aged out of it upon reaching middle school, I volunteered for it during middle and high school summers.  I spent so many great afternoons at Maze.

9. The Barrie Park Hill is quite the sight, and I have great memories of sliding down it.  Walking it up gives good exercise, too.

11. One splendid way I would spend warm summer days growing up was walking to Rehm Pool.

12. The Multicultural Collection is a unique collection housed by the OPPL, and once housed inside Julian.  For many years in May, District 97 would host the Ethnic Fest, with a parade and other activities showcasing and celebrating diversity in our community.

13. The OPRF History Museum on Lake Street is a unique space that showcases local history.

14. I seriously enjoy going to see Dr. Esposito, my dentist, who has seen me grow up into the person I am today.

15. The Original Pancake House at Forest and Lake was a cherished restaurant in downtown Oak Park, serving up lots of good breakfast food.

16. Aripo's, the Venezuelan restaurant on Marion Street, was one of my favorite places to eat, with a unique ethnic concept.

17. I have great memories of going to La Majada on Harrison Street, usually as an end-of-the-year field trip for Spanish class.  I always liked the ambiance inside.

18. Lalo's, now Margarita's, on Oak Park Avenue, is a great Mexican restaurant, and has splendid decor that sets the mood so well.

19. The Buzz Cafe is a nice spot in the Harrison Street Arts District.

20. Oak Park is famed as the home of Frank Lloyd Wright.  My brother underwent training to be a junior interpreter tour guide there, and as part of the certification ceremony at the end of the process, he gave a private tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio to my parents and me, which, as I look back on it, astounds me.

21. To celebrate my brother Eric's birthday when he turned 30, he invited family and friends to dinner at Lou Malnati's in downtown Oak Park on the Sunday prior.  Before dinner, Mom and I joined him at a Chicago A Capella Concert at Pilgrim Congregational Church featuring music celebrating Chicago with Geoffrey Baer as the Master of Ceremonies.

22. Border's Bookstore at Harlem and Lake was a go-to place to get books, movies, and music. I found lots of great gifts there, even the go-to gift item of a Border's gift card.

23. The Pleasant Home is a resplendent historic home at Pleasant and Home.

24. The Oak Park Farmer's Market has wonderful offerings, including the famed donuts and the annual corn roast, along with bake sale fundraisers for various community groups.

25. Attending Julian Middle School had such an impact on me, especially in introducing me to other cultures, most especially when I had the honor of attending my friend Zach's Bar Mitzvah at Oak Park Temple.

26. During History of Chicago class with Ms. North in my final semester at OPRFHS, we had a spontaneous field trip to the Continental Divide sign on Chicago Avenue.

27. Starting the new middle school experience in Oak Park was truly a hallmark experience of my life, and an opportunity for me, at 11 years old, to make an impact on my community then, and for thousands of students to come after me.

28. The Julian Middle School mural is a masterpiece of art, and there was an excellent dedication ceremony for it, including remarks from Dr. Julian's daughter Faith.  I was so thrilled to contribute money to the project and get a tile that celebrates my Julian years.

29. Teaching Religious Education at Ascension Church brings together many of the significant aspects of my life, and has been a way for me to continue giving back and edifying my church community and even the community at large.

30. Serving as an election judge is always an exhausting, yet exhilarating and inspiring experience, being part of running the democratic process of the Republic and seeing people come out to vote.

My most recent service as an election judge for the General Gubernatorial Election on November 8 was yet another amazing experience, my 7th time as an election judge.

Like in all previous times, I awoke at 4 AM on November 8.  As I left home and walked to Maze, I was up early enough to see the reddish tint of the full moon during the lunar eclipse, which was a treat since I wouldn't normally be up that early.

I worked with a really great team of people for precinct 16, who approached the work thoughtfully.  There was a good team upstairs, too, serving precinct 3, including two sisters who have served so many times, even longer than me, and are established experts.

Serving the voters is an honor that makes the long day worth it, especially all the people I saw who I know from Ascension Church, including parents of former and current RE students. One of my former students herself came to vote.  Another of my former students, who has not yet reached voting age, accompanied her parents to see them vote, and it was wonderful to see her, since most of my current and former students don't typically accompany their parents to see what the voting process is like.

It was a steady flow of people throughout the day, and the line never really got too long.  I felt a sense of energy throughout the whole day.

In some respects, serving as an election judge brings together many of the significant parts of my life, putting to use my interest and knowledge in government processes to serve the community.  It's special to do it at Maze, where I first had the opportunity to serve the community as a teen volunteer.

Regardless of the outcomes that result following the election, it's a celebration to see what unfolds during the day.

And it's a major reason why I have so much to celebrate marking 30 years here in Oak Park.

My fellow election judge Aaron photographed me in a lull moment on Election Day, November 8, 2022, a great day of drawing from my experiences in Oak Park to serve the community.

30 Years in a Defining Place

A house truly becomes a home as we recognize it as a vessel holding the experiences we hold dear and that make us who we are.

So it was definitely a defining day in my life 30 years ago on Saturday, November 28, 1992, when my family moved to the house on Clarence Avenue in Oak Park, a special place that is the core of who I am.

To celebrate and party like it's 1992 all over again, I reflect on 30 memories of this place:

1. It was a delightful day when we rode down Harlem Avenue to Sid's at 111th Street and returned home with an apple tree and a cherry tree and then plant them, and see them appear so splendidly to the side of the house for many years.

2. I enjoyed playing the Carmen Sandiego computer games as I traveled through the USA, the world, and through time.

3. Among the major events I saw live on TV was Pope Francis's election in 2013.

4. I also extensively watched live coverage of Pope Francis's trip to the USA in 2015.

5. Block parties are a good time to get together with the neighbors. One year, different families took turns hosting gatherings at their houses, beyond our block parties.  One day in June, likely in 2010, we hosted an ice cream social for the block, which I'm fairly certain was Dad's idea.

6. I have such fond memories of celebrating my 8th grade graduation at home, first, a dinner on the evening before the ceremony on 6-8-2005, with Grandma Dottie present, and then a celebration with more family on the Sunday evening that followed.

7. A few months after 8th grade graduation, on 10-15-2005, we had a great dinner at home to celebrate my Confirmation after the Mass.

8. We had a splendid celebratory dinner at home after my MLIS graduation ceremony on 5-8-2016, with food from Grape Leaves.

9. Throughout 6th grade, I always looked forward to coming home after school on Friday each week and getting into weekend mode by watching Liberty's Kids.

10.  During the summers of elementary school, after going to Maze Branch Library for more books and to check in my summer reading program progress, upon arriving home, with my head still in a book, I'd remove my shoes and get comfortable in a living room chair.

11. On Memorial Day weekend--likely the day itself--in 2014, we had a family gathering.  After singing to Mom for her birthday, we all sang "Happy Birthday" to Ava shortly before she turned 1.

12. Finding Teddy as a little boy brought me long-lasting comfort and joy.

13. Over the many years growing up, I became acquainted with new technology, like the time I watched a DVD for the first time, the animated version of the movie 102 Dalmatians.  I even learned you don't have to rewind a DVD after I hit the rewind button and waited for it, and nothing happened.

14. The January 1999 blizzard was a pretty epic weather event as we hunkered inside and kept cozy while snow raged all around us outside.
15. I always liked the baking of sweet breads, like orange bread, cinnamon bread, or even cinnamon rolls, especially when Mom did it spontaneously.  I'm fairly certain taht's where I picked up my knack for baking these breads for my RE class.

16. I had so much fun creating Brio train layouts, surely because of my intense interest in trains.

17. And I definitely liked having fun with Playmobile toys.

18. At one point, we put up an awning on the deck during the warmer months.  After it rained, a pool of water collected in a pouch, and I had fun taking a broom and poking at it, to let the water empty.

19. With inheritance money from Uncle Arnold, my parents had a Sunroom attached to the back of the house on the deck, which has been a wonderful space for us realized in various purposes.

20. It was a thrill to see horse-drawn wagon rides come down our block as part of the Fall Fest festivities at Rehm Park, usually on a Sunday in September.

21. Each autumn, the tree out front enters into autumn mode with brilliant red leaves.

22. I remember the day back in the 1990's when I first watched Arthur, and I watched many more great episodes in the succeeding years.

23. In December, we add a festive touch by creating St. Nicholas Square layouts, which I enjoy.

24. Watching the annual National Memorial Day Concert on PBS is a cherished custom on the Sunday prior to the holiday each year that helps set the tone for us to honor the occasion.

25. Watching the annual July 4 concert, A Capitol Fourth, on PBS is another great annual custom.

26. I had wonderful times with bedtime reading with Mom and Dad on alternating nights. After Bible and other spiritual reading, we spent time with a range of books, from picture books to the sophisticated, like the Federalist Papers, inspired by Our Country's Founders.

27. It always fills with me with great delight to see the blooming of the peonies each year in late spring/early summer.

28. After getting so homesick going away to college, my first weekend visit home in September was a truly joyful experience reconnecting back with this beloved place.

29. It has been a great delight to welcome to this home so many friends I've made in college, including Zach when we were off on Thanksgiving Break during our 2nd year at ValpU, Richard during Spring Break later that year, the Ruggabers after I graduated, and even Rogenique, Roy, and Matthew earlier this year most recently.

30. I have so many fond memories of holiday gatherings here.  One that truly stands out was Thanksgiving Day 2008.  Carol Finnegan, a fellow Ascension parishioner, was present, and so were Brian Aden and his fellow Navy comrades.

Throughout these experiences is a common thread of connecting with other people and the world at large through the familiar setting of this place that has seen so much.  It is truly become a home because of the life we have shared here, and how we have extended that to others who have come through the doors.  And in our lives here we have known the love God first showed us in Christ, and that He gives in a special way for families to share together.

In all the memories I have listed above, and so many others, I feel great comfort and abundant joy, which are hallmarks of this home.  No matter where I go in life, I will always think of this home in this way.

Indeed, in this place, we have realized the gift of God's presence, Who is the giver of all gifts, and how we have been gift to each other in our family, and all those who have come here.

Thanks be to God!

This dearly beloved house has truly been a home, where we have truly made a life.

Thanksgiving Thoughts 2022: What Really Matters

Something stirs deep within me each year as I celebrate Thanksgiving Day.  It's an American holiday, with deep spiritual overtones that speak to the timeless values defining this day.

In whatever circumstances, having an attitude of gratitude uplifts our spirits as we remember what matters most in life.  Surely that's why St. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5, "In all circumstances give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

God indeed is the Great Source of everything, and we recognize this reality by faith.  In God, we have life, and Abundant Life.  When I walked into St. Edmund Church for Thanksgiving Day Mass this morning, Denise, the longtime flute player at Ascension, greeted me with "Happy Easter!" only to realize what holiday it is today.  As I was about to leave after Mass, I approached her and remarked that we can give thanks even today that Christ is Risen from the dead, and we have great purpose in life because of the Resurrection.

Indeed, I'm grateful for the church community that makes the real the unseen God, as we manifest Him to each other.  Going to Mass on Thanksgiving Day morning always invigorates me so deeply because the source and summit of the Christian life is the Eucharist, which is a Greek term that means "Thanksgiving".  We ground our lives in Thanksgiving by attending Mass week after week, encountering God, giving Him thanks for all, and being sent forth as a response to our encounter with Him.  Indeed, like Father Robert said in his homily, this day is about action.  Even the name "Thanksgiving" suggests there's something we are meant to do.  Today is the birthday of St. Padre Junipero Serra, a Franciscan priest born in Spain in 1783, and who established missions up and down the California coast, proclaiming the reality of God.  Certainly, we are called to give thanks by sharing this Good News with others, that our God saves and gives us an extraordinary meaning to our lives.

And we participate together in thanksgiving with others, realizing what it means to belong, certainly in church community when we gather for Mass as the body of Christ, and also as we consider what it means to be in the United States of America.

It's great that this holiday comes just a couple of weeks after Election Day 2022.  Regardless of our opinion about the results of the elections, we can certainly give thanks for the opportunity to participate in the process of our government and have a say in who enters into these offices established under the auspices of the US Constitution.  Back in 1789, President Washington proclaimed Thanksgiving Day as a holiday to offer prayer for thanksgiving for the establishment of the US Constitution and for God's other manifold blessings, and to seek His mercy for wrongdoings, beholding that our just God is also so merciful.

I worked as an election judge on Election Day, and once again, despite being a long, tiring day, it was also so inspiring to see people come out and vote, to embrace the opportunity to be part of the democratic process of the Republic.  Despite its flaws, we are still blessed to be part of a country that provides free elections as we have.  And our freedoms are made possible by the sacrifices of so many, especially our veterans, who we recognized two weeks ago, shortly after the elections.

Serving as an election judge is also inspiring because of the way I can serve the community, especially the many people I know from church who came to vote that day.  Certainly, human relationships grant such a strong sense of purpose to life, and are another core part of what it means to celebrate Thanksgiving Day.

Throughout the month of November, I've thought about family members, and even others outside my family, who have passed on from this life, grateful for their presence and how they made an impact on others.  I am filled with joy for all the relationships I have with others around me, in my family, in the community, with my co-workers at my various jobs, and at church.

I am especially grateful for my RE students.  In the midst of challenges I've faced in my life, it heartens me greatly each week when I'm in the classroom with my students.  Even as I support them, they support me.  Last month, I asked my students to pray for me, even as I pray for them.  I invited them specifically to pray for me while I was in the midst of the application process for a new job.  With great joy, I shared with them my good news that I accepted an offer for a new job.

Indeed, on this Thanksgiving Day, I'm grateful for the ways that in my circumstances, I realize what matters most in life, that there is a God, that He is the Giver of all gifts, and we respond in thanksgiving by being gift to one another.

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land USA in Washington, D.C.

The Intricate Details Defining Chicagoland

I am always grateful for the opportunity afforded by Open House Chicago (OHC) weekend to appreciate what's in my own neck of the woods.

Volunteering again for the 2022 event offered a special touch to my participation as it did last year.

And I brought it even closer to home, physically and metaphorically speaking, by spending 4 hours at the OPRF History Museum on east Lake Street.  After having such a great experience volunteering last year, I was eager to do so again.  The OPRF History Museum sent an e-mail newsletter with a spot noting that the museum was seeking volunteers.  I contacted the museum to state that I was interested, having grown in appreciation for Oak Park over my almost 30 years of making my home here, and especially appreciating the history and the way the museum showcases it.  Aware of the coming 30th anniversary of when I first came to live in Oak Park, I felt it was the right time to be part of helping showcase it during OHC.

I started my time there on the morning of Saturday, October 15, around 9:30 to get oriented with Rachel Berlinski, the operations manager, and the other volunteers, in time for 10 AM, when we welcomed visitors.  During the 4 hours I was there, I floated around the museum, directing people, and highlighting what was there to see.  We had a fair number of visitors come.

The museum is a unique space, thanks to the efforts over multiple years to transform the largely unused former Oak Park Public Works facility into a building that hearkens back to its original use as the Cicero Firehouse from the 1890s.  There are many objects from bygone years, like a library card catalog, pictures, signs, a typewriter, and topographical maps.

The upper level has a Wall of Fame that the Rotary Club created, and currently has an exhibit on the process of making fair housing established in Oak Park.  Given how much Oak Park means to me, and my appreciation for how history is part of that, I delighted in the chance to showcase the museum's offerings to visitors this day.

Here I am posing inside the museum.  I think Rachel or one of my fellow volunteers got this photo.  All photos in this post are mine, unless otherwise noted.

A little later that day, I made one of my regular visits to the Oak Park Conservatory, which I do 2-4 times a month.  It was included as an OHC site, another great place on showcase in Oak Park.

The next day, Sunday, October 16, was my day to participate in OHC as a visitor.  My Mom and I drove around for about 2-3 hours in the afternoon.

First, we visited Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory School, on Jackson Boulevard in Austin.  Someone on the school's fundraising staff gave us a tour.  We first walked down a hall to see the Chapel, a modernistic space surrounded by walls that let in filtered light.  After going there, she showed us some of the classrooms, and other spaces like the cafeteria and the gym.  We also learned more about the impact the school makes for its students.  It helps its students pay for their tuition by giving them real work experience one day a week.

Above and directly below are views of the Chapel.

Exterior of the school along Jackson

We continued the theme of religious sites with a visit to the West Suburban Temple Har Zion on Harlem Avenue in River Forest.  There were scheduled talks held throughout its afternoon open visiting hours.  Upon arriving, we were directed to a space on the other side of its sanctuary to hear a talk on the Genesis windows.  These stained glass windows are amazing pieces of art with great details highlighting so many aspects of Genesis stories that are defining stories of who they are.  Subsequently, we joined a presentation at the entrance to its sanctuary on the tapestries, from the artist who created them, a member of the Oak Park Temple just a couple of blocks north on Harlem.  These tapestries displayed scenes from the giving of the Law in Exodus, with abstract designs, and create a focal point into the sanctuary where the Torah scrolls are brought out of the ark, a special cabinet.  It was great to hear from the artist herself and get a sense of her thought process as she created the artwork.

Genesis windows

Flanking the doors to the sanctuary are two of the tapestries, that are designed to bookend the doors

Mom and I finished by taking in a higher view of things at the One Lake Brewing brewery at Austin and Lake.  We walked upstairs to its rooftop terrace, with views that looked out over Austin Boulevard into the West Side and east toward downtown.

Artistic feature

View from the rooftop terrace, looking east into Austin, with Lake Street appearing to the left

Here's Mom and me on the rooftop terrace. A fellow visitor took this photo, who I recognized as a CAC docent.

I always value how OHC gives people the opportunity to appreciate what's in their own backyard in Chicagoland, and showcase what's here to those who come from out of town.  There's something for everyone with over 100 sites available many of which aren't typically open to the general public.

Yet my explorations of Chicagoland weren't confined to just that weekend.

Earlier in October, I spent an afternoon at Palmisano Park.  It used to be a quarry, and has been turned into a prairie natural area.  I enjoyed walking around for a while, appreciating the natural landscapes there that speak what defines Illinois originally, and taking in great views of the skyline.

View looking northeasterly toward downtown Chicago

View looking northwesterly toward the pond area in the park

Later in October, on a wonderfully mild day, after my family visited my grandparents at Lincoln National Cemetery, we drove a short distance away to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie for a short hike.  Again, it was wonderful to walk through this restored prairie area, and look at the vast grasslands that are part of Illinois's heritage.

Looking west at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

Looking in a northerly direction at Midewin

On the final Sunday of October, I attended Mass at the National Shrine of St. Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini in Lincoln Park. I felt it was fitting during the Jubilee Year marking 75 years since her canonization.  It's located in what used to be Columbus Hospital, where she served for many years. The sanctuary is an incredibly beautiful space.

Inside the sanctuary

The outer entrance of the shrine

Someone at the front desk photographed me in the entryway

Following Mass, I drove north for a short visit to Little India along Devon Avenue, with many businesses with offerings from India, as well as other places in the Middle East.

Above is the view at Devon and Artesian looking east on Devon, and below is at the same intersection looking west. I shopped in the World Fresh Market shown below.

There's a lot that I can appreciate about living in this area.  And throughout the month of October, during OHC weekend, and beyond, by visiting new places nearby and in different areas, I further increased my appreciation for the intricacies of Chicagoland.

100 Years of Abuelo José

It's time to party like it's 1922 all over again: Today 100 years ago would result in a blessing for so many, including me way down the line, when, on November 15, 1922, my Grandpa, mi Abuelo, José Rubio was born.

I am delighted to celebrate his remarkable life.

He trod the path so many have trodden to be part of the USA experience.  As a young man, he would spend certain months of the year working in an agricultural setting in New Mexico on a worker's permit.  He eventually settled in the USA and brought his whole family over, which included 9 younger siblings.

Many years ago, I had various discussions with him about his life, and he told me about a woman named Mrs. Podell who rented a room to him in her large house in Chicago.  She traveled to Mexico around the time the Paricutin volcano suddenly formed in 1943.  Some people there helped her when she ventured to see the volcano, and she remained grateful to the Mexican people.  As I understand it, she did so much to help Abuelo gain success in life.

After settling in Chicago, he met and married my Grandma, mi Abuela Vel, and raised his family, including my Dad.

Abuelo gained quite a multifaceted experience from running a tavern, JV Liquors, for many years on Diversey Avenue in the Logan Square neighborhood.  He heard many interesting jokes there, including one about "brains", which became a running inside joke between us.  I can still picture him in a comfy blue chair in the living room at 5445 N. Lamon, turning red from laughing so hard.

Additionally, he enjoyed animals.  I remember how he endeared himself to three Shih Tzu mix dogs, including Daisy, Mei Mei, and especially Buddy.  He knew Buddy was the one when he and Abuela went to Orphans of the Storm, and Abuelo said, "He's my Buddy."  I remember one amusing instance the summer after they brought him home: The three of us came back to their house and Buddy kind of cornered Abuelo in a doorway.

Perhaps there's something about animals that tapped into his very relaxed demeanor.

I'm fairly certain Abuela took this photo of Abuelo out on the front steps with Buddy.  Most likely, all photos in this post are Abuela's, expect when otherwise noted.

I also regard him as someone knowledgeable, who deeply sought out knowledge.  When I was thinking of people to interview for each of the gifts of the Holy Spirit while preparing for Confirmation, Mom, who was helping me think of people, suggested Abuelo Jose for the gift of knowledge.  I called him, and we had quite an interesting conversation.  He was in his element as he answered my questions.

He demonstrated the importance of knowledge as a pursuit all through life.  After he retired from the tavern business in the 1990's, he went to the City Colleges of Chicago to get a degree.  I have a faint memory of attending the graduation ceremony when I was about 4 or 5 years old, and he spoke.  During his coursework, he wrote a composition on Abraham Lincoln, a person he greatly admired.

Above all, he was a person of deep faith.  I have great memories of accompanying him to Mass at his parish, Queen of All Saints Basilica on the far north side of Chicago.  His understanding of faith factored deeply into many of his conversations.  He was even involved in the Cursillo movement.  At a retreat, someone mistakenly thought he was the Holy Spirit coming into a bedroom at night since he had a towel wrapped over him to keep warm when the heat wasn't working.  Abuelo was also the sponsor for a friend, Scott Buhrmaster, when Scott joined the Roman Catholic Church.

Seeing how he imparted faith is something that makes his presence timeless, especially today, 100 years after his birth.

One year, on Christmas/Nativity Eve, my Dad got his parents a copy of The Advent Book.  Here's Abuelo flipping through it shortly after opening it. He definitely enjoyed this chair.

For his 80-year birthday, which was 20 years ago, Abuela cooked up quite a surprise for Abuelo.  She hired a limousine to drive us to Lawry's.  Abuelo is clearly still floored in this photo by the surprise while we ride in the limo.

Abuela was keen on getting each of us to pose during various celebrations.  Here, I pose with Abuelo, likely on one of his birthdays.

Here I am posing with Abuela and Abuelo at a meal they hosted for my birthday, though I'm not sure what year. I think Dad might have photographed this photo.

After posing for a photo with my Uncle Bernie, my sponsor, and BIshop Kane, likely taken by my Dad, Abuelo decided to jump in for a photo at the reception following my Confirmation Mass.  He appears to the left of me in the photo, and Bishop Kane on the right.

Timeless: Remembering Grandma While Seeing Lucy

It was a trip that with enough reasons for me to laugh for 1000 miles round trip, even as it summoned forth memories from earlier years of my life and bygone years of American entertainment.

I have often found the opportunity in places far away from home to connect with something that resonates deeply with my life.   That was the primary motivation for my recent extended weekend road trip to Jamestown, NY, the birthplace of my favorite actress, Lucille Ball.

Greetings Mural at the Lucille Ball Little Theater in downtown Jamestown, NY

Sign along Main Street, just south of the I-86 interchange

I credit my Grandma Dottie for introducing me to Lucy and getting me hooked on the TV sitcom I Love Lucy.  My Grandma's passing got me thinking anew about our relationship and what we experienced during our times together.  As a way to connect with that aspect of our relationship, I decided to visit Jamestown, NY, and do Lucy sightseeing.

Shortly after 11 AM CDT on Friday, August 26, I loaded into Avila and headed east.  It would be a day's drive of about 500 miles to reach Jamestown, mostly on I-90.  (Please note that most of the times stated in this post are EDT, unless otherwise noted.)

I stopped in Indiana to visit Portage Beach, which is in the photo below, walking around and taking in the views, while feeling the strong northerly winds sweeping off Lake Michigan.   (Please note, as typical with my posts, all photos are mine unless otherwise stated.)

Around 2 PM CDT, I got lunch at Wendy's near downtown LaPorte, IN, including the new Strawberry Frosty.

From there, I got back on the Indiana Tollroad and continued east.  I played an audiobook version of America: Imagine a World without Her.  Upon reaching Ohio, I drove the Ohio Turnpike.  Around 7 PM EDT, near Elyria, I left the Turnpike, and upon reaching the first exit past leaving the Turnpike, I got off I-90 and had dinner at Bob Evan's, a nice restaurant chain I always associate with road trips.  My server was on her first day of the job.

From there, I continued on I-90, and soon drove through Cleveland, with great views of the skyline in the fading daylight.  I drove onward in the nighttime darkness, crossing into northwestern Pennsylvania.  Just past the exits for Erie, I switched over to I-86, and headed due east.  Around 10:30 PM EDT, I entered the state of New York.  I realize it was my first time in the state of New York since our family drove through the western part of the state on the way back to Oak Park from vacationing in Niagara Falls, which was in the final year of the 20th Century.

Around 11 PM, I reached the exit for Main Street in Jamestown.  I wound around town and then arrived at my AirBnb lodgings, a couple of miles east of downtown.  Once settled in, I went to sleep.

The next morning, on Saturday, August 27, I awoke around 8 AM.  I had breakfast and I also took a short walk around the neighborhood.  Jamestown is a small city, but has a prominent feel as the largest city in Chautauqua County, the westernmost county in New York.

Shortly after 10 AM, I set out for my day full of Lucy sightseeing.

First, I drove to the home where Lucille was born on August 6, 1911, which is in the photo below.  

From there, I drove to downtown Jamestown to visit the Lucy-Desi Museum. Below is a photo showing the outside of the museum with the east gallery.  

It has an East Galley, focusing on the I Love Lucy Show, and a West Gallery, focusing on the lives of Lucy and Desi.

The East Gallery begins with a display about the radio show Lucy did before I Love Lucy.  Then came a real highlight for me, seeing a recreation of the set for the Ricardos' second apartment, with both the living room and the kitchen.  Below are several shots.

A fellow visitor got the photos of me above and below posing with the set in the background.  Above is the kitchen. Below is the living room.

View of the living room

View of the living room looking toward the kitchen

View looking from the kitchen toward the living room

Nearby were displays with lots of other props, like Lucy's floral hat she wore in Paris, a dress made from a potato sack that Ricky fooled her into thinking was a Parisian designer dress, and instruments.

This display case shows a variety of props, including the fake designer dress to the far right, and an outfit Lucy wore when posing as a Martian, appearing in the middle.

Lucy's floral hat

Continuing along in the exhibit was a recreation of the Ricardos' hotel room at the fictional Beverly Palms Hotel, when Ricky was out in Hollywood for much of season 4 and a little bit of the beginning of season 5--please see the two photos below.

I was also intrigued to see a diorama of the sets where they filmed the show, complete with the bleachers for the live audience--please see the two photos directly below.  I'm sure that was quite an experience to be present for a live filming of I Love Lucy.  One of the people on the production staff, as quoted in a display, said he would walk alongside the bleachers to listen to the laughing.

Looking at the sets

The bleachers appear toward the right

The I Love Lucy show used a number of innovative and trend-breaking techniques.  One example is how the crew filmed the scenes with multiple cameras.  They later reviewed the tapes on a large machine--that someone called "the Monster" on first seeing it, which was a name that stuck--and compiled the show together from the best footage.

the "Monster"

And I also learned the secret about Lucy's iconic red hair from this display, showing the various ingredients involved in creating that look:

The east gallery also had a set of Lucy and Ricky bedroom furniture, donated by the family of a local Jamestown resident.  This furniture set was marketed during the 1950's.

And at the end of the East Gallery was a set where people could pose with Vitameatavegamin, as a fellow visitor photographed me below.

The West Gallery had two displays at the beginning that told about the youth years of both Lucy and Desi.  He had a life of privilege in Santiago, Cuba, until Fulgencio Batista's rule began and his family lost much of what they had and fled to the United States.  He eventually started a band.  While growing up, Lucy went to see vaudeville shows, which piqued her interest in acting.  

Above is the display for Lucy's youth, and below is the display for Desi's youth.

In addition to I Love Lucy, she starred in several movies from the 1940's until the 1970's.  One that I am familiar with is The Long, Long Trailer, which I learned was filmed during a summer break for I Love Lucy.  I even found out she did a London TV special for CBS in the 1970's.

I was super intrigued to see her car on display in the west gallery--please see photo below.

At the end was a display with all her Emmy awards, as shown in the photo below.

In addition to visiting the exhibits, I took a look around at the market outside the museum, which took over a block of 3rd Street.

Once I was done perusing the two galleries, I walked a few blocks south, across the Chadakoin River, to photograph the mural of the scene when the I Love Lucy foursome start their journey to California--please see the photo below.

It was around 1 PM by this point, and I was ready for lunch.  I ended up at a place called JWilly's Que and Cream, which was kind of like an outdoor food truck restaurant. I got souvlaki with lamb and a float with cream soda and peach ice cream.

From there, I made a visit to the Prendergast Library, the local public library, and looked around for a few minutes.

I also went back to the museum to take a look at a few areas that I wanted to see again and get some photos.  Once I was done there, I walked around in downtown Jamestown to get photos of the other Lucy murals.

Here's the Vitameatavegamin mural.

This postcard mural is appropriately right by the Jamestown post office.

Here's the scene from Job Switching at the chocolate-packing conveyor belt, when the supervisor yells to speed up the belt.

And then I drove to Lakeview Cemetery to visit Lucille Ball's grave--both sides are shown in the photo below.  I had to wind around a bit to find the entrance where the path to her grave is marked by red hearts.  Her grave is flanked by other relatives going back decades before her birth.

Subsequently, I went to St. James Parish to attend 4 PM Mass.  As someone who is intrigued by church architecture, I was fascinated by the round shape of the sanctuary.  And rather amazingly, for the first time in 2 1/2 years, I partook of the Precious Blood in the chalice.

Inside the sanctuary of St. James

Following Mass, I lingered at the church for a few minutes.  

Then I drove to the nearby village of Celeron. where Lucille spent part of her childhood.  I photographed a house where she lived, on Lucy Lane, complete with the garage painted in the design of her famed polka-dot dress.  

The house, with the decorated garage appearing to the left in the photo

Here's the sign for Lucy Lane. Lucy's childhood home is the bluish house appearing to the left.

Subsequently, I drove to Lucille Ball Memorial Park on the southeast shore of Lake Chautauqua.  There used to be an amusement park there where she worked a summer job.  The park has two statues of her.

Vitameatavegamin statue

Here I am by the Lucy statue in Lucille Ball Memorial Park. I thank the fellow visitor who photographed me here.

It was also peaceful to linger by the shoreline and listen to the gentle lap of the water--please see the photo below.

By 6 PM or so, I was at El Jarocho in downtown Jamestown for dinner.  I ordered chicken and shrimp in a tomato-like chipotle sauce.  It was a good dish.  

Next, on my way to Tim Horton's, I stopped for gas while attempting to turn around to the right side of the street.  (Despite the suspension of the state gas tax, it still surpassed $4, well over prices I saw in Ohio.)  At Tim Horton's--please see photo below--I got a couple of baked goods, enjoying something that seems exotic because it's a Canadian-based company.  

And then I went back to my lodgings to unwind and retire for the day.

I was up between 7-8 AM the next morning. I walked a block away to get breakfast from the Coffee Cup, a small restaurant.  I had French toast, which I brought back to my lodgings.

Around 9 AM, I had Avila loaded up and began my journey out of Jamestown.  I swung by downtown to see some other sites on the Lucy driving tour I had missed the day before, and also one of her childhood houses a few blocks north of downtown.  Then I drove north on Main Street to I-86, and headed west.  I got great views of Lake Chautauqua while crossing over it.

Within the hour, I exited New York and entered Pennsylvania.  As I rounded the curved ramp to enter I-90, I got a great view of Lake Erie.

I soon exited I-90 and drove through Erie, PA, to St. Joseph Parish, where I attended 10 AM Mass.  There was a great sense of community at St. Joseph with all the many people gathered for Mass.  Father Larry is a one-of-a-kind priest who is gifted in helping people encounter God.  Many years ago, I accompanied my Dad and attended a Mass Father Larry celebrated in Chicago, followed by a talk on Eucharistic devotion.  Dad has engaged with Father Larry's media for years, so it was meaningful to attend Mass at his parish.

Above is the inside of St. Joseph, by the altar, and below is the exterior.

I lingered after Mass for hospitality.  I had some nice conversation with a couple of parishioners, and I had the chance to reflect on my extended weekend excursion to Jamestown.  I also got the scoop on a local doughnut shop, Mighty Fine Donuts, from which there were donuts for after Mass.  When I mentioned my intent to eat at Cracker Barrel, one of the parishioners I spoke with was kind enough to offer me a Cracker Barrel gift card he had that he thought I could use more readily than him.

Following my time there, I drove to Cracker Barrel, near I-90.  I had beef pot roast for lunch.  Around 1 PM or so, I got back in Avila, and then got on I-90, driving west.

I pulled off at rest stops, and also got off in Cleveland to take some photos around the lakefront area.  

Above is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with the waters of Lake Erie appearing to the left in the photo. Below is the Cleveland skyline, opposite from where I got the photo above.

I continued with the Founding Mothers audiobook.  Later, I joined my weekly friends' phone gathering for Bible study and fellowship as I passed from northwest Ohio into northern Indiana.

I arrived back in Oak Park around 8 PM CDT or so.  I went to get dinner and Gina's dessert before arriving home.

This trip was touching in providing me a way to reconnect with my Grandma Dottie.  While I no longer have the opportunity to fulfill my desire to return from a visit to Jamestown and show her photos from there, I still held strongly to my intention to visit Jamestown this past summer, knowing in the wake of her passing, it would be good for me to do personally.

One thing I appreciated about Grandma Dottie was having conversations with her that connected me with the way the world was decades ago.  Given my strong interest in history, I liked being able to hear about the past through someone like her as she shared her lived experience with me.

The great thing about I Love Lucy is that it's still popular even decades after the show reached its conclusion.  New generations can appreciate this wonderful show, just as I have, thanks to my Grandma.

Visiting Jamestown was an opportunity to acquaint myself with the context of Lucille Ball's life, and learn about the show from an insider perspective, especially considering its innovative and groundbreaking aspects.  Seeing the exhibits with various props that were actually used on the show was a fascinating way to get up close and real with it, just like with the recreation of the sets, even as they gave whole new perspective by seeing them in color.

Throughout my sightseeing, I felt a sense of gladness, thinking about a wonderful show I enjoy so much, and also thinking about this aspect of my relationship with Grandma Dottie.  I didn't necessarily feel sadness about her departure from this life, but rather a sense of joy for the good times we had together.  Being in Jamestown made it come alive again, just as the museum and the nearby National Comedy Center seek to help people appreciate Lucille Ball and I Love Lucy and their contributions to 20th Century society in the USA.

Indeed, the love for Lucy persists, thanks to people like my Grandma Dottie who passed it on to me, her grandson, and to those at the museum who help the public appreciate a true classic that is timeless.

I thank the fellow visitor who photographed me by the I Love Lucy heart on display in a window by the west gallery of the Lucy-Desi Museum.