Publications & Sites 
Learn language young; you won’t do it later
Updated: June 11, 2012 9:25AM
Here’s Judy’s pick of coming community activities in the Northbrook area, spiced with a little commentary.
41, 57, 104? Registration continues for the many Northbrook Park District’s summer camps and workshops until programs fill. One of the offerings, Camp Curiosity, is for children ages 4.5 to 6 and features arts and crafts, Spanish lessons, group games, and nature and fitness activities. For more information, view the Camp Guide online at www.nbparks.org or call (847) 291-2995.
They’re offering Spanish lessons to kids at this camp, which is terrific because recent research shows learning a second language promotes flexibility in the brain. Unfortunately, only having learned English as a child (an adorable child, to be sure), my brain has totally solidified — not so good for picking up Spanish and not so great for other endeavors either — like remembering what 8 x 7 is. I digress.
Do I want to live to be 100? Only if I have finally destroyed my purple poncho, which I despise, but which I put on at least once a year because, “It’s still got a lot of wear in it,” as my mother used to say when she gave me a hand-me-down (shudder-shudder) from my sister Sue. So why don’t I just get rid of this abomination now? Because Esther Wren will descend from heaven and scold, “It’s perfectly fine, Judy, put it on!” Oh yes, she will. And so I do.
They’ll hear me now, I betcha! Do you know someone who wants to be a lifeguard? The Northbrook Park District offers a three-day class on May 18, 19 and 20 for strong swimmers who are at least 16 years old. The first class on May 18 is at Northbrook’s Village Green Center, 1810 Walters Ave., followed by weekend classes at Glenbrook North High School, 2300 Shermer Road in Northbrook. For more information, visit www.nbparks.org or call (847) 291-2995.
Oh, I wanna be a lifeguard sooooo much. I know I can’t swim, but I wanna use that bullhorn at the beach and yell, “You kids behave!” which, come to think of it, is also what I yell at home on a daily basis, but a bullhorn makes it so much fun … wait — forget the lifeguard biz, I’m just gonna buy a bullhorn for the Brinkworths, and maybe get one of those keen lifeguard perches to survey my progeny — OK, that’s a bit much, but I’m definitely gettin’ a whistle — twee-twee!
Aw, c’mon, lemme skate. Tickets are still available for Northbrook-On-Ice at the Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Road. There will be four performances from May 11 to 13, featuring high-level skating, dazzling costumes, popular music, and professional lighting and set design. Show times are 7 p.m. May 11; 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. May 12; and 1 p.m. May 13.To purchase tickets and for more information, call (847) 291-2993.
Every year, I offer to star in the Ice Show, but I’m always rejected. I don’t know why, because I don’t need dazzling costumes, popular music or other fancy folderol for my act — it’s just me trying to tippy-toe around the rink one time without falling. It’s very suspenseful, and I’m sure the crowd would roar – just what that roar would be, I don’t know, but as long as they didn’t throw stones, I’d be happy.
Dear Northbrook Park District: I do need some “expert golfer advice.” Specifically — when I actually hit the ball, is it OK that I fall to my knees, throw my head back and shout to the heavens, “Oh thank you!”? I mean, it happens so seldom, I feel a bit of grateful acknowledgment is appropriate. Please have an answer for me at the clinic, I know you can’t wait. Sincerely, Judy “And Yes, Other Golfers Hate Me” Brinkworth.
