Northbrook Star

Judy’s life is too real to recreate as art

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Updated: June 29, 2012 8:39AM

Here’s Judy’s pick of coming community activities in the Northbrook area, spiced with a little commentary.

Creative genius at work. The Northbrook Arts Commission presents a two-day art workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (one hour for lunch) on May 19 and 20 at the Village Green Center, 1810 Walters Ave. The workshop, which is open to all levels of artists, will focus on contemporary realism drawing and painting, and will be taught by critically acclaimed artist David Jamieson. For fees and for more information, visit www.northbrookarts.org or call (847) 921-5239.

I wonder if, as in writing, one should paint what one knows?  If so, my “contemporary realism painting” will have the title “Judy Scrubbing the Kitchen Floor After Millions of M&M’s Were Spilled By Her Darling Daughter and Then Jumped On.” Not exciting, but contemporary and realistic — perhaps I’ll afix some of the smooshed candy to the canvas for a collage effect. I’m so clever.

Why we never leave. A “Guide to Successful Pet Ownership” — for current and prospective owners of dogs and cats - is the title of a program to be presented by veterinarian Dr. Mark Howes at 7 p.m. May 22 at the Northbrook Public Library 1201 Cedar Lane. A question-and-answer session will follow his presentation. Admission is free. To register, call (847) 272-6224.

Our pug, Lucy, wrote her own “Guide to Successful Pet Ownership,” which stresses the importance of owners being available at all times to dole out treats. Because, God forbid, should the owners have a rare night out, the pug, er, pet will have them paged at the restaurant, causing them to immediately race home and give said pug, er, pet a Peanut Butter Dingo, along with profuse apologies. We know. 

I’m so cute, aren’t I? The annual Kids’ Fishing Derby, hosted by the Northbrook Park District, returns to Wood Oaks Green Park, 1150 Sanders Road, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 19. Fishing rods, bait and prizes will provided at the free event, designed for ages 4 through 12. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Please note: Dogs are not allowed in the park. Call (847)291·2985 on the day of the event for weather updates. For more information visit www.nbparks.org or call (847) 291·2995.

I’m so glad this is a Kids’ Fishing Derby and not for adults (specifically, Judy “Me Bait a Hook? Never!” Brinkworth). To tell the truth (which I almost never do), the only fishing I do is fishing for compliments; however, I’m a pro at that, if I may say so, and I just did.

T’was tough back then. Registration is under way for Adventure Campus for the 2012-13 school year. The Northbrook Park District partners with School Districts 27, 30 and 31 to offer organized activities before and after classes. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade can attend three, four or five days per week. For more information visit www.nbparks.org or call (847) 291-2995.

Kids today have so many activities — like these terrific Adventure camps. In the neighborhood I grew up in Chicago, the only activity we had was to stay outside — having adventures or who cared — otherwise we’d get blamed for everything — “Why’s your brother crying, I’m gonna give you such a smack.”Ah, memories.

 

I started early. The annual dance recital on May 20 features performances by students in the Northbrook School of Dance. Shows are at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Northbrook Theater, 3323 Walters Ave. The dancers, ranging from 4-year-olds to teenagers, will show their moves in styles that include pre-ballet, tap/jazz and hip hop. Reserved tickets are $5 each. For tickets or more information, call (847) 291-2367.

I was stellar in pre-ballet when I was young — pre-ballet for Judy meaning sitting on the floor watching the other kids prance around, knowing I was prance-impaired and always would be and that the teacher knew it too — “It’s OK, Judy, I finally realize tripping over your own feet is how you dance.” So there I sat, but I truly didn’t mind because my time was spent practicing my looking-not-doing skills, which I’m proud to say I finally perfected and are the focus of my life today.





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