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Judy’s nature discovery is that she doesn’t do nature
Updated: July 8, 2012 6:26PM
Here’s Judy’s pick of coming community activities in the Glenview area, spiced with a little commentary.
An outdoors person, I’m not. A Get Out & Go Nature Treasure Hunt for Families will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 10 at Gallery Park (behind Glenview Park Center), 2400 Chestnut Ave. Search for hidden clues while exploring the natural areas of Gallery Park and Fuller Air Station Prairie. Walk or ride bicycles, and earn points for answering questions about discoveries along the way. Check in at Park Center any time between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; REI will provide free bike-safety inspections. A free event; no advance registration is necessary. For more information call (847) 724-5670.
Tip for families participating in this nature treasure hunt: Should you see Judy Brinkworth collapsed on the path, just pretend she is one of the “discoveries along the way,” as mentioned above, and step over her; Judy tends to hyperventilate whenever in nature for more than four nanoseconds — her family has become used to leaving her behind, and so should you.
A prime minister, not me. The summer film series continues with “Iron Lady” (105 minutes/PG-13/2011) at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. June 15 at the Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road. Meryl Streep won an Oscar for this powerful performance as an elderly Margaret Thatcher looking back on her long, storied life. Just drop in; no tickets required. For more information call (847) 729-7500.
After this terrific film, I decided to become an Iron Lady in my dealings with my unkempt kids, so I barked an aristocratic, “You jolly well best clean your rooms, or no tea and toast for you!” to get their attention, but it might as well have been, “Let the whines begin,” as “Do I hafta” and “I’m too-oo tired” filled the air, resulting in my hasty retreat to the drawing room (kitchen plastered with their artwork) to perfect my inner Margaret Thatcher. Until then, call me Marshmallow Lady.
A serious artist, uh-uh. Sign up now for one of the many summer programs available at Glenview Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Ave. One class offered is Adult Painting, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. June 12 through July 31. Find your niche with the guidance of a professional artist — you can paint realism, abstract or anything in between, working one-on-one with the instructor to meet your individual needs. This class is for beginner, intermediate or advanced students. For fees and to register, call (847) 724-5670
“Find your niche with the guidance of a professional artist.” So that’s what my problem is – I need a niche! Hmmm. How about “Amusing Abstractions,” ‘cause my masterpieces have often been called “jokes,” or occasionally, “ludicrous jokes” (I’m especially proud of the latter). Other comments on my droll artistry range from “Good God, she must be kidding!” or even just “Good God!” accompanied by hysterical laughter. Yep, I think I’ve got it!
A welcome guest, don’t think so. The Free Outdoor Concert series — Barefoot in the Park kicks off with the Glenview Concert Band from 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 15 in the gazebo in Jackman Park, at LeHigh and Prairie. Enjoy contemporary favorites, marches, light classics and fun show tunes. Bring your dinner, folding chairs and lawn blankets to a show guaranteed to please young and old alike. For more information on the concerts, visit www.glenviewparks.org.
Ah, outdoor summer concerts — once again it’s time to breathe in the fresh air, to socialize with neighbors, to listen to great music and, if you’re Judy Brinkworth, to sign the required pledge “ … to not screech along with the music, to not demonstrate your complete lack of rhythm by trying to dance, and most of all, to not perform your patriotic twirling-baton-on-fire routine that last year set the gazebo on fire.” Meanies.
A dreadful cook, you betcha. Sign up now for a class titled Picnic in Your Own Backyard at 7 p.m. June 26 at the Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road. Get great ideas and recipes for packing a gourmet picnic, showcasing seasonal, locally grown produce and other delicious food items from Glenview¹s own Farmers Market (June 23 through Oct. 13). A free tasting is included. To register, call (847) 729-7500.
A lot of wonderful recipes will be offered at this program, but I’m sure my family would miss my own special gourmet picnic of Soggy Leftover-Spaghetti Sandwiches, Broccoli/Marshmallow/Liver Ambrosia and Salmonella Slaw. Wait, I’ll ask them … OK, I guess I’ll see you in class; so-o-o-o nasty — who knew?
