Even dying of cancer, the character played by Marilyn Weiher of Downers Grove could find humor in her situation.

So far, we’ve escaped a serious burst of bad weather in spring 2008. But, living in this area has taught all of us that tornadoes and floods are possible threats for other times of the year. Are you prepared?

Vacuum cleaners were used as musical instruments in a recent Downers Grove Music Club program. That’s right — vacuum cleaners. Three different sizes and models were turned on and off at the appropriate moments to create a “harmony” of sound.

Teachers are also good at learning things. They make good students, even when the subject is something pretty different from what they teach.

She should be the Talented Ms. T., because “talented” is a description that fits her to a T.

Kimberly Thompson of Downers Grove is a teacher, tutor, storyteller, children’s author, community volunteer and hostess of children’s tea parties. This last reference, to yet another “T,” is but one more reason she deserves her new title.

March 16 to 22 is National Poison Prevention Week.

In light of the recently held Academy Awards, movie tidbits might be of particular interest to people right now.

The Village of Downers Grove has done a wonderful job of celebrating its 175th anniversary. While the town’s heritage is also celebrated in other years, such as with its annual Heritage Festival and occasional Founder’s Day events, it would be nice to see even more attention paid to Downers Grove’s past and present — tomorrow’s history — every year. We don’t need to wait for 25-year milestones.

With the recent drop in temperatures, the Downers Grove Fire Department is offering tips to help residents stay safe and injury free.

“They seemed mean-spirited, deceptive, clueless and just plain sad.”

This is how Downers Grove resident Joe Messina first thought of the characters in “How the Other Half Loves,” the play he is currently directing for Grove Players.
“How in the world was I to get anyone to laugh at these people?,” he said.

More than 100 parent chefs and bakers from the Downers Grove North High School Parents’ Club brought in food and beverages for the annual Holiday Tea last month.

Sorry, this column isn’t really about Elvis, dead or alive. Though it is a bit about life and death. The column I write closest to Christmas and New Year’s is usually more humorous and a bit preachy. I can’t totally forego that last part.

Talking trees, a Snow Queen, Father Winter, Santa Claus and his missus, Clara Claus, all made an appearance in the Downers Grove Historical Society’s recent holiday program, “A Holiday Historical, Downers Grove.” This was held in the barn, or annex, next to the History Museum on Maple Avenue.

“Oh, hark ye, hark ye, hark ye, all; Old Father Winter has come to call.” Yes, winter has arrived. Flurries have been spotted, and the temperature has several times dropped down into the thirties, if not lower. And there was snow in Iowa (and probably elsewhere) over Thanksgiving.

What are a few of our favorite things? In Downers Grove, regarding entertainment that features local talent, the list is long. Theater, dance and music groups, for starters.