Is there something missing from your social life? Because it is no longer “in vogue” to “shop ’til you drop,” there are plenty of opportunities waiting for a happy and healthy social life if you are willing to throw your shoulder to the wheel and devote some time to a good cause. Most of the organizations devoted to helping others have a side-benefit. Not only will one find joy in helping others, but a smiling continence will attract many new friends who will be delighted to fill in your extra hours. Most of these organizations will bring the shyest butterfly out of its cocoon and into a great social life.

One of these occasions took place on Tuesday evening, Dec. 2, when Adele and Joseph DiNatale opened their historic Riverside home at 144 Scottswood Road to members of the Riverside Chapter of Lyric Opera of Chicago, who raise money for the opera downtown. Joe, the genial host, brewed a wassail bowl filled with the best hot spiced cider this side of the Atlantic for the thirsty cookie munchers who, when not hovering around the wassail bowl, gathered three-deep around the groaning board (the dining room table) to munch on the trays of homemade cookies arranged by the hostesses, Adele DiNatale and Deanne Kalamaras.

The DiNatales moved into the historic Cross/Sherman house in 1972. The home was first occupied by Grace Sherman Cross, who came to Riverside in 1869. She was the daughter of Ezra L. Sherman and the wife of Clarence Cross. Both men were among the pioneers in Riverside and served as members of the Riverside Improvement Company.

Adele and Joe have been busy in restoration since they moved into the home and are finding exciting and long-lost details. For instance, the fireplace in the entry hall, which the DiNatales have restored, is embellished with Wedgwood tiles, and a large art glass centerpiece in the built-in breakfront was created by early Tiffany artists. The DiNatales currently are not using the original elevator in the house. (This elevator was used by a Sherman/Cross descendant, Judy West Jisa, when she was a child. This was Judy’s first entrepreneurial effort, that of giving her young friends a trip in “Auntie Grace’s” elevator at 25 cents a ride. It was a lucrative business until Judy’s mother, Virginia West, found out and took the keys away. These and other delightful historical “finds” will be discussed in a later column.)

Guests were entertained by one of their own members, Dr. Jay Van Cura, who is a part of “Octavoce,” a group of vocalists who sing in close harmony at various gatherings, including the recent “People Care” party and the Christmas party at the British Home.

“I am taking lessons from Karena Mendoza,” said Van Cura, who not only enjoys music but provides it now that he has found his “voice.”
 
Olmsted Society celebrates

Meanwhile, just down the street and judging from the number of cars parked on Scottswood Road the night of Dec. 2, almost everyone in Riverside must have attended either the DiNatale party or the Reynolds party held at another historic Riverside home. Jim Reynolds is the outgoing president of the Olmsted Society. He and his wife, Chandra, opened their home to members of the Olmsted Society board and guests, in thanks for the work done for the Olmsted group by the board members.

“Our house was built in 1871 and was the seventh house built in Riverside,” said Jim, who is researching the history of the home.

Jim and Chandra are antique dealers. Their business, “Father Time,” is at 2108 W. Belmont Ave. in “Antiques Row.” Their home is, of course, furnished with lovely antiques of that period.

“We were the hosts and took care of some of the refreshments, but everyone brought a dish. We didn’t realize what great cooks belong to the Olmsted Society,” Jim said.

The guests at both the DiNatale and Reynolds homes were able to double their enjoyment by not only viewing the original architecture of these historic homes but partaking in the company of the others.

North Riverside stays busy during holidays

The North Riverside Golden Agers had a holiday party on Dec. 10, at P.J. Klem’s banquet hall.
According to president Evelyn Abramovske, “There were 71 of us, including Mayor Richard Scheck and his wife, Judy.”

Others enjoying the party were North Riverside Trustee Ken Krochmal, Village Clerk Queenella Miller and Village Administrator Guy Belmonte. The busy Sue Frampton of the Recreation Department also was able to make this luncheon.

The Recreation Department is holding an open house from 3 to 7 p.m. today in the Recreation Center gym, 2401 S. DesPlaines Ave. Santa is coming and there will be entertainment, with plenty of food. North Riversiders and their families will join in this happy celebration. (A few wags usually bring their own mistletoe to these holiday parties. Be prepared.)

On Thursday and Friday, Dec. 18 and 19, Recreation Department preschoolers and their parents will celebrate a party designed for the little kids at 10:30 a.m. Because of the large preschool enrollment, two parties will be held on separate days.

May the church bells ring, the carolers sing, and may each of us enjoy happy gatherings with friends and family in this holiday season!