Publications & Sites 
Judy learns just to win arguments
Updated: October 1, 2012 1:30AM
Here’s Judy‘s pick of coming community activities in the Oak Brook/Oakbrook Terrace area, spiced with a little commentary. To suggest an event for her weekly column, send an e-mail to clafortune@pioneerlocal.com.
Sneaky star-gazing
Register now for “Animals in the Night Sky” from 7-9 p.m. Aug. 11 at the Lake View Nature Center, 17W0653 Hodges Road in Oakbrook Terrace. Join a naturalist and learn about star constellations with animal names and other designations. A family program (children age 6 and up; must be accompanied by an adult). For fees and to register, call (630) 941-8747.
The last time my hero and I looked up at the night sky, we got in a teensy tiff about where the Leo the Lion constellation is, which led to hero going on Google and finding out that I was wrong, which led to his triumphant, “I told you so’s,” over and over AND OVER. So I’m accompanying my daughter to “Animals in the Night Sky” for two reasons: (1) she will gain important knowledge about the stars and (2) next time, I’m gonna win.
Just asking
Boost your fitness level: The Oak Brook Park District’s Indoor Family Aquatic Center, 1450 Forest Gate Road, offers a variety of aquatic exercise classes that improve flexibility, increase muscle tone and enhance overall fitness. For fees and for more information, visit www.obpd.org or call (847) 990-4233.
Dear park district: I have a question about your aquatic exercise classes that “… improve flexibility, increase muscle tone and enhance overall fitness.” When I get in a pool, I sink like a stone and have to be pulled out; however, as I know this would be disrupting to the class, I would be glad to sink quietly and drown. But wouldn’t these benefits be wasted then? Or not? Sincerely, Judy “Dead Weight” Brinkworth.
Here, kitty kitty
The Oakbrook Terrace Park District invites everyone to enjoy a free screening of the animated “Puss in Boots” at 8:45 p.m. Aug. 7 in Heritage Park, 1S325 Ardmore Ave. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. No pre-registration is necessary.
So Puss in Boots, a swashbuckling feline voiced by actor Antonio Banderas, tries to save his town in this rollicking movie. Let me tell you, if Antonio Banderas wanted me to help save his town, I’d help save it – even if it meant supplying him with a saucer of milk every night on the back porch. Or a couple of margaritas by a roaring fire. I’m open to suggestions, Antonio, purrrrrr.
Do fish like jazz?
Jazz vocalist Petra Van Nuis will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Oak Brook Public Library, 600 Oak Brook Road. A regular at Chicago’s clubs, Van Nuis opts for a straightforward swinging delivery with an emphasis on feeling. She will be accompanied by Larry Harris on piano, and an upright bassist and drummer. To register, call (630) 368-7725.
Just what is an “upright bassist?” Do bassists tend to lie down on the job a lot? Does the drummer yell, “Wake up, sleepyhead!” Or do a drum roll in the snoozer’s ear? Seems to me that … what? An “upright bassist” means a musician who plays a double, or upright, bass stringed instrument. OK, smarty, try this: How do I remember to pronounce “bass” like “base” instead of “bass” like the fish? Huh? Excuuuse me, “get a brain transplant” is NOT an acceptable answer.
Instructions for dinner at our house
A program on the health benefits of adding a gluten-free diet to your lifestyle, as well as what to look for in the foods you eat, will take place from 6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Oak Brook Park District’s Fitness Center, 1450 Forest Gate Road. Dr. James Gruf and dietitian Chrissy Swaw will lead the discussion. For more information, call (630) 990-4233.
I plan on attending this program on healthy gluten-free diets, but as far as “… what to look for in the foods you eat …” I tend to discourage my family from inspecting the food I serve too closely, because all I get are whiny comments like, “Mommm, not your liver-tuna fish-marshmallow casserole. You promised never againnn.” So I’ve developed a standard reply. “Just eat with your eyes closed and if you hold your nose when you take a bite, you won’t taste it.” Works for me.
