Have you ever had a meeting with Human Resources (for our younger readers, a teacher or mentor) where they used a tactic called the compliment sandwich? This is designed to inform you of areas in which you need to improve followed by a positive comment regarding your capabilities. For example, “Your listening skills need work as you fail to comprehend basic tasks, but you make a terrific pot of coffee that the rest of the office is able to enjoy, leading to overall productivity for the company.”
I want to try something similar as I feel this week was met with equal parts negative and positive.
A few things that happened from Sunday to today- a bank in River Forest was robbed at gunpoint, summer solstice and the strawberry moon happened and it was beautiful to see, a shooting left one person injured, and the announcement that popular women’s fashion store Takara is making a return to Marion Street in Oak Park.
The buzz of activity that took place this past week is an accurate reflection of life in general- bad things are going to happen but so will the good. Your life is determined by where you shift your focus. Perhaps looking for something new and exciting to do over the weekend is a good place to start, and your village always has plenty to offer, especially in the summer months.
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Uncorked – Wine, Craft Beer, Small Plates
Friday from 6-8 p.m.
Head to the Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield Street, to enjoy Uncorked, a night of live music by Timothy Robyn Coan, wine and craft beer from Marion Street Market, and appetizers from Q-BBQ. Tickets are available for $15 at the door. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory.
Summer Fridays on Madison in Forest Park
The Forest Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting the “Summer Fridays on Madison” shopping promotion once again this week. According to the FP Chamber website, participants can enjoy exclusive discounts at participating shops such as American Artworks Gallery, Bliss Fashion Lounge, Camille et Famille, deedee & edee, Girlicious, Jayne, Madison Street Shoes, Team Blonde, Todd & Holland and Yearbook.
Oak Park Farmers Market
Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Oak Park Farmers Market is now in its 41st annual year. Items for sale include locally grown produce, flowers, bedding plants, honey, cheese, frozen meat, bread, and doughnuts. Cash is the preferred method of payment but credit and debit are available depending on the vendor. The Farmers Market is located in the Pilgrim Congregational Church parking lot, 460 Lake Street.
Pygmalion at Austin Gardens
In honor of George Bernard Shaw’s 160th birthday, the Oak Park Festival Theatre presents his immortal tale Pygmalion: a story of a phonetics professor who tutors a lower-class girl to speak proper English in order to pass for a “lady.” The play will be shown at Austin Gardens, 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $29 for general admission, $26 for seniors, $15 for students, children under 12 and dogs are free. To purchase, visit oakparkfestival.com.
Summer Concert Series
Sunday from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Enjoy free concerts on Sundays throughout the summer at Scoville Park, 800 W. Lake Street. This week, Second Time Around will grace the stage. This classic rock band is comprised of nine Chicago-area musicians who are dedicated to keeping the 70s “classic rock era” alive. Expect to hear great covers from bands such as Boston and The Eagles while throwing in a few blues hits such as “Sweet Home Chicago.”
Saturday Fun Run
There will be two “Best Foot Forward” Saturday morning fun runs: 6 miles at 7:30 a.m., or 3 miles at 8 a.m. The group will meet at Panera Bread, 7349 Lake St in River Forest. These fun runs are open to runners of all ages, experience, and ability levels.
5th Annual Sculpture Walk
The 5th Annual Oak Park Sculpture Walk features 12 sculptures from various local artists. The sculptures can be viewed as a part of the outdoor exhibit in Mills Park near Pleasant and Home Avenues. The walking tour will be open for public viewing until Sept. 5.
Photo courtesy of David Harmantas
