Betty Metallo

Outside, the cold rain and wind made spring seem invisible. Fortunately, there was ample available parking close by, so quickly I was inside the warmth of a cozy room and the atmosphere of a 19th-century salon. This evening the local cultural destination hosted the wonderful keyboard talents of Janna Pavlovska Moltz. Introduced by Henry Fogel, Chicago's musical voice, the recital featured works of Chopin and Schumann, two of the piano's most gifted spokesmen.

Emil August Baumbach Jr., 88, who grew-up in Oak Park and River Forest, died on April 6, 2018. He attended Northwestern Military and Naval Academy. He distinguished himself and graduated as battalion commander, an early indication of his leadership skills. He studied business at Northwestern University in preparation for the helm of his family business, E.A. Baumbach Manufacturing Company. But first he served in the Army, 2nd Armored Division, in Germany.

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds. I agree with him. Over the years there have been things I liked, but now I don't — bubblegum music, Bob Knight, The Walking Dead and baseball. There are things I didn't like, but now I do — opera, dancing at weddings, Bon Jovi and Dickens. In the latter category, I have recently added Millennials.