Myrna Petlicki

Chicago

Arts Columnist and Feature Writer at Pioneer Press

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Articles

Glenview Squares celebrates 75 years of square dancing with ‘Denim & Diamonds’

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Myrna Petlicki

For 75 years, square-dance lovers have heeded the call—or should we say calls—of Glenview Squares. The second oldest square dance club in Illinois has been thriving since it started in September 1950 at the Junior High School Building on Waukegan Road, which later became the site of the old Glenview Police Department. To celebrate the 75th anniversary, the Glenview Squares hosted a “Denim & Diamonds” dinner and dance on May 16 at White Eagle Banquets in Niles.
Elmhurst History Museum debuts new outdoor performance space

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Myrna Petlicki

The Elmhurst History Museum has big plans for a new outdoor public performance space that officially opened June 6 with a ribbon cutting and performance by musicians of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra. The celebration will continue over the summer with two special performances and a new 4th Fridays Concert Series.
Ernest Hemingway Foundation in Oak Park awards two $1,500 scholarships

2 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Myrna Petlicki

Two talented young writers have won essay contests sponsored by the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park. Sofia Fitzgerald, of Oak Park, a rising senior at Oak Park and River Forest High School, won the 2025 Hemingway Foundation Student Scholarship Essay Contest, which is for juniors in high school. Luke Voegtle of Westchester, who graduated this spring from Proviso Mathematics & Science Academy in Forest Park, won the 2025 Allan O.
Ernest Hemingway Foundation in Oak Park awards two $1,500 scholarships

2 weeks ago | flipboard.com | Myrna Petlicki

Thousands of teens in Chicago Public Schools are being handed their diplomas this month before they embark on new adventures in college and the …
Long Grove beginning free summer Music in the Park at Covered Bridge Park

2 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Myrna Petlicki

The historic covered bridge in Long Grove has become the backdrop for a new free summer music series. “Music in the Park” runs from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursdays in the Covered Bridge Park, June 5-July 31. “We’re always about giving back to the community,” said Dave Gayton, vice president and marketing chairperson of the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association, which is sponsoring the series.
Libertyville’s Dunn Museum displaying famed comic book artist’s portraits of heroes and villains

3 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Myrna Petlicki

One hundred portraits of good guys and bad guys created by celebrated comic book artist Alex Ross will be on display in “Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains,” June 29 – Feb. 16 at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. “We wanted to bring Alex Ross to the Dunn Museum because he is one of the world’s most renowned comic book artists, known for his distinctive and powerful visual style,” said Director of Education Alyssa Firkus.
Northbrook Symphony leans toward classical, with some contemporary, as it celebrates 45 years

3 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Myrna Petlicki

Music will fill the Sunset Ridge Country Club in Northfield on June 19 when the Northbrook Symphony Orchestra celebrates the conclusion of its 45th season with its annual gala, “American Songbook.”Robbie Ellis, the on-air announcer for radio station WFMT, will emcee and serve as the orchestra’s preconcert speaker, according to Highland Park resident Steven Greene, who is in his third year as president of the orchestra’s board of directors. “He’s both a pianist and a singer,” Greene said.
Lake Forest’s Gorton Center begins its summer 2025 season on June 20

4 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Myrna Petlicki

The Gorton Center in Lake Forest will feature entertainment for all ages this summer. “We have such a wide range of who we’re trying to serve,” explained Director of Events Ann Wildman. “We always try to keep a diverse mix. I look at different demographics and different genres.”The season starts at 7:30 p.m. on June 20 with Dueling Pianos, featuring Pianomonium. “It’s a fun, comedic event with audience participation,” Wildman said. She noted that this is primarily adult entertainment.
Actor has personal stake in Skokie show on Alcoholics Anonymous founders

1 month ago | chicagotribune.com | Myrna Petlicki

Ronnie Marmo has a strong connection to the play “Bill W. and Dr. Bob,” about the two founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. That’s why he is so pleased to be playing the role of Bill W. and directing the Samuel Shem and Janet Surrey work at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, May 30-June 8. Marmo credits Alcoholics Anonymous with helping him turn his life around and stay sober. Marmo drank alcohol for the first time when he was 11 years old at a sleepover party with friends.
Highland Park native authors her first novel for middle grade students

1 month ago | chicagotribune.com | Myrna Petlicki

Highland Park native Sara F. Shacter loves middle-grade books, science — particularly biology — and nature. She is also interested in how children are affected by relationships. The author explores all those topics in her engrossing first novel for ages 8-12, “Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign.” The book is scheduled for release on Oct. 14 from Regal House Publishing/Fitzroy Books. “I much prefer middle grade to books for adults.