Admiral Stansfield (February 6, 1978)
In the pivotal year of 1977, President Jimmy Carter selected Admiral Stansfield Turner to become the 12th director of the Central Intelligence Agency. After Admiral Turner’s distinguished service at the CIA, he authored several books, lectured extensively, and has shared his insights on national intelligence and the effective use of our military.
In that same year, our friend Steve Zacharias wrote an episode of Happy Days called “Requiem for a Malph.” The story: Ralph Malph takes his life in his hands when he tries to steal pretty college cheerleader, Kitty, from her musclebound boyfriend, the football team’s star fullback. In 1984, expanding on the theme of the outcasts versus in-crowd, the beloved film Revenge of the Nerds was released.
Who says there is no diversity in Highland Park?
On Saturday March 13, these two native sons will be inducted into the Highland Park Hall of Fame at a black-tie optional soiree to benefit the Highland Park Historical Society. The event begins with cocktails at 6:00 at The Birchwood Club, 1174 W. Park Ave.
In addition, Michael Jordan, Academy Award-winning screenwriter (for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All The President’s Men) William Goldman; Hubble astronaut John Grunsfeld (58 days in space and 8 space walks); TV and film director, writer and producer (Beethoven, Snow Dogs) Brian Levant; and ABC News Chief Investigative Correspondent Brian Ross will be honored.
Michael Jordan in 1977 at Virgo Jr. High, Wilmington, NC
And the two Brians have sent videos!
According to event chair Ellie Weingardt the reel highlight of the program will be short films that feature Highland Park residents past and present “... generations who have remained here in Highland Park through time. Some families have been here for four generations. What makes Highland Park a place you want to go back to after you leave the nest?”
Jeff Goldblatt, co-anchor of the Fox Chicago News at 9:00 PM is the emcee for the evening. Goldblatt has reported from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq, among other places…but is he ready for The North Shore.
Judy Markey
Special guest for the evening is Highland Park’s own Judy Markey, former co-host of the popular “Kathy & Judy” show on WGN Radio. In addition to her successful radio career, Markey wrote a funny and smart syndicated column for the Chicago Sun Times (remember those?)
There will be the big band sounds of the 17 piece Highland Park Pops. The cool vibe of the Matt Nelson Jazz Trio. A silent auction. A live auction including a signed jersey from honoree Michael Jordan and something very cool from Highland Park resident Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins fame. Just added: memorabilia from actor/ director Gary Sinise. Entertainment from Highland Park’s young entertainers from the Improv Playhouse Northshore Traveling Troupe (formerly Eileen Boevers). And of course, fine dining and dancing.
Highland Park Historical Museum
“The idea for a Hall of Fame came from JoBe Cerny,” said Weingardt,” We finally arrived at a combination of figures who achieved fame in sports, journalism, science, the arts, and the military. We will also be looking into music, politics, and business in the future. Success stories to inspire our youth to greatness.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Highland Park Historical Society’s educational outreach programs. Weingardt says the Historical Society’s goals include, “digitizing our photo library and files… We get calls and inquiries from all over the world regarding Highland Park. Its architecture, flora and fauna, lakefront, ravines, businesses and citizens.”
While the Highland Park Historical Society’s mission is to preserve the past, its focus in on the future, Weingardt says. “We want to instill a sense of history in the youth of our community with educational outreach programs designed to encourage and enlighten.”
To purchase tickets call 847-432-7090, e-mail: HPHISTORICAL@SBCGLOBAL.NET, or go to their highlandparkhistory.com to buy tickets through Paypal.
Don,
It looks to be an interesting program. My Father grew up in Highland Park and I still have relatives there. My grandfather had a furniture moving business there and I have alot of memories of visiting him in their home on Green Bay Road.