As a newspaper editor for over 22 years, a newspaper columnist for over 28, and having written two books (more on that in a future column), I've been contemplating the craft of late. During the last two decades, I've read a lot of writing that … could be better — including, maybe especially, my own. Not everyone will become a good writer, but everyone can be a better writer.

One more time, for old time's sake, the Mills Senior Orchestra will present a concert, their fond farewell, at 1 p.m. on May 28 at the Oak Park Arms ballroom.

I'm a typochondriac. I wake up in the middle of the night wondering if I fixed that transposition of letters and whether I checked the spelling of "peripatetic." You might think such details are inconsequential, but I assure you they are not. A lot is riding on it.

Now that spring finally seems to have arrived (I'm keeping my fingers crossed), the following column, which first ran on April 15, 2009, deserves a reprise.

Sometimes everything falls together, then it falls apart, then it comes together. That's been the story of Open Door Repertory Company, whose doors are open, though it took some doing.

I don't get out enough during the week (a tale for another time), but I did just that last Wednesday night and, in the ensuing hours, rediscovered my village.

That was when all hell broke loose. April 15-22 has turned into one of the strangest weeks in our calendar year.

By late morning, the cement and gravel dike at Chicago and Thatcher was holding back several inches of water. Chicago Avenue was under water extending west toward Maywood. A couple of Public Works employees came by to check the depth, then moved on. Newly re-elected River Forest Library Board member Patrick Meyer, who lives just east of Thatcher, came by with his son to check the situation.

Doing anything this weekend? If not, don't blame it on a dearth of options. Most weeks when I edit the Calendar section (see page 39), I'm impressed by the rich array of cultural offerings in our communities. But the weekend ahead is nothing short of Culturepalooza.

OPAAC has 20 member organizations, plus support from Community Bank of Oak Park-River Forest, but you don't have to be a member to apply for and receive funding.