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A Special Section Celebrating Betty White An Oak Park Treasure

#belikebettyop

Fond memories of a golden girl Honoring the life and legacy of Betty White

By MELISSA ELSMO

Contributing Reporter

answered the phone on New Year’s Eve in my usual cheerful tone and was greeted with a heavy sigh. “You haven’t heard yet,” said Lourdes Nicholls, my friend, and Growing Community Media colleague. “Betty White just died.” Just two days earlier I had been sitting across from Cindy Fee inside the Boulevard Studio at Crossfunction flexible workspace,

1033 South Blvd. Microphones separated us, but I made direct eye contact with her as she sang, “Thank You for Being a Friend” — the song she recorded in the mid-eighties as a theme for an unknown sitcom. Of course, the song went on to introduce The Golden Girls. The Golden Girls premiered Sept. 14, 1985, when White was just 63 years old. Seven seasons, 180 episodes and now 37 years later, the show remains synonymous with the bonds of friendship between women. Anyone fa-

miliar with The Golden Girls can quickly conjure an image of White as Rose Nylund — the big-hearted, slightly dimwitted, wickedly competitive, herring-loving Minnesotan who was pals with fellow elders: Dorothy, Blanche and Sophia. My mom, Trish, started watching The Golden Girls in the 80s and grew to appreciate the show so much that she watched it almost daily when it went into reruns. In fact, my brother and I used to tease her because she talked about that lanai-lounging

quartet like they were her real friends. She would often comment that Rose Nylund reminded her of her own mother — both in appearance and demeanor. My maternal grandmother, Dorothy, was one of my favorite people and I can attest to the fact that she looked and dressed a lot like Rose Nylund and shared all her best traits — she was much more than “terminally naïve.” The show was on a fairly continuous loop in See GOLDEN GIRL on page A3

Wednesday Journal, January 12, 2022

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GOLDEN GIRL A fan’s salute from page A1 the house while I was growing up and White and the rest of the cast unwittingly became some of my most consistent companions. To this day, I can name the plot of any episode within moments of its start. And so can my son. I folded laundry in the late afternoon when he was little and much like my mother, I would put on reruns of The Golden Girls while I completed the task. My son is grown now and has a soft spot for Rose and girls, too. White was born at Oak Park’s West Suburban Hospital on Jan. 17, 1922 and brought home to an apartment on Pleasant Street. A trailblazer, she spent more than 75 years in the entertainment industry and was the first woman to produce a sitcom in the United States. Premiering in 1952, Life with Elizabeth, centered on a newly married couple and featured White as both producer and star. She went on to be known as the “First Lady of Game Shows” making regular appearances on Password, Match Game, To Tell the Truth and Hollywood Squares among others. In addition to her role on Golden Girls, White famously portrayed Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Elka Ostrovsky on Hot in Cleveland. She even earned an Emmy nomination for hosting Saturday Night Live

White as Sue Ann Nivens in The Mary Tyler Moore Show. in 2010 and proved to be a tireless advocate for animals throughout her life. White managed to harness the love of the nation earning top honors in a 2017 Reuters/ Ipsos poll seeking to identify the most trustworthy celebrity in America. She beat out Oprah and Tom Hanks. Though she only spent her babyhood in Oak Park, it is no surprise Betty White remains a claim to fame in our

Celebrate Betty Beer!

community. Lourdes’ came up with the idea to celebrate what would have been White’s 100th birthday over a year ago. While White’s resume is clearly comprised of much more than her role on the Golden Girls, Lourdes invited me to participate in the festivities simply because I lost control and blurted out my love for White and the Golden Girls.

As a result, my days leading up to and immediately following White’s death on Dec. 31 were filled with uncanny conversations with people both directly and indirectly affiliated with White. My private Cindy Fee concert was followed by phone calls with George Geary, Golden Girls cheesecake creator, and Kelly Schumann, former Wednesday Journal employee turned television star who appeared with White on Hot in Cleveland. They all had wonderful stories to share. What started out as a birthday party has morphed into a community wide celebration of the life and legacy of the one and only Betty White. To say the least, local and national response to this effort has been surprising; I am clearly not alone in my love for Betty White. The news that White had died was bittersweet. Sure, there was a part of me that, like Rose Nylund, “felt like crawling under the covers and eating Velveeta right out of the box,” but the better part of me remembered what White said in a 2011 interview: “There’s no formula. Keep busy with your work and your life. You can’t become a professional mourner. It doesn’t help you or others. Keep the person in your heart all the time. Replay the good times. Be grateful for the years you had.” So, I skipped the cheese eating, put on a few episodes of the Golden Girls and laughed. I remembered my grandma, called my mom and thought about ways I could be a little more like Betty -- one of my favorite girls. Enjoy this Betty White Centennial Celebration.

In honor of Oak Park’s own Golden Girl, Oak Park Natural Pet & Fish will be participating in

The Betty White Challenge #bettywhitechallenge

Her 100th Birthday would have been January 17th. Come in and say:

Enjoy a pint of our special Betty “White Ale” for just $5 plus a special treat for your canine companion. All weekend.

“Thank You For Being a Friend” and you’ll be automatically entered to win a basket of pet treats and another basket will be donated to The Animal Care League.

1026 North Blvd., Oak Park • 847-946-4164 • Beershopreports@gmail.com

OAK PARK NATURAL PET & FISH 23 N. Harlem Ave, Oak Park (708) 660-9500 • 10AM - 7PM

Wednesday Journal, January 12, 2022

A TOAS T TO B ET T Y ! Betty White Cocktail

Cucina’s pairs a splash of vodka with lemon, & honey syrup.

A little sweet, like Golden Girl Rose, a little tart, like Sue Ann Nivens from The Mary Tyler Moore Show... but all heart, like Betty, with 50% of sales donated to local animal shelters!

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We Betty! Coming Soon! OUR CUSTOM LINE OF MERCHANDISE HONORING THE BELOVED BETTY WHITE!

Better #BeLikeBettyOP and enjoy one soon. Available January 12th - January 17th.

Cucina Paradiso 814 North Blvd., Oak Park ph: 708.848.3434 cucinaoakpark.com

Our West Sub Babies are Something Special

At West Suburban Medical Center, we are proud of our track record in delivering babies—we’ve been delivering babies for a long time. Our maternity services are highly recognized for safe, quality care at such a special time in a woman’s life. We’re also proud of the many babies who were born at West Sub–and we count the late Betty White among those. She was born at our hospital 100 years ago on Jan. 17, 1922.

PERSONALIZATION HOUSE WILL BE DONATING A PORTION OF THE PROFITS TO A CHARITY ENDORSED BY BETTY WHITE.

Happy birthday, dear Betty. Thank you for your enduring humor and inspiration! – With love from your West Suburban family

1 2 7 M A R IO N S T RE E T, O A K PA R K | 7 0 8 . 3 8 3 . 4 1 0 0 G O P E RS O N A L I Z E . CO M

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Wednesday Journal, January 12, 2022

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ENJOY THESE

Betty White Specials

IN DOWNTOWN OAK PARK •

Byline Bank (1001 Lake St):

•

Pumpkin Moon (1028 North Blvd):

Marion St): Small white chocolate

Mention Betty White at checkout

League at the Byline Bank Oak

mocha & white chocolate cookie for

to receive 10% off your purchase.

Park branch at 10:30 a.m. on

$5. from Jan 12-16.

Valid now through Jan 15.

Betty White’s legacy by visiting

•

with puppies and kittens that are available for adoption. As part of the #BettyWhiteChallenge, donations also be served!

•

Tre Sorelle Ristorante (1111 Lake St): FREE Betty White drink with any dinner on January 15th — 10% of your bill will be donated to the Animal Care League. Lake Theatre (1022 Lake St):

BeerShop (1025 North Blvd):

•

Scratch ‘n Sniff (120 N Marion St):

$5 Betty White Ale’ & FREE

Mention Betty White at checkout

dog treats on Jan 15 & 17. Now

to receive 10% off your purchase.

accepting donations for the Animal

Valid now through Jan 15.

Care League.

will be accepted. Refreshments will

•

Join Byline and the Animal Care

Saturday, January 15, 2022. Honor

•

Sugar Fixe Patisserie (119 N

•

Wise Cup (1018 Lake St):

Jerusalem Cafe (1030 Lake St):

16oz Betty White Mocha made with

Betty White Special: Lunch combo

white chocolate & rose for $5 from

for $7.99 (when you ask for lunch

Jan 14-16.

combo). Valid now through Jan 15.

•

Kalamata Kitchen (105 N Marion St): We are honoring Greek American Betty White on January 17 with Baklava Cheesecake!

Get $1.00 off soda of any size from now through Jan 17.

www.downtownoakpark.net/betty-white

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Present

Celebrating Betty White

An Oak Park Treasure Saturday January 15 at 10am Under the marquee at Classic Cinemas Lake Theater, 1022 Lake St, Oak Park A brief ceremony honoring Betty White will include: • A proclamation by Vicki Scaman, Oak Park Village President • Commentary from Frank Lipo, Executive Director of Oak Park River Forest Museum • “Thank You for Bring a Friend,” performed by Cindy Fee, singer of the Golden Girls theme song • One hundred cake slices provided by Turano Baking Company • “Be like Betty” photo ops by Prime Party, with a display by 99 Haus Balloons and Alpha-Lit • Red Vines courtesy of American Licorice Company • 10:30 am Animal Care League Pet Adoption event-Byline Bank Lobby across from the theater This outdoor event will happen rain or shine. Please wear your mask.

#belikebettyop

Wednesday Journal, January 12, 2022

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Journal’s Betty White event getting national attention Music, tributes, puppies and cake this Saturday By STACEY SHERIDAN

HOMETOWN LEGENDS: Learn Their Stories.....Share Your Stories

Oak Park Located at Oak Park Located at River Forest 129 Lake Street River Forest 129 Lake Street Museum Museum 708-848-6755 | oprfmuseum.org 708-848-6755 | oprfmuseum.org

Reflecting on Betty’s life has taught me the value of laughter and optimism.

#belikebettyop

Vicki Scaman, Oak Park Village President

Staff Reporter

hen Growing Community Media’s Wednesday Journal set out to host a community get-together to celebrate Betty White’s centennial birthday this month, no one quite expected the level of interest the event would draw outside Oak Park, where the star was born. The universe, however, has a fickle way of intervening. As news spread of White’s death on Dec. 31, Oak Park and Growing Community Media were thrust into the limelight and the event itself became something of a media sensation. “I am so surprised by the media attention,” said Lourdes Nicholls, GCM senior media strategist. “Things have been really crazy.” Now a celebration of White’s life and its start in Oak Park, the event has attracted the attention of news outlets as far away as the United Kingdom. Several news crews

have made plans to cover the 30-minute celebration, scheduled for 10 a.m., Jan. 15 under the marquee at Classic Cinemas Lake Theatre, 1022 Lake St. “When we were planning a celebration of her 100th birthday, we had no idea that her passing would impact this event in such monumental ways,” said Oak Park Eats Editor Melissa Elsmo. Elsmo worked with Nicholls to make the event happen, as well as writing multiple stories for today’s Wednesday Journal’s Be Like Betty special section. Nicholls, who first pitched the birthday party idea, has found herself overwhelmed with calls from news outlets. “CBS, ABC, NBC, The New York Daily News, Newsday,” she listed. “I’ve been in touch with the U.K. for the United Kingdom Press Association.” Those involved with the event never doubted the extent to which people loved White, who was known as much for her See WHITE EVENT on page A22

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Wednesday Journal, January 12, 2022

Lift a Glass for Betty White! Get Betty’s favorite cocktail, a Vodka Martini with lemon, FREE with your meal on Saturday, January 15.

We are excited to announce that we are NOW accepting applications for brand new studio and 1/2 bedroom apartments! The 801 is located at 801 Van Buren St. in historic Oak Park. Near public transportation and shopping. Income limits apply.

Feel free to substitute with your own favorite drink. Must mention this ad We will donate 10% of every check on Jan. 15th to the Animal Care League of Oak Park The 801 would like to send our condolences to the close family, friends, and hometown community of Betty White.

Tre Sorelle Ristorante Lunch & Dinner • Dine In • Take Out • Delivery • Catering 1111 Lake Street | Downtown Oak Park | 708.445.9700 Hours: Closed Mon., Tue-Thu 4-9pm, Fri-Sat 4-10pm, Sun 4-9pm

Please visit our website: www.the801oakpark.com for additional information. Questions can be directed to: 801 Van Buren St, Oak Park 708-613-7236 • info@The801OakPark.com

Exit Strategy Realty/ EMA Management 7300 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Chicago, IL 60619 • 312-767-0572

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Wednesday Journal, January 12, 2022

Not Feeling Well?

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Eat like Betty in Oak Park!

B.B.Q. RIBS & CHICKEN BURGERS & HOT DOGS

In 1992, Betty White divulged to Bon Appetit Magazine that her “lunch is usually a hot dog and French fries or something equally devilish.”

On January 15th, 16th, 17th Get a hot dog, small fry and small coke for just $4.79. Betty would have eaten her hot dog plain, but Mickey’s will top it how you like it best!

Don’t delay your care. RUSH has successfully maintained the safety of our patients and staff at all of our locations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We are ready for you. In addition to same-day primary care appointments for adults and children with non-emergency health issues, Rush Oak Park Physicians Group is now offering on-demand and scheduled video visits. This allows you and your family to receive the same high-quality care from our providers in the comfort of your own home.

Visit rush.edu/primary-care-oak-park or call (888) 352-RUSH (7874) to schedule an in-person or video visit.

525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park (708) 848-3333 • 11am - 9pm Daily

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Wednesday Journal, January 12, 2022

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SR0701

Illinois S

enate Res

olution 7 01

WHEREA S, Betty W hite was b and Tess White on orn in Oa January 1 k Park to 7, 1922; a Harris n d WHEREA S, as having Betty White was w idely reco bu gn that Guin ilt a career that sp anned sev ized in her craft ness World en decade Records c entertain s, ertified h er with th er as the f such e longest emale career; an d WHEREA SR0701 S, Betty W er; alongside v lo l a im n a g n h awards fo lo ite was aw d r her acti White was a life arded sev ty et B , S den, she devote A d E u R L n E n g e H en Emmy ; she was ll Academy W A r, e rt d suppo inducted Ha into the T ved husband an o el rican Humane b e of the Yea ll of Fame in 1995 r m e h A e th g e in le rt vision r by mem ppo and was v e Fund for bers of th th oted Ente e off-screen to su , n m given a li o ti ti r a e d h n u o F e r al Associate fetime ach d Press; sh tainer the Morris Anim , ievement n o ti Guild in 2 a ci o ss A e was award by 010, only geles Zoo; and n A s o L t e h th e t d o S n into her 9 creen Act continue Animals, a 0s; and ors acting an s d produci 2006 by the Lo in ng well d re o n o h s a ty White w WHEREA Animals” and a e th to r o WHEREAS, Bet d a S, Betty W ss a the title “Amb hite supp barriers i geles Zoo with orted the n the tele n A nd b vision ind dancer, A in her honor; a ed il e v n ustry by f reaking of racial u e u rthur Du q pla eat ncan, on regular d Americans The Betty uring a Black tap s es tl uring the n u co to y White Sh ht jo 1950s; an ow as a ty White broug et d B , S A E c abilities; and R ti E is H rt a W d n a r o with her hum over the decades ly contribute to ch ri to s ek se t a ors nois is a state th vision and hon e v ti ea cr WHEREAS, Illi h g u ro ors; erican culture th m A r te a thropic endeav n re a g il e h p th to fe li t dedicate their individuals tha therefore, be it D ONE HUNDRE E H T F O E T A THE SEN OF ILLINOIS, E T A T S E H T RESOLVED, BY OF AL ASSEMBLY R E N E ite Day” in the G h D W N O ty et SEC “B s a 22 c, January 17, 20 devoted, artisti ly p ee that we declare d e th te ra to commemo etty White. B State of Illinois f o it ir sp ic p philanthro visionary, and

Don Harmon Senate President

6941 W. North Avenue Oak Park, IL 60302 708-848-2002 harmon@senatedem.illlinois.gov

S EN AT E P R ES I D EN T

DEMOCRAT • ILLINOIS

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Wednesday Journal, January 12, 2022

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Always in Our

Hearts!

Discover the magic of truly living here... an experience like no other. Cheers to a New Year and living well into the Golden Years!

7824 West Madison Street, Forest Park, IL 708-366-2206 • www.thealtenheim.com

Tina and Jim Salerno with Betty White

We had the pleasure of meeting Betty White and supporting her love and vision for the Morris Animal Foundation through our FUNraising efforts at our Paul Mitchell Schools, Chicago and Lombard locations, as well as at James Antony Salon and SalonJAS in Oak Park. Betty made an impact in our lives and every night in our homes with laughter and kindness. She will always be in our hearts!

James Anthony Salon

115 N Marion St, Oak Park • 708-383-3100

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Wednesday Journal, January 12, 2022

Betty would have been 100, we are turning 50, we hope to have another 50 golden years.

The Oak Park Regional Housing Center • 1041 South Blvd, Oak Park, IL 60302 • (708) 848-7150 • oprhc.org

OAK PARK AREA

ARTS COUNCIL Always there for the Arts.

www.oakparkareaartscouncil.org

etty White was iconic, a legend! You often hear people in show business referred to as being a triple threat. That was Betty, she was a singer, dancer, and

actor. A triple threat and a hilarious and talented comedienne. We are fortunate to have her as one of Oak Park’s finest. Oak Park is known for its arts that are all around us. The fact that the Oak Park Area Arts Council (OPAAC) awarded 34 grant awards in 2021 speaks to the power of the arts in this uncommon community. These 34 dedicated non profit arts organizations provide this community with performances of all kinds; visual art classes/exhibits, and museums. You will not find many communities of equal size and population that are so rich in the arts. We are very proud of Betty and the legacy she leaves behind. Betty did not have the opportunity to grow up in Oak Park. However, there have been hundreds of individuals born and raised in OP who are now making highly successful professions in the arts. This spring, OPAAC will send out a call for artists to submit their artwork for a special Betty White community mural. Stay tuned! www.oakparkareaartscouncil.org; info@oakparkareaartscouncil.org

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Betty White, (cue music)....thank you for being a friend!

etty White paved the way for all women to be successful in doing the things that they love. We are grateful for our hometown hero who paved the way for us all.

Beyond Properties is celebrating 15 years as an independent, women owned, local business. We are a team of brokers committed to our clients, doing what we love, just like Betty. In honor of her legacy, we are accepting the Betty White Challenge and are donating to our local Animal Care League.

Denise Sacks

Michele Strimaitis

Cynthia Howe Gajewski

Karen Baldwin

Debra Rachal

Phil Joseph

Erica Cuneen

Martha Murphy

Kristen Hollinden

Isaac Jordan

Shalena Thomas

Visit us at BeyondPropertiesRealty.com • 109 N. Marion St., Oak Park

Miriam Tamayo

Ruby Blair

Denise Espinosa

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Connecting to Betty with a single song Cindy Fee, a local, is the songstress behind ‘Thank You for Being a Friend’

By MELISSA ELSMO

Contributing Reporter

n instant earworm. That’s “Thank You for Being a Friend” a song written in under an hour by Andrew Gold, pop rock singer, and released in 1978 on his third album, “All this and Heaven, too.” Gold considered the song to be a “throwaway.” A throwaway until the ditty was rerecorded for the NBC sitcom, The Golden Girls. Cindy Fee, a former Oak Park and current River Forest resident, has made a living recording jingles and themes. She recorded the song in just a couple of takes and it went on to become the theme song for The Golden Girls. The comedy, created by Susan Harris and starring Betty White, Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty, centered on the friendship and the daily lives of four older women sharing a Miami home. All seven seasons are available on Hulu. The show premiered in 1985 and nearly 40 years later the cheery tune remains among the most recognizable television

show introductions. In a 2020 Paste Magazine list of the 50 best TV theme songs of all time, “Thank You for Being a Friend,” slid in at number 23. The song fell behind the themes from Cheers (1), Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, MASH and The Simpsons, but ranked ahead of themes from Mad Men, Knight Rider, The Sopranos and Friends. “’Thank You for Being a Friend,’ was just one of maybe 10 songs I recorded that month,” said Fee. “I had no idea what it was going to be used for and certainly didn’t expect it to be what is has become today.” She had never heard the song before stepping into the recording booth. An accomplished vocalist, Fee was a demo-singer for the prolific songwriter Diane Warren and a frequent hire for product jingles. She explained success in the competitive field depended largely on speed and efficiency. Sight reading, quick tonal adjustments and limited takes made a singer more valuable to a client. “I sang it twice, maybe three times and made a few vocal adjustments; that was See CINDY FEE on page A22

Wise Cup raises a glass to Betty White!

Come and Join us all weekend long and enjoy our special "Betty White Mocha" We also offer Coffee,Tea, Samosas, Pastries and Bagels

Locally sourced,owned and operated. • 1018 Lake Street, Oak Park • (708) 628-3707

COURTESY LOURDES NICHOLLS

IN THE STUDIO: On Dec. 29, Cindy Fee (left) sat down with Melissa Elsmo in the Boulevard Studio to chat about recording “Thank You for Being a Friend.” Listen to the podcast at oakpark.com.

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Butterflies are like women –

we may look pretty and delicate, but baby, we can fly through a

hurricane. – Betty White

Garland Flowers

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ilable only at Belmont Village, Circle of Friends® was pioneered to curb the cts of cognitive decline through a unique program that builds brain fitness. Bring your sparkle Circle back. of Friends® is rooted in eloped by a nationally recognized gerontologist, dence-based research in collaboration with UCLA and Vanderbilt University. d it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental vities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem.

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OA K PA R K The Community Built for Life.®

Learn about our708-848-7200 community response to COVID-19. Visit belmontvillage.com/corona-virus-preparation belmontvillage.com/oakpark

That is our motto at Alpha-Lit Chicago! We offer the highest quality marquee letters, numbers, and symbols to rent and customize for any event! We offer clients something that can bring emotion, fun and LIGHT. Take your event to another level and let us

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Wednesday Journal, January 12, 2022

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Thank You for Being a Friend! COURTESY OF KELLY SCHUMANN

ON THE SET: The cast of Hot in Cleveland (from left) Betty White, Valerie Bertinelli, John Mahoney, Kelly Schumann, Jane Leeves, and Wendie Malick.

AX OY AX OY

189 N Marion St. Oak Park • 708-613-5491 thelittlegemcafe.com

ng with a nt, and tting

ng with a nt, and ttin g (708) 613-5491

Kelly Schumann, an Oak Park native, tells her Betty stories Appeared on Hot in Cleveland with Betty White By MELISSA ELSMO Contributing Reporter

When former Wednesday Journal employee and Oak Park-River Forest native, Kelly Schumann stepped onto the set of the sitcom Hot in Cleveland for the first time she was keenly aware of Betty White’s celebrity status. “You hear stories of celebrities acting like celebrities,” said Schumann. “I had this expectation my access to her would be limited, but that was not the case at all. Betty was at every rehearsal, running lines and working on the blocking right alongside us. She was brilliant. Jokes just fell out of her mouth.” Hot in Cleveland premiered in 2010 on TV Land and ran for six seasons. The show tells the story of three LA transplants who make the bold move to relocate to Ohio after their airplane is forced to make an emergency stop in Cleveland. Bamboozled by the Midwest way of life, the trio rents a home owned by Elka Ostrovsky portrayed by Betty White. The show also featured the late John Mahoney, another Oak Park resident, in a recurring role as a love interest

to White’s character. Schumann portrayed Sally, a quirky midwestern mom and neighbor, on five episodes of the show. “I have always been proud of my hometown and honestly had no idea that Betty White was from Oak Park,” said Schumann. “I was telling John Mahoney I grew up in Oak Park and he was the one who told me Betty was born there, too. So there the three of us were, having an Oak Park reunion on the set of Hot in Cleveland.” Schumann, who went on to have a recurring role on the NBC sitcom Superstore, credits the cast of Hot in Cleveland with helping her navigate the world of sitcoms. Though White was in her 90’s when she was on the show, Schumann considered her to be “sharp as a tack” and a true professional. Like all the women on the show, White “did not take herself too seriously.” “We made a decision about Betty White a long time ago. We decided she was deserving of the lion’s share of our collective adoration,” said Schumann. “I don’t know how it is possible, but she managed to exceed my high expectations. She brought kindness, respect and humility to everything she did.”

Kathy Griffin — sending love to Betty

(708) 613-5491

“To know her was to love her,” said actress and comedian, Kathy Griffin, in a video message sent to honor the memory of her “dear friend Betty White.” The 1978 graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School first met White on the set of Suddenly Susan in the late 90s and “fell in love with her” after it was revealed Griffin had inadvertently parked in her parking spot. The video can be found at oakpark.com and includes a clip from My Life on the D List featuring Griffin introducing her mother, Maggie, to Betty White at Sizzler. “May she rest in peace and hilarity,” said Griffin.

Melissa Elsmo

COURTESY OF KATHY GRIFFIN

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George Geary, the man behind iconic Golden Girls cheesecakes

And his local connection is through Frank Lloyd Wright Trust By MELISSA ELSMO

Contributing Reporter

n effervescent character, Chef George Geary, had no idea what he was in for when he made a wedding cake for an unnamed television pilot in the 1980s. He was in his 20s and managing the bakery department of a Safeway grocery store in Hollywood. The store’s proximity to Paramount Studios meant staff would often field strange food requests to be used on various sets. “I got a call to make a wedding cake for a jilted bride on a show about three old ladies with a mother that visited occasionally,” said Geary. “I made the cake, and nothing came of it until a year later.” Geary received a call that the show had been picked up and production requested he make an exact replica of the cake he had made the year prior. When he watched the VHS tape of the pilot for reference he thought, “this show is really funny; they’ve got something here.” Despite the fact Geary’s wedding cake was barely seen during the pilot episode, his un-

derstanding of studio lighting and how it affected color caught the attention of producers. “Obviously things have advanced a lot since then, but at the time they were impressed that I understood how white frosting could read yellow on camera and things like that,” said Geary. “When Golden Girls moved production from Paramount to RenMar studios they started incorporating cheesecakes into the scripts and I made every one of them.” It was Betty White as Rose Nylund who introduced the iconic cakes to the rest of The Golden Girls in a fast exchange during the season one finale episode entitled, “The Way We Met.” “Wait a minute. What’s that?” asks Blanche blocking Rose as she crosses the kitchen carrying a pink bakery box. “Oh, I’m sorry. I know it’s awful, but I have this incredible sweet tooth,” responds Rose. “What is it?” chimes in Dorothy. “Cheesecake,” answers Rose. “What kind,” asks Blanche. “Chocolate,’ says Rose. “Oh, I think this could be the beginning of

Golden Girls Cheesecake (Recipe courtesy of George Geary) Makes: One 10-inch Cheesecake Crust: 1/3 pound graham crackers, crushed 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 1. In a bowl mix the above and press into a cheesecake pan, and freeze. Filling 2 lbs cream cheese, softened (Philly) 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1. Adjust the rack to the center, and preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. In the mixer, place cream cheese and sugar, blending until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, while mixing. Add lemon juice and vanilla, and blend well.

3. Pour batter into frozen cheesecake bottom, smoothing it out to touch sides. Bake it until the top starts to pull away from sides and still look a bit loose in center, about 35-40 minutes. It will look like it is puffed up. Take it out of the oven (do not turn the oven off) and set it on a rack 10 minutes. (This will cause cake to sink slightly, which is normal) Topping: 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 tbsp lemon juice 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, sugar, lemon juice and vanilla. Pour it into center of the cheesecake, then place cheesecake back into oven for 5 minutes only; cool for 1 hour prior to serving. Top with fresh berries.

COURTESY OF GEORGE GEARY

SEVEN CHEESECAKES A WEEK: Chef George Geary shows off a cheesecake made from the original recipe he created for The Golden Girls. a beautiful friendship,” says Dorothy. And just like that Geary’s cheesecakes became the fifth character at the kitchen table on the Golden Girls’ set. Geary encouraged they use cheesecake because they were easier to produce than layer cakes. He speculates close to 100 episodes of the show featured his cakes. Though he has never officially counted, TVLand produced a compilation video highlighting the “best cheesecake moments” on The Golden Girls with a run time close to 20 minutes—so his math can’t be far off. The show taped on Friday nights and Geary would make seven cheesecakes for every show in case they needed them for reshoots. They never went through more than two cakes in a single taping and the leftovers were shared with the cast and crew after taping wrapped up. Only, Bea Arthur never took a bite, on camera or off. According to Geary, she was not fond of cheesecake. “The refrigerator on set really worked and every Friday night you would find seven identical cheesecakes in there,” said Geary. “We changed up the look from season-to-season and most importantly we always wanted the cakes to look like something one of the girls had picked up from a

local bakery.” Geary styled all the foods on Golden Girls including Rose Nylund’s incredibly sweet “maple syrup honey brown sugar molasses rice krispies log.” He also created foods for Dynasty and Falcon Crest, served as a pastry chef for the Walt Disney Company and grew to be best-selling author of 15 cookbooks. Looking for a local connection? Geary is an architecture lover and has donated his cooking talents to the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust’s Ultimate Plus Dinners hosted annually in Oak Park. Geary admits he only watched three Golden Girls tapings over the years because he was young, “wanted to be like Blanche” and go out in Hollywood on Friday nights, but he remembers his time on set fondly. “When I was on set, we were all working, but Betty was one of the kindest and gentlest and sweetest people on this earth,” said Geary. “I never thought anything of it at the time, but it was special. I guess I really am a part of Golden Girls’ history.” When Geary learned of White’s death, he expressed shock and rightly suggested we all enjoy a slice of cheesecake in her memory.

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Wednesday Journal, January 12, 2022

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for animals. For all the positive press Oak Park has received as a result of the media’s interest in White’s celebration of life, some inaccuracies have popped up in coverage of the event. Primarily, that the village of Oak from page A8 Park is proclaiming the actress’s Jan. 17 kindness as she was for her comedic pres- birthday as “Betty White Day.” That is not ence. That in and of itself was enough to en- the case. While Village President Vicki Scaman is tice CBS2 Chicago reporter Marissa Parra to do a story about the memorial event last reading a proclamation recognizing White at the Jan. 10 village board meeting and then week. “It’s an excuse to celebrate a woman who again at the Jan. 15 Journal event, the proctouched so many lives,” said Parra. “As a lamation does not establish White’s birthday as “Betty White Day.” journalist, I was intrigued by Likewise, event organizers that.” were cognizant that White’s acAnd even though White didn’t tual birthday falls on Martin live in Oak Park for a substantial Luther King Jr. Day this year. It amount of time, Parra thinks was decided from the start that her association to the village ofthe event honoring White would fers some joy for people in the be held Jan. 15, so that it would Chicago area. Joy has been hard in no way conflict with the fedto come by of late, considering eral holiday commemorating the the world has entered into the civil rights leader. third year of the COVID-19 pan“We were planning this event demic. before Betty White died,” said MARISSA PARRA “The fact that she spent any Elsmo. “It was always going to CBS2 Chicago reporter time here at all just makes peobe on Jan. 15 because we didn’t ple excited they have some conwant it detract from the impornection to Betty,” said Parra. tance of Martin Luther King Parra believes the fond recolDay.” lections of White’s consummate The village president will also goodness serve as an opportunity for us all be reading a proclamation Jan. 10 declarto emulate the qualities for which the acing the village of Oak Park will observe of tress was adored in our own lives. That would seem to be the case, as many King’s birthday Jan. 17. Martin Luther King people and businesses are volunteering Jr. Day is always observed the third Monday their time and services for the Jan. 15 event of January. The sentiment behind the celebration has in Oak Park. Turano Baking Company is providing birthday cake for the attendees. remained the same from the start. “It’s a moment to express our gratitude for The Animal Care League is hosting a pet what Betty White was emblematic of in this adoption event after the celebration in the lobby of Byline Bank, across from Lake The- country: kindness, compassion and connecatre – a nod to White’s well-documented love tion,” said Elsmo.

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“It’s an excuse to celebrate a woman who touched so many lives.”

CINDY FEE

The voice, the song from page A17 it,” said Fee who continues to earn royalties for the theme song. “The most interesting thing about that song is how enduring it is and how much it means to people.” During the pandemic, Fee called overworked healthcare workers and sang the song to lift their spirits. She recollects being recognized and asked to sing “Thank You for Being a Friend” while she was blueberry picking and admits she leveraged her celebrity singer status just once — to help facilitate adopting a dog during the pandemic. “Everyone was adopting dogs and when I called the shelter, I mentioned that I sang the Golden Girls theme hoping it might help me get a dog,” laughed Fee. In her early twenties, with just $300 in her pocket, Fee packed up her car and followed her dream from New York to LA. She found success singing jingles for Hoover (“Nobody

Does it Like You”) and Wheaties (“What the Big Boys Eat”) and recorded The Golden Girls theme song before making her way to Nashville to pursue solo projects with RCA. When the label flew her to Chicago she fell in love with the city and the family relocated to the Midwest. After a bit they settled in Oak Park because the “community aligns” with her values. “This is just a very cool place,” said Fee who now splits her time between River Forest and Michigan. Growing Community Media recorded a conversation with Cindy Fee at the Boulevard Studio, Crossfunction, 1033 South Blvd., in late December. Visit oakpark.com and search “Cindy Fee Podcast” and take a listen. In the wake of Betty White’s death, Fee agreed to attend Growing Community Media’s Betty White Centennial Celebration this Saturday, Jan. 15 to sing “Thank You for Being a Friend” in her honor. “Women’s’ issues are at the heart of The Golden Girls and those are the same issues women deal with now and keep the show relevant all these years later,” said Fee.

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Wednesday Journal, January 12, 2022

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Wednesday Journal, January 12, 2022

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“Be Like Betty” at our pet adoption event! Join Byline and the Animal Care League at the Byline Bank Oak Park branch at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2022. Honor Betty White’s legacy by visiting with puppies and kittens that are available for adoption. As part of the #BettyWhiteChallenge, donations will be accepted. Refreshments will also be served! Byline Bank 1001 Lake Street Oak Park, IL (708) 660-1000

bylinebank.com/oprf