Memories of Cubs World Series / Aretha Franklin Rescued / '2 Broke Girls' Accent / Jennifer Hudson Sings

“Start every day with a smile and get it over with.” ~W.C. Fields

Here are a few of our favorite Chicago-area feel-good stories.

• List of Life Accomplishments for Man Who Saw Cubs in the World Series is Amazing: Charles Greenstein counts a 300 game in bowling among his achievements.

• State Police Help a Stranded Aretha Franklin on I-290: Her tour bus broke down in the wee hours of Monday morning.

• ‘2 Broke Girls’ Star Jonathan Kite Picked Up TV Show Accent in Skokie: The sitcom star who plays “Oleg” learned the dialect from the families of his friends in the north suburb.

• Jennifer Hudson Schedules Performance at Art Van Furniture Gala: Academy and Grammy Award winner will highlight VIP grand opening event.

• Marist Planning Reception for Teacher’s Return by Bike: A police escort and party will be held this Sunday marking Owen Glennon’s triumphant return from his cycling adventure.

• Homes Designed by World-Renowned Architects Make Elmhurst Unique: Elmhurst is the only town in the United States with houses designed by both Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van de Rohe.

• A Push for Pumbaa: Shelter Campaigns for Home for Longest Resident: Pumbaa is a good boy who knows his tricks and is ready for a family of his own—and two years is too long to spend at a shelter.

• Tinley Park Brewery Names Beer for Blackhawks’ Jonathan Toews: Captain Serious #19’ is an IPA fit for a Stanley Cup Champion—if only he would stop by for a pint.

• Glen Ellyn Teen Publishes Her Own Book: Nicole Kaiser wrote and illustrated “The Greatest Legend of the Black River Forest.”

• Wheaton’s First Female Mayor Turns 100: Happy Birthday to Marget “Margy” Hamilton who turned 100 on Saturday.

• Coach K to Speak at Fundraiser in Deerfield: Legendary hoops coach will give keynote address at Renee Israel Foundation’s annual fundraiser in September.