The Lighthouse Keeper sees …

… that April is both Earth Month and Poetry Month and Evanstonian Sue Gundlach has found a way to celebrate both with her annual Poet-Tree installation on Judson Avenue near Hamilton Street.

… that a larger, semi-permanent installation graces the front yard of The Proud Owner of Seabiscuit featured in this column two weeks ago. The Lighthouse Keeper thanks RoundTable readers whose helpful comments helped make the connection. The Proud Owner, who prefers to be identified as TPOoS, said, “It all started with Joe Levy, who had a zoo in front of his business.”

Joe Levy was a successful businessman and philanthropist who had an auto dealership in Evanston. He is the donor after whom Evanston’s Levy Center is named. TPOoS and Levy were friends and TPOoS used to take his children to play on the animals at Levy’s business.

When Levy died in 2019, his wife, Carole Levy, described him as “fun and full of mischief.” Levy apparently recognized a kindred spirit in TPOoS, who says that he received a call from the estate notifying him that “Mr. Levy would like you to have his horse and cow.”

TPOoS said that moving Seabiscuit to the Canal Shores golf course was similar to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley’s middle-of-the-night plowing of Meigs Field and that it “fits Mr. Levy and his sense of humor.” When seen from the entrance to NorthShore University’s Women’s Health Center on the other side of the canal, Seabiscuit is so realistic that someone recently called 311 to report a horse running around on the golf course.

… that art is in the eye of the beholder and wonders what readers think of this installation at Arrington Lagoon.

… that spring has sprung for some. Most of us aren’t quite ready to go jump in the lake, but starting this week Evanstonians can pick up free beach passes with proof of residency. After May 2, non-residents can purchase season passes for $46, or $30 for residents of Skokie.

The Lighthouse Keeper hears …

… that in addition to earth and poetry, April is the month to recognize and/or celebrate Ramadan, Easter and Passover as well as about 40 other things including brunch, afternoon tea, hope, fresh celery, international guitar and jazz.

The Lighthouse Keeper wonders what your favorite month is and why. Post your comments, questions and ideas about the Arrington Lagoon photo in the public comments section or communicate privately with LK@evanstonroundtable.com.