Wednesday Journal

 Magazines

  Reader's Guide

  Participation in local events

  Membership in local business "chapters"

  Val was the guest DJ on WXRT 93.1 FM on "Eclectic Company," hosted by Nicholas Tremulis.
It aired Tuesday, September 19 at 10pm. Stay tuned for the podcast.

  Read more on the move from a Wednesday Journal article

  Read more on the day of July 30th from the latest Wednesday Journal article

  See photos from the Store Move.

  And Val's letter to "The Wednesday Journal"

Ta Ta

Moving can be a “moving” experience.  And so it has been for myself and for the crew at Val’s halla, as we made the transition from our home of almost four decades on South Boulevard to our “airy” new home in the Arts District of Oak Park at 239 Harrison Street.  In fact, it has been such a “moving” experience that my attempt to encapsulate the rush of emotion and gratitude has take far longer than it should have.  First I have to send kudos to my current Val’s sidekicks, Shayne Blakeley (manager at the new store) and James Deia, go to guy, who steps in when needed.  They gave their all in preparing for Sale Day & the big move.  Then on that final farewell day, in came the troops to help.  Hordes of former employees flew, drove and walked their way to be at our side,  They came from as far away as California, New York, Washington State, Kansas City & Minnesota and as near as down the block to commemorate and say their final goodbyes to the eclectic little gem they helped to create.  I can’t possibly name them all, but I hope they know I love them and am awed by that kind of loyalty.  The bittersweet revelry extended well beyond the final “turn of the key” at 5pm, when Bill, Katie & Andy hosted our after-party at Fitzgeralds (thank you so much, you guys).  The tears and beers flowed freely as employees, personal friends and a few lifelong customers toasted, cheered and shared their reflections on the impact that Val’s halla had made in their lives.  When the accolades heaped on me personally veered toward overwhelming, one friend remarked “she ain’t dead yet, she’s only moving.”  I must admit, however, that hearing such nice things said about oneself on this side of the “great beyond” sure beats the alternative.

If I tried to single out each person who played a significant part in our transition, this thank you note would fill several pages, but I must say a special “thanks” to John Conmy.  You may remember John as the owner of that very classy interiors store, Homestuff, on Marion Street.  John stopped in a few weeks before closing day, just to wish us well and inquire about some of the logistics involved in the move.  We have since renamed him “Captain Marvel”  as he, not only, built all of our LP display tables, but proceeded to solve every dilemma we have encountered since the move.  Without him, we would have been lucky to re-open by October.  He keeps saying, “this is fun” -- he is bedazzling, thank you, John.

Since the first day I entered that little “hall of the Gods” on South Blvd, in May of 1968, I have felt a sense of belonging.  Not just with the location, but with the community of merchants who shared what was then cleverly called the Oak Park/Lake shopping district.  I can still taste the napoleon slices from Smithfield’s bakery.  And now 40 years later,as I  strolled the “avenue”and read the warm and colorful greetings and best wishes painted on the windows, I am reminded of what I always knew - the Avenue is a very special place and I am honored to have been a part of it.  Thank you all.

And finally (and you thought it would never come), finally to the legion of Val’s halla customers who  shared their musical lives with me for the past 14,040 days, in that little covered over alleyway, “thanks” is just not enough, but it’s all I got.  Although I know we can never re-create that precious little nook, the spirit that is Val’s halla lives on, so I hope that you will join me in making  musical memories in our new home.

I simply do not know what I’ve done to warrant the affection and loyalty that has come my way these past few weeks.  My favorite religious writer (I can’t believe I have one of those), neighbor, Cathleen Falsani might call it “grace” or even more appropriately, my “karmic mulligan.” I don’t know what to call it.  I only know I am humbled and mighty, mighty grateful.  Thanks all.

Val Camilletti
Val’s halla Records