It came just the same: Weather forecasters may blame the March 9 snowstorm that paralyzed the Chicago area on a warmer-than-normal Pacific Ocean current, but Mokena officials and staffers have targeted a cause closer to home.
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“(The storm) was not an effect of El Nino. It was an effect of (Village Administrator) John Downs,” Mayor Robert Chiszar said.
According to Chiszar and Village Clerk Jane McGinn, Downs, who turned 40 on March 9, called down the wrath of the heavens to force cancellation of a scheduled village board meeting and avoid a birthday party tacked on to the agenda.
“John Downs ordered the blizzard,” said McGinn, kicking off the belated birthday commemoration at the March 23 meeting.
But Downs’ meteorological powers must have been a one-shot deal because the weather was fine March 23, allowing a full house to enjoy chocolate birthday cake and an assortment of memorable photos, including a baby picture and a snapshot of Downs on his way to the prom in a baby blue tux.
And like all birthday parties, the celebration included gifts. Downs will be all set for the next village golf outing with a shirt patterned with golf balls and tees.