Born-and-raised Oak Parker Jennie Hills, 41, answered a few questions for the Oak Leaves Jan. 17 while her children were on the ice at Paul Hruby Ice Arena at Ridgeland Common to skate.
Q: What brings you here today?
A: We’re here for public skate. It’s my daughter Bentley’s 12th birthday and she wanted to skate with a friend.
Q: What’s kept you in Oak Park your whole life?
A: The parks and recreation. We live across the alley from Rehm Pool. The Park District of Oak Park is — you could basically walk anywhere and go to a park.
Q: Hidden gem of Oak Park or River Forest?
A: I would say the Oak Park Conservatory. I don’t think it gets enough attention. They have a huge carnivorous section, even.
Q: Are you involved in any local organizations?
A: I’m pretty active with the Longfellow PTO [Parent-Teacher Organization]. I’m on committees for the book fair, carnival and art night.
Q: Favorite local restaurant?
A: Pete’s Red Hots on Roosevelt Road. I mean, they’ve been feeding me hot dogs since I was, like, 8. Their Greek chicken is phenomenal. I’ve lived in the neighborhood my whole life, I’ve known it my whole life.
Q: Travel destination of choice?
A: California. My sister lives there.
Q: Last book you read?
A: “Stolen, Smuggled, Sold: On the Hunt for Cultural Treasures” [by Nancy Moses]. It’s a fascinating book about lost artwork that’s been recovered. … I’m almost finished. It’s really good.
—Caitlin Mullen, Pioneer Press
Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Check out more online at ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut.
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