While she sat outside the Oak Park Public Library on April 3, Eloise LaPalio, 64, of Oak Park answered a few questions for the Oak Leaves.
Q: How long have you lived in Oak Park?
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A: Fifteen years. I’ve always wanted to live here, so it’s like I finally made it. I’m from the Chicago area, but I had aunts who lived here. … I don’t know, I loved the feel of it.
Q: Hidden gem of Oak Park or River Forest?
A: I don’t know if it’s so hidden, but I just love Austin Gardens. I just love the green space.
Q: Words you live by?
A: Basically, the “do unto others” thing. I bet a lot of people say that, but that’s really what I think.
Q: Favorite local restaurant?
A: Definitely Munch. Anything at Munch.
Q: Travel destination that’s on your “must see” list?
A: Cuba. I would love to get to Cuba. I want to get there before we spoil it. I just went on an Alaskan cruise last summer.
Q: Favorite thing about spring?
A: The smell of the earth. The little flowers come up. It’s interesting to see all the people emerge. The people emerge as well.
Q: Charity of choice?
A: Locally, probably the Oak Park and River Forest Food Pantry, and all that that group does. There’s a lot of social services people can access when they just go get food.
Q: Last book you read?
A: I’m reading one now called, “His Majesty’s Dragon,” by Naomi Novik. It’s really good if you like fantasy stuff. If you can believe in dragons, then you’ll love this book. It’ll make you believe.
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/ShoutOuthttp://www.ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut.
Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press