While her 2-year-old son, Deklen, played with the water table July 28 outside the Oak Park Public Library, Deana Spencer, 43, of Westchester answered a few questions for the Oak Leaves.
Q: What brings you here today?
A: We have a property here. He loves this place [gestured to library].
Q: Any surprises in becoming a mom?
A: The energy at this age, with a 2-year-old. My other son is 9. We’re always running around.
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Q: Occupation?
A: I’m an administrator. I direct an early learning program in the city. I’ve been in education a long time. My true passion is to help in urban education. I’ve spent my career in education policy.
Q: Organization whose mission you identify with?
A: Where I work, Holy Family Ministries in Chicago. And the Children’s Defense Fund.
Q: Favorite summer activities?
A: Just the parks. Parks and the library, of course. Brookfield Zoo; the kids love that place.
Q: Travel destination of choice?
A: Since I’ve had the little ones, we usually try to go to Arkansas to see the in-laws. We usually try to get there once or twice a year.
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.
Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.