Carol Jansson, a new arrival to Wilmette, was taking a walk in Gillson Park on Oct. 19 when she stopped to talk with Pioneer Press about her favorite season, a great Russian novel, good Halloween candy and more.
Q: Since it’s getting close to Halloween, can you choose a Halloween candy that you particularly like?
A: I can’t answer a lot of Halloween questions, because my children are all grown up … but I love candy corn and caramels. I have to restrain myself with candy corn.
Q: Do you have a pet?
A: We don’t now, but I grew up with cats and dogs. I had a cat that lived about 23 years. Her name was Tsetsa, and she was a cross between a Lynx Point (Siamese) and a Russian Blue. She was a very wise old lady.
Q: We’re finally getting into autumn; what’s your favorite season?
A: Summer – I love hot weather, I love being outside, I love all the things about summer.
Q: Do you have a book you like that you could recommend to us?
A: I think the best book overall is Tolstoy’s “War and Peace.” It’s just filled with humanity, and filled with history. Plus it has a great story. (Tolstoy) was brilliant, and a very spiritual man. He makes you realize that we humans are the same, no matter where you go.
Q: Do you have a cause or charity that you’d like people to know about?
A: I have a handicapped daughter, and I can’t say enough about the wonderful work of Little City, (https://www.littlecity.org/), where she is placed. I would suggest to anyone that they go out for a visit, learn about it, donate their time or money. It’s a great cause, and they need all the help people can give. Another cause I believe in and which is often overlooked is mental health. There is a wonderful organization in Evanston called Housing Options for the Mentally Ill (http://housingopt.org/
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), which helps people with chronic mental illness live independent and productive lives.Q: Finally, do you have a comfort food?
A: Yes, chocolate, definitely chocolate, the darker the better!
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.
–Kathy Routliffe, Pioneer Press
Twitter: @pioneer_kathy