A brighter season through charity
I just wanted to take a moment and thank everyone that participated in the Shop with a Cop 2007 program. From our contributors (that are too many to name), to our volunteers, Wal-Mart and Old Country Buffet this could not have been done without you.
As you are aware, through the efforts of our contributors, volunteers and our host store Wal-Mart, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #24 was able to raise enough money and take 22 Forest Park kids on a shopping trip. Each child and their parent/guardian were given breakfast at Old Country Buffet and through our contributors the kids were afforded the opportunity to purchase Christmas presents for themselves and their families. I want to say thanks from the organization and myself.
This year’s program was a big success. It was truly an example of community spirit and holiday cheer to see the faces of the children, as they were able to have a better Christmas because of this program.
So on behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #24, the village of Forest Park and the Forest Park Police Department, our sincere appreciation for your continuous participation in our community partnerships and thank you for always being willing to stay involved.
I would like to wish everyone a happy, safe holiday season and have a Happy New Year.
David M. Preiwisch, president
F.O.P. Lodge #24
Bar would be nuisance
I want to applaud the decision to deny the license for the topless bar in Forest Park!
Not only as a parent, but as a community member, I believe that this type of business has no business being located in a community like ours. We are small enough that no location in Forest Park would be far enough away from our kids, and we do not want to attract the patrons of this kind of business to our neighborhoods.
Kudos to the village attorney and the zoning board!
Teri Blain
Forest Park
Santa’s helpers
My son Jonathan Gonzalez went shopping with a cop, or with a great reporter from the Review (“Police deliver an early Christmas,” page one, Dec. 12). I would like to thank everyone involved with this program for bringing so much joy to my son this year! Happy holiday’s and God bless!
Gloria Gray
Forest Park
Table for two, please
I urge Marani and DiBenedetto to come to terms and resolve or mediate the disagreement (“Restaurant partners feuding over finances at La Piazza,” page six, Dec. 12). My wife and I have heard nothing but outstanding review after outstanding recommendation for La Piazza since we moved to Forest Park in 2006. We could hardly wait to eat at La Piazza and try the tasting menu, as we are avid foodies. However, we moved here with a newborn baby and without my wife working, we could not afford to try La Piazza until my wife only recently went back to work. We were planning on visiting La Piazza over Christmas week and dearly hope it is still open with DiBenedetto as chef! According to everyone we know who has ever eaten there La Piazza is a first-class restaurant and an asset to Forest Park that cannot be jeopardized!
Ryan O’Halloran
Forest Park
La Piazza, please stay
La Piazza is truly a fine diner’s dream. I’ve dined there many times and have always been impressed. I’ve always been a lover of haute cuisine and with La Piazza being so nearby, there’s no reason for me to venture downtown for dining pleasure.
Each dish has an Italian flair and exudes creativity of flavors, ingredients and elaborate presentation. The seafood specials always grab my attention first. Regular menu items I’d recommend include butternut squash gnocci, rissoto, chicken Sofia (with tomato cream sauce and eggplant) and chicken “under a brick” (with tomato sauce and asparagus). Portions are generous.
It would be a shame if Forest Park were to lose this gem.
Gary Ghertner
Forest Park
Supporting our park
I want to thank all of the dog park patrons that came out on Saturday for the Christmas for the Dogs.
The spirit of Christmas was in the air as we listened to live music from Jim, Connie and Ron from First Presbyterian Church of River Forest. They played free for an hour for us and said they really loved the experience!
We had a few people bring ornaments for our tree and one woman even handmade hers. It was a Swedish design and very cool.
Blue Max coffee shop donated hot chocolate and coffee for everyone, so it got everyone buzzing. Thanks so much to Liz and Lou for that donation. You have always been so supportive of our park. Thank you!
Village Commissioner Marty Tellalian was there the entire time and talked to people about the parks and he even bought us cookies!
Debra helped me set up tables and the drinks and was such a huge help.
Through the generosity of the dog park visitors, we raised about $200 for future dog park improvements. We will add this to our bank account that is earmarked just for our park.
Thanks to public works, Sally Cody and the mayor for your support too.
I am still riding high on the fumes of generosity and the Christmas spirit that took place this past Saturday. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Jennifer Wolfe, Friends of the Dog Park organizer
Forest Park
