Greeting can be a comforting gesture
I have been a resident of Forest Park for many years and love it here. My partner and I purchased a second home just over a year ago in a small town named Marseilles, along the Illinois River near Starved Rock State Park. We have been spending a great deal of time there and there is one big difference between the two places that strikes me as almost shocking. No matter where I go in Marseilles, on my bike or walking or even driving, everyone says “Hi!” They wave at you from their yards, they say hi in the grocery store, they say hi if they know you or not. It is a comforting feeling, and makes you feel safe and welcome.
I was home in Forest Park the other day, and was walking to breakfast on Madison Street when a girl walking her dog passed. I said “Hi. Good Morning!” I thought she was going to faint or call the police. I guess I forgot where I was. Other than neighbors and friends, people in Forest Park seem to be afraid to communicate with each other. We need to say “Hi” to each other if only to assure one another that we do care and are looking out for each other. It’s a simple thing. Just say “Hi.” You will really feel at home.
Mike Thorp
Forest Park
A slower pace
Here’s a suggestion. Lower the speed limit to 20 mph like La Grange does through the heart of their business district on busy La Grange Road (“Caution: Pedestrian crossing,” Aug. 13). Cost is minimal. Station a cop with a radar gun and a radio (to a car posted up the road) and viola, lots of extra revenue for Forest Park, and perhaps fewer pedestrians being hit.
Pamela Fontana
Forest Park
Proud daughter
I was happy to see the articles in the Review and the Journal about my mom and her friends (“Sewn with Kindness,” Aug. 6) and their devotion to the homeless in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. So many times you hear about the wonderful things Oprah is doing in Africa, help with the Katrina victims, the things Brad and Angelina are doing, etc. that we tend to forget that there are people in our own neighborhoods who are in need. Where were all the celebrities with the flooding in Iowa? Where was all the news coverage?
I am proud Donna DiGilio is my mom and proud of the work she and friends do with their quilts. I just hope everyone understands the devotion and effort these women put into these beautiful quilts and anyone who has something to donate will get in contact with them at the number listed in the article. Thank you again, Donna DiGilio (mom) and all the women from St. Giles parish. You are helping many get a good night sleep.
Cathy Malone-Shaw
River Forest
