Jim Bowman grew up in Oak Park and he and his wife raised their six children here. He covered religion for the Chicago Daily News 1968-78 and since then has operated independently as writer and editor. He blogs atwww.blithespirit.wordpress.com, www.oakparknewspapers.com and elsewhere.His latest of a dozen books is Company Man: My Jesuit Life, 1950-1968. He is at work on Volume 2 of his A Short History of Oak Park, based on his Blithe Spirit newsletter of the '90s. 

We all know what to do, and many of us resolve to do it every year: eat better, exercise more, lose weight and reduce stress. We may have many demands on our time and energy, and not a lot of cash to spare for health clubs and organic produce. It seems insurmountable, so we throw up our hands and eat a bag of chips. Changing our diets and habits is not easy, but with a little guidance and a lot of patience, it can be enjoyable. Really! I'm not a medical professional, personal trainer or registered dietician. What I am is a former couch potato and junk food fan who is on a journey to prevent illness, reduce stress, and increase my energy and vitality through nutrition and exercise. I have watched members of my family suffer from preventable illness and seen their diminished quality of life, and I aim to find a better way.  I have just graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition as a certified holistic health counselor, and have also become certified as a Nia...

Frank Chlumsky, former executive chef of Philander's restaurant in Oak Park, teaches in Chicago at Kendall College's School of Culinary Arts. In his 37-year career, Frank has owned restaurants in Michigan City, Ind., and in Lake Geneva, Wis. He has also been executive chef at the Saddle & Cycle Club in Chicago. Frank lives in Forest Park, where he cooks for pleasure. https://www.kendall.edu/learn/culinary-arts/  

Sarah, a life long Oak Parker, enjoys supporting local small business as much as possible.  With over 20 years in big box and little box retail, she brings a unique perspective to our local business community.  She has an eye for value and fun at our local shopping spots in and around Oak Park.  You can catch her blogs right here at OakPark.com.  Of course keep staying tuned for her partnership with the Village of Oak Park "This is Where I Shop!"  

I have been a horticulturist for thirty years working in the Chicago area and beyond. I have lived in Oak Park for over thirteen years. My writing has recently appeared in the journal Ecological Restoration and I was a contributor to The Field Guide to Surreal Botany. Apart from my own blog I have also contributed to the online sites Gapers Block and A Prairie Journal. I often find myself hugging trees, squinting at stars, cutting buckthorn, or focusing too late on a bird that got away. I've been told I do a pretty fair imitation of a cicada song- but that all of my other animal calls sound alike.

Doug Deuchler has been reviewing local theater and delving into our history for Wednesday Journal for decades. He is alsoa retired teacher and school librarian who is also a stand-up comic, tour guide/docent and author of several books about Oak Park and surrounding communities. Here's your chance to tap into Doug's knowledge of local theater, film and history.