Village can bring residents together with good events
Bring back Brookfield’s Oktoberfest! In the past five years, Brookfield has lost many of our festivities, including Oktoberfest. While there is a need to cut back with the tight economy, this festivity was canceled long before the economic downturn.

Why? There was no carnival or huge expenditures, just food and fun. Berwyn has increased its Oktoberfest from one to two days.

Festivities like Oktoberfest are important in bringing the community together and instilling town pride.

Village President Michael Garvey needs to make it a priority to bring back festivals of these sorts.
I think he will find there are many people who would be more than willing to volunteer their time and resources. Just ask.

Marcey Kusper, Brookfield

Park District of LG thanks Family Fest supporters
The Park District of La Grange would like to thank our sponsors, all who attended and all who were involved in the Community Family Fest July 31. There were about 3,500 who attended.

We would not have been able to put on this great free community event without the support of local sponsors. Platinum sponsors were Lyons & Pinner Electric Companies, Belcaster Reality Group, Allan E. Power Plumbing, DeVire’s Grocery and Market, First National Bank of La Grange, Vulcan Materials Co., Sign up Sign Co. and Ancel Glink. Gold sponsors included Oakbrook Health and Nutrition, Aurelio’s Pizza, the Community Bank of Western Springs, Oasis Women’s Fitness and Spa, Battistoni and Beam Orthodontics, Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, Township of Lyons, Community Support Services, Fannie May Candies and state Rep. Jim Durkin. Silver sponsor included Cardinal Fitness, Fimreite Chiropractic, Curves, Stephen Wallace D.D.S. Inc., Huntington Learning Center, Nazareth Academy and MacNeal Physicians Group.

Laura Gallagher, superintendent of recreation, Park District of La Grange

Racism doesn’t work merely one way
So placing a sign on a car stating “White Pride” is the work of a small-minded fool? How many generations must atone for mistakes of the past?

Probably 50 percent or more of our current population cannot even relate to the racial problems prior to the 1960s. When are we going to protest the celebration of Miss Black America? Bud Billiken Parade? Million Man March? Black History Month? I could go on, but is it any use? No matter how proud we are of being white, we cannot state that fact without being called racist. Why does racism work in only one direction? Doesn’t being offensive work both ways? I think we are at a point in time where everyone should be accepted for what they are and stop the “special black events.”

Everyone can be proud of their own heritage, and to state that fact is not being something to be ridiculed but admired.

Lynn Johnson, La Grange