Oak Park-River Forest|News|
Tourists Spent $191.4M in Oak Park in 2012: Report
Spending in the region increased 6.4 percent in 2012, and 5.7 percent in Oak Park according to a report prepared for Visit Oak Park.

Email: charlotte@patch.com
Phone: 630-589-7732
Hometown: Birmingham, MI
Birthday: September 24
Facebook: www.facebook.com/oakparkriverforestilpatch
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Bio:
I graduated with a masters degree in journalism from DePaul University. I fell for the journalism field when I covered the World Boxing Championships in 2007, which indirectly led to an invitation to work for the U.S. Olympic Committee at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. I was also the editor of the center spread section of The DePaulia, DePaul's student-run newspaper for one year, and Editor in Chief for one year. I've earned awards in features design, in-depth reporting and news reporting for my work on The DePaulia and was honored for student achievement in DePaul's graduate program.
I love the outdoors. I love hiking whenever possible and have run three half marathons. I love golf and waterskiing, and played soccer for a state champion team in high school and DePaul's club team for three years. I enjoy being around and/or watching all sports—and am a huge fan of the Detroit Red Wings.
I'm artsy. I love the Beatles, Elvis and Saturday Night Live, circa Mike Myers.
Your Beliefs
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Politics
I grew up in a family of conservatives and feel I lean toward conservative economic beliefs and liberal social beliefs. I've never contributed to any political campaign.
Religion
Presbyterian
Local Hot-Button Issues
New businesses and development
Where do you stand on each of these issues?
Bring it
Spending in the region increased 6.4 percent in 2012, and 5.7 percent in Oak Park according to a report prepared for Visit Oak Park.

The comedian took aim at deep-dish pizza this week, incurring the wrath of Chicago pizza fans — and Mayor Rahm Emanuel himself.
The comedian took aim at deep-dish pizza this week, incurring the wrath of Chicago pizza fans — and Mayor Rahm Emanuel himself.
Trustees agree some parts of the overnight parking system can be evaluated for short-term improvements while the village takes a comprehensive look at the overnight parking ban in Oak Park.
DuPage County State's Attorney addresses heroin "epidemic" in Chicago's western suburbs.
Two men get out of their car, punch a man in the face and steal is guitar and amp. Other recent Oak Park police reports include burglary, theft and a warrant charge for dangerous drugs.
Also in recent La Grange police reports: A woman is hospitalized for possibly having swallowed her phone at church.
A roundup of recent home sales in La Grange and La Grange Park, according to Zillow.
A roundup of recent home sales in Oak Park and River Forest, according to Zillow.
Cab company information near the Oak Park and River Forest area.
Some Oak Park restaurants and bars will be open on Thanksgiving day this year, and grocery stores will be open for anything you forget. We also have information on when school gets out, library hours and more.
Registration closes for the annual race at midnight on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
Registration closes for the annual race at midnight on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
Only a few La Grange and La Grange Park businesses will be open for the holiday with limited hours.
La Grange-area obituaries from Hitzeman Funeral Home.
Patch put together a map of food pantries in the area.
OPRF Food Pantry to host inaugural Holiday Bazaar at First United Church of Oak Park Tuesday, Nov. 19.
There are a number of suspected criminals wanted in the area. Patch highlights a few of them.