Forest Park Review
A hyperlocal news site committed to in-depth reporting on issues concerning Forest Park, Illinois.
Admit it. You peek inside the windows of the bungalow you’re walking by when the owner leaves the blinds open. It looks cozy, maybe warm inside – maybe there’s a design inspiration for you? But, really, who hasn’t wanted to see what’s on TV, what’s on the table and who’s gathered around it?
This Thanksgiving you get a chance to do just that. Well, kind of. Forest Park’s mayor and commissioners share with us how they spend Thanksgiving and what makes the holiday special for them.
We hope it’s special for you, too.
The responses have been edited lightly for clarity and length.
My wife and I will be in town with our daughter [who is visiting from Washington, D.C.], our youngest, my mother-in- law, and some of my in-laws. Usually, we have a small gathering. I enjoy watching college or NFL football over Thanksgiving weekend. If I am lucky, my daughter Jasmine will make a pecan pie, my favorite dessert.     
I will be spending Thanksgiving with Forest Park friends at a “friendsgiving.” I’m very grateful to have a community of people around me who welcome me into their homes during the holidays. I appreciate the food that is shared at these events that reflects the talents of everyone who is invited. 
I [also] will be reaching out to volunteer at Housing Forward, and organization where I serve as a board member. 
I will be supporting small business Saturday in Forest Park on Nov. 30, and wrapping gifts with the Kiwanis Club of Forest Park on Saturday on Madison Street. 
I will spend Thanksgiving as I do every year: with my husband and children at my mom’s house. My three siblings and their families will be there. For decades, everyone has gathered at my parents’ house for the holiday. My father passed away suddenly two years ago, so this will be our third Thanksgiving without him. He always cooked the meal and all the sides, and now my siblings and I have taken over doing all the cooking. 
My siblings and I spend the entire morning cooking and laughing. I laugh so hard I cry. When I say I have the very best family in the world, every single person included, I mean it. I am never happier than when I’m with them, and I’m extremely grateful for them.
I make all the pies: apple, pecan, and pumpkin. My favorite dish to eat is cabbage noodles. It’s something my dad always made. It’s basically cabbage sauteed almost to the point of caramelization, and them mixed with cooked pasta. Lots of salt and pepper. It’s delicious.
This year, my wife Tracy and my son Rocco will be spending Thanksgiving with my mom and three brothers in Downers Grove. Usually, we spend the week up north in Adams County, Wisconsin, deer hunting with my father and my grandfather. This year will be a little different because, sadly, both my grandfather and my father have recently passed away. I will be looking forward to spending time with my wife, son, mom and my brothers. It is always nice to gather under one roof and take a break from the day-to-day grind.
I have been lucky to have had both my grandfather’s part of my life for so many years. My mom’s father, Pa, who is 97 years old, started a tradition many years ago when I was just a kid. The entire family would sit around and play what I can only describe as a white elephant gift exchange. However, the prizes were desirable, and sometimes there were cash prizes wrapped in unassuming packages. As the family has grown and changed over the years, we all still participate in this tradition no matter where we are spending Thanksgiving. Additionally, we will be watching football, and the older aunts and uncles will be napping on the couch after dinner. My brother-in-law started another tradition many years ago. On Thanksgiving Day, friends and family gather at the park for an early morning “Turkey Bowl.” It is always fun competitive and sometimes amusing watching the moms, dads, kids, cousins, and family friends all play a game of football at the park.
We have celebrated a very traditional Thanksgiving for many years … turkey ham mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing corn you get the idea. There is always a special appearance by lasagna or a baked mostaccioli, as well. I am very nondiscriminatory when it comes to feasting on Thanksgiving. It is one of the few days of the year where anything goes as far as food.
On Friday, following the Thanksgiving Holiday, we are typically outside decorating –or, should I say, transforming our house into a Christmas light spectacular? It is always quite the undertaking ensuring the soldiers are all lined up, the sleigh and reindeers are properly positioned, and the carousel turns in harmony with sounds of our favorite Christmas music. You can tune your FM dial on your car radio and enjoy the show as you drive down the 400 block of Circle Avenue.
All the best from the Nero family to yours this Holiday season!  Happy Thanksgiving!
And Happy Thanksgiving to you, all of our Forest Park Review readers!
Editor’s note: Jessica Voogd did not respond to requests for this interview.
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