March 30, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

10 things you don’t know about me… Angela O’Brien Page

Every week we ask an area resident to share 10 facts about themselves. This week we asked Angela O’Brien Page.

I’m allergic to all fruit. Yes, that includes tomatoes and margaritas! (insert sad face)

My favorite thing thing to do is what I refer to as PIFGIB (rhymes with rif bib) Pay It Forward Give It Back

When I was 9 yrs old I thought I could walk from Champaign to Mahomet so I set out on Rt. 150. I didn’t realize it was 11 miles because we’d just moved to Mahomet and, well, I was a confident (aka dumb and fearless) 9 yr old. Some nice people picked me up about a mile west of Champaign. I was more afraid to get in their camper than I was to make the trek to Mahomet. This was pre-cell phone era and I survived.

My oldest son is named after Costa Rica. His name is Aric Ascot. Aric transposed is Rica and Ascot transposed is Costa. His Dad and I were married there.

For my own kindergarten circus performance, I wanted to be a ballerina. The teacher wanted me to be the Ring Master because I spoke loudly and wasn’t afraid to stand up in front of the crowd. I ended up doing BOTH! Maybe I still do.

Over the past several years, with the help of friends, loved ones and this fabulous community, I’ve (we’ve) donated over 500 filled chemo care totes to pediatric cancer patients. Thanks everyone for helping me PIFGIB!

While working at Richard’s Grocery Store in my early 20’s, I once chased a shoplifter out into the parking lot. He walked out with a cart full of unbagged, unpaid for groceries. I caught him at his car and “ordered” him to put the groceries back in the cart. Imagine my surprise when he actually did! Must have been that Ring Master voice of mine. Eventually, some baggers and the night manager came running out and he took off. Did I mention I had $700 of cash register money in my pockets when I ran out? Refer back to #4 for the (dumb and fearless) attitude I was still carrying.

My all time favorite album is “Tapestry” by Carol King. I’ve owned it on record, 8 track, cassette and DVD. I’m pretty sure that makes me old.

I used to work at the State’s Attorney’s Office where I was persistent at tracking down witnesses to subpoena for trial. We were struggling to find a particular witness who was evading being located. It dawned on me that the incident happened about 9 months prior and the witness was newly pregnant at that time. I took a chance and called the local hospital asking what room she was in so I could visit. I was advised she wasn’t in a room yet and was still in Labor & Delivery. (Pre- HIPA) Bingo! I sent our investigator to the hospital with a subpoena. He served her in between contractions. He never let me live that down!

I’m “somewhat” known for my jello shots and pudding shots. Adults who Trick or Treat at my house receive them. Sometimes I’ll deliver them to people who’ve posted that they’re having a bad day. I’ve also been known to Ding Dong Door Ditch friends, only for them to find just the shots waiting on their porch when they answer the door!



Bonus fact: I store holiday cupcake wrappers chronologically in a spaghetti container.

in People
Banner
Related Posts

Novak hopes butterfly garden benefits community

October 14, 2019

October 14, 2019

Heidi Novak isn’t a gardner. However, that didn’t stop the 2019 St. Joseph-Ogden High School graduate from creating a butterfly...

Treatment for the common cold

December 23, 2021

December 23, 2021

By Jeanelle Murphy, DO The common cold is caused by a virus. There are over 200 common cold viruses but...

Get to know Lindsay Rubach

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

Lindsay is running for the St. Joseph Grade School Board. What motivated you to run for school board?As an Educator...

Senior spotlight: Chloe Duckett

May 16, 2019

May 16, 2019

Leading up to graduation, we asked five seniors five questions. Next up is Chloe Duckett! What will you be doing...

St. Joseph youth Dalton revs it up at motocross nationals

July 29, 2019

July 29, 2019

This week, Tristan Dalton is trying to become a national champion. The 11-year-old St. Joseph resident is competing at the...

A familiar face joins Longview Bank

November 22, 2021

November 22, 2021

Sara Bryan has always had a passion for helping people. That passion was instilled in her by her father who...

Senior spotlight… Lindsey Aden

January 2, 2020

January 2, 2020

What are your plans after high school? I hope to attend Stanford University to double major in political science and...

10 things you don’t know about me… Carrie Mattsey

September 27, 2019

September 27, 2019

Every week we ask an area resident to tell us 10 interesting facts about themselves. This week we spoke to...

5 things you don’t know about me… Braxton Kuchenbrod

August 7, 2019

August 7, 2019

Braxton is in the running for the title of Little Prince! He is six years old. We asked him to...

10 things you don’t know about me… Amy Gibbons

December 18, 2019

December 18, 2019

How did you come up with the name for your salon? 192 is actually the St. Joseph exit number. I...

Senior spotlight… Mallory Ames

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

Every week we ask a St. Joseph-Ogden senior five questions. This week we spoke to Mallory Ames. What do you...

SJO grad McElroy blossoms at Millikin, both in volleyball and in life

October 3, 2019

October 3, 2019

Marissa McElroy loves volleyball. And in turn, the sport has helped the St. Joseph-Ogden graduate love herself. The 6-foot-3 senior...

10 things you don’t know about me… Pastor Kim Dancey from Homer UMC

August 23, 2019

August 23, 2019

I am a friend and follower of Jesus and live in the wonder of his grace. I’ve been married to...

‘Nadirah knew that growing up in St. Joe was just the beginning of her journey through the world’

December 9, 2020

December 9, 2020

Nadirah Edwards left an impression on everyone who met her. Whether it was her kind smile and brilliance at a...

‘St. Joseph is better because of Dixie Hackler’

January 20, 2020

January 20, 2020

Dixie Hackler always had a smile on her face. Always made time for others. And always made sure others knew...

Comments
Leave a Reply