January 2, 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

Local Girl Scouts reflect on trip to Georgia

January 16, 2020

January 16, 2020

The road to Georgia was long and winding, but worth it. Recently scouts in Troops 2077, 2116 and 2134 presented...

10 things you don’t know about me… Allison Wakefield

August 18, 2022

August 18, 2022

What is your favorite place to travel to? Pennsylvania What is a TV show/movie you can watch over and over?...

Foundation created to honor Oberheim

June 9, 2021

June 9, 2021

The family of Police Officer Chris Oberheim is working to develop a not-for-profit foundation. The foundation name was announced Tuesday...

Why is it important to keep your blood pressure under control?

April 9, 2021

April 9, 2021

By: Christie Clinic Department of Family Medicine What are some signs of high blood pressure and why is it important to...

Talk of the Town with SJO Superintendent Brian Brooks

May 9, 2019

May 9, 2019

Every week we ask a village mayor, school superintendent or board member three questions. This week we talked to St....

‘They want to show their support of the law enforcement and their family’

June 2, 2021

June 2, 2021

Jim and Jen Wagner support their community, so when a friend came in to their store, Wagner signs and Graphics,...

10 things you don’t know about me… Jeff Van Buskirk

October 7, 2020

October 7, 2020

What is your favorite childhood memory?I took guitar lessons when I was in 4th or 5th grade and did not...

‘Having a trip on the books gives us something to look forward to’

June 4, 2020

June 4, 2020

It’s a crazy time in the travel industry, that’s for sure. While some news tends to lean towards the doom...

‘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...

Senior Spotlight with Jordan Stiverson

October 2, 2019

October 2, 2019

Every week we ask an SJO senior five questions. This week we spoke to Jordan Stiverson. 1. What is the...

Area students make Parkland Deans list

June 5, 2019

June 5, 2019

Area students make the Parkland Deans List FithianJazmine L. Rodriguez HomerGracyn A. AllenBrody D. ColeFiona N. ElyLena C. LeonbergerMarissa L....

Talk of the Town with Susan McKinney

July 2, 2019

July 2, 2019

Every week we ask a village official three questions. This week we talked to St. Joseph Township Librarian Susan McKinney...

Bright Beginnings to hold open house

September 18, 2021

September 18, 2021

A long-time dream is finally coming to fruition. Bright Beginnings Learning Center located at 501 Peters Drive in St. Joseph,...

Remembering B.J. Hackler: ‘He made people smile’

September 10, 2021

September 10, 2021

B.J. Hackler liked to stay busy. He belonged to the St. Joseph Tea-Totalers, a group of residents who meet in...

For Schmidt, hard work pays off

July 12, 2019

July 12, 2019

Sammi Schmidt isn’t afraid of hard work. The future Illinois State Redbird was awarded the Gary Butler award at St....

Comments
Leave a Reply