June 16, 2025 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

Get to know SJO Senior Marching Band member Mallory Wagner

October 21, 2022

October 21, 2022

The competitions, going and spending the evening with my band family and meeting and befriending other bands is just such...

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...

SJO Alumni Association Banquet to be held June 8

May 13, 2019

May 13, 2019

If you haven’t already marked your calendar, please save Saturday, June 8, 2019, for the Annual SJO Alumni Association Banquet....

Senior Spotlight: Libby Rowland

May 13, 2019

May 13, 2019

Leading up to graduation, we asked five seniors five questions. First up is senior Libby Rowland. What will you be...

Learning lessons: Hilton gives back through teaching and village trustee role

May 10, 2019

May 10, 2019

Timbra Hilton moved back to Royal in 2016. She and her husband, Paul, both grew up the small town and...

‘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...

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....

Blackburn keeps positive attitude despite challenging end to senior year

June 16, 2020

June 16, 2020

No prom. No spring musical. No graduation ceremony with thousands of people in attendance. Needless to say, the senior class...

10 things you don’t know about me… Rylee Sjuts

May 15, 2019

May 15, 2019

We asked St. Joseph-Ogden’s Senior Class President and graduation speaker Rylee Sjuts to tell us 10 things we didn’t know...

St. Joseph Community Garage Sales Spring 2025

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

5 505 N 4th St.Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 8am-2pmClothing, toddler to adult (all sizes) household items, toys, craft items, lots of...

Sign ‘em up: Wagners to change locations in downtown St. Joseph

October 4, 2019

October 4, 2019

Jim and Jen Wagner want to invest in St. Joseph because the community has invested in them. “Community support is...

Appl can hear the good news, and that’s a good thing

May 8, 2019

May 8, 2019

Ten years ago, Candi Appl was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disease that usually affects...

‘It has been an honor to care for you and your families’

December 21, 2022

December 21, 2022

Patients of Dr. Jeanelle Murphy got some not so jolly news at the beginning of December. Their doctor is leaving...

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...

PTC to be honored for community work

April 19, 2019

April 19, 2019

The St. Joseph Parent Teacher Club has one goal—bridging the gap between teachers and parents. The St. Joseph PTC meets...

Comments
Leave a Reply