Jerry Shnay

6 days ago | chicagotribune.com | Jerry Shnay

For those of us of a certain generation, June 6 has a special meaning. It is and will always be D-Day, the day American and British forces stormed the beaches of France during World War II. As in past years, there will be few if any public memorials commemorating the events that took place that day 81 years ago. It was only one of numerous historic events that took place in four-plus years of worldwide conflictCasualties were high.

2 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Jerry Shnay

Two years ago, at a villagewide workshop that evolved into a master plan for Park Forest, numerous residents had their say about the future of the downtown area: what to build, what to tear down and what to save. The dormant Holiday movie theater on Main Street was on the keep list. And why not? For more than a generation, the cinema dominated the bustling outdoor plaza. The 1,050-seat theater opened Oct. 28,1950, as part of the Park Forest Shoppers Plaza.

1 month ago | chicagotribune.com | Jerry Shnay

There was a bird war going on in our backyard this spring between a family of sparrows and wrens over a nest. We liken it to the frustration of losing the last spot in a crowded parking lot to the driver ahead of you. Each year, a painted gourd made to house a wren family is hung on a metal pole in our yard. I am told it was specifically built for those chirpy little creatures, each of which, our bird book informs us, is about 4-inches long and weighs about 1 ounce.

1 month ago | ourcommunitynow.com | Jerry Shnay

Share There was a bird war going on in our backyard this spring between a family of sparrows and wrens over a nest. We liken it to the frustration of losing the last spot in a crowded parking lot to the driver ahead of you.Each year, a painted gourd made to house a wren family is hung on a metal pole in our yard.

1 month ago | chicagotribune.com | Jerry Shnay

No matter the community, there are vacant and neglected homes not fully owned and not legally abandoned. These are the “zombies” of local housing and, like the walking dead of movie fame, these dwellings are to be avoided. Uncut grass, decrepit gutters, a bad roof and unpaid taxes are the usual logos of decay, often caused by death, debt or disinterest. Be it the vacant house next door, down the street or in the community in which you live, this virus of neglect infects everyone.