“The Taste of Flossmoor is a great way for us to welcome our new community members,” said Mayor Michelle Nelson at the meet-and-greet event April 1.
The event at the Flossmoor Public Library, now in its second year, showcased Flossmoor eateries, including Wiley’s Grill, Flossmoor Station Brewery, The Bistro on Sterling and Cork Gaming & Wine Bar. New residents got to explore the library and meet new neighbors and village officials over wine and tasty treats.
New residents Ray and Chilond Bady returned to the Midwest after 17 years of living in Texas.
Chilond admitted: “It’s been a big adjustment. So much has changed since 2005. We were not pleased to leave the beautiful weather, but we’re glad to be back and around family.”
Chilond said they moved back to the Chicago area in June 2022, but “I still have many boxes unpacked, but (it’s) a beautiful adjustment. This has all been a blessing returning home” and getting to have family and friends close by.
Ray, who is a senior pastor for Valley Kingdom Ministries International, said both he and his wife were raised in Chicago. It was his job as a youth pastor in Houston that forced the move “and the Lord brought us back here. All these years later, we find ourselves back in our hometown.”
Carly Halberg, who moved to Flossmoor three months ago, said it has significantly changed her life.
“I have always wanted to live somewhere that allowed a 20-minute train ride to the city,” she said.
“I come from a small town (Heyworth) south of Normal, Illinois, the population of 2,761,” Halberg added.
She was familiar with the South Suburbs because “my roommate was from Homewood, and so I got a feel of what the community was like from her, very hometown feels, having a bunch of lovely shops all around me.
“I was ecstatic working at the library back home, so finding how close I was to Flossmoor’s library was a dream. I immediately applied,” and was hired to work in the youth services area.
“The Taste of Flossmoor is an excellent highlight of our community,” said Flossmoor Trustee Gary Daggett. “The village, community really come together for these events, spending months planning and showcasing our town to our new residents.”
He applauded the local vendors and organizations that ensured it would be “a great event for the community.”
Residents are encouraged to visit the village website at https://www.flossmoor.org, for a schedule of upcoming events.