Jack Bearrows, Neighbor

I'm a writer, journalist, educator, student, lecturer and occasional humorist who strives to make the world a better place in meaningful ways close to home. I firmly believe that if we are not part of the solution, then we are by default part of the problem.

A wonderful African American preacher from Atlanta once questioned why we send missions people to help poor blacks in Africa, when there are so many poor blacks here at home? As for myself, I'm all for helping the neighbors, but not at the expense of my own family. In that regard, I prefer to focus on the disadvantaged and downtrodden here in Wheaton and DuPage County, while advocating support for our local, hometown merchants and businesses.

I love our community. There is no better place to live and work. The people of our community are among the most vibrant, caring and enjoyable I've ever encountered. I wasn't born in Wheaton, but darn it all, I got here as quickly as I could.