Just as soon as the weather turns warm and the buds begin to bloom, Anis Bsiso once again becomes the most popular man in Oak Park and River Forest. The familiar chimes ringing from his truck announce that the “ice cream man” is back, drawing dozens of squealing children from school playgrounds and ball fields. Often referred to as “Dennis,” Bsiso has been driving his truck for three decades and now sells ice cream to the children of many of his original customers. His decision to operate in Oak Park and River Forest was a stroke of luck for those of us who eagerly await his return every spring. Bsiso discovered the community by chance because it is near the Pars Ice Cream company on Chicago’s West Side where he picked up his truck every day. He appreciated the historic homes, overarching trees and the friendliness of the residents, and decided to make it his sales territory as well as his home.
Oak Park and River Forest High School senior Reese Garland has had a tremendous high school athletic career, competing in volleyball, basketball and track and field.