Tell us about yourself:
PAM: Keith and I are both retired high school educators. Keith was a high school principal and basketball coach, and I taught 29 years at a small rural high school. Upon moving to the suburbs, Keith finished his educational career at the Wheaton High Schools and I taught six more years at Fenton High School. After retiring, we located to Highland Park where we were introduced to Mah Jongg. It opened up our world and connected us to some of the most wonderful people.
KEITH: Upon moving back to the western suburbs in 2010 to be closer to our son and his family, we found almost no one who had even heard of the game. We started teaching it in some of the libraries and park districts on a volunteer basis and saw that it brought so much joy to everyone. At that point we decided that we would ALWAYS teach on a volunteer basis in order to reach as many people as possible. We have now taught more than 1300 people throughout the northwest suburbs and in Michigan. We finally decided to slow down and we are now only teaching at the Hinsdale Community House and offering various private lessons with donations to the Hinsdale Humane Society in lieu of pay. (We love animals!)
What do you love most about what you do?
Both:
Without question—the people. The hugs, the stories, the laughter—it’s the relationships that make it all worthwhile. Teaching Mahjong gives us our “teaching fix,” and even after classes end, we stay to help and connect. Keith loves chatting and learning everyone’s stories. We feel lucky to have touched so many lives, and to be embraced so warmly in return.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants around Hinsdale?
Pam:
We love Fuller’s House and Village Gourmet in Clarendon Hills. I’ve never enjoyed cooking—I’d rather clean windows! So the variety of restaurants in this area was a dream come true when we moved here. Years ago, we were also secret diners for Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, including in Vegas! That’s a unique chapter of our story—hidden tape recorders, full meals, and writing humorous reviews that the coordinator always looked forward to.
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We moved around a bit—starting in Wood Dale (when Pam taught at Fenton High School), then Highland Park, then Oak Brook about 10 years ago. Even before officially living in Hinsdale, we were coming to concerts and events here. We’ve been teaching at The Community House for years and moved to Lake Hinsdale Village three years ago.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in our community?
Pam:
…………………………………………….truly—we’ve met too many amazing people to choose just one.
Keith:
I’ve made friends with post office clerks, waiters, and grocery staff. I love talking to people and making connections wherever I go.
If you could travel anywhere right now, where would it be and why?
Pam:
Egypt! I’ve always dreamed of seeing the pyramids. But we’re cat parents—and our current kitty is so needy, we haven’t been able to travel. It’s hard to leave him!
Keith:
Long flights aren’t easy at our age, but if we could figure it out, we’d love to travel more. We missed a chance to visit Dubai with friends, and we do regret that.
What’s one of your favorite movies or TV shows?
Pam:
The Golden Girls! It’s light-hearted but also touches on meaningful topics. I love the humor and warmth.
Keith:
I’m a fan of old westerns and I love musicals. Over the years I have memorized lyrics and artists of thousands of songs.
What advice would you give to people?
“Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” —Abraham Lincoln
We told our students this all the time. Also: If you think you’re interested in something, give it a try! You may fail, but don’t stop exploring.
Do you have a bucket list?
Pam:
My biggest wish is to watch my granddaughters grow up—see them graduate, travel, get married. That’s my dream.
Keith:
Same here. And maybe figure out how to travel a bit more again. If we ever won the lottery, we’d open an animal rescue sanctuary with our house in the middle!
What’s your go-to band or artist when you don’t know what to listen to?
Pam:
Frank Sinatra, all musicals and The Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Keith:
Frank Sinatra, Billy Joel and most musicals.
What local business makes you feel nostalgic about Hinsdale?
A tiny hardware store hidden in an alley in downtown Hinsdale , HOLLAND HARDWARE. It’s old-fashioned, with wood floors and two kind gentlemen who can fix anything. It reminds us of the good old days.
If you could have lunch with anyone (alive and not a relative), who would it be?
Still thinking on that one—but someone inspiring and full of wisdom.
What’s your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The friendliness and pride in Hinsdale. People care. The Community House embodies this—it’s active, welcoming, and truly lives up to its name.
What’s something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Pam:
I’m a handywoman! I can do electrical work, skim coat walls, fix anything—I had to learn it all.
Keith:
I have been extremely involved in the Illinois High School Association and the Illinois Basketball High School
Association through the years. Some of my dear friends have been Marques Haynes, Lou Henson, Rich Falk and many other basketball greats!
What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?
Pam:
Maui, without a doubt. Breathtaking.
Keith:
Catalina Island and the Fern Grotto in Kaua’i.
What’s your favorite month, holiday, and best single day of the year?
Pam:
July 4th—warm weather and people are just happy!
Keith:
September, back when school started. I loved my job and the energy of the school year beginning.
What would you rate 10 out of 10?
PAM: Holding kittens, puppies or babies… a 10 out of 10!!
KEITH: Chicago Cubs winning!
Who inspires you to be better?
Pam:
My husband and our son.
Keith:
My wife, without question.
Two of your favorite smells?
Pam:
Lilacs.
Keith:
Definitely the smell of Pam’s baking—especially her homemade oatmeal cookies!
What three words come to mind when you think of the word “home”?
Keith:
Happy, Warm, Love
Pam:
Husband, Son, Family
