The Times has two introductions to make today to readers in the Streator area.

Jerrilyn Zavada, a native of Streator, has joined the news reporting staff and will be working from the Streator office at 115 Oak St., covering local issues. She welcomes story and photo suggestions.

Today we also are beginning a new weekly feature called "Born 'n' Raised." Every Monday we will share an interview with someone who was born and raised in Streator. If you'd like to participate or know someone we should talk to, please give Jerrilyn a call in our Streator newsroom at 815-673-6371 or e-mail jzavada@mywebtimes.com. Or call Managing Editor Lonny Cain at 815-673-3771.

The feature begins today as we introduce Jerrilyn.

Name: Jerrilyn Zavada

Address: East Broadway

Age: 37

Family: Parents are James and Janet of Streator. Siblings are Julie Cummings, Grayslake; and Jeff, Joe, John and Jim, all of Streator.

Occupation: Reporter for The Times.

Q. Do any of your family members live in town?

A. My parents and all my brothers still live here with their families. In addition, I have various aunts, uncles, and cousins who continue to make Streator their home. My mother's family lives nearby in the Toluca area.

Q. How deep are your family roots in Streator?

A. My dad's parents immigrated here from Slovakia in the early 1900s. My grandfather worked in the coal mines to raise a family of 10 children. While some family members have moved to other Illinois towns or out of state, most notably Clay Zavada (go Diamondbacks!), there are still a lot of Zavadas in the area.

Q. What schools did you attend in town?

A. Sherman (kindergarten), St. Stephen's (grade school) and Streator High.

Q. What kept you in Streator?

A. Closeness to family.

Q. What can you tell us about your childhood home?

A. I grew up in the same house my dad grew up in as a child. He's lived there for most of his 67 years. It was a little small with six kids and various pets running around, but has been added onto since everyone moved out.

Q. What neighborhood do you live in?

A. My neighborhood is a mature neighborhood on the East Side of town. Many of the people who I knew as neighbors growing up have either moved away or passed on. Now there is a new wave of young kids growing up on the street.

Q. Share an early memory of growing up in Streator.

A. My dad worked at Owen's Illinois Glass and I remember the summer picnics at the Owen's Lodge and the annual Christmas parties at the Plumb theater.

Q. Describe Streator in a few words.

A. Small, quiet, full of good, hardworking people, some of whom aren't aware of their worth.

Q. Are you proud to be from Streator? If so, why?

A. Yes. I believe there are many people who work hard to improve Streator's appearance and reputation and who strive to boost the public's morale.

Q. What is the best part of living in Streator?

A. Having family nearby and the kindness and friendliness of the residents.

Q. What is your biggest concern for Streator?

A. The negative self-concept some residents have about the town. Availability of jobs. There are a lot of good things about Streator, but people need to believe that.

Q. What could be done to improve Streator?

A. More cultural and arts programs or seasonal festivals. Maybe summer band nights or movies in the park. Reopen the pool or have more summer recreation programs for kids.

Q. How do you have fun in Streator?

A. Being involved with church organizations and going out to dinner with family and friends.

Q. What is yYour favorite spot to be in town (outside the home)?

A. The library.

Q. Are you involved in any local groups, organizations or churches?

A. Yes. WATCH — We Are The Church Board Member (Streator Catholic Community), weekly women's Bible study, St. Stephen's Church.

Q. What significant changes have you seen over the years?

A. I remember when Main Street was still the hub of shopping in Streator. Many of the stores that my mom shopped at such as Spurgeons, Jupiter, JC Penney, Murphy's, Hornsby's and Top Save are no longer there. But I do continue to see beautification efforts downtown and the park, especially around the holidays.

Q. What would you say are Streator's hidden treasures?

A. The people who live here. Everyone has a story to tell and people should be more proud of themselves and their accomplishments, no matter how big or small they may be.

Q. Do you have a wish for Streator?

A. That more people will take pride in our town.

• BORN 'n' RAISED will be a regular feature in the Streator Edition of The Times. To participate, call Jerrilyn Zavada in our Streator Newsroom at 815-673-6371 or e-mail jzavada@mywebtimes.com.