LIKE MODERN-DAY MAYBERRY?

"Mayberry for the 21st Century?"

Is that what he said?

Sure thing.

Village President Liz Asperger, who can often be seen -- just like Andy and Helen or, say, Barney and Thelma Lou -- strolling down the village sidewalks with her husband and dog in tow -- responded in kind to remarks attributed to Chicago magazine writer Dennis Rodkin in response to the August 2009 issue of his publication naming La Grange "The Best of Chicago" in its annual issue.

Rodkin, a real estate columnist whose annual reviews usually end up being used as huge marketing vehicles for communities because of their prestige, penned the story for the magazine. He says something unusual has happened in La Grange.

“La Grange feels just like a hometown. It’s old fashioned and practical, it stayed true to itself but grew up,” stated Rodkin. “It’s really rare to have the mix of both old and new businesses. Not a lot of suburbs have a Trader Joe’s, a hardware store and an old-time theatre. La Grange really is the Mayberry for the 21st century. Here, police officers patrol on Segways.”

Well, maybe not all the time. But it does have a Segway store and who can boast that?

Village officials were thrilled to learn about the new distinction.

“We are honored, Chicago Magazine chose the Village of LaGrange as the ‘Best’ downtown,” stated Asperger. “We are proud of our community and businesses and it’s a great gift to be recognized. Our goal is to be the ‘Best’ every day in the eyes of our business owners, residents and visitors to our village.”

Asperger points to advances in the downtown business district over the past 20 years.

“This clearly affirms the work that has been done in the central business district over the past two decades,” said Patrick Benjamin, community development director. “It’s nice to be recognized for the commitment that many business leaders, residents, elected and appointed officials have made to the community.”

The village is in the early stages of developing a plan with other community organizations to celebrate the recognition with residents and communicate the recognition with businesses on a local and regional scale in the coming weeks and months ahead.

La Grange was incorporated in 1879 and has more than 15,000 residents.