Politics & Government

Hillary Clinton Reminisces with Park Ridge Friends, Giggles, Talks About Granddaughter

Then she got back to campaigning for the presidency during her Chicago trip.

Hillary Clinton can giggle. At least she can when she’s among her old Park Ridge schoolmates and best friends, reports Michael Sneed of the Chicago Sun-Times. The former Hillary Rodham had lunch with several old friends on Wednesday before her big fundraisers in Chicago.

When the former secretary of state, U.S. senator and Democratic presidential candidate was 3, the Rodhams moved from Chicago to suburban Park Ridge where Hillary grew up, attended school, played sports and volunteered for Republican Barry Goldwater’s presidential campaign.

Her lunch chums included Betsy Ebeling, Ann Drake, Patsy Bowles, Ernie Ricketts and Kevin O’Keefe, reports the gossip columnist, and they say she gushes over her granddaughter Charlotte.

Find out what's happening in Des Plainesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“She never forgets us and is absolutely insistent she stays in touch with us,” said one of Hillary’s close pals following their lunch Wednesday with a dozen old school pals at Balsan Restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

“One of the things Hillary always says is how much more information she gets outside the bubble — which is why she kicked off her presidential campaign talking to people via bus across the country,” the lunchmate said. ...

Find out what's happening in Des Plainesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Interspersed with the iced tea and burgers and salad and omelets and toasted cheese sandwiches “was just a lot of relaxed conversation amongst people who love each other,” said the Sneed source. “It’s just fun, goofy stuff and a lot of giggling about Park Ridge shenanigans.”

ALSO ON PATCH: The Hillary Clinton Coloring Book

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.