The Deerfield Bum

[Lauren]

Anyone who frequents downtown Deerfield most likely knows who I'm talking about. There is a homeless man who I see sitting on the bench across from Whole Foods nearly everyday. If he isn't on that bench, he is on the bench by where Lindemann's pharmacy used to be. I've heard he also hangs out at the library. He just seems to be hanging out. Doesn't bother anyone. I'm SO intrigued by him. I've seen people chatting with him every once in awhile. Does anyone know his story? It's just so odd for a bum to be in Deerfield. Fill me in if you know!!!!!

[swags]

Lauren wrote:

Anyone who frequents downtown Deerfield most likely knows who I'm talking about. There is a homeless man who I see sitting on the bench across from Whole Foods nearly everyday. If he isn't on that bench, he is on the bench by where Lindemann's pharmacy used to be. I've heard he also hangs out at the library. He just seems to be hanging out. Doesn't bother anyone. I'm SO intrigued by him. I've seen people chatting with him every once in awhile. Does anyone know his story? It's just so odd for a bum to be in Deerfield. Fill me in if you know!!!!!

I walked Deerfield Library Thurs. and there he sat. I usually see him in front of Whole Foods or walking toward the store on Pfingsten and also wonder about him. Does he live under the underpass at Phfinsten and Lake Cook? I have not talked w/him......

[swags]

I turned around while standing at the counter in Deerfield Library on Thurs., and there he was. I have seen this man walking north many times on Pfingsten or sitting on the bench at Whole Foods. I also wonder about him...... does he perhaps live under the underpass at Pfingsten and Lake Cook?? Can he possibly stay warm on those ever so cold days during winter?

[james]

I heard that he is doing a study for the u of C

[Lauren]

james wrote:

I heard that he is doing a study for the u of C

seriously?!

[sue]

I don't know much about this guy, but I know from taking a Citizens Police Academy class at the Deerfield Police Station that the police is very familiar with him. He is considered harmless and has actually served as a witness to help solve an investigation. Just ask the police when you see them around town some time.

[Emily]

You are all talking about Mr. Witherspoon. He's a fixture in our community - he's been in Deerfield for years.

sue wrote:

I don't know much about this guy, but I know from taking a Citizens Police Academy class at the Deerfield Police Station that the police is very familiar with him. He is considered harmless and has actually served as a witness to help solve an investigation. Just ask the police when you see them around town some time.

[Lauren]

Emily wrote:

You are all talking about Mr. Witherspoon. He's a fixture in our community - he's been in Deerfield for years.
<quoted text>

since you know his name...what is his story? Why if he's homeless did he choose Deerfield of all places to hang out. I've lived here for 27 years...still don't know who he is. I've only seen him around the last few years. I'd ask him...but on the off chance he isn't homeless I wouldn't want to insult him.

[becky]

Please don't call him a "bum"! He's a person, a human being, just apparently down on his luck.

[Lauren]

becky wrote:

Please don't call him a "bum"! He's a person, a human being, just apparently down on his luck.

I didn't say he wasn't a person. I see him everyday....I'm pretty clear on that fact. No need to get sensitive. If he is in fact homeless, though....'bum' is just another way to say it. He doesn't do any begging...but he does accept food gifts from people. Plus, he might not be "down on his luck"...he might just like hanging out in Deerfield for free. That's why I'm asking.

Can someone who knows just tell me his story. I just want to know he is homeless for sure before I insult him when I give him a sandwich.

[keke]

about the homeless man he is harmless and he doesnt bother any one i see him all the time he stay to his self he is a human being to

[keke]

he is harmless i see him all the time show him some respect