Residents Give Back with the Giving Tree

The Giving Tree program is a conduit for those who choose to trade an ornament, a suggestion and a small amount of money for a holiday season donation to someone in need.

Excerpt from Patch.com, Dec. 12, 2010

By Jessica Tobacman

"Two large wreaths adorn the walls of Citizens Bank in Willowbrook. Inside, an equally large Christmas tree stands near the door. The tree holds ornaments: bright red and blue delicate globes and flat circles decorated with white snowmen and penguins.

Organizations have requested the gifts listed on the thin ornaments for people in need." (read more)

A Green Hanukkah (Channuka)

Social justice and environmentalism are at the core of Judaism and Hanukkah reminds us to care for the earth.

Opinion--Excerpt from Patch.com, Dec. 4, 2010

By Jessica Tobacman

"The blue menorah smiles, pointed chin jutting downward and spreading slightly outward to support its weight. Long, slender teeth curve upward, with cavities atop that are filled with candles. The menorah, also known as a hanukkiyah, peers out the window at the snow that melts quickly when it touches the windowsill. The first night of Chanukah was Wednesday, Dec. 1." (read more)

On Black Friday, Shop Green at Salon Efthimia

When shopping for the holidays, consider your impact on the earth, and step into Salon Efthimia for some environmentally-friendly options.

Opinion--Excerpt from Patch.com, Nov. 26, 2010

By Jessica Tobacman

"On a cool, crisp afternoon I pull into a parking space next to the garage in the Burr Ridge Village Center. Two men place long strands of small bulbs onto tree branches nearby. Briskly, I follow the pale, concrete sidewalk through an area of grass that remains green, despite the growing cold.

When I reach Salon Efthimia, located at 820 Village Center Dr., I open the door and step into a space lined with shelves holding some of the more than 1,000 different products sold here that include turquoise, orange and blue bottles, tubes and boxes." (read more)

Coyotes in Your Backyard?

Coyotes are native to areas surrounding Burr Ridge. And without the presence of a natural predator, their numbers may be on the rise.

Excerpt from Patch.com, Nov. 23, 2010

By Jessica Tobacman

"A furry, brown coyote is taped sprinting down State Street in Chicago at 3:30 a.m. on Nov. 15. The animal disregards lane dividers on the city's empty and dimly lit streets, passing large stone pots filled with green foliage and creating a path out of instinct.

While coyotes may seem like a rare sight in Chicago, they are indigenous to the area, including land that borders Burr Ridge." (read more)

Coffee Roasters Give Former Offenders a Second Chance

Barbara's Bookstore in Burr Ridge is offering free coffee from Second Chance Coffee Company - a business that hires some of those who have been behind bars.

Excerpt from Patch.com, Nov. 13, 2010

By Jessica Tobacman

"In the back corner of Barbara's Bookstore sit two unassuming silver and black thermoses with two different types of complimentary coffee. One thermos is filled with Sumatra Mandheling Decaffeinated Organic Fair Trade coffee, which has a relatively light, colorful, smoky flavor. In the other is Java Pancoer Estate - it has a more bitter taste.

The brand is I Have A Bean coffee and it is roasted and sold by Second Chance Coffee Company - a Wheaton-based business that employs former offenders." (read more)