Thursday, March 31, 2011

Cook County not sure how to pay for OF Hospital reprieve

Excerpt from the SouthtownStar, March 22, 2011

By Jessica Tobacman


"A state board on Monday voted to allow Oak Forest Hospital to stay open for now, denying a request by Cook County to transform it into an outpatient center." (read more)

National Guard sergeant has thriving amateur singing career

Excerpt from the SouthtownStar, March 27, 2011

By Jessica Tobacman

"As a member of her grade school chorus, Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jennifer Kohany had a role in the musical “Oliver.”

As her family sat in the audience, they realized how good her voice was." (read more)

MRI-safe pacemaker gets hearty welcome from Southlanders

Excerpt from the SouthtownStar, March 13, 2011

By Jessica Tobacman

"Roger Harpold was short of breath. He had dizzy spells and frequently felt fatigued.

The 75-year-old Orland Park resident’s heart rate was slowing, a monitor showed.

Harpold needed a pacemaker, which uses electrical pulses to regulate a heartbeat, Dr. Sean Tierney determined." (read more)

With the Arrival of Spring, Local Zoroastrians Celebrate a New Year

On Saturday, local Zoroastrians will celebrate a new year at their temple in Burr Ridge and in the streets of downtown Chicago.

Excerpt from Patch.com, March 26, 2011

By Jessica Tobacman

"For followers of Zoroastrianism, an ancient Persian faith based on the philosophies of personal responsibility and good conquering evil, spring marks the beginning of the Zoroastrian New Year." (read more)

"Green" Can Take on New Meaning for St. Patrick's Day


There are many ways to green your life while you continue to celebrate St. Paddy's Day.

Opinion--Excerpt from Patch.com, March 19, 2011

By Jessica Tobacman


"For enjoying St. Patrick’s Day in Burr Ridge, green is key, for clothes, cabbage and beer. Although the day itself occurred Thursday, March 17, local celebrations don’t have to stop. It is easy to find St. Patrick's Day-related activities this weekend. Also, you can revel in the holiday by making it an event that’s green—in more ways than one." (read more)

Burr Ridge Members of MECCA Speak Out in Support of Muslim Community Center

Residents hope that they will soon be able to begin construction of a Muslim worship center off 91st Street and Rte. 83.

Excerpt from Patch.com, March 14, 2011

By Jessica Tobacman


Update: Andrea Korovesis at DuPage County told Patch that "the Development Committee voted on MECCA's petition at [the Tuesday, March 15] meeting and approved it 4-1, with a list of conditions. The County Board will take up the item at its next meeting, which will be Tuesday, March 22."

A circle drive sits in front of an older house just west of Route 83 on 91st Street. If all goes well for the Muslim Educational Cultural Center of America (MECCA), this summer a new structure will begin to rise on the property—a Muslim Community Center." (read more)

Celebrate Spring with Floral Alternatives


Fruit bouquets and potted plants are green ways to celebrate spring.

Opinion--Excerpt from Patch.com, March 5, 2011

By Jessica Tobacman


"With patches of grass beginning to show as the snow recedes, I can’t help but think of spring and imagine that you may eagerly be anticipating it, too. Spring is approaching after a harsh winter which brought 20 inches of snow to Burr Ridge and the snowiest February on record. All of this white means that we may be even more grateful for spring than usual." (read more)

D180 Celebrates Black History Month



Anne M. Jeans Elementary School and Burr Ridge Middle School celebrate Black History Month with inspiring performances and activities.

Excerpt from Patch.com
, Feb. 25, 2011

By Jessica Tobacman


"Actor Will Smith’s words greeted visitors to the Anne M. Jeans Elementary School Website on Feb. 23: 'I don’t know what my calling is, but I want to be here for a bigger reason.'" (read more)

Green Ways to Celebrate President's Day

Take this Monday to explore new outdoor activities, or use low prices to purchase long-awaited items.

Opinion--Excerpt from Patch.com, Feb. 21, 2011

By Jessica Tobacman

"Monday, Feb. 21 is an opportunity to celebrate our country and our environment in unique ways." (read more)

Local Copts Host Interfaith Service, React to Protests in Egypt


Two of the planners of Saturday's interfaith memorial service at St. Mark's Coptic Church discuss their event and recent protests in Egypt.

Excerpt from Patch.com
, Feb. 11, 2011

By Jessica Tobacman


"While many Egyptians will be celebrating the departure of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak this weekend, the scene at St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church of Chicago in Burr Ridge will be more somber." (read more)

Angel4Cause Dog Rescue Heals Children, Too


Pat and Ed Stryszak are rescuing abused and homeless dogs while helping foster children through Angel4Cause Rescue.

Excerpt from Patch.com,
Feb. 4, 2011

By Jessica Tobacman


"Off 91st Street, north of County Line Road, sits a grey brick house where the sporadic barking of dogs can be heard. Inside the three-story home is a bull mastiff nursing 15 puppies. The owner of the home, Pat Stryszak, reaches down and lifts up a bright white puppy with a spot on its fur that resembles a perfect, beige heart." (read more)

Celebrate the New Year of Trees


Jan. 20 marked a relatively minor Jewish holiday that brings trees to the forefront.

Opinion--Excerpt from Patch.com, Jan. 22, 2011

By Jessica Tobacman


"Driving south on County Line Road, headed toward the Burr Ridge Village Center, I notice that some bare trees stretch their limbs toward the road, jutting outward, while others pull back, protective. On 91st street, the branches look more like the outstretched arms of a conductor with fingers pointing upward, motioning to the orchestra, asking for more sound and more intensity." (read more)

A Chef's Story


Laura Valcour started from scratch—and built her own cooking business.

Excerpt from Patch.com, Jan. 15, 2011

By Jessica Tobacman


"The parking lot near Willowbrook’s Panera Bread is nearly full. Indoors, the bakery is noisy with the late-lunch crowd." (read more)

This Year, Recycle Your Christmas Tree and Holiday Lights

This winter, consider returning your tree and lights to the earth, by donating the greenery for wildlife, or by recycling bulbs.

Opinion--Excerpt from Patch.com, Jan. 8, 2011

By Jessica Tobacman


"The evergreen stands tall in the corner, nearly hitting the ceiling. Strands of red, blue and violet bulbs surround it, hanging casually off of its branches." (read more)

Wishes for Change in the New Year

Read on to see what some of your neighbors in Burr Ridge are hoping for in the new year.

Excerpt from Patch.com, Jan. 1, 2011

By Jessica Tobacman

"Fresh snow lies on the ground outside the Starbucks in the Burr Ridge Village Center. The coffee shop is full of light and has several patrons on this cold, still night." (read more)

Outdoor Activities During Christmas Weekend

Here are some ways to enjoy the outdoors this weekend.

Opinion--Excerpt from Patch.com, Dec. 25, 2010

By Jessica Tobacman

"Spending time with family or friends this weekend can help make the Christmas holiday special. Outdoor activities are ways to enjoy nature, to remind you and your family about its beauty and to remember why protecting the environment is so important." (read more)

Farmers Market Goes Indoors at Yorktown Mall


If the experience works, a farmers market won't be only a summer event. And the market's organizer, Make it Happen DuPage, hopes customers like this new twist on holiday shopping.

Opinion--Excerpt from Patch.com, Dec. 18, 2010

By Jessica Tobacman


"As I walk quickly through Marshalls and into the open area next to the Lucky Strike bowling lanes in Lombard's Yorktown Mall, I am greeted by waist-high tables covered with blue, black and silver tablecloths, lining the outside aisles and taking over the center of the floor." (read more)

CHICAGO RIVER UNRESTRICTED UNTIL NOV. 3

Excerpt from a Great Lakes Boating Federation press release,
October 13, 2010


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jessica Tobacman

"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed the first two phases of parasitic structure installation ahead of schedule, and the restrictions planned from Oct. 13 to 15 will be unnecessary. This will allow area boaters who are voyaging back to their dry storage yards to be uninterrupted in-transit. The two out of three large, parasitic structures installed from Oct. 4 to 9 were designed to keep electric current from the fish barriers from traveling down the Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal (CSSC). (read more)