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)

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)