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)