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)

Reflections of a Retiring Science Teacher

After 30 years of teaching, Hinsdale South science teacher Susan Camasta will retire at the end of the school year.

Opinion--Excerpt from Patch.com, Nov. 6, 2010

By Jessica Tobacman

"On a cool, dry Thursday morning, I drive to Hinsdale South High School to interview science teacher Susan Camasta. Some bright red and yellow leaves cling to their branches while leaves that were recently adjacent have fallen to the ground below; the wind and the season are gradually emptying the trees, carrying their former occupants to earth.

After finding a parking space in the crowded lot and winding my way through the hallways at South, I find students emptying out of Camasta's classroom, and the instructor ready for a chat." (read more)

Vacant 2 Vegetables Turns Empty Space into Garden

St. Helena's temporarily loans land so nonprofit can grow food for a local pantry.

Excerpt from Patch.com, Oct. 30, 2010

By Jessica Tobacman

"A cool, blustery wind spreads the fresh smell of plants and rustles the large compost pile in the center of the garden. The mound of compost is a jumble of upended yellow and orange flowers, green stems and brown leaves. Mesh wiring surrounds the 5,000-square-foot garden. In addition to a scarecrow that protectively stood watch during the growing season, the door through the mesh has a latch to prevent deer from entering and consuming the garden's contents. The dirt awaits the turning of the seasons for planting next year.

Even though the growing season has ended, garden beds of varying heights still contain green leaves sprouting from the ground. Squashed grape tomatoes and split green peppers are scattered underfoot. These are all remnants of the nearly 2,000 pounds of vegetables picked during the past several months and donated to the People's Resource Center, a Wheaton-based food pantry." (read more)

Your Guide to Voting Green

With early voting underway and Election Day around the corner, where do our gubernatorial candidates stand on environmental issues?

Opinion--Excerpt from Patch.com, Oct. 24, 2010

By Jessica Tobacman

"Elections for multiple state offices and seats in Congress are approaching on Tuesday, Nov. 2 and early voting is already occurring in DuPage and Cook counties. This is an opportune time to consider candidates' environmental positions.

A Pew Research Poll from this past summer found that only 57 percent of registered voters thought the environment was a 'very important' issue. Whether or not you believe that global warming is occurring, protecting our planet is a way to ensure that your children and grandchildren will have safe places in which to grow and live. What better means of focusing on conservation than by casting your votes for candidates who agree that this topic is important?" (read more)

End of Farmers Market Doesn't Mean End of Eating Healthy

This year's farmers market provided many healthy eating options. Find out where to get local produce and crafts during winter months.

Opinion--Excerpt from Patch.com, Oct. 10, 2010

By Jessica Tobacman

"Living in a fast-paced society sometimes means grabbing food on the run and ignoring that what we consume can positively or negatively affect our moods and our health. Deciding whether to eat vegetables, fruits and lean protein as opposed to fast food can mean the difference between increased energy or moving at a slower pace. Unhealthy food choices can even mean developing health problems.

A simple way to begin looking more intently at our food choices is by visiting your local farmers market ..." (read more)