The Doings Oak Brook

Clarendon Hills cleaner presses on

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:28:55 -0500

CLARENDON HILLS — Kathy Foreman has developed an expert’s eye on how to approach cleaning a garment. “I can just look at something and tell if it can be cleaned,” she said. “Ninety percent of wedding dresses are dry clean only. They’re just like any other fancy dress. You put them in the delicate cycle and they come out beautiful.”

Hinsdale District 86 seniors may be able to skip finals

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:56:00 -0500

HINSDALE — Administrators at Hinsdale High School District 86 are recommending seniors be allowed to opt out of a final exam, if they have a B average in that course. The recommendation comes from the Social and Emotional Learning Committee, which was assigned to review student programs and identify how to improve students’ social and emotional learning skills, improve their well-being by reducing stress, and increase student achievement. But some board members questioned the benefit of skipping finals and the community’s opinion of it. Calling the move “radical” and “momentous,” they asked to see the research that shows students benefit …

Hinsdale Scouts and their dads get down and dirty

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:28:00 -0500

HINSDALE — Chris Borg had a full day planned Friday for the crew who was helping him earn the rank of Eagle Scout outside Monroe Elementary School in Hinsdale. Borg, 17, and his team from Troop 8 in Hinsdale planned to drain a pond, remove the lily pads, put in a new liner and refill the pond, plus install paving stones through a garden and fix the entrance to a shed. Monroe students study the water quality and vegetation in the pond as part of their science curriculum. “The pond was vandalized last year,” said Borg, who will be a …

Christ Church of Oak Brook organist hits the right notes

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:44:00 -0500

OAK BROOK — Those who attend services at Christ Church of Oak Brook have benefitted since 1977 from Devon Hollingsworth scratching an itch. Hollingsworth, 66, has served for the past 36 years as the church’s primary organist and also provides music for the church’s media ministry.

Oak Brook Distict 48 teachers get new six-year deal

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:54:29 -0500

OAKBROOK TERRACE — A new six-year teachers’ contract has been ratified in Salt Creek Elementary District 48. The District 48 Board and the Salt Creek School District 48 Education Association both approved the agreement. The lengthy contract allows the district more financial security and to focus its time and resources on operating the school district, rather than negotiating in alternate years, according to a statement issued by the district. Typically, teacher contracts are for 2-3 years. The new contract takes effect July 1 and runs through June 30, 2019. “We wanted to live within our means, and we are very …

Hinsdale Humane Society’s operation manager’s clients are dogs and cats

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:23:23 -0500

HINSDALE — In August, Jennifery Vlazny, operations manager for the Hinsdale Humane Society, at 22 N. Elm St., will mark her 28th year working for the organiztion. Q. How did you first come to work for the humane society?A. I had always loved animals and I wanted to be a vet. But with the schooling you need and the cost, I didn’t pursue that. I saw an ad for a part-time kennel assistant at the humane society and applied and got that job. It became full-time and within three years I was operations manager. Twenty-eight years later, I’ve never had …

Local farmers market guide

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:52:02 -0500

Local farmers are gearing up for this year’s farmers market season. Add fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, gourmet treats and more to your meals each week with a quick visit to the vendors of your local market.