Beacon News :: Lifestyles ::

Area artist celebrates art, angels, unity

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

For the past 13 years, images of angels have been the focus of much of Joanne Koenig-Macko's art and have inspired her other work as a spiritual coach, author and motivational speaker. Her ethereal art has been presented to world leaders, ambassadors, heads of state and former U.S. presidents.

Olympic winner is solid gold American

Sat, 6 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

I didn't expect to write another column on the Olympics for at least another four years, if ever. But the reactions of some nativists to Henry Cejudo's gold medal victory in wrestling demanded immediate commentary.

A is for Agriculture

By Julie Mullen Special to The Beacon News — Sat, 6 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Teaching kids about the importance of agriculture has earned state honors for a Kane County Farm Bureau leader.

Support Groups

Sat, 6 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Powercorps team will try to outlift competition

Fri, 5 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

As an overweight kid growing up, Alex Camacho of Aurora took the nicknames, and the harmless jokes. But it never really mattered to the athletic 21-year-old, who wrestled and played football and rugby.

Veepstakes spark buzz, should spur folks to vote

Fri, 5 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

This presidential race has been anything but boring. Even people like me, with little interest or patience for politicians have been sitting up to take notice.

Wouldn't it be nice if Wilson's album was good?

Fri, 5 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Hooray! It doesn't suck!

Religion Calendar

Fri, 5 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Today

DIY skillet meals are a better bargain

BY JIM ROMANOFF The Associated Press — Wed, 3 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

As summer ends and schedules get busy, it's tempting to grab a boxed dinner solution at the grocer. You know the kind: a ground meat skillet meal or a boxed rice and pasta dish.

Foodies, get hip to the latest gadgets

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS — Wed, 3 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Break out your fat jeans. It's one of the few three-letter four-letter words, and Jennifer McLagan wants you to embrace it. Fat. In all its many, wondrous and tasty forms, fat is the subject and title of McLagan's recent cookbook. But it's the subtitle that makes it clear where she's coming from: An Appreciation of a Misunderstood Ingredient, with Recipes.

Valley Briefing

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The McCarty and Owen Elementary School PTAs will hold their Fall/Winter Children's Clothing, Toy, and Equipment Resale on Sept. 20 from 7 to 11 a.m. with a half-price sale from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Owen Elementary School gymnasium, 1560 Westglen Drive, Naperville. Numbers will be given out at 6 a.m.

Celebrating pure joy of painting

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A free art exhibit featuring the work of Tyler Hennings, Monmouth College assistant professor of art, will be presented at Aurora University's Dunham Gallery, Dunham Hall, 1400 Marseillaise Place, from Sept. 9 through Nov. 6. Hennings chooses banal subjects that have a sense of humor and warmth, and paints them on a large scale. "not for the season" is a show that indulges in the pure joy of painting.

Soon-to-be-citizen approaching her dream

Wed, 3 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Maria Cabrera's eyes water when she talks about becoming an American citizen, because it means that much to the single mom with two grown daughters. Born in Uruguay in southern South America, Cabrera, 52, immigrated to the United States as a teenager.

Alaska: Great beauty, giant cabbages, an unusual candidate

BY MICHELE DUVAIR Special to the Beacon News — Wed, 3 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

On paper, Sarah Palin looks like she has some political experience, having served as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, and more recently as governor of The Last Frontier.

Senior Calendar

Wed, 3 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Valley Briefing

Wed, 3 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Aurora

Health Calendar

Wed, 3 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Born to 'board

By Erika Wurst ewurst@scn1.com — Tue, 2 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

It was about six years ago that 17-year-old Yorkville resident Andrew Gary received a gift that would change his life forever. It didn't come in the form of sacred words of wisdom, or a donated lung. It was nothing like that at all. It was just a piece of wood, with four wheels on the bottom and a promise of years of injury; it was all Gary had wanted.

Oswego marching band takes on the great Ray Charles

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Oswego High School's marching band continues a tradition of terrific halftime shows with "The Best of Ray Charles" Friday night at Ken Pickerill Stadium.

Lizzie Gould turns 3

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

THE PARTY

School funding inequity? Take a close look

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Talk of attempting to enroll Chicago Public School students in New Trier High School due to some perceived racial and funding injustice is infuriating.

Community Calendar

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Adaptive bikes give disabled riders freedom of mobility

By Emily McFarlan Staff Writer — Tue, 2 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Jacob Honeyman broke into a huge smile as his father, Hal Honeyman, pulled the 15-year-old's bicycle out of a trailer behind the family's St. Charles shop, The Bike Rack.

St. Charles resident gives kids tools to learn agriculture

By JULIE MULLEN Special to Sun-Times News Group — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Kane County Farm Bureau agriculture literacy coordinator Suzi Myers recently was recognized for helping to develop fun learning kits that teach children about the importance of agriculture. Myers was given the Perry Schneider Award of Special Recognition this month for a series of lessons she created in the "mAGic" kits.
� Online: Kane County Farm Bureau

Valley Briefing

Mon, 1 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Fox Valley

A place to call home

By Elisabeth Kilpatrick ekilpatrick@scn1.com — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Every summer for the last 10 years has been the same for Billy Saracco. He's lain in bed at his parents' Hillside home, watching movies and talking on the phone. No job, no social life. Nowhere to go. When the 40-year-old was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1996, he thought his life was over.

Facility fills a gap in care for adults

BY ELISABETH KILPATRICK Staff Writer — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Billy, these last few months have been a pleasure.

Summer may be over, but fall offers fun to be had

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

It dawned on me right around dusk the other night. Whereas twilight lasted past 9 p.m. a couple months ago, darkness was now starting to descend around 7:45.

Annual ride a tribute to East Aurora educator

By Michele du Vair special to the beacon news — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Last year, at the age of 71, Jerry Sondgeroth, a beloved East Aurora educator, set out to bicycle 3,650 miles by year's end. It was an impressive goal for any septuagenarian. It was even more impressive given his decade-long battle with rheumatoid arthritis.

What happened to the Good Samaritan in us?

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Recently in Hartford, Conn., a 78-year-old man was struck by a vehicle. Not only did the accident occur in broad daylight, but it was also captured on video surveillance. Even more disturbing than the offending driver not stopping were the passing motorists and onlookers on the crowded sidewalk that did nothing to render aid as the man laid crumpled and bleeding in the street.

Study suggests moms quit nursing babies too soon

By Monifa Thomas Chicago Sun-Times — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

More than three out of four new moms try breast-feeding, but most quit sooner than doctors recommend, a recent study says.

Valley Briefing

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Aurora

Support Groups

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Commute not easy, but who's complaining?

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

I'm up without an alarm most days and on the road by 6 a.m. I'm usually being tailgated or run off the road by 6:05. It starts as soon as I turn off of Eola Road and head east on North Aurora Road. Commuters are killing themselves -- and trying to take me with them -- to get to the Route 59 Metra station around that time. Driving 45 in a 40 is not fast enough; somebody is always right on my tail. I bought a helmet.

New Maciano's restaurants expand Rosati eatery empire

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

When something works, you stick with it. The Rosati family has seen that simple principle work for them over the decades, and they're counting on it now, as they launch Maciano's Pizza & Pastaria, a new branch of their restaurateurs' family tree.

Labor Day weekend time to stretch legs with family

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Families who want a break from backyard barbecuing during the Labor Day weekend have several options. Among the highlights are a baby giraffe, an "everybody marches" parade, fireworks, a cool IMAX movie and fireworks. Here's a closer look at the offerings: FIREWORKS: Navy Pier will blastoff its weekly fireworks at 10:15 tonight. The pier also is adding a show at 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Visit Navypier.com.

Yorkville to celebrate Hometown Days fest

By LINDA GIRARDI Special to The Beacon News — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Just when you thought summer fun was over, Yorkville's Hometown Days Festival runs Friday through Sunday in this weekend at Beecher Community Park.

Why bake when you can grill?

By Lauren FitzPatrick Sun-Times News Group — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The grill typically gets a workout during Labor Day weekend, but did you ever think about grilling pizza? It's a snap and requires zero time over a stove.

It has a nice ring -- from prison to park

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Now that the new $56 million Kane County jail is open, county officials are turning their attention to the old facilities along Fabyan Parkway near the Geneva-Batavia border. The site's future, at least in my mind, ought to be a no brainer: Give it to the people.

For Oswego man, it was indeed a wonderful life

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The church was packed with people coming to remember and honor someone who gave a lot to our community.

Behold the power of cheese

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

On Tuesday, the most important and momentous album of the year will hit stores.

Obama sat here

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

When Barack Obama drives, he grips the steering wheel with his left hand slightly to the left of 12 o'clock.

Health scare prompts life re-assessment

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Last week my doctor's office scared the stuffing out of me. It was quite unintentional I am sure. They have to tell you the possible problems when you have a test.

Religion Calendar

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Today

Coroner's office opens to film crew

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

In many ways the reports taken at the Will County coroner's office haven't changed in 150 years. A look at a large volume of records from the 1870s show deaths from violence and accidents involving transportation may have been as prevalent then as now. Coroner Patrick K. O'Neil recently opened his office to a film crew for a behind-the-scenes look at county government to be shown on the country's Web site.

Here and Now

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Fiddle contest fair for all ages

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Kicking off the Sandwich Fair Fiddle Contest at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3 on the AgLand Stage will be bluegrass recording artist, Ashley Lewis and Ashton Gap in concert.

Arts Briefs

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Noble Fool Theatricals opens 'Godspell" auditions

Chicago's Finest

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Valley Briefing

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Aurora

Date Book

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Battle of the bridesmaids

By HANK BECKMAN Special to The Sun-Times News Group — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Most women choose their bridesmaids from among their dearest childhood friends. Mary Lee Seffrood made her candidates run for the position -- literally. The 37-year-old West Chicago resident married Daniel A. Milinko on Aug. 23 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Glen Ellyn, but not before staging a "Battle of the Bridesmaids" 5K race to determine who would accompany her on this special day.

Great local mentoring programs prove easy to find

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Good mentoring is a partnership where one person shares insights, knowledge, skills and information for the betterment and growth of someone else. All of us, no matter what station in our lives we find ourselves, could benefit from this type of collaboration. I have been fortunate to have been part of countless successful mentoring programs. Some of these were great programs that reached thousands of children, others were underfunded and died out, leaving valuable but troubled youth without the help and mentoring they so desperately needed.

Senior Calendar

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Valley Briefing

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Aurora

10 questions with an oil-change man

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Bob Fuller knows the oil change business from each end of the dipstick. The part-owner -- along with other family members -- of the chain of 11 Chicago-area Fuller's car wash and quick oil change stores, wasn't always an owner.

Adoption 101 from a family with 6 kids (going on 7)

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

'I could never adopt. It's too hard."

Mason Houghtby turns 2 in style

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

THE PARTY

Community Calendar

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Valley Briefing

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Aurora

Women race to be bride's leading ladies

BY HANK BECKMAN Special to The Sun — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Most women choose their bridesmaids from among their dearest childhood friends. Mary Lee Seffrood made her candidates run for the position - literally. The 37-year-old West Chicago resident married Daniel A. Milinko on Saturday at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Glen Ellyn, but not before staging a "Battle of the Bridesmaids" 5K race to determine who would accompany her on this special day.

Military personnel mark milestones

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Graduated

Valley Briefing

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Aurora

Here's Charlie

By Elisabeth Kilpatrick ekilpatrick@scn1.com — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Charles Barnhouse was once the national poster child in a fight to give homeless kids their rights. Fifteen years later, the teen who lives at home in Montgomery with his parents, is bemused at the role he played.

From the storyteller

BY ELISABETH KILPATRICK Staff Writer — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The timing for this story couldn't be better, according to former Hesed House Executive Director Diane Nilan.

Last-minute advice for looking cool

By Sandra Guy chicago sun-times — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Students scrambling to save money should get help from retailers that are putting low-price jeans on display and reducing their supplies of premium denim.

First day of school a transition for mom, too

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

I was driving down the tree-lined streets of Geneva last week, watching all the young moms on the corners waiting for buses to whisk their little ones off to school. One tall blond was visibly pregnant, with a toddler on her hip and what looked like a kindergartner by her side.

Sweet success

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Andrew Chlebana's passion is pastry -- something he picked up as a child whose parents and grandmother were bakers. His cooking abilities were further honed during his Boy Scout years, a period when campouts always bring out the inner cook.

'We've done OK'

By Elisabeth Kilpatrick ekilpatrick@scn1.com — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

It turns out Charlie isn't the only homeless kid who was lost and now found.

Valley Briefing

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Aurora

Slow down, relax and celebrate community

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

'Celetastity ... is that some sort of French champagne?"

Aurora students invited to join in arts program

BY BEACON NEWS STAFF — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Aurora high school students are invited to participate in the fall session of the ARTWorks program.

Books for fall: Obama, Woodward and Moore ...

By Hillel Italie The associated press — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

In case you're wondering which books to read this fall, Michael Moore has a suggestion: Don't read any.

Make your meats grill masterpieces

By Gwen Schoen Sacramento Bee — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The key to turning some of those less-expensive meats into masterpieces for a Labor Day -- or any other -- gathering is creative prep work, including marinating, using a rub, brining or inventing your own secret sauce.

August climate can leave lawns lacking

The Associated Press — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

August is the month to test anyone's love for their lawn. Even if the weeks are regularly punctuated with cloudbursts, hot weather still causes the grass to flag at midday. Most often, August weather is too hot and too dry to keep any lawn lush.

'Ballet in the sky'

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008, 2:49 p.m. -- Pilot Ed "Outlaw" Hicks, 66, of St. Charles, in the airplane second from the bottom, flies in formation with the Lima Lima Flight Team during a rehearsal for the 50th Chicago Air and Water Show over Lake Michigan. Hicks has flown with Lima Lima, which was started as a flying club at the Naper Aero Club field in Naperville in 1975, for 22 years. The "Lima Lima" name was derived from the FAA designator for Naper Aero Club field, which is LL-10, hence the LL on the tails of their aircraft, the Beech T-34 Mentor.

All salads are not created healthy

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

It's hard to beat a cool, crisp salad for a refreshing and satisfying meal in the heat of summer. But some caution is needed to avoid ending up with fat-laden, artery-clogging gluttony where your nice, wholesome salad should be.

Support Groups

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Broccoli can make flavorful pesto

By Jim Romanoff For The Associated Press — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Despite unfavorable reviews from one former U.S. president, broccoli remains tremendously popular.

Feast has diners eat where food is grown

By Erika Wurst ewurst@scn1.com — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The full moon rose over rows of corn at Heritage Prairie Farm in Elburn last week as nearly 100 strangers gathered for a feast. Think Gazpacho Soup Shots served on the farm house patio, fresh honey-brewed iced tea and a BYOB policy that had dozens of bottles of wine being uncorked and poured.

Every child should have a little library

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The last baby shower invitation I received had a note at the bottom requesting I bring a book for the baby. Not just any book, but a favorite title either from childhood or from my own children's younger days, personalized for the expected baby. All who were invited agreed shopping for the book was fun and brought back great memories.

Saying goodbye to a sax master

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

So I had a completely different column written and handed in, and then I heard that LeRoi Moore died. I first heard the Dave Matthews Band in 1994, a couple of weeks after Under the Table and Dreaming, their breakthrough album, came out. I was browsing in my local record store, when my ears perked up.

Religion Calendar

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Saturday

Help children be healthy and ready to learn

By Jeanne Millsap Special to The Herald News — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Our lives today are more complicated than ever, and sometimes the needs of our children get left by the wayside. That's never more true than in the mornings before school.

Pastry chef rises to top in national competition

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Andrew Chlebana's passion is pastry - something he picked up as a child whose parents and grandmother were bakers. His cooking abilities were further honed during his Boy Scout years, a period when camp-outs always bring out the inner cook.

No Baby Faces photos taken on Labor Day

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Because no pictures will be taken on Labor Day, Sept. 1, parents should bring their soon-to-be 1-year-olds in for photos on Monday for The Beacon News' popular Baby Faces feature.

Put me in coach

By Linda Girardi Special to The Beacon Bews — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Annual CougarKids contest places Fox Valley youth in prime positions

Payton's has a few cards up its sleeve

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

One evening this spring we met a group of friends at the Roundhouse. We were not there for the beer, the food or the atmosphere. We went to see Jonathan Kamm, close-up magician extraordinaire. We were there with our kids, about 25 of us in total. By the end of the hour, my neck hurt from bouncing back and forth -- unsure if the best show was watching the tricks or watching the looks on my friends' faces.

Senior Calendar

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Treating an embarrassing health problem

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Urinary incontinence affects millions of Americans. Unfortunately, many people do not seek help or treatment and live with this often embarrassing condition.

Health Calendar

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Waste not, want not

BY DAVID SHAROS Special to the Sun-Times News Group — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

If you've ever wondered what happens to food whose "sell-by" date has passed, never fear, local grocery stores don't throw it away. The good news is that many area grocery and bakery outlets are making significant contributions to food banks and needy families throughout the area.

How could railroad be celebrated, not reviled?

BY TERRI VOITIK Columnist — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

I have always loved the haunting shriek of a freight train on a hot summer night and the exhilarating feeling of the train in your chest as the clickety-clack resonates over steel tracks.

Community Calendar

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Valley Briefing

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Fox Valley

Renovated court comes without any boundaries

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

All it takes is a little imagination to turn a playground basketball game into the neighborhood version of an NBA championship showdown.

Valley Briefing

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Aurora

The fishers of men

BY ELISABETH KILPATRICK Staff Writer — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The sun is shining brightly on the Fox River in North Aurora as a dozen boys head toward the water's edge. They clamber down the rocky embankment, fishing poles in hand, and gather around a cooler filled with wriggling nightcrawlers. Ricky Rodgers coaches them as they bait their hooks.

Was census helpful? You can count on it

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The U.S. Census Bureau came to town last month. Some people are getting things they didn't expect from it.

Support Groups

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Valley Briefing

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Fox Valley

Whole in ones

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

So you think healthy eating is a luxury habit? Think again.

Fox Valley students earn placement on Dean's Lists

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The following area students have been named to the Dean's List of their college or university.

Bacon makes everything better _ even chocolate?

The Associated Press — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Here are three little words that might give the staunchest snacker pause: Chocolate-covered bacon. It sounds so wrong. But it tastes just right, according to a fourth-generation candy maker.

Fight club gives friends excuse to draw swords

By Erika Wurst ewurst@scn1.com — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Belegarth, a Medieval fight club, practices once a week in Yorkville, but it has "realms" all over Illinois and the Midwest. Friends get a chance to beat each other up using foam covered weapons like bows and arrows and swords and shields.

From 'Shaft' to Chef, goodbye to a classic

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

So before we start this week, a quick goodbye to Isaac Hayes.

For some, school is around the corner

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

All the telltale signs are here. Summer is coming to an end. The moon greets me instead of the sun when I peek through the blinds to see what kind of day it is going to be. Headlights are needed almost all the way to work, and fog from the cool nights blankets the fields until the hot August sun comes up.

Religion Calendar

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Today

Firing up the Grille

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The casual-dining concept had clearly caught on, Bob and Jeanette DiPasquantonio realized. But they wanted more for their downtown Geneva eatery; they wanted the place to offer things that couldn't be found at the many chain restaurants coming to town.

Arts Briefs

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

DuPage Chorale invites new singers for fall season

DuPage Chorale, a large community chorus based at College of DuPage, invites new singers to join its fall season. Rehearsals will begin at 7 p.m. Aug. 25, at the Glen Ellyn campus and will continue until the Chorale's Dec. 7 concert. There is no audition for DuPage Chorale membership. Adult singers of all voice types and ages are welcome. Singers can register for the DuPage Chorale online through the Registration Office at www.cod.edu or by telephone at (630) 942-3555. Or, singers may register at the first rehearsal by arriving at 6:30 p.m. to Room 139 of the McAninch Arts Center.

Chicago's Finest

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Featured This Week

Railroad enthusiasts see good in EJ&E sale

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Ed Frank spent 37 years working on the railroad, train crossings in particular. "I've seen about every kind of railway thing you can experience," the 87-year-old Auroran said recently. It's that perspective that prompts him to say area residents need to look a bit deeper before panning Canadian National's proposal to buy the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway line.

Life recharges when power outage darkens activities

BY PAUL SULLIVAN Columnist — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

During last week's storm, some of us were denied our inalienable, God-given right to electricity. As the storm blew in to St. Charles, I stood on the porch and watched the wind bend the trees over and give them a good whipping. What had they done wrong? Mother Nature's actions are sometimes difficult to comprehend.

Health Calendar

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Improper turn signal use on the rise: cops

BY MARY WISNIEWSKI — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

So you're driving along, eyes on the road, when suddenly the car in front of you starts acting weird. The driver pauses. He weaves a little. He stops. He keeps going. He stops again. Then, suddenly, he turns -- without a turn signal. Failure of other drivers to use a turn signal is one of the most annoying things on the road, and it may be on the rise, according to the State Police.

10 questions for a tattoo artist

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

For almost 10 years, Kevin Harden has run Ronin Tattoo on Farnsworth Avenue in Aurora. Harden's office is neat and sterile -- like a doctor's office with Medieval comic book sketches plastering the walls. His arms and legs are covered in tattoos.

Don't give in to the boredom: give back

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

One summertime phrase makes my motherly ears ache: "Mom, I'm bored!" If you've made it to August and your children are content with the status quo, let me congratulate you...and arrange for my kids to visit.

Community Calendar

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Items must be received 14 days before publication. Send to: Community Calendar, The Beacon News, 495 N. Commons Drive, Suite 200, Aurora, IL 60504. E-mail to: beaconourtowns@scn1.com.

Crash course: How students can save money on campus

By Francine Knowles Chicago Sun-Times — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Live like a student while you're in school, so you don't have to live like one after you graduate.

Ashlee Dasenbrock celebrates 4th birthday

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

THE PARTY

A new life for old Aurora park

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

With trouble moved out, McCarty Park is reborn as a city showcase, a safe place for neighborhood fun that brims with the laughter of children.

An action of last resort

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Law enforcers lost another warrior last month. A Chicago police officer was fatally shot in the head after a struggle with a belligerent woman who somehow disarmed the 27-year veteran and used his service weapon to end his tour of duty -- permanently.

From the Storyteller

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

I couldn't stop smiling the first time I visited the renovated McCarty Park, just a short walk from my apartment.

Three months make for an educational walk in the park

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

While driving home from the University of Illinois in the pouring rain last March, I had two goals tacked to my cerebral bulletin board: have fun over this spring break and make plans for the summer.

TheTube For fans devoted to comics and the movies they spawn

By Lynn Elber the associated press — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Last month's Comic-Con is only legend now but the San Diego comic-book convention keeps exerting its pull on Hollywood, with TV's Shootout the latest example.

Going once, going twice

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

I like watching QVC on television. Sometimes, when I have insomnia, it's like my late-night infomercial.

State fair centers on tradition, with new twists

By Jenny Song The Associated Press — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Besides the obligatory funnel cake and foods on a stick, this year's Illinois State Fair offers a new dish to savor: a questionable-looking brown liquid covered in thick foam that smells vaguely of pickle juice.

Pop culture and politics can be a tricky mix

By Jocelyn Noveck the associated press — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

NEW YORK -- Pop culture sure moves quickly. Just last week, Paris Hilton was so 20 minutes ago. And John McCain was drawing snickers from pop culture aficionados for choosing her and another relative has-been, Britney Spears, in his attack ad against Barack Obama.

Our work, in the name of science

Sat, 9 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

There's nothing sadder than when something enjoyable comes to an end. That is the melancholy state in which I find myself right now. For the past 18 months, I was fortunate enough to be part of a citizens' task force.

Pets Of The Week

Sat, 9 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Most important meal of the day at Apple Villa

By JEANIE MAYER For The Courier News — Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Fresh is all they know at Apple Villa Pancake House & Restaurant. Owners Andy and Peter Spentzos, who opened their first Apple Villa restaurant in 2002 in Batavia and the second in 2005 in Hoffman Estates, have made fresh food the order of the day.

Not sure if I'm keen on new Keane single

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The surprise free download of the week is Spiralling, the first single from Britpop trio Keane's new album. And speaking as a fan of the band, I have no idea what to make of this.

Religion Calendar

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

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