Beacon News :: Lifestyles ::

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.

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.

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.

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

Farmers markets offer lesser-known produce

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

In the Midwest, in the midst of summer, the farmer's fields have their chance to shine. This is when Mother Nature flaunts her mojo, strutting the stuff she creates through her longtime union with the lush black soil, illustrating in vivid colors and textures that there's way more to her than corn, wheat and soybeans.

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

Charge it: Group sparks interest in electric cars

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Just a couple of years ago, the meetings had the appearance of a men's club. That's no longer the case when the Fox Valley Electric Auto Association convenes in Naperville each month. "Now it's more men, wives, college kids, grandmas, grandpas," the group's president says.

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

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

Montgomery at 150: A village on the move

By Nicole Nicolas Special to the Beacon News — Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

More than 200 old and new residents of Montgomery came out to celebrate the 150th anniversary of its incorporation earlier this year at the Police Department.

Chicago's Finest

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The drive driving you crazy?

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Record high gas prices are taking a bite out of many budgets.

Easy to get author's John Hancock

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Most people have enough affection for one thing or another that leads to a collection. Sometimes it is accidental. For instance, mention that you like cats to a friend or relative, and before you know it all your gifts have a theme. You'll get cat PJs, mugs and sweaters. Soon every room of the house is full of feline-related doodads.

Waterlogged, mosquito-bit, but still the best of times

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

'These are the best of times and the worst of times..." Dickens is so frequently quoted. I think he must have been on a family vacation.

Getting below the surface: 10 questions with a city sewer guy

BY DAN CAMPANA dcampana@scn1.com — Tue, 5 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Mark Soderdahl climbs up the ladder to reach ground level, jeans covered in mud and water dripping from his face. He and two crew members are fixing a water line with trouble on Kensington Place on Aurora's West Side, and on this warm July morning, Soderdahl is in a front-yard hole as tall as he is. For the last 11 years, he's worked for Aurora's sewer and water department. Before you ask, he doesn't troll around underneath the city, but he recently left the trench to talk about getting dirty, alligators and why the inconvenience of downtown sewer work is good thing.

One night of solidarity should last whole year

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Tonight our neighborhood will be outside celebrating the 25th anniversary of National Night Out. This event traditionally takes place on the first Tuesday in August from 6 to 9 p.m.

Community Calendar

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Rice & beans: Low cost, not flavor

By Jim Romanoff For The Associated Press — Tue, 5 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Variations of basic rice-and-bean recipes are found in just about every culture in the world -- and for good reason.

Use math to eat well

By Jim Romanoff For The Associated Press — Tue, 5 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Tired of trying to make sense of what constitutes a healthy diet? There really is an easy way.

New venues give NCC chance to expand

BY SUN STAFF — Fri, 1 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

With two new theaters added to its venue lineup and a new concert hall to open in downtown Naperville this fall, North Central College announced this week a 2008-2009 season that features internationally acclaimed artists including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Clint Black, Kurt Elling and Rachel Barton Pine.

To feed a child

Sun, 3 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

It's the middle of the afternoon, and the St. Francis High School football team is hard at work at a warehouse on Aurora's far East Side. Dozens of teenage boys sit at long tables, affixing stickers to clear plastic bags and stacking them in neat piles.

Fixing the world, bit by bit

Sun, 3 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Charity, as they say, begins at home. But sometimes it takes a look beyond our homes or neighborhoods to find out where our charity is needed most.

Camp provides warm memories

Sun, 3 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Jamario Taylor and Sandra Soderlind met many years ago. Though they went their separate ways, each carried fond memories of the other.

Valley Briefing

Sun, 3 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Fox Valley

Belated congratulations

Sun, 3 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Earlier this summer, we featured most of the Fox Valley's valedictorians and salutatorians in a Sunday photo spread. We did not receive pictures from all of the schools. Today, we complete our salute of the best of the best by congratulating Yorkville High School's top students. The 2008 valedictorian is Morgan Kripke. The salutatorian is Nicole Jones.

College program to teens: Never give up on dreams

By Tim Waldorf Sun-Times News Group — Sun, 3 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Nicholas Bounds waited last week to hear whether he's been accepted to North Central College.

Veggie Fest draws vegetarians and carnivores alike

BY LAUREN ILSON lolson@scn1.com — Sun, 3 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

If you carrot all about a veggie-based diet or are just looking for a fun day at a free festival, peas head out to Veggie Fest at the Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, 4S175 Naperville-Wheaton Road.

Optical inclusion

By Eva McKendrick Sun-Times News Group — Sun, 3 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Before starting their first day of school, kindergartners and students transferring from out-of-state schools must get a comprehensive eye examination, according to an amendment to the Illinois Child Health Code.

On the road again

Sun, 3 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

There's nothing that says adventure more than a road trip, especially if those roads snake through 18 countries and are sometimes barely navigable. Actors and best friends Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman embarked on their second such road trip last year and Naperville native Jimmy Simak was once again along for the ride.

Support Groups

Sun, 3 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Just call me 'taffy'

Sat, 2 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Or, better yet -- don't call me at all! There was a song a few years back with the lyric: "Sometimes you're the windshield; sometimes you're the bug." And then a friend recently e-mailed me a saying from the other end of the philosophical spectrum: "Live your life in such a way that every morning Satan shudders and says, 'Oh, (no)! She's awake!'" Try this one: "Life can be like an old-fashioned taffy-pull, and sometimes you're the taffy."

Pets Of The Week

Sat, 2 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Block party

Sat, 2 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Had Led Zeppelin recorded a song called Whole Lotta Legos instead of Whole Lotta Love , it would be on Dan Morey's iPod.

Cart proposal no answer to high fuel cost

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

I recently read the Oswego Village Board is looking into allowing golf carts on village-owned streets if it is deemed workable and legal by the Oswego Police Department. But Oswego isn't a small retirement community. We are a bustling, growing village of nearly 29,000, according to the most recent U.S. Census estimates.

Taking a treaure hunt in Kane County

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Crunching gravel gives way to the silence of flattening grass as hundreds of cars make their way into the parking lot at the Kane County Fair and Flea Market.

Can downloading music cure cancer? It could help fight

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

So here's a new twist on digital distribution: using it to help people.

Just another day enjoying nature

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Before my alarm clock goes off at 4:30 a.m., my favorite mourning dove is already awake. Perched upon the highest peak of our roof, she greets me as I retrieve the morning paper, cooing fondly as though I were her mate. Since I know her language, I am able to return her greeting with authenticity. It's another wonder-filled day in the Fox Valley, and it is only beginning.

No one can live free of faith, but are all faiths equal?

By David Yount Scripps Howard New Service — Fri, 1 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

As a token of his devotion to the species, a dog lover has constructed a chapel for canines on his 175-acre property near St. Johnsbury, Vt. It boasts stained glass windows and life-sized pew carvings depicting various breeds. The statue of an angel-winged Labrador retriever serves as a silent sentinel.

Parents question 'decency' on TV

By Melissa Rayworth For The Associated Press — Fri, 1 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Uh-oh. The indecency fine against CBS for Janet Jackson's televised breast-baring at the 2004 Super Bowl has been dismissed. Partner-swapping has gone prime time, thanks to the TV show Swingtown . And the latest ads for the CW series Gossip Girl promise hotter sex than the average TV viewer probably ever experiences.

Valley Briefing

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

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