When it comes to searching for good deals on gifts this holiday season, one Bolingbrook mom is looking to redefine the concept of getting more for your money.
Area residents also get the satisfaction of knowing they are helping feed a family in an impoverished country when they shop for hand-made items like jewelry, ornaments, purses, scarves, toys and home decor at Hope for the Holidays Christmas Bazaar, said Cheryl Lynn Cain, organizer of the event coming up Dec. 6.
The non-profit bazaar connects artisans from impoverished areas in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East with suburban shoppers looking not only for unique gifts at a good price, but a chance to help those in need. The event is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Naperville Christian Church, 25W530 75th St., Naperville.
"At the end of the day, it means caring for the person on the other side of a product and being invested in bringing equality and fairness to disadvantaged people," Cain explained.
Last year was the stay-at-home mom's first attempt at organizing the shopping boutique, and she was overwhelmed by the response. Cain and her husband, Grant, cleared out the furniture in their home on the west side of Bolingbrook and invited their friends and neighbors, hoping to introduce them to the concept of "fair trade".
About 150 people crowded into their home, purchasing more than $7,000 in products at last year's event. That translated into a year's living wage for four artisan families, said Cain, a 34-year-old mother of three.
"It was so neat to see so many of my neighbors 'get it' -- just get that there was a face at the other end of this product," she said.
Cain came up with the idea after noticing that she often was receiving invitations to home parties to shop for products like purses, wine and jewelry.
"Wouldn't it be great if there was a party that actually sold hope?" she remembers thinking. She decided to combine her interest in fair trade with the home party concept to create an environment where people could shop in the "community" of her home.
But in its second year, the bazaar has outgrown her living room.
Along with a handful of helpers, Cain will set up a shop of more than 500 items from 30 countries in the Naperville church, which is partnering with the group on this year's event. Their goal is to generate enough revenue to provide a yearly living wage for six families from this year's bazaar.
Cain teamed up with Ten Thousand Villages, a nonprofit fair trade organization, to bring the idea to the Bolingbrook area. The group, which is connected with the Mennonite church, markets handcrafted products from more than 130 artisan groups in 36 countries. The items are sold in several stores in suburban towns like Glen Ellyn, Evanston and Oak Park.
Long-term, the Cains dream of expanding the concept beyond just the Christmas season, possibly opening a permanent shop in the Naperville area.
"Christmas is the easiest place to start because our hearts and minds are open then," said Cain, who volunteers her time to create the shopping event. "We have big dreams for this, but we realize big dreams start with little steps."
Take a look around The Brook lately, and residents will find some sharp reminders of the current economic crisis.
Bright yellow and black "Store Closing" signs hang over Linens 'n Things and Circuit City on Weber Road. The Krispy Kreme and Applebee's restaurants on the west side of town are shuttered. And "For Sale" signs have become permanent fixtures in many yards, marking front lawns not just for months at a time, but in some cases, years.
It can be overwhelming, and even scary to consider how our country will get out of this mess.
But, thankfully, next week should give us all a chance to reflect on what we DO have -- the things that are more important than the economic situation. Maybe it's one's family, friends, faith or a job (even one that isn't perfect). Or perhaps it's your house, a pet, a church or a teacher that gives you pause to say, "Thanks".
So, I'm curious. What kinds of traditions does your family practice to focus on the "thanks" part of Thanksgiving?
This Thanksgiving will be my first to host my extended family for the holiday. I'm hoping to cook up more than just a perfect turkey and award-winning mashed potatoes. I've also been scouring magazines and the Internet for ideas to help my family reflect on the positives from the past year.
I've found that most Americans try to incorporate at least a few of these Top 5 traditions in their Turkey Day: A big meal; football; a parade; breaking the wishbone; and, finally, giving thanks, either through a prayer or asking each guest to express gratitude in some way.
But what about something that's a little more creative? This year, for example, my kids are determined to make each guest a hat representing either a pilgrim, Native American or even a turkey while we read a story of the first settlers to America. (I know my family will go along, but I'm not sure I'll be asked to host again anytime soon.)
I'm thinking about concocting a Thanksgiving trivia quiz with questions like these and granting a prize to the winner.
And of course, I want to focus on asking each guest to express thanks for something from the past year. I especially like this idea of giving each guest three kernels of corn at his or her plate. As guests put their kernels in a small basket, they must name three things for which they are thankful.
What are your Thanksgiving traditions? Do you ask each guest at your table to express gratitude for something in his or her life? Do you invite a single person to your family gathering? Or maybe your family helps serve turkey dinner to those who can't afford a special meal this holiday?
Do you have one absolute must each November? Pumpkin pie? Sweet potatoes? A game of football after dinner? What is it for your family that makes Thanksgiving complete?
Post your Thanksgiving traditions by clicking the "comments" link above.
For the past few days, I've been at a loss for words.
I've wanted to express my sympathy for a Bolingbrook family whose 5-year-old son was killed in a car accident last weekend. But each time I have tried, nothing I could type seemed to come out right.
I've been a bit speechless.
But maybe that's a good thing. At times like these, I guess it's best, sometimes, not to say too much. Just to listen.
That's actually what is suggested by Jewish custom as part of the Shiva, a practice that has been taking place this week by the family of Adam Miller, the kindergartner who was killed on Saturday night in an accident on Plainfield-Naperville Road.
I don't know the family personally, but I bet I'm not the only stranger in town who has thought of them frequently since hearing about the car crash. There really are no words to adequately describe the sadness of an accident that took a child's life.
Adam's dad, John Miller, had pulled to the side of the road after a tire blow-out when the car was hit from behind by another car driven by Joseph Cox, 26, of Naperville.
Police say Adam, of the 100 block of Saffron Drive, was strapped into his car seat when the collision occurred. He was taken to Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago where he was pronounced dead a few hours later.
I've read a few comment to news stories, too, about the driver of the other car. Without knowing all of the details, they have speculated that he wasn't paying attention. The accident is still under investigation.
I have no idea why he ran into the Miller's car, which was pulled to the right side of the road with hazard lights flashing. I do know that Plainfield-Naperville Road, near Bailey Road, doesn't offer a lot of alternatives for a car to pull over since the right lane doesn't have a shoulder, just a curb.
I can only imagine the anguish of realizing you were involved in an accident that resulted in the death of a 5-year-old. Again, the thought leaves me without words.
Family and friends have been expressing their condolences this week during the private funeral service that took place on Tuesday, as well as the Shiva, which is a week-long custom at a relative's home.
Students at Builta Elementary School also have been learning of the news and trying to process their emotions after losing a classmate and friend.
If you are like me, and you would like to just let the family know you are thinking of them or if you would like to share a memory of Adam, please post your comments here.
A law approved by the Illinois Legislature this week could give Will County prosecutors an extra tool in pursuing a potential case against Bolingbrook resident Drew Peterson.
But lawmakers insist the law wasn't created only due to the Peterson case.
Nevermind that it just happens to be pushed by Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow. Or that the Illinois House and Senate rushed it through during the fall session along with a change that would allow the law to take effect immediately. No need to wait until January or next July to use the new law.
When asked if the legislation related to the "fact pattern" of the Peterson case, Rep. Coreen Gordon, D-Coal City, the bill's sponsor reportedly replied, "I have no knowledge of that."
The law would allow prosecutors to use as evidence hearsay statements of a witness who might have been murdered by a defendant to stop him from testifying.
The state law could apply to Stacy Peterson, who has been missing for more than a year. A minister has contended the 23-year-old mom told him Drew had killed his previous wife, Kathleen Savio.
The law might also come into play in Savio's 2004 drowning death. She sent a letter to a prosecutor that said Peterson "knows how to manipulate the system, and his next step is to take my children away. Or kill me instead."
But even though the measure is referred to as the "Drew Peterson" law around the Statehouse, legislators haven't been calling it that.
You see, the state Constitution doesn't allow the Legislature to approve a proposal that's aimed only at one person. That could leave it up for a Constitutional challenge.
"When this bill becomes law, it would apply in every single case," Gordon was quoted as saying. "It would apply to all victims."
The legislation also could face challenges under the U.S. Constitution where justices have tried to limit the use of hearsay evidence.
There's that whole issue of not being able to cross-examine the witness. And in a murder case that can be, well, kind of a big deal.
Don't get me wrong. I certainly want prosecutors to have legitimate tools they need to go after criminals. But this law sounds like it could face some challenges of its own if it were used in the high-profile Peterson case.
If you happen to be a goose hunter, look no farther than the Bass Pro Shops store over at The Promenade to get some world-class advice.
That's the workplace of Romeoville resident Wade Walling, now know as THE Wade Walling, winner of the World Goose Calling Championships in Easton, Md.
Walling, 21, won $10,000 for his efforts at mimicking the calls of geese and beat out 32 other competitors for the title, according to a report published today.
Walling, an avid hunter and fisherman, has been practicing his technique since he was a kid, said Walling's father. World-class goose calling requires competitors to imitate a range of goose sounds on a pipe that looks like a stubby flute.
A $10,000 prize? Who knew goose calling could be so profitable?
With less than 24 hours left to vote, a Plainfield park has a 10,000-vote advantage over Bolingbrook's Century Park in a contest to win a $25,000 make-over.
Plainfield's Renwick Park pulled ahead of Bolingbrook in recent days to take the lead in the Staples Dream Park Challenge. Residents have until 11:59 a.m. on Monday to cast their votes for one of 15 area parks competing for park improvements.
Century Park, near Apple Valley and Kings roads, has been neck-and-neck with Renwick Park since voting began in mid-September. They each have more than 200,000 votes, while the next closest contender has gained about 30,000 votes.
Residents can vote once a day by logging onto http://www.staplesdreampark.com/Bears/. Those with a free Staples "power card" will have their vote count 10 extra times.
In addition to the $25,000 grand prize, the runner-ups will receive $10,000 and $5,000 in park improvements. The remaining 12 parks will each receive $500 for their participation.
It was Nov. 1, the day after Halloween. Despite our candy hangovers from the night before, the kids and I had to head out early on Saturday morning.
We were feeling groggy, mixed with a remnant of sugar overload, when we spotted the bright yellow city truck. We rubbed our eyes. Yes, indeed, workers were out hanging lights on a village evergreen tree.
We headed to the grocery store where the candy and costumes were on clearance. And suddenly, we were greeted by aisles of ornaments, wreaths and large toy displays.
Good-bye, Halloween. Hello, Christmas!
This weekend, a relatively new tradition around The Brook will kick off the Holiday Season over at The Promenade with the premiere of its Symphony in Lights. More than 250,000 lights will flash and dance in a stunning choreographed show to the holiday music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
But what about Thanksgiving? Does anyone else think we should stop and enjoy November before we rush fall out the door?
Thanksgiving seems to have gotten the brush off the last few years as we start earlier and earlier to enjoy December festivities. I understand the need to hang the holiday lights before it gets too cold outside to climb on the roof. But seriously, a few of the houses around town were flipping on their icicle lights before the kids could even finish trick-or-treating.
I don't mean to sound like The Grinch. The Christmas season is truly one of my favorite times of year. While I do think the meaning of Christmas gets overshadowed by our obsession with gifts and glitz, I love all of the traditions that come with the season: decorating, spending evenings cuddled together watching Christmas movies, shopping, baking and gathering with friends. Last year, my family discovered the Symphony in Lights, and trekked to the mall a half dozen times to watch the show before it was over.
But I prefer to wait until December to start thinking about Christmas. Until a few years ago, the day after Thanksgiving was considered the official kick-off of the holiday shopping season. Now some stores are open on what was once a revered holiday. And the marketplace is coaxing us to start our spending earlier and earlier.
Can we stop and give the pilgrims and native Americans a little respect without a glittering evergreen in the background? Can we give some thanks for what we have before we start searching the stores for more?
Bolingbrook village ordinances state that residents can't display lights for a period to exceed 90 days during the holiday season. They are pretty strict about taking the lights down by April 1. Could we at least wait until the leaves have fallen from the trees to turn the lights on?
What do you think? Are you ready to jump right in to the holiday season in the middle of November? Or do you prefer to wait until Thanksgiving has passed to focus on Christmas?
If you would like to comment, it's really easy. Just click the "comments" link at the top of this page. Fill in your name as you would like it to appear on this page. Fill in your e-mail address (which won't be posted), and then type your comment.
It looks like the Illinois Legislature is getting involved in the case of missing Bolingbrook resident Stacy Peterson.
The state Senate unanimously approved a bill Wednesday that would allow prosecutors to use as evidence hearsay statements from a murdered witness. If approved, the legislation could give the Will County state's attorney's office a new tool in their probe of retired Bolingbrook Police Sgt. Drew Peterson, who is a suspect in the disappearance of his wife, Stacy, as well as the death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio.
The law could come into play in the case because a minister has said that Stacy allegedly told him Drew Peterson killed Savio. If the House approves the legislation next week, the minister's statements could be used against Drew.
Attorneys wouldn't have to wait around to use the proposal, either. Lawmakers endorsed a clause allowing it to take effect immediately, if approved by the House.
But the bill brings up a bigger question, in my mind. Certainly, prosecutors should have the tools they need to go after suspects in murder cases. But should the Illinois Legislature be considering a law that apparently is aimed at only one person?
And if the proposal does become law, would it stand up in court? What do you think? Click the "comments" link to leave your opinion.
The village of Bolingbrook and its most well-known resident were back in the national spotlight again today as Dr. Phil focused on the one-year anniversary of missing mom Stacy Peterson.
"When people look at me and say, 'You did this to your wife,' I just look at them and laugh and say, 'Thank you.' You know? 'Go screw yourself,'" said former Boilngbrook police officer Drew Peterson during a taped interview on the Dr. Phil show. "I normally have a smart-ass remark for people like that."
During the show, which also featured a tour of the couple's home, Peterson's children and interviews with Bolingbrook residents, Dr. Phil questioned Peterson about his apparent lack of emotion during the year-long search for his 23-year-old wife.
As a police officer, Peterson said he was trained to hide his emotion.
"It has to do with how you are, what you grow into. And being a policeman for 32 years, you're trained and you live life not showing emotion," said Peterson, who has not been charged with any crime in connection with his wife's disappearance. "It's rare that anybody sees emotion out of me, and there's really no book written anywhere that you can read and tell you how to act or how to be when this type of thing happens."
A handful of Bolingbrook residents were interviewed about their views about Peterson, the case of missing resident Stacy Peterson and how the story has affected the village's reputation.
"Everyone refers to Bolingbrook now as where the cop killed his wife," one man said during the interview.
But another man who was interviewed for the show disagreed: "We're in a country where a man is innocent until proven guilty."
What do you think? Has the spotlight on Peterson cast a shadow on the town's reputation? And what about Peterson's interview on Dr. Phil? Did it affect your view of the story?
A new Panda Express restaurant opened on the west side of Bolingbrook this week, and I couldn't be happier.
I love Chinese food. But since I got married, I've learned to love baby back ribs, barbecue pork and steak. Then along came three children. Three children who love pasta. Buttered noodles. Macaroni and cheese. Spaghetti. It's all good.
Add to that a severe food allergy in the family that makes a Chinese restaurant a challenge, and I haven't held a chopstick in years.
But when I noticed a Panda Express was under construction at the intersection of Weber and Boughton roads, visions of cashew chicken and stir-fried rice started dancing in my head. And a drive-thru? Perfect. Now, I could grab some sweet-and-sour pork on my way to pick up dinner for the kids.
Workers painted the building. They put up the sign. They adhered panda pictures to the windows. And my craving grew.
For several weeks, I've been driving by the Panda Express, only to find out it's not open yet. My obsession led me to make unnecessary shopping trips to other locations with a Panda Express nearby. The Promenade on the west side of town. The restaurant on Rt. 59 at 127th Street. The one on Rt. 59 near the Fox Valley Mall. I must admit, I even veered into a Panda Express at the O'Hare Oasis one afternoon at the early dinner hour of 3 p.m.
Finally, this week, the Panda on the west side of town opened. Even my (allergy-free) children have decided they love Orange Chicken with a side of chow mein noodles, a new variation of their favorite food.
By the way, the quick-serve Chinese restaurant is unique because it doesn't use MSG in its food. It also does not extensively use peanuts, nuts and seafood in its cooking and offers a complete list of allergy and nutrition information on its corporate web site. This is the second Panda Express to open in Bolingbrook.
I realize it's one more chain dining experience on Weber Road's restaurant row, but I'm happy. What about you? What restaurant would you love to see open its doors in The Brook?
The general election might be behind us, but Bolingbrook residents still have more voting to do.
The village has been in a heated online competition with neighboring Plainfield to win a makeover for one of the town's local parks in the Staples Dream Park Challenge.
As the deadline for the contest draws closer, I seem to get an e-mail everyday from a friend of a friend of a friend who has picked up my e-mail from someone else's reminder about the contest.
"I just cast my vote today and noticed how close the race is. Pretty exciting! Come on guys, we can do it!" said an e-mail I received last week.
And like so many of my neighbors, I start each day by going to http://www.staplesdreampark.com/Bears/ and placing my vote for Century Park in the Hickory Oaks subdivision. The contest continues until Nov. 17.
The Bolingbrook park, on Apple Valley Road, near Kings Road, is one of 15 parks in Chicago and the suburbs competing for a chance to win a $25,000 facelift in the challenge, launched by Staples and the Chicago Bears. In fact, our local park has been neck-and-neck for the top spot, competing with Renwick Park in Plainfield since voting started in mid-September.
Now, it's as much about beating Plainfield as it is about winning.
Gaining thousands of votes a day, the two parks have each racked up more than 175,000 votes. They have traded spots between first and second several times in the past six weeks.
They are sailing far ahead of the other 12 contenders in areas like Naperville, Elk Grove Village, Chicago, Palatine, Oak Lawn, Tinley Park, Elmwood Park, Orland Park and Villa Park. The next closest contender only has about 24,000 votes.
Residents can vote once a day by logging onto the Dream Park web site. Those with a free Staples "power card" will have their vote count 10 extra times.
"Yeah, it's been like a parade," said a cashier at Staples when I asked her if many people had been stopping by to pick up the "power cards". Voters can use each card only once, so residents have been streaming in to pick up more.
In addition to the $25,000 grand prize, the runner-ups will receive $10,000 and $5,000 in park improvements. The remaining 12 parks will each receive $500 for their participation.
LaFollette Park in Chicago won the contest last year and used the money to purchase lockers, lights and scoreboards.
Century Park has lots of room for creativity, if Bolingbrook wins. A small playground sits at the front of a large open field.
Park officials have said that really, the $25,000 will only make a dent in their master plan, which calls for more than $600,000 in improvements. Still, it would allow local officials to add baseball backstops and soccer goals immediately, if the village wins.
And that is better than letting Plainfield take the prize.
Come on, Bolingbrook! In this contest, we really can, "Vote early and vote often."
Election officials are expecting record voter turnout today, but lines at polling places in Bolingbrook weren't bad this morning.
Around 8 a.m. today, I checked a half dozen polling places where voters were streaming steadily inside to cast their ballots. But lines were more like 10 minutes long, not hours.
Officials are expecting an 80 percent voter turnout today for the presidential election, which has stirred up excitement around the country, but especially in Illinois where state Sen. Barack Obama is taking on Republican Sen. John McCain for the nation's top office.
Lines could be longest after 5 p.m. today when voters are heading home from work. Because of high expected turnout, polls might not close for an hour or more after the 7 p.m. closing time because anyone who is in line will be allowed to vote.
How long did you have to wait today? Were the lines longer than expected?
Election signs
In front of at least one polling place on the west side of town, the green and white signs for Emily Klunk-McAsey, the Democratic challenger to State Rep. Brent Hassert, R-Romeoville, had been covered by another green and white sign. The signs read, "Blagojevich * McAsey For the People".
Republicans have been working to link McAsey, a Will County prosecutor, to Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who has been under intense scrutiny the past few years. Blagojevich isn't up for re-election, by the way. A campaign worker for McAsey said her supporters have been working to remove the signs.
Heading to the city?
Chicago officials are expecting more than 100,000 Obama supporters to flood into Grant Park tonight in hopes of witnessing history if the candidate becomes the first African-American to be elected president.
With today's warm weather, officials are expecting more than the 70,000 with tickets to the rally to flood into the city to watch a hometown candidate either declare victory or concede defeat.
Public transit agencies will run extra trains and buses into the city, but street parking will be banned in more than 2.5 miles of downtown Chicago.
Take a break
With all the excitement of this Election Day, I need some coffee! The rumors are true that Starbucks will be giving out free coffee today to anyone who votes. Voters only need to tell a cashier that, "I voted today" to receive a free cup of java, according to the Starbucks at Naper and Boughton roads.
Daylight Savings Time ended today. But if you aren't quite ready for the shorter days ahead, take heart. We only have 49 days left until the Winter Solstice when the daylight hours start growing longer again.
Until then, we can enjoy a bit more light in the morning hours, watch sunsets at 4:30 p.m., and turn to our light boxes to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you dread the short days and the cooler weather, here are some ideas to get you out of the house:
Feed the fish
Head over to The Promenade every Thursday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. to watch an aquarist at Bass Pro Shops feed the fish in the 18,000-gallon freshwater aquarium.
Indoor golf
Enjoy some virtual golf at Boughton Ridge Golf Course, 335 E. Boughton Road. Hit a bucket of balls on the simulator and play featured courses located around the world.
Go for a swim
Get your blood circulating at Pelican Harbor Indoor Aquatic Park, where you can lap swim, use the water slide or relax in the whirlpool. Public swim hours are 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 12-8 p.m. Saturday; and 12-6 p.m. Sunday.
Board game night
Barnes & Noble at The Promenade hosts Board Game Nights every Wednesday and Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m. Join other board game junkies in the cafe for some fun.
Head to the hill Theatre-on-the-Hill will present the musical comedy "City of Angels" at Bolingbrook's Performing Arts stage. The show is at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays with matinees at 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 7 to 23. The stage is behind the police station in the Town Center building at 375 W. Briarcliff Road.
Join a book club
Whether you are into romance, mysteries or nonfiction, the Fountaindale Public Library District has a book club to discuss favorite reads. The clubs meet Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the year at the libraries in Bolingbrook and Romeoville.
Go for a climb
The climbing wall at the Annerino Community Center is open to the public from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays; 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and 12 to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
Emily Neal is a 30-something wife and stay-at-home mom in Bolingbrook with three children. She also has a long history as a journalist.
