The Doings Western Springs

LaGrange Park veteran takes to the airwaves

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:12:01 -0500

LA GRANGE — Chuck Bosko of LaGrange Park didn’t think of himself as a talk show host, but on the set, he looks quite comfortable. Bosko hosts “Veterans Viewpoints,” produced by LTTV, which includes students from Lyons Township High School creating school and community interest programs.

History repeats itself for Lyons Township High School teacher

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0500

LA GRANGE — Following in her mom’s footsteps, AnneMarie Leader strives to treat her Lyons Township High School students like her own kids.

Families need to find reputable caregivers, protect patient from fraud

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:49:58 -0500

Recent headlines included the news of a caregiver accused of stealing $255,000 from the Lincolnshire man that she was supposed to be looking after. The Detectives involved in this case say that events like this one occur more frequently than anyone would like to see.

Springtime brings thoughts of moving for seniors

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:52:02 -0500

Springtime brings flowers, outdoor activities and often the start of the moving discussion in families living with seniors. The cold winter months may have led to isolation, a possible illness or many other possibilities; whatever the reason, many senior living communities see an increase in tours and moving discussions as the weather improves.

Public-private partnership creates senior activities

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:59:42 -0500

Public-Private partnerships are not new. Communities and the businesses that support them often work together to provide opportunities for their residents. In Highwood, the mayor and his wife are teaming up with a local skilled nursing facility to help create a central location where seniors can connect and engage.

Conference helps seniors have better quality of life

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:26:01 -0500

As we age experts say it is important to focus on the quality of life. A local conference is focusing on “Aging Well.” For 15 years, a group of community organizations have come together, with the City of Evanston, to present strategies for healthy aging for older adults, their families, caregivers and professionals. This free event is a true community partnership, according to organizers. Presenters are donating their time and all costs involved have been underwritten by the collaborating organizations and sponsors. The conference features a welcome by Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl and a keynote address by Julie Hamos, Director …

Pet of the week: Gumball the cat seeks a home

Thu, 16 May 2013 03:41:28 -0500

Gumball may seem like a funny name for a cat, but this 5-year-old female feline gets her name from her snuggly size. Just over 20 pounds, Gumball is a lot to love and very affectionate. She loves attention and being petted, and even though uncharacteristic for a cat, she enjoys giving kisses. Gumball is a laid back, easy going cat, and her adoption fee has been waved. She is OK being in a home with children of any age. Stop by and visit Gumball and many other cats and dogs at the Hinsdale Humane Society, 22 N. Elm St., Hinsdale. …

Variety is key for Tower Chorale director

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:30:01 -0500

WESTERN SPRINGS — As only the second director in the Tower Chorale’s 27-year history, Patrick Godon had big shoes to fill. But rather than mimic the talents of longtime director and founder Jim Winfield, Godon, now in his second season with the Western Springs-based choir, is blazing his own trail.

Friends, family crusade for LaGrange Highlands man

Sun, 05 May 2013 06:04:26 -0500

LAGRANGE HIGHLANDS — Life has changed radically for Ted Kowalski, whose social calendar now is filled with doctor appointments and hospital stays instead of visits with family and friends.

Pet of the week: Hank has lots of love to offer

Thu, 02 May 2013 03:40:04 -0500

HINSDALE — Though Hank may have an intimidating appearance, he’s all snuggles and no snarl. A very friendly boy who loves being around people, Hank would be a lap dog if he wasn’t so big! Hank would be best suited in a home with a fenced yard or an owner who likes to jog or walk with him. He would also do best in a home without cats. Hank’s adoption fee has been donated. Stop by and visit him and many other cats and dogs at Hinsdale Humane Society, 22 N. Elm St., Hinsdale. Hours are: 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday; …

Secretary of State recognizes families of organ donors

Thu, 02 May 2013 03:59:56 -0500

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White recognized the families of organ donors at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital April 21, in an event sponsored by the hospital and Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network. The program, held in conjunction with April’s National Donate Life Month, is an annual celebration designed to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation. More than 5,000 people in Illinois and 117,000 people in the U.S. are awaiting organ transplants. One donor can save or enhance the lives of more than 25 people. “Registering is an ordinary action that can produce an extraordinary outcome,” …

Healing arts designed for siblings of hospital’s newborns

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:14:11 -0500

HINSDALE — Children waiting with their families at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital can keep their creativity flowing. thanks to a donation from The Land of Nod in Oak Brook. The store has donated a book rack, craft table and craft supplies to the hospital, items now set up in the unit’s waiting room. Older siblings of newborns on the unit are free to use the crayons, chalk and other items while waiting with their families. Staff has also donated books to fill the book rack from the store. The need to have something to keep …

Hinsdale Hospital honors longest serving employee

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:43:07 -0500

HINSDALE — With 50 years of service at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, electrician Lee Stapel was the longest-tenured employee honored at Adventist Midwest Health’s service awards banquet this year. When Stapel began his career at the hospital, he was still in high school. “I started as a student worker during the summer, in June 1962,” the Hinsdale resident said. “I was in the grounds department at that time. My father, he was the manager in the engineering department, the boiler room.” Stapel was among more than 400 employees honored at the April 17 banquet. Employees were honored for between 10 and …

Adventist names regional nursing VP

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:01:42 -0500

Mary Murphy, a Westchester resident, has been named regional vice president for nursing with Adventist Midwest Health. Murphy is vice president and chief nursing officer at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, a position she has held since 2008. She previously worked as vice president and chief nursing officer at Adventist GlenOaks Hospital, where she had also worked as director of emergency services. Murphy helped oversee a $10 million renovation of the emergency department at Adventist GlenOaks Hospital. That project was completed in 2007. Murphy began her nursing career in 1982 at Walther Memorial Hospital. In 1986, she moved to the …

Western Springs teachers raise funds at Westchester McDonald’s

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:09 -0500

WESTCHESTER — McClure Junior High in Western Springs held a McTeacher’s Night recently at the newly remodeled McDonald’s in Westchester. Teachers took over jobs that evening to serve students and family. Jobs included the drive-thru, greeters, cleaners, front counter duty, clearning tables and the ince cream machine. The school raised $1,700 during the night, which included families from McClure and some of its feeder schools. Teachers working were Beth Tortorello, Claire Bianchi, Karen Moutvic, Callie Pogge, Elizabeth Hussey, Principal Dan Chick, Lynn Rees, Clare Buysse, Katie Hoffman, Kathleen Gannon, Michael Stock, Courtney Douglas, Anne Smith, Ray Bauer, Ferdinand de Gula, …

Children’s Theatre of Western Springs to raise curtain

Thu, 02 May 2013 04:09:15 -0500

WESTERN SPRINGS — The Children’s Theatre of Western Springs presents the play “The Boxcar Children” May 9-11, at the Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Ave. “The Boxcar Children” is recommended for audiences ages 7 and up. Performances take place: 7:30 p.m., May 9; 7:30 p.m., May 10; 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., May 11. This production is part of the Children’s Theatre of Western Springs’ High School Repertory Company season and is directed by senior Chloe Baldwin. The program is unique among local theaters in that students themselves are in charge of most aspects of the show. With guidance …