Where is he?

My husband disappears for hours at a time. This is a relatively new behavior and a noticeable one, as we both work at home and see one another all day long.

Where is he?

Out walking.

His company Kone, Inc., has issued pedometers to employees that wanted them. It is part of the Walkingspree USB Pedometer & Tracking program. Walkingspree is an innovative corporate wellness program that engages the participants, is fun and actually improves morale while promoting a little friendly competition.

He merely puts the pedometer on in the morning, removes it at night and downloads his steps online. Each walker has a name, some are aliases (like my husband's which I will not divulge). At first my husband was dogging it, trying to slip the pedometer to me when I go for my dog walk and my personal walk in the morning. I reneged, saying that was cheating and wasn't he interested to really see how he could do?

While in Texas recently, he even tried to give our granddaughter the device while she was running around a climbing park. We talked him out of it - an eight-year old cheating for you?

Suddenly even he became interested in the program. Especially when he realized that he could actually walk more than some guys who are younger than he is. That coupled with the fact that I was out of town for a couple of days got him really fired up and he started truly walking....and walking.

When a participant walks 300,000 steps, he or she is entered into a raffle. Prizes range from a day off with pay (nice) to a year's worth of health insurance - ! What incentive.

All employees have something in common: walking. Conversations include how many steps did you do? Is he a marathoner or what? Everyone that is participating is buzzing about it. One of the women discovered that even though the pedometer does not register immediately in her spinning class, it races to catch up to give her a proper reading after a few moments.

During the first serious week (i.e., no cheating) he was in the top 10. Last week, he was #6 - oops, maybe I gave up his identity.

Last Sunday, we took a little stroll: from our house through the Bethlehem Woods neighborhood, admired the Grotto, crossed Ogden Avenue, went to the entrance of Bemis Woods on the north side of Ogden, reminisced about the toboggan slide, walked the path back to our place. 9,000 steps = 4.2 miles.

Walk on!

Special Paint

I grew up in Des Plaines and I have a lot of friends who still live in the northwest suburbs. When I heard that Lee DeWyze, currently one of the top 5 on American Idol hails from Mt. Prospect, I figured someone I know knows him.

My phone rang early one morning last week - 7:00 a.m. It was my friend and former co-worker Denise. Though we talk only once every six months and see each other maybe once a year, there is no need for identification.

"Laur, I got a great story for you."

"Hey, Den - what's up?"

Denise is a very fun, fun-loving, gregarious person and usually filled with good stories. She told me that she had been painting her house. Denise lives in Palatine and has been going to a paint store near her home for many years. It is still family-owned, still has coffee and cookies for its customers. Through the past couple of months, she bought a few gallons of paint. Each time, a nice young man waited on her. They got to talking and he asked her to come and see him sing.

Denise recounts the story:

"I'm thinkin - yeah, right, hard rock - so I say to him, okay, I'll do that." I didn't go.

"Then I bought a very expensive paint for my bathroom, it was called spa paint. I did not like the color and so decided I would go back to the store and see if I could donate it. I approached my young friend and asked about the possibility of a donation.

"He said, 'Oh, I can fix it for you - no problem. This will be a one-time, no charge thing.' He made up a little receipt and gave it to me. Something made me keep his note. By this time, we were pretty good buds and he was such a nice kid - very kind. He again mentioned his singing gig and said, 'Hey, you didn't come to see me.' I replied yeah, I know, I will try to make it. I had no intention of going to see him, thinking it was not my type of music.

"Shortly after this, I was walking through the living room, American Idol on the TV. I hadn't been paying much attention, just had it on for background noise. I looked over and whom do I see?"

Lee DeWyze - !

Denise has been doing her fair share to ensure he stays on the show - everyone is texting her after they text their vote. There is a blues bar in Mt Prospect who is selling 'vote for Lee' shirts and giving all of the money to charity. It is a great family event.

Denise says that though the judges say he is 'shy' she sees it differently: "Lee is a very, very nice caring kid - kind and humble."

After last night's show, Lee is still 'safe.' - as Denise says, we didn't get the Olympics, maybe we'll have the American Idol.

Hollywood in La Grange Park

Bob Andorka and his sons were eating lunch one Saturday when they noticed two mini buses pull up to their home. About 16 people holding clipboards got out and were looking around, gesturing and talking. The men thought it was part of the census.



Bob did quip however, "Maybe they are scouting for a movie."


Turns out that Bob was right: it was a crew from Beleaguered Castle Film Productions, Inc. of Chicago. After having looked at a few locations in the immediate area, they decided that the Andorka's driveway was perfect for their scene. They talked about what they were thinking of doing, said the insurance information and contracts would be on the way soon and were gone.



"As fast as they were here, they were gone again," says Bob.




In speaking with Natasha Parker, assistant location manager, she indicated that the crew liked the curve of the street. They had been looking around the quarry, but needed a more residential feel to the scene and after driving through La Grange Park, they decided on the Andorkas.







The production company distributed a memo to all households on the 400 block of Waiola stating that the film is called Source Code starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan and Vera Farmiga. The scene that was to be filmed on Waiola was that of a character named Derek who is driving through various parts of the city trying to find a short route to downtown Chicago. The company made arrangements with the La Grange Park Police and the schools in anticipation of the street being closed off for filming. The crew also removed the street signs and cleaned the street as well.

The day arrived - Thursday, April 8.

Everyone forgot about it being garbage day - ! The bins were moved to the backs of the yards for the shoot.

Bonnie Andorka took the day off from work so as not to miss anything. Kate Andorka, currently a student at Illinois State University, had just returned from a semester abroad the night before. Moe, the loyal yellow lab, was only too happy to greet everyone that came into the door. Neighborhood kids came to see the action and their parents were just as delighted that their block was a star.

And it was non-stop activity for the afternoon. The actors and actress who were playing the family arrived about noon. Spo was playing the dad, Laura Atwood was playing the mom and Spo's two sons, Brandon and Logan were the boys in the family. They filled us in on the workings of being in a movie, how you are picked, other things they have starred in and their other jobs.

Stunt man Rick LeFevour arrived to grand fanfare - he performed many stunts in 'The Dark Knight" and kept all of the kids in thrall telling them how he does the stunts, what he needs to suit up, how the cars are padded - he assured us that his mother is not at all surprised with his career of choice - he always was the daredevil.

LeFevour could not have been more gracious - he talked with the kids for about an hour, signing autographs for them all. LeFevour is the guy driving the van down the street.

Left: photo of LeFevour with Kate on his right, Bonnie two to his left and the kids from the neighborhood.

Wardrobe arrived just before the shoot to go over the costumes. The actors bring their own clothing and wardrobe goes through the items to determine which is best suited for the scene. Cameras were set up, directors chairs were in place and it was time for the shoot.

The scene that stars our fair village is this: A white van comes south on Waiola and the family jumps into their Jeep Cherokee that is parked in Andorka's driveway. The scene will play in about 30-45 seconds and we were all there for about 4 hours!

Bonnie Andorka will probably receive a special mention from this crew: she was most gracious, opening her home to all the cast and crew. It was a nippy April day and Bonnie made real hot chocolate (with milk!) for everyone. She received a cap with 'Source Code' on it for her warm welcome from the producer. She assured them all that is was 'midwestern hospitality' but I am sure she will long be remembered by everyone that was in attendance that day.

The film is scheduled for release in 2011.

Ladies Nite Out

There is nothing quite like walking into a store and breathing in all of the new colors of the season. Everyone needs a little pick-me-up this time of year - we need a change, we need to get out, we need to add some color both to our wardrobes and to our look.

A perfect remedy to soothe the soul, add some springtime and spend time with your girlfriends is Ladies Nite Out, being held on Friday, April 9 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

With all the excitement of the coming spring, here is a really fun event to mark on your calendar. A delightful evening hosted by our very own local businesses; Linnea Jewelers and Studio 180! Plan on attending Friday April 9th from 2:00 to 8:30 . This is the date for you to try out that new spring outfit, grab your girlfriends and go for an exciting Ladies Night Out in Downtown LaGrange.

In the harried hassle of our busy lives, your group could begin their evening at the beautifully remodeled Studio One Eighty at 27 S. Ashland Avenue. Relax with a glass of wine, have a quick complimentary dry style or bang trim from one of their many excellent stylists for that perfect spring pick me up. Maybe you might schedule a "new you make-over" taking advantage of the many specials on services that will be offered that evening. While enjoying the gourmet cheese pairings, you will definitely want to search through their fabulous purse party collection and score that adorable accessory addition certain to be the envy of all your girlfriends! It will be first come, first served at LaGrange's New Studio 180!

Or you and your girlfriends could start your meanderings in Linnea Jewelers at 23 S. Ashland Ave. Famous for their friendly professional service and lots of Red Carpet bling, nothing makes you feel as light hearted as beautiful, sparkling jewelry! Have your own fine jewelry cleaned, polished and inspected while you and your girlfriends peruse all the dazzling temptations. Take advantage of the sale that evening, maybe something shiny and new for the upcoming vacation season? Don't forget to fill out your personal wish list for Mothers Day, birthdays and anniversaries. Even refuel your wallet (and the economy) by selling your old unused gold! Enjoy delicious nibbles from the fabulous caterer Heidi Dellman, while you and a professional goldsmith contemplate a custom creation that is uniquely YOU!
Door prize drawings every hour. Remember Linnea's is LaGrange's Green Jeweler!

Leave the winter doldrums behind and start spring off with a bang! Mark your calendars, make plans with your friends and attend Ladies Night Out on Friday, April 9th Take advantage of the complimentary offerings, getting your hair fluffed, having your jewelry polished & cleaned and try your luck at winning a door prize. Special discounts will apply that evening only, so don't miss out on the advantage of being smart & thrifty while having an evening out and loads of fun with your girlfriends! Only in..... Ahhhh LaGrange!


Denise Oros Master Goldsmith
Linnea Jewelers Inc.
23 South Ashland Avenue
LaGrange IL 60525
PH: 708-482-0007 FX: 708-482-0964
linneajewelers@yahoo.com
Goldsmiths at your service ~ Since 1981 ~
www.ljinc.net

Tuesday-Friday 10-6PM
Saturday 10-3PM

Sit Stay

We graduated...again! Mitch and I have gone through about 5 training classes with Barb Clish and Mary Keeffe through the Community Park District of La Grange Park.

It's not that he doesn't get it - he gets it perfectly and loves to go to class - it is the dog owner, the human, who needs refreshing. Plus it is fun.

I got Mitch from the Lakeshore Humane Society in Manitowoc WI about 5 years ago. When I saw his photo posted on their website, I knew he was the dog for me. He is an English Shepherd. While my kids were growing up, I had an English Shepherd puppy who lived to be 12 years old, so since I had a history with the breed, the shelter was only too happy to let me adopt him. At the time, we had another dog - Sara Alice aka Weenie - who was a loveable, squirrley little white dog. My daughter and I drove up to Wisconsin with Weenie to meet our new addition.

We soon discovered that Mitch did not know how to behave on a leash, in fact, we were doubtful that he had ever walked at all - the pads of his feet were like a baby's skin they were so soft. Since I walk through the neighborhood, and love to have a dog companion, it was paramount that my dog would be able to walk with me - sensibly and with some decorum.

Upon observing totally uncouth behavior, like lunging at kids on bikes, yanking me along (who was walking whom?), one of my fellow dog owners gently recommended dog training through the park district.

Of course, having been a dog owner almost my whole life, I figured I could do this myself. I was wrong.

We enrolled - Mitch and I. At the first class, Barb brought her partner, Millie, a beautiful Golden Retriever. Barb is a sergeant on the Brookfield Zoo police force and a training expert. Mary also has extensive training and experience with dogs. She told us that by the end of the class, each of our dogs would in fact sit and stay even though a chicken would walk in front of them.

We chortled, we gasped - there was a chicken sitting on Millie's back! Wow, I thought - if only......

The eight week session starts with the basics: having your dog sit and stay while you back away and eventually all of the owners go out of the room and the dogs all stay at their spots. We are continually amazed - how - and WHY - do they do it? The actually obey and it is a sight to see.

After going through a basic class, you and your dog can go onto Advanced Training. In the Advanced class, we do rallies, obstacle courses, and have an array of animals introduced to our dogs. In the class that recently ended, there were 8 teams - two Portuguese Water Dogs, a Shztzu, two Goldens, a Border Collie mix, a black Lab and Mitch and their humans.

Dog training is offered through our park district in fall and spring with the possibility of a summer class coming up. The cost is $100 for residents. Each class is an hour long and is jam-packed with activities for you and your dog to continue in your everyday life - as Barb is fond of saying, "It is human training, not dog training." The dogs love to work in this environment, are excited to see their friends and are ecstatic that they are being praised. The dogs love Barb and Mary - both women have to greet each dog individually as they come in.

Just last week, Mitch and I walked across the street to meet a new puppy. Mitch was pulling at his leash, wanting to play with the puppy. I told him to 'sit stay' - he did - and I went to greet the puppy and Mitch sat there till I told him he could come. It works - !

St. Patrick's Day La Grange Park style

If you are near the 600 block of Newberry today around noon, you may wonder what is going on. It is the third annual all-day event called "Just Irish Enough" - some refer to it as a St. Patrick's Day Parade, and a parade does kick off the day, but it is really a huge block party with a purpose.

According to Sarah Mycek, a committee member, last year's event raised more than $23,000 for about 60 shaved heads. Volunteers have their heads shaved bald and the monies raised goes to St. Baldrick's Foundation, an organization who raises funds for children's cancer research.

This year the 'stylists' will also be cutting ponytails to give to Locks of Love.

Head shaving begins at 2:00 p.m. following the parade. Tommy Hawk, the mascot for the Chicago Blackhawks, the Blackhawks Ice Girls and the mascot from the Chicago White Sox, South Paw, will also be on hand at 2:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be sold and there will be a bake sale.

Chris Zuncic, one of the neighbors on the 600 block of Newberry has talked about the event since its inception. "It's a great party - Jim (McCarthy), the guy who organizes the day, does a wonderful job and it gets bigger every year. It's a blast."

As of March 2, the event has raised more than $16,000 with 50 heads set to be shaved.

The festivities begin at noon on Saturday the 13th on the 600 block of Newberry. There is no cost for admission, but donations are appreciated. For more information contact http://www.st.baldricks.org

February - the start of something new

Days are getting longer, all of the Christmas stuff is packed away - except for that one thing that you forgot - might as well leave it up for next year. To some, February is the doldrum month - gray, still cold, kind of boring - you are ready to start something new.

One of my best newly started February projects was a working book group formed by Laura Birmingham, former circulation manager at La Grange Park Public Library. While in the library one day, I noticed a flyer on pretty paper asking whether I wanted to journey into my creative heart. It being February, and my feeling then as I do now, ready to start something new, I signed up for the Vein of Gold introduction.

Jane Kucera presented what the Vein of Gold is and what it might do for us: it is a book by Julia Cameron that delves deeply into who you are, what you want and where you can go to fulfill your creative self. There were about 30 people in the room and we broke off according to a time and day convenient for each of us to meet.

The journey provided me with personal revelations as well as lifetime friendships. If you do all of the activities in the book, it does take some time - and thought and creativity. The book is divided into 'kingdoms' and each helps lead you to your vein of gold. There is no prescribed limit as to completion of the 'course' - at the beginning, there were 6 of us and we met every week. Two left, one joined, she left and there were 3 of us that went through the exercises each week.

Many people have remarked that the Vein of Gold set them on a new direction. Some say the course changed their lives. Jane Kucera went on to publish her life story.

Our group met once a week for about two hours. Remarkably, in our busy, everyday lives, we each found time to absorb the exercises even if we did not finish them. There is much food for thought in this book. Cameron definitely subscribes to the idea that if you can dream it, you can do it.