The Doings Hinsdale

Hinsdale filmmaker tells story of mold, spaceships and Las Vegas

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:04:01 -0500

HINSDALE — Radek Skalski, 29, of Hinsdale majored in history and creative writing at Knox College in Galesburg. So how did the Hinsdale Central alumnus come to make a documentary about mutant microorganisms on spaceships?

Writing is a novel idea for Clarendon Hills dentist

Fri, 10 May 2013 13:54:01 -0500

CLARENDON HILLS — It’s been a never-ending story for a man who 22 years ago took over a dental practice in Clarendon Hills. J. Michael Major continues too see patients in his office at 1 McIntosh Ave.

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 …

Hinsdale Hospital honors nurse

Fri, 10 May 2013 14:40:01 -0500

HINSDALE — Nursing awards finalist Pam Reetz has spent 23 years working at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital. Today, she works as the clinical coordinator in the hospital’s progressive care unit. As such, she manages as many as 35 patients and the nursing and ancillary staff on the unit daily. “I work on the floor and I work as charge nurse,” Reetz said. “I really do both roles.” Reetz is a finalist this year in the Nurse.com nursing excellence awards in the clinical nursing, inpatient category. Reetz remembers that she and her mother would often talk about her being a nurse as …

Volunteering leads to a rich array of experiences

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:58:00 -0500

HINSDALE — Dan Menza, 18, has helped with the Walk for Autism since he was a freshman at Hinsdale Central High School. The senior is the treasurer of the Community House’s Junior Board and more involved than ever with the walk

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. …

Director’s love for job at Hinsdale Central is no act

Sun, 19 May 2013 06:12:15 -0500

HINSDALE — The passion Chris Hicks has displayed over more than 35 years as a teacher at Hinsdale Central is no act. By all appearances, Hicks has had a very successful run at Central, both as an English teacher since 1976 and as a director of 63 school plays since 1989. She plans to retire at the end of the 2013-14 school year.

Variety is key for Tower Chorale director

Sun, 19 May 2013 06:03:02 -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.