To light, or not to light, in Our Town it's a burning question.

Normally I do not write about topics that are "topical." When I began Our Town it was to look back, forward, and reflect on the side of Glen Ellyn that showcased what living in our Village is all about. But like I said, normally I don't write about burning topics, but for today I am taking that left-hand turn when everyone is going straight forward---so come along for the ride.

Last night I attended my first school board meeting ever; I went there assuming it was going to focus on a very hot topic in our community about lighting the newly built Memorial multi-purpose field. For the first 45 minutes it was what I would assume to be a typical meeting---approve this, have some people talk about that, and so on. At first I thought I was in the wrong meeting, but with hundreds of people present, I assumed they had yet to get to the main event of the evening. I was right.

The discussions began about lighting the new field constructed last fall---and even before it began, you knew there was "passion" in the air from both sides. Known as Memorial Field it really is a very nice addition to the community; having photographed there since its opening, I can say with all honesty, it's a very large field (it is multi-purpose) within some very narrow boundaries on the North and South sides. That's part of what was discussed by one side last night as to why lights should not be installed. From their perspective there is a danger in crossing Crescent Street where the flooding of light could spill onto the street and into the adjacent land on the remaining 3 sides that adjoin the field and the noise and commotion caused by night events. As you might guess, the other side had a differing point of view.

Many people spoke about the pluses and the minuses of having or not having these constructed lights; it was interesting to hear the logic and passion of why we should not have them and the logic and passion of why we should have them constructed. There was little doubt where the majority lie. But even though one side had more than the other, very good points were made by everyone.

We heard from athletes who need to be close to home so they can practice at reasonable hours and not be woken before daylight to catch a bus to a field away from Glenbard West; we also heard about the safety of crossing Crescent Boulevard and the lack of space with the new parking configuration. There was much more spoken, but these two topics seemed to be quite popular.

The word "safety" was used throughout the night as a key reason of why we should or should not have these lights installed. Whether it was "light adjustment" when traveling down the street (it can effect your eyes ability to adjust in a timely manner so as to not hit someone) or as explained by one of the players who spoke, the need for lights to be used as dusk sets in for the ability to see opposing players, or a ball/projectile coming at them. Good points by both sides. Although my first school board meeting---if it was going to be the only one I ever attend, this was a good pick.

Almost on a dare by a friend sitting next to me, I was the last one to speak. Being a photographer, who has photographed on many of the locally "lit" fields being referred to---I looked at it from a lighting angle. The light systems on some of the schools around our community (they were referred to as reasons why we should have lights) are pathetic and dark. As I see it, and it really has to do with the safety angle, if a camera does not have enough light to capture a photograph on a lit field, what about the players on the field who have other players, balls, or whatever is coming their way---coming their way? No matter how nice the field, lights for the sake of lights can be very dangerous if they are not bright enough; this is the case in other communities. Want to see good lighting? Go to C.O.D. So if we are in fact going to have lights, it's more than essential to have the best if for no other reason, the players and safety. If we are not going to have lights after all, then it's a non-issue.

I have no idea what the outcome will be on this topic---but if I were to go to Vegas and bet, I know where I would put my money whether I agree or not. I do empathize with both sides on this issue because as I see it, it will likely have little effect on me. But this is not about me, it's about Our Town. A place I call home---whether it's lit or not.

Thanks for stopping by.

Life in Our Town.

Every second of every hour of every day of every month of every year a child is born. One of the surprises to my children was learning there were people with their same birthdays. I didn't want to let them know there are approximately 2 million people who have the same birthday---if you really want to be the novel one, it would have been best to have been born on 2/29.

Since becoming a village, we have seen dramatic growth in the population; but nothing brings up the vitality of our growth than what you experience when the snow and cold weather decide to take a breather and move one.  Head into town and you see parents with their kids---you'll see them in strollers, on shoulders and bundled to the chest or backs of their parents. With many families you see the older kids following on bikes, foot, or in wagons---how cool is that?

Imagine if we could take a time machine 50 or 100 years back in time to see what life was like before Starbucks, Einstein's and Caribou Coffee came to town. In researching Glen Ellyn over the past 100 years you will find for a town that was in development, it did just that---it grew and it grew fast. In 1914, Our Town was one of the fastest growing communities as more and more people moved from Chicago to live in an area that was accessible to the city.  Funny, nothing has changed.

What you would find if you went back in time were many of the same buildings that line the streets of the village; sure many of them have different tenants and businesses, but the original names and owners of the buildings are very much a part of the history. All you have to do is look above to the roof line or on one of the sides of the building to see who the early occupants were; probably one of my favorite things about Our Town is they have not changed the architecture of the downtown all that greatly.

Moving back to 2011, I am going to make a request I have yet to make in the blog. If you have gotten this far, please bare with me. If you have noticed on the "Our Town" blog, there is a photo that usually is on the top. As a photographer, I am looking to expand my experience; in addition to shooting sports and practically any other subject under the sun, I would like to explore photographing families that are expanding. In other words, I would like to begin photographing women who are expecting or have recently given birth. If you know of someone who is expecting, or has become a Mom, would you please let them know I am looking to gain experience?  In other words, if they let me take their picture, and live in and around the Western Suburbs of Chicago, it's on me. Free. No Charge. Nada. Again, it's experience for me, and it's a photo for them.

Glen Ellyn will continue to grow in population, and with every child or adult who moves into Our Town, it means a richer, more robust place to raise our families. That's what has not changed since the early days and will continue long after we have moved on.

Thanks for stopping by.

Take me out to the ballgame.

On April 10, 1913, the Glen Ellyn Baseball Club was organized…comprised of 20 players to be selected for the first team, there was a second team in the plans for those who did not make the first cut.

The first step was to arrange for a dance for the benefit of the club “where all proceeds would be used to uniforms and baseball stuff” according to the April 11, 1913 edition of the Glen Ellyan.

All was fine until the first game against Lombard. Although the score was 6-2, it was a much closer game than what the score let on to be. Probably the best plays of the day---there were no lights of course--- came from the outstanding play of “Shorty” Al Ludke who made two sensational high jumps to stop highballs. According to lore, it’s claimed  he pulled one from an altitude of approximately 14 feet. Wow.

Since this time, baseball, and softball, have taken off in “Our Town.” With many diamonds located around Glen Ellyn, we have come a long way from the home grounds located in Turner Subdivision.

What may seem hard to believe is there was a game played between the Glen Ellyn Baseball team and the team that would evolve into the Chicago Cubs---and it happened in Glen Ellyn! If you go to Lake Ellyn, near the fence located near the Glenbard West football entrance, you will see the sign. The Cubs in a one-sided effort beat Glen Ellyn by more than 100 runs—that must have been a long game.

But what would have happened if fate had taken a different turn? What if Glen Ellyn had won and Wrigley Field had been built in Glen Ellyn? Would we have the big scoreboard in the photo above?

Thanks for stopping by.

Looking at life in the rearview mirror.

powered by

For just one day, I want to look back. This is atypical of me, but since it's Super Bowl Weekend and it's a time when family and friends get together, I hope you will accept my doing this.

Back in 2009, my Mother was diagnosed with Brain Cancer---thankfully in many respects, she didn't suffer long. But it was the annual phone call on "Super Sunday" when she would get my Dad on the phone that made me think, for just this one day, I will look back and open up to the readers of "Our Town." In my world, growing up in St. Louis, meet my Mom.

From the blog Snap.Shot which ended in September of 2010.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Brain Cancer Sucks.

There are times when we have a bad headache or we forget something and we think the worst.

" I wonder if I have brain cancer?" is often a question that is thrown out knowing the response is, of course, "no." Fortunately 99.99% of the time the headache goes away and/or you remember what you forgot. My Mom is part of the .01% who was not as lucky as the rest of us. She has stage 4 brain cancer. She is in hospice outside St. Louis, MO.

This is not a blog to enlist sympathy, it's actually very uplifting. I promise.

Brain Cancer does suck. No doubt about it. But let's look at it differently.

Brain Cancer has a wonderful way of sucking people out of the woodwork, out of their daily lives, out of the humdrum; the ones you have not seen for many years, heard from in a lifetime, were not even sure they knew you existed any longer. Whereas I hate this phrase..."Trust Me," they do.

When someone has a bad disease or a situation that lands them in the hospital, hospice, or their own bedroom to recover, it's amazing how many people come back into your life. The long lost friend who lives across the country who miraculously calls to check in only to learn that someone is very sick, to your best friend who offers to stay the night and hold your hand, putting their own family aside because you are their best friend. It happened to my Mom---several times. Brain Cancer sucks the best out of people.

Brain Cancer also sucks families back together. Whether you live a 100 or 1000's of miles away from one another. Often times a holiday or a phone call will allow time to re-connect for a few days or moments, brain cancer brings families together to talk and live as a family unit again. You talk about everything. From the funny incidents when you were growing up to the moments that shape a family. My family has many of them. Every family does. From my rolling my crib back and forth, blocking my bedroom door (the fire department was called to open it) to numerous stories about family vacations, my brother, sister and folks. Since I want to keep it private about my family I will just say...we have the ability to laugh at situations that were funny back then and just as funny today. My brother and sister know about such wonderful moments as riding bikes into walls, throwing dirt clods, and hitting certain people with slap shots in very private places.

So what the heck does this have to do with photography?

You know those pictures that were taken when you were younger? The ones that are boxed away and probably will be for life. We all have them. The clothes and hairstyles are dated, the colors have faded due to bad processing or sunlight, and "OMG" is a very common expression when you look at them. You laugh, you stare, you appreciate that someone was smart enough to capture the moment. When I was home in St. Louis I looked at some of these photos. My Dad was into photography when I was younger---he took the typical shots. Stand there, wait for him to focus, and snap. A memory that we forgot about. So, thank you Dad. I appreciate the smiles, laughs, tears and insight that we would appreciate/treasure one of these days long off into the future.

I am going to close today's blog with a suggestion. Go out and do something that just sucks. Sucks you back into something you enjoy; a hobby you have put aside, a friend who you have not called (Sprint, Verizon and ATT can help make that happen) or better yet....suck back into someone's life who needs you. Needs you to know you are out there. They don't have to be sick, they are someone who was very important to you at one time---and more than likely the feelings have not changed. (Find out...it is easy to do. It just takes a moment to say, "Hi, how are you doing." Oh, and mean it.)

I am going to call my Mom and Dad.

Enjoy the holiday and thanks for stopping by.

I know I am

Glenbard West.

Nearly 90 years ago, what was once “Honeysuckle Hill” became the site for the new high school in town after the 120 students who attended Glen Ellyn High School had out grown the second floor of the DuPage Bank Building.

The land was a wild patch of weeds and trees---where today’s football field sits, Lake Ellyn blanketed the area. The cost for the land…100 cents.

So where does its name come from?

After the site was chosen, Lombard, a non-high school district, was asked to be included in the Glen Ellyn district. Merge the two names and you have Glen-Bard.” Voila.

As the population of Glen Ellyn grew, so did the need to increase the size of the school. In 1926, the first addition was added on to the building’s footprint; in 1931 the auditorium was added, Hilltop gym was the final addition in the 1930s. Twenty some years later, the East Wing was added and in 1958 Biester Gym was built.

It was in 1959 when Glenbard East was built in Lombard and the original school in Glen Ellyn became Glenbard West. The additions have continued as in 2001 the new library and field house were completed. Many of us also know of the addition of Memorial Field this past fall.

But a school without students is just a building; fortunately the students have bonded well with the red brick building set up on the hill, and many have gone on to do some pretty amazing things. We have actors, an Olympian, playwrights, doctors, congressman and many other notables---one of the better-known people who have graduated from West is Bobby Rahal the winner of the 1986 Indianapolis 500.

If you have not visited Glenbard West recently, there have been some changes, but all in all it has kept its heritage. One thing I have noticed over the years, as I have explored its surroundings, is how much history there is at the school. I guess when you are 90 years old, you are entitled to tell a good story.

Thanks for stopping by. 

Fallen Hero.

For many of us, we look to the future and assume all will fall into place. Often this happens, but sometimes life runs a different, unexpected, course.

One year ago today we lost a young man who really brought something to the community and the school that meant so much to him. His name was Pierre Washington-Steele and he lost his life when he was in an automobile accident last January. Washington-Steele was known to  wear a big smile and was a natural born leader at Glenbard West. It’s interesting because in a very short period of time---he transferred from a school that had closed down---he became one of the most popular kids at school.

Pierre Washington-Steel’s name was heard often at football games, probably more than any other player on the squad; through the speaker you would hear, after a play had ended, the yardage he racked up on the previous play. He was the star running back on the team and in his last season he gained 717 yards---remember this is high school football, not the NFL. Not only was he a gifted football player, but he also excelled in baseball and track and field. What was his secret? He was strong, fast, and smart in the sports he played. Unfortunately when you are behind the wheel of a car, your body can only take so much impact no matter how strong and smart you are.

I was not sure why he had a hyphenated name until I read the paper after his death that his father had been killed by gunfire the year before on Chicago’s south side. After his death he took to hyphenating his name in honor of the family name. That is a very honorable move.

Having heroes in “Our Town” is critical. Whether it’s a doctor who saves a life, a police officer who goes well beyond the call of duty, or a Mother or Father who gives every ounce of their energy to a loved one---we all know of heroes in our lives.

I never met Pierre Washington-Steele but I took many photos of him during what would be his last season. He was not only a fast player, but he knew sportsmanship and the role it played in being a better person.

We need more athletes and human beings like him---after one year, we still think of him in our household.

Thanks for stopping by.

Inventions.

If you ever go to the patent office in Washington D.C. you will see examples of inventions on display, that at best, are rudimentary; these early inventions set the stage for many other inventions and for future adaptations.

I have to believe over time we have all thought of ideas we believe can make it big; it might be something as simple as beanie babies, silly bands, or pet rocks (all are registered in the patent office)---or an invention that saves time, lives, and/or our environment.

On our street is the home where a member of the Otis family lived; they are one of the biggest names in elevators---yet the home does not have one in it. Go figure.

An invention has to fill a need and have to be unique enough to not copy one that’s out in the marketplace---it’s fulfilling the need that really brings it to market. For example, we have an inventor in “Our Town” named Greg Dempsey. Greg has actually invented a few items, written at least one book, and has worked hard to bring something to market that is not only smart, and fills a need---but can be lifesaving.

Greg’s invention is named, “Goal Secure.” For any of you who have kids in soccer, you may have seen there is a natural attraction for kids to hang on top of the goal while they are bored during a game or just goofing around. We’ve all done it, and if we haven’t, we can probably visualize it.

It seems harmless until the goal topples over and someone is either killed or hurt very badly by the force and weight of the goal falling on them. It happens more than you think---in fact, it happened recently in Arkansas, but there are many stories of it occurring very close to “Our Town.” (I cannot imagine the pain parents go through when this happens and why parks and towns don’t have a better device to keep the goals grounded.)

Check this out…

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/10/05/earlyshow/living/parenting/main6928212.shtml (cut and paste.)

Greg developed the idea when a boyhood friend of his had it happen to him---he nearly died and it left an impression Greg could not shake until he had the answer.

He finally came up with a system that would let anyone in or around the field know the goal is not affixed properly to the ground---his early version has gone through several adaptations…just like many inventions. (The photo above demonstrates how it wraps around the base of the goal.)

As a parent with two girls in soccer, I now check for goal security before the game starts---often times I know the answer even before I approach the goal. You can see it has been moved due to the indentations in the ground or where the grass is flat because of the weight it had prior to being moved. Not a good thing once you know what can happen—and something none of us ever want to experience.

Having inventors in Our Town is something to talk about to friends, neighbors and family; however letting them know of the dangers of something so common in our everyday lives as soccer, is a much more important story to tell.

Thanks for stopping by.

American. Idol.

Tonight millions of people of all ages will be tuning into Fox TV. Whether it’s at the scheduled time or DVR’d, American Idol continues to capture the hearts of the young and not as young. I am part of the latter.

New judges, new hopefuls, and now allowing a new age of 15 years, has in my point of view created more interest in the show. (Last year was not one of the better seasons—I suspect this was a critical reason for the changes.)

If you watch the show you know more than 125,000 hopefuls gave it their best this season. Okay, thousands just wanted their 15 minutes or less of fame---I was actually better than some  and to say I have a bad voice would be like my saying we got a lot of snow. (I am telling the truth...just ask my family.)

But there are many who are very talented and "on their way."

Meet Gabi Winter who lives in “Our Town.” Although she is too young to qualify for the show, Gabi is putting in her time to be ready for American Idol or whatever is available for her now and most important, later. I first met Gabi when she was in a school talent show last year and she lived up to the word “talent.” Actually on a number of levels; sure she can sing, but she engages with the audience, slings a very large guitar around her neck (really cool look), and plays with the confidence of someone with a dream that she is determined to achieve. This is no guarantee of success of course, but these qualities are what separate the wannabees from the rest.

I also learned Gabi and her family happen to be huge "Idol" fans. There is one Idol in particular whom they are enamored with; that would be Adam Lambert, the season 8 runner up that really blew away the competition that season. He didn’t win, but I am fairly certain he is outpacing many other Idols who have released albums. When Lambert released his first album he landed on the #3 spot of the Billboard 200. (In the number one spot at that point was Susan Boyle’s “I dreamed a dream.”) He beat out Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and others...not too shabby.

This past summer, the Winter family (sans father for most of the trips) “literally” followed the Adam Lambert tour when he toured the Midwest. Last count, I believe they saw him 4 or 5 times; they also got to know other “Lambert-lovers” who stood nearby his tour bus, met the band, and as you can see above---got autographs. (Lambert’s autograph is the one front and center on the guitar.)

If you think this is an oddity, check this out; there is still a group of women (some in Glen Ellyn) who follow the Clay Aiken tour when he is on the road---or they just get together because they met when he was touring the country and they have something in common. (He too was the runner up that season—that was 7 years ago.)

American Idol continues to bring families to the TV every Wednesday and Thursday evening. With some real talent coming forward, it’s the younger ones who continue to amaze me---15 is the new magic number for the show, but if you think 15 is the starting point, check out the clip of Gabi. http://youtu.be/bDOpxlN2FiU

Thanks for stopping by.

If walls could talk.

Traveling down Main Street in “Our Town” you see some of the most beautiful structures lining the East and West sides of the street.

A fairly non-discreet sign informs you these homes were some of the earliest in what was then known as Danby, IL. Owned by some of the earliest settlers to the town, what’s remarkable is how they still remain intact and structurally sound, after in some cases more than 135 years. (I am sure today’s owners could let us know of some of the creeks and age issues of these homes, but if I were that age I would have them too!)

The homes all have rich history. You have the Benjamin Gault House on one side of the street; Gault was an ornithologist known as the “bird man,” Edgar H. McChesney House---I suspect many of us know what he started in town, the Henry Fennamore House, where a private kindergarten was taught in the residence. (Think home schooling, 137 years later.) Since it’s difficult to hear what went on in these homes, I can only believe there were some very interesting stories as the town grew and prospered.  McChesney for example sold his grocery store and later became postmaster and village president---wonder if he ever imagined his store would still be very much a part of Our Town all these years later?

There is little doubt my favorite home on the street is the former John Newton Nind house built in 1876. Nind was a farmer who lived in Bloomingdale Township and moved to this home after he retired. Nice retirement home if you ask me. Later renovation incorporated the Greek pillars to the home. I am glad someone had the foresight to add these pillars as they help create one of my favorite sites during the summer time.  Since I moved to Glen Ellyn, and there has been more than one owner of this home, one tradition has remained. Every 4^th of July, the American Flag hangs in front of the home. Not just your average 2 feet by 3 feet flag, this one is big---it is beautiful.

I am sure there have been many conversations we will never be privy to in the homes that line Main Street, but during the next few months we will learn more about the original owners who settled in them. Even without know the details of their lives, we will be able to put some interesting pieces to the puzzle together as to what took place during the early years of “Our Town.”

Thanks for stopping by.