Where to hang my boot.

Tonight, after watching the Bulls beat the Celtics, we watched Carson Daly interview a woman who is one of the top tweeters in the world. She is funny, a very gifted writer of 140 characters, and used to be a blogger with 7000 followers.  Who would ever have thought our world would come down to reading quips from someone behind a computer?  I guess I would.

I used to hate to write. When I was in high school I was not able to construct a sentence, and in college I actually flunked english my freshman year. I showed them though---I got a "C" my second try. Better yet, I am a journalism major from one of the top Journalism schools in the country. Yeah, put that in your pipe and smoke it. So why in the world did I decide to become a blogger? It all has to do with a bit of curiosity, a personal challenge of whether I could actually write on a regular basis, and well...I now like to write.

Tonight I was inspired by the interview discussed above; she is just someone who loves to write, understood the power of the internet, and was discovered by celebrities---her tweets are very funny. Why am I not telling you her name? I can't remember it. That is part of the aging process and it's also one of my major downfalls...I have trouble remembering names. Fortunately I can remember events and stories.

Starting "Snap.Shot." again last week was something I have wanted to do for some time, but I needed a reason to do it; the best reason I could come up with was to start it on April Fool's Day and see if anyone thought it was a joke. Only one person asked if it was. I was proud of her for asking the question.

So where will I "hang my boot" in this wild world of writing to people who I know, but probably never thought they would be reading anything written by me? I want to continue to tell stories, write about whatever feels right, and hope that it means enough for people to come around and read it every day, once a week, or whenever they are in the mood. That's where I am going to hang out.

The photo above was taken in Western Illinois near the Iowa border. I saw a "Sears Roebuck & Co"sign and a boot hanging from a pole. I thought, I have got to take a picture of this, and I am glad I did--- because in the end, sometimes when you think no one will notice something, it comes up from behind you and gives you a swift kick.

Thanks for stopping by.

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.

Winter fun.

If you have driven down by Lake Ellyn you may have seen skaters on the lake. I have to be honest, I have been really wanting to lace up my CCM Tacks, grab a stick and shoot the puck around. So far it has been something I have wanted to do, but since I have not looked for my skates, the likelihood of seeing me on the lake is not good..

Winter activities look really good from warm spots like your car, home or on TV; I just really seem to enjoy the warm months. When we hear of a blizzard coming our way in the next day, this is one of the only times I would like to be in the elements. I would love to go shoot photos of stuck cars, snow drifts and all of the pictures you see from storms long ago. Sick thought I know, but it is appealing as a photographer.

Part of me is having trouble believing we are really going to get this storm, but I know our kids are sending as many prayers as they can out to whomever will listen. They want to make snowmen, sled and be out of doors....what they don't understand is, they will be literally blown away if the forecasters are right and 50 mile an hour winds are part of the storm.

The good news is...when the storm has passed, the sledding will be incredible if we can find large hills; I know the hill at Newton Park will be very crowded as it always is during the winter. Hmm...could be fun to photograph for "Our Town"

I am not sure of the largest storm that's hit Glen Ellyn, but I would have to assume it was the storm in 1967---we had nearly 2 feet. Can you imagine?

Whether or not the storm comes or passes, you can be sure it will bring out the risk takers. They will be on the lake, in the streets, and around the town. I have to say, they might just see me with my trusty Nikon camera---I cannot wait for the storm.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hunger in the suburbs.

Often we think of the suburbs as the escape from many of the problems found in the city. It sounds great, but no matter where you turn, you will find the less fortunate among the very fortunate.

In Glen Ellyn we have the “Food Pantry” located right near the train station.  What I am not surprised to learn are the number of people who have visited the pantry during this prolonged recession. Yes I realize the recession has been declared behind us, but tell that to the hungry families who have to make a choice between food and heat this time of the year. It's a very tough call they have to make.

I learned that the Food Pantry makes appointments with their clients;  you will find families and homeless people looking for help, because they are in a situation they didn’t ask for, but have been dealt with. It cannot be fun to be in this situation, but thankfully there are people who care and understand that donations are the lifeblood of this organization. Whether it’s canned goods or monetary donations, I am reasonably sure this is the worst we have seen it in many decades.

As we prepare for a blizzard that’s supposed to be here in the next 48 hours, I realize how fortunate we are to have a roof over our head, heat in our homes, and a relatively full refrigerator. With all of the children in our home, it is not long for a full refrigerator or pantry to become less than full. Throw in some friends and the food goes even faster. But we are lucky---after these particularly hard times, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

For those who have not seen the light yet, please make sure to not forget them---I am making a personal promise to visit the Food Pantry and give. I cannot imagine the challenges of not having enough food for my family or a warm spot to call home.

We do have hunger in the suburbs;  all we can hope is one day it will not be part of our society, but for now remember those who need us more than ever. It could be a neighbor or someone you don’t know---but I promise, when you give,  you will find any emptiness you have felt  filled up with knowing you have helped someone who is truly in need.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hot. Dog.

In a city known for its deep-dish pizza, there is little doubt hotdogs are right up there with its own culinary charm.

With its unique look comes an incredible dog that would never bite back. Whether it’s the tomato, mustard, seasonings or bright green relish, one thing you do not find on a Chicago dog is ketchup. Never.

Hot Dogs are a staple here in our area. You find them at restaurants around the city, on hot dog carts, and of course at stadiums---funny thing about it, they all taste really good. It’s not like a hamburger or chicken that can have wide taste swings and you really don’t know if it's going to taste good until you bite into it. When you see a good dog, you know before that first bite you are in for a real treat.

The photo above is of the “hotdog” guy. He is located at the corner of Main and Crescent in Glen Ellyn, IL. His name is Joe, has 2 boys and lives in a nearby community. Coming from a background of 10 kids in his family (8 of the 10 are girls), I am sure he knows all about “feeding a crowd.” About 3 years ago, he purchased this business from the “former hot dog” guy---they actually resemble one another---and his business has taken off.

Since Joe is part of “Our Town,” you might wonder at times, how many hot dogs does he sell? Want to know? Sorry, it’s a secret. Let’s just say if you were going to have a hot dog eating contest, you would never be able to eat that many in one sitting.

Probably one of the funniest things on his cart is the container marked, “plain.’ You shake it over your hotdog---that is, just in case you want a plain one. The container is empty and the kids shake it as hard as they can to make sure they have a good ol’ hotdog, plain and simple.

Next time you are down on Crescent and Main, stop by and see Joe, he will be happy to serve you up a good Chicago/Glen Ellyn dog.

Thanks for stopping by.

Oh the things we see and don’t see in “Our Town.”

Sometimes I see things in and around Glen Ellyn that I am not sure others would notice; no this is not a sixth sense kind of thing, it’s more of my imagination running away with me.

If you go downtown you might see a pipe or a bench that has a strange shadow that comes out when the sun hits it. Go over by the bookstore and you will see reflections from the trees and benches that make it look like they are inside the store. You have to be there at the right time, but it’s there. The same is true with “Honey.” I was taking pictures one time trying to get the right view into the restaurant and every picture had a reflection of the trees and fire station across the street in them.

What I like most is when you see something that is so ordinary, yet when there is something above and/or below it, it makes it look like a face or something completely different than what it is.

The photo above is an example. When I first saw this on the side of a brick wall it made me smile. I saw the eyes of a startled woman (it’s the eyelashes that bring it to life) the small little nose and a mouth that is quite unusual. Bring it all together and these common items you find on a building create a funny face with real personality. I still like this picture.

One day, when the sun is coming up or going down…go for a walk to the center of town. Look at the benches, pipes and anything else that sticks out—you will see how the shadows create something that will make you take a second and maybe third look. If you really like it, you just might do what I did---take a picture.

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Against the odds.

As the owner of a very small photography company, I have begun to understand the challenges of being in business for yourself. If I were to look into a crystal ball---I don’t have one so it would be difficult to do---I am not sure how far to look into the future. Based upon my age, I would doubt I would see anything more than a 25^th anniversary.

Now, take into consideration that photography is a skill that anyone and everyone feels they have---so you have to continue to make sure you have a reputation that is better than the other guys. As the motto of our company states,  “Everyone of our customers owns a camera, they are hiring us to capture a memory;” we can be sure there are many good photographers in and around Glen Ellyn who love to take pictures like we do.

Photography is one thing, but selling appliances is different.

When Young’s Appliances opened their doors in 1931, I have to believe they were not sure they would see their 1^st anniversary yet alone their 80^th. When you start a business in the middle of the depression, and you are selling items when unemployment is at 30 percent, you have to be aware that the likelihood for success is not a sure thing. Either they didn’t worry about it, or they are really good at what they do.

Since the time they opened, I can name 8 to 10 major appliance retailers who have opened and closed their doors. In the Chicagoland area we have seen Polk Brothers, Circuit City, Electric Avenue, Silo and many others do their best to bring the best pricing and service to the sale---but something just didn’t connect.

That’s what makes Young’s Appliances so amazing.

Young’s has lived through the big retailers and they still are very much a part of “Our Town” on Crescent Street in downtown Glen Ellyn. Maybe it’s because when Elmer Young opened Young’s Appliances he made sure that he gave back to the community. Many companies do this---but Mr. Young made the commitment and stick by it. I love success stories where the little guy wins. If you have a moment, be sure and check out their website and look at all of the organizations they support. They believe in “Our Town, “ and I am sure it’s one of the reasons they are a fixture (sorry) in our community.

I have no idea how long our photography business will be in business---but I do know, making sure you are a part of the community, and giving back to it, may not keep you in business forever, but it will make you proud to live in “Our Town.”

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Step right up.

We are still several months  away from the long weekend when the carnival comes to town. But that doesn’t mean we can’t think about it.

I am not a huge carnival fan, but my kids are; when we see the parking lot across from McChesney’s start to clear out and fill up with the carnival trucks, we know the questions are not far behind. “When can we go? Can we get the wristbands? How many games can we play?” and so on. Funny, except for the wristband question, I did the same when I was a kid living in St. Louis, MO. Carnivals are part of growing up , and the annual carnival that comes to Glen Ellyn is very much a part of “Our Town.”

It must be the camera I carry, but now when I go down to the carnival, people know me. I am not sure if that is anything I really want to divulge, but then again I do get to take photos without anyone asking questions. The owners of the carnival are very protective of their employees; they do not want them to be photographed or in any of the photos where they are visible. I didn’t question it…I just took photos of the rides.

One of the best things about the carnival are the lights on the games and rides; if you remember the movie “Big,” the appeal of the fortune teller was what got it all started, but it was the lights and sounds of the carny, that made the scene so real and credible. The slamming of the hammer on the pad, the bell ringing when it hits the top, has been going on for decades; sure there is a trick to it, but the appeal is still there. Yep, everyone wants to win a stuffed animal.

All in all, the carnival is a great attraction, but it is the rest of the experience just south of the tracks that brings the adults to the center of town. Vendors from the area, and beyond, serve up food and sell items that make the event---Americana. This is what I dreamed of when I was a kid---and even as an adult, when I lived in a community that didn’t have a downtown, I missed these simple parts of the summer.

The warm weather may seem far away, but it will be here as quickly as the cold weather came last fall. If you have not been to downtown Glen Ellyn during these fun times in late spring, step up and do it. You may not win a stuffed animal, but then again if you hit the pad the right way, you just might.

Thanks for stopping by.

The Moon over “Our Town.”

If any of you are wondering why “Our Town” was not up this morning, there is a reason. You might think I forgot, or didn’t have anything to say, or was too busy…no, none of these were the reasons why it is up this evening. I wanted you to remind you to look up in the sky tonight.

Last night, my daughter and I left an area grocery store and as we headed East, I said, “Look at the moon.” Now, my daughter is not one to get too excited over the moon, but she was in awe. She said she had never seen it look as big in her entire life---at 8 years old, she is discovering new and different things. I am sure it has appeared as large as it did last night many times before, but I have to admit, it did look huge.

Of course in any town, city or region across the U.S. and the world, as long as there were clear skies, the moon was likely to appear to be as incredible as what we saw. But then again, this is our town we are talking about---I don’t know what was happening in yours.

Full moons may have been responsible for some pretty odd happenings over time. I cannot say for sure that there was a full moon the night a cow was placed on the roof of one of the downtown buildings or when snakes popped out of the sidewalks (to be discussed in a later “Our Town”) but if it’s true this spectacle brings out the oddities in the world we live in, it wouldn’t surprise me.

One thing the moon did bring with it last night was some very cold weather; if you live here you know we were below zero this morning.

If you have time tonight, take a look to the east; if it’s anything like last night, you will be glad you stopped what you were doing and headed outside. I have always loved looking at the moon---I guess the night the cow was found on the building it must have come up short as it tried to jump over it.

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What $500.00 bought in 1963.

Before they fill the stadiums, they step on the local fields that line their path to potential greatness; both on and off the gridiron.

Football is of high interest right now as the Chicago Bears prepare for the next step toward the “Super Bowl.” Not an easy task to accomplish, and you can be sure the Green Bay Packers have similar

thinking---both teams are now preparing for the 3^rd game they are facing one another this year and their first post-season match up since December 14, 1941.

But before they would walk on the field at Cowboys Stadium on February 6 for Super Bowl XLV, every one of the players has visualized this moment since they were young boys. That’s one of the greatest appeals of this magical moment in their careers, and the topic of today’s “Our Town.”

When school ends in early June, it’s only a matter of moments before the baseballs are tossed in the bag and footballs come out. This is a sport that stresses learning the basic fundamentals of the sport, teamwork, safety and fun. Without “fun” there really is little reason to participate; with all of the work you go through before the first game, they have to be passionate about the sport.  Fortunately when you talk to the players, of any age, they all say they are having fun. (More fun when they win, just being honest.)

In Glen Ellyn, we have the Glen Ellyn Golden Eagles---they are one of 14 teams (made up of all ages) that are part of the Bill George Youth Football League.

So who was Bill George?

Bill George was not the organizer of the league, it was actually another man named “Bill”---Bill Pope. Mr. George played for the Chicago Bears and was part of their 1963 Championship team. What’s interesting about the story is...when Bill Pope approached 3 of the Bears linebackers from the Championship team to help build awareness of the program (Bill George, Joe Fortunato and Larry Morris) only Bill George gave the agreed upon cash contribution of $500.00. Don’t worry, Bill Pope has been well recognized by the Glen Ellyn Park District by having his name on the football field at Newton Park---it is appropriately known as “Bill Pope Field.” (He was also the driving force in building the league!)

So how important is the Bill George Youth Football League to our community? Ask any of the coaches at local high schools and they will be more than happy to confirm this is the first step to a successful experience in the game. 

The odds are not great that many of today’s local players will be in the NFL, but in the end, learning teamwork, the fundamentals of the game, and having fun, is the greatest investment you can make for the  kids in “Our Town.”

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It’s your call.

In a time when it seems everyone has a phone in their hand, pocket, or located next to their ear, there was a time when we didn’t have this. Wow.

Since many of us were probably around when the cell/smart phone wasn’t, you might remember when a call made anywhere outside of the county, and certainly the state, would be “long distance.” Probably one of the greatest excuses for not calling home during my college days--- “L.D. calls” as we called them were expensive, and well, we had to get back to studying anyhow. 

Now that long distance has essentially been eliminated, along with roaming charges, operated assisted calls, and anything that has to do with paying extra for calling outside the neighborhood, we have no excuses. (I do think it’s kind of funny when calling your neighbor you have to dial the area code first…culture shock thought, what about going over and talking face to face?)

Imagine what it would have been like calling London or another city across the world?

Turns out a Glen Ellyn man was the first to do this in Chicago. His name was W.W. Shaw, Jr. and in early February 1927 he spoke with John Steele in located in London. The conversation lasted about 12 minutes, and as described by Mr. Shaw, “the conversation wasn’t always clear, it seemed to fade away at times.” The topic…not the weather, royalty updates or how the food was over there, “Mr. Steele told of the English and German industrialists uniting to form a federation to fight American commercial interests abroad.”

That's nice huh?

I guess it would not be polite to hang up so he listened and two stenographers recorded every word of the conversation. In today’s lingo that would be “Wikileaks.”

A lot has happened since this phone call in “Our Town.” The phone is omnipresent; calling anywhere around the world is no big deal, and the phone booth? What’s a phone booth?

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Wintertime blues, oranges, reds and greens.

I was talking with a neighbor the other day who said, “I got a new camera for the holidays and I can’t wait until spring to start using it.” He knows my passion for photography, that's why he brought it up.

I asked, “What are you planning to take pictures of?” He said, “Outdoor scenes in and around Glen Ellyn.”  My response, “Why wait?”

When the warm weather leaves us, and cold weather comes marching in, many people believe there are two places to be: Your Home and your car. But if you put on a warm coat, gloves and all of the necessary clothes to venture out into the tundra (not really), there is a lot to be seen and photographed. Best part about it, and this is a very anti-social comment, there are many people who aren’t willing to go out and explore, giving you free reign of whatever you want to photograph.

If you did receive a new camera for the holidays, and you are looking to give it a test run before spring hits, there are some incredible photo opportunities in and around “Our Town.”

One of my favorite subjects to photograph are the barren trees in our parks—especially when they have snow on the branches. Throw in some water for reflection purposes and you have the makings of a photo that can make you feel like a pro; better yet, you can print it and put it on the wall in the home you used to not venture from during this time of the year. If you are looking for some of Glen Ellyn’s best parks to photograph wildlife and the best winter has to offer, it’s really simple---go to the Park District’s website. (Okay, I will make this even easier; here is their e-mail address---http://www.gepark.org. The listing of parks and facilities are on the top.)

Want the best colors of the day?  Shoot either early in the morning or 30 minutes before sunset---just remember, these are the coldest times during the day. But if you want drama, not the type of drama you have with teenagers, shooting photos during these times will create “wall-worthy” photos. Just remember to let everyone know the challenges you had to go through to find these incredible scenes---it makes the picture a lot more valuable.

So, next time you have the wintertime blues, put some color back into venturing around “Our Town”--- you and your camera will be happy you did.

Thanks for stopping by.

It’s show time.

On January 31, 1927, the New Glen Theater opened its doors. With seating for 1000, a $25,000 Barton Organ, and “ushers who showed patrons to their seats, stood at the various exits during the evening--” guests were greeted with an atmosphere right up there with a Hollywood premier.

Okay, so the Glen Theater has changed during the past 84 years, but in some ways it hasn’t. With all of the new mega-theaters that have popped up over the past decade or two, something is missing when you enter; similar to going to the mall, and heading into one store instead of another (in the mega-theater’s case it would be one theater instead of another) there really is little glamour or remembrance of the days when going to a major motion picture was an event and not an “I am bored and have nothing else to do.”

Walk into the Glen Theater and you have a ticket seller booth that has withstood the test of time. Yes there are some modern conveniences now associated with it, but nothing like other theaters---it might not be glamorous, but then again, if you want to step back in time, you have to give up some of today’s modern day razzmatazz. I actually think it’s kind of cool.

When I first went to The Glen I was kind of in shock; I had not been to a theater like this since I was much younger and when I learned of some of its history recently, I knew it was going to be fun to write about in “Our Town.” I had no idea there was a bowling alley in the basement or that it had been featured in other motion pictures (it was in the movie, “Lucas” with Charlie Sheen, Corey Haim, and Kerri Green) and whereas I have seen wedding photos taken under its marquee, I have also heard that the marquee has been used to ask for a prom date. Sure hope she said “Yes.”

If you have not been to the Glen Theater recently, head back soon. If you are going to wait until all of the Academy Award nominees are featured—something they do annually--- you will be waiting in lines. It’s one of the special moments every year where you cannot only be in the know of who is up for the awards, but in a night or two you can see them all. In other words, “It’s show time!”

Thanks for stopping by.

Pet Friendly.

No matter where you turn, no matter how warm, cold, rainy or whatever the weather, you will see pets and their owners around “Our Town.”

I have no idea how many dogs, cats, gerbils and fish reside in the 10,000 households that make up our community---however I do know they are loved. When I first moved to “Our Town,” our family had a rabbit; I had never had a rabbit before and although his name was “Lucky,” I think in the end he found a better home to live in than ours, so he really did live up to his name.

Since that time we have had fish and a dog. We actually had two dogs at one point, and although they were brothers, one proved to be too much for our household; so we asked some friends of ours if they would like a pure-bred boxer to move into their home. “Carter “is in a very loving home. We still have “Cash” and as he rests at my feet, while I write “Our Town,” he is very much a part of our family.

On our street I would say we conservatively have 15 to 20 dogs. It is a fairly long street, about 7 blocks, but when you do the math—there is little doubt, dogs are a part of the neighborhood. Sometimes there is a boxer that gets out of a certain house and runs up and down the street; he bolts right through the front-screened door and we sometimes don’t know he is out until a neighbor brings him back. We always feel bad he gets out, and at 90+ pounds, the person who brings him back is not too happy either. He is a strong dog.

What I love most about Glen Ellyn is when you walk on some of the main streets that go from one part of the village to the other and see owners walking their pets. I know from experience, pets help develop friendships. Kind of like how children in the same school class, park district activities, etc. help introduce people.

There is a certain dog on our street that holds a high office. Probably the highest office a dog can have in our community. Murphy the dog is the “Mayor of Euclid Avenue.” I realize we don’t have a mayor in Glen Ellyn, but on our block we do. Lying on his porch, under the flag, “Murph” is well known and very well loved by all. Often referred to as the “son he never had” by his owner, you can tell “Murph” is more than just a member of the family, he is blood. (He is featured in the photo above.)

We all have Murphy’s who live on our blocks, neighborhoods and homes---it’s one of the reasons I really like “Our Town.” We are pet (and people) friendly.

Thanks for stopping by.

Choices.

This is likely to be one of the entries in “”Our Town” where there is a potential for controversy. I am not entering it to be controversial, I am writing about it because it is, in fact, part of “Our Town.”

A few months ago I saw a sign on the side of the Glen Ellyn Police Department building. I had no idea what it was about, so I asked. The sign had only been up for about 45 days and involved a law that had actually been effective for nearly 10 years; based upon my not knowing about it, I suspected most did not either. That was one of the points made to me when I asked about it---I was told, “very few know the options they have.”

Here’s what it’s all about.

The Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act became effective on August 17, 2001; the law permits a parent to anonymously relinquish an unharmed newborn up to 30 days old to a staff member at a designated safe haven. Example would be hospitals, emergency medical facilities, fire houses, police/sheriff stations that have staff present.

Whereas Glen Ellyn may not experience situations like this occurring, to date no one has relinquished a child, I can not imagine the fear and helplessness a young Mom would go through when they feel they have no place to turn. I am well aware there are many other options, but then again I would suspect when you are in a situation like this, you may be scared and feeling quite helpless. Under no situation can a young baby understand what is going on---young Mom’s may not be far behind. By the way, I was told, “once your relinquish the child, if you do change your mind, you can return and reunite with your child.”

If you recall a few years back, the state of Nebraska enacted this law for children but it was for children under the age of 18. Now, as the father of 2 teenagers I would not be 100% honest if I said these thoughts don’t run through my head at times; of course they would never make it any further than thoughts, however in Nebraska, 36 children were dropped off and none of them were infants. The law has now been changed in the state to 30 days and younger.

Growing up in today’s world is challenging; when you are young, and in case you are wondering, 62% of all Mom’s who made this decision were under the age of 24, you make decisions that can effect your life---for the rest of your life that is. I was glad to learn this option was available in our town, I was also very happy to learn no one to date has used it.

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