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Blazer Boutique provides free dresses for Addison girls

ADDISON – It's not every day you see girls walking down the halls of school wearing their best formal dresses. At least, when it isn't prom night.About 150 dresses have been donated thus far to Addison Trail High School students through its Blazer Boutique, a project organized by teacher Sheri D'Amb ... Read More »

Local News

Police activity along Forest Ave. in Downers Grove a false alarm

DOWNERS GROVE – A Downers Grove Police response in the 4200 block of Forest Avenue Monday afternoon was nothing more than a false alarm, police said.Police blocked off Havens ... Read More »

Sports

Softball playoff previews: Lions set to face familiar foe in regional opener

Lyons Township will see Hinsdale South for the second time this season in its playoff opener. Riverside Brookfield, Morton, Nazareth and Fenwick also look to win a regional to make for a successful season. ... Read More »

Baseball playoff previews: Highly touted Falcons prepare for loaded sectional

Though Wheaton North was denied a third straight DuPage Valley Conference title, the Falcons have put together another 20-win campaign. As a result, the squad was rewarded with the No. 3 seed in the challenging St. Charles East sectional that features top-seeds Lake Park and Batavia. ... Read More »

Planit Life

Pennsylvania choirs to sing for Wellness House, chase away blue Monday

The choirs of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania will present a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 20, in Union Church of Hinsdale. Religious and secular music for mixed choir, women’s choir and men’s choir will be presented, highlighted by the Chicago premiere of a new work from Vancouver composer Stephen Hatfield. ... Read More »

Opinions

Letter: Let's reduce government waste

To the Editor: Illinois' 7,000 units of government have created multiple layers of inefficiency that place an unnecessary financial burden on taxpayers. In an effort to reduce ... Read More »

Letter: Don't hike the minimum wage

To the Editor: Illinois job creators are speaking with one voice: Adverse consequences from hiking Illinois' minimum wage will far outweigh the alleged benefits that some are ... Read More »

Business

Elmhurst philanthropists to receive service awards

ELMHURST – The West Suburban Philanthropic Network will recognize Elmhurst philanthropists with two awards during the 11th-annual Awards Luncheon on Wednesday at Meson Sabika ... Read More »

Tap House Grill donating portion of sales for Mayors Drive for Charity

LEMONT – Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves is partnering with Tap House Grill, 1243 State St., Lemont, for a fundraising event on Thursday, May 30 to benefit about 40 Lemont charitabl ... Read More »

Police And Fire

Kirk Dillard's home in Hinsdale burglarized

HINSDALE – The home of state Sen. Kirk Dillard, R-Hinsdale, was reported burglarized this past March.The burglary took place between 7:15 and 9:30 p.m. while the home was unoc ... Read More »

Riverside police chief: Aggressive patrols help keep crime low

RIVERSIDE – Letting potential criminals know that police officers are out in force is key to helping thwart future incidents, Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel said.The 2012 ... Read More »

Government

Addison parking deck project still in the works

ELMHURST – An Elmhurst City Council committee is planning to again review the Addison parking deck project, possibly in a new form before the full council takes a final vote o ... Read More »

Brookfield to resurface Maple Avenue from Burlington to 47th Street

BROOKFIELD – While a capital improvement project for Maple Avenue in Brookfield was set to begin this week, the major work won’t start until after the school season ends.Preli ... Read More »

Education

Sandra Martin, Nina McCabe retiring from District 53

OAK BROOK – Two long-time administrators are retiring from Butler School District 53 this summer: Superintendent Sandra Martin and Brook Forest Principal Nina McCabe.The commu ... Read More »

Valley View Summer Learning Experience parent orientation nights scheduled

Dates have been set for Valley View School District Summer Learning Experience parent orientation nights.B.J. Ward, Jamie McGee, R.C. Hill and Kenneth L. Hermansen Summer Lear ... Read More »

Real Estate

How to avoid home buyer’s remorse in real estate

How do you avoid buyer’s remorse? Throughout the home buying process, stay grounded by asking yourself the following questions. ... Read More »

Wood or chain-link? Picking the right fence for your home

Around my neighborhood, I see vinyl, cedar, metal and a number of other fence types. Here are the pros and cons of homeowners’ most popular choices. ... Read More »

Blogs

» Fairways and Greens
Fairways and Greens

Chipping technique

Once you have decided how you are going to play your chip shot and selected a club, it is time to make the shot and hopefully get the ball close to the hole. As stated last week, it is perfectly normal to take a few practice swings to get the “feel” of the shot you want to play. Let’s look some more at the mechanics of the swing used in chipping.
» Fairways and Greens
Fairways and Greens

Chipping tactics around the green

The majority of players, when faced with a chip of 20 yards or less from the hole, grab the most lofted club in the bag and swing away. For those of you that practice this shot a great deal, this is not a bad idea. My daughter played NCAA Division I golf and used this shot exclusively. It helped that she spent many hours practicing.

Reader Poll

What's your favorite summertime event in the western suburbs?

The La Grange Pet Parade
The DuPage County Fair
Eyes to the Skies Festival
The American Music Festival at FitzGerald's Nightclub in Berwyn