Congress needs to approve Clean Water Act of 2008
Lake Michigan is the pride of our region, and Illinoisans want to keep it that way, as shown last summer when public and elected official outrage stopped BP’s planned increase in toxic refinery pollution into the lake.

Unfortunately, Lake Michigan is only as healthy as its source waters. Those waters are under attack by polluters pushing to fill the wetlands and pollute the streams of the Great Lakes. The Bush administration has issued policies that have only further muddled the question, taking away long-standing protections from the streams and wetlands that feed and clean our great waterways.

This is an urgent issue for Chicago area residents, as Lake Michigan provides drinking water for millions of people in Chicago and 124 suburbs.

To protect Lake Michigan, Congress must pass the Clean Water Restoration Act of 2008. This bill does not establish new regulations; it simply reaffirms the historic scope of the Clean Water Act by clarifying that all waters, from the Great Lakes to their source streams and wetlands, are protected under the Clean Water Act.

I urge all readers to call on U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, R-13th District, of Hinsdale, to support it in 2008.
Heather Paul, Hinsdale

Humane Society thankful  for students donation
I can’t tell you how much excitement was created when we recently opened our mail. The students of Hinsdale Central High School sent a check for $3,000 to the Hinsdale Humane Society to help our homeless animals.

This donation was an unexpected surprise. The students chose our service organization as one of five groups to receive funds from their 24 Hour Relay Challenge for 2008. The students’ hard work and commitment to help others is admirable. We want them to know their efforts are appreciated by many and will further the good work of our organization.

This donation will help us accomplish our goals in the communities we serve.  We’re expanding our education and outreach programs in order to prevent suffering and abuse. Our animal assisted therapy program reaches more and more patients in nursing homes and hospitals. We are reaching out to families and pets who are experiencing financial and housing issues in today’s economy. We are increasing childhood literacy through our READ canine/human teams.

Again, we thank the students of Hinsdale Central for their donation to Hinsdale Humane Society. If the animals could talk, they would say thanks, too.
Lori Halligan, executive director, Hinsdale Humane Society

Getting a simple hair cut promotes going green
These days, it is popular to think green; however, sometimes it is hard to make those changes, bringing a reusable bag, not running the air conditioner, etc. But Celestine Salon and Spa has made it very easy for you. So easy, that you don’t have to do a single thing but look gorgeous.

You see, they know how precious our water is. Every living thing needs water whether it is to live in or to drink. But when oil gets into it, the water is polluted making it contaminated. Now, nobody can drink it and it makes it hard for plants and animals to live in. It is very difficult to clean up oil in water once it is tainted.

Matter of Trust is an organization that collects hair and fur from salons and groomers and turns it into mats that they then lay down in a polluted area. The mats soak up the oil naturally. I am proud to say that our very own Celestine Salon & Spa of Darien participates in this program, so if you want to go green and look nice at the same time, Celestine Salon & Spa can help you with that, definitely.

To look nice and go green, all you have to do is pick up the phone and call (630) 322-9774 to schedule your first appointment. Think about it, they are turning your cut hair into something to save the planet.  
Isabella Spinelli, 9, Willowbrook