Articles filed under Hinsdale

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  LaunchPoint Hires David Chandler Chief Financial Officer Feb 12, 2015 5:30 PM
  Shonne Ehrhardt ITASCA, IL (Feb. 6, 2015) – LaunchPoint, parent company of Discovery Health Partners and Ajilitee, announces the appointment of David Chandler to the position of Chief Financial Officer. Chandler, of Hinsdale, brings more than 20 years of experience in progressive financial leadership roles at healthcare, software and technology companies, including overseeing IPOs and managing complex financial operations companies with SaaS-based applications and software services. Most recently, Chandler served as Chief Financial Officer of CareXtend, the first online marketplace designed to help reduce personal health and wellness spending. Chandler’s strong background as a strategic visionary with sound technical, analytical and operational skills in varying dynamic and entrepreneurial environments made him an ideal fit for LaunchPoint, according to CEO Terrence Ryan. “We are very happy to have Dave’s expertise guide us as we move forward with the next phase of LaunchPoint’s growth,” said Ryan. “We will rely on his ‘big picture’ perspective of the complexities and challenges emerging healthcare software companies face in today’s post-reform landscape.” Prior to CareXtend, Chandler served as Chief Financial Officer for an IT services company, Fruition Partners, the largest implementation partner for ServiceNow SaaS applications. Chandler was also SVP of Finance &Operations, Americas for Razorfish - Americas, a $400M digital marketing firm. Additionally he has held leadership roles including Corporate Controller and Sr. Director of Financial Planning at Diamond Technology Partners. Chandler attended Wesleyan University in Connecticut and received his Masters of Management from the J.L. Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University. About LaunchPoint LaunchPoint operates businesses that provide cloud-based solutions, software, and services for healthcare organizations. Its two divisions are Discovery Health Partners, provider of payment integrity software and solutions for healthcare payers, and Ajilitee, a healthcare information and analytics consulting business. LaunchPoint was named the 100th fastest-growing company on the 2014 Inc. 500 list and #14 in Healthcare. More information is available at www.launchpointcorporation.com, www.ajilitee.com and www.discoveryhealthpartners.com. # # #
  

   
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  Chicago Botanic Garden show focuses on orchids Feb 10, 2015 1:11 PM
  Chicago Botanic Garden submission Visitors to the 2015 Orchid Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden will encounter an exotic bloom that has a place in most kitchens. Vanilla, the world’s most popular flavoring, comes from Vanilla planifolia, the only orchid of roughly 30,000 known species to have agricultural value.
  

   
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  West Dundee art therapist enjoys all art forms, even belly dancing Feb 9, 2015 7:20 AM
  By Anna Marie Kukec Kukec's People features Tricia Saviano Hammer of East Dundee is an art therapist and licensed counselor working on a Ph.D., who owns and operates Artisticology at 111 W. Main St. in West Dundee. She’s also an artist herself ... and a belly dancer.
  

   
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  Realty Group CEO recognized with industry honors Feb 6, 2015 10:59 AM
  Daisy Danao Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group’s Chief Executive Officer Nancy Nagy has been named to the 2014 Swanepoel Power 200 list. The Swanepoel Power 200 is a comprehensive roster of leading CEOs and senior executives whose leadership and experience drive the real estate industry and their organizations.
  

   

• Presidents’ Issue New Report on Granting Baccalaureate Degrees for Various Fields Feb 5, 2015 4:17 PM
  COD News Bureau Illinois Council of Community College Presidents NORMAL Illinois community college presidents approved a recommendation urging the community college system be allowed to grant four-year baccalaureate degrees for nursing and other applied career areas at their meeting on Friday, January 30. “This recommendation, which took nearly one year to study and prepare, shows our community colleges can be the place where students can earn the degrees close to home which is important to their families and communities,” said Thomas Choice, the president of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents. The study recommends community colleges be authorized to grant four-year degrees for applied careers and nursing degrees. Illinois would join 21 others states already offering these four-year degrees. Illinois officials have discussed the concept and experiences for families in other states for several years. “Our study indicates many employers across the state need a workforce with a higher level of education. Community colleges are uniquely positioned with their strong industry and workforce relationships to provide these programs” said Carl Sandberg College President Lori Sundberg. Sundberg chaired the committee that wrote the report. The Council will work with the Illinois Community College Trustees Association, the Illinois Community College Board, the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the legislature to ensure the necessary steps to move forward. Choice, who is president of Kishwaukee College in Malta Illinois, noted the report recommends the addition of these programs be managed without any additional state funding. It is anticipated that the variable tuition program already used by many community colleges for career and technical degrees would be used for these four-year degrees. The applied baccalaureate degrees would cover fields like automotive, respiratory therapy and dental hygiene among others.
  

   

• Art show at Lisle Savings Bank to raise funds for Benedictine scholarship Feb 5, 2015 4:21 PM
  Ryan Blackburn The artwork features photographs from students in senior lecturer Vince Lucarelli’s Digital Photography class that is currently on display through February 27 in the bank’s recently unveiled “Gallery on Main.” Located at 4720 Main Street in downtown Lisle, the Gallery on Main is part of the bank’s plan to turn its obsolete walk-up area into a community space focused on promoting the work of local students and artists. The public is invited to a reception from 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21 at the Gallery on Main to view and purchase any of the student images on display. Light refreshments will be served and Lucarelli and William Scarlato, professor of Fine Arts at Benedictine, will be available to offer their insights into the artwork. Benedictine’s longstanding presence in the community and the need to help students manage college expenses, made it a natural choice for one of the gallery’s first exhibits, said Barb Richards, marketing and community relations director for the Lisle Savings Bank. “It has always been in the bank’s core values to promote education, and it is our intention that the gallery be used with the intention of promoting students and their work,” Richards said. Benedictine’s Fine Arts Award was established to recognize and appreciate the time, talent and dedication of Fine Arts and Studio Art majors. The artwork on display includes several semesters of student work. Interested buyers may purchase artwork at $50 per piece. For more information, contact Richards at (630) 432-6044.
  

   
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  GLMV Chamber Names 2015 board of directors Feb 16, 2015 1:41 PM
  Submitted by Carol Levin, GLMV Chamber of Commerce The Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills (GLMV) Chamber of Commerce named its 2015 board of directors.
  

   

• Take a trip around the world at the 4-H International Festival Feb 12, 2015 1:26 PM
  Submitted by Sabrina Huley Each year, the Lake County 4-H Clubs choose countries to learn about and create in-depth displays.
  

   
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  PM Prime Steakhouse Hosts Supper Club Events Feb 5, 2015 9:46 AM
  Carolyn Jacobs Don your fedora or your pill box hat and get ready for the PM Prime Supper Club. Guests will step back in time to an era of straight-up martinis, silk suits and the sounds of Sinatra crooning in the background.
  

   

• LifeSource calls for blood donation awareness during Black History Month Feb 3, 2015 10:48 AM
  Joe White In honor of Black History Month, LifeSource is highlighting the importance of blood donation among African-Americans. Thirty-seven percent of the population is eligible to donate blood, yet fewer than 10 percent actually donate. Less than one percent of these blood donations are from African-Americans.
  

   
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  Occupational Therapist Julia Rodriguez helps Birches residents stay strong Feb 2, 2015 4:45 PM
  Jenny Smiechowski As we age, retaining our strength and balance is crucial to leading an active and healthy life. Getting in and out of the car, shopping at the grocery store, and even getting dressed all require a certain amount of strength, coordination, and flexibility. Unfortunately, the loss of muscle mass, strength, and functionality among older adults is a common problem. Known as sarcopenia, this age-related health issue can inhibit older adults from performing simple daily tasks and increase their risk of falls. Although we all begin to lose modest amounts of muscle mass after the age of 30, the amount accelerates significantly in our later years. Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this prevalent problem: exercise. Occupational therapist Julia Rodriguez is dedicated to helping older adults develop the strength, balance, and flexibility they need to lead happy and productive lives. Rodriguez works for Legacy Healthcare, a company that provides therapy in assisted living communities. She and her associates work full-time with residents at The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills to help them reach small daily fitness goals that make their lives easier and more enjoyable. “Real life is what occupational therapy is all about, and real life is not about the exercise you’re doing. At no age do you go to a gym to get better at exercise, you go to get better at life,” said Rodriguez. Rodriguez encourages the older adults she works with to focus on the simple daily tasks they want to accomplish, and then she creates a therapy plan to help them attain their goals. In addition to conducting individual therapy sessions with residents, Rodriguez also leads group exercise classes and wellness activities— a responsibility she says is one of the most enjoyable aspects of her job. Every Monday morning, Rodriguez leads a “Strength and Balance” exercise class that helps participants develop or maintain their strength, agility, and coordination. The class begins with simple warm-up stretches that get participants limber and proceeds into gentle exercises using hand weights to develop muscle mass. Throughout the class, Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper breathing and posture during exercise. Focusing on breathing is particularly important, she says, because there is a common tendency to stop breathing when you’re absorbed in learning a new exercise. “Sometimes when we’re focusing, we decide to wait to breathe so we can concentrate, but breathing is not something you should wait to do until later,” she jokes. During the class, Rodriguez also interacts with participants by taking short breaks from the exercise routine to discuss the benefits of exercise. Some of the benefits she highlights in her class are exercise’s ability to stave off depression and memory loss. “Exercise gets blood flowing to your brain and helps prevent some of the changes that happen when you start losing your memory or having trouble with your cognition,” Rodriguez said. “That’s actually a benefit most people don’t talk enough about; we talk a lot about how it makes us look, but, boy, I want to feel good too!” In all of the therapy work she performs at The Birches, Rodriguez says she is always inspired by the perseverance and open-mindedness of residents. Their positive attitudes and willingness to learn make her job incredibly rewarding, she says. “I’m always really impressed with their willingness to try something completely new. I have huge admiration for that and I only wish that I can be just the same,” said Rodriguez. The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills is a premier retirement community dedicated to providing professional services that support its residents’ physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual growth. The Birches offers a full calendar of purposeful programs and activities designed to promote a healthy aging lifestyle and a strong sense of community. For more information about The Birches, call 630-789-1135 or visit: birches.net.
  

   

• Kohl’s Cares to award nearly $400,000 in scholarships Jan 30, 2015 5:36 PM
  Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program recently announced it will award nearly $400,000 in scholarships and prizes to more than 2,500 students who have made a positive impact on their communities. Nominations for kids, age 6 to 18, will be accepted Jan. 30 to March 13 at kohlskids.com. “Children around the country are doing inspiring work in their communities every day and Kohl's is proud to reward these future leaders through the Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program,” said Bevin Bailis.
  

   
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  Impulse Movement Co. presents Valentine’s Day show in Oak Brook Feb 2, 2015 5:03 PM
  Angela D’Onofrio The evening will be a dinner-theater style event celebrating love and all that sizzles. Ticket holders will sit at intimate tables and enjoy performances from Chicago area professional dancers, singers and musicians. Throughout the evening, guests will be served a six course gourmet tasting menu. Included in the price of the ticket is also a champagne toast, a beautiful dessert bar, and at the end of the night, a chance to get out on the floor and dance. There will be a d.j. spinning tunes, and specialty cocktails and drinks will be available at the bar. Guests can sit at a table for 2 for a romantic evening, or at a larger table with a group of friends. This is a great event for couples, singles and groups alike. (21 and older only) Impulse Movement Co. is an emerging dance company based in Elmhurst, IL. We are dancers working collaboratively to create and share high quality, audience-friendly dance. We work in a variety of styles and are comprised of dancers from across the Chicagoland area.
  

   
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  Hinsdale South’s “Vespa” Earns Top National Awards with Gold, All-American Ratings Feb 2, 2015 4:58 PM
  Karen Warner Hinsdale South High School’s yearbook, “Vespa,” earned a Gold Medalist Certificate from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSA) while also earning a rating of All-American from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) – the highest rating available. This is the fourth consecutive year “Vespa” has earned a gold certificate and a rating of at least First Class from CSA and NSPA respectively. “This is a testament to the hard work our Hinsdale South journalists put into this historical document,” adviser Jim Kelly said. “These students put a lot of time, effort and love into the publication and it’s nice to be rewarded.” Each year, “Vespa” submits its finished product to New York’s Columbia University and the National Scholastic Press Association, based in Minneapolis, as well other scholastic press associations, and the book is critiqued by an out-of-state judge on many elements, include writing, photography, design and coverage. The 2014 book, “Momentum,” was a 292-page book led by Editors-in-Chief Diana Joseph and Clarissa Todd. It capped a successful year which saw the Hinsdale South’s journalists earn a third place trophy in the IHSA Journalism competition. Current Editor-in-Chief Ashley Yong said, “I know when I look back at my experience at Hinsdale South, the thing I’ll remember most is my days spent in the journalism room. To see our book and hard work pay off in the form of national recognition is just another affirmation to keep doing what we do and keep the journalism program at South alive.” Yong was the organizations editor on “Momentum” and was specifically mentioned for her individual work in the critique. “These are students who are dedicated to the craft,” Kelly said. “And I truly believe that all the skills learned both in and out of the journalism classroom pay dividends. They couldn’t do this without the support of all their teachers and school.” The Hinsdale South yearbook “Vespa” has been recording the history of Hinsdale South every year since the school was founded 50 years ago. English teacher Jim Kelly has been adviser for the last 10 years. For more information about “Vespa” contact Jim Kelly at jimkelly@hinsdale86.org.
  

   

• Benedictine will host fall open houses for prospective adult students Feb 2, 2015 4:59 PM
  Elliott Peppers Lisle, Illinois ~Adult students seeking to advance their careers should attend an open house at Benedictine University to learn how to earn an affordable, advanced degree from a university with a long history of educating values-based leaders. Benedictine is inviting interested students to attend an Adult and Graduate Open House from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10 and Tuesday, March 10 at the Bellwood Learning Center located at 407 N. Mannheim Road in Bellwood or on Thursday, February 12 and Tuesday, March 10 at the National Moser Center for Adult Learning located at 1832 Centre Point Circle, Suite 102 in Naperville. During the event, attendees can meet with an admissions counselor to review program requirements and get an overview of the University’s adult programs. Prospective students can earn a degree in two years or less in an accelerated evening format or earn a certificate that will enhance their career through Benedictine’s fully online certificate programs. The admissions application fee is waived for open house attendees. Classes are forming in Naperville and Bellwood. The University provides affordable and convenient courses with evening and weekend classes taught by experts who are practicing professionals. The curriculum is values-based, hands-on and promises to challenge students in practical, real-world scenarios and inspire the next generation of global leaders. Graduates are prepared to lead within their organizations or become innovative entrepreneurs who will successfully integrate within the world market while adding social value that makes a difference. The National Moser Center was established to make Benedictine’s strong values-based education available to more nontraditional adult undergraduate and graduate students. It promises to provide adult students throughout the country with accessible, affordable and applicable private higher education opportunities. Classes are forming now for the following programs: Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts in Management, Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and English as a Second Language Endorsement, among others. For a full listing of programs, please visit ben.edu/moser/undergraduate/ or ben.edu/moser/graduate/. To learn more about degree and certificate programs at the National Moser Center and to RSVP for this event, call (877) 353-9622 or email adultenrollment@ben.edu ���q��
  

   

• High school students can Explore ACES March 13-14 Jan 30, 2015 10:24 PM
  Explore ACES High school students can learn more about the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at “Explore ACES” on March 13-14. This student-run event introduces both prospective and admitted students to ACES faculty, academic offerings, and student organizations. More than 100 exhibits showcase academics, research, and student development opportunities. Students can also learn about study-abroad programs, how ACES graduates are using their degrees, and tips on applying for more than $2.5 million in scholarships within the College of ACES.
  

   
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  County fairs contribute to local economies Feb 2, 2015 1:41 PM
  Submitted by Cindy Sarkady Charlotte Roberts, 4-H member of Chain of Lakes 4-H club and Teen Ambassador represented Lake County at the annual meeting of the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs (IAAF).
  

   
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  Robert Crown hosting open house this Saturday Jan 28, 2015 9:03 AM
  By Jessica Cilella When it comes to drug prevention, experts say parents often don’t know how to discuss the topic with their kids. The Robert Crown Center for Health Education is offering a simple solution to that problem this weekend by hosting an open house in observance of National Drug Facts Week.
  

   
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  St. Hubert Catholic School Earns Award at Future Citiy Competition Jan 27, 2015 7:25 AM
  myonkus St. Hubert Catholic School Earns Award at Future Citiy Competition
  

   
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  2015 Orchid Show Tells the Story of Vanilla – the Orchid in Everyone’s Kitchen Jan 23, 2015 10:35 AM
  Adriana Reyneri Visitors to the 2015 Orchid Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden will encounter an exotic bloom that has a place in most kitchens. Vanilla, the world’s most popular flavoring, comes from Vanilla planifolia, the only orchid of roughly 30,000 known species to have agricultural value.