Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
Wheaton Park District Pools Offer an Affordable Option for Family Fun
Wheaton Park District is still the community’s choice for “close to home” recreation and entertainment. With a struggling economy, Wheaton Park District boasts an expanded list of facilities and recreational programs. Family time at the pool is a great option to share summer fun.
Wheaton Park District pool passes are valid at both Rice Pool and Water Park and Northside Family Aquatic Center, giving families two pools for the price of one. Those who purchase pool passes prior to April 30th will receive significant savings. For instance, a family of four can save up to $50.
While each of the pools has its own characteristics, both pools offer concessions, open daily. Popular water park fun foods such as hot dogs, pizza, soda, popcorn, nachos and slurpees are offered at reasonable prices. Comfortable eating accommodations, deck space, sun hill, volleyball and sand play areas are available at both Rice and Northside. During the summer, The Wheaton Park District will offer unique and fun special events and programs at both pools.
Northside amenities include a zero depth baby pool, drop slide, 1M diving board, lounge chair and picnic areas. Rice Pool features two body slides, one tube slide, a 3M diving board, two 1m diving boards, three 25M lap lanes and a children’s spray area. It is also home to birthday parties, a low cost, low maintenance option.
To book your “family vacation” at the Wheaton Park District pools, stop by the Community Center at 1777 South Blanchard Road in Wheaton. Online purchases for pool passes are only available households already in the park district system. Call (630) 690-4880 or visit www.wheatonparkdistrict.com.
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Kids First Leader in Youth Sports Preparation
Kids First (incorporated in 2002) developed lesson plans to include safety and skills preparation through fundamentals for 28 sports. The organization hires, trains, and certifies its coaches to run programs and camps all year round. Additional offerings include the After School Sports Development Camp Series, sport-specific Player Evaluation Clinics, Player Safety Certification Clinics, Pre-Season Sport-Specific Programs and Camps, Sport-Specific Kids First Leagues (combining instruction with games and championships), private sports lessons through a Kids First personal trainer, coaches’ clinics, day and Camp Care Services, and Kids First Safety Referee Services for sports leagues. Camps and classes take place in elementary schools, park districts, colleges, sports leagues and other organizations.
Kids First believes youth sports training is a process of consistent teaching practices based on FUN, safety, skills, and confidence that works on the field and in the class room.
Kids First programs and camps are designed for sports development. Each program devotes time to: body positioning, safety practices, skills, drills, games, and a championship game on the last session. Further, body balance and coordination through first step directional movements are also taught through a variety of martial arts techniques geared specifically for youth sports.
For more information, call (630) 257-5438 or visit www.kidsfirstsports.net.
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Vet Camp at Cub Creek
Summer camps today include much more than swimming, hiking and playing sports. Cub Creek Science Camp is a specialized program that combines traditional camp activities with some unique camp choices. Kids can choose
Veterinary medicine (Jr. Vet), Adopt an Animal, Crime Science or Digital Photography.
The Junior Vet program is one of the most popular, and draws campers from across the United States. It’s designed to show campers what it would be like to be a veterinarian. Campers learn to give injections, tie sutures, identify internal parasites and read X-rays. Each week, Dr. Brian Janke of the Rolla Animal Hospital visits to perform surgeries while the campers watch, and to answer questions. (Cub Creek Science Camp works with local animal rescue programs to provide free spays and neuters for animals in need.)
While the Junior Vet program is unique, the animals in the program are even more so. Campers have the chance to work with and care for Monkeys, Lemurs, Patagonian Cavies, Bennett Wallabies, Degus and Kinkajous. (It’s an impressive list that looks good on future applications to vet school.)
To learn more, contact Lori Martin, Cub Creek Science Camp,Owner and Director, at (573) 458-2125 or visit www.MyAnimalCamp.com.
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Sports Broadcasting Camp
Do you love sports? Would you enjoy a career as a television sports journalist? Have you dreamed about being a sports reporter / anchor, or calling a last second, game winning shot on radio or television?
The award-winning Sports Broadcasting Camp is back for our 5th year in Chicago. The camps have been featured on the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, ESPN The Magazine, PBS Business Journal, National Public Radio, among many others.
For one week, boys and girls age 10-18 have an opportunity to learn from the pros in the sports broadcasting industry. Meet sports celebrities, develop play-by-play tapes of the NBA Finals and Super Bowl, make sports anchor and Pardon The Interruption (PTI) tapes in a TV studio, and report from a professional stadium.
Campgoers can also participate in mock sports talk radio shows, trivia and Stump the Schwab contests, sports taboo and pyramid games, and much more.
To learn more, visit www.playbyplaycamps.com or call (800) 319-0884.
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This Year, Discover the New You at the Lisle Park District
Whether you’ve resolved to getting active, staying active, or making healthier choices, the Lisle Park District is here to help you stick to all your New Year’s Resolutions!
Every gym offers personal training, but it can be expensive and intimidating. This is why the Lisle Park District came up with the Group Training Program. This unique program provides all the benefits of a personal trainer for as little as $7 per session and you don’t have to commit to a gym membership. Best of all, participants can enroll with friends for extra motivation and support. Group Training participants meet with a NASM, NSCA, certified personal trainer three days a week for six weeks and you can chose from two convenient morning times: 5:30-6:25am or 6:30-7:25am. For more information, or to register, call (630) 964-3410.
The Lisle Park District has two highly qualified trainers on staff. Personal training includes a comprehensive fitness assessment before the first session. Fees start at $70 per session for nonmembers. Deep discounts are available for Community Park Fitness members or those who commit to multiple sessions.
Individuals desiring to try something new should visit www.lisleparkdistrict.org and check out one or two of the many great fitness programs that are available. Sculpt your entire body through Total Body Conditioning, push your cardio endurance to the next level during 5K Training, or relax and unwind at the end of the day with Pilates, Yoga or Pilates Yoga Fusion.
If you have been looking for a friendly, affordable fitness center, but don’t want to compromise quality, check out Lisle Park District’s Community Park Fitness at 1825 Short Street. The intimate facility offers personalized fitness opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
If alternative wellness programs are part of your everyday lifestyle, perhaps this is the year to reserve a Community Garden Plot so you can grow your own fresh, organic produce. Returning gardeners can register now and registration for new gardeners will begin April 6.
The Lisle Park District is also excited to offer a brand new series of GREEN wellness programs this year. Discover the benefits of natural alternatives to traditional store-bought personal care items such as soap and lotion during “Personal Care and Cleaners” on Sat., Feb. 6. Later programs include: “Alternative Household Cleaners” and “Go Green, Baby.”
For more information or for a complete list of these and other great programs, visit www.lisleparkdistrict.org or call (630) 964-3410.
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Wheaton Yamaha: Music Classes for Children Ages 3 Through 8
The Wheaton Yamaha Music School is part of an international family of schools providing children ages 3 through 8 with comprehensive music education programs. Located in Wheaton for 37 years, Wheaton Yamaha offers adventures in singing, rhythm, movement, ear training, and keyboard activities. In classes together, parents and children discover the joys of making music.
The school’s programs provide the young child with an introduction to basic principles of music–relative pitch, notation, melody, harmony, and rhythm–all in an atmosphere that is nurturing, rewarding, and fun.
Wheaton Yamaha is located at 935 W. Liberty, Wheaton. (630) 682-1334. www.wheatonyamahamusicschool.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010

Steve Nelson, Sierra Gems
If there’s a diamond in your future, Steve Nelson should be your last stop. Nelson, a diamond cutter and goldsmith for 35 years, specializes in one of a kind custom designs for engagement rings, wedding bands and fine colored gemstones. Formerly a downtown Wheaton fixture for 30 years, Nelson now runs Sierra Gems, a new retail/wholesale jewelry shop on High Lake Rd. in West Chicago.
Nelson offers two components of his business philosophy. First, in purchasing fine gemstones and diamonds, it takes an expert to explain the nuances of a stone. Second, Nelson most enjoys making custom designs for his neighbors as well as retail jewelers who are his primary customers. Nelson offers his retail customers the same pricing he extends to his wholesale clients.
Diamonds from Sierra Gems are conflict free. Nelson is involved in relief work in Sierra Leone and Liberia and has traveled to Africa and other gem sources to purchase gems and mine diamonds. In addition to custom design work, Nelson also restores and repairs diamonds and jewelry. A chipped diamond can be recut to restore or improve its beauty.
Colored gemstones sparkle throughout the jewelry cases. If you can think of a beautiful gemstone, chances are you will find it at Sierra Gems. Rubies, sapphires, tourmalines, opals and more are on display. Nelson is scheduling a “Gemstone Roundtable” this spring–an informational presentation and discussion on the beauty, value and pricing of gemstones.
In addition to stones, Nelson also buys and refines gold, silver and platinum. “We assay and refine precious metals in house,” he says, “because we use it in making new jewelry. Since it stays here, we offer a higher price for precious metals.”
Open weekdays at noon or by appointment, Sierra Gems is at 28W520 High Lake Rd. at Morningside in West Chicago. (630) 876-7900
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
A romantic outdoor location with the gentle splash of water and lingering floral fragrance in the air makes an ideal wedding setting. A graceful stone bridge and striking waterside rock formations add to the ambience of natural prairielands in full bloom, making the setting perfect for outdoor wedding ceremonies.
What exotic location boasts all these amenities? A Caribbean destination location? Hardly. The picturesque location is Lisle Park District’s nearby Community Park in Lisle.
“Community Park is a very versatile and affordable place to have weddings and receptions,” says Mike Gianatasio, recreation supervisor. The park provides the perfect backdrop for breathtaking wedding photos. From late April through May, the apple blossoms are in bloom. And, from late June through September, the beauty of native wildflowers takes over.
Park District North and South shelters offer gorgeous waterside views in an elegantly manicured setting. Shelters are available to rent on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with the exception of July Fourth during the Eyes to the Skies festival. Shelters have electricity available, and feature attached restroom facilities. The VanKampen Island Stage and Community Band Shell are also available upon request. Rental fees are modest, with Lisle Park District residents receiving a reduced rate.
Lisle Park District also can accommodate indoor pre-wedding celebrations, showers, parties and rehearsal dinners at The View Restaurant, overlooking the scenic wetlands of River Bend Golf Course.
For more information about planning perfect celebrations, contact Lisle Park District recreation supervisor Mike Gianatasio at (630) 353-4306.
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
By Dr. Steve Biagini
An exciting new development has emerged in the area of attractive smiles for adults and teenagers. The Invisalign technology, developed by a computer engineer and a team of dentists, now allows individuals to greatly improve their #1 beauty asset–their smile.
Treating many patients and their cosmetic concerns has made me realize that most adults or teens over 14 years of age would love to have straighter teeth with no gaps or spaces. The problem is, traditionally, metal braces were the only option.
Now, with the Invisalign technology, straighter teeth are possible without metal braces. Invisalign is a series of clear, thin, invisible “aligners”. The aligners are so thin and crystal clear that no one ever knows you have them on. Speech is not altered and your teeth gently move into the desired position.
In both clinical research and in dental practices nationwide, Invisalign has been proven effective at straightening teeth. Only doctors trained and certified can treat using Invisalign. Using 3D-computer technology, Invisalign carefully translates our instructions into a series of customized aligners.
The aligners work very well on the front or upper or lower teeth, which may be crowded or crooked. Also, if spaces exist, these can be closed. Treatment usually takes 6 to 12 months. More difficult cases could take 24 months. Each aligner is worn for two or three weeks, moving your teeth gradually, week by week, millimeter by millimeter, until you achieve the intended result: straighter teeth.
The aligners can also be used as a whitening tray for a brighter smile. Now you can have the white, straight smile you have always wanted. Our office offers a free consultation if you’d like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign.
Call us at (630) 858-0216 to schedule a free evaluation to see if you qualify for this exciting new technology! We now are offering FREE Invisalign records and up to $500 matching down payment (discount) now thru February 25th. This is a $950.00 value and includes FREE Whitening.
Dr. Steven Biagini, Dr. Theresa Jansky, and Dr. Mark Beck of Glen Ellyn Family Dental Care, 658 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn, would like to introduce you to the compassion in dentistry. Call them at (630) 858-0216.
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
By Dr. Ruth Martens, M.D., D. Ht
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you might be thinking of things that get your heart beating a little faster. We doctors get into the mood too, but in a different way.
Most of us have been hearing about ways to improve our health for over a decade. How many of us have done something about it? Is heart disease less frequent? Are there fewer heart attacks? According to the CDC (www.cdc.gov), Heart Disease was still the number one cause of death in 2008. Have you made a change or is it still on your To Do List? If you are one who makes a New Year’s list but never quite gets to the part where you cross it off, now is the time to get serious.
Simple ways to Heart Health:
• Avoid Tobacco
• Be More Active
• Choose Healthy Food
Smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the US. The good news is health benefits start almost immediately when you quit smoking and within a few years your risk of stroke and heart disease are similar to non-smokers. Hypnosis and laser treatments are available to help overcome withdrawal symptoms in addition to conventional stop smoking aids. It is always helpful to quit with a friend for emotional support and to keep you honest.
One third of the adult population in the US is obese. Are you overweight? Do you know how to tell? It is more than being able to fit in your favorite jeans. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a good indicator of your ideal weight range based on your height and weight. You can find a tool to calculate it for you on the American Heart Association’s website at www.americanheart.org. A BMI less than 25 is ideal. Want to lose weight? Set a goal. Make it realistic. Losing one pound a week means you are burning 3500 calories more than you take in. Does it sound too low? You would lose 50 pounds in a year.
Do you know how many calories you need? Go to www.myfat stranslator.com. By typing in your age, gender, height, weight and activity level you will find out your daily calorie needs. This same website gives your food substitutions to lower intake of saturated and trans fats, the bad fats.
Increase your activity level. If you are unable to lose weight at your current exercise level, do something different. Try something new or take a class with a friend. If you hate exercise, you have to be creative to get moving. If your job is sedentary, you have to add motion in your errands or playtime. Walk your dog. Walk your neighbor’s dog. Just get moving.
Healthy recipes are in abundance in the local library, bookstore, online, on TV, everywhere you look. Knowing what to do is not the problem. Motivation to change is the problem. Start simple. Drink mostly water. Get rid of beverages containing sugar. Eat 4-5 cups of fruit and vegetables a day. Eat fish 1-2 times per week. Drink more water. One to two liters per day is great.
Next time your heart is beating a mile a minute, it should be because the love of your life just walked into the room. Live long and well.
Dr. Martens is a family physician specializing in natural medicine and homeopathy in Wheaton. For more information or to make an appointment, call (630) 668-5595.