The Business

Rouso to Appear on WGN-TV

2009-10-22T08:47:00.001-07:00

Dean Rouso of Prime Property Partners will appear live on the 11:00 a.m. newscast of the WGN-TV Midday News on Monday, October 26. He will discuss the first time homebuyers federal tax incentive of $8,000 and upcoming deadline of December 1, 2009. Following the segment he will then be a part of an online web chat on wgntv.com for the full hour answering real estate questions.

LIFE ABOVE LA GRANGE

2009-09-17T17:47:00.000-07:00

Melissa Budak of Smothers Realty (324W.Burlington Ave.) had a colorful, playful display for children and families visiting the West End Art Festival.

In addition to promoting her business, she treated visitors all weekend to "Take a Shot at Life Above La Grange" -- which challenged children to match upper floor views of La Grange's downtown from various condo developments in and around the central business district.

The winner of the contest drawing at the festival was Annette Gablin of La Grange

Rouso Named 2009 REALTOR of the Year

2009-09-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS, the tenth largest association of REALTORS in the United States, named Dean Rouso, REALTOR of the Year for 2009 at an industry reception August 28.

The designation is one of the highest honors in the real estate industry and recognizes one of the Chicago areas premiere up and coming REALTOR broker-owners. “Dean Rouso exemplifies what it means to be a REALTOR. He has contributed freely of himself and his talents and is committed to excellence in his profession,” said CEO Pam Krieter of Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS.

“This award would not be possible without the support and dedication of my family, staff and REALTORS at Prime Property Partners,” said Rouso upon accepting the award.

While the real estate market has been slow since 2008, Prime Property Partners has seen growth in its business to the tune of 90% in 2009. Rouso attributes this award in part to the cutting edge way he does business. “Real estate is market based, we provide our clients with the statistical data and out of the box thinking that will help them make the right decision about selling or buying a home,” said Rouso.

Rouso’s service at the Illinois REALTOR Association has been as a Director, member of the Finance Committee, Business Issues/License Law Working Group, Strategic Planning and Vice Chair of the Professional Development MIG. At the National Association he is a Director and a member of the Conventional Finance and Lending Committee.

Dean’s dedication and commitment goes beyond the real estate business. He has served as the president of the La Grange Business Association and was honored with its Business Leader of the Year award in 2008. He is also currently serving as chairman of the event committee for the H Foundation’s Goombay Bash fundraiser raising over $3 Million for basic cancer research at Northwestern University.

For more information about Dean Rouso and Prime Property Partners please check out the website www.primeanytime.com To schedule an interview with Dean Rouso, please contact Chris Comes at chris.comes@ripsoncommunications.com or 312-282-0539.

LGBA LEADERSHIP CHANGES SEPT. 1

2009-09-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

By James Pluta
News editor

Downtown business owner Michael LaPidus spent his last day as president of the La Grange Business Association this past Monday.

Effective Sept. 1, he resigned after six years at the helm of the property and business owner's association, to spend more time getting prepared and running his new business, Q-BBQ, in place of his former Roly Poly Sandwiches franchise he closed last month at 70 S. La Grange Road.

He made his intentions known in a letter to all LGBA members Sept. 1, but only after meeting with his board last week, he said.

"It's bittersweet," he said. "I cannot believe I stayed as long as I did. I wanted to make sure the LGBA could move forward at a different level than it had in years past."

In his e-mailed letter also sent to OnLaGrange.com, LaPidus explained how there has been no other person whom he has relied on more heavily than the woman who will fill his shoes comfortably: Urban Sole proprietor and retail district neighbor Honor Lorenzini.

"Her vision, detailed execution and positive attitude are second to none," LaPidus wrote. They opened their respective businesses at roughly the same time some five years ago.

Lorenzini was unavailable for comment on her first day at the helm.

"Honor, she has a much different leadership style than I do," he said. "She is quiet in front of a microphone, but very forceful in doing things the right way."

He described himself as "very aggressive in trying to change things" and both straight-forward and upfront with colleagues, adding, "I don't back-door anything."

Cindy Lautner will continue as treasurer and filling the role of secretary and vice president will be Ryan Williamson, owner of Horizon Wealth Management on Calendar Court.

Williamson, he stated, "is the future of the LGBA" and is both talented and committed to La Grange.

"I see this new leadership as really going back to the basics with the organization," he said, noting it is tapped out with volunteers. He said it is time to "rethink" the way in which the LGBA is operated.

"We still have to maintain the high-level events we put on," he said, referring to such popular events as the annual Christmas Walk, the Ahhh! La Grange Carnival, the upcoming Halloween Walk and the summer art projects such as this year's Big Picture exhibit.

In addition to its role of advocacy for the business community like endorsing the proposal for the village to financially assist the La Grange Theater owners in a massive renovation project and lobbying against a recent pawn shop proposal, he said the LGBA under his leadership raised more than $90,000 for local charities.

Although some business owners quietly protested his stance against the pawn shop, questioning the fate of other small businesses others may find offensive in the future, he said that issue had nothing at all to do with his departure. He reiterated his leaving is solely to devote time to his new eatery, set to open in mid-September.

"The number one challenge for me stepping aside is the overwhelming experience of opening a new restaurant," he said. "I have to focus all of my time on that for now."

In his letter, he also outlined accomplishments over the years.

"We accomplished a working and expanded relationship with the village on various issues (such as) the discussion on restoring the La Grange Theatre, the new Library building, the YMCA land planning phases, the Park District expansion and many other community centered projects. These developments are critical to the success of our downtown and I am confident that the strength and value of our organization remains vibrant as we head into 2010."

LaPidus "extensively" attributed among the reasons for the success of downtown in recent years to the LGBA board and volunteers .

"We've taken a leadership role in changing some of the marketing initiatives ... and in starting new events n town" that helped raise awareness of La Grange's vibrancy. That work, he said, contrbuted greatly to the Chicago magazine's recent recognition of La Grange as having the "Best Downtown" in the metropolitan area.

"We've dealt with some pretty controversial issues when other people stayed quiet," he said.

The next public meeting of the LGBA is at 8 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Palmer Place.

AURELIO'S STEPS BACK IN TIME

2009-08-25T03:27:00.000-07:00

By James Pluta
News editor and
Aurelio's customer

The last thing a business owner wants to do in a down economy is lose money, but the owners of Aurelio's pizzeria in downtown La Grange did just that last week.

Although nobody was seen in hoop skirts or bobby socks on Calendar Court on the night of Aug. 20, new and (15-month) old customers filled the sit-down restaurant and bar to the gills that evening to enjoy circa-1959 menu prices.

The event, held throughout the 43-store chain, was celebrating founder Joe Aurelio's first restaurant in the south suburbs, which remains in business today. The La Grange store, which opened in the middle of a deteriorating economy in the summer of 2008, still packs the place regularly -- leaving its competitors in the dust.

And though the owner admitted to taking a bit of a financial hit to carry out the promotion, it seemed to prove at least one good thing: that customers know a good thing when they see it and take on a certain loyalty to that business. Some newcomers, we believe, just don't seem to understand.

In our own informal poll of waitstaff that evening, we found out the loyal customer base ponied up reasonable and realistic tips based on the fact their biggest thin crust, for example, cost them about one-fifth of what it usually does (say five or six bucks for a minimum $25 pie).

But many of those who heard about the promotion and appeared to be first-time customers
especially enjoyed leaving 1950's style gratuities (say a buck-80 for a $12 pizza order that would normally run them about 40 bucks). Go figure.

But that's business and life goes on. Hope for the best, but expect the worst, I always say.

Every member of the waitstaff I have met there seems to understand tips are a treat and vary from person to person. They even act like they don't care what people leave. Some businesses boldly stick the tip jar in your face as you order or even include it on the bill. Not here.

Aurelio's staff is courteous, friendly and really gets to know their customers. In the spirit of full disclosure, I am among them. This is no endorsement based on a favor to advertisers (of which they are not), but when an owner delivers orders to the table, and frequently also cleans the table when you leave, that puts a smile on your face.

And in a down economy, that's just what people need: a much-deserved pick-me-up. Ross and Co. provide just that.

PIZZA IN LA GRANGE AT 1950'S PRICES?!?

2009-08-18T22:39:00.000-07:00

Customers of Aurelio's Pizza, 11 Calendar Court, in La Grange's downtown business district will likely be shocked when they visit the popular Italian eatery on Thursday, Aug. 20 -- or so we hear.

Seems that is the very day chain owner Joe Aurelio opened up his first restaurant in south suburban Homewood, way back in 1959.

It was a big secret until today, when we heard the La Grange Aurelio's will be scaling back prices to the way they were in '59. On what and by how much, we don't know yet. C'mon Ross, spill the beans!

We'll have to see what kind of crowds will show up at the already frequently packed pizzeria Thursday ... and what kind of deals are in store.

Talk about an economic stimulus package.

Fifth Annual Fudge for Soldiers

2009-07-01T07:23:00.001-07:00

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factorys of LaGrange and Orland Park, IL, LOVES our soldiers. We love the freedom the soldiers provide, and we appreciate their efforts.

Starting July 1, 2009, when a customer buys one pound of our hand-made creamy fudge that we make fresh in our store, we will be sending ONE POUND overseas to our soldiers starting in November. When asked why are you waiting so long to ship the fudge, store owner, Jean Kuhn, replied, “We could ship it now because fudge doesn’t melt, however we wanted to ship it closer to the holidays. We are running this promotion in July only. This will give us hundreds of pounds of fudge to ship. We will be shipping the fudge through Operation Support Our Troops Illinois.” www.osotil.com.

The two RMCF stores are keeping a tally board in the store so customers can see how much fudge we will be sending.

“This is the fifth year that we have been running this promotion,” said Kuhn. “We have sent over 1300 pounds of fudge so far. Our goal is to send 300 pounds this year.”

The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is a retail chocolate store that specializes in hand-made fudge that we make right in the store, along with 20 varieties of caramel apples, and fine chocolates. We are located in downtown LaGrange, and inside the Orland Square Mall, upstairs entrance, by Macy’s. Both Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory stores offer chocolate fundraising programs, as well as corporate gift baskets.

For more information please contact the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory of LaGrange: 708-352-6487 and Orland Park: 708-349-2063

PAWN SHOP IN LAGRANGE? 'NO WAY' SAYS DOWNTOWN BUSINESS GROUP

2009-06-09T20:15:00.000-07:00

Updated

By James Pluta
News Editor

Downtown La Grange business owners are up in arms over the proposed location of a pawn shop in the former Hollywood Video store on La Grange Road -- which has been vacant for more than a year.

Although ordinances currently permit such a use in the central business district, word has it the Village Board is planning on addressing the issue at an upcoming meeting by proposing to eliminate the existence of a pawn shop category in the village code.

But first, the Planning & Zoning Commission must hold a public hearing on the issue,. and that has already been scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 29 at Village Hall.

Community Development Director Patrick Benjamin said the type of business the proposed All Star Jewelry & Loan is planning on opening at 71 S. La Grange Road in mid-July is among those uses -- so-called "used merchandise sales" -- that's permitted in the section of the village zoning code last updated in 1991 referring to businesses in the C-1 central business retail district.

Those uses being eyed by the commission, which may include title loan and payday loan stores as well, will be among the certain uses considered later this month. Whether the village's ultimate actions would result in barring the business from opening is "a legal question," he added. And village attorney Mark Burkland has not yet been reached for comment.

Plus, while the business -- which has promised lots of fine jewelry and brand new goods in boxes which were gifts customers did not care for -- has applied for a license, it still must seek building and certificate of occupancy permits, he said.

And while there are other current and former uses in the downtown, such as The Carousel Shop, Jackson Square Mall and zoe's that sell and have sold used , donated and/or consignment merchandise, the village has changed in the past couple decades and no longer would consider a pawn shop a desired use.

"He did his research and found that section of the code was left open," said Benjamin, "but we thought that probably our business owners would entertain (better) tenants."

The movement to fight the pawn shop is being led by La Grange Business Association President Michael LaPidus, who e-mailed a letter late Tuesday to all of the LGBA's member business and property owners and others urging them to get involved.

"We are in the middle of a pretty big fight ... for a whole barrage of reasons," said LaPidus. "A pawn shop brings in a different crowd of people who do their business and leave. These just aren't the right mix of people we want hanging out in our business district."

The owner of the retail space, which sits on land directly south of Village Hall and west of the new downtown parking deck -- John Brannen -- has only been successful in leasing out the former Via Bella space to Francesca's. All of the retail spaces in the adjoining La Grange Pointe senior housing complex also have remained vacant since it opened last summer.

And while a sign in the shop window between the restaurant and the proposed pawn shop space has been clearly marketing the middle store for a bakery, the only new bakery coming to town will be on Calendar Court instead.

LaPidus, who has already taken his case to the village and who intends on making it the main topic of the monthly LGBA meeting at 8 a.m. Thursday, June 11 at Palmer Place Restaurant & Bier Garten, said the owner of the space has indicated a willingness to release the pawn shop owner of his 1-year contract.

But while the owner could not immediately be reached for comment, LaPidus says the man "is not budging" and claims "La Grange is in need" of a pawn shop if for no other reason than to dispel misnomers about that line of business.

"He says he's worked at a pawn shop and he's going to open up a pawn shop," LaPidus related, adding the man claims La Grange will be impressed with his many jewelry display cases. Brannen, who owns other downtown properties, also has plans to rent the middle shop to a mattress store, said LaPidus.

He said this is not a matter of La Grange being too good for such a business, but that it has been very selective of the kinds of shops the downtown area has attracted over the past 10 to 15 years and wants to keep improving on that record.

"We're not elitist ... but the mere definition of (the term) pawn shop suggests a place where destitute, desperate people go to cash in their belongings for money," he said. "That kind of thing has a very negative revolt on property taxes and when other new businesses who may want to move into town see we have a pawn shop might be turned away."

In his letter to the LGBA, LaPidus refers this to one of a "few defining moments" in the history of the business community "worthy of a vigorous fight" from the organization and community.

"Over my dead body will this happen," said LaPidus, who also owns Roly Poly Sandwiches just north of the La Grange Theatre. "I will make sure we don't start reversing all the good we've done down here."

Rumors about the new business quickly made rounds around the community ever since it was first revealed by someone on Pet Parade weekend a little over a week ago.

The letter specifically addresses the LGBA's resolve.

"We have been extremely fortunate in the past to have building owners be diligent about what tenants they rent to and commit their leasing practices to the spirit of what has made La Grange's business district extremely successful;" he wrote, "the right mix of unique, practical, eclectic and exciting businesses that fit our community and compliment our existing shops and restaurants."

LaPidus said he hopes the Village Board actions on this matter -- not expected for another month or so -- "will basically put (the shop owner) on notice he won't be able to open his doors."

Brannen could not be reached for comment, nor could Mayor Liz Asperger. A call to Village Manager Robert Pilipiszyn was answered by Benjamin.

About the only times in recent history village officials actively spoke out about a business' actions it considered of a negative nature were a failed move by the downtown cigar shop to allow its patrons to sit on leather chairs outside the front door to smoke cigars and attempts by a former ice cream parlor on Catherine Avenue near the tracks to allow its customers to dance along to swing music on select nights -- which at the time was in violation of village code.

Interestingly enough, neighboring Countryside has long banned strictly used car dealerships from operating in city limits, but just last week granted the former Continental Chrysler Jeep new car dealership a conditional OK to operate beyond its forced June 9 corporate shutdown date. Now, the business is trying for a business license and zoning change to stay open as the Continental Auto Center selling used cars, and parts and service to Chrysler owners.

The closest pawn shop to La Grange is two towns east on Ogden in Lyons, Classic Jewelers & Pawn Brokers, a longtime staple in the town's eccentrically diverse business district that includes such variety as a concrete products plant, a 24-hour diner, a mosquito abatement headquarters, a video poker distributor, a motel, taverns and liquor stores, auto and lawnmower repair shops, single-room-occupancy buildings. a palm and Tarot card reader between a church and a coin laundry, gas stations, tan spas and a new shop that sells caskets direct from the manufacturer.

Watch this space for more updates in the coming days.

COMED HELPS RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES

2009-06-05T00:37:00.000-07:00

ComEd has improved electric service to dozens if not hundreds of business and residential customers in La Grange Park.

The electrical utility completed work earlier this year along 31st Street by investing $2 million to upgrade distribution lines.

The work will benefit most area residents by providing additional backup options when electrical loads must be shifted to quickly restore customers during storms and other outages.

Since 2001, ComEd has invested more than $5 billion to expand and upgrade its transmission and distribution systems, according to the company.

This has resulted in a 39 percent reduction in the frequency of customer interruptions.

The company performs regular maintenance work to ensure reliable delivery such as vegetation maintenance to free electrical lines from interference.

JOB SEARCH HELP OFFERED AT CHURCH

2009-06-04T22:08:00.000-07:00

A job support group and a six-week series of workshops to assist and support people facing a difficult employment marketplace will be offered by First Presbyterian Church of La Grange from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays beginning June 16.

The workshops at the church, 150 S.Ashland Ave., are free and open to all. They will cover such topics as resume writing, networking and interviewing techniques.

Further information is available by calling (708) 354-0771 or visiting http://www.fpclg.org/.

MAMBO ROOM COMES TO TOWN JUNE 8

2009-05-28T22:21:00.000-07:00

For those who follow the local restaurant scene, take a peek inside the former La Pinta, 25 Calendar, for new things to come. We interviewed co-owner Trini Soto as he monitored kitchen upgrades this week inside downtown La Grange's latest epicurean delight: the newly renovated upscale Mambo Room Bar & Grill, scheduled to open at 4 p.m. Monday, June 8.

The Latin-inspired tapas restaurant, owned by Trini, Rafael, Tony and Thipi Soto, has changed its interior design and colors to red and grey and the entire bar area dining room where the live bands used to play.

Though the former name will soon be replaced on the outdoor sign, the wooden overhang above the sidewalk patio will remain. But passersby can now see in the new main glass doors, which replaced heavy wooden doors that adorned the last place.

"We're bringing back all the tapas," said Trini, a response to the queries of so many customers who so often asked what happened to the signature appetizers menu they first introduced to La Grange about five years ago. "It's Latin-American, but still our own way: a 'fusion' of flavors."

He admits local foodies did not really "get" the concept -- popularized over the years by Emilio's in Hillside and Meson Sabika in Naperville -- when it first came on the scene, which is part of the reason why La Pinta later changed to a full menu before it closed its doors May 4.

But, he said, the owners believe La Grange is now ready to please its collective palate with such tapas as guacamole, scalloped-wrapped bacon, stuffed red pepper and boneless duck dishes -- and the idea of ordering several items and sharing it with a large group of people.

In addition to the 33 tapas dishes, what's also new on the expansive menu is some salads and sandwiches -- including our favorites: Tango Salad comprised of grilled steak, roasted red onion, tomatoes and a Dijon-Aioli sauce and a tilapia sandwich with tartar. Entrees include a baby lamp chop served with tequila mango salsa, in addition to steak, shrimp, chicken and tilapia specialties.

Mambo Room, owned by the same family as the popular Thipi Thai around the corner on La Grange Road in La Grange and in far west suburban Glen Ellyn, will be open 7 days a week, at 4 p.m. each day, and its bar will stay open later. Bands will still perform monthly for starters, but in the great room amongst four-top tables and chairs with a perfect view of the open kitchen.

The dining room will be until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 p.m. Sunday.

As Trini looked out at his future "new" neighbors, one particular entity caught his eye, making him wince at the thought of the temptation it, too, will be to him. The banner inside the window at 26 West, where zoe's resale shop once was, screams out in big red script "Bakery Coming Soon."

Besides Knead, the former Great Harvest and Corner Bakery, La Grange hasn't had a traditional bakery in nearly a decade. .

DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT UPDATE: CAFE 36, LA PINTA OUT; MAMBO ROOM IN

2009-05-20T20:45:00.000-07:00

Looking into the dining room at Cafe 36, 22 Calendar Ave., in downtown La Grange did not provide very good views in recent months, as the economy turned on its ear and owner Terry Gilmer struggled to keep the American bistro afloat following its apparently ill-fated appearance on "Kitchen Nightmares" -- internationally known chef Gordon Ramsay's cable television program targeting restaurants in need of drastic change.

Although the production kept a handful of regulars streaming through the doors from time to time, most typically busy nights saw more traffic across the street at Aurelio's, a tasty pizza restaurant and bar that has generated more business of late than, say, Blueberry Hill pancake house on weekend mornings.

It seems Cafe 36 -- which closed its doors after its licenses were suspiciously not renewed at Village Hall a few weeks ago -- never regained the reputation it held from upscale foodies once attracted to former owner Reinhard Barthel's more gamey and exotic cuisine.

But nearby La Pinta (25 Calendar) is also closed and under reconstruction, in a move to change its colors again -- to the Mambo Room Bar & Grill and NOT the popular River North eatery Mambo Grill & Lounge as has been rumored.

Not that would be delectable, to say the least, but with its world renowned selection of rums and tequilas and festive Latino-flavored fare -- and the fact it's been Zagat-rated (just as Cafe 36 once was on a routine basis) from years 2002 through 2006.

But nothing could be further from the truth and, it seems, the rumor mill is just that -- and that comes right from the horse's mouth, so to speak.

In a May 20 interview, Chicago's Mambo owner Susan Frasca said it's not her restaurant that's coming to La Grange.

Frasca, who has owned Mambo Grill for the past 11 years and is in the process of relocating it from 412 N. Clark St., where the lease ran out after it outgrew its digs, to 410 N. Wells, called it
"very complimentary," however, that people might think it's her place.

Rather, the Mambo ROOM is opening in place of La Pinta -- as soon as the end of May -- and will be offering some of the same fare as the original tapas restaurant that opened there a couple years ago -- once dubbed "a fusion of continents and colors," a blend of Spanish and Latin American cuisine traced to a region of the world that once existed on a diet of corn, tropical fruit and seafood.

We can't wait to see how things have changed.

No word specifically why Cafe 36 closed, but finding a replacement may be difficult as the space is owned and not rented by its owners. Attempts to reach the place fell on deaf ears; the contact number was disconnected.

One good thing is that the authentic Thai cuisine restaurant Thipi Thai remains strong and is not leaving -- and we like that. (Thipi Thai is owned by the same family as the Mambo Room)

Meanwhile, business appears to be booming at Francesca's, which just opened in the former Via Bella space next to the La Grange Pointe senior living development -- which, by the way, has still yet to attract any shops to its long-vacant new retail space.

Marconi's Ristorante on Calendar also is finding popularity with its price fixe menu: offering patrons any appetizer, entree and dessert of their choice for just 25 bucks apiece.

However, people also seem to be enjoying the new Applewood Smokehouse on Burlington as well, as well as one of our favorites (the longest existing Italian restaurant near downtown), Antonino's on West Hillgrove Avenue near the Stone Avenue station.

For those unfamiliar with the terrain in La Grange, here's a quick primer: for Italian, there's also Lucca on Burlington; for Mexican, there's Santiago's on La Grange; for British, there's Chequers on Burlington and for Asian, there's Sushi House on Calendar.

Coffee? We recommend Caribou, but there's also Starbucks and Seattle's Best (inside Borders) on La Grange, as well as a cheaper cup at Cafe Calbay on Burlington. Although Kilwin's has left the scene, there's still Cold Stone next to the revamped La Grange Theatre and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (between Thipi Thai and another outdoor summer favorite, Palmer Place Restaurant & Bier Garten) also on La Grange.

Stay tuned for more.

GETTING YOUR IRISH UP

2009-03-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

When it's tough to navigate through a standing-room-only crowd in the back tent of Palmer Place Restaurant & Bier Garten in downtown La Grange three days before St. Patrick's Day, you know the owners are having another good go at it.

Although the bands had stopped playing for the night when we arrived on opening night --March 14 -- the beer was still flowing and the outdoor crowd was estimated at about 200.

Not much different than previous years, but it's still hard to believe the Palmer Family: Mom Ruth and sons Steve and Phil have been going strong for the past 26 years. Heck, I wasn't even drinking age yet.

Although the Shannon Rovers Bagpipe Band kicked off the festivities this evening, we're predicting the real fun will happen the next two days.

The Shannon Rovers return for a repeat performance at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 16, to be followed a half hour later with the sounds of The Spirits featuring none other than Father Mike Shanahan, former associate pastor from La Grange's own St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. He and his band will be joined by Father John Hoffman and other clergy at the church -- who will be on hand all evening serving as food servers and bus runners, reports Steve Palmer.

"We're doing a (fund-raiser) thing with St. Francis Xavier in which 20 percent of our food sales will go toward the St. Vincent de Paul Society -- a Catholic service organization near and dear to our hearts because our the late mother of our News Editor, Jim Pluta, was orphaned at a young age when her parents died within three months of each other in the winter of '43 and lived in an orphanage in Fort Wayne, Indiana operated by the St. Vincent de Paul order.

With a motto that suggests "no act of charity is foreign to the Society, St. Vincent de Paul is a nonprofit organization that provides direct assistance to anyone suffering or in need. It offers a lifeline to those in want of food and clothing, rent assistance, medical aid, help with addiction or incarceration, employment and shelter.

Besides offering more than 35 beers on tap and a couple hundred foreign and domestic bottled beer, wine and mixed drinks and a complete menu fit for the whole family, the restaurant has a few specialties this time of year.

Try their signature corned beef and cabbage dinner with a pint of bottle of Irish beer and you can't go wrong. There's also a kid's menu and wonderful milk shakes. And yes, there's green beer.

"We serve a good pint of Guiness," says Steve, who estimates the well-known establishment sells some 1,000 pounds of corned beef on St. Patrick's Day alone.

Entertainment on Tuesday, March 17 includes The Plough Boys at noon and who could forget Those Funny Little People at 4 p.m., followed by David Scott Crawford on piano and a sing-along at 6 p.m. The 'world famous' Shannon Rovers return at 6:30 p.m. and the band South of 80 concludes the night with a concert that kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

There is no cover, prizes will be awarded, families are welcome all day long (the place stays open 'til midnight Monday and Tuesday) and both outdoor tents are heated.

If you're lucky, you might meet a new Irish lass or laddie to spend future St. Paddy's Days with and/or to take to this season's Cubs games with a night cap at Palmers on your way home.

Either way, you will be back (even if just to meet Jimmy at the bar, usually donning an Irish cap and sweater, spinning yarns about the lore of St. Patrick -- whom many do not know was born a Scot).

CAFE 36 HOSTS VALENTINE'S DAY DINNER

2009-02-12T21:07:00.000-08:00

Hearts melt over Café 36
Valentine’s Day Dinner

Classic oysters Rockefeller,
Coconut shrimp trio with
tangy chipotle mayonnaise
and mango salsa ...
'And that's just the appetizer'

Jorge Flores
executive chef

By Deanna C. White

Looking for a truly, swoon-worthy dining experience this Valentine’s Day?

The newly revitalized Café 36 in downtown La Grange will offer a feast to tantalize all senses Saturday, February 14, when it pairs a menu of rich culinary delights made famous by internationally-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay with the lush, jazz tones of legendary saxophonist David Schumacher.

“Valentine’s Day is a day when people truly want to go out and celebrate,” said Café 36 owner Terry Gilmer. “So we picked a menu featuring some classic dishes like oysters and surf-and- turf, and will serve them in an intimate atmosphere with candlelight and soft jazz music.”

The contemporary American bistro has been packing in huge crowds since it made its national television debut this January when multi-Star Michelin Chef Ramsay transformed the restaurant, and the menu, on his culinary makeover show “Kitchen Nightmares.”

New Executive Chef Jorge Flores will present dishes designed by Ramsay for the special Valentine’s Day menu.

Appetizers include the classic oysters Rockefeller, and a coconut shrimp trio with tangy chipotle mayonnaise and mango salsa.

Some of the amour- inspiring entrees include twin lobster tails, slow-roasted prime rib of beef, shrimp linguini and filet mignon, while the luxurious dessert menu showcases chocolate mousse, chocolate covered strawberries, New York style cheesecake, and a tribute to old-school romance: a sundae built for two.

“I guarantee every customer will leave with a smile on their face and a song in their heart,” Flores said.

An acclaimed jazz saxophonist, Schumacher will provide the perfect accompaniment to Flores’ dishes.

A Chicago native who has been active in the New York music scene for more than 25 years, Schumacher is an original member of the Harry Connick Jr. orchestra.

He has also recorded with such jazz greats as Lionel Hampton, Mel Torme, Scott Whitfield and Ben Wolfe.

Schumacher will perform from 6 to 9 p.m.

Reservations for the Café 36 Valentine’s Day dinner are still available, and strongly recommended. To make a reservation call 708.354.5722.

For more information, and a complete menu listing, visit http://www.cafe36.com/ or log on to Facebook under Café 36.

Upcoming special events at Café 36 include a Fat Tuesday celebration on Tuesday, February 24, and a St. Patrick’s Day party Saturday, March 14, with live music and a traditional Irish menu featuring corned beef and cabbage, stew and salmon.

Café 36 is located in downtown La Grange (just south of Ogden Avenue and just west of La Grange Road/Route 45) at 22 Calendar Avenue.

The bistro features, steaks, chops, pastas and fresh fish and is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.

REVAMPED CAFE 36 SPORTS MAKEOVER

2009-01-15T22:13:00.000-08:00

About 40 longtime friends and colleagues, members of the news media and neighboring business owners braved the frigid temps Thursday night to attend a viewing party of Fox-TV's popular "Kitchen Nightmares" restaurant makeover show starring renowned chef Gordon Ramsay -- and featuring last year's revitalization of Terry and Carol Gilmer's French/American bistro, Cafe 36.

As the Gilmers intently watched the constructively critical show that caused a self-proclaimed welcome turnaround to the dream they made into reality by taking over the place just over three years ago, their kitchen and floor staff, best friends and colleagues enjoyed wine and appetizers as they anxiously awaited how the program would be received.

"The phones were ringing off the hook," said nearby family restaurateur Steve Palmer of Palmer Place Restaurant and Bier Garten on La Grange Road, immediately following the show, from his seat closest to the kitchen. "Way to go, Terry!"

During the show, the Gilmers were more than frank with Ramsay about their relative lack of experience in dealing with kitchen staff, food preparation, even marketing themselves and attracting new customers to the already established business formerly owned and operated for more than a decade by Reinhard Barthel Sr.

"We went from not knowing our --- from a hole in the ground from knowing our --- from a hole in the ground," said Carol after the show, who combined her experience in banking with her husband's career managing country clubs when they took over the place in late 2005.

Terry Gilmer, who fired a chef who was literally grilled by Ramsay during his fall 2008 visit to the restaurant (during which time the globally popular chef gave Cafe 36 an overnight makeover that brightened up the interior, redesigned the menu, the kitchen layout and the food handling and deployed a unique method of replacing all their dinnerware ... in the Police Department's gun range, no less), admitted if he were to do it all over again, he'd have changed the name.

(Oddly enough, while Cafe 36 sounds tony and a bit unique, the name actually was derived from the location at which Barthel's predecessor first opened: at 36 South La Grange Road, now the home of Bella Bacino's Trattoria-Pizzeria, where he also had an interest. That was before Barthel prior owner moved the place after buying into to a retail condo storefront on Calendar Court that was formerly housed by a locally popular clothing store.)

By this past weekend, restaurant spokesman Chris Comes of Chicago-based Ripson Communications said the national broadcast exposure spurred "a tremendous surge of customers" to pay a visit, call the staff and owners -- and/or log on to the company website, www.cafe36.com, which went into virtual overdrive.

"We had thousands of unique visitors on the website," said Comes, noting the response came from all over the United States and even Canada.

The Gilmers reported hearing from new and old friends and dozens of potential customers from as far away as Phoenix and Houston, from New York to Los Angeles -- urging them on and wishing them success -- some even promising to include the new and improved restaurant in the itinerary of their next trip to Chicago.

Watch this space Monday for a more comprehensive story about the attention showered on La Grange and one of its hot new eateries.

THE POINTE OF THE MATTER

2008-10-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

By James Pluta
News Editor

Nothing says La Grange like the Pointe, or so it seems.

Having lived most of my life staring out at a nondescript courtyard or static residential street, I was awestruck at the views offered prospective new tenants at La Grange Pointe -- the new independent senior living complex at the southern gateway to the downtown business district --which sports diverse architecture within its own modern facade and an undeniable vibrancy.

Not to mention that every apartment in this new building is aptly named after the streets, roads and avenues of the village, each with their own historical context. How neat it might be for someone who spent their life on, say, Maple or Bluff avenues, and then their grey years in an apartment unit of the same name in the heart of downtown.

From the moment you set foot in the ground floor room-with-a-view "common area" of La Grange Pointe -- which just welcomed its second of a planned 30 tenants last weekend -- nothing says Sterile Senior Building at all. You feel like you're stepping into a Four Seasons or Omni Morton boutique, and I'm not just saying this to be nice. Once inside, you can watch the noisy traffic pass by, but you can only hear yourself think. It's that quiet, and without the TV on.

Leather chairs and earth-tone sofas fill a carpeted room as a (albeit gas) fireplace crackles in the next, much larger welcoming room -- each of which feature huge flat-screen TVs and can be separated from the bother of hallways, offices and each other by uniquely designed sliding "pocket" doors that create a larger open space or a convincing sense of privacy. The same doors also separate or expand living spaces in the larger upstairs units.

Or, for athletic-minded residents during playoff season, jokes Activity Director Paula Fagan, "a separate place where fans of two competing teams" can each watch their favorite club fight for victory -- or as the case may be, fall to defeat (but we won't go there).

Although the staff greeting visitors would rather not get into how the current market is clearly affecting sales of the interestingly packaged "rental" units, it's clear that if and when things start moving again this place may develop a long waiting list. The staff rather, is convinced their first tenancies will be people 62 and older (the minimum age, with or without spouse) who may be looking to take advantage of the floundering economy by selling the family home and investing in independent living with lots of amenities.

One of the most intriguing offerings to tenants and their families are the 16 so-called "Pointe Partners" this mixed-use development already has on board: a mixture of area restaurants, shops and the like who are guaranteeing deals and discounts not because they are seniors but because of where they live. (See deals chart below).

The partners -- which include such favorites as Roly Poly Sandwiches, We're Nuts and Palmer Place Restaurant and Bier Garten -- will not only extend deals to Pointe residents, but to those residing at the company's other apartments being built in Elmhurst, Clarendon Hills and Lombard, by design, in that order, they hope.

To encourage travel and camaraderie between developments, the deals in each town will be available to anyone from any of the four projects. Residents in every complex will enjoy private access to a rooftop outdoor patio at every site as members of an exclusive Pointe Club, a gathering place with wrought iron furniture and picnic umbrellas for socializing and events, quiet reflection or reading, conversation or just meeting new friends.

On recent tours of the facility, the American Association of Retired People and the Countryside Womens Club each took a certain fancy to the Club, so we hear.

Four units on the Pointe Club floor sport semi-private, fenced-in wooden patios, to host the occupant's own guests under individual rooftops with a standing view of The Club. There are also two terrace units.

Inside, the hallways are extra wide, the lighting is bright but not blinding, shelves near unit entry doors provide a place to set your purse or shopping bags and a plant or two, the walls feature art work and the common area rest rooms are unisex. There is even a lending library with no lines or overdue fines and a "cinema" room for all to enjoy.

The units range from The Park (a 640-square-foot, five-room one-bedroom unit with single bathroom, utility closet and outdoor patio) to The Kensington (a 1,257-square-foot, eight-room two-bedroom unit with two bathrooms, a walk-in clothes closet and utility closet). In the two-bedroom units, one bathroom is in the common area and the other is located off the bedroom. In the one-bedrooms the bathroom is conveniently located right off the bedroom.

"We wanted it to look like someone's house," said Marketing Director Linda Kunicki, noting the 'cocoon effect' of secluding one's self during old age is no longer the way of life.

"That's how I feel about this, that it's a paradigm shift in senior housing. We know we're living longer and the whole concept of aging has changed. Seniors are more vibrant nowadays and need to be stimulated ... Us baby boomers, we're gonna knock retirement housing on its ear."

The units share the same names on the second and third floors (there are no first floor units, just rec rooms, covered parking and retail) and are appropriately dubbed The Lincoln, The Harris, The Bluff, The Burlington, The Spring, you name it.

One promising feature of the development is the first floor space set aside for a few retail entities and a breakfast deli-style restaurant (of which tenants will enjoy private access without having to don a coat or hat in the winter), which OnLaGrange.com has learned could be an upscale eatery not as prevalent in the burbs as it once was -- and for which a letter of intent has been issued. Could it be an Egg Harbor Cafe or perhaps an Au Bon Pain? How about a men's clothing or shoe store, a dry cleaning dropoff, a Waiter on the Way or a tiny jazz club? Just dreaming.

Countertops in the unit's bathrooms are at a more reasonable height than standard apartments and towel bars also serve as grab bars that withstand up to 300 pounds each. There are
full kitchens, individually controlled heating and cooling units, wall-to-wall carpeting, raised electrical outlets, full-size appliances, sound proofing and lots of larger, lower and easy-to-open energy-efficient windows.

The master bedrooms have walk-in closets one can almost live in, where the only thing missing is a window and a sink.

Most units appear spacious. There are little nooks in some that can be used for temporary guests or a children's play or TV room. Windows have laminate sills perfect for sitting by them with a cup of joe watching the world below. And what's more exciting is the Pointe is pet friendly. It allows dogs or cats up to 25 pounds.

A majority of units enjoy beautiful views of Cossitt Avenue (and the towering limestone edifice of First Congregational Church of La Grange) or La Grange Road (where the rooms with the best view look down upon the historic La Grange Theatre (and, unfortunately run-down shuttered shops, all soon to be completely redone). Only a few of the units offer a less enamoring view of neighboring condo building (their windows) across the alley walkway, which has been rehabbed in a nautical green patio brick.

The concept of La Grange Pointe is referred to as urbanSenior Living and it's what they call "a mindset" that promotes independence and physical choice.

This is not your grandmother's nursing nightmare with linoleum floors and demanding nurses roaming the halls at all hours of the night reminding to take your meds or get to bed by curfew -- but home health care can visit when necessary. Simply, it's designed to keep folks as self-sufficient for as long as they possibly can.

People seeking a reservation at the Pointe will find there are no mandatory meals, and, it is suggested, a high probability they will never need nursing care or assisted living. There are multiple financial options available and many features similar to a home.

The three-story complex features a 24-space parking garage and a van for those who don't care to drive, weekly housekeeping (with double duty maids every week for people with special needs), security, maintenance, emergency call services and special events -- which Fagan dubs as a "concierge-based approach" to living.

When just one resident was living in the building in early October, staff hosted a pizza party and arranged delivery of a gift basket filled with treats from local businesses. Other events are planned in the coming weeks, not just for tenants but local residents. Watch this space and the Community Events blog.

Shortly after staff moved in a few weeks ago, they were contacted by a macular degeneration support group that assists people, mainly seniors, with low-vision problems.

And since their target populations are similar, the Pointe will offer online seminars to allow residents with vision issues to come down in their jeans or their socks and slippers and watch the educational program on large screen TVs.

How one pays to live there is better left to the financial consultants, but tenancies require entry fees based on the proceeds from the sale of their previous residence and annual income -- with rental rates as low as $1,350 per month and 90 percent refundable deposits. A flexible approach is used based on how people pay and invest their money. The community preserves a resident's capital while providing ways to for them to have more spending money for other necessities.

The Pointe competes regionally with the Devonshire in Hoffman Estates or the Meadows of Glen Ellyn and locally with Plymouth Place or Bethlehem Woods in La Grange Park or Monarch Landing in Naperville. But Kunicki sees the Pointe as a "slightly different" retirement community, with "a different twist," she adds.

"We're sitting down with people and developing plans to meet individual needs," added Kunicki. "We opened when it was just starting to get bad ... but have had great success. Seniors have started thinking 'sell the house and get into something more stable.' If you've got a great product, it's going to move, even in today's market."

'Pointe Partnership' Deals:
Marconi's Ristorante - $10 off coupon for dinner entrees Wednesday and Thursday;
Aurelio's Pizza - 10% off coupon;
Blueberry Hill - $1 off for $5 to $10 spent, $2 off for $10 to $15 spent, $3 off for $15 or
more. Depending on bill, discounts will range from 10 to 20 percent off. Residents get
punchcards and after 15 punches a free meal, and "blue bucks" for discounts for family members
and friends dining with them. Delivery available;
Starbucks - Free drink coupons;
Palmer Place - Six $25 gift certificates;
Café 36 - 10% off entrees Tuesday through Friday between 4 and 6 p.m.;
Roly Poly Sandwiches - Free cookies and $1 sandwiches coupon;
Mr. Van's Hair Designers - $2 off on Tuesdays;
Southwest Suburban Center on Aging - Transportation Guides;
West Suburban Chamber of Commerce & Industry - Resident Guides and maps;
We're Nuts - 10% off coupon for nuts and candy;
La Grange Public Library - guide to services;
The Dinner Club- coupon for two family size meals for $35 and coupon for "buy one dinner and get the second dinner half off."
Dominick's - pharmacy punch card for discounts on prescriptions, information on
transferring prescriptions and getting a $30 gift card, free glucometers for diabetes
testing and free assorted sample packs of products for welcome baskets;
La Belle Catering - Welcome to La Grange cookies and
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory - chocolates for welcome basket.
More information is available at http://www.livingatthepointe.com/.

LA GRANGE POINTE/INLAND EVENTS

2008-10-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

La Grange Pointe -- the new independent senior living apartment complex across from the theater in the village's downtown business district -- has opened to the public and already has a couple special events on tap.

To start the season off right, a Flu Shot Clinic operated by the Dominick's pharmacy will take place during an open house at La Grange Pointe, 51 E. Cossitt Ave. (at La Grange Road) from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29.

The cost is free for qualified Medicare Part B recipients and $20 for others. Participants will receive a 10 percent off coupon for their next Dominick's grocery purchase.

To RSVP, call Linda Kunicki at (708) 354-7600.

The next event, sponsored by the complex's developer, Inland Development, will be held in the DuPage Room of the Inland campus, 2901 Butterfield Road, Oak Brook.

Called "An Ounce of Prevention: Protecting Yourself and Your Assets Through Estate Planning," the free seminar will be presented by attorney Amy Delaney, at 11 a.m.
Saturday, Nov. 8.

Delaney, one of seven Certified Elder Law attorneys in Illinois, will call attention to the importance of updating your estate plan periodically and provide a summary of the key documents you need, along with a present view of Medicaid.

The discussion also will explore the Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney, Living Trusts and Estate Taxes.

Again, to make a reservation, call Linda Kunicki at (708) 354-7600.

WSCCI BUSINESS EXPOSITION

2008-10-20T08:16:00.001-07:00

Saturday, October 25 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
William Tell Holiday Inn
6201 Joliet Road, Countryside

Featuring Coldwell Banker La Grange's "Deal or No Deal" where the visitors will be able to guess the price of a house that has been sold in the area. They will have to be within $5000 of the sold price of the house in order to open up a case. There will be various prizes in the cases and a grand prize in one of the cases.

NO VACANCY: FRANCESCA'S ON THE WAY

2008-10-15T22:36:00.000-07:00

Foodies, unit! A fifth Italian style eatery is about to open in downtown La Grange.

Turns out the prime "main street" space Via Bella left for much smaller digs at 55th Street and Plainfield Road in Countryside in recent weeks won't stay empty for long.

Just the other day, village officials took their first steps toward granting a liquor license to a full-service Trattoria style restaurant that has already made impressive tracks in places like downtown Elmhurst, Naperville and 14 other locations.

And, unlike its predecessor and its sister in Forest Park, the tasty tenancy at 75 S. La Grange Road will not consider its bar to be as strong of a focus as the restaurant itself.

The new place, which its co-owner, Vice President Michael Noone, says will be called Francesca's La Grange LLC, could be renovated and open for business in two to three months once their occupancy permit is in hand and that could be before year's end.

Based on a unanimous recommendation Oct. 13 from the three-member Liquor Commission -- comprised of Village President Liz Asperger and Trustees Mark Langan and Mark Kuchler -- the Village Board may grant the C-1 liquor license by Monday, Oct. 27.

Interestingly, the upscale eatery that got its start 16 years ago on Chicago's bustling North Clark Street originally had its eyes on another spot closer to the tracks, a space on the east side of La Grange Road owned by prominent downtown property owner Jerry Burjan.

Noone also said while the La Grange Theatre was "a nice amenity" that will be an "asset" to his business, it was not what drew him to the village. Rather, he liked the fair amount of density in La Grange -- and its proximity to Willow Springs.

"I've always liked La Grange," he said, noting the parking deck out back was a big attraction. "It's a nice town. Our market is right here."

Before Francesca's moves in, though, Noone told the commission they have to complete negotiations with their landlord, John Brannen. He said renovating an existing restaurant is the best-case scenario for any restaurateur, as was the case in some of his other ventures.

The restaurant, which he said sells "a lot of food that accents the liquor," plans to operate a separate lunch and dinner shift weekdays -- closing for a couple hours in between -- and featuring meals with liquor until 9:30 or so on weekdays or 10:30 or so on weekends, with late nights extending to no longer than 11:30 weeknights and 12:30 weekends.

So, while families may enjoy the hours, their kids will enjoy the atmosphere, Noone said. There will be lots of high chairs and kids will be able to draw on table covers with crayons, and there's a proven philosophy behind that: if you catch their attention as youngsters they may be lifelong customers.

At the Clark Street spot, he said, there are kids who came in with their parents at age seven who are still coming in with their Wrigleyville neighbors and friends at age 20.

Noone said he and his main partner, President Scott Harris, will be visible in the business community and supportive of local schools and organizations -- focusing on raising money for local groups.

No structural changes are planned to the building, just a change of floor plans.

They could have exercised the option of taking some of the former Hollywood Video/Game Stop space to the north, but did not, considering the more intimate the space, the better. Plus, he said, they didn't want to "lose that sense of energy" the space exudes.

Another restaurant is likely to open in up to three storefronts in the neighboring La Grange Pointe retail/senior housing complex, it was learned, but its name is not yet known.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH

2008-10-02T00:03:00.000-07:00

The West Suburban Chamber of Commerce & Industry sponsored a Business After Hours at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory on the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 1 -- attracting a crowd of visitors from businesses in the organization's 7-community service area.

A free candy buffet with wine and other refreshments was set out for the guests and WSCOC Executive Director Robert Ware played host with candy store owner Jean Kuhn to greet everybody and promote the store's special offerings.

For instance, one might try their chocolate-dipped wine and champagne bottles or Sherman's ice cream (usually found only in South Haven, Mich.), their wide variety of caramel apples and $1.95 smoothies (which are tasty but don't hold a candle to those at Roly Poly, so we hear). And they always have samples. Mmm good.

Some of the visitors included Steve Palmer of Palmer Place (see The Sports blog for related story) in La Grange, Michael LaPidus of Roly Poly in La Grange, Linda Ester of Plymouth Place in La Grange Park, Cynthia Frymark of Frymark Floral Designs, Mercie Dahlgren and Mary Kane of ASD Business Services in La Grange, Maureen Barrett of Coldwell Banker in La Grange, Lynn Turgeon and Andy the Publisher from Coffee News in Broadview, Jeni Ozark of Sassy Spaces and Mary Jo Ardizzone of Edward Jones in Western Springs, Justin Hendricksen of Ace Car Rental in Elmhurst, Rocky Mountain employees Sara, Willa and Ashley, Chamber employees Donna and Donna -- and many others.

Revisit the website later Thursday for a more complete review of the party.

SENIOR LIVING MYTHS UNMASKED

2008-09-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

Placement Specialist delivers free seminar in Brookfield

A former retirement community executive who has toured and evaluated more than 170 independent, assisted-living and nursing home locations will deliver a free seminar on Wednesday, October 8, at Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave.

Andrea Donovan’s one-hour program, “Senior Living Myths Unmasked: Separating Fact from Fiction,” begins at 7 p.m.

To register, call Donovan at 708-442-7174.

Donovan’s talk will demystify what can be an overwhelming task—picking the right senior alternative living option for a loved one.

Placement professionals like Donovan match seniors with an independent, assisted-living or nursing home community.

Since the June 2006 founding of her company, Andrea Donovan Senior Living Advisors, Donovan has accepted no money from any facility when she guides seniors in their decisions to live there.

“I don’t think it’s right to steer somebody to a place that’s paying me,” said Donovan. “If I were trying to place one of my parents, I’d want to get help from someone who didn’t even have the appearance of a conflict of interest.”

She knows of no other placement professionals locally who adhere to her policy of independent advising.

From 1999 to 2004, Donovan was director of admissions and marketing of a St. Andrew Life Center in Niles, a continuing care retirement community that included independent, assisted-living and nursing care. During her tenure, the Illinois Department of Public Health did not issue any deficiency citations—a rare distinction in any given year, let alone a five-year period.

She holds a BA in sociology/communications from St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame, and an MBA from Loyola University.

For more information, or to learn how to obtain a free consultation, contact Donovan at 708-442-7174. Her website is www.adsla.biz.