Petrak: Upcoming Run for Kelli provides majority of funds for foundation’s scholarships
There are a lot of things you can be thinking about when you’re exercising, to get you motivated or occupy your mind so the workout seems to go by faster....
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Petrak: La Grange counselor says back-to-school a great time to get organized
When I was a student, my backpack, locker and desk were usually teeming with papers, pen caps and crumpled old homework sheets. I wasn’t exactly known for my punctuality and...
Petrak: Traditions home and away keep us centered in a crazy world
“Look at that bush. My sister told me there was a snake in that bush when I was 5, and I walk past it fast even now.” “We always sat...
Petrak: Fresh supplies and clear outlook are assets heading back to school
Every May, there is a spate of quotes, posts and speeches meant to impart wisdom to those graduating or moving on in their academic journey. Then there is back-to-school season,...
La Grange dance troupe takes national championship, for the fourth time
There’s that moment in movies and television shows centered on a young singing group or dance troupe, usually the penultimate, pinnacle scene, when the characters are holding hands and closing...
Petrak: Day at the beach a lesson in geology, ecology and human behavior
Sitting on the beach, I realized something. I didn’t have a book (oh, I’m sorry, “beach read”) with me that day and I wasn’t getting any mobile phone service, so...
Petrak: Sometimes a lake view is needed — and possible — in the suburbs
There was a day, not that long ago, when I was overloading on stress and I had to get away from land to rest and recharge, even if only for...
Petrak: La Grange third-grader’s lemonade stand raises money for families of fallen police
It’s been a lemonade kind of a summer. It’s been a summer that at times and on a bigger scale seems rife with apprehension, turmoil and negative news. You know...
Petrak: Craving the dying art of home cooking and baking? You can find it at west suburban farmers markets.
Somewhere along the way, in the hubbub of daily life, I’ve gotten away from cooking and baking. Like many people, I’ve found myself short on time and, frankly, interest in...
There will always be a special place for old-fashioned radio
I don’t like driving through red-on-the-radar downpours and I loathe the route through Northwest Indiana on a holiday weekend, but I otherwise enjoy summertime road trips. Already, I’ve racked up...