Mother’s Day went well for Delores Wehn. While some were finishing some mother-daughter shopping at the Village Center, Wehn was sipping a hot cup of coffee at Starbucks and watching the sunset between text messages from her friends. What brings you to Starbucks?I just finished golfing and wanted some good coffee after my dinner. We’re regulars here. It’s a nice place to kick back at. What do you do for a living?My husband and I have been in the insurance industry for 30 years. He owns an agency called Robert Wehn and Associates in Darien, and I do a lot of the administrative office work. In …

On a warm Sunday evening, storefront doors were locking one by one as the last of the stragglers were leaving Burr Ridge’s Village Center. While the general flow of satisfied customers was moving toward the parking garage, Saaema Alavi was the only person walking into the mall. With some food in hand, she strolled up to Bath & Body Works and took a seat on a bench outside the store. What brings you to Bath & Body Works? I work here part-time to put some extra cash in my pocket. I’m on break so I grabbed a snack from down the street. What do you do for a living? I’ve been an architect since …

Today is Crossing Guard Appreciation Day in Illinois, and Burr Ridge resident Steve Less is no less vigilant about having students walk their bikes across the street and wait for cars to make complete stops at stop signs. He mans his post outside Hinsdale's Oak School four times a day, rain or shine, warmth or cold. Oak School's Parent Teacher Organization and School District 181 officials thanked Less and his colleagues. He received the appreciation showed him, but continued to keep a watchful eye on the street. Do you have a job outside of being a crossing guard?I'm retired. I was the …

The sun was shining and the wind was blowing as a handful of children ran through Harvester Park, their parents chatting amongst each other.   To prepare for preschool next year, Tarlan Hedayati wants her daughter to spend more time with others her age. Plus, getting out of the house is always a reward. What brings you to the park? We’re just enjoying the beautiful weather, finally, after such a long winter. I’m giving my daughter a chance to run around and burn off some energy. What do you do for a living? I’m an emergency room doctor at Cook County Hospital. What street do you live on? Lake…

Victor Jacobellis was in fifth grade at Our Lady of the Angels on Dec. 1, 1958 when one of his classmates discovered the blaze in the basement of the Chicago Catholic school. That day, the fire claimed the lives of 92 students and three nuns and became one of the most tragic events in Chicago history. Jacobellis admits that one wrong turn or a momentary delay could have been fatal. His survival has touched the lives of nearly every Chicago area resident, as Jacobellis later helped produce the long-running and well-known Victory Auto Wreckers commercial. He now heads nation-wide advertising …

On a Thursday afternoon, Karti Mital and his carefree stride roamed the Indian Prairie Public Library. The young man had an open schedule for a few more days and wanted to spend it on the down low, learning about adventures past and present. What brings you to the library? I’m here to look for some books. I’m on spring break from college and I always try to read a book or two during the week off. What do you do for a living? I’m a student at Harvard University majoring in applied math. I just really like math and this gives a little more rigorous of an approach to economics than studying …

A group of little girls rushed out one door after finishing dance class at the Burr Ridge Park District, while a line of senior citizens trickled through the other door en route to playing cards. At the end of the line was Bonnie R. Miculinic and her granddaughter, both waiting patiently while holding hands. They smile and say “hi” as they enter and pass fellow patrons. What brings you to the park district? I’m taking my granddaughter to preschool. What do you do for a living? I was a long-time faculty member at Morton College and I took an early retirement, but I’m back there teaching part-…

On a rainy Friday night, more than 60 people showed up at Fred Astaire Dance Studio to dance the night away — Mardi Gras style. Though many of the dancers wore masks and colorful beads, Lorraine Wesolowski featured an elegant, but simple black dress and a contagious smile. Being one of the last students to leave, Wesolowski had twisted, turned, ducked and weaved for nearly four hours. What brings you to the Fred Astaire? I love to dance. Five years ago, my sister introduced me to salsa dancing at Willowbrook Ballroom. Then Fred Astaire opened three years ago and I showed up on the very first …

Suits and ties scurried through the halls of Burr Ridge Middle School on their way to meetings while Katie Barkstrom, sporting a hoodie and sweat pants, was seen ushering students to the buses. Barkstrom joked with many of the kids but casually kept them moving. Just because it was pajama day at the school didn’t mean she was going to let them lay down on the job. What brings you to the middle school? I work here. What do you do for a living? I teach fifth grade at Burr Ridge Middle School. It’s definitely a challenge because every day is brand new and I never know what’s going to happen. …

The Burr Ridge Park District was pretty calm all day Monday as preschoolers were at home for President’s Day. All was quiet except for the lively sounds of Cha Cha music. Upon peeking into the adult dance class, Sandy Castellan’s radiant smile was an immediate eye catcher. The group of dancers had clearly been friends for quite some time, but Castellan was leading the laughter. What brings you to the park district? I’m participating in a ballroom dance class. They’re offered every Monday and Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. for a whopping $10 a day. Learning to dance for $5 an hour is a can’t-beat …

The warm temperatures didn’t last for very long today as Life Time Fitness was as busy as ever since locals still prefer to exercise indoors. With a youngster holding each hand, Angel Arflack made her way through the puddles while providing encouragement along the way. What brings you to the Life Time Fitness? Well, I work here but my daughter also attends ballet class and I just dropped her off. What do you do for a living? I coach triathlon training and teach spin classes here at Life Time. What street do you live on? Tamerton Parkway. What do you like about Burr Ridge? It’s quiet and very …

Every day, like clockwork, Kate Timm can be seen going in and out of Brookhaven Marketplace off Burr Ridge Parkway. She’s always on the lookout for good deals or new ideas, and won’t hesitate to flash her cheerful smile at fellow shoppers. What brings you to the store?It’s an absolutely wonderful store, especially for someone like me who loves a challenge when cooking. I always find what I need. What do you do for a living?I’m a stay-at-home mom and a music therapist. I’m in the process of starting my own business, though, and it’s called Moving Music LLC. I’ve always been involved with music…

Millions of people were glued to their TV watching the Chicago Bears battle the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 23, but Abbas Jaffary was not one of them. Throughout the day he was seen walking in and out Burr Ridge homes carrying just a pencil. What brings you to these homes? I’m tutoring students. What do you do for a living? I teach mathematics at Moraine Valley Community College, but I also tutor at the Burr Ridge Park District and privately. What street do you live on? Parkview Place. What do you like about Burr Ridge? It’s a great place to raise a child and a family, especially after you’ve …

Snowflakes were casually falling and covering the think layers of ice when we found Linda Dishman walking into the Burr Ridge Park District midmorning Jan. 12. She had an extra spark to her smile despite the chilly weather. After all, she had a charming little guy on her mind. What brings you to the park district today? I’m registering my grandson for spring baseball training. He’s five years old, so he’s a beginner but he’s already played soccer here and had a blast. What do you do for a living?I’m a retired high school teacher–I taught family and consumer sciences. What street do you live …