Chicago is obviously a thriving metropolitan area.  From the city to the suburbs, we are definitely not lacking in parks, museums, hospitals, and animal shelters.  Each of these places have a common need for helping hands.  Twice a month, I devote my time to a hospital in my area.  I am able to create a comfortable environment for the hospital’s patients and families, and help the nurses with anything they have to do that they just don’t have time to get to.  I would encourage anyone to find an area of interest in which they can volunteer.

There is a satisfaction I get when stepping out of my comfort zone.  I am no longer doing something for myself, or even for my friends, but rather for the people in my community whom I don’t even know.  Somehow, I am able to make a difference in their stay at the hospital, even if they don’t notice.

Not to sound cheesy, but seeing smiles upon the faces of those stuck in hospital beds is very gratifying.  Furthermore, I work in the Maternal and Child Care level of the hospital.  So, I get to ensure that a baby’s first moments in the world are as comfortable as possible, by keeping their cribs supplied with clothes, blankets, diapers, etc. as well as keeping new mommies happy by running errands for them, providing them with snacks and beverages, or baking fresh cookies for them and their guests.

Perhaps volunteering at a hospital doesn’t interest you.  In that case, there are plenty of other places that need your help!  You can volunteer at animal shelters, camps, libraries, museums, and all kinds of places.  I now know it is quite a learning experience that benefits to both you and your community.

It’s time for Winter break. A chance for our children to shake off their school routines and hang loose for two weeks. (I think I am looking forward to it even more than my own kids. This has been a hard semester!) Typically vacations have meant just that, VACATIONS, a chance to get away from your regular routine by getting out of town. But money is tight for so many people these days that traveling is not often and option. Lucky for us we live in a city rich with opportunities for enrichment and fun. I love visiting Museum CAMPUS, Millenium Park and Navy Pier downtown. But I also love visiting The Kohl Children’s museum and Make-a-Messterpiece in Glenview, OR the Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, OR Ikea and Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, (now that’s my kind of Amusement park!) The CAMPUS Kids and I have had the great pleasure of performing at so many wonderful sites around Chicago, and there are still so many more we have yet to encounter. So I asked them which Chicago attractions they would most like to visit during a STAYCATION this holiday break. There suggestions paint a beautiful picture of this wondrous city.

SMILE On!

Miss Lori

Winter Break is almost upon us. With the economy as it is many people are doing “staycations” instead of traveling. Imagine yourself as a tourist visiting Chicago, what attractions would you most like to visit?

Abi age 10~
I love going to Navy Pier, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Zoo Lights at Brookfield Zoo. The Museum of Science & Industry has Christmas trees decorated from all over the world. They also have a dollhouse of the White House there right now. The zoo is fun to go to at night and see the animals surrounded by tons of Christmas lights!

Sinead age 17~
Chicago is a great city! I’ve lived here for about 9 years, but I still love going downtown Chicago! It’s always exciting to visit, and it never gets old! If I had never been to Chicago, and had only one day to tour the city, I would definitely go to Millenium Park, because it’s always so packed with people. I love being around a lot of people! Michigan Avenue is my street, of course, because of all the shopping. So that would probably be at the top of my list! There are so many stores that surround you while walking down Michigan Avenue, not to mention the Water Tower Place, a mini mall in itself. Every 17 year old girl’s dream, if you ask me! There’s definitely not enough time in a day to fully experience Downtown Chicago, that’s for sure. But if you’re looking to shop, downtown Chicago is the right place to be!

Tess age 9~
I would like to see the Science and Industry Museum. I want to goto the Mayor’s Sports event. I also want to goto Devon Avenue and Little India!

McKenna age 11~
Well I would like to see the Willis Tower, (aka Sears Tower), for the phenomenal view of the city. I’d also go to see the Big Bean, I love going there. While I’m there I’d go to the outdoor ice skating rink, even though I’m not the best ice skater. On the top of my list would be Macy’s, the Walnut Room, (located in Macy’s) and the Magnificent Mile.

Elita age 9~
I would like to see American girl doll place, and Dillions Candy Bar!

Kyra age 11~
I would visit the Willis (Sears) Tower first, and then probably go down to Navy Pier. I would also like to see some of the museums. Chicago really is a cool place.

Jaedyn age 6~
Museums! Museums! Museums! Navy Pier. And my favorite, The Kohl Children’s Museum!

Ava age 11~
Skating in Millennium Park by the Bean is the coolest, but sometimes too cold when you fall a lot! But it’s a lot of fun. I think the Science and Industry Museum with all the Christmas trees from around the world is very pretty. I would love to see more shows with singing and dancing. And of course shopping is fun. Sightseeing too!

Ariana age 9~
I would most like to see the Sears Tower (I keep forgetting it’s the Willis Tower now). I want to go up to the very top of the Sears Tower and see how far away I can see. I wonder if I can see other states from up that high!

Anaiya age 7~
I would want to go to Navy Pier and take a boat ride. I also want to ride the big ferris wheel and the hot air balloon they have at Navy Pier. Me and my family could spend an entire day there and not get bored!