A secular, college-prep microschool through grade 12

Prairie Paideia, NFP

A secular, diverse, college prep, alternative learning community focusing on critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity for students elementary through high school (full-time, part-time or hybrid). We emphasize critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills across all levels. We have three levels of mixed-aged small cohorts that allow for differentiation that ensures all students are stretched without being stressed. We are college-prep without college pressure. Students are placed by ability vs. age and we are low-tech, but not no-tech. Our students use real books and writing utensils. Bullying is not tolerated here and we have a longstanding community culture of respect and encouragement among students and adults. Classes are taught in an eclectic combination of styles that includes themed, project-based, Modeling Instruction drawn from various pedagogies. We offer Advanced Placement (many project-based) and dual-enrollment. Let's talk about how to change your child's trajectory.

DuPage County

Lisa Marie Farver

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Naperville

Illinois

A secular, diverse, college prep, alternative learning community focusing on critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity for...

ChewsWisely Dental Implant Center

ChewsWisely Dental Implant Center, a state-of-the-art dental implant facility conveniently located in Downers Grove, has proudly served the western suburbs of Chicago for over 60 years. Donald J. Provenzale, DDS, an ABOI Board Certified implantologist, is the owner and founder. As an internationally recognized expert in the field, he also consults with many other patients on complex cases or for second opinions. ChewsWisely's dedicated and compassionate staff provide a full compliment of services and a welcoming environment as well as the latest in dental implant technologies to ensure more predictable outcomes.

David Giuliani

Burr Ridge

ChewsWisely Dental Implant Center, a state-of-the-art dental implant facility conveniently located in Downers Grove, has proudly served the western...

St. Sophia's Forgotten Felines

he cats we care for at St. Sophia’s come from many different places. The majority of the cats we help are those that are helpless, who have not experienced love or a home, stray, abused, and neglected cats. Primarily we work with high-volume/high-kill animal controls to save cats from needless euthanasia. Our largest partner is Chicago Animal Care and Control. Other ACs we partner with are Aurora, Joliet Township, DuPage, Herrin, Marion, Quincy, Tilton, Union, Jasper, and Whiting. St. Sophia’s also works with local Trap-Neuter-Return organizations. Trap-Neuter-Return (also known as TNR) is a method of humanely trapping unaltered feral cats, neutering them, and releasing them back to the same environment where they were originally found. TNR is promoted by proponents as a humane and more effective alternative for managing and reducing feral cat populations (compared to euthanasia). While most cats trapped are completely feral (wild, without any domestic socialization), some cats—often kittens, or even adults that have been well cared-for outdoors—can, and have, become socialized and adoptable. TNR organizations aren’t equipped to handle the “friendlies” that come in, so we step in to assist those cats looking for homes. Lastly, some of our cats are direct owner surrenders. Sometimes circumstances have it that people are unable to care for their cats due to moving, eviction, financial issues, death, allergies, etc. We accept these cats in when we have space and maintain a waiting list of those who need assistance. If you ever find yourself in this type of position, please read our surrender policies to see how we can help.

Wheaton

he cats we care for at St. Sophia’s come from many different places. The majority of the cats we help are those that are helpless, who have not...

Fourth Avenue Design Group

Interior Design Firm specializing in full scale interior remodels of kitchens, bathrooms, and lower levels, guiding projects from concept to completion.  Other services include new construction selections, custom cabinetry and construction guidance.

Cook County

Eric DeGrechie

Arlington Heights

Interior Design Firm specializing in full scale interior remodels of kitchens, bathrooms, and lower levels, guiding projects from concept to...

WHEATON, IL — A pedestrian was killed Thursday morning when they were hit by a Union Pacific freight train in downtown Wheaton. The incident took place just after 9:40 a.m. near Cross and Front Streets, Metra representative Meg Thomas-Reile told Patch. The investigation halted train travel until just after 11 a.m.

WHEATON, IL — A pedestrian was killed Thursday morning when they were hit by a Union Pacific freight train in downtown Wheaton.

The incident took place just after 9:40 a.m. near Cross and Front Streets, Metra representative Meg Thomas-Reile told Patch. The investigation halted train travel until just after 11 a.m.

Pedestrian Fatally Hit By Freight Train In...

The investigation stopped train traffic in both directions near Cross Street.  

Pedestrian Fatally Hit By Freight Train In Downtown Wheaton

Traffic & Transit

Glen Ellyn

Lisle

Downers Grove

Oak Brook

Woodridge

Elmhurst

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills

Darien

Kane County

Emily Rosca

Batavia

It’s the biggest SALE of the year in Downtown Downers Grove! More than 20 downtown DG businesses will be bringing the bargains outside for a can’t-miss Sidewalk Sale. Score amazing deals on unique finds, then take a break and recharge at one of our delicious restaurants.BONUS! BE one of the first 25 shoppers to stop by our office starting at 10 AM on Thursday &amp; Friday will receive a swag bag with a Downtown Downers Grove Gift Card to spend during the Sidewalk Sale! Gift cards will range from $5-$50. Visit our <a href="https://www.downtowndg.org/whats-happening/sidewalk-sale-downtown-downers-grove/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">website</a> for more information. As always double check with your favorite business as hours &amp; specials are subject to change.Don’t forget to participate in the Loyal to Local program while you are shopping and dining and you could win our $50 Downtown DG Gift Card weekly giveaway!

Local Event: Sidewalk Sale Downtown Downers Grove

Sidewalk Sale Downtown Downers Grove

It’s the biggest SALE of the year in Downtown Downers Grove! More than 20 downtown DG businesses will be bringing the bargains...

Naperville Wellness & Salt Cave

Breathing is automatic, but it is also something we can influence. That makes the breath a useful bridge between what the body does on its own and what we can consciously choose to change.
In somatic yoga, breathing is not treated as a performance. There is no prize for taking the deepest breath or holding it the longest. Instead, we notice how the breath is moving today and use simple techniques to make breathing feel easier, slower and less restricted.
Why focus on the exhale?
Many people are accustomed to being told to “take a deep breath.” That instruction can be helpful, but it is only half of the process. A comfortable, complete exhale creates room for the next inhale to arrive naturally.
When we are rushed, worried or physically tense, breathing may become quick and shallow. We may lift the shoulders, tighten the jaw or repeatedly inhale without fully releasing the previous breath. A slower exhale can help interrupt that pattern.
Research on slow breathing suggests that it can support the body’s natural relaxation response. In everyday language, lengthening the exhale gently tells the body that it may be safe to soften. The heart rate may begin to settle, unnecessary muscular effort may decrease and attention can return to the present moment. [National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health](<a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/relaxation-techniques-what-you-need-to-know)" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">nccih.nih.gov/health/relaxation-techniques-what-you-need-to-know)</a>
A simple breathing practice
Try this while seated comfortably or lying down:
1. Allow your shoulders and jaw to soften. 2. Breathe in gently through your nose for a count of four. 3. Breathe out slowly for a count of six. 4. Pause naturally, without holding or straining. 5. Repeat for three to five comfortable rounds.
The exact numbers are not important. The purpose is simply to let the exhale last a little longer than the inhale. If counting creates tension, stop counting and imagine the breath flowing out like air slowly leaving a balloon.
The breath should remain quiet and comfortable. Bigger is not always better. For some people, repeatedly forcing deep breaths can cause lightheadedness or anxiety. If that happens, return to your ordinary breathing and rest.
What makes this somatic?
The word somatic refers to experiencing the body from within. Rather than trying to make the body look a certain way, somatic yoga asks questions such as:
* Where do I feel the breath moving? * Does one side of my rib cage move more easily? * Am I tightening my stomach, throat or shoulders? * What changes when I slow the exhale? * Can I use less effort?
These questions help build body awareness without judgment. Over time, a person may begin to recognize signs of tension earlier and develop practical ways to respond.
Breathing in a salt cave
A salt cave provides a quiet, low-light environment that may make it easier to turn attention inward. The stillness of the room can help participants hear and feel their breathing without the usual distractions of daily life.
The breathing practice itself remains the central tool. A salt cave should be understood as a setting for relaxation and mindful movement, not as a replacement for medical care or a guaranteed treatment for a health condition.
A skill that travels with you
One of the most useful things about breath awareness is that it does not require special equipment. The same longer exhale practiced during yoga can be used before sleep, while sitting in traffic, ahead of a difficult conversation or during a stressful workday.
The goal is not to control every breath. It is to become familiar enough with your breathing that, when tension rises, you know how to create a little more room.
Sometimes the most effective place to begin is not with another big inhale, but with a patient, unhurried exhale. You are invited to join me for this six week series on Thursdays at the salt cave.

Local Event: Somatic Yoga in a Salt Cave

Somatic Yoga in a Salt Cave

Breathing is automatic, but it is also something we can influence. That makes the breath a useful bridge between what the body...

Hope Presbyterian Church

Fun, Socialize, Exercise Your Mind with Jan Realie 630-253-5057

Local Event: Ageless Grace Seated Mind Exercise

Ageless Grace Seated Mind Exercise

Fun, Socialize, Exercise Your Mind with Jan Realie 630-253-5057

Bricks & Minifigs Naperville

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bamnaperville" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>Naperville's Bricks and Minifigs is going big for July! For the entire month, every Wednesday (July 8, 15, 22, 29) will be Kid’s Build Night from 5:30-6:30 pm! 
 
20% off Project Bags and Bulk for all ages 5:30 pm to close! 
 
Is your 5–17-year-old ready to explore sets they may have never seen before - or create MOCs (my own creations) from tables full of bricks? 
 
At our free Kid's Build Night, participants can choose their own adventure: Pick a project bag from themes like Star Wars, Castle, CITY, and build from instructions. 
 
First to Arrive, First to Build. Free, Ages 5-17. Only 20 spots available. Check out our socials for other upcoming fun summer events!&nbsp; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bamnaperville" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Instagram: BAMnaperville</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BAMnaperville" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Facebook: BAMnaperville</a>

Local Event:  Kid's Build Night All July Long - Bricks & Minifigs Naperville

 Kid's Build Night All July Long - Bricks &...

Naperville's Bricks and Minifigs  is going big for July!  For the entire month, every Wednesday (July 8, 15, 22, 29) will be...

 Kid's Build Night All July Long - Bricks & Minifigs Naperville

Danada South Park, 2701 Navistar Circle, lisle, Il

Veggie Fest Chicago 2026, Returns August 8–9 as One of North America's Largest Healthy living and Wellness Festivals. FREE Admission and FREE Parking • More Than 40,000 Visitors Expected for Two Days of Health, Meditation, Great Food, Music, Family Fun, and&nbsp; Inspiration Veggie Fest Chicago, one of North America's largest and longest-running health, wellness, and lifestyle festivals, will return to&nbsp;Danada South Park in Lisle, Illinois, on Saturday and Sunday, August 8–9, 2026, welcoming an anticipated&nbsp;more than 40,000 attendees&nbsp;from across the&nbsp; Midwest and beyond. Now in its sixteenth year, Veggie Fest Chicago has become one of the Midwest's premier&nbsp;summer festivals, attracting families, health enthusiasts, food lovers, wellness seekers, and individuals interested in discovering practical approaches to healthier, and&nbsp;more fulfilling lives. Featuring&nbsp;FREE Admission and FREE Parking, the &nbsp;festival offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience inspiring speakers, wellness programming, international cuisine, family activities, live entertainment, and much more. Held at&nbsp;Danada South Park, 2701 Navistar Circle, Lisle, Illinois, Veggie Fest Chicago 2026 will take place from&nbsp;11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day, offering a rich and diverse array of educational, cultural, culinary, and family-friendly experiences. Highlights of Veggie Fest Chicago 2026 Include:
 Prominent guest speakers&nbsp;from the fields of health, wellness, personal development, and spirituality, as well as highly accomplished leaders and innovators who have achieved extraordinary success in their respective fields  Famous international food court&nbsp;featuring exceptional vegetarian and vegan cuisine from around the world  More than 75 vendors and exhibitors&nbsp;showcasing health, wellness, sustainability, and lifestyle products and services  Live cooking demonstrations&nbsp;featuring healthy and flavorful cuisine  The popular Children's Activity Tent, offering games, crafts, performances, educational activities, and interactive experiences for children of all ages  Live music featuring some of Chicago's favorite local bands and performers  Meditation and yoga sessions&nbsp;throughout the festival Over the years, Veggie Fest Chicago has become a signature Midwest event, attracting visitors from throughout the United States and internationally. Whether attendees are interested in improving their health, learning meditation techniques, enjoying delicious food, spending quality time with family, discovering wellness resources, or simply enjoying a memorable summer weekend outdoors, Veggie Fest Chicago offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Additional information, speaker schedules, exhibitor information, volunteer opportunities, and festival updates are available at <a href="https://www.veggiefestchicago.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">veggiefestchicago.org</a>
Event Information What:&nbsp;Veggie Fest Chicago 2026 When:&nbsp;Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, 2026 Time:&nbsp;11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily Where:&nbsp;Danada South Park, 2701 Navistar Circle, Lisle, Illinois 60532 Admission:&nbsp;FREE Parking:&nbsp;FREE Expected Attendance:&nbsp;More than 40,000 visitors Website:&nbsp;VeggieFestChicago.org About Veggie Fest Chicago Veggie Fest Chicago is one of North America's largest and longest-running health, wellness and lifestyle festivals. The annual event brings together physicians, researchers, wellness experts, educators, meditation teachers, performers, exhibitors, and community organizations to inspire healthier living through education, meditation, wellness practices, compassionate living, and community engagement. 
Media Contact Jonathan Kruger, 630-842-922

Local Event: Veggie Fest 2026

Veggie Fest 2026

Veggie Fest Chicago 2026, Returns August 8–9 as One of North America's Largest Healthy living and Wellness Festivals. FREE...

🌱 Patch AM: Man Out On Pretrial Release Attacks...

And on the Wheaton Patch calendar - Sidewalk Sale Downtown Downers Grove

🌱 Patch AM: Man Out On Pretrial Release Attacks Woman Near Illinois Prairie Path: Cops

Community Corner

Man Out On Pretrial Release Attacks Woman Near...

Police say Marvin Carter, 48, punched a Wheaton woman multiple times after he encountered her sitting on a bench near Prairie Path. 

Man Out On Pretrial Release Attacks Woman Near Illinois Prairie Path: Cops

Crime & Safety

Man Charged In Violent Beating Near West...

Steven Davis, 43, is accused of beating a man and kicking his face and body near the West Chicago Metra stop. 

Man Charged In Violent Beating Near West Chicago Metra Station

🌱 Patch AM: National Night Out Returns To...

Also check out Sidewalk Sale Downtown Downers Grove on the Wheaton Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: National Night Out Returns To Northside Park August 4

National Night Out Returns To Northside Park...

Wheaton will take part in National Night Out on Aug. 4 with a family-friendly event at Northside Park.

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Traffic & Transit

Pedestrian Fatally Hit By Freight Train In Downtown Wheaton

The investigation stopped train traffic in both directions near Cross Street.

Lisa Marie Farver, Patch Staff

Find out what's happening in Wheatonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

More from Wheaton

Man Out On Pretrial Release Attacks Woman Near Illinois Prairie Path: Cops

Man Charged In Violent Beating Near West Chicago Metra Station

National Night Out Returns To Northside Park August 4

Sidewalk Sale Downtown Downers Grove

Somatic Yoga in a Salt Cave

Ageless Grace Seated Mind Exercise

Kid's Build Night All July Long - Bricks & Minifigs Naperville

Veggie Fest 2026

ChewsWisely Dental Implant Center

St. Sophia's Forgotten Felines

Prairie Paideia, NFP

Fourth Avenue Design Group

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Pedestrian Fatally Hit By Freight Train In Downtown Wheaton

The investigation stopped train traffic in both directions near Cross Street.

Lisa Marie Farver, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles-module-scss-module__AKw7-a__Badge" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>

Find out what's happening in Wheatonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Lisa Marie Farver, Patch Staff