Category: Conversation

CLOSED – Classic Coffee House ☕️

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Dearest Coffee House Connoisseur,

It is with great sadness that I must update this post. Graham’s 318 coffee shop has permanently shuttered its doors and brewed its final cup of coffee on April 28, 2024. Their sister shop Graham’s Chocolate remains open.

Graham’s Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream
302 S. 3rd St., Geneva, IL 60134

Saturday, January 20, 2024

Winter weather advisory has lifted and the roads are cleared. Is there a better way than to spend a balmy 10 degree afternoon than at a local coffee shop?

Graham’s 318 is located in the stunning historic town of Geneva, Illinois. It’s bustling this afternoon with families drinking hot chocolate and friends catching up. There are conversations of upcoming schedules; crying toddlers; card games; and a blogger attempting to write her latest masterpiece. Giggle. Seating is cozy and abundant. Hardwood floors and the fragrance of fresh brewed coffee and delectable treats permeate throughout. Graham’s is sheer perfection.

Cheers! ☕️

  —Jenn

Graham’s 318 Coffee House
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Indie Bookshop With A View

January 7, 2024

As we dashed aboard the local Metra train, I was eager to arrive at Union Station. The express train clacked, swayed back and forth, and whooshed along the tracks. A gentle snow began falling that made the traveling by rail even more magical. Our final destination was a long over due trip to the Chicago Art Institute. There is a Pablo Picasso special exhibit showcasing his drawings. In my eagerness, we arrived early and the Art Institute was not set to open until 11:00. What’s a girl to do? Well, locate the nearest Indie Bookshop and go exploring, which is what we did. My daughter bookmarked a local review for Exile in Bookville and we were both intrigued.

Exile in Bookville is located in the Fine Arts Building on South Michigan Avenue overlooking Grant Park. The building itself is a historic icon representing a bygone era. When visiting, skip the stairs and take an enchanting ride on a manually operated elevator. As you exit the elevator on the second floor, you feel as though you were transported through time. At last you arrive at an incredibly quaint Indie Bookstore. While you travel through the shop, appreciate that there are books shelved from the floor to the ceiling. Why is this important you ask? There are literally books shelved from the floor to the ceiling! It was breathtaking. Make certain to set aside time to linger in each room. Carefully select several new additions for your TBR pile. Remember, life is short. Smell the books. Read the pages. Breathe.

    —Jenn

Location:

410 S. Michigan Avenue, Second Floor, Chicago, IL

Hours:

Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 7:00 pm

Sunday 11:00 to 4:00 pm

Exile in Bookville
Fine Arts Building History
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Biomechanics: Environments & Survival PD

The Chicago Field Museum is hosting an hour long virtual professional development opportunity for educators grades PreK through High School.

During the session, educators will “explore how wings, fins, claws, and jaws and more work in nature! How does the structure and function and function of an animal allow it to survive?”

When: Monday, January 22 at 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Where: Online

Cost: $10.00

Clock Hours: 1 ISBE clock hour available

See you there.

   —Jenn

Biomechanics: Environments & Survival Registration
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Shedd Aquarium Teacher Workshop: Science Fiction in Science Education

Educators Grades 3-8 take note: Shedd Aquarium is hosting an in-person workshop on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

“Join us for an impelling educator workshop that explores the fascinating intersection of science and science fiction. From “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” to “Waterworld,” modern science fiction has long captivated our imaginations and sparked curiosity. As a genre, it allows us to speculate about our future while holding a mirror to present challenges.

By bringing sci-fi into the classroom, we encourage our students to engage with science critically and creatively.”

Cost: $35.00 per educator

Clock Hours: 3 ISBE clock hours available

Shedd Aquarium Teacher Workshop
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Anderson’s Bookshops Educator Book Club January 2024

Anderson’s Bookshop has announced an Educator Book Club!

Dearest Readers,

I am beyond thrilled to share that Anderson’s Bookshop has announced an Educator Book Club beginning in January 2024 with CPDUs available for all that participate!!!

Eeeek!

The first Educator Book Club title is Joanne Rossmassler Fritz’s Ruptured! Beginning in January 2024, the book club will meet in-person on the first Tuesday of every other month, and virtually via Zoom on the first Sunday of every other month.

Order and read more about the book, see book club meeting dates and locations, and RSVP by clicking the button!

See you on Zoom!

    —Jenn

Click to RSVP
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2024 Climate of H.O.P.E. Conference

Climate of H.O.P.E. Conference

(How Our Planet is Evolving)

March 1, 2024 at 8:00 – 2:30 pm

The 2024 Climate of HOPE Conference is designed to bring a combination of cutting edge climate research and engaging classroom-ready activities to Middle School & High School Illinois Science Teachers and Administrators.

The conference will explore the confluence of inquiry, climate science, and evolution as they relate to our rapidly changing planet. Open to all science educators to discuss the latest research and how we can bring it into our classrooms.

Keynote Speakers:

  • Dr. Frank Niepold – Senior Climate Education Coordinator at NOAA’s Climate Program Office
  • Dr. Amanda L. Townley – Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education
  • Dr. Karen Alley – Assistant Professor at University of Manitoba
  • Dr. Richard Alley – Professor of Geosciences at Penn State
  • Congressman Sean Casten 

Sponsors: National Science Foundation-funded US Ice Drilling Program (IDP), National Center for Science Education (NCSE), DuPage County Regional Office of Education (DROE), and the Illinois Science Teachers Association (ISTA)

5 Continuing Education hours are available through the DuPage ROE for attending this event.

Registration Fee: $30.00/Person

Location: Downers Grove North High School

Climate of H.O.P.E. Registration
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A Cozy Christmas

December 11, 2023

Merry Christmas Dearest Readers.

Christmas lights sparkle and shine. Strangers exchange smiles and warm greetings. Music rings out with hope and joy. Snow blankets our town. Well, maybe not yet, but I can smell it. It’s coming. Our small village celebrates with festive lights; a skating rink; and jolly festivities on the weekend. Next to the village hall, Santa greets visitors with a sparkle in his eyes. When you see him, remember to make a Christmas wish. Do you still believe in Christmas magic? I do.

Cozy up with some cocoa and a relaxing read. I compiled a morsel of my favorite Christmas reads. Jan Brett, Matt Tavares and Charles Dickens are near to my heart and hold fond memories of Christmas past.

  1. Gingerbread Baby, by Jan Brett
  2. Gingerbread Christmas, by Jan Brett
  3. Home for Christmas, by Jan Brett
  4. The Night Before Christmas, by Jan Brett
  5. The Nutcracker, by Jan Brett
  6. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell!, by Lucille Colandro
  7. Shall I Knit You a Hat? By Kate Klise
  8. The Wish Tree, by Kyo Maclear
  9. Magic Tree House: Christmas in Camelot, by Mary Pope Osborne
  10. Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light, by Apryl Stott
  11. The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree, by David Rubel
  12. Olive the Other Reindeer, by Vivian Walsh and J. Otto Seibold
  13. Dasher, by Matt Tavares
  14. Dasher Can’t Wait for Christmas, by Matt Tavares
  15. Red and Lulu, by Matt Tavares
  16. Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, by Robert Barry
  17. A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings, by Charles Dickens

Merry Christmas and Warmest Wishes for the New Year.

—-Jenn 🎅🏼

**Please note: At this time, I am not affiliated with the bookshop linked above (wink, wink I would love the opportunity). Direct links are included for your convenience.

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Merry Happy Thankful November

Monday, November 6, 2023

On November 1, the trees began to twinkle and carols were sung. Some may say it’s too soon, but others will agree that we need the season of joy and wonder to return. It’s been a challenging school year and this educator is weary. My heart becomes more and more weary with each passing day.

I formally apologize to the Thanksgiving turkey. It’s not you it’s me. I need more than a meal that will fill my belly. I need a holiday that will fill my soul with joy and wonder. I need a holiday that spreads love and peace. I need a holiday where strangers smile at each other and well wishes are extended. I need a holiday where the world sparkles. I need a holiday where grace is extended. I need a holiday where we straighten each others crowns. I need a holiday where kindness is encompassing. I need really need a holiday from the cold and darkness.

Twinkle lights, eggnog and the fresh smell of pine bring back memories of simplicity and joy. Merry Happy Thankful November has me unpacking my tress; hanging silver bells; changing out the doormat to a snowman with joy; and lighting the magical snow globe that reminds me to believe once more in the magic of the Christmas season. So, for those of you that are weary and/or struggling, take a moment; light a festive candle and drink in the joy of possibilities.

Wishing you and your family a Merry Happy Thankful November.

—Jenn

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