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Jeff Ward: Notes on West Suburban Civilization

By Jeff Ward

About this column:

Jeff Ward is an entrepreneur, freelance writer and a longtime opinion columnist for Patch and a number of West Suburban daily newspapers. The views and opinions expressed by the author are his own, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Patch.com.

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Columns

From the Editor

Bears vs. Packers: Does Anyone Even Care Anymore?
Storm Damage? Tell Us About It
A Star Spangled Memorial at OPRF
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Oak Park Influences

Ray Bradbury on Edgar Rice Burroughs
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The Picky Peasant

By Liita Forsyth
Get Those Old Sweaters Out of the Closet!
Trunk Show Proceeds Bring Art to Children's Hospital
Create a Magical Playhouse For Under $25
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You Ask...Patch Answers

By Casey Cora
Chicken & Waffles Joint Finally Set to Open
Camera Crews on Marion Create Curiosity
Library Lights Prompt Reader Concern
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Is the Great Recession Over?

Local Businesses Encouraged by Improving Numbers, Sales
Lingering Economic Woes Stand in the Way of Recovery
Recession Still Dogs Niles, But One Bright Spot Appears
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Theater Review

Authentic 'Stella & Lou' Makes Case for Second Chances
'Whipping Man' Speaks Powerfully of Freedom
Goodman's 'Christmas Carol' Transforms Darkness To Light
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The 2010 Green Awards

Fleet Can't Fail Me Now
"Rickshaw" Rick's Pedicabs a Green Tour de Force
Marion Street Takes the Cheese
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Cover To Cover

By Samantha Liss
Book Review: Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
The Last Meal: Defending an Accused Mass Murderer
Book Review: 'Walking In Broken Shoes'
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Patch Portraits

Patch Portrait: Revolution, Twittervised
Patch Portrait: Swimming Laps Around Old Age
Robin Hood of The Golf Course
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The Moms Council

By Jill Salzman, Gail Zarbin L.C.S.W., Brooke Randazzo Eggert, Emily Paster, and Jennifer Moore
Moms Talk: Family Getaways, But To Where?
Moms Talk: The Ice Cream Truck Cometh
Moms Talk: Happy Father's Day!
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Patch Election HQ

River Forest Library Candidates Start Fresh
One Newcomer, Two Incumbents Win OPRF District 200 Board Seats
Citizens For Accountable Leadership Sweep
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Jeff Ward: Notes on West Suburban Civilization

By Jeff Ward
Jeff Ward: You Can't Blame the President for Record Gas Prices
Jeff Ward: Our Teachers, Daycare Workers Deserve Better
Jeff Ward: The Internet, Sales Tax and an Off-the-Mark Tribune Editorial
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Overplanning and Under Deadline

By Aly Brumback
Getting Around and Getting By
Learning To Run: Dealing With A Motivation Problem
Overcoming Fears ... Through a Board Meeting?
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OMG PD

By Emily Stone
Smoking Ruins Getaway and Dog Walkers Come to Blows
Karaoke Quarrel and Pork Vandalism
Job Applicant Turns Vandal and an Entirely Predictable Theft
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Patch in the Parks

By Deborah Kadin
Patch in the Parks: Stevenson, Cheney Mansion and the Conservatory
Patch in the Parks: Lindberg, Scoville and Mills
Patch in the Parks: Field, Fox and Wenonah Tot Lot
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The App Hunter

By Robert K. Elder
Yipit: Deals by Map in this App
Use a Secret Santa App or Just a Hat?
Finding the Best Mobile Apps for Your Needs
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The Patch Interview

Scott Turow: Amazon.com is 'the Darth Vader of the Publishing Industry' and Other Thoughts
Scott Turow: 'You Have the Illusion at Least That You’re Going to Evolve'
Scott Turow: 'I Do Think Plot Makes Meaning in Fiction'
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Who Do You Trust?

By Casey Cora
Who Do You Trust? Wine Lists
Who Do You Trust? Tax Services
Who Do You Trust? Workin' at the Car Wash
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Visions for Vacancies

What Should Replace the Oak Park Food Mart?
What Should Replace Chameleon?
What Should Replace Bleeding Heart Bakery?
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It's All Art

By Ken Reif
With Partnership, Oak Park Art League to Preserve Printmaking
Glass Act: Getting to Know Bryan Northup
Walking Through an Open Door: An Interview with Mary Pat Sieck
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Readers Choice Summer 2012: Vote for Your Food & Drink Favorites

Vote for the Best Pizza in the Area
Vote for the Best Appetizers
Vote for the Best Bakery
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Readers Choice Summer 2012: Vote for Your Health & Beauty Favorites

Vote for the Best Spa
Vote for the Best Personal Trainer
Vote for the Best Pediatrician
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Readers Choice Summer 2012: Vote for Your Local Shopping Favorites

Vote for The Area's Best Record Store
Vote for the Best Resale Shop
Vote for the Best Clothing Boutique
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Readers Choice Summer 2012: Vote for Your Automotive Favorites

Vote for the Best Car-Sharing Service
Vote for the Area's Best Car Wash
Vote for the Area's Best Auto Service Shop
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Readers Choice Summer 2012: Vote for Your Entertainment & Nightlife Favorites

Vote for the Area's Best Performance Venue
Vote for the Best Local Band
Vote for the Best Date Spot
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Readers Choice Summer 2012: Vote for Your Kids & Family Favorites

Vote for The Area's Best Summer Camp for Kids
Vote for the Best Park for Families
Vote for the Best Kids Clothing Store
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Readers Choice Summer 2012: Vote for Your Home & Garden Favorites

Vote for the Best Garden Center
Vote for the Best Place for Home Furnishings
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Readers Choice Summer 2012: Vote for Your Service Favorites

Vote the Area's Best Landscape Service
Vote for the Best Realty Team in Oak Park and River Forest
Vote for the Best Veterinarian in Oak Park and River Forest
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Million Dollar Mondays

Unique Tudor/Prarie Stye Home and More Million Dollar Listings on the Market
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The Week Ahead

Beer and Board Games, Movies and More:The Week Ahead
Classic Christmas Movies, Ale House Tweeting and More: The Week Ahead
Tarzan Speaks: The Week Ahead
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WANTED

Woman Wanted for DUI and More Open Warrants
Men Wanted for Failing to Pay Child Support and More Open Warrants
Man Wanted on Burglary Charge and More Open Warrants
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Real Estate Steal—Foreclosures

Homes as Low as $29,000 on Market: Foreclosures
Homes as Low as $28,500 on Market: Foreclosures
Homes as Low as $28,500 on Market: Foreclosures
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Thirsty Thursdays

Revolution Beer Tasting and More: Thirsty Thursday
$5 Domestic Buckets, Pork Chops and More Great Food and Drink Deals: Thirsty Thursday
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Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer Profile: Linda Augustyn Spreads a Passion for Education
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The Weekend

Campout, Get Green and Play Frisbee: The Weekend Guide
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Cheapest Gas

Find the Cheapest Gas on Patch
$3.56? That's the Cheapest in the Area
$3.55? That's the Cheapest in the Area - Thanksgiving Edition
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Pet of the Day

This is Fluff—He Needs a Home
This is Bailey - She Needs a Home
This is Bella - She Needs a Home
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Patch on Politics

Sandack Says Illinois Should Keep Flat Income Tax
Income Taxes Leave You Feeling Flat?
ComEd Wants You to Pay More for Electricity You Used Last Year
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Letter to the Editor

Oak Park Republicans Dust Off and Look Toward Future: Letter to the Editor
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This Inspiring Story Brought to You by Grape-Nuts

Sponsored by Post Grape-Nuts
Man Paralyzed in Prime of Life Never Stops Following His Passion
The Long Journey to Change Minds About Marriage Equality
A Marine Corps Mom's Love for a Son Lost to Combat
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