Lake Bluff Elementary School

Though they have special education teachers and aides on staff, this school is not at all prepared to handle children with special needs.

My son's particular disability is Attention Deficit Hyper Activity. He is unable to stay focused and pay attention for more than 15 minutes at a time. He also rates as high superior in intelligence, so he gets bored very easily if he isn't provided with materials and lessons that challenge him often. The staff at this school treated him like he was a moron and a delinquent. Their solution to his wandering around the room and playing when his attention wasn't being held by the lesson was to hold him in bear hugs or throw him on the floor and sit on him until he was gasping for breath and they became afraid of smothering him. They yelled at him and told him to sit still in his seat or he could expect more of this treatment every time he "acted stupid or disruptive."

I learned of this from the parents of several of his classmates. The children told their parents about it because they were afraid it would happen to them.

If you have a child with special needs DO NOT ENROLL YOUR CHILD IN THIS SCHOOL!!!

PROS:
CONS: they will destroy your special needs child's spirit

Jewish Beginnings - Lubavitch Preschool

My son went to Lubavitch for nursery school and kindergarten and just loved it there. It's a wonderful caring, sharing and learning environment, filled with Yiddishkeit and tradition. We are not Lubavitch, but my son enjoyed being there very much because the environment respects all levels of observance. And the director is a real gem; a warm, loving individual who stands out in the community. As a private school there is tuition, but arrangements can be made.

Eastbay Hand Car Wash

This place is awesome. They clean your car inside and out, treating it as if it were their own. They clean, polish and shine everything, including the carpet and upholstery. And follow up with a hand wax and buff. When I dropped it off, my car was dirty and the upholstery and carpet were actually filthy (kids with muddy feet, spilling drinks, etc). When I picked it up, my car looked brand new clean and smelled FRESH. It was kind of expensive, but well worth it.

Buds By Brenda

Brenda's is a great little flower shop on a corner. It's small -- compact would be a better word. Once upon a time long ago and far away it used to be a gas station. The flowers are fresh and there's a nice selection. The only real drawback is that there's very little parking available on the property or on the street near the property. Prices are competitive with other area florists, but some things are a bit less and some are a bit more.

PROS:
CONS: not much parking available

Dykeman Family Corp

This is a family owned heating and air conditioning repair/installation company on the east side. They are contracted by a lot of apartment building owners so they have a large client base. But the people who work for them are friendly and helpful, as well as skilled. Prices are competitive, they get the job done, they are pleasant while they are doing it, and they clean up after themselves. What more could you ask?

Calico Corners

This is a very cool place. I enjoyed it from the moment I walked in. They have fabrics in all sorts of textures, patterns and colors to delight just about every quilter and home or fashion sewer. Plenty of decorator fabrics to choose from and a nice selection of patterns and accessories. If you enjoy the whole fabric shop experience, you'll like browsing through this store. I found it hard to choose just what I came for and not buy more, but my wallet made the decision for me.

The Cutting Table

There is a great selection of fabrics, buttons, beads, pattern books, threads and tools in this shop. They will also machine quilt your tops (kind of expensive, but worth it if you love the piecing and top-making but don't enjoy the quilting part).

I've taken several quilting classes at this shop and enjoyed them all immensely. The instructors are friendly and knowledgable, and encourage each student to work at their own pace. The owner gives a discount on all fabrics, books and tools required for the classes if you buy them from her.

Now that I am disabled, I can't take classes anymore because the classrooms are downstairs and there is no elevator. I have also noticed that there is no handicap parking and the doors are not handicap accessible. Wasn't important to me before, but it is essential now.

PROS:
CONS: not handicap accessible

Vicicapilli salon & spa

I have degenerative arthritis and fibromyalgia as well, so I rarely want anyone touching me (why add more pain?). They are so gentle here that I was able to get some real benefit from the massage and pedicure. The neck and shoulder massage actually helped ease some of my pain, and I was able to enjoy being pampered. The pedicure included a foot massage, which was a real bonus. And the prices are really affordable.

Beans & Barley Market & Cafe

This market is just filled with wonderful vegetarian and natural food items. There's a lot here for all different types of vegetarians, from vegan to ovo-lacto, and for those who eat meat as well. They also carry a nice selection of natural bath and body care items, books, candles, decorative items, and bakery. I have never eaten in the restaurant area, but they always have such wonderful scents coming from that direction!

PROS:
CONS: very limited parking

Koppa's Fulbeli Deli

I live in Oak Creek, but whenever I'm on the east side I have to stop in at Koppa's. This is a neighborhood grocery, deli, liquor store and gourmet foods shop all rolled into one super Mom & Pop operation (I just adore the Mom & Pop shops!). The prices are a bit higher than you'll find at most groceries, but the ambience, service and selection of unique items is well worth it. There's often a bit of kitsch thrown in as well, with humorous signs and t-shirts.

PROS: Family owned, gourmet selection
CONS: