Willowbrook School started off the 2008-2009 school year with with its opening ceremony on the morning of Aug. 27. Students, faculty and parents assembled in the gym at the start of the first full day of school.

Two girls learned what life was like when the chores were done at Wagner Farm Aug. 22. Wearing work boots and gloves, they mucked out stalls, laid down straw and replenished feed for the cows and chickens.

Yes, Mitch is a Blackhawk fan. A goalie form Stevenson High School. Gotta love that cup!

After winning the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Redwings in the 2008 National Hockey League Finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins in June, defenseman Brett Lebda brought the cup home.

Kokyo Taiko Drum Troupe from the Buddhist Temple of Chicago performed for hundreds at the Chicago Botanic Garden Aug. 17 as part of the Malott Japanese Garden Summer Festival.

Approximately 17 scrapbookers rolled in suitcases full of craft paper, scissors, pens, tape and of course photos to St. Philip Lutheran Church Aug. 16 for a 12-hour scrapbooking marathon.