Category Archives: My Thoughts

She’s a natural!

It’s our fourth year of the summer writing camps. So we launched a search for just the right person to lead our 4th – 7th graders this summer.  Why not Molly Koeneman you ask?  Well, during the day she’s working for a “hot-shot” publishing company in Chicago.  But don’t fret, she will lead writing workshops on two summer Saturdays, so register early.

Our summer candidate search led us to a great new addition to TT Patton.  Let me introduce you to Brittany Walk, aka Britt.  She’s a graduate of Indiana University with a degree in Secondary Education: Language Arts/English.  She’s a natural fit with teaching experience in Indiana and New Zealand with a passion for creative writing.  Britt also enjoys bicycling (long rides!) and is a Water Polo Assistant Coach.

Britt is very comfortable in the classroom.  She spent 2 days this week teaching the art of writing a letter to the 5th graders at Rose Elementary School in South Barrington.  (I can tell you some South Barrington moms are going to be in tears walking from the mailbox this week.)

So when you see this new face at TT Patton, just say Hi Britt!  Her energy is infectious and you’ll enjoy your chat!

Our summer classes begin June 18th.  Click here for more information.

Stationery Snob? Who me?

I like paper.  No, lets just be clear, I like stationery.  And if you really want me to be specific…I love personal stationery.  There’s something about your name in print.  I remember visiting a friend and they had letters from former presidents framed and hanging on the wall.  Not written on stationery from “The White House”, or “the office of…” but personal stationery.  Even today, it’s still special to them.  We get email from politicians everyday.  But what would really sway my vote would be a handwritten note on their personal stationery.  Show me how much you really care.  Stop in TT Patton, select your paper of choice, decide on the many fonts and custom calligraphy available.  We’ll even make you a copper plate so you can engrave it over and over again.

Yes, Mr. President and Mr. Governor, I’m a stationery snob.  And if you want my vote and the votes of other stationery snobs, you should consider some fabulous personal note cards and get to writing!  I mean, what else are you going to do with all that PAC money?

SHOP for the CAUSE

It’s nice when a town can rally around a cause.  But which one?  Did you know there are over 200 nonprofit groups in this zip code alone?  Really.  As a small retailer it’s difficult to support them all.  So a few years ago a couple of retailers started SHOP FOR THE CAUSE.  Your charity picks a day to shop and a percentage of the proceeds go the charity.  It’s good for all…good for the charity, good for the retailer…and good for the shopper.  It’s good to give.

So this Thursday is another shop for the cause; for the American Cancer Society.  It’s called Purple Heals – Sip, Shop & Dine.  And it will be easy to spot the participants because they will have purple balloons, purple bags, purple ribbons, and maybe even purple paper dresses in their windows.  And not just retail shops, but restaurants, coffee shops, photographers, and real estate agents; basically most of Barrington.  So if you don’t have any plans for Thursday night…SHOP 60010.  We’re keeping the lights on for you…for the American Cancer Society.  At least until 8pm…