The Academy of Music and Art is excited to announce our Winter 2027 production of Disney's High School Musical JR.!
&#127775; Young performers ages 7&ndash;17 are welcome!
No previous acting, singing, or dancing experience is necessary! Our musicals offer a fun, supportive environment where kids and teens can build confidence, make friends, and experience the excitement of performing on stage.
&#128197; Performances: March 11&ndash;14, 2027
&#127917; Registration is OPEN!
Learn more about auditions, rehearsals, and joining the cast:
<a href="https://www.academyofmusicandart.com/high-school-musical-jr-2027.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.academyofmusicandart.com/high-school-musical-jr-2027.html</a>
&#128205; The Academy of Music and Art &mdash; Westmont, IL

DuPage County

David Giuliani

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills

Illinois

Disney's High School Musical JR. Coming to...

The Academy of Music and Art is excited to announce our Winter 2027 production of Disney's High School Musical JR.!...

Disney's High School Musical JR. Coming to Westmont in March 2027!

October marks National Women's Small Business Month, recognizing the growing impact of female entrepreneurs across the country. Nearly four decades ago former President Ronald Reagan signed into law the Women&rsquo;s Business Ownership Act of 1988. That law made it illegal for banks to discriminate when giving women business loans, requiring them to no longer need a male relative to co-sign. The legislation helped remove barriers to financing for women, paving the way for greater business ownership. Today, women own nearly half of the nation&rsquo;s small businesses and continue to play a vital role in shaping the American economy
Among them is <a href="https://www.brushforkids.com/meet-dr-mira-albert.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Mira Albert</a>, a board-certified pediatric dentist, national spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and founder of <a href="https://www.brushforkids.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brush Pediatric Dentistry</a>, who has spent the past 15 years building a thriving business while raising two children and helping other women advance their careers.
&ldquo;When I opened my first practice 15 years ago, I knew I wanted to build something special, but I also knew I couldn't do it alone,&rdquo; said Albert. &ldquo;I'm incredibly grateful for the talented women who have helped make Brush Pediatric Dentistry what it is today. Building the right all female team, making thoughtful decisions and creating opportunities for others have been essential to our success.&rdquo;
Albert opened her first pediatric dental practice in the Chicago area of <a href="https://www.brushforkids.com/hinsdale-office.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hinsdale</a> in 2011, while pregnant with her second child. Her vision was to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where families could feel confident in the care their children received. Equally important was building a <a href="https://www.brushforkids.com/meet-the-dentists.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">female team</a> of talented women who shared her commitment to patient care, collaboration and professional growth. That foundation helped fuel the practice's success and eventual expansion to <a href="https://www.brushforkids.com/downers-grove-office.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Downers Grove</a> in 2024. Today, Albert leads 30 women across both locations.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women own around 43% of the nation's nearly 30 million non-employer businesses. They report that women-owned businesses in the country, both those that employ people and those that don&rsquo;t, account for 14 million businesses generating $2.5 trillion annually. For women considering entrepreneurship, particularly those balancing business ownership with motherhood, Albert's experience offers lessons that extend well beyond dentistry.
Not only has Dr. Albert been able to grow her business alongside her family, but she has made it her mission to help support and nurture other women in their careers. She made mentorship a priority, helping aspiring young dentists navigate their education, training and professional development. Two women she mentored went on to become pediatric dentists and then returned to Brush Pediatric Dentistry to work alongside her. 
Drawing on 15 years of experience, Albert shares five lessons for women looking to start, manage or grow a successful small business:
<ul><li>Mentorship: Invest in people, not just the business. Some of the most meaningful opportunities for growth come from helping others succeed. Albert encourages women to seek guidance from experienced mentors while also creating opportunities to mentor others. Developing talent from within can strengthen a business, build loyalty and prepare the next generation of leaders.</li><li>Calculated risks: Know when it's time to make a move. Growth often requires stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether expanding to a second location, changing a business model or making a difficult financial decision, successful entrepreneurs must evaluate risks carefully and recognize when staying comfortable could limit future opportunities.</li><li>Leadership: Build a team that can grow with you. Running a business requires more than technical expertise. Effective leaders recognize individual strengths, encourage collaboration and give employees opportunities to take on greater responsibility. Investing in future leaders can help a business grow beyond its founder.</li><li>Communication: Make it a business priority. Clear, consistent communication builds trust among employees, customers and business partners.&nbsp;</li><li>Patience: Build for the long term. Sustainable business growth rarely happens overnight. Albert encourages entrepreneurs to remain focused on their vision while recognizing that success often comes through years of consistent effort, learning and adapting.&nbsp;</li></ul>
&ldquo;Building a business while raising a family has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding,&rdquo; said Albert. &ldquo;One of the greatest lessons I've learned is that success isn't something you achieve alone. It's about surrounding yourself with the right people, believing in your vision and creating opportunities for others to grow.&rdquo;
For Albert, celebrating 15 years in business is about more than opening a second location or expanding her team. It's about the women she has mentored, the careers she has helped shape and the culture she has built along the way.

She Built a Business by Building Other Women Up...

October marks National Women's Small Business Month, recognizing the growing impact of female entrepreneurs across the country. Nearly four decades...

She Built a Business by Building Other Women Up: Small Business Lessons Behind 15 Years of Growth

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend over $4 billion on Halloween candy this year. Many children will get buckets or pillowcases filled with the sweet stuff after spending time trick-or-treating, attending parties, and going to trunk-or-treat events. While much of the media attention surrounding Halloween focuses on candy and its impact on children's teeth, one pediatric dentist <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjKyZtdV9NB0epseMxvqpX2xXoBhdXFnlpt4O-2BpVK6-2F0LhtsnryHzoMB6npwLqrUQ-3D-3Dd5Ae_70rCnWaovi0YgJjSoVGtpXOdVJFwSaioV2iSFRUxaQfrAb9PWcc7MuJsFVZ5eOP2Uf-2FRslHd4kWCaknKehR6KRLOGY0GqbNfR1BkPplB6z7nBMoe5yvsQaiEBjgqipJvSumGVqI-2BJwP4xMUTYJmw6XFq-2FxZCgbwggUhIF-2BjVaCcPc-2FQCD-2BPWjJpeIN8thRpOqvftXHV4sM0LOQK-2F3S27aSLJVh5v8hx3LsBa4-2BMzHfvYmalfgsMcyDalf4NQ6Y9uLO1QM23R1ETtHo3Kk1jg0N6nP0GXmeJYxMVldVps8-2FwmO5gSVLnycQBl475roFHa1SOSNSxyGMSqjzHrus-2BGjET5Sbv-2BTdA6krq52eSY7-2BU-3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Dr. Mira Albert</a> is pointing out that everyday habits throughout the year have a bigger impact and can quietly take a toll on children's oral health long after the Halloween candy is gone.
&ldquo;It's much scarier to look at the habits we have all year long when it comes to what impacts our children's teeth,&rdquo; said Dr. Mira Albert, board-certified pediatric dentist and founder of <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjKyZtdV9NB0epseMxvqpW5UbVmfc4gC-2BhqOiFkq1r3S1SB_70rCnWaovi0YgJjSoVGtpXOdVJFwSaioV2iSFRUxaQfrAb9PWcc7MuJsFVZ5eOP2Uf-2FRslHd4kWCaknKehR6KRLOGY0GqbNfR1BkPplB6z7nBMoe5yvsQaiEBjgqipJvSumGVqI-2BJwP4xMUTYJmw6XFq-2FxZCgbwggUhIF-2BjVaCcPc-2FQCD-2BPWjJpeIN8thRpOqvftXHV4sM0LOQK-2F3S27aWG3IgoIwCOafij1pGUZXA0czG3pXwuzyq8BYUP70Kh-2Bho1ZOIthD0mU-2BQUP-2BniAMW9BXqlUv-2B6ggRcgMkb78DZmjCRsWQ0LZ-2Bz7oOoy3iadBLs1gqmo8vJvFPPLIVYJUFXrsysY4HAt1AQR9Azdoms-3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Brush Pediatric Dentistry</a>. &ldquo;The things we do on a regular basis all year have a huge impact on the health of our teeth and smile. Now is a great time to look at those and see if there are improvements we can make.&rdquo;
While eating too much Halloween candy can affect children's teeth, Albert says frequent sugar exposure, improper brushing techniques and other seemingly harmless habits can contribute to cavities, enamel erosion and other dental problems throughout the year. The good news is that recognizing these habits and making small adjustments to daily routines can help protect children's oral health year-round.
Here are some of the scary everyday habits that families should be aware of that may be negatively impacting their teeth:
<ul><li>Grazing. It&rsquo;s common practice for many people to snack or sip non-water beverages throughout the day. This grazing keeps a continuous supply of sugar and acid in the mouth, which can lead to the enamel being worn down and too much acid exposure.</li><li>Brushing too soon after acidic foods or drinks. While it is great to brush your teeth, it&rsquo;s not good to do so right after having acidic foods or drinks. This can temporarily cause the enamel to soften and lead to abrasive damage. Ideally, wait at least 30 to 60 minutes after having acidic food and beverages before brushing your teeth.</li><li>Biting things you shouldn&rsquo;t. Far too often, people use their teeth as tools to open packages or chew on objects that they shouldn&rsquo;t be chewing on. This can lead to the teeth being damaged, chipped or cracked.</li><li>Chewing on ice. Chewing on ice can damage the teeth or lead to gum injury and should be avoided. Plus, it can be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as iron deficiency anemia. Those who like to chew ice regularly should consult with their doctor to ensure there is no underlying health issue prompting it.</li><li>Not brushing before bed. Brushing the teeth before bed is crucial to help remove any bacteria and food particles. When this is not done, those things can end up creating bacteria in the mouth that can lead to cavities and gum issues. </li><li>Brushing too hard. People often think they have to scrub their teeth hard to get them clean, but that&rsquo;s simply not the case. Brushing hard can lead to gum recession and can erode the tooth enamel. Using a gentle brushing movement will help remove the plaque. Keep in mind that a frayed and hard-bristled toothbrush can also do harm. </li></ul>
&ldquo;Kids are going to eat a lot of candy on Halloween and for a few days following it,&rdquo; added Dr. Albert. &ldquo;Let&rsquo;s instead focus on what they are doing on a daily basis all year that has a much bigger impact. We want to take the best care of our teeth all year, not just in October.&rdquo;
While Halloween candy may be a temporary concern, Albert encourages parents to focus on the habits that shape their children's oral health every day. Establishing consistent brushing routines, limiting frequent snacking and teaching children how to protect their teeth can make a lasting difference long after the Halloween decorations come down. 
Dr. Albert welcomes patients at <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjKyZtdV9NB0epseMxvqpUgRFECW5LI7y6XoRcaPA9-2FeDwJTAoyZQH3F2hQJ-2FW6cw-3D-3D0YJT_70rCnWaovi0YgJjSoVGtpXOdVJFwSaioV2iSFRUxaQfrAb9PWcc7MuJsFVZ5eOP2Uf-2FRslHd4kWCaknKehR6KRLOGY0GqbNfR1BkPplB6z7nBMoe5yvsQaiEBjgqipJvSumGVqI-2BJwP4xMUTYJmw6XFq-2FxZCgbwggUhIF-2BjVaCcPc-2FQCD-2BPWjJpeIN8thRpOqvftXHV4sM0LOQK-2F3S27ad9R41wRzhZcksPzmhJpQx-2Bl7FbBc0iCsEKAwRXSrDSCpsf-2FA6FAP2DHWxiRyjOCpkxa7jRSl4Pxtt1mIE9NNu2hi8bjKhdQHLgMi-2FuaIw3wi0YvTyFos4IMNUoBijvis390j8udLrkuBI26awyMnTM-3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">two locations in Illinois</a>, including Hinsdale and Downers Grove. <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjKyZtdV9NB0epseMxvqpVvf8jHSfMO2-2BKONHJ2E8nWxLaWtTBaxsIPUWwPSuhAGQ-3D-3D8mRe_70rCnWaovi0YgJjSoVGtpXOdVJFwSaioV2iSFRUxaQfrAb9PWcc7MuJsFVZ5eOP2Uf-2FRslHd4kWCaknKehR6KRLOGY0GqbNfR1BkPplB6z7nBMoe5yvsQaiEBjgqipJvSumGVqI-2BJwP4xMUTYJmw6XFq-2FxZCgbwggUhIF-2BjVaCcPc-2FQCD-2BPWjJpeIN8thRpOqvftXHV4sM0LOQK-2F3S27aRXlRkHbOwykGQ4Oj7FzijugGgMxEv01OJl5ZVQi85R-2B6wKjYEky-2FoVkTMGkMcXUz6LVkEG7MKSrAQ4oa82t8xPZEZLU0skIVugj34ULyrmwdh9AUBGJia6x23XPm-2BsX92BHGEAurPyKHjU5Zo7MrDM-3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Brush Pediatric Dentistry</a>specializes in helping children with all aspects of preventive, restorative, and emergency dental services. To get more information and schedule an appointment, visit the website at:<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjKyZtdV9NB0epseMxvqpW5UbVmfc4gC-2BhqOiFkq1r3-l-E_70rCnWaovi0YgJjSoVGtpXOdVJFwSaioV2iSFRUxaQfrAb9PWcc7MuJsFVZ5eOP2Uf-2FRslHd4kWCaknKehR6KRLOGY0GqbNfR1BkPplB6z7nBMoe5yvsQaiEBjgqipJvSumGVqI-2BJwP4xMUTYJmw6XFq-2FxZCgbwggUhIF-2BjVaCcPc-2FQCD-2BPWjJpeIN8thRpOqvftXHV4sM0LOQK-2F3S27aYJD-2FDfIJ98U46-2BuMR4hbvt50oGhVrvJ0HInkpYEG6o9wiem2aKe6jzme4OW-2FsqAEdyEtDf-2FE1WbC1pOWsdqyKLU2yzbvCIJWggLDMXo3DfDGYQ0PXciUUrcEWGlsYtqRbXargYXA1-2FTaHccO-2FDWiJc-3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> </a><a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjKyZtdV9NB0epseMxvqpW5UbVmfc4gC-2BhqOiFkq1r36I0x_70rCnWaovi0YgJjSoVGtpXOdVJFwSaioV2iSFRUxaQfrAb9PWcc7MuJsFVZ5eOP2Uf-2FRslHd4kWCaknKehR6KRLOGY0GqbNfR1BkPplB6z7nBMoe5yvsQaiEBjgqipJvSumGVqI-2BJwP4xMUTYJmw6XFq-2FxZCgbwggUhIF-2BjVaCcPc-2FQCD-2BPWjJpeIN8thRpOqvftXHV4sM0LOQK-2F3S27aTKALDVatOKE22EaeLJ-2B9FX55YwHehEKXtPIL0sP9jdyCwy7Btjxbbq9Bl2tKfvrmpGJsmPu2c3X3sCcXdjzHiZpIOGmGcVGLF-2FvhdYNlo-2FB4qnCfYQC5yOkpxwZKY8RHTg3eVp59yWYEKYojwiVHzw-3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">https://www.brushforkids.com/</a>

Dentist Warns That Everyday Habits May Be...

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend over $4 billion on Halloween candy this year. Many children will get...

Dentist Warns That Everyday Habits May Be Scarier For Your Smile than Halloween Candy

Cook County

Western Springs

Oak Brook

La Grange

Burr Ridge

Lisa Marie Farver

Downers Grove

Darien

Elmhurst

Woodridge

Glen Ellyn

Forest Park

BHHS Chicago Holiday Toy Collection

Charlotte's Web

Spread kindness with Do-Rite donuts! Pumpkin Old Fashioned, Apple Cider, & more. Order by 4pm Friday

Mistletoe Magic Christmas Bazaar

Holiday Food Giveaway-FOR FAMILIES IN NEED

Sports Cards and More Show - Sunday, November 15, 2026 @ Orland Park Civic Center

Chicago Artisan Market in Fulton Market - Sun, Nov 15th (Pre-Thanksgiving Market)

Swing into Fall...Basie Style!

Choosing a Medicare Supplement Plan

The famous Pequod's, caramelized crust pizza is heading your way. Order by noon.

Pequod’s signature pan pizza and caramelized cheese crust at home. Order by noon Wednesday!

Naperville Bricks & Minifigs LEGO Store - Early Black Friday Sale!

Camerata Chicago — Handel's 'Messiah'

The Biz Connect 2026

LaBelleSells

MD Aesthetics & Skin Tightening

Rainier and Hawthorne, LLC

Advanced Family Medicine

Berg Properties

Tru Integrative Wellness

Father and Sons Plumbing and Drain Cleaning LLC

Stillpoint Mental Health Associates SC 

Martika Photography, LLC

Burr Ridge Village Center

HomeHero Roofing

Hinsdale Man Shifts Story On Drinking, Smells...

The man was charged with DUI. A woman questioned the arrest. 

Hinsdale Man Shifts Story On Drinking, Smells Of Alcohol: Police

Crime & Safety

Clarendon Hills Senior Named Illinois...

She attends Timothy Christian High School in Elmhurst, where she is a senior team captain.

Clarendon Hills Senior Named Illinois Volleyball Coaches' Class 3A First Team All-State

Sports

🌱 Patch AM: Sports Focus Of Central, South...

Make time for BHHS Chicago Holiday Toy Collection on the Hinsdale Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Sports Focus Of Central, South Planned Debt-Funded Projects

Community Corner

Sports Focus Of Central, South Planned Debt...

Non-athletic work is also on the list. A board member asks to get sports turf work done more quickly. 

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Discover more in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills

Find and sell treasures, hire and offer services. All in your community

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills, IL|Local Classified|Announcement|5d

Disney's High School Musical JR. Coming to Westmont in March 2027!

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills, IL|Local Classified|Announcement|Oct 15

She Built a Business by Building Other Women Up: Small Business Lessons Behind 15 Years of Growth

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills, IL|Local Classified|Announcement|Oct 13

Dentist Warns That Everyday Habits May Be Scarier For Your Smile than Halloween Candy

BHHS Chicago Holiday Toy Collection

Charlotte's Web

Spread kindness with Do-Rite donuts! Pumpkin Old Fashioned, Apple Cider, & more. Order by 4pm Friday

Mistletoe Magic Christmas Bazaar

Holiday Food Giveaway-FOR FAMILIES IN NEED

Charlotte's Web

Sports Cards and More Show - Sunday, November 15, 2026 @ Orland Park Civic Center

Chicago Artisan Market in Fulton Market - Sun, Nov 15th (Pre-Thanksgiving Market)

Swing into Fall...Basie Style!

Charlotte's Web

Choosing a Medicare Supplement Plan

The famous Pequod's, caramelized crust pizza is heading your way. Order by noon.

Pequod’s signature pan pizza and caramelized cheese crust at home. Order by noon Wednesday!

Naperville Bricks & Minifigs LEGO Store - Early Black Friday Sale!

Camerata Chicago — Handel's 'Messiah'

The Biz Connect 2026

LaBelleSells

MD Aesthetics & Skin Tightening

Rainier and Hawthorne, LLC

Advanced Family Medicine

Berg Properties

Tru Integrative Wellness

Father and Sons Plumbing and Drain Cleaning LLC

Stillpoint Mental Health Associates SC

Martika Photography, LLC

Burr Ridge Village Center

HomeHero Roofing