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Summer is officially in full swing, which means warmer weather and clearer skies for outside activities. Whether you're planning a getaway trip or spending some quality time at home with your family, we hope that you're having an amazing and relaxing summer vacation.

Along with our partners at Yummy Dental & Orthodontics for Kids, we also hope that during this time that you're away, you're keeping up with your daily oral routine. Your dental health is very important to us because we understand the positive effects that a beautiful smile can have on your self-esteem and confidence.

During these summer months, we tend to eat more sugary foods and drinks such as ice cream and soda to keep cool in this heat. Without brushing or flossing your teeth daily, bacteria can build up on your teeth and eat away at the enamel that protects them, leaving your teeth exposed to sensitivity. 

Fluoride, a mineral found in water sources, is commonly used to reduce the number of cavities found in patients of all ages. Yummy Dental’s professional fluoride treatment ensures that your child will receive an adequate amount of this mineral to strengthen the enamel in his or her teeth. Fluoride can also treat early stages of tooth decay before it becomes visible, which makes it an amazing cavity fighter!

Yummy Dental’s friendly staff will be more than happy to provide you with helpful tips to keep your teeth healthy and clean during the summertime. They also recommend that you schedule your regular appointment with one of their doctors to get your teeth professionally cleaned and checked out to prevent any cavities or decay. For people who are new to the area or are looking to change their pediatric dentist, feel free to call the Chicago office (773.281.8100) or the Glenview office (847.729.4700) to schedule an appointment!

In celebration of Kohl Children’s Museum’s 30th Anniversary, the Museum partnered with six local artists to create Trees on Parade, a collection of whimsically painted fiberglass trees on display through October 7 at Northbrook Court Mall. In March, Trees on Parade was a featured exhibit at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show at Navy Pier. The six fiberglass trees (representing stylized versions of the Museum’s logo) stand five feet tall and are captivatingly decorated to celebrate the spirit of childhood and the Museum. Four of the trees will be auctioned at the Museum’s An Evening to Imagine gala on October 8.

The first of the series of trees was designed and created by Bryan Butler, a local artist specializing in illustration, fine art, and graphic design.  Over the course of his career, Mr. Butler has worked with such prestigious organizations as Lurie Children’s Hospital, the Chi-Town Jazz Festival, and Moody Bible Institute.  

Working on a project for Kohl Children’s Museum was a bit of a departure for Mr. Butler, but he was extremely intrigued with the project and opportunity when the Museum’s Board Chair Paul Sutenbach and his wife, Linda, reached out to him when the project was in its infancy.

In order to gain a better understanding of the Museum, its mission, and vision, Mr. Butler asked to meet with staff members and pay a visit to the Museum in order to visualize the physical space, take pictures, and capture its spirit. While he looked at this project as a challenge, he also felt that he could impact the Museum by creating a work of art that would help portray the many facets of the organization and its impact on children. For example, the front of the sculpture represents the architectural design of the building and the geometric yellow mimics the roof of the museum. The blue represents the sky. where one can note the presence of a small aircraft soaring upwards and skywriting “30 Years and Growing.” The aircraft is a tribute to the former airfield that the Museum now sits upon.

The green represents the landscape surrounding the Museum. The red color on the side of the sculpture is meant to draw the eye upward and also to trigger excitement. The artist chose to use primary colors, as these are colors with which young children identify.

The back of the sculpture is an intricate display of white on blue with inspirational words about raising children well. These words are layered upon each other to create texture and interest. Kohl Children’s Museum’s familiar green logo is also present with a subtle nuance – the artist’s handprint is playfully overlaid on it.

This project was extremely rewarding for Mr. Butler, who looked at it not only as a great challenge, but as a chance to work with and support a great organization.