The Greenhouse Café has reopened and is under new management. Leah Bodine of Blue Dragonfly Catering joined the Park with an upbeat attitude, over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, and an assortment of ideas to add her personal touch to the visitor-favorite eatery. We spoke with Leah about her experience with Allerton, plans to engage the community with the Café, and more! Check out the interview below. When did you start your business and why? I started my business 12 years … [Read more...] about Spotlight Interview: Greenhouse Café operator, Leah Bodine
National Pollinator Week 2021
It's National Pollinator Week 2021! Why are pollinators worth celebrating? Bees, bats, birds and butterflies do us an important service! As they visit flowers to feed on nectar, they carry pollen from plant to plant - moving pollen from a flower’s male stamen to its female stigma - or that of the next flower - fertilizes plants and produces fruits and seeds. When you walk into a garden to enjoy the flowers or bite into your favorite fruit or vegetable, you can thank a pollinator! They are … [Read more...] about National Pollinator Week 2021
Interview with Lauren + Jeffrey Brokish of Central Illinois Bakehouse
Thank you to Central Illinois Bakehouse for sponsoring our Picnic with the Peonies fundraiser! Founded by Lauren and Jeffrey Brokish, Central Illinois Bakehouse offers hand-crafted artisan breads, croissants, bagels, and pretzels baked fresh daily by a team of passionate bakers. Read our interview below to learn more about Central Illinois Bakehouse. Can you tell us about your company including your services, mission, and goals? We are an artisan baking company that celebrates community and … [Read more...] about Interview with Lauren + Jeffrey Brokish of Central Illinois Bakehouse
Interview with Atron Regen of Atron Regen Interior
Thank you to Atron Regen, of Atron Regen Interior, for sponsoring our upcoming fundraiser, Picnic with the Peonies! Atron has been focusing on his interior design work for the last 40 years, but prior to that, he lived and worked at Allerton for six years. Read on to learn more: Q: Can you tell us about your company including your services, mission, and goals? A: "My business is a total interior design service from concept to completion." Q: How long have you been in business and where … [Read more...] about Interview with Atron Regen of Atron Regen Interior
Interview with Cassie Yoder of Cass Concepts
We are so thankful for Cass Concepts, the presenting sponsor of our upcoming fundraiser, Picnic with the Peonies! Specializing in marketing, events, and public relations for small businesses, Cass Concepts founder and CEO Cassie Yoder has a unique history with Allerton. Read on to learn more: Q: Can you tell us about your company including your services, mission, and goals? A: "Cass Concepts is a full service marketing firm but, ultimately, we are storytellers. We believe that businesses … [Read more...] about Interview with Cassie Yoder of Cass Concepts
Earth Day 2021: New solar array installed at Allerton
Thanks to funding from the University of Illinois Student Sustainability Committee (SSC) and Michael Westjohn, Allerton was able to install another solar array! We chatted with Josh Frerichs, a senior in Urban Studies and Planning, who was instrumental in getting the SSC grant. Q: Can you give a brief overview of what the SSC is? JF: The Student Sustainability Committee (SSC) is a university-based organization that funds sustainable projects led by students or staff. These funds are … [Read more...] about Earth Day 2021: New solar array installed at Allerton
April 21, 2016: Why We Give
Five years ago today we were gathering to dedicate the McDonald Family Trails! Thanks to the generosity of Diana and Ward McDonald, these trails and surrounding woodlands have been significantly improved over the last few years, and will continued to be well cared for into the future. It was an honor to work with Diana and Ward to identify a project that was not only meaningful for them personally, but will benefit Allerton's natural areas and visitors for generations to come. Read their story … [Read more...] about April 21, 2016: Why We Give
Rebuild, Reconnect, Remember What Makes a Team Work
Let Allerton help you and your team find the balance between working toward organizational goals and bonding during a time you might need it most. Our group retreats offer the chance for teams to strengthen their relationship with various activities designed to rebuild, reconnect, and remember what makes a team work. Rebuild through the outdoor Allerton experience while engaged in a fun, team building exercise. Reconnect over a distanced meal or happy hour. We will prepare a secluded outdoor … [Read more...] about Rebuild, Reconnect, Remember What Makes a Team Work