Hostility towards immigrants had been building for years. By the middle of the decade, xenophobia reached its peak, leading to a widespread belief that immigrants were threatening to destroy American values and democracy.

Ordinarily I would not trouble the Roman Catholic church with my opinions. Its sacred books are divinely inspired; my columns, alas, are not. I would happily take my nose out of the church’s business if it would stop sticking its into mine. Same-sex marriage is a civil matter, and it is the civil realm, not the celestial one, that I live in.

I realize that numbers can numb the brain, but this is a good story, and I promise that these statistics are easy to absorb. In fact, the number 400 pretty much sums up this story of political intrigue and corruption involving some of America’s wealthiest families and corporations.

BALANCING ACT District 186 once had a very healthy balance. (“Balancing school books,” Patrick Yeagle, Sept. 3). Then a group was voted into office that spent the district into bankruptcy. Now the present board is trying to repair the damage.

That’s a headline grabbing number, since the end of December is not exactly the greatest time for people and companies that are owed money by the state. The state’s bill backlog was about $8 billion this past January, right after most of the 2011 state income tax hike expired.

Illinois National Bank, which is owed nearly $1.4 million, took immediate control of Piper Glen after foreclosing on the property last month. The course is now managed by Walters Golf Management, a St.

Rod Lane, executive director of Helping Hands, says about 40 to 45 percent of his group’s total budget comes from the state, and Helping Hands’ homeless shelter is funded by between 85 and 89 percent state money.

Wexford Health Sources, a Pennsylvania company that holds the contract to provide health care to Illinois inmates, has agreed to pay $800,000 to the family of a prisoner who died in 2012 after doctors at Taylorville Correctional Center failed to diagnose and treat the man for colon cancer.

The Illinois Coalition Against Beverage Taxes says it didn’t have anything to do with paid petition signatures solicited through a popular rewards website last week, State Sen. Mattie Hunter, D-Chicago, has pushed for a statewide penny-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks for two years.

greet table, more. Hosted by Illini Bird Fanciers Inc. $3 adults, kids free with paid adult. illinibirdfanciers.com. Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661. Invasive Plant Control Workshop.

Frank Buraski of Buraski Builders, who has been in the business of renovations and construction for 34 years, finds that kitchen trends are cyclical. He notes with interest that people are becoming more concerned with function than in past years. The trend toward commercial-looking kitchens exemplifies the utilitarian preference.

People all over the world who have a surplus of space, an adventurous spirit and the desire for extra income have opened up their homes to guests via Airbnb. For those who haven’t experienced it yet, Airbnb (short for airbed and breakfast) is a website where travelers can find lodging in the form of rooms in private homes or entire apartments.

The basic idea of a patio has been around for centuries. The word “patio” comes from a medieval Romance language word “patu,” meaning untilled land or communal pasture. In the past, patios have appeared in places like sprawling palaces, seaside villas, English country estates and more.

Curb appeal can help a home get noticed in a bustling real estate market. Curb appeal also can contribute to the aesthetics of a neighborhood for residents who plan to stay put, and many homeowners feel an attractive exterior is just as important as a comfortable interior.

Rather than looking for a new home, some homeowners consider expansion. Expanding a living space can be expensive, and a more affordable option may be converting existing basement or garage space into something more livable.

“In addition to planting spring-flowering bulbs, it’s also time to plant garlic,” said Ken Johnson. “Because garlic requires a cold period to properly produce, garlic cloves should be planted six to eight weeks before the ground is expected to freeze.

Open grassy areas are most likely to have frost versus areas under trees that are protected because the trees keep heat from escaping. “Plantings close to the foundation of your home often survive a first frost because of the heat given off from the house,” he said.

“Every spring at least one person asks me where they can purchase spring flowers for planting, such as tulips, hyacinths or daffodils,” Nelson said.

“Home composting is no more complicated than baking a cake,” said University of Illinois Extension educator Sandy Mason. “Once a gardener understands the basic principles of home composting, they can use the materials they have available and the methods that best suit them to make their compost.

I’ve learned some basic truths in recent months. Among them: pains and little cares, dear, come in little pairs, dear; the rich get rich and the poor get poorer; and, perhaps most important, not to mess with “Mr. In-Between.

Seasonal desserts have always been warm weather milestones. In spring, there’s rhubarb pie – so delicious that rhubarb itself was called “pie plant” in earlier times. And, of course, strawberry shortcake and various other rhubarb and strawberry concoctions, singly or in combination.

salads. Delicious ice cream, shakes and frozen treats. 50’s 60’s family atmosphere and great music. L & D. OD. $ Frankie’s on the Boulevard.

From out of the blue, our single mom heroine (Kathryn Hahn) gets a call from her estranged parents. Having left their home under a dark cloud at the age of 19, she’s stunned to hear from them some 15 years later and even more surprised when they ask if their grandchildren, who they’ve never met, can come visit them.

Dates, times and locations are subject to change, so we suggest calling before attending an event..

With a carefree and can-do motto of “music frees your mind and boogies your soul” this spirited, six-piece combo makes a debut performance at the Hut on Friday. Nate Cozadd (guitar, vocals) and Casey Cantrall (guitar, vocals), the songwriting, driving force behind the band, have played together as friends and pickers for over ten years.

Congratulations to the Black Sheep Cafe in celebrating ten years of being THE all ages venue in town. Our Lady, Looming and other bands, plus a few surprises play on Friday, starting at 7 p.m.

games for young ones, baked goods, crafts, pottery, sustainable info, honey bees, adopt-a-pet, trails. Free. jubileefarm.info. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 787-6927..

This Sunday, enjoy a “swanky, sophisticated evening of beautiful music” with Tony Awardnominated Broadway performer and former “Duke of Hazzard” Tom Wopat. The versatile actor turned singer is widely recognized for his role as Luke Duke in the 1979-1985 TV series “The Dukes of Hazzard.

Celebrate Constitution Day by attending an ECCE Speaker Series presentation that offers a close look at the Supreme Court of the United States under the direction of Chief Justice John Roberts, who has led the court for the past decade. Speaker Jason Mazzone, professor of Law and Lynn H.

Gather the family for a day of fun during Chatham’s second annual family kite festival. The festival, hosted by Chatham Friends of the Parks and genH Kids Coalition, features kites of all sizes for all levels of experience, plus food and drink for purchase.