A nice strategy in giving businesses, organizations and people an award so that they will be more persevere in their chosen field.

I would like to vote for Chinese Energetics. They do energy medicine which helps people with natural stress relief and natural pain relief. I have taken their online classes and was able to learn how to release stress and tension in my neck and shoulders very easy. I think they have weekly tele-classes, not 100% sure however. They are out of Chicago. Chinese Energetics website is http://www.chineseenergetics.com and ask for Paul Wong.

The Fair Trader is a wonderful store with really special items, things you won't find anywhere else, all in excellent taste. It is a good place for gifts -- jewelry, clothing, candles, other gift-type items. The owners continually bring in new items, so it's different every time you stop by. It's at 1623 E. 55th St. in Hyde Park, just a couple of blocks north of the Museum of Science and Industry. See www.thefairtrader.com

Thanks, everyone, for your comments about our Readers Choice Awards. We took nominations from our readers until March 20, and the finalists came from our reader's nominations. Make sure you nominate next year so that your favorite businesses and organizations have a chance to become finalists. Voting for this year's finalists continue until May 7, so keep spreading the word. Tell the finalists you know on this list that you saw they were nominated!

Great that you're doing this surveys, but you guys have some huge omissions. For Farmer's Markets, no Oak Park? Really? It is probably one of the best in the midwest. Also, for many of the food and beverage categories, you can't beat Marion Street Cheese Market, also in Oak Park (and no, I don't live there). And a nomination for Lincoln Park zoo but not Brookfield? LP is pretty lousy compared to BF, no comparison.

I would like to vote for the best Spiritual Center in Chicago. The Bohdi Spiritual Center on Lincoln Ave. it is fantastic and growing like crazy! Mark Anthony is a the founder and director. Check it out

Far, far too long. I gave up halfway through. In the future, you want to consider condensing.

In the category of Spiritual Centers one very notable mention should include The Peace Center in Berwyn, Illinois. Run by Margo Ruark, a well known Science of Mind author and minister, her efforts create a wonderful atmosphere for group gatherings. Thank you Margo. Joe Wolfe, teacher of A Course in Miracles

lisa patterson of retreat massage in batavia is one of the most gifted healers i've ever encountered. i've received massage therapy treatments around the world, and she is right up there at the very top in her soulful approach,intention, talent, and ability to make you feel deeply rejuvenated and whole. My mindbody physiology loves every single moment of being smoothed and soothed by lisa, a truly amazing therapist and healer.

I would also like to nominate Total Body Yoga located at: 210 Terrace Drive in Mundelein. (847-772-9642 • www.totalbodyyoga.com). Silvia, the director of the studio has created a community that is unlike any other. The minute you walk in the studio you feel welcome. The yoga classes are inspiring and thought provoking. Total Body Yoga's classes have helped me to be more healthy in my life and my outlook on life.

I would like to nominate Total Body Yoga located at: 210 Terrace Drive in Mundelein. (847-772-9642 • www.totalbodyyoga.com) Total Body Yoga offers a wide variety of classes at different skill levels and for all ages. The teachers are well knowledgeable, warm and friendly. The low-lit studio provides mats and props for students. What I like the most about Total Body Yoga is when you purchase a class pack and you can attend any class you like at anytime. This flexibility really works well with my ever-changing schedule and mood. When I’m stressed I can take a restorative class, when I need to loose a few pounds I can take a level 1 - 2 class. To be honest, I mostly attend the introduction to yoga class with friends, but I still get a good workout. The website provides a schedule of their classes, workshops and retreats. Well-known celebrity yoga instructors are brought in to teach many of their workshops. Total Body Yoga provides class discounts to students, teachers and the military. Your first class is free. I have been a student of yoga for 6 years and I’m still learning and growing. Total Body Yoga has been a place of enjoyment and relaxation for my whole family.

The consignment store has friend staff, a comfortable atmosphere offering various treats like coffee and vegan snacks. They occassionally invite speakers into the store to share ideas on 'style' and/or teach crafts.This store offers a variety of gently used clothes, furniture, and fixtures for a reasonable price. The items are always arranged beautifully! Keeping with their 'reuse' philosophy, another nice touch is that they offer homemade fabric garment bags that customers can bring back the next time and receive a discount off their purchase for doing so....! I love this place, especially that it's conveniently located by the train station in town!

I think this is a wonderful idea, and high time that more attention was paid to local businesses and health practitioners!!

I would like to nominate a wonderful new Fair Trade Shop: The Fair Trader. Three friends at the First Unitarian Church in Hyde Park decided to open a Fair Trade Store in 2007. Cindy Pardo, a master quilter, had been selling fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate, and other items at church for some time. Her partners are Evelyn Johnson, who worked in the corporate world, and Madeiria Myrieckes, a great organizer. They carry artisan-made home decor, hand-made paper, baskets, clothing, jewelry, artwork, bath and beauty products, accessories, cards, and decorations from around the world. They are friendly and service-oriented. You can find them at 1623 E. 55th Street, Chicago, Ill 60615; 773-966-5269; www.thefairtraderchicago.comThey are open 7 days a week, I believe.