Education

Community Group Shares Hope

The GPF Foundation Spreads the Message of Harm Reduction. Article by Michael Beightol | Photography by Graham Blus It was the kind of news no parent wanted to hear that changed the lives of Nancy and Ross Friedman. Their son Greg, a vibrant and successful 27-year-old, had passed away. The events leading up to Greg’s death in 2017 have since propelled the Lake County couple, with loving support from family and friends, to help other families avoid the same kind of tragedy they experienced. The...

Life + Culture

New Author Releases Debut Novel

Deer Park’s Ray Franze Spins a Fast-Paced Story That’s Never Been Told Until Now. Article and Photography by Michael Beightol Sal Liparello is a character straight out of central casting. A student at the school of hard knocks. A peer to Capone, Accardo and Giancana with an underworld empire that stretches from Illinois to California. He’s the kingpin of vice from Chicago Heights. Never heard of him? That’s because Sal is the protagonist in The Heights , the first novel by Deer Park's Ray...

Food + Beverage

French Bakery Opening

Later this Spring a New Bakery is Set to Debut, Elevating the Downtown Lake Zurich Scene. Article by Michael Beightol | Photography by Stephen Neilson She had me at the macaroons. Delightfully colorful. Light, almost airy with a satisfying crunch to the outer shell followed by a not too sweet melt-in-your-mouth creaminess. Jenn Duke, a 30-something mom and Lake Zurich resident, is busy planning for the opening of Après Pastry & Bakery. It will be right next door to Lake Zurich Florist on Old...

Food + Beverage

Love Coffee Local

Five Lake County Coffee Shops You’re Gonna Love. Article and Photography by Graham Blus When you are ready to break away from Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts, I found five great locally owned coffee shops you may want to check out this month. For a great start-me-up, especially for folks in or around Mundelein, you've gotta check out the giant Instagram-ready mural outside Area Coffee. Inside, enjoy coffee, tea and goodies in a playful atmosphere. 18 E. Park Street; Area-Coffee.com . Just...

Life + Culture

The Art of The Everywhere Photo

Finding Real Life Inside Your Camera Article and Photography by Stephen Neilson Photos happen for any old reason these days, now that everyone’s packing many megs of pixels in their pockets under the hood of their smartphone. Call it blessing, call it curse, but it’s definitely in our best interest to take a bit of control, and learn to make some truly good photos… or even better, photos we’ll want to look at, share, and enjoy for years to come. Whether you’re a social media toe-dipper or...

Arts + Culture

History That's Good for the Soul

A Healthy Respect for Preservation in Downtown Long Grove. Article by Jody Grimaldi | Photography by Provided by Aaron Underwood Historic Downtown Long Grove, celebrated for its vintage charm and legendary covered bridge, is coming together to preserve history through the creation of a historical campus as a new visitor attraction.  Supported by a coalition of local government and community groups, the goal is to move an iconic barn and one-room school while making way for an expanded Village...

Health + Wellness

A Healthier You In 2024

Here's a New Way to Think About Setting Realistic Goals and Taking Simple Actions Achieve Better Health and Wellness. Article by Sean Lee | Photography by Provided 2024 is here! A new year, and time for a new fit and healthier you. Sounds good, but how to make it happen? While annually making resolutions is well intended, we all know that urgency to change fades in a matter of weeks. This leads to a depressing cycle of failed attempts year after year and the feeling that success won’t ever...

Travel

Scottsdale In 48 Healthy Hours

Put Together Your Own Customized Desert Wellness Retreat. Article by Michael Beightol | Photography by Jenny Beightol and Michael Beightol The concept of a winter wellness getaway may not have originated in Scottsdale, Arizona, but generations of Chicagoans have experienced the benefits of spending time in the desert during the coldest time of the year here. Scottsdale typically delivers sunny and warm days to do what you please. Sunrise hiking is a ritual for both snowbirds and locals...

Shopping

Unique Local Shopping Experiences

This Month Think About Supporting Family-Owned Businesses During the Holidays. Article by Michael Beightol | Photography by Graham Blus One-of-a-Kind Tim Siefert (a jeweler since 1985), is an award-winning gold and platinum expert. While he specializes in the design and crafting of custom pieces, his stores sell a broad line of manufacturer products, too. Make no mistake, this is not a mall jewelry store.  Pursuit of a childhood fascination with gems meant leaving behind rock star and...

Life + Culture

Christkindlmarket is a Holiday Tradition

With Three Locations Across Chicagoland, Visiting an Authentic German Holiday Market is Perfect for Families. Article by Michael Beightol | Photography by Provided by Christkindlmarket Now in its 27th season, Christkindlmarket Chicago is the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind outside of Europe, offering a special shopping experience, family-friendly events and intercultural activities. Originally established in downtown Chicago, the popularity of the market has prompted...