The evening sky was clear and bright as around 25 people gathered at Indiana Dunes State Park for a memorial hike in honor of Ron Seman. Seman, who passed away at 64, was well-known for his extensive knowledge of the dunes and his role as a hiking guide. A Beloved Figure in Hiking Seman, who...
In a world of growing corporate dominance, family-owned businesses face tough challenges. Yet, Prisco’s Family Market in Aurora, Illinois, stands as a testament to resilience. Despite facing the Great Depression, a recession, a pandemic, and even floods, this local grocery store has thrived for a century. One Income, One Focus Andy Guzauskas, the fourth-generation president...
Chicago’s Austin community often faces a narrative shaped by statistics like crime rates and poverty levels. These challenges exist, but another story unfolds within Austin. It tells of neighbors knowing each other, vacant lots becoming community gardens, and youths finding mentors. At the center of this narrative, the Rev. Dollie Sherman has devoted decades to...
Many have encountered stories of service members returning from the Vietnam War, often without ceremonies or celebrations. These veterans were frequently ignored or mistreated upon their return. The Honor Flight Network, launched in 2005, aims to honor these veterans who still survive. Honor Flight Chicago originally celebrated World War II veterans, expanded to include Korean...
North Aurora’s Riverfront Park took on a lively atmosphere Saturday morning as four-legged participants stole the spotlight. Starting at 10 a.m., the village hosted its second Dog Days of Summer event featuring a pet parade and pet-themed vendor market. Residents like Katrina Keilty enjoyed the scenic park by the Fox River with her dog Duncan,...
In 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the world appeared upside down. Uncertainty prevailed, sparking an idea. A friend and I thought: what if young Chicagoans could document their experiences for posterity? Thus, we launched a citywide effort inviting youth to share letters, artworks, photos, and reflections. This initiative blossomed into Living Record, the organization I...
An expedition in Washington D.C.’s Rock Creek Park unfolded when Teal Quinn, a Maryland resident, embarked on a search following a unique discovery on Reddit. The post indicated that an albino rat, either lost or abandoned, was spotted in the park. Quinn, an avid pet rat owner, stumbled upon the online post late one night...
Frankfort Mayor Keith Ogle and his wife, Kim, enthusiastically shared historical artifacts from a 1976 time capsule. A smile crossed his face when he uncovered a package containing a mug commemorating the Frankfort Fall Festival and two beer cans with Bicentennial themes. Jokingly, he remarked, “I’ll bet these were the only two beers consumed at...
The Midwest Underground Railroad Network is organizing an educational hike and community picnic at Schubert’s Woods near Park Forest on July 11. This event will shed light on the historical significance of the Sauk Trail. Originally a Native American trail, it traversed Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan and served as a route for enslaved people seeking...
Blind Flights Beer Tasting Fundraiser The Carpentersville Rotary Club is organizing a Blind Flights beer tasting fundraiser. This event will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, at Carpenter Park, located at 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. Attendees can enjoy beer from nine local breweries. The event will also feature live music...