Life + Culture

If I Could Turn Back Time

Men reflect on their younger selves and share their words of wisdom through the lens of experience Article by David Bradburn & Patti Noble Men, like all individuals, navigate a complex journey of self-discovery, face unique challenges and triumphs, and gain diverse perspectives along the way.  What if they could journey back to pivotal moments in their lives and offer guidance to their younger selves?  Would they find kinship through shared circumstances?  We asked Crystal Lake City Lifestyle...

May 2024

Food + Beverage

Summer Grill Recipes

These Delicious Recipes are Light, Bright and Feel Like Summer Article by Katie Bobrow The sun has returned, and grilling season is upon us. With the nice weather comes vegetable gardens and fresh produce, along with the overwhelming desire to be outside as much as possible. We’ve compiled some fresh and light dishes that you can shop for at your local farmers market and whether you’re looking for a quick mid-week meal or something to grill for a crowd on the weekend these dishes won’t...

May 2024

Health + Wellness

Breaking Barriers

Empowering Men to Take Charge of Their Health Article by Katie Bobrow In today’s busy world where there are an infinite number of things to keep track of, from managing a household and finances, and juggling numerous tasks, to the never-ending list of things that are “good” for us or “bad” for us (that seem to be constantly changing). It is unsurprising that men frequently prioritize other matters over their physical health. According to the Cleveland Clinic, more than 50% of men do not see a...

May 2024

Life + Culture

A Path Toward Understanding Dad

Embracing complexity and finding peace in an evolving relationship Article by Steve Rogers, Publisher February 21, 2024.   A date that will forever be marked as the day my dad died, just 6 days after his 85th birthday, from pancreatic cancer that had spread to his kidneys and liver. The man with a handshake you could never forget, the family provider who ruled his home with authority, someone who outwardly seemed unconcerned with others’ opinions of him, and who was competitive at his core...

May 2024

Finance + Legal Services

Securing Your Financial Future

A few tips from Sheldon Clark on what to look for from a financial advisor Article by Katie Bobrow Navigating the twists and turns of the stock market and various investments often leads investors to quietly utter the plea, "talk me off the ledge."  For Sheldon Clark, a seasoned financial advisor at Edward Jones, it is in these times that his wealth of business and life experience truly shines.  According to Sheldon, a key piece of advice for investors seeking a financial advisor is to find...

May 2024

Health + Wellness

Dear, Younger Me

Wisdom Shared: Insights from Women Reflecting on Their Past, Offering Guidance to Their Younger Selves Article by Patti Noble In a world where the experience of womanhood is fraught with its unique set of challenges, from unrealistic societal expectations to personal battles, navigating the complexities of our female experience often requires perseverance, determination and the courage to confront adversity.  Through our distinct perspectives, we find wisdom, inspiration, and guidance...

April 2024

Health + Wellness

Women's Health

Taking Charge of Your Well-Being Article by Katie Bobrow In a world where health research has historically skewed towards men, women often find themselves navigating a landscape where their specific needs and concerns are overlooked. However, armed with this knowledge and a little determination, women can rewrite this narrative and take charge of their own well-being. According to the National Institute of Health, the lack of research evidence focused on female patients can lead to delays in...

April 2024

Food + Beverage

Mother Nature's Nourishment

Sustenance and beauty are all around and, when shared, can nurture body, mind and spirit Article by Klaudia Burian Nutrition, and how the body responds to the nutrients, starts long before food reaches the taste buds. A natural love and deep gratitude for growing food, picking flowers, and making something wonderful in the kitchen to share, is passed down from generation to generation. Modeled daily by loving aunts, daughters, mothers and grandmothers, this integration with land and family...

April 2024

Life + Culture

The Power of Perserverence

Molly Walsh models the way with empathy and active community involvement Article by Patti Noble | Photography by Katie Bobrow & Ken Farver “You have breast cancer.”   Words that would shake any woman to her core.   For Molly Walsh, coming at a time when she was still navigating the seas of personal grief after losing her youngest son to a tragic accident at 13 years of age, the diagnosis could have been her breaking point.  However, after going through the worst thing imaginable she somehow...

April 2024

Local Services

Building Bridges

Clearbrook West fosters autonomy through collaboration and understanding individuals at their current state Article by Patti Noble in•de•pen•dent: not requiring or relying on others (as for care or livelihood). While it is human nature to desire connection, it is also an inherent inclination to seek self-sufficiency.  The concept of independence is subject to each person’s individual interpretation. Emily Fencl, Vice President of Program Services and Erin Schjerven, Marketing Manager, of...

March 2024