Entertainment

Fun Times “Fur” All at Lippold

Explore what the gem of Crystal Lake has to offer you and your whole family! Article by Jamie Kayser | Photography by Various What looks like a sports complex at first glance, is actually a hub of activity with layers of outdoor discovery. Tucked just off Route 176 in Crystal Lake, Lippold Park is more than a sports destination—it’s a local treasure. Known for its sprawling baseball, soccer, and football fields, it has even more to offer than what first meets the eye. Whether you're cheering...

Food + Beverage

Kiddo Friendly Creations

Adding new foods to familiar favorites is a crafty way to help kids explore new flavors Article and Photography by Klaudia Burian Growing up in today’s food culture presents a unique set of bumps in the road and also offers opportunities for families looking to include nutritious meals, stay on budget, and actually find something everyone will agree on. If the goal is to shift towards a more nutritious way of eating, or spend more time enjoying easy meals together as a family, adding and...

Life + Culture

Insure Your Peace of Mind

From everyday mishaps to life’s biggest challenges, the right coverage––from home and auto to liability and life––can safeguard your family’s future Article by Patti Noble It usually starts as an ordinary day.  One moment you’re sipping coffee and packing lunches.  The next, your teen calls from the school parking lot with a dented bumper or tells you they accidentally backed into a mailbox after dropping off their friend.  Maybe after a summer storm you discover a leak in the ceiling right...

Life + Culture

Finding the Right Family Dog

Lessons We Learned and Expert Advice Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by Sharmila Taylor We thought we wre ready.  Years ago, we adopted a one-year-old mix from a shelter, part German Shepherd, part mystery, and in hindsight, not the right match for our young family with two young children. We knew it would take work, and we were up for the challenge. We loved him and tried everything:  vet checks, hiring a trainer, consulting with others, and careful consistency at home. Despite our...

Life + Culture

Beyond the Ballfield

Cultures Connect, Bonds are Built, Friendships Take Root Article by Patti Noble | Photography by Provided When a teenager from halfway around the world arrives with a suitcase, a baseball glove, and a mix of nerves and excitement, it’s not just the start of a tournament—it’s the beginning of something much bigger. Local host families might begin the week eager to share their corner of the world, but they often find themselves just as enriched by what they receive in return. What unfolds over...

Life + Culture

Adventure Calling

Seeking Adventure Wherever That May Be Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by Alex Rogers Adventure. A word that means many different things to different people and often shifts in meaning as we move through life. What once seemed mundane or boring at twenty may sound exhilarating at forty-five. But no matter how you define it, adventure always means stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing something new. For Alex Rogers, that meant hitting the road in his van three and a half years...

Food + Beverage

Artisan Grilled Cheese

This month’s invitation is to elevate a traditional sandwich to a worthy new level. Article and Photography by Klaudia Burian Artisanal fare has made a powerful resurgence in towns around the country. Food and drink made in traditional simple ways, offers a moment of paying homage to culinary creators of the past, reviving their legacy. Bread, cheese, heirloom vegetables and small batch beers offer an opportunity to awaken the senses and please the palate. A variety of microbrewed beers can...

Local Services

The Heart of the Work

Grounded in service, lifted by compassion and shared purpose Article by Patti Noble | Photography by Sharmila Taylor & Samantha Murphy In a company built on service calls, it’s the quiet call to serve and the way employees pour into their community that really stands out.  The spirit of giving, support, and ‘paying it forward’ is deeply woven into the culture at Black Diamond Plumbing and Mechanical.  What began in 1999 as a plumbing and sewer company, today has grown into a multi-division...

Food + Beverage

Awaken the Palate

Crafted layers of taste, that unfold beautifully, creating a multi-sensory dining delight Article by Patti Noble | Photography by Patti Noble & Katie Bobrow In recent years, microbreweries have surged in popularity, becoming gathering hubs where every brew tells a story. Robust and zesty, velvety smooth, or hoppy–the flavors and combinations seem endless and when thoughtfully paired, craft beers can transform a simple meal into a symphony of flavors, enhancing the nuances of both and creating...

Health + Wellness

Nourishing Men's Wellness

A spotlight on foods for optimal health for men Article by Klaudia Burian NBC-HWC Take care of your body when you’re young, and it will take care of you when you’re old” –Jack Burrian, 87, when asked about longevity. This month takes a closer look at what men really want at any age. When interviewed, the common threads became clear. Most men want to be respected, provide for their family, have fun, connect with their partner, build and maintain muscle and strength, eat tasty food but not have...