Auto + Marine

Redefining the Drive

The 2026 Ram 1500 Tungsten blends elite luxury with rugged capability for every part of life. Article by Patti Noble | Photography by David Bradburn and provided In our community, a truck isn't just a vehicle; it’s the backbone of a busy life. Whether navigating a muddy jobsite or hauling gear for a weekend at the lake, versatility is non-negotiable. The 2026 Ram 1500 , available at Al Piemonte Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram , perfectly captures this balance. It has evolved far beyond the "work...

Home + Design

Designed For Living

From partnership to purpose-driven spaces built for how people truly live Article by Patti Noble | Photography by Sharmila Taylor Over the past several years, as homes have taken on new roles—office, gym, workshop, retreat—the demand for spaces that function well has grown dramatically.  From closets to mud rooms to garages, organization has taken a starring role. One local Closets By Design franchise serving northern Illinois, originally established in 1998, has long provided customized...

Health + Wellness

Aging in Community

The Day Break Lounge: A community-centered program offering purpose for participants and relief for caregivers Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by David Bradburn “Never regret growing older, it is a privilege denied to many,” a quote often attributed to Mark Twain, is a poignant reminder as we all face the inevitability of time. It’s a powerful sentiment, but it doesn’t fully account for the realities that often accompany aging. As people grow older and navigate the changes that come with...

Life + Culture

Nourishment for the Season

A tender guide, of the best foods, for a woman’s life, and all her seasons. Article by Klaudia Burian - NBC-HWC | Photography by Klaudia Burian In the early years of a woman’s life, it was not unusual for her body to magically get everything done, and run well on a diet cola, gooey cupcakes, cold pizza, and some cheezy corn chips. Even more magical, at the end of the day, there was still energy to spare. As the years pass however, women experience robust swings in their once regulated...

Health + Wellness

Generations of Care

Inside a mother daughter dental practice in Crystal Lake Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by Ann Oleinik Most people do not look forward to going to the dentist. For many, it is something to check off a list rather than an experience to enjoy, but when an appointment feels comfortable, when the environment is welcoming, and the people put you at ease, it can change the feeling entirely. Drs. Kay and Amanda Henry have built a practice just like that in Crystal Lake. Their practice...

Fitness

Strong for Life

Moving beyond weight and size to build strength through perimenopause and beyond Article by Patti Noble | Photography by Sharmila Taylor For many women, midlife brings a quiet shift in the body—one that becomes harder to ignore over time. Yet for years, we’ve been told this stage is a kind of “crisis” to manage or fight, shaping how we feel, see, and think about ourselves in the process. We notice things feel different. Strength isn’t what it used to be. Energy comes and goes. Recovery takes...

Life + Culture

Invest in the Nest

Homemade meals nourish the bottom line and health of all the birds in the nest. Article and Photography by Klaudia Burian “Love is communicated in food. Maybe that’s the magic we underestimate. It’s just as important as the nutrition in the food." - Alice Waters  Once upon a time, long before the myriad of competitive reality TV cooking shows, a curious young woman participated in a cooking competition with classically trained, creatively inspired chefs. She showed up cooking the way she...

Life + Culture

The Power of the Small Act

Simple, low-commitment ways to support McHenry County non-profits without a long-term obligation Article by Patti Noble | Photography by David Bradburn We often view volunteering as a grand gesture—a major board position or a year-long commitment. But the heartbeat of McHenry County is actually found in the small, quiet moments of neighbors helping neighbors. While there are nearly 2,000 local non-profits that all deserve support, many offer "micro-volunteering" opportunities perfect for those...

Life + Culture

Rewriting the Money Story

Linda Grizely uses her experience to create a safe place to talk about money Article by Patti Noble | Photography by Sharmila Taylor What if everything you went through and survived was just so you could help someone else make it through their own storm?  Sometimes the experiences that shape us most don’t feel meaningful at the time. They feel confusing. Frustrating. Like detours we never planned to take. But over time, those moments begin to reveal something different. The lessons we...

Local Services

Where Stories Meet Strategy

Social Butterfly delivers strategic social media support for senior care providers and local businesses Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by Sharmila Taylor In 2013, Erika Klein was working from a small nook in her master bedroom. A toddler played nearby, a newborn needed constant attention. Between nap times and snack breaks, she opened her laptop and helped her family’s senior home care agency figure out Facebook and Twitter. She was not building an agency. She was simply helping her...