Sports + Recreation

Burling: It's a THING.

A Candid Conversation with the Commish, at a Critical Crossroads Article by Stephen Neilson | Photography by John Bader, Aaron Hechtman, Stephen Neilson Let it never be said that the locally-born-and-bred winter sport of competitive Burling could possibly be considered a mere excuse for people to gather together, drink beer and other wonderful winter-inspired beverages, and while away the wilding winter weather with friends flinging frozen jugs at cans of corn careening across...

Arts + Culture

Art/Farm D'Tour: The Gift of Experience

Traveling the Wisconsin Driftless Region on a Day Off Rewards in So Many Ways. Article and Photography by Michael Beightol It was a drop-dead gorgeous Wednesday in mid-October during an otherwise pedestrian workweek when we piled the dogs in the car and pointed the Buick to points north and west; destination known but not yet imagined. A little more than two hours later we were driving at a leisurely pace along the hilly farm roads of the Wisconsin Driftless Region. This is the land west of...

Entertainment

Holiday Shows & New Traditions

Here's a Short Guide on Starting (or Continuing) a Holiday Tradition By Gathering the Tribe and Going to a Show. Article by Michael Beightol & Stephen Neilson | Photography by Provided The holidays are all about spending time with family and friends. Here’s a short guide of some of the best ways to get out-and-about with the family (or the family that you chose) in Chicago and the suburbs this month. Christkindlmarket, the annual German-style Christmas market at Chicago’s Daley Plaza and...

Shopping

Last-Minute Gifts

Christmas Day Comes Fast This Month. Here Are Gift Ideas for Anybody Short on Time. Article by Michael Beightol Traveling. Shopping. Decorating. Visiting. Cooking. Entertaining. Seems like time gets short every December. We’ve scoured the Internet and checked out local shops to curate a quickie gift guide to suit family, friends and Fido, too. To find an online or local retailer, just search using the title (in bold) for each gift item listed. Everything here is affordably priced ($48 ...

Food + Beverage

Christmas Cookie Cookin'

Starting a New Family Tradition for Grandkids, Grandma and a Great Aunt. Article by Cassidy Towne | Photography by Stacey Reilly, Cassidy Towne, & Provided Butterballs (Russian Teacakes) INGREDIENTS •    1 cup softened butter •    ½ cup powdered sugar •    2¼ cups flour •    1 teaspoon vanilla •    ¼ teaspoon salt •    ¾ tablespoon finely chopped nuts DIRECTIONS 1.    Heat oven to 400°F. 2.    Mix butter, sugar & vanilla. Work in flour, salt & nuts until dough holds together. 3.    Shape...

Arts + Culture

Sauk County Art Drive

Gratitude for Nature: Local Residents Collaborate Again on Large-Scale Art Display. Article by Christina Sikorski | Photography by Cindy Cardinal, Shari Gullo, Cathy McCauley Hanging on the wall next to her computer, Lake Zurich resident Shari Gullo keeps a quote from American philosopher and conservationist Aldo Leopold: “To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering.” Gullo is no stranger to tinkering. She and her frequent collaborators – Cathy McCauley from...

Arts + Culture

Thank You Bob Ross

Bob Ross' Happy Little Trees Coming to Lake County’s Dunn Museum. Article by Kim Mikus | Photography by Bob Ross Estate Bob Ross, the grinning cotton-haired, bearded, gentlemanly painter who hosted a long-running instructional TV series, captivated the Millennial generation with his quiet, charmingly calming presence. Long derided by serious collectors, Ross’ paintings now fetch upwards of $10 million with most selling for a very respectable $25,000 — $65,000. A special exhibition, “Art for...

Life + Culture

Grateful for Honored High Achievers

Annual OWL Awards Recognize Local Women for Their Inspiring Work Helping Others. Article and Photography by Carolyn McNamara One woman raises awareness about breast cancer. Another provides much-needed childcare and tutoring. A third connects, celebrates and mentors women. For more than 40 years a fourth woman has taught dance locally. What they have in common is that they are winners of the 2024 Owl Awards presented by the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Women’s Biz Net (WBN). The...

Wellness

The Joy of A Meaningful Life

How to Find Meaning and Overcome Road Blocks Article by Kimberly Blaker | Photography by Provided "It is not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts."      — Adlai Stevenson The point Stevenson illustrates in this quote is a reminder of how it's easy to lose sight of living a meaningful life. It's an interesting phenomenon, with the amount of time, energy, and money we invest in living healthier, longer, and happier lives. Yet, we can often still feel unsatisfied and...

Health + Wellness

Eat Like an Athlete

Let Your Plate Give You A Competitive Edge Even Before the Starting Whistle. Article by Trevor Gere Athletes, even "weekend warriors", always look for an edge. Training, recovery (including plenty of sleep), mental well-being, positive thoughts and healthy nutrition are all part of the plan. Peak performance starts with healthy eating, and that includes consuming whole foods instead of processed foods. If it comes in a box, bag or wrapped in plastic, eat sparingly. The energy needs of...