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...

Food + Beverage

Start Today Nutritiously

Feeling Rushed Every Morning? Bake a Batch and Enjoy All Week Long. Article and Photography by Michael Beightol Here’s a healthy muffin recipe full of eggy and veggie goodness that’s packed with protein power. Whip up a batch; enjoy some now, and refrigerate or freeze the rest for a grab-and-go breakfast all week long. When testing this recipe, we substituted broccoli and cauliflower with spinach, red, yellow & green sweet peppers, and white onion. We also added a healthy splash of hot sauce...

Food + Beverage

Devour These Books

Set Phasers to Salivate: Six Guides For Better Home Dining. Article and Photography by Michael Beightol and Stephen Neilson Cookbooks are as essential to family chef as a sharp knife. They provide an endless source of practical knowledge and inspiration. The best cookbooks transport us to places and tastes we want to experience. We’ve assembled a selection of cookbooks here that not only whet the appetite, but stand-up to the notion that a good meal is both transcendent and a heartfelt...

Education

Saving Lives

Second In A Series Featuring Local Charities Making A Difference Article and Photography by Michael Beightol The GPF Foundation was established through an outpouring of love by close friends and the Friedman family to honor the memory of Gregory Paul Friedman. Its mission is to support education, appropriate treatment and overall awareness of the dangers related to recreational drugs. Most people are unaware of the potentially life-threatening risks associated with recreational substance use...

Home + Design

Permanence in Style

An Elegant, Timeless Way to Side Your Home to Last. Article by Michael Beightol Somewhere nearby a woman is wondering what can be done about the look of her home. Maybe she and her spouse are empty nesters and downsizing sounds attractive. Or maybe her family likes where they are but wants a refreshed-looking house with minimal maintenance required. It's no wonder that homes with James Hardie siding are popping up all over Chicagoland, according to Glenn Hofstra, owner of Vanguard Building...

Style + Beauty

Jewelry Must-Haves

A Stylish Touch of Class for Any Occasion. Article by Michael Beightol | Photography by Stephen Neilson All that glitters is not necessarily just gold. Sometimes it’s also diamonds and blue topaz. When we hatched this month’s featured Style story we approached Tim Siefert, owner of Timothy Grant Jewelry in Lake Zurich and Schaumburg. He thought the concept had merit and asked his manager, Danielle Fewkes, to pitch in. Danielle, an up-and-coming jewelry professional, selected a stunning...