Connect with others and grow your communication skills

District 30 Toastmasters

To learn more or find a local club, visit https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club or email prm@d30toastmasters.org. Guests are welcome. District 30 Toastmasters is a dynamic professional development community serving individuals and organizations across northern Illinois through a network of local clubs that meet both in person and online. As part of the global Toastmasters International organization, District 30 empowers people to build confidence, strengthen communication, and develop leadership skills in a supportive, hands-on environment. Members don’t just study communication and leadership concepts—they actively practice them through structured meetings, real-time feedback, and leadership opportunities that mirror real-world challenges. From first-time speakers finding their voice to experienced professionals refining their executive presence, District 30 provides a space where growth is both intentional and measurable. Beyond individual development, District 30 fosters strong community connections. Its clubs create opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and relationship-building across communities, industries, and backgrounds. District-wide events, including training sessions, speech contests, and the annual conference, bring members together to exchange ideas, celebrate achievements, and expand their impact. District 30 also strengthens the broader community by equipping individuals with skills that translate directly into the workplace and civic life. Members become more effective leaders, clearer communicators, and more engaged contributors within their organizations and communities. At its core, District 30 Toastmasters is about transformation—helping individuals move from hesitation to confidence, from ideas to action, and from potential to purposeful leadership. Membership is open to adults 18 and older. Youth Leadership programs are periodically offered for those under 18.

Lake County

Lake

Gurnee

Illinois

To learn more or find a local club, visit https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club or email prm@d30toastmasters.org. Guests are welcome. District...

Springbrook Community Church

Springbrook is a vibrant church in our community that exists to glorify God, as we help others meet, know, and follow Jesus. Be our guest Sunday at 9am or 11am, or text GUEST to 1-844-238-7507 if you have any questions.

McHenry County

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Huntley

Springbrook is a vibrant church in our community that exists to glorify God, as we help others meet, know, and follow Jesus. Be our guest Sunday at...

The schools are closing for Monday and Tuesday,  I am going to hold open art for kids and/or parents these days.  They do need to email to <a href="mailto:enlightenedbalance@gmail.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">enlightenedbalance@gmail.com</a> to register.  I have a pool of artistic kids that will help. $15 an hour with supplies included.  Enlightened Balance, 30F North Williams St. (Brink Street Market), Crystal Lake.

Amie Schaenzer

Crystal Lake-Cary

Community Update

Local Voices

Algonquin-Lake In The Hills

Barrington

Lake Zurich

Kane County

Elgin

Grayslake

Cook County

Palatine

Libertyville

Vernon Hills

Eric DeGrechie

Buffalo Grove

Online Only

<h3>Forfeited Treasures &amp; Second-Chances</h3>
The auction showcases a spectacular, highly anticipated lineup of fine jewelry, luxury watches, and historic coinage that has unexpectedly returned to the public eye. Due to administrative forfeitures, uncollected lots, and unpaid balances from previous events, these high-end assets are being offered once more, presenting an unprecedented second chance for collectors to acquire premium goods. Among the standout jewelry offerings are breathtaking 14K white gold natural emerald earrings and an elegant 1.15 carat Old European cut diamond solitaire ring that sparkles with every color of the spectrum. Watch enthusiasts will marvel at horological masterpieces like a stunning 1940s 14K gold Rolex Explorer, a vintage 1960s Rolex Datejust, and an exquisite 18K gold Angelus Chronodato chronograph. For the coin collector, the numismatic category is equally thrilling, highlighted by a legendary, key-date 1889-CC Carson City Morgan Silver Dollar, beautifully toned Indian Head cents, and rare vintage tokens. This exceptional curation perfectly reflects our identity: Auctioneers of antiques. Collectors of cool. Veterans of vintage.

Local Event: Ghosted Goods Auction

Ghosted Goods Auction

Forfeited Treasures & Second-Chances
The auction showcases a spectacular, highly anticipated lineup of fine jewelry, luxury...

Across Illinois

Confirmed Tornado Touches Down As Severe Storms...

Damaging winds, large hail and additional tornado threats have been reported across northern and central parts of the state Thursday night. 

Confirmed Tornado Touches Down As Severe Storms Slam Illinois

Weather

LIVE UPDATES: Severe Storms Sweep Across...

Quarter-size hail and 60 mhp winds are possible as fast-moving storm line tracks across northern Illinois through 7:15 p.m.

LIVE UPDATES: Severe Storms Sweep Across McHenry, Lake Counties

Probe Underway After Death Of 8-Year-Old Boy In...

The child was transported from Crystal Lake to a suburban hospital where he was pronounced dead on Saturday, according to officials. 

Probe Underway After Death Of 8-Year-Old Boy In McHenry County

Crime & Safety

🌱 Patch AM: How this week’s Country Club Road...

Be sure to catch Ghosted Goods Auction on the Crystal Lake Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: How this week’s Country Club Road closure could disrupt your commute

Community Corner

Mosquitoes In McHenry County Test Positive For...

Health officials urge residents to take precautions as mosquito season continues. 

Mosquitoes In McHenry County Test Positive For West Nile Virus

Health & Fitness

Pet Shelter For Turtles, Bunnies Hosts Open House

Lost Woods Animal Sanctuary near Crystal Lake takes in a variety of exotic pets. An open house will be held on March 26. 

Kids & Family 

Norge VIP Area 'A Hit,' Being Offered Again...

Norge Ski Club is now selling VIP passes for its upcoming winter ski jumping tournament. 

Norge VIP Area 'A Hit,' Being Offered Again This Year

New Adoption Center Takes In Small Exotic Pets...

Lost Woods Animal Sanctuary opened in the past year and specializes in providing care and homes for guinea pigs, turtles, rats and more. 

New Adoption Center Takes In Small Exotic Pets In Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake, Cary Food Pantries Seek Donations...

Higher costs at the grocery stores has lead many across the Chicago area to rely on food pantries to help feed their families. 

Crystal Lake, Cary Food Pantries Seek Donations Amid Record Inflation

Seasonal & Holidays

New Pots And Pies In Crystal Lake Sells Out...

A mother and daughter opened the Crystal Lake bakery on Oct. 27 and have been hustling since to keep up with demand. 

New Pots And Pies In Crystal Lake Sells Out Daily Since Opening 

New Pots And Pies Bakery In Crystal Lake Sells Out Daily Since Opening 

Business

Local Food Pantries Feel Pinch As Inflation Soars

Plus, how you can help give back to local pantries slammed with record numbers of people stopping out. 

Firefighter With Terminal Cancer Gets Married...

Frank Nunez, 34, of Crystal Lake, was released from a Chicago hospital and brought home to receive hospice care Tuesday. 

Firefighter With Terminal Cancer Gets Married In Crystal Lake Home

Crystal Lake Home Considered For Landmark...

The Historic Preservation Commission on Thursday voted to recommend the Illinois Street home for landmark status approval. 

Crystal Lake Home Considered For Landmark Designation

Real Estate

Trumpeter Swan Guards Nest In Rare Pic Taken At...

A wildlife ecologist discovered the first documented successful breeding of trumpeter swan at a McHenry Co. Conservation site last week. 

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