Madison Street Theater

Madison Street Theater is thrilled to present, I and You. MAY 22 - JUNE 6
This&nbsp;is an award winning two-person play written by Lauren Gunderson. An ode to life, love, and the strange beauty of human connectedness.
One afternoon, Anthony arrives unexpectedly at Caroline's door, holding a beat-up copy of Walt Whitman's&nbsp;Leaves of Grass. Homebound due to illness, Caroline hasn't been to school in months, but she is as quick and sardonic as Anthony is athletic, sensitive, and popular. As these two let their guards down and share their secrets, their seemingly mundane poetry project unlocks a much deeper mystery that has brought them together.
$15 Student Tickets!!

Local Event: I & You - A Play By Lauren Gunderson

Cook County

Oak Park-River Forest

Illinois

I & You - A Play By Lauren Gunderson

Madison Street Theater is thrilled to present, I and You. MAY 22 - JUNE 6
This is an award winning two-person play written by...

Mission Ready: Estate Planning Tips for Veterans

Cathy Yanda | Baird & Warner | Oak Park & River Forest

For many veterans, the home is the cornerstone of the American Dream they served to protect. But when it comes to "mission-readiness," many overlook how military benefits intersect with real estate and estate planning. Whether you used a VA loan or are looking to pass your legacy to your children, here are critical steps to ensure your plan is as disciplined as your service. 1. The "Trust" Factor with VA Loans If you bought your home with a VA-backed loan, you can generally transfer it into a Living Trust without triggering a "due-on-sale" clause, provided it remains your primary residence. This allows your family to avoid probate—the long, expensive court process of proving ownership after you pass. 2. Protect Your Tax Exemptions Illinois offers significant property tax breaks for disabled veterans. However, these don't always "travel" automatically. If you move your home into a trust, ensure your attorney includes specific language that preserves your right to the homestead and veteran tax exemptions. Also, check if these exemptions are portable for a surviving spouse. 3. Update Your Beneficiaries A common mistake is updating a Will but forgetting the beneficiary forms on life insurance (VGLI) or a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The Rule: A beneficiary form overrides a Will. If an old beneficiary is still listed on your policy, they will likely receive the payout regardless of what your Will says. 4. Secure Your DD214 In the military, if it isn’t in writing, it didn’t happen. Your family will need your DD214 to access almost every benefit, from burial honors to survivor pensions. Keep a digital and physical copy in a fireproof safe and ensure your executor knows the location. About the Author: Cathy Yanda is a USMC Veteran and a REALTOR® with Baird &amp; Warner in Oak Park. As a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) and Military Relocation Professional (MRP), she is dedicated to helping fellow veterans navigate the complexities of real estate and legacy planning.

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Cathy Yanda | Baird & Warner | Oak Park & River...

For many veterans, the home is the cornerstone of the American Dream they served to protect. But when it comes to "mission-readiness," many...

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I & You - A Play By Lauren Gunderson

Cathy Yanda | Baird & Warner | Oak Park & River Forest