Discover Oak Park’s Hidden Gem – A living world of beauty

Oak Park Conservatory

Located in historic Oak Park, Illinois, the Oak Park Conservatory is a treasured landmark and one of the community’s top three historical sites. Free and open to the public, the Conservatory offers visitors a lush escape into nature with three distinct indoor showrooms — the Mediterranean Room, Tropical Room, and Desert Room — each showcasing a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Outside, the urban gardens continue the experience with native Illinois landscapes featured in the Elsie Jacobsen Discovery Garden and Rubinstein Garden. Sweeps of prairie grasses and native blooms welcome you at the entrance, inviting you to slow down and explore this hidden oasis in the heart of the village. Owned and operated by the Park District of Oak Park, the Conservatory provides year-round opportunities to connect with nature through programs, events, and community initiatives. Highlights include: • Seasonal Events: Enjoy festive gatherings throughout the year such as the Candlelight Walk, Shamrock Scavenger Hunt, and Halloween Fright at Night. • Plant &amp; Garden Markets: Shop a variety of seasonal plant sales, including the Winter Seed Sale, Valentine’s Market, Spring Plant Sale, Perennial Pollinator Sale, Succulent &amp; Cacti Sale, Fall Mum &amp; Bulb Sale, and Winter Greens Market. • Private Event Rentals: Celebrate life’s milestones surrounded by natural beauty. The Conservatory is available for weddings, showers, graduations, birthday parties, memorial services, and other special occasions. • Educational Programs: Participate in a variety of hands-on programs for all ages — from adult gardening workshops to free early childhood nature programs that inspire young explorers. Whether you’re a lifelong plant lover or simply seeking a moment of calm, the Oak Park Conservatory offers a space to reconnect with nature, beauty, and community — right in your own backyard.

Cook County

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Oak Park-River Forest

Illinois

Located in historic Oak Park, Illinois, the Oak Park Conservatory is a treasured landmark and one of the community’s top three historical sites....

British International School of Chicago, South Loop

The British International School of Chicago, South Loop is a leading private day school located at 161 W. 9th Street in Chicago, IL. As part of the global Nord Anglia Education family, the school provides a comprehensive international education for students ranging from preschool through high school. The school offers a personalized learning approach that integrates the National Curriculum for England and the International Primary Curriculum, alongside the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program for high school students. With a focus on academic excellence, the curriculum is enhanced by unique collaborations with institutions like MIT and The Juilliard School, as well as a global partnership with UNICEF to foster social responsibility. Recognized as a top private K-12 school in Illinois, the institution is dedicated to developing resilient, creative, and globally-minded citizens. Families can expect a supportive, technology-enabled learning environment designed to prepare students for success at the world's most prestigious universities.

Chicago

British International School of Chicago, South...

The British International School of Chicago, South Loop is a leading private day school located at 161 W. 9th Street in Chicago, IL. As part of the...

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.

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...

FOREST PARK, IL (CBS) — One of the crashes took place in west suburban Forest Park. Two people were killed in the inbound lanes near Des Plaines Avenue, when a driver was going the wrong way on the expressway. The cars caught fire due to the impact of the crash, and heavy smoke could be seen around the area of the crash. The eastbound lanes from Des Plaines to Harlem avenues remain closed. A second incident left three people dead on I-290 near the Byrne Interchange in Chicago. <a href="https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2021/03/29/eisenhower-expressway-wrong-way-crashes/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Read more at CBS Chicago</a>

FOREST PARK, IL (CBS) — One of the crashes took place in west suburban Forest Park. Two people were killed in the inbound lanes near Des Plaines Avenue, when a driver was going the wrong way on the expressway. The cars caught fire due to the impact of the crash, and heavy smoke could be seen around the area of the crash. The eastbound lanes from Des Plaines to Harlem avenues remain closed.

A second incident left three people dead on I-290 near the Byrne Interchange in Chicago. <a href="https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2021/03/29/eisenhower-expressway-wrong-way-crashes/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Read more at CBS Chicago</a>

Forest Park

5 People Killed In 2 Wrong-Way Crashes On...

The cars caught fire due to the impact of the crash, and heavy smoke could be seen around the area of the crash.

5 People Killed In 2 Wrong-Way Crashes On Eisenhower Expressway

Crime & Safety

West Side

David Giuliani

La Grange

Western Springs

DuPage County

Elmhurst

Oak Brook

Bucktown-Wicker Park

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills

North Center-Roscoe Village

Lincoln Park

Berwyn Public Library

HUGE LOW-COST COMMUNITY BOOK SALE
Join us for the Knowledge Exchange Used Book Sale at the Berwyn Public Library!
Our two-day sale will feature a curated selection of over 5,000 adult and children’s titles. All items come directly from the materials we recover through our partnerships with Illinois libraries. The sale will feature some of the most popular titles available, graphic novels, movies, and more!
This is a low-cost community book sale with a purpose! Knowledge Exchange works with libraries across the state to help give discarded books a second life. Instead of being recycled or thrown away, many of these books are given the chance to find new homes with readers like you. Every book at our sale comes directly from one of your communities.
As part of Knowledge Exchange’s continued collaboration with Illinois libraries, a portion of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Friends of the Berwyn Public Library.Sale Details:

Event Dates &amp; Hours
<ul>
 <li pwa2-uuid="EDITOR-7A6-2C1-6F863-53E" pwa-fake-editor="">Saturday, September 26 - 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM</li>
 <li pwa2-uuid="EDITOR-53E-3B0-E558F-5A5" pwa-fake-editor="">Sunday, September 27 – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM</li>
 <li pwa2-uuid="EDITOR-777-66C-EF146-FC1" pwa-fake-editor="">Admission: FREE</li>
</ul>
Location
<ul>
 <li pwa2-uuid="EDITOR-BCA-FA1-AA329-612" pwa-fake-editor="">Berwyn Public Library<ul><li pwa2-uuid="EDITOR-4BB-94C-F2DA2-746" pwa-fake-editor="">2701 S Harlem Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402</li></ul></li>
</ul>

Payment Methods Accepted
<ul><li pwa2-uuid="EDITOR-5C5-032-85492-29E" pwa-fake-editor="">Cash or Card</li></ul>
Pricing:
<ul>
 <li pwa2-uuid="EDITOR-424-33E-088DD-BF1" pwa-fake-editor="">Saturday: $3 Adult; $2 Children’s &amp; Media</li>
 <li pwa2-uuid="EDITOR-634-525-DF52E-559" pwa-fake-editor="">Sunday: $2 Adult; $1 Children’s &amp; Media</li>
</ul>
Come browse thousands of books and help us continue our mission to save books and keep them in the hands of readers.

Local Event: Knowledge Exchange Used Book Sale

Berwyn

Knowledge Exchange Used Book Sale

HUGE LOW-COST COMMUNITY BOOK SALE
Join us for the Knowledge Exchange Used Book Sale at the Berwyn Public Library!
Our two-day...

Harris Theater for Music and Dance

Illinois
 Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame Brings Its 5th Annual Induction Ceremony 
to Chicago’s Harris Theater in Millennium Park for the First Time on September 27th, 2026
for a star-studded celebration honoring 
Illinois music legends and trailblazers across rock, blues, soul, jazz, 
hip hop and beyond, including The Plain White T's, Kevin Cronin of REO&nbsp;Speedwagon, Koko Taylor, Curtis Mayfield, 
 and other musical greats with deep Illinois roots.
Annual 
Induction Ceremony , coming to Chicago for the first time on Sept. 27 at 6
 p.m. at the Harris Theater in Millennium Park. The Hall of Fame 
Induction Ceremony is the Illinois Rock &amp; Roll Museum on Route 66’s 
largest annual fundraising event and celebrates the artists, industry 
leaders, and cultural contributors who shaped Illinois’ musical legacy. 
The event brings together inductees, performers, families, and fans for 
an evening of live music, award presentations, storytelling, and 
historic recognition.
The
 evening will feature live performances by Kevin Cronin, Jim Peterik of 
the Ides of March and Formerly of Survivor, The Plain White T’s, 1960s 
jazz-rock band The Flock, Hot Mix 5 and a special reunion performance by
 The Boyzz, plus several surprise guests to be announced. WGN Radio host
 and Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame member Bob Sirott will host the 
ceremony. Made possible with the support of Old National Bank, Illinois 
Arts Council, Heritage Corridor, and Insperity.
“We’re
 thrilled to bring the Illinois Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame Induction 
Ceremony to downtown Chicago for the first time, and the Harris Theater 
is the perfect stage for it,” said Ron Romero, founder and president of 
the Illinois Rock &amp; Roll Museum on Route 66. “With its incredible 
acoustics and intimate 1,550-seat setting, the venue will help us make 
this year’s celebration an unforgettable night of music, memories and 
Illinois pride. The class of 2026 is our most genre-spanning lineup yet,
 honoring iconic artists and innovators. We can’t wait to bring the 
music community together, celebrate their legacy and, of course, fill 
the room with great music.”
This
 year’s inductees include bands and solos artists Survivor, American 
Breed, Koko Taylor, The Boyzz and The Flock; songwriters Curtis Mayfield
 and Kevin Cronin; radio personality Terri Hemmert; radio station WDRV 
(The Drive); Brunswick Records; and industry leaders. Irving Azoff, Gary
 Richrath, Golden Voice Studio and Triangle Productions. Other honorees 
include Hot Mix 5 and Plain White T’s.
“I’m
 excited that this year’s Illinois Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame event 
will be held in my sweet hometown of Chicago,” said Kevin Cronin, lead 
singer and songwriter for REO Speedwagon. “Ron Romero’s awesome team in 
Joliet has been working since early this year to make September 27th a 
night of big fun. I plan to be there, co-hosting and doing a little 
unplugged set with Jim Peterik. The only thing that could possibly 
change is if one of the Beatles calls and needs me to be somewhere 
else!”
Tickets can be purchased <a href="https://mc.roadtorock.org/links/SscwknSkcYvlkfvWaHDMsBEZJBXsiWMBFEGaxuMhGjVMvVUuYMSDHwuqKMKJZcMKFeWaHDMceWcgME/3764078" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">here&nbsp;</a> and range in price from $100.50, $75.00 and $64.50. Prices include fees.
The Illinois Rock &amp; Roll Museum on Route 66
 is committed to preserving the rich history and contributions of 
musicians, performers and industry leaders who have impacted the music 
world and embodied the creative spirit of Illinois. Located on historic 
Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois, the museum attracts music lovers from 
around the world.&nbsp;
Made possible with the support of Old National Bank, Illinois Arts Council, Heritage Corridor, and Insperity.

Local Event: Illinois Rock & Roll Museum Hall of Fame Ceremony Comes to Chicago!

Illinois Rock & Roll Museum Hall of Fame...

Illinois
 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Brings Its 5th Annual Induction Ceremony 
to Chicago’s Harris Theater in Millennium Park ...

Illinois Rock & Roll Museum Hall of Fame Ceremony Comes to Chicago!

🌱 Patch AM: Bistro Tables Auction and 11 more...

Also check out Knowledge Exchange Used Book Sale on the Forest Park Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Bistro Tables Auction and 11 more events

Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Forest Park police helped end a...

Be sure to catch Naperville Artisan Market at CityGate Centre (This Sat-Sun, Sep 19-20) on the Forest Park Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: How Forest Park police helped end a violent postal robbery spree

🌱 Patch AM: Why Forest Park’s free community...

Also, don’t miss Mint Cannabis Forest Park Grand Opening Celebration on the Forest Park Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Why Forest Park’s free community fridge suddenly shut down this week

Across America

Listeria Concerns Reported with Walmart Pasta...

Recalls also include hand soap that may be contaminated with bacteria, electric blankets and heating pads responsible for dozens of burns.

Listeria Concerns Reported with Walmart Pasta And Pork: Recall Roundup

Listeria Concerns Hit 2 Popular Foods: Recall Roundup

Listeria, Burns, Choking Hazards And Flying Roof Racks: Recall Roundup

Health & Fitness

Winnetka-Glencoe

$23K Stolen Stash Of Styling Tools | Local Shop...

A patch full of fragile pumpkins, and how a local apparel shop is disrupting traditional business.

Nearby Communities

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