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

Our school is dedicated to shaping a generation of successful, creative, and resilient global citizens. Our inclusive community and personalized international curriculum combine the best of both worlds, giving our Preschool, Primary, Middle School and High School students a truly global outlook rooted in Chicago’s rich heritage.

Chicago

British International School of Chicago, South...

Our school is dedicated to shaping a generation of successful, creative, and resilient global citizens. Our inclusive community and personalized...

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...

This past weekend, April 17-20, was the VEX Robotics World Championship. The event is a gathering of top robotics teams from around the world to celebrate their accomplishments and compete with/against the best of the best. Provided below are action shots of Team Serious Black from Percy Julian High School controlling their robot.

Forest Park

Images of Percy Julian Middle School team members at the VEX Robotics World Championship at the Anaheim Convention Center this past weekend.

VEX Robotics World Championship Photos - Percy Julian High School

Health & Fitness

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

Baird & Warner

JOIN&nbsp;THE&nbsp;FUN!!&nbsp;Get ready to lift your voice and move your body at this high-energy afternoon event celebrating the best women anthems of all time. This inclusive gathering creates a space for women to sing, dance, and network, with all guests ages 10 to 110 welcome to join the fun. Text Cathy at 773.315.7005 for more info

Local Event: Sing & Dance & Socialize: Women Celebrating Women

Sing & Dance & Socialize: Women Celebrating Women

JOIN THE FUN!! Get ready to lift your voice and move your body at this high-energy afternoon event celebrating the best women...

🌱 Patch AM: Oak Park Meditation Group and 11...

Spotted on the Forest Park calendar: Sing & Dance & Socialize: Women Celebrating Women

🌱 Patch AM: Oak Park Meditation Group and 11 more events

Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How new transit funding could...

And check out North Shore Artisan Market - Winnetka (This Sat-Sun, May 30-31) on the Forest Park Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: How new transit funding could upgrade Forest Park’s busy transit center

And on the Forest Park Patch calendar - North Shore Artisan Market - Winnetka (This Sat-Sun, May 30-31)

🌱 Patch AM: How new transit funding could change trips through Forest Park’s hub

Wilmette-Kenilworth

Mall’s Last Hurrah | Customer Hurls Banana...

A bar and restaurant with notoriety is up for sale, and it's the end of an era for an iconic mall.

Mall’s Last Hurrah | Customer Hurls Banana Split | Troubled Bar For Sale: IL Business News

Business

Across America

3 Carmakers Say Airbags Don’t Deploy Correctly...

E. coli, salmonella and other issues prompt food recalls; a lounge chair poses an amputation threat; and plush toys contain asbestos.

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