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.

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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...

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...

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.

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

Adults will be able to learn how to use the two latest versions of Internet Explorer. Registraiton is required.

Adults will be able to learn how to use the two latest versions of Internet Explorer.

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Meet &amp; shop 115+ talented local &amp; Midwest artisans this Sat-Sun, May 16-17, 2026 (10am-4pm both days) at the Naperville Artisan Market at CityGate Centre (Just N. of I-88/Rt. 59) at 2135 CityGate Lane in Naperville, IL.
RSVP &amp; let us know you're coming: <a href="https://napervilleartisanmarket.com/RSVP" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://NapervilleArtisanMarket.com/RSVP</a>&nbsp;(Free parking &amp; Free admission both days) | Dog-friendly | Kid-friendly
We'll be OUTDOORS (with INDOOR amenities!) on the picturesque 30+ acre campus of CityGate Centre on the Great Lawn, office plaza &amp; along CityGate Lane -- near the 4-diamond rated Hotel Arista, and DOMAIN CityGate luxury residential complex.
* WHAT: Outdoor Market | 115+ Talented Artisans | Food, Fashion, Home Goods &amp; Art | Kid-friendly | Free Parking in Garage | Dog-friendly (leashed, well-behaved only) | Indoor Restrooms | Sit-down Dining Indoors | Coffee &amp; light bites by Arista Coffee &amp; Cafe | Breakfast, Lunch &amp; Dinner options by a combination of Arista Coffee &amp; Cafe, Zorba Lounge, and Che Figata Kitchen | Craft Cocktails at Zorba Lounge | Brunch both days at Che Figata* WHEN: Sat &amp; Sun, May 16-17, 2026 (10am-4pm both days)
* WHERE: 2135 City Gate Lane, Naperville, IL (just N. of I-88 via Rt. 59 or Ferry Rd.).
Shop small, LOCAL &amp; sustainable with talented small business owners who pour their passions into creating one-of-a-kind products in food, fashion, home goods &amp; decorative art.
Look for the collection of white tents visible from Rt. 59 - and turn on in!
Parking is free both days for shoppers in the parking garage behind Hotel Arista near the Ferry Rd. entrance to CityGate Centre.
Are you a talented artisan looking to vend in the Chicago area? Learn more about our curated markets in Naperville, Oak Brook, Northbrook, Wilmette &amp; Chicago (Fulton Market &amp; Ravenswood) at <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.c/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://ChicagoArtisanMarket.c</a>...
Not in town this weekend? We'll be in downtown Winnetka for the <a href="https://northshoreartisanmarket.com/rsvp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">North Shore Artisan Market</a> on Sat-Sun, May 30-31, at Oakbrook Center for the <a href="https://oakbrookartisanmarket.com/rsvp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Oak Brook Artisan Market</a> on Sat-Sun, Jun 6-7, in downtown Northbrook for the <a href="https://northshoreartisanmarket.com/rsvp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">North Shore Artisan Market</a> on Sat-Sun, Jun 27-28, and then back INDOORS at the <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Chicago Artisan Market</a>&nbsp;in Fulton Market on Sun, Jul 12th. <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/calendar" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">View our full 2026 Market Calendar</a>
Apply now online for Naperville or any of our other markets at <a href="https://napervilleartisanmarket.com/apply" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://napervilleartisanmarke...</a> or <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.c/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://chicagoartisanmarket.c</a>... ...or call 630.202.4590 for more info. (We do NOT charge junk fees just to to fill out application online.)
"Keep your friends close, and your supply chain closer."
- Naperville Artisan Market | Oak Brook | Chicago |&nbsp;Winnetka |&nbsp;Northbrook
Don’t miss a future market! Get invited to future future markets at <a href="https://napervilleartisanmarke/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://napervilleartisanmarke</a>...
Apply now online at <a href="https://napervilleartisanmarket.com/apply...or" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://napervilleartisanmarke...</a> call 630.202.4590 for more info. You can also email us at events@stylechicago.com or learn more about all our markets at <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/vendors" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://chicagoartisanmarket.c...</a>
ABOUT US: We are a Chicago area company based in Oak Brook, IL that has been showcasing independent artisans &amp; small businesses for 20+ years. We also produce the Oak Brook Artisan Market, the North Shore Artisan Market (in downtown&nbsp;Winnetka, IL &amp; downtown Northbrook, IL), and the Chicago Artisan Market (9 x's a year) in 2 City locations in Fulton Market at Morgan MFG (401 N. Morgan St., Chicago) and in the historic Ravenswood neighborhood at Artifact Events (4325 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago).

Local Event: Naperville Artisan Market - CityGate Centre (Sat-Sun, May 16-17)

Naperville

Naperville Artisan Market - CityGate Centre...

Meet & shop 115+ talented local & Midwest artisans this Sat-Sun, May 16-17, 2026 (10am-4pm both days) at the Naperville Artisan...

Naperville Artisan Market - CityGate Centre (Sat-Sun, May 16-17)

Chicago Temple Building

Rembrandt Chamber Musicians 2025-2026 Season
Concert V: Glinka Sextet with Marta Aznavoorian
Sunday, May 17, 2026 | 3 pm
The Chicago Temple, Dixon Chapel
77 W Washington St, 2nd floor, Chicago, IL 60602
Tickets: <a href="https://www.rembrandtchambermusicians.org/tickets-subscriptions" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.rembrandtchambermu...</a>
Rembrandt Chamber Musicians will present an evening of vibrant and lyrical masterpieces, beginning with Glinka’s Grand Sextet in E-flat, featuring Grammy-nominated pianist Marta Aznavoorian. The program continues with Dvořák’s radiant String Quintet in G Major, a work brimming with warmth, charm, and Bohemian spirit. Together, these two works showcase the ensemble’s artistry and passion for bringing timeless chamber music to life.
Artists: John Macfarlane, violin; Emily Nebel, violin; Carol Cook, viola; Calum Cook, cello; Sam Shuhan, double bass; Marta Aznavoorian, piano
Glinka: Grand Sextet in E-flat Major
Dvorak: String Quartet in G Major

Local Event: Rembrandt Chamber Musicians: Glinka Sextet with Marta Aznavoorian

Rembrandt Chamber Musicians: Glinka Sextet with...

Rembrandt Chamber Musicians 2025-2026 Season
Concert V: Glinka Sextet with Marta Aznavoorian
Sunday, May 17, 2026 | 3 pm
The...

Rembrandt Chamber Musicians: Glinka Sextet with Marta Aznavoorian

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

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...

🌱 Patch AM: Ask An Expert Gardener - Organic...

Be sure to catch Naperville Artisan Market - CityGate Centre (Sat-Sun, May 16-17) on the Forest Park Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Ask An Expert Gardener - Organic Vegetable Gardening Workshop and Q&A and 11 more events

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🌱 Patch AM: Berwyn Public Library's 5th Annual...

You won’t want to miss Naperville Artisan Market - CityGate Centre (Sat-Sun, May 16-17) on the Forest Park Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Berwyn Public Library's 5th Annual Local Authors' Fair and 11 more events

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Rembrandt Chamber Musicians: Glinka Sextet with Marta Aznavoorian

I & You - A Play By Lauren Gunderson

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Colleen Kant, Patch Staff