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.

Cook County

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Oak Park-River Forest

Illinois

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

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...

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....

By <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/maywood-courthouse-closed-water-main-break/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">CBS Chicago</a> Staff: CHICAGO (CBS) — The Maywood Courthouse will reopen Friday following a water main break. It was closed on Thursday while the issue was being resolved. <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/maywood-courthouse-closed-water-main-break/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Read more at CBS Chicago</a>

By <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/maywood-courthouse-closed-water-main-break/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">CBS Chicago</a> Staff:

CHICAGO (CBS) — The Maywood Courthouse will reopen Friday following a water main break. It was closed on Thursday while the issue was being resolved.

<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/maywood-courthouse-closed-water-main-break/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Read more at CBS Chicago</a>

Forest Park

Maywood Courthouse Reopens Friday After Water...

The courthouse was closed Thursday for repairs.

Maywood Courthouse Reopens Friday After Water Main Break

Politics & Government

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

Mint Cannabis Forest Park Grand Opening Celebration
Mint Cannabis is officially opening in Forest Park, Illinois, and you’re invited to celebrate with us!
Join us Saturday, September 19 for an all-day Grand Opening celebration packed with great deals, entertainment, activities, and plenty of good vibes.
Come check out the new Mint Cannabis Forest Park location and enjoy:
<ul><li>Up to 50% OFF storewide</li><li>Cannabis brand vendors</li><li>Games &amp; activities</li><li>Giveaways</li><li>Live music</li><li>Grand Opening festivities throughout the day</li></ul>
Whether you're stopping by to check out the new store, meet some of your favorite brands, take advantage of Grand Opening specials, or just hang out and enjoy the celebration, we’d love to have you there.
Doors open at 8:00 AM and the celebration continues until 10:00 PM.
Important Information
Ages 21+ only. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for entry into the dispensary and for cannabis purchases.
Event activities, participating vendors, promotional offers, giveaways, inventory, and discounts are subject to availability and may change.

Local Event: Mint Cannabis Forest Park Grand Opening Celebration

Mint Cannabis Forest Park Grand Opening...

Mint Cannabis Forest Park Grand Opening Celebration
Mint Cannabis is officially opening in Forest Park, Illinois, and you’re...

Mint Cannabis Forest Park Grand Opening Celebration

Meet &amp; shop 120+ talented local &amp; Midwest artisans this Sat-Sun, Sep 19-20, 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a rain or shine event.
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 Entry | Free Covered Parking | 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 | 120+ 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, Sep 19-20, 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 also be at Oakbrook Center for the <a href="https://oakbrookartisanmarket.com/rsvp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Oak Brook Artisan Market</a> on Sat-Sun, Oct 3-4,&nbsp;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, Oct 18, Nov 15 &amp;&nbsp;Dec 13 and at the <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Chicago Artisan Market</a> in&nbsp;Ravenswood over Thanksigiving Weekend (Sat-Sun, Nov 28-29) for "Small Shop Saturday"&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Sunday. <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,&nbsp;IL&nbsp;and&nbsp;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 at CityGate Centre (This Sat-Sun, Sep 19-20)

Naperville

Naperville Artisan Market at CityGate Centre...

Meet & shop 120+ talented local & Midwest artisans this Sat-Sun, Sep 19-20, 2026 (10am-4pm both days) at the Naperville Artisan...

Naperville Artisan Market at CityGate Centre (This Sat-Sun, Sep 19-20)

Meet &amp; shop 120+ talented local &amp; Midwest artisans this Sat-Sun, Sep 19-20, 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a rain or shine event.
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.
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 Entry | Free Covered Parking | Dog-friendly | Kid-friendly
* WHAT: Outdoor Market | 120+ 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, Sep 19-20, 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 also be at Oakbrook Center for the <a href="https://oakbrookartisanmarket.com/rsvp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Oak Brook Artisan Market</a> on Sat-Sun, Oct 3-4,&nbsp;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, Oct 18, Nov 15 &amp;&nbsp;Dec 13 and at the <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Chicago Artisan Market</a> in&nbsp;Ravenswood over Thanksigiving Weekend (Sat-Sun, Nov 28-29) for "Small Shop Saturday"&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Sunday. <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,&nbsp;IL&nbsp;and&nbsp;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).
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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...

🌱 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

Community Corner

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Coffee Shop Etiquette For Remote Workers Who...

A cup of coffee may buy the Wi-Fi, but how long does it buy the table? Is it OK to take your laptop to the coffee shop and stay for hours?

Coffee Shop Etiquette For Remote Workers Who Stay For Hours [The Question]

Coffee Shop Etiquette For Remote Workers [The Question]

When Your Cup Is Empty, And You’re Still Using The Coffee Shop’s Wi-Fi [The Question]

Political Yard Signs Test Free Speech,...

The First Amendment protects plenty of bad manners. Patch readers debate what to do when political yard signs turn ugly.

Political Yard Signs Test Free Speech, Neighborhood Etiquette: Block Talk

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One Nasty Political Yard Sign Can Change How A Whole Neighborhood Feels: Block Talk 

🌱 Patch AM: Why is Forest Park’s finance...

Coming up: Mint Cannabis Forest Park Grand Opening Celebration on the Forest Park Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Why is Forest Park’s finance commissioner accusing the mayor of exclusion?

🌱 Patch AM: What Forest Park police handled in...

And check out Getting Out The Vote on the Forest Park Patch calendar

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Politics & Government

Maywood Courthouse Reopens Friday After Water Main Break

The courthouse was closed Thursday for repairs.

CBS Chicago, News Partner

Find out what's happening in Forest Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

More from Forest Park

Mint Cannabis Forest Park Grand Opening Celebration

Naperville Artisan Market at CityGate Centre (This Sat-Sun, Sep 19-20)

Naperville Artisan Market at CityGate Centre (This Sat-Sun, Sep 19-20)

Knowledge Exchange Used Book Sale

British International School of Chicago, South Loop

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

Oak Park Conservatory