River Forest Public Library

Maywood IL

Puzzle Swap

Grayslake Central High School

Track & Field Grayslake Invitational

Local Artisan Fair

Brunch and Meet and Greet with local Artist Arturo Reyes.&nbsp; Tickets can be purchased at the QR code below. Great Art and Brunch.

Local Event: Brunch and Meet and Greet Featured Local Artist Arturo Reyes

Cook County

Oak Park-River Forest

Illinois

Brunch and Meet and Greet Featured Local Artist...

Brunch and Meet and Greet with local Artist Arturo Reyes.  Tickets can be purchased at the QR code below. Great Art and Brunch.

Brunch and Meet and Greet Featured Local Artist Arturo Reyes

Calling All Spring Lovers &amp; Crafty Souls!The Spring Fling Artisan Market is blooming at More Brewing Co. in Villa Park, IL on Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 12–5 PM!~ 30+ talented local makers &amp; creative artisans ~ Sip on brews while you browse ~ Handmade goods, fresh finds &amp; springtime creations ~ Free parking for easy hopping in ~ Family-friendly &amp; totally FREE!Hosted by the ever-creative Streetz Artz Alliance Market set up in the side &amp; back lot of the breweryRSVP, tag your friends, and spread the spring cheer— this is one market you won’t want to miss!

Local Event: Spring Fling Artisan Market at More Brewing

DuPage County

Villa Park

Spring Fling Artisan Market at More Brewing

Calling All Spring Lovers & Crafty Souls!The Spring Fling Artisan Market is blooming at More Brewing Co. in Villa Park, IL on...

Concordia University Chicago

The Symphony of Oak Park &amp; River Forest will present Timothy Higgins performing his Concerto for Trombone on Sunday, April 19, at 4 pm at Concordia University’s Chapel in River Forest.Higgins is the newly-appointed principal trombonist of The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the concert will be conducted by the former principal trombonist of the CSO, S/OP&amp;RF Music Director Jay Friedman.Also on the program is Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54 (third movement) featuring 2026 Concerto Competition winner Dylan Zhang.The concert concludes with Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.A preconcert lecture begins at 3 pm, and a free reception follows the program.Tickets are $30 ($35 on concert day), and students through college can attend free of charge.Parking is available in the structure at 1124 N. Bonnie Brae.For tickets or more information, visit SymphonyOPRF.org, call 708-218-2648, or email <a href="mailto:theSymphonyOPRF@gmail.com">theSymphonyOPRF@gmail.com</a>.The concert is funded by The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council, the Oak Park Area Arts Council in partnership with the Village of Oak Park, and Music &amp; Potlucks.

Local Event: Trombone Treat

Trombone Treat

The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest will present Timothy Higgins performing his Concerto for Trombone on Sunday, April 19,...

Roosevelt Elem School

Girls Futsal Game

Unity Junior High School

Boys' Volleyball Games @ Unity

Lincoln Middle School

Boys' Volleyball Games @ Lincoln

Yours Cafe and Bistro

Tysimms R&B sing along

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Forest Park

West Side

David Giuliani

Elmhurst

La Grange

Western Springs

Oak Brook

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills

Bucktown-Wicker Park

Park Ridge

Cook

Maywood

DuPage

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...

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Events and Things to Do in Maywood, IL

Sunday, April 19

Brunch and Meet and Greet Featured Local Artist Arturo Reyes

APR

19

11:00 AM

639 E Boughton Rd, Bolingbrook, IL

Spring Fling Artisan Market at More Brewing

APR

19

12:00 PM

126 S Villa Ave, Villa Park, IL

Trombone Treat

APR

19

4:00 PM

Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta St, River Forest, IL

Also around town...

Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Saturday, April 18

Sunday, April 19

Monday, April 20

Tuesday, April 21

Thursday, April 23

Brunch and Meet and Greet Featured Local Artist Arturo Reyes

Spring Fling Artisan Market at More Brewing

Trombone Treat

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