Name: Free Community Shred Event and Food Drive Sponsored by BHHS Chicago
Start: 2026-09-12T09:00:00-05:00

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago is sponsoring a free Community Shred event on September 12th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in River Forest. Stop by to shred personal documents and bring a non-perishable food item to donate.

Local Event: Free Community Shred Event and Food Drive Sponsored by BHHS Chicago

Cook County

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Oak Park-River Forest

Illinois

Free Community Shred Event and Food Drive...

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago is sponsoring a free Community Shred event on September 12th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm...

Free Community Shred Event and Food Drive Sponsored by BHHS Chicago

Toast To Paint

Eventbrite link:<ul><li><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/toast-to-paint-27783151147" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.eventbrite.com/o/toast-to-paint-27783151147&nbsp;</a></li></ul> Join us for a fun evening painting our beloved Chicago cityscape while sipping your favorite drink!
Cityscape Sip and Paint
Get ready for a super fun evening of creativity and chill vibes! Join us in person to unleash your inner artist while sipping on your favorite drinks. Whether you're a pro or just wanna have fun, this is the perfect chance to meet cool people and make awesome city-themed art. Don't worry about experience—just bring your good vibes and let’s paint the town together!
 We provide step by step instructions, all painting materials, we are BYOB and you take your painting home that night!
We have a free private parking lot just steps from our door.
Call or text us with any questions
Toast To Paint
7185 W Bloomingdale Ave
Chicago IL, 60707
<a href="tel:(312)576-6300">(312)576-6300</a>
toasttopaint@gmail.com
www.toasttopaint.com
Like and follow us to see what we’re painting next 👍🎨🥂

Local Event: Cityscape Sip and Paint 🫟

Cityscape Sip and Paint 🫟

Eventbrite link:https://www.eventbrite.com/o/toast-to-paint-27783151147  Join us for a fun evening painting our beloved Chicago...

Online

Ready to sharpen your digital marketing expertise? Join this free online 45 min session with instructor James Moore to learn how the Digital Marketing Strategy Certificate can help you develop the in-demand skills employers are looking for.&nbsp;During this interactive session, you will:
<ul><li>Explore the program curriculum, requirements, and flexible certificate options.</li><li>Hear directly from a program instructor about the learning experience and real-world applications.</li><li>Get answers to your questions and discover how the certificate can support your career goals.</li><li>As a special thank-you for attending, you'll receive an exclusive discount code to use when you register for the program.</li></ul>
Reserve your spot today and see how DePaul's Digital Marketing Strategy Certificate can help you stay ahead in today's evolving digital landscape.&nbsp;
<a href="https://execed.depaul.edu/product?catalog=DCB_DMS_INFO" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Digital Marketing Strategy Information Session</a>

Local Event: Digital Marketing Strategy Information Session

Chicago

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Ready to sharpen your digital marketing expertise? Join this free online 45 min session with instructor James Moore to learn...

LATTE Theater (Conservatory for Young Adult Creatives)

Fall Acting Workshop IntensiveLATTE’s Acting Training Intensive offers young adult creatives, ages 14 – 28, a chance to be mentored and meet with industry professionals, including: SoloTheater Chicago Scene Study with Ron Keaton, Stage Combat and Choreography artists Tristin Hall and Angela Rak, Pfluger Empathy Movement Method with Felicia Pfluger, Finding the Right Balance Creating your Career in the Arts with Kaitlin Fron, and Dance and Movement with Elise Wallin.
WHEN?
Saturday, September 12th, the Acting Intensive runs from 9:45 AM to 4:30 PM. Read on for a detailed look at the sessions and presenter bios!

Enjoy a day in a supportive, fun, laid-back environment as you learn about acting and careers in the performing arts from industry professionals. Bring a lunch, a water bottle, clothes to move in, and your enthusiasm. $50 for the full day.
Text (708) 655-0989

Sign up: <a href="https://www.lattetheater.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.lattetheater.com</a>
WHERE? 9008 Fairview Dr. (Parking Lot Entrance of Cornerstone Church)
SCHEDULE:
9:45 Arrival. Sign in. Icebreaker. Quick mandatory meeting for parents of creatives under 18.
10:00 SoloTheater Tips, Tricks and Toolbox. Scene Study - Ron Keaton.
11:15 Finding the Right Balance. Creating Your Career in the Arts - Kaitlin Fron
12:30 Lunch – (Bring a Bag Lunch)
1:00 Stage Physicality and the Pfluger Empathy Movement Method -Felicia Pfluger
2:15 Dance and Movement- Elise Wallin
3:15 Water Break and Stretch
3:30 Stage Combat and Choreography– Tristin Hall and Angela Rak
4:30 Day Ends. Auditions for those interested.
DETAILED SCHEDULE
<ul><li>10 AM SoloTheater Tips, Tricks and The Actor’s Toolbox. Scene Study – Ron Keaton Preparation is important key to making your dreams a reality. Ron will take you through his “Actor’s Toolbox,” which includes monologues, photos, resumes, and how to approach someone in the audition process to present yourself for success. Scene study as well!</li><li></li><li>.11:15 Finding the Right Balance. Creating Your Career in the Arts - Kaitlin Fron</li><li>An honest discussion on how to assess and focus on different paths to a career related to music/theatre, and what it looks like to build the life you want while meeting your needs as a human, especially in today's economy. Explore choosing the right degree versus training independently and other paths to consider. Explore how to manage your career and have life balance for all you need to do and all you wish to become on stage!</li><li></li><li>1:00 Stage Physicality and Scene Study - Felicia Pfluger Learn techniques for acting authentically under imaginary circumstances, emotional preparation, and scene creation. In this workshop, students learn to break down script material to understand implicit and explicit meaning with their scene partner. Exercises focus on getting out of the head and into the heart, moment-to-moment character development, blocking, transitions, motivation, and script analysis.</li><li></li><li>2:15 Dance and Movement - Elise Wallin</li><li><ul><li>Develop performance confidence in your creative expression with movement and dance that heightens your character’s theatricality, spatial and ensemble awareness, and just have fun!</li><li></li><li>3:15 Water break - Take a little break and do some self-care. We're here to answer any questions you may have.</li><li></li><li>3:30 Stage Combat, Combat Choreography, Realistic Reactions - Tristan Hall and Angela Rak. </li><li>Gearing your fight to elicit comedy, action, or adventure, this session deals with consent with your stage partner, and Stage Combat falls, punches, and slaps. Learn choreography based on the emotion and dramatic and comedic level you wish to transport your audience with</li><li></li></ul></li><li><ul><li>4:30 AUDITIONS For those interested. Want to be in the LATTE Performance Company? Stick around and read with other cast members in a low-key, no-stress atmosphere for our fall show. Join us for a relaxed, laid-back talk about the program and how you can grow with us on stage. Both inexperienced and experienced actors are welcome to apply. Call 708-655-0989</li><li>Sign up is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lattetheater.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.lattetheater.com.</a></li></ul></li></ul>
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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

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ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS 
Leyden Fire Protection District 
Lockers 
The Leyden Fire Protection District (Owner) is requesting Bids for lockers which are 24&rdquo; wide by 24&rdquo; deep and approximately 84&rdquo; in height. Sealed Bids for the construction of the Project will be received at the Leyden Fire Protection District 2600 Mannheim Road Franklin Park IL 60134, until Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 4:00 pm local time. At that time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read. The Project includes furnishing all labor, materials, and equipment required for the installation of lockers per the drawing. Interested bidders should contact <a href="mailto:firechief@leydenfire.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">firechief@leydenfire.com</a> or call 847-455-0180 to obtain a drawing of the project.

Cook

Franklin Park

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS 
Leyden Fire Protection District 
HVAC Replacement 
The Leyden Fire Protection District (Owner) is requesting Bids for the removal and replacement 6 HVAC units. Sealed Bids for the construction of the Project will be received at the Leyden Fire Protection District 2600 Mannheim Road Franklin Park IL 60134, until Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 4:00 pm local time. At that time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read. The Project includes furnishing all labor, materials, and equipment required to perform removal of 6 HVAC units. To schedule a walk-through of the system or answer any questions you have may be sent to <a href="mailto:firechief@leydenfire.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">firechief@leydenfire.com</a> or call 847-455-0180.

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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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Boutique Event Space for Creative Gatherings|Art Experiences

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Oak Park-River Forest|Local Event

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