Chicago a cappella

Chicago a cappella welcomes everyone to experience the universal joy of ensemble singing through fun, innovative concerts and educational programs.

Cook County

Rachel Barnes

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Evanston

Illinois

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.

Oak Park-River Forest

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...

Cathy Yanda, a REALTOR® with Baird &amp; Warner, defines her business by service, integrity, and deep local roots. As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, she applies a "mission-first" approach to every client goal, whether you’re buying your first home in Galewood or right-sizing a family estate in Oak Park. For Cathy, real estate isn’t just about the transaction; it’s about navigating the most significant transitions of your life with a steady hand and a clear strategy. Specialized Services Senior Transitions (SRES®): Tailored guidance for clients 50+ who are right-sizing. Cathy understands the emotional and financial complexities of selling a long-time family home and specializes in making the process seamless. Military Relocation (MRP®): Expert support for active-duty service members and veterans. Cathy leverages her own experience to ensure you maximize your benefits and find the right fit, fast. Hyper-Local Expertise: Whether it’s the historic bungalows of Galewood or the Victorian classics of Oak Park, Cathy provides data-driven marketing to ensure your property reaches the right buyers. What Makes Cathy Unique The Veteran Edge: Discipline, logistical precision, and unflappable negotiation. Cathy manages the moving pieces of your real estate transaction so you don't have to. Deep Community Roots: Cathy is more than just an agent; she’s a neighbor. From organizing the annual community Toys for Tots drive to her active membership in the Oak Park Area Association of Realtors (OPAAR), she is invested in the long-term vibrancy of our area. Tech-Forward &amp; Human-Centered: Cathy combines modern technology—including the latest AI-driven marketing strategies—with genuine, one-on-one attention. She believes that while tools make the process efficient, human connection makes it successful. Ready to start your next chapter? Whether you’re scaling up or right-sizing, Cathy brings the experience and the heart to get the job done right. Connect with Cathy today.

Cathy Yanda, a REALTOR® with Baird & Warner, defines her business by service, integrity, and deep local roots. As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, she...

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....

Boutique Event Space for Creative Gatherings|Art Experiences

Art Studio 928 - Oak Park, IL

Studio 928 is a boutique event space in Oak Park and a light-filled creative studio designed for gatherings that feel personal, inspiring, and memorable. Located on the South Boulevard Murals Corridor in the historic district—just steps from the train—our space blends art, community, and celebration. We specialize in hands-on art experiences and creative events for corporate teams, families, and community groups. From paint-and-sip parties and Prairie-style faux stained glass workshops to corporate team off-sites, birthdays, and pop-up events, Studio 928 offers curated experiences with expert guidance and a welcoming atmosphere. Founded and led by artist Cheryl Vargas, Studio 928 is known for its intimate scale, thoughtful design, and experiences that make creativity accessible—no prior art experience required. Ideal for: Boutique private events &amp; celebrations Creative team offsites &amp; corporate gatherings Art workshops &amp; guided experiences Birthday parties &amp; milestone moments Community events &amp; pop-ups If you’re searching for a boutique event space in Oak Park that offers more than just four walls, Studio 928 is where people come to create, connect, and celebrate. 📍 451 South Boulevard, Oak Park, IL 60302

Studio 928 is a boutique event space in Oak Park and a light-filled creative studio designed for gatherings that feel personal, inspiring, and...

Drechsler Brown &amp; Williams <ul> <li><a href="http://drechslerbrownwilliams.com/obituaries/mcmahon-cathleen-m.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Cathleen M. McMahon</a>, 57, of Oak Park and River Forest. The daughter, sister and aunt was a longtime member of Villager Foods. Memorials can be made to St. Luke Church, River Forest. </li> </ul> Woodlawn Funeral Home <ul> <li><a href="http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=George-Kleeman&amp;lc=7862&amp;pid=163093215&amp;mid=5425262&amp;locale=en-US" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">George E. Kleeman</a>, 93, of Oak Park. The husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather's services will include a committal with military honors.</li> </ul> <h2>Patch Funeral Home Guide</h2> Are you looking for more information about area funeral homes and services? Would you care to review the services provided by a local funeral home? Click on the funeral home names to see the Patch Places listing for each business to write a review or learn more about the funeral home. Chicago <ul> <li>Peterson-Bassi Chapels</li> </ul> Forest Park <ul> <li><a href="http://www.woodlawnchicago.com/dm20/en_US/locations/78/7862/index.page" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Woodlawn Funeral Home</a></li> <li>Zimmerman-Ehringer-Harnett Funeral Home</li> </ul> Oak Park <ul> <li>Drechsler Brown &amp; Williams</li> </ul>

Drechsler Brown &amp; Williams

<ul> <li><a href="http://drechslerbrownwilliams.com/obituaries/mcmahon-cathleen-m.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Cathleen M. McMahon</a>, 57, of Oak Park and River Forest. The daughter, sister and aunt was a longtime member of Villager Foods. Memorials can be made to St. Luke Church, River Forest. </li> </ul> Woodlawn Funeral Home <ul> <li><a href="http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=George-Kleeman&amp;lc=7862&amp;pid=163093215&amp;mid=5425262&amp;locale=en-US" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">George E. Kleeman</a>, 93, of Oak Park. The husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather's services will include a committal with military honors.</li> </ul> <h2>Patch Funeral Home Guide</h2> Are you looking for more information about area funeral homes and services? Would you care to review the services provided by a local funeral home? Click on the funeral home names to see the Patch Places listing for each business to write a review or learn more about the funeral home.

Chicago <ul> <li>Peterson-Bassi Chapels</li> </ul> Forest Park

<ul> <li><a href="http://www.woodlawnchicago.com/dm20/en_US/locations/78/7862/index.page" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Woodlawn Funeral Home</a></li> <li>Zimmerman-Ehringer-Harnett Funeral Home</li> </ul> Oak Park <ul> <li>Drechsler Brown &amp; Williams</li> </ul>

Memorials and upcoming visitations at area funeral homes.

Death Notices, Feb. 19 Edition

Obituaries

Forest Park

West Side

Bucktown-Wicker Park

North Center-Roscoe Village

DuPage County

David Giuliani

Elmhurst

La Grange

Western Springs

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Square

Lakeview

Join us this weekend for the 20th edition of the Oak Brook Artisan Market. This market has expanded to 115 top area &amp; Midwest artisans in food, fashion, home goods &amp; art, in multiple areas of picturesque Oakbrook Center.
* WHEN: June 6-7, 2026 | Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm
* WHERE: Oakbrook Center | 100 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL | Just N. of I-88 at Rt. 83 &amp; 22nd St (see description of market location below)
* WHAT: Outdoor Market | 115 Top Midwest Artisans | Food, Fashion, Home &amp; Art | Free Admission | Dog-friendly | Free Parking | Kid-friendly | Indoor Restrooms
* WHY: Shop small, local &amp; sustainable - with talented artisans &amp; small businesses who pour their passions into creating one-of-a-kind products.
How to find us? We'll be outdoors at picturesque Oakbrook Center in three areas of this beautifully landscaped shopping center:
<ol><li>On &amp; around the The Lawn (village green) near Crate &amp; Barrel (east of Macy's) and the big circular fountain.</li><li>Between The Lawn &amp; The District food hall near Alo, Vuori, Pottery Barn Teen/Kids, White House Black Market, Arc'teryx, Swatch, Hollister, and Blue Bottle Coffee.</li><li>South &amp; East of the Apple store near Zara, Abercrombie &amp; Fitch, Arhaus, Tecovas, Coach, Sephora, Chanel, Williams Sonoma, David Yurman, Tommy Bahama, Skims, Ralph Lauren, and Uniqlo.</li></ol>
RSVP &amp; let us know you're coming: <a href="https://oakbrookartisanmarket.com/RSVP" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://OakBrookArtisanMarket.com/RSVP</a> (Free admission &amp; parking both days), and for programming &amp; weather updates. Rain or shine event.
Are you a talented artisan looking to vend in the greater Chicago area? Learn more about our curated markets in Oak Brook, Naperville, Northbrook, and Chicago (Fulton Market &amp; Ravenswood) at <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/vendors" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://ChicagoArtisanMarket.com/vendors</a>
Apply to vend at our markets at <a href="https://oakbrookartisanmarket.com/apply" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://OakBrookArtisanMarket....</a> , <a href="https://napervilleartisanmarket.com/apply" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://NapervilleArtisanMarke...</a> or <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/apply" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://ChicagoArtisanMarket.c...</a>.
(Vendors - we don't charge junk fees just to complete our app online.)
About Oak Brook Artisan Market:
<a href="https://oakbrookartisanmarket.com/rsvp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Oak Brook Artisan Market</a> is produced by INV Marketing Group, a Chicago area company based in Oak Brook, IL that operates the <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Chicago Artisan Market</a> (Fulton Market and Ravenswood), the <a href="https://oakbrookartisanmarket.com/rsvp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Oak Brook Artisan Market</a>, the <a href="https://napervilleartisanmarket.com/rsvp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Naperville Artisan Market</a>&nbsp;(CityGate&nbsp;Centre) and the <a href="https://northshoreartisanmarket.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">North Shore Artisan Market</a>&nbsp;(Winnetka, IL &amp;&nbsp;Northbrook, IL). We’ve been showcasing &amp; supporting small businesses throughout Chicagoland for 20+ years. Founded in 2004, INV Marketing Group LLC also owns and operates <a href="https://stylechicago.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">StyleChicago.com</a> digital media properties and has produced nearly 200 signature events and pop-up markets in the greater Chicago area.

Local Event: Oak Brook Artisan Market - Sat-Sun, Jun 6-7, 2026 (Oakbrook Center)

Oak Brook

Oak Brook Artisan Market - Sat-Sun, Jun 6-7,...

Join us this weekend for the 20th edition of the Oak Brook Artisan Market. This market has expanded to 115 top area & Midwest...

Oak Brook Artisan Market - Sat-Sun, Jun 6-7, 2026 (Oakbrook Center)

<h4>June 6-7, 2026: 5th Annual Rosemont Uncorked</h4>
Rosemont Uncorked returns to Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont on June 6–7, 2026, with two days of outdoor wine tasting, live music, and easy access from Chicago and the suburbs. Your ticket is a flexible weekend pass, so you can come Saturday, Sunday, or both days with the same admission, enjoy a souvenir glass, and use your tasting tickets to explore reds, whites, rosés, meads, and bubbly from wineries across Illinois. Grab a spot on the lawn, listen to bands, visit the park’s restaurants, and stock up on your favorite bottles to take home—all in one walkable entertainment district.
Festival hours are:
<ul><li>Saturday noon–7 p.m.</li><li>Sunday noon–5 p.m.</li><li>VIP ticket holders may enter at 11 a.m. for first pours and the best choice of seating.</li><li>Designated driver and youth tickets are available.</li><li>Parkway Bank Park offers convenient parking plus easy connections to the CTA Blue Line and a free circulator bus.</li></ul>

Local Event: Rosemont Uncorked

Rosemont

Rosemont Uncorked

June 6-7, 2026: 5th Annual Rosemont Uncorked
Rosemont Uncorked returns to Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont on June 6–7, 2026, with...

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...

Oak Forest

IL Pauses Gas Tax Hike, Brings Back Sales Tax...

The state will put off a planned increase to the gas tax and bring back a sales tax break for families doing school shopping. 

IL Pauses Gas Tax Hike, Brings Back Sales Tax Holiday

Community Corner

McHenry County

Crystal Lake-Cary

Illinois Layoffs Top 8,000 In Recent Months As...

Spirit Airlines, HelloFresh and major employers in manufacturing, retail and logistics report layoffs. 

Illinois Layoffs Top 8,000 In Recent Months As Major Store Closings, Job Cuts Hit

IL Layoffs Top 8K In Recent Months As Major Store Closings, Job Cuts Hit

Business

Bears QB Caleb Williams Gets His Madden Moment

Caleb Williams is the first Chicago Bears player ever selected for the Madden cover, landing the honor ahead of the 2027 edition.

Sports

'Love My Woke Pope': Why Leo's First Encyclical...

The declaration came shortly after Pope Leo XIV issued his sweeping manifesto calling for the robust regulation of artificial intelligence.

'Love My Woke Pope': Why Leo's First Encyclical Went Viral And How It Speaks To His Papal Approach

Politics & Government

🌱 Patch AM: Want to learn which Oak Park plants...

And on the Oak Park Patch calendar - Oak Brook Artisan Market - Sat-Sun, Jun 6-7, 2026 (Oakbrook Center)

🌱 Patch AM: Want to learn which Oak Park plants you can safely eat?

‘Living In A Work Of Art’: Oak Park Woman...

Samantha Lotti admired Frank Lloyd Wright homes but expected to buy one. Three steps in, ‘I fell in love with this house,” she said.

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Obituaries

Death Notices, Feb. 19 Edition

Memorials and upcoming visitations at area funeral homes.

Colleen Kant, Neighbor

Patch Funeral Home Guide

Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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Oak Brook Artisan Market - Sat-Sun, Jun 6-7, 2026 (Oakbrook Center)

Rosemont Uncorked

Sing & Dance & Socialize: Women Celebrating Women

British International School of Chicago, South Loop

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

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

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Chicago a cappella

Art Studio 928 - Oak Park, IL