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

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.

Cook County

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Oak Park-River Forest

Illinois

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

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...

RowCal - Arlington Heights

Our mission is simple: make HOA management easier, more transparent, and more human—for boards, homeowners, and neighborhoods across the country. We believe strong communities start with clear communication, dependable service, and tools that help everyone stay connected. We combine local expertise with national resources, giving every community the best of both worlds. Our local teams understand the unique needs of each neighborhood, while our broader network provides the systems, technology, and experience to support communities of every size.

Eric DeGrechie

Glenview

Our mission is simple: make HOA management easier, more transparent, and more human—for boards, homeowners, and neighborhoods across the country....

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...

Mission Ready: Estate Planning Tips for Veterans

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.

For many veterans, the home is the cornerstone of the American Dream they served to protect. But when it comes to "mission-readiness," many...

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...

Cook County, IL - Kim Foxx's campaign for Cook County State's Attorney's Office plans to contest fines of more than $19,000 imposed by the Illinois State Board of Elections.The fines, which were reduced from more than $40,000 because of Foxx's clean record, come from the board's ruling on several infractions, including allegations that the campaign didn't disclose <a href="http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/foxx-campaign-fined-more-than-19k-for-election-law-violations/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">a poll that County Board President Toni Preckwinkle paid for</a>, according to the Chicag Sun-Times.The campaign must pay or appeal the fines within a month.<a href="http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/foxx-campaign-fined-more-than-19k-for-election-law-violations/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Read more on this story from the Chicago Sun-Times</a>.Photo via Twitter.

Cook County, IL - Kim Foxx’s campaign for Cook County State's Attorney's Office plans to contest fines of more than $19,000 imposed by the Illinois State Board of Elections.

The fines, which were reduced from more than $40,000 because of Foxx's clean record, come from the board's ruling on several infractions, including allegations that the campaign didn't disclose <a href="http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/foxx-campaign-fined-more-than-19k-for-election-law-violations/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">a poll that County Board President Toni Preckwinkle paid for</a>, according to the Chicag Sun-Times.The campaign must pay or appeal the fines within a month.

<a href="http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/foxx-campaign-fined-more-than-19k-for-election-law-violations/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Read more on this story from the Chicago Sun-Times</a>.Photo via Twitter.

The campaign for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office candidate plans to appeal the fines, reports say.

Election Infractions Land $19K in Fines on Kim Foxx Campaign

Politics & Government

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

A beginner-friendly automotive class for women and non-binary individuals who want to feel more confident, informed, and empowered in a traditionally male-dominated space.We'll focus on the basics every vehicle owner should know, including:
<ul><li>Checking your oil level and understanding what your vehicle needs.</li><li>Checking tire pressure and knowing what the numbers mean.</li><li>Getting to know your own vehicle. The basic information you should know before something goes wrong.</li><li>Taking your car to the shop.&nbsp;What to ask, what to expect, and how to feel more confident communicating with a mechanic.</li><li>Basic car care and maintenance you can handle yourself.</li><li>And more! We'll leave plenty of time for questions and real-world scenarios.</li></ul>
No automotive experience necessary. This is a judgment-free space to ask questions, learn something new, and leave feeling a little more confident under the hood.

Local Event: Automotive Basics: A Beginner-Friendly Class

Automotive Basics: A Beginner-Friendly Class

A beginner-friendly automotive class for women and non-binary individuals who want to feel more confident, informed, and...

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...

1521 S. Linn White Dr., Northerly Island, Chicago, IL 60605

FEATURING ELDERBROOK LIVE AT SUNSET
The Wellness Retreat is taking over Chicago’s Northerly Island for one unforgettable day of movement, music, mindfulness and connection.
Move alongside leading instructors. Discover fresh ways to feel your best. Recharge by the lake, connect with your people and close out the day with a live sunset performance by Elderbrook.
This isn’t wellness as usual. It’s immersive, energizing and meant to be experienced out loud—together.
AND THAT’S JUST THE BEGINNING.

For more information, <a href="https://speakeasygo.com/the-wellness-retreat/the-wellness-retreat-chicago?eid=EVE-I2830I" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">click here.&nbsp;</a>

(Photo Credit: © 2026 The Wellness Retreat. All rights reserved.)

Local Event: The Wellness Retreat: A Festival Where Mind, Body, and Music Meet

The Wellness Retreat: A Festival Where Mind,...

FEATURING ELDERBROOK LIVE AT SUNSET
The Wellness Retreat is taking over Chicago’s Northerly Island for one unforgettable day of...

The Wellness Retreat: A Festival Where Mind, Body, and Music Meet

🌱 Patch AM: Why an Oak Park trustee is...

Coming up on the Oak Park Patch calendar: Automotive Basics: A Beginner-Friendly Class

🌱 Patch AM: Why an Oak Park trustee is challenging federal immigration enforcement actions

Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What this new ownership deal means...

And on the Oak Park Patch calendar - Mint Cannabis Forest Park Grand Opening Celebration

🌱 Patch AM: What this new ownership deal means for West Suburban’s future in Oak Park

Across Illinois

Woman Cut In Neck, Teen Hurt In Barricade |...

Plus: 650 Rolls Of TP Seized | Robbery Suspect Shot | Backyard Chicken Ban Stays | 

Woman Cut In Neck, Teen Hurt In Barricade | Racist Taunts Fallout | Body Found In Cop Car: IL News

Los Angeles County

Hollywood

California

What To Watch This Weekend: 'Resident Evil,' ...

Austin Abrams, Ethan Hawke and Saoirse Ronan anchor a weekend of viral outbreaks, wilderness survival, Halloween mischief and sharp satire.

What To Watch This Weekend: 'Resident Evil,' 'The Weight,' 'The Beast Of Mossy Bottom,' And 'Bad Apples'

Arts & Entertainment

Across America

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]

‘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

Politics & Government

Election Infractions Land $19K in Fines on Kim Foxx Campaign

The campaign for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office candidate plans to appeal the fines, reports say.

Morgan Searles, Patch Staff

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.

More from Oak Park-River Forest

The Chicago Blues Angels - live on the Outdoor Rooftop

A Vintage Oak Park Condo With a Surprisingly Practical Side

Caught Off Guards To Perform Outdoor Concert Friday At Oak Park Arms

Automotive Basics: A Beginner-Friendly Class

Knowledge Exchange Used Book Sale

The Wellness Retreat: A Festival Where Mind, Body, and Music Meet

RowCal - Arlington Heights

British International School of Chicago, South Loop

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

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

Oak Park Conservatory

Art Studio 928 - Oak Park, IL

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Election Infractions Land $19K in Fines on Kim Foxx Campaign

The campaign for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office candidate plans to appeal the fines, reports say.

Morgan Searles, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles-module-scss-module__AKw7-a__Badge" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>

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.

Morgan Searles, Patch Staff