Life + Culture

More Than Training

Helping families build safer, stronger relationships with their dogs Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by Alex Larracus On January 15, 2026, after months of renovations, Mystic Paws Academy opened the doors to its new training facility with a clear purpose: helping people better understand their dogs. For owner Heather Pohlman, the academy is the realization of a lifelong passion that began decades before she ever considered opening a business. Pohlman has been training professionally for...

Life + Culture

Learning to Truly Listen

District 47 Hope Squad members learn crisis negotiation listening skills to better support classmates Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by Provided Many students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the number of adolescents struggling with their mental health continues to rise. The same organization points to one of the most effective protective factors: peer connection. Building strong relationships and...

Health + Wellness

Changing the Story

How practical therapy helps people challenge fear, build resilience, and claim victories. Article by Patti Noble | Photography by Sharmila Taylor Blue streaks highlight her dark hair. Harry Potter memorabilia shares shelf space with quirky collectibles, colorful knickknacks, and a few unexpected conversation pieces. It isn't exactly what you might expect when you walk into the office of a therapist who specializes in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and depression. Then again...

Home Services

Rooted in Relationships

The family values behind one local company's lasting success Article by Patti Noble | Photography by Sharmila Taylor A Family Business. We all know one. Maybe it’s the ice cream shop where kids scooped and swirled cones all summer. The neighborhood diner where generations work side by side. The business where customers become regulars, and regulars eventually become friends. Family businesses carry their own kind of personality. They are often built on trust, loyalty and long hours shared...

Life + Culture

Local Fourth of July Fun

A selective list of local festivals, fireworks, and family fun Article by Katie Bobrow July in McHenry County can feel a little overwhelming in the best possible way. Between parades, festivals, lakefront concerts, and fireworks shows, there is no shortage of ways to celebrate summer and the Fourth of July. The challenge isn’t finding something to do, the challenge is deciding which tradition, town, or event to take in on any given night. From long-running community festivals that stretch over...

Life + Culture

The Adventure Your Hungry Heart is Seeking

Off the beaten path, Antigua, Guatemala can imprint a feeling unlike any place on earth Article by Klaudia Burian Antigua, Guatemala is a bustling destination for culture, hiking, culinary artists, and vibrant markets. It’s known as the land of perpetual spring and is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site with exceptionally preserved Spanish colonial architecture and 17th century historic church ruins, all flanked by three volcanoes (Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango).  It's what a dreamer would...

Arts + Culture

More Than a Fest

When a small ice cream social becomes so much more Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by Provided Most people in Crystal Lake know the Dole Mansion. Some know it as the home of Lakeside Fest. Others visit for the Farmers Market+, art events, classes, or community gatherings. Many have admired the stately mansion from across the lawn, framed by towering oak trees and overlooking the lake that gave Crystal Lake its name. What many may not realize is just how many lives the property has...

Auto + Marine

Redefining the Drive

The 2026 Ram 1500 Tungsten blends elite luxury with rugged capability for every part of life. Article by Patti Noble | Photography by David Bradburn and provided In our community, a truck isn't just a vehicle; it’s the backbone of a busy life. Whether navigating a muddy jobsite or hauling gear for a weekend at the lake, versatility is non-negotiable. The 2026 Ram 1500 , available at Al Piemonte Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram , perfectly captures this balance. It has evolved far beyond the "work...

Home + Design

Designed For Living

From partnership to purpose-driven spaces built for how people truly live Article by Patti Noble | Photography by Sharmila Taylor Over the past several years, as homes have taken on new roles—office, gym, workshop, retreat—the demand for spaces that function well has grown dramatically.  From closets to mud rooms to garages, organization has taken a starring role. One local Closets By Design franchise serving northern Illinois, originally established in 1998, has long provided customized...

Health + Wellness

Aging in Community

The Day Break Lounge: A community-centered program offering purpose for participants and relief for caregivers Article by Katie Bobrow | Photography by David Bradburn “Never regret growing older, it is a privilege denied to many,” a quote often attributed to Mark Twain, is a poignant reminder as we all face the inevitability of time. It’s a powerful sentiment, but it doesn’t fully account for the realities that often accompany aging. As people grow older and navigate the changes that come with...