Cook County Lifestyle
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The 'bog lady' retires: Longtime naturalist says goodbye to Volo Bog after 39 yearsFeb 15, 2026 8:45 pm - Naturalist Stacy Iwanicki, natural resources coordinator, is retiring after nearly 39 years at Volo Bog State Natural Area.
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Holy hip-hop: Lombard priest dances his way into parishioners’ heartsFeb 14, 2026 11:45 am - When it comes to dancing, the Rev. Matt Nathan is a bit of a late bloomer. But these days the cleric is cutting rugs and dropping beats, in addition to saving souls, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Lombard.
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Schaumburg preparing to close the barn door on backyard chickensFeb 12, 2026 6:11 pm - Two failed bids for permits this week to keep backyard chickens in Schaumburg have led village board members to seek the removal of such permits as an option.
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How repurposing historic buildings breathes new life into the Tri-CitiesFeb 12, 2026 3:30 am - Geneva, Batavia and St. Charles have joined the trend of repurposing old buildings for new uses, with historic structures renovated into apartments, restaurants, businesses and community spaces.
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Namesake of GiGi’s Playhouse steps into leadership role ahead of gala in SchaumburgFeb 11, 2026 6:24 pm - Hoffman Estates-based GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers will make its 23rd anniversary a special one at its annual gala Feb. 28 in Schaumburg.
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Elgin’s St. Hugh of Lincoln Church offers Lenten blessing to commutersFeb 11, 2026 1:38 pm - Once again, St. Hugh of Lincoln Episcopal Church in Elgin is offering “Drive Through Ashes” to commuters on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18.
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St. James Farm saddles up for more improvementsFeb 11, 2026 10:40 am - DuPage County forest preserve officials are preparing to tackle a list of improvements at St. James Farm, a window into the rarefied era of the gentleman farmer.
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Families at St. Hubert School in Hoffman Estates appeal to Cardinal Cupich to keep it openFeb 10, 2026 4:39 pm - A coalition of parents and other allies at St. Hubert Catholic School in Hoffman Estates has submitted a formal request that Cardinal Blase Cupich reconsider last month’s decision to close the 65-year-old institution this summer.
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‘Everyone’s tired of winter’: Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual orchid show offers a colorful escapeFeb 10, 2026 3:52 pm - Outside it’s cold, but it’s warm — and colorful — inside at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s 12th annual orchid show. This year’s theme is “Feelin’ Groovy.”
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Home & garden calendar, Feb. 15-22Feb 10, 2026 3:03 pm - Upcoming gardening club meetings and events in the Chicago suburbs, covering topics like houseplants, nature journaling, and more.