Artist of the Month: Ballet Quad Cities

Founded in 1996, Ballet Quad Cities is the longest running fully professional ballet company in the Western Illinois region. Based in Rock Island, the company brings exhilarating performances to the area, often including the Christmas classic, “The Nutcracker,” and their own variations of famous ballets such as “Carmen.”

Alongside their performances each season, Ballet Quad Cities uses ballet as a tool to facilitate lessons in literacy, social-emotional development and physical activity through their outreach program that visits local schools, libraries, youth centers and organizations within the area.

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Countless Community Gardens in Illinois

Community gardens – we all have heard of them, but how exactly do they work and why are they important? Started as a way to make farming easier, community gardens have been around for centuries and provide a unique opportunity to strengthen ties and friendships as well as help food pantries and food-insecure individuals.

These plots of land are spaces to grow fresh produce, herbs or other flowers and plants in a friendly and safe environment. Many community gardens offer educational programs for youth to learn about the importance of gardening and sustainability.

Illinois has countless of community gardens across the state. Here are just a few that might be located near you:

Northern Illinois

• DeKalb County Community Gardens - 2280 Bethany Rd., DeKalb, IL
• Glencoe Community Garden - 385 Old Green Bay Rd., Glencoe, IL
• Forest Park Community Garden - 631 S. Harlem Ave., Forest Park, IL
• Dorchester Community Garden - 6953 S. Dorchester Ave., Chicago, IL
• Dresser Gardens-Community Rental Garden - 6925 S. Mulford Rd., Cherry Valley, IL
• Advocate Sherman Hospital Community Garden - 1425 N. Randall Rd., Elgin, IL

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Elgin ranks No.1 safest and most affordable in the U.S.

A northwest suburb of Chicago was deemed the safest and most affordable city in the U.S., according to a new ranking by GoBankingRates. Elgin, which lies mostly within Kane County with a portion in Cook County, was awarded the top spot on the ranking.

Cities were ranked by crime metrics, cost of living, median household income and home values, among other data. The ranking noted Elgin’s low number of property and violent crimes compared to other cities. Additionally, the ranking cited Elgin’s median household income of $85,998, the average monthly mortgage cost of $1,840 and total monthly cost of living of $4,008.

Elgin, founded in 1835, has a population of about 114,800, making it the sixth largest city in Illinois. Known for its historic architecture and landmarks from the Victorian era, many homes in Elgin still have a one-of- a-kind charm.

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Explore William W. Powers State Recreation Area during Parks and Rec Month

• Parks and Recreation

With the summer weather heating up, Illinoisans can enjoy a variety of water activities at William W. Powers State Recreation Area and other local parks. These recreational sites offer opportunities to get outdoors while enjoying nature on land and water.

Located on Wolf Lake on Chicago’s southeast side at the Illinois-Indiana state line, the William W. Powers State Recreation Area is a 160-acre recreation park featuring a visitor center, picnic area, blinds for hunting and space for other summer activities like boating and fishing. In 1965, the Illinois General Assembly dedicated the site to honor the memory of William W. Powers, a former state legislator that was remembered for his investment in the promotion of recreation for local residents.

Since its establishment, William W. Powers State Recreation Area increased from 160 acres to 580 acres, of which 419 acres are water. The park’s Wolf Lake provides an expansive six miles of shoreline for fishing, fully stocked with largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie, bullhead, carp, walleye, and hybrid muskie.

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