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In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, Aaron Masliansky sits down with Adrian Brizulea of CoStar to unpack the Chicago real estate outlook for 2026. They discuss multifamily rent trends, housing supply, downtown office recovery, industrial and logistics markets, data centers, suburban redevelopment, and the major development projects shaping Chicagoland’s future. Adrian shares data-driven insights from his work at CoStar and his recent presentation at the Chicago Association of Realtors Market Outlook, offering a clear view of where the market stands and what investors, homeowners, and residents should be watching next. Whether you are buying, selling, investing, or simply care about Chicago’s long-term trajectory, this episode provides grounded, practical perspective on the region’s real estate economy. View the full CAR presentation slides here: https://chicagorealtor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FINAL-2026-Chicago-Association-of-Realtors-Presentation_AdrianBrizuela_CoStar-1.pdf Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide. For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.   Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes. If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.  If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

In one of the most forward-looking episodes of The Chicagoland Guide to date, host Aaron Masliansky sits down with Kyle Schulz, Deputy of Strategic Advancement at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). This conversation breaks down where Chicagoland is heading over the next decade, and what it will take to stay globally competitive. Aaron and Kyle originally connected through the Chicago Association of Realtors’ Global Council, and they pick up right where their first conversation left off: the opportunities, risks, and transformational forces shaping the region.   Together, they dive into: The economic outlook for Chicagoland and where the region is gaining (and losing) ground Quantum tech and Chicago’s bid to become a global quantum capital The surge in data centers-why they’re here, what risks they create, and how they impact energy, land use, and local tax bases Transportation as Chicagoland’s superpower — rail, airports, freight, and the region’s logistical advantage How immigration, labor markets, and demographic trends will influence long-term regional competitiveness The evolving Chicago vs. Arlington Heights dynamic around the Bears and big projects What makes a region attractive to employers, and what CMAP is seeing in real time How climate resilience, zoning modernization, and infrastructure investment will shape the next decade Why Chicagoland’s stability, diversity, and economic depth remain a massive strategic asset What Kyle believes are the big decisions leaders must get right between now and 2035 This episode is smart, fast-paced, and deeply insightful — the kind of conversation that helps residents, investors, civic leaders, and curious locals understand where Chicagoland is truly headed. If you care about the future of this region, this is a must-listen. Guest Info Kyle T. Schulz Deputy of Strategic Advancement Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) Website: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-metropolitan-agency-for-planning/ Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide. For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.   Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes. If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.  If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

Licensed clinical professional counselor and board-certified dance/movement therapist Erica Hornthal (“The Therapist Who Moves You”) joins Aaron to explain how changing the way we move changes the way we feel. Recorded on November 3, 2025, the conversation grounds movement therapy in the realities of Chicagoland life: financial pressure, screen-driven immobility, community trauma in Highland Park, and heightened anxiety around recent ICE activity across the North Shore. Erica shares practical, accessible ways to regulate the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and communicate nonverbally when words are not enough. Key Takeaways Movement is already part of therapy: posture shifts, breathing, pacing, and small gestures can be therapeutic starting points. We have “out-evolved” our natural instinct to move; immobility amplifies anxiety. Stressors show up differently across communities. Whether it is public-safety trauma or fear tied to immigration enforcement, the body stores that stress. You can change your state by changing your movement, even with simple, seated interventions. Nonverbal work helps couples and families de-escalate conflict and build empathy. Parents can meet kids’ energy with movement rather than suppression, then teach time-and-place skills. Research supports dance and movement as effective for anxiety and depression; therapy fit and relationship still matter most. Practical access: look for “somatic,” “body-oriented,” or “creative arts therapy” in your area; insurance coverage depends on the clinician’s license. Timestamps 00:00 Intro to Erica and dance/movement therapy 02:00 What movement therapy looks like in practice 04:50 Why Erica wrote “BodyTalk” and how readers use it 08:15 Why we feel so stressed today, and how immobility feeds anxiety 10:45 Local context: Highland Park trauma and recent ICE activity on the North Shore 12:30 Changing movement to change mood and cognition 15:15 Treating the “snake bite” before debating the “why” 16:00 Individual vs group work, and what movement builds between people 17:35 Getting over discomfort and starting small 20:40 A simple intervention: washing hands slowly to interrupt anxiety 22:20 Working across ages: from 3 to 107 26:15 Coaching kids and meeting their movement needs 31:30 Nonverbal communication in relationships and negotiations 35:00 “Embodied listening” and the limits of AI for mental health 39:30 Walks, showers, and why ideas arrive during movement 42:00 Using your body as a free mental health resource 43:00 Finding somatic or creative arts therapists and dealing with insurance 46:45 What the research says about dance, anxiety, and depression 49:00 Where to find Erica and her books 50:00 Closing Practical Exercises Mentioned Seated reset: notice shoulders, jaw, feet; slow your breath and lengthen exhale. Pattern interrupt: pick one daily action and do it slowly for 20 seconds (example: handwashing) to downshift intensity. Conflict pause: step outside or to separate corners, walk, then reconvene. With kids: “shake out the wiggles,” go outside for 60 seconds, then return. Guest Erica Hornthal, LCPC, BC-DMT Founder and CEO, Chicago Dance Therapy Author of BodyTalk, Body Aware, and The Movement Therapy Deck Website: https://www.ericahornthal.com Practice: https://www.chicagodancetherapy.com Instagram: @thetherapistwhomovesyou Email: [email protected] Resources Mentioned BodyTalk: 365 Gentle Practices to Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Body Body Aware The Movement Therapy Deck Search terms for local care: “somatic therapy,” “body-oriented therapy,” “creative arts therapy,” “dance movement therapy,” plus your city. For Listeners in Chicagoland If anxiety has spiked for you or your family due to recent events in the region, consider brief, daily movement check-ins. Even small posture and breath changes can reduce a constant state of alert. Nonverbal practices can help when words feel risky or overwhelming.   Connect Host: Aaron Masliansky — The Chicagoland Guide Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode helped you. New episodes highlight people and ideas that make Chicagoland a great place to live. Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide. For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.   Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes. If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.  If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

How can celebrating cultural traditions strengthen a community? In this episode, host Aaron Masliansky is joined by Diana Gran — Founder of Diana Gran Portraits and Director of Día de los Muertos (DDM) Week in Highland Park — to explore how honoring heritage can create unity, healing, and connection across generations and cultures. Diana shares her journey from Acapulco to Highland Park, how reclaiming her roots transformed her life and art, and why DDM Week has become a meaningful celebration for the North Shore community. We discuss the power of remembrance, the importance of cultural authenticity, and how local businesses, libraries, and community organizations have come together to support this growing annual tradition. Topics CoveredWhat Día de los Muertos truly represents Diana’s journey of identity, immigration, and finding home The origins and mission of DDM Week in Highland Park The healing power of honoring ancestors and community storytelling How local businesses and organizations are collaborating to keep culture alive Why “done is better than perfect” can change your life and creativity Connect with DianaWebsite: https://dianagranportraits.com DDM Week Instagram: @ddmweekhp DDM Week Information & Events: https://hpculturalarts.org Connect with The Chicagoland GuideWebsite: https://thechicagolandguide.com Instagram: @thechicagolandguide YouTube: @TheChicagolandGuide Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide. For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.   Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes. If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.  If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

Episode Overview In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky sits down with Jeff Haydon, President & CEO of the iconic Ravinia Festival in Highland Park — America’s oldest outdoor music festival. Jeff shares how Ravinia began as a railroad amusement park over a century ago and evolved into one of the nation’s leading cultural institutions. The conversation covers Ravinia’s deep roots in the community, its role as a good neighbor in Highland Park, and its vision for the future through the Setting the Stage campaign — a $75 million renovation of its 36-acre campus to be completed by 2029.   Highlights The fascinating history behind Ravinia’s founding and evolution. How Ravinia collaborates with Highland Park to manage traffic, sustainability, and neighborhood harmony. Reopening after the pandemic and reshaping audience experiences. The Reach Teach Play® education program — bringing music to 120+ schools across Chicagoland. Jazz legend Kurt Elling’s role as Jazz Advisor and the creation of the Breaking Barriers Festival with Marin Alsop. Details on the Setting the Stages campaign to renovate Ravinia’s stages, pavilion, and guest experience.   About the Guest Jeff Haydon has over 30 years of arts management experience and has led Ravinia since 2020. Under his leadership, the organization has secured major funding, expanded educational initiatives, and continued its mission to make world-class music accessible to all. Learn more: ravinia.org   About the Host Aaron Masliansky is a Realtor at Compass and host of The Chicagoland Guide, showcasing the people and places that make the region a great place to live. As a trusted local expert, Aaron helps clients navigate real estate across Chicago and the North Shore — guiding home buyers and sellers through every step of their journey. Explore more episodes and connect with Aaron at thechicagolandguide.com. Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide. For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.   Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes. If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.  If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky visits one of the last working farms in Cook County: Historic Wagner Farm in Glenview, Illinois. Joined by Director Jonathan Kuester, the conversation covers the surprising depth of history, education, and innovation happening just off Lake Avenue. Jonathan shares how Wagner Farm blends historic preservation with modern agriculture, offering programs for students (including special education farmers), operating one of the region’s most vibrant farmers markets, and even exploring robotic milking systems and crop science.   Highlights include: The transformation of Wagner from a 1900s family farm to a public living history museum The impact of 4-H and farm apprenticeships on future veterinarians, scientists, and chefs How U.S. farming changed under the Nixon administration—and what it means for small farmers today How cows, robots, and soil science intersect to shape the future of agriculture The renewed push for local food and what’s coming next at Wagner Farm Whether you’re a local history buff, foodie, or just someone who’s driven past the cows on Lake Avenue and wondered what goes on there—this episode will surprise and inspire you   Listen and watch now and explore more at thechicagolandguide.com Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide. For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.   Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes. If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.  If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky interviews Chef Mona Sang, the visionary behind Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. More than a restaurant, Khmai is a deeply personal tribute to Mona’s mother—a survivor of the Cambodian genocide—and a celebration of Cambodian culture through food. Mona shares how cooking helped her mother heal, how their journey together brought Khmai to life, and how traditional recipes passed down through generations continue to shape every dish on the menu. From humble beginnings to being recognized as a James Beard semifinalist, Mona explains how Khmai became one of Chicago’s most sought-after dining experiences. Discover the emotional stories behind the food, the values driving the restaurant, and why Khmai is a place where culture, memory, and community converge. Learn more and connect: Website: https://khmai-fine-dining.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khmaichicago Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monabellacatering/# TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@khmaichicago1?lang=en Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mona-bella-catering-chicago More episodes and local insights: https://www.thechicagolandguide.com Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide. For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.   Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes. If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.  If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky interviews Karla Koziura, co-owner and Marketing Director of FRÍO Gelato, an Argentinian-style gelato company with storefronts in Evanston, Navy Pier, and Wilmette. What started as a craving for authentic flavors turned into a beloved local business known for its commitment to artisanal quality, allergen-friendly options, and a welcoming community vibe. Karla shares the journey of bringing Argentinian gelato to Chicagoland and what makes FRÍO unique—from their approach to flavor creation to their local partnerships and cultural roots. Topics discussed in this episode include: The founding story of FRÍO Gelato What makes Argentinian gelato different Why Evanston, Navy Pier, and Wilmette were chosen for their locations How they maintain allergen-friendly and gluten-free practices Flavor development, including seasonal and wine-inspired options The importance of local support and community engagement Lessons learned from expanding and adapting post-pandemic To learn more, visit FRÍO Gelato’s website at www.friogelato.com or follow them on Instagram @friogelato. For more episodes and content, visit www.thechicagolandguide.com. If you enjoy discovering the stories behind Chicagoland’s local businesses, subscribe and leave us a review. Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide. For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.   Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes. If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.  If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, I sit down with my longtime friend Rabbi Jeremy Fine. Jeremy is the Rabbi of Congregation B’nai Tikvah in Deerfield, Illinois, and the founder of 2econd Wrestling, a fast-growing independent wrestling promotion based right here in Chicagoland. We’ve known each other since high school, so it’s especially meaningful for me to share this conversation with you. We talk about his unique journey—how he balances leading a congregation while building a professional wrestling brand that brings people together from all walks of life. Jeremy shares what it takes to engage community in today’s world, how he uses creativity to reach people where they are, and how both his faith work and wrestling promotion are about building connection and meaning. We also talk about two exciting upcoming events you won’t want to miss. Upcoming Event at Congregation B’nai Tikvah in Deerfield“Everybody Wants This! A Night of Comedy & Conversation” Featuring Jackie Tohn and Timothy Simons from the Netflix series Nobody Wants This Date: Wednesday, May 22, 2025 Location: Congregation B’nai Tikvah, Deerfield, IL Learn more and get tickets at: https://cbtdeerfield.shulcloud.com/form/Fundraiser4 Upcoming 2econd Wrestling Events2econd Wrestling: ANCHORFISTS – A Free Family-Friendly Wrestling Show Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025 Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Location: Anchorfish Printing & Embroidery, 2302 Main Street, Evanston, IL Reserve your free tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2econd-wrestling-anchorfists-tickets-1299397405619?aff=erelpanelorg   2econd Wrestling: Breaking the Rules – Live Pro Wrestling in Palatine Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM Location: Dirty Nellie’s, Palatine, IL Tickets and info at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2econd-wrestling-breaking-the-rules-tickets-1299420514739 Follow 2econd Wrestling on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) at @2econdWrestling. 2econd Wrestling: WRESTLE EDEN – Live at The Cubby Bear in Chicago Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025 Location: The Cubby Bear, Chicago, IL Tickets and info at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2econd-wrestling-wrestle-eden-tickets-1358517254679?aff=erelpanelorg   Thanks for listening to The Chicagoland Guide. Be sure to follow the show for more stories about the people and places that make Chicagoland such a great place to live, work, and explore. Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide. For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.   Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes. If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.  If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, Aaron Masliansky is joined by Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Real Estate Research at the National Association of Realtors®. They explore how global trade dynamics, tariffs, and macroeconomic shifts are impacting the U.S. housing market — and what that means for Chicagoland. Nadia shares insights from her latest research, including a closer look at which U.S. states are most reliant on exports and imports and how trade exposure influences job growth and home prices. They also discuss trends in interest rates, inflation, immigration, remote work, and foreign investment — and what signals to watch for in 2025 and beyond. Key topics: How tariffs affect construction costs and home affordabilityWhy Illinois and Chicagoland are highly exposed to global trade shiftsWhere mortgage rates might head by the end of 2025The growing importance of inventory and affordability for first-time buyersRemote work, office absorption, and what’s next for downtown real estateHow changing immigration and foreign investment patterns could influence the housing marketOpportunities in the Chicago area condo marketResources mentioned: Nadia’s NAR profile and articles: https://www.nar.realtor/nadia-evangelouBlog article discussed: https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/which-states-rely-most-on-exports-and-imports-a-closer-look-at-the-numbers-behind-tradeConnect with Nadia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiaevangelou/ and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadioula/Follow The Chicagoland Guide: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechicagolandguide_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechicagolandguidenew Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide. For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.   Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes. If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.  If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky sky introduces Inside the Skev listeners to the Chicagoland Guide,  reconnects with longtime friend, scientist, and conservationist Dr. Becky Barak of the Chicago Botanic Garden to explore how native plants can play a key role in the future of urban and suburban living across the region. Becky will be speaking at Skokie Public Library on April 24, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in an event titled “Rethinking Lawns: Incorporating Native Plants into Home Landscapes.” In this conversation, we go in-depth on what native plants are, why they matter for our local ecosystems, how they can help with flood prevention, and how homeowners, HOAs, and municipalities can shift their approach to landscaping. Aaron and Becky also discuss practical advice for how to: Introduce native plants into townhome communities like College Hill Talk to landscaping professionals about transitioning away from traditional turf grass Select beginner-friendly native species for home gardens or rain basins Avoid common mistakes in native lawn conversion If you care about water management, storm resilience, biodiversity, and beautiful, low-maintenance alternatives to traditional lawns — this episode is for you. 🔗 Resources & Links:🌱 Becky Barak’s Website 🏛️ Becky’s Profile at the Chicago Botanic Garden 📚 Rethinking Lawns Event at Skokie Public Library (April 24) 🌎 RethinkingLawns.com – Research, Resources, and Plant Lists 💼 Connect with Becky on LinkedIn 📍 Why This Matters to ChicagolandThis conversation is another reminder of why Chicagoland is such a dynamic, thoughtful place to live — where world-class institutions like the Chicago Botanic Garden are working on local solutions to global problems. Whether you’re in Evanston, Skokie, or anywhere across the region, this episode offers practical insight on how we can make our communities more beautiful, resilient, and sustainable — one yard at a time. Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide. For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.   Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes. If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.  If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

Welcome to The Chicagoland Guide! I’m your host, Aaron Masliansky. This podcast is for anyone who wants to explore what makes Chicagoland one of the most vibrant, diverse, and fascinating regions in the country. In this kickoff episode, I share what to expect in Season 2—from local business spotlights to neighborhood tours, cultural insights, interviews with community leaders, and real estate updates. This show is an evolution of Inside the Skev, and I’m excited to expand the conversation to include more of what makes our region a great place to live, work, and explore. 🎧 Subscribe for new episodes 🌐 Visit: https://thechicagolandguide.com 📸 Follow on Instagram: @thechicagolandguide_ 📬 Questions or want to collaborate? Email me at [email protected] Thanks for being here! Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide. For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.   Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes. If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.  If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

In this captivating episode of Inside the Skev, we welcomed Dr. Eric James, a stalwart in international development and humanitarian aid, to discuss his extensive career and the innovative approaches he's championed in the field. Hailing from Evanston and a proud alumnus of Evanston Township High School and the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Dr. James brought his unique blend of local insights and global perspectives to our discussion. Our conversation took us through the riveting journey of Dr. James, exploring how his formative years led to a lifelong commitment to aid and development. Dr. James opened up about early career decisions, the compelling call to humanitarian work, and provided an intimate look into the challenging environments he's worked in. He recounted impactful experiences that have not only shaped his approach to aid but also transformed the lives of many in over twenty countries. A deep dive into his influential book, "Managing Humanitarian Relief," revealed Dr. James's motivation for writing and its substantial influence on how aid organizations operate. He also shared the innovative spirit behind Field Ready, an organization redefining how aid is delivered through cutting-edge solutions. The conversation touched on the recognition Dr. James received from Rotary International, highlighting the synergy between large organizations and humanitarian efforts. We also discussed the increasing number of global crises and Dr. James's insights on adapting aid distribution in an ever-changing geopolitical landscape. The transition from crisis response to long-term community resilience was another focal point, with Dr. James detailing Field Ready's contributions to empowerment and sustainability. Technological innovation's role in Field Ready's success was explored, with special mention of Dr. James's time at Singularity University. Looking ahead, Dr. James offered his vision for the evolution of international aid and advice for those inspired to join the field. For further information and to delve into Dr. James's works and initiatives, listeners can visit ericbooks.com and fieldready.org. Don't miss this insightful episode that bridges the gap between local actions and global changes, highlighting how individual journeys can contribute to a greater good. Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide. For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.   Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes. If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.  If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

In this enlightening episode of "Inside the Skev," host Aaron Masliansky engages in a deep and inspiring conversation with Dick Peach, a pivotal figure in the Skevanston and Evanston communities. Known for his extensive involvement in various facets of community life, Dick shares his rich experiences, from growing up in a rural-like Skokie to leading significant community initiatives. His roles as the President of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Evanston, along with his contributions to local high schools, environmental efforts, and vocational learning, are just a few highlights of his remarkable journey. This episode promises a wealth of insights into community leadership, the power of involvement, and the evolution of the Skevanston area. Episode Highlights:Dick Peach's Background: Discussion about Dick's upbringing in Skevanston, his education, and his service in the Vietnam War. His diverse career includes working at Rand McNally, managing a professional sports car racing team, a car dealership and Dempster Auto Rebuilding. Community Leadership: Insights into Dick’s leadership roles in the Evanston Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Evanston. His approach to leadership emphasizes delegation, trust, and community involvement. Rotary Club Projects: Exploration of the Rotary Club's local and international projects, including significant initiatives in Guatemala and Africa. Discussion about Dick receiving the prestigious Bill Logan Legacy of Service Award. Civic Engagement and Advocacy: Dick's efforts in advocating for small businesses and vocational education in Evanston. He played a key role in establishing the auto shop program at Evanston Township High School and has written award-winning articles on fishing and environmental issues. Personal Stories: From being Santa Claus in downtown Evanston to his deep passion for fishing, Dick shares personal anecdotes that reflect his diverse interests and commitment to the community. Advice for Future Leaders: Dick encourages active community involvement and highlights the importance of diverse opinions and respectful dialogues for effective community leadership. Conclusion:Dick Peach’s story is a testament to the impact one individual can have on their community. His dedication to various causes and his ability to inspire change are evident throughout the episode. Listeners are invited to explore more about community initiatives and are encouraged to engage in their own local issues. Stay tuned for more episodes of "Inside the Skev" with Aaron Masliansky, where community stories and insights come to life. Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide. For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.   Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes. If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.  If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

Welcome to Inside the Skev, the podcast that explores the important stories shaping our community. In this episode, host Aaron Masliansky speaks with Matt Poole and Margaret Isaacson, dedicated professionals at the Evanston Ecology Center. The Evanston Ecology Center is an integral part of the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Evanston, fostering environmental awareness and promoting outdoor recreation throughout the community. Matt, the Recreation Manager, and Margaret, the Program Coordinator, share their passion and commitment to environmental stewardship. In this engaging conversation, we discuss the Earth Day events planned for April 22, 2023. Residents can look forward to a variety of activities, including a guided nature walk, a bird watching hike, a tree planting ceremony, a children's art contest, and a complimentary community lunch to celebrate Earth Day together. In addition to Earth Day celebrations, the Evanston Ecology Center has ambitious plans for the future. One such initiative is the construction of a kayak launch on the canal, designed to provide a safe and accessible way for residents to enjoy paddling activities. Another exciting project in development is a state-of-the-art nature classroom, aimed at enhancing environmental education through hands-on learning experiences. If you're interested in visiting or learning more about the Evanston Ecology Center, the facility is located at 2024 McCormick Blvd., Evanston, IL 60202. For further information or inquiries, please call (847) 866-2992 or visit their website at https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/departments/parks-recreation-community-services/ecology-center, where you'll find the latest news and resources related to their environmental programs. In closing, Aaron thanks Matt and Margaret for their dedication to environmental stewardship and their ongoing contributions to the Evanston community. He encourages listeners to participate in Earth Day events and support the Evanston Ecology Center's initiatives as a valuable part of the City of Evanston's Parks and Recreation Department.     Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide. For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.   Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes. If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.  If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.