When Paul Austin and Tenisha Tate-Austin purchased an iconic “pole home” in 2016 — one of 300 wooden homes built across the hills above Marin City in the early 1960s as part of a redevelopment effort — they knew they were buying a bit of Marin City history. What they didn’t know was that they […]
As the year comes to a close, we asked some of our favorite Chicago photographers to share their standout image from 2021. Here are their favorite images, and the stories behind them. Avinash Biradar “2021 had some memorable sunsets in Chicago and I was able to capture many of them. This particular sunset came out […]
This winter, there are a variety of ways that community members can give back to Chicago-area philanthropic efforts and organizations. From monetary donations and volunteer opportunities to item-based donations—everyone has the opportunity to make a difference this holiday season and beyond. Breakthrough Give: Time and Support Breakthrough partners with those affected by poverty to build […]
“Effectiveness, leadership, excellence, scalability — but most of all it is about lives made better.” These inspirational words flashed on the screen in the impactful and emotional video montage that kicked off the Make It Better Foundation 2021 Bay Area Philanthropy Awards. The inaugural celebration, presented by the Make It Better Foundation and Make It […]
Union League Boys & Girls Clubs reintroduces its in-person gala and honors those who bring the most meaning to this 102-year-old nonprofit—its 15,000 youth members.
This December, prepare to celebrate the best Chicago and its suburbs have to offer, as the weather gets colder and 2022 draws closer. Whether it’s a holiday-themed performance or a chance to learn something new, you won’t struggle to find something to do this holiday season. Here are 31 of the best things to do […]
By now most residents of Marin County have heard the name of the legendary Miwok leader “Chief Marin,” for whom the county was named. But Marin was neither his Miwok name, nor the one that the Spanish missionaries gave him. His original name was Huicmuse (pronounced hwik-moose), and the Spanish gave him the name Marino […]
This October, enjoy the beautiful fall season with events like Lincoln Square’s Apple Fest, cheering on runners at the Chicago Marathon, Highwood’s Great Pumpkin Festival and more. Here are 31 of the best activities October has to offer. Don’t forget to tag us in your posts on Instagram @betterchicago! All Month Trick or Treating for UNICEF Starting […]
Efforts are underway to make those big yellow school buses we’ve known all our lives cleaner, quieter and safer for the kids who ride them. The Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC), a Midwest-based environmental organization, has been working to see electric school buses replace the traditional buses. The goal is to see the nearly […]
The signs are everywhere. And not just the “Drought is Here Conserve Water” Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) signs posted throughout Marin. The Nicasio Reservoir and Phoenix Lake were nearing pondlike status by March and April. From Horse Hill in Mill Valley to Novato’s Mount Burdell, the vibrant green of the spring grass had already […]
