Elgin News Digest: East Dundee buys downtown gravel lot for community event use; Thriving After 55 Resource Fair being held Friday at ECC
East Dundee has purchased a gravel-covered downtown lot for $266,000 that will be used as additional space for community events, according to a news release.
The property, which is being purchased from local businessman Tom Roeser, is parallel to the Fox River Trail between Railroad and Hill streets. It's south of The Depot at 319 N. River St. and is already being used for spillover parking for village events and to provide additional space for The Depot's seasonal Saturday market.
In the release, Village President Jeff Lynam said the land will provide more opportunities for downtown events.
East Dundee will pay for the property using money generated by its downtown Tax Increment Financing district.
Thriving After 55 Resource Fair being held Friday at ECC
A free Thriving After 55 Resource Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 25, in Building J on the campus of Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive.
About 90 local businesses, government agencies, nonprofits and organizations for people 55 and older will be in attendance. Free blood pressure checks, stroke risk assessments and blood sugar screenings will be offered, according to the ECC website.
For more information, go to elgin.edu/academics/continuing-education/events/thriving-after-55-resource-fair, call 847-622-3036 or email cemailbox@elgin.edu.
Spring bird walk at Burnidge Forest Preserve on Saturday
Kane County Forest Preserve Naturalist Josh Libman will lead a spring bird walk from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26, at Burnidge Forest Preserve, 14N035 Coombs Road, Elgin.
Registration is not required to attend. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars to spot the various birds that can be seen at this time of year, according to a social media post.
The event is organized by the Kane County Chapter of Illinois Wild Ones. For more information, call 630-200-5665 or email gkwildones@gmail.com.
Randall Oaks Zoo's 'Party for the Planet' set for Saturday
Randall Oaks Zoo in West Dundee will be hosting a 'Party for the Planet' from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26.
Activities will include tossing around a giant Earth ball and a game about garbage, according to the Dundee Township Park District website. Visitors can take home native wildflower seeds that grow plants attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies and sample cookies made with sustainable cricket protein.
All activities are included with regular admission. The zoo is located at 1180 N. Randall Road.
For more information, go to dtpd.org/randall-oaks-zoo, call 847-551-4312 or email randalloakszoo@dtpd.org.
Three U-46 student named National Merit Scholarship finalists
Three School District U-46 students who are seniors at Bartlett High School have been named finalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship program.
Kyle Depakakibo, Frederick Lorek and Nina Mangriotis will compete for about 6,800 scholarships worth nearly $26 million, according to a U-46 news release. Winners will be named later this spring.
The three placed among the top 1% of juniors nationwide who took the 2023 PSAT, which serves as the initial screening. They advanced to the finals based on their academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received, a news release said.
Depakakibo plans to major in nuclear, plasma and radiological engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Frederick wants to study biomedical engineering on a pre-med track at the University of Texas in Dallas. The release did not provide any additional information about Mangriotis.
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Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Yahoo
Mars in Libra Horoscope: What It Means for Your Zodiac Sign
When you're aiming to amp yourself up to take on an ambitious task, expressing anger, connecting with a partner sexually or exploring whatever fires you up, you can think of Mars as the planet that's fueling your efforts. And from Wednesday, August 6 to Monday, September 22, Mars in Libra will bring a whole new, balance-seeking, beauty-loving, and, yes also passive-aggressive approach to these aspects of life. Since June 17, Mars has been in mutable earth sign Virgo, known for its attention to detail, pragmatism, and commitment to everyday routine and wellness. In turn, we've been apt to move through passionate feelings in a more cerebral, grounded way over the past couple of months while potentially overthinking, prioritizing organization, and putting our noses to the grindstone to be of service to others. But once Mars enters cardinal air sign on August 6 at 7:23 p.m. ET/4:23 p.m. PT, prepare for the desire to keep the peace at all costs even if you're steaming on the inside and a penchant for funneling your energy toward bringing more beauty and balance into the world. Here, all you need to know in order to make the most of Mars' 2025 trip through Libra. What does Mars in Libra mean? When Mars, the planet of action and energy, moves through Libra, the air sign symbolized by the Scales, it's considered to be in detriment — aka frustrated and challenged to express itself the way it would ideally like to. That's because Libra is the sign that sits opposite where Mars is at home, in fiery Aries, and the Scales' focus on harmony, beauty, relationships and romance runs counter to what Mars is all about, which is aggression, conflict, anger and unbridled passion. It is literally the planet named for the god of war. When considering how Mars in Libra will color how you take action, experience energy and move through the world to achieve your goals and fulfill your desires, it can help to think about Libra's ruling planet: Venus, which oversees romance, pleasure, values and relationships. Venus' influence causes Libra to want nothing more than to avoid conflict at all costs, to utilize diplomacy and to push for tranquility and balance. The air sign is happiest when it can take all sides of any issue into consideration. And associated with the Seventh House of Partnership, Libra also thrives when pairing up with a significant other, loved one or dear friend. That said, when Mars is in Libra, you may find you or others may be more resistant to sharing what's getting under your skin, intent to keep the peace versus rock the boat. Brushing any emotion under the rug is often ineffective, of course, so this tendency to steer clear of fiery self-expression could result in passive-aggressive behavior. We'll also feel more compelled to play referee or judge and hear all sides of any issue, striving to prize balance and objectivity, justice and fairness above anything else. Mars also affects how we work and what we're more inclined to work on, so while it's in Libra, you could be motivated to step up your beauty routine, to pour your energy into a creative project, to ensure you're making time for more romance with your partner, to be more of a social butterfly or to plan a must-attend social event. The last time Mars was in Libra, the seventh sign of the zodiac, was from August 27 to October 12, 2023, so think back to that period for a sense of what themes, narratives, lessons and experiences might be on the docket once again. What can you expect during Mars' 2025 trip through Libra Although Mars moves through Libra approximately every two years, all the planets move at different rates through the zodiac, so the action-oriented planet's link-ups with other celestial bodies change annually. A few key moments: On Sunday, August 10, right on the heels of the full moon, Mars will form a harmonizing angle to transformative Pluto in Aquarius, offering a surge of empowering, go-getter energy. You could make a positive impression on higher-ups or make a play for more authority or responsibility by harnessing charm, diplomacy and other key social skills. Then, prepare for more impulsivity and ambition on Thursday, September 4, when Mars squares off against Jupiter in Cancer. You could feel like you're capable of taking on much more than you might actually be up for, so consider aiming for a measured game plan. And while it may be an industrious Monday, September 15 is set up for heartfelt, romantic experiences and sexy sparks flying, because Mars will form a friendly sextile to romantic Venus in charismatic fire sign Leo, amplifying confidence and chemistry in relationships. It also bears noting that once Mars moves through Libra, it'll oppose both Neptune, the planet of illusion, and Saturn, the planet of limitations, in Aries, which could lead to frustration, disappointment, confusion and resentment. Grappling with these emotions in a Mars-fueled way — e.g., moving your body, tapping into your inner fire and acknowledging your desires, taking decisive action — is your best bet. Here, how Mars in Libra 2025 will affect you based on your sign. (Be sure to read both your sun and your rising sign if you know it. If you don't, you can find it in your birth chart or by using this CafeAstrology calculator.) Aries Your ruler, go-getter Mars, is now in your partnership sector, which is bound to motivate you to move the ball forward on ambitions you share with a dear friend, loved one or significant other. At the same time, given its fiery nature, your ruling planet will amplify the potential for conflict. You could find debating and butting heads fun or stimulating, but with Mars opposing taskmaster Saturn in your sign, you'll do well to commit to working through ongoing conflicts that are taking a toll on your one-on-one bonds. Doing so can help you lay a healthy, fulfilling new groundwork for these relationships. Click through for more on Aries. Taurus Late summer is bound to be super-productive for you, Taurus, because Mars is in your wellness and daily routine sector, firing you up to finally work on tackling any to-dos that have been piling up. You're eager to get organized and make moves that will step up your overall sense of well-being and vitality. At the same time, Mars in this zone could make it more likely that you'll butt heads with coworkers or other people you work with on a day-to-day basis. Thankfully, you can lean on your typically long fuse in these moments. Channel frustration into detail-oriented projects to feel more grounded. Click through for more on Taurus. Gemini The tail end of summer is bound to be downright whimsical and full of pleasure, especially alongside a significant other or loved ones, because Mars is in your romance and self-expression sector now. You'll have more energy to pour into exploring your creativity, plan and go on memorable date nights with someone special or a potential partner and even engage in more of that witty, flirtatious, butterflies-inducing banter that you tend to live for. Lively conversation that sends your heart racing will peak around August 14-18 when your ruler, messenger Mercury, in your communication zone harmonizes with Mars. Just know it may be tough to commit to one particular game plan, because you're being driven to embrace more spontaneity and lighthearted playfulness now. Click through for more on Gemini. Cancer With Mars moving through your home zone now, you're eager to bring a fiery, go-getter approach to ongoing projects around your physical home or related to home life, whether that's doing an annual inventory of your wardrobe to gather giveaways to donate or planning out a big move. This sector also oversees your inner emotional life and family relationships, so you can dive into more dynamic self-work to heal old wounds or have vibrant conversations with loved ones to work through any ongoing discord. Look forward to September 15 when Mars syncs with sweet Venus in your money zone, and using Mars' energy to nurture your self-worth could benefit your bottom line. Click through for more on Cancer. Leo Prepare for your social life to be even busier and more mentally stimulating than usual, because Mars is in your communication zone now, leading to more invitations to hang with friends and colleagues, more learning opportunities and possibly more short-distance travel. You could actually be torn in more directions than you'd ideally like, so if you feel yourself beginning to get burned out, setting and holding boundaries is a must. But in general, this transit will feel lively, fun and gratifying, especially because Mars forms positive sextiles to both Mercury and Venus in your sign and self-image zone around August 14-18 and September 15 respectively. Share your thoughts, dreams and big picture ideas with friends and colleagues, which will bolster your confidence and sense of self. Click through for more on Leo. Virgo With Mars leaving your sign for your money zone, you'll have more energy at your disposal to put your nose to the grindstone on income-bolstering endeavors. You're eager to build momentum on your current job or to even get cozy with your inner entrepreneur to launch a side hustle or entirely new enterprise. You could also be more apt to experience conflict in this realm of your life, whether you're fighting with a colleague over who has dibs on a particular account or struggling to align with a higher-up's values or goals. Around August 10, the full moon and Mars' connection to Pluto in your wellness zone allows you to focus on the fights that, if won, will lead to feeling truly empowered within your everyday routine. Click through for more on Virgo. Libra Welcome to one of the most energizing, passionate, inner fire-illuminating moments of the year for you, Libra! Mars is now in your sign and self-image zone, boosting your desire to assert yourself, stand up for what you believe in, go to bat for your biggest, boldest aspirations and just generally take charge of your life in a dynamic way. It does bear noting that with Mars opposing Neptune and Saturn in your partnership zone, one-on-one relationships could be draining right now. Look to your friendships, communities and teams you're a part of for support, because Mars will harmonize with communicator Mercury and your ruler Venus in your groups zone around August 14-18 and September 15 respectively. Click through for more on Libra. Scorpio This could be a slightly sleepier than ideal moment for you, Scorpio, because Mars is in your spirituality sector now, encouraging you to funnel your energy into resting, recharging and caring for your mental and emotional well-being versus making bold moves to achieve external goals. The best way to think about this transit is to see it as a time to check in with your intuition, reflect on what you want to achieve and then perfect your approach. You thrive on opportunities to design stunningly calculated game plans, and you can do exactly that now. With Mars forming friendly angles to both Mercury (around August 14-18) and Venus (on September 15) in your career zone, trusting your inner voice could lead to impressive professional strides. Click through for more on Scorpio. Sagittarius With Mars moving through your groups zone now, you'll be energized to move the ball forward on team projects, communal efforts and any goal you share with likeminded friends and colleagues. You want to feel connected to others and as though you're working on something bigger than yourself, like a humanitarian cause, and this transit fuels that wish. At the same time, Mars is the planet of conflict, after all, so don't be surprised if you experience some rockiness with friends or coworkers, perhaps as a result of you preferring to lead the charge versus serve as a team player. On September 4, when Mars squares off against your ruler, lucky Jupiter, in your joint resources zone, you can dive into an undertaking that helps you hit financial goals you share with a loved one. Click here for more on Sagittarius. Capricorn As industrious as you are, it's almost impossible to think of a time when you didn't have energy to pursue your professional aspirations, but you'll have that in spades now that Mars is in your career zone. Whether you want to throw your hat in the ring to run a big picture project on the job or to take on a thrilling new entrepreneurial endeavor that will boost your public profile, the sky is the limit. Mars will be opposing Neptune and your ruling planet Saturn in your home zone, so conflicts could arise surrounding work-life balance. Think of any frustrations here as a chance to connect with your intuition and set up new action plans and structures that could make for less stress down the road. Click through for more on Capricorn. Aquarius Cue a surge of restlessness and wanderlust, because Mars is in your adventure and higher learning zone now, nudging you to step out of your comfort zone and prioritize eye-opening experiences for the sake of personal growth. If you've been wanting to plan a long-distance trip, work with a trusted mentor to hone new skills or make friends outside of your usual social circle, this moment was made for fulfilling those desires. You'll have the chance to check in with your gut and make sure you're right on track around August 9 when the full moon falls in your sign and on August 10 when Mars syncs with powerful Pluto in your sign. Click through for more on Aquarius. Pisces You can look forward to a truly steamy end to the summer, Pisces, because go-getter Mars is moving through your intimacy sector, bolstering your self-awareness tied to your sex drive, fantasies, desires and needs between the sheets. You'll be more apt to say what you want and go for it, and in turn, you can't help but notice that you're feeling more connected not only physically but spiritually and emotionally to your significant other or someone special. Look forward to September 4 when Mars' square to fortunate Jupiter in your romance zone magnifies playfulness, creativity and pleasure. Following your heart will come naturally and benefit your bonds all around. Click through for more on Pisces. For more horoscope content, keep scrolling! August 3 to August 9 Horoscope Forecast: Your Zodiac Sign's Week Ahead According to Astrology Your 2025 Cancer New Moon Horoscope Is Here—Make the Most of This Magical and Romantic Shift Your 2025 Sagittarius Full Moon Horoscope Is Here—Time to Move Bravely into the Future Solve the daily Crossword
New York Post
08-08-2025
- New York Post
Boxed wine isn't just swill anymore, experts say — here's how to get the most bang for very few bucks
Not all boxes are made equally, some sparing sommeliers seem to think. Though boxed wines are often regarded as repulsive to bacchants beyond the age of 20, leading wine experts say they actually have some merit — if the consumer is choosy about the candidate in question. 'Whites and rosés can be enjoyed very young, so those are good choices for boxed wine. If you are going for a red, choose a young red and not a type of wine where you want some age on it,' sommelier Grace Hood told HuffPost. Less expensive boxed alternatives can also be ideal ways to test out trendy variants or labels for the first time. Ole – Of course, this doesn't mean all of the cardboard-cased Chardonnays, Cabernets and Concords are the creme de la creme. Hood also advised picking a product that's not manufactured by a colossal corporation. This is where harmful — and hangover-inducing — additives like sugar and food coloring typically come into the mix. As cocktail costs seem to continue soaring with no end in sight — NYC beverage baselines are often beyond $20 — many imbibers are looking to cut corners where they can. Boxed wines are often cheaper than bottled variants because of the reduced manufacturing rates that cardboard and plastic components typically boast — plus, they're more sustainable for the everyman and the Earth alike, the outlet pointed out. Some brands are now even offering consumers personal-sized boxes. Dennis M. Swanson – 'These products were created to minimize the carbon footprint in the wine world and to certainly bring value, convenience and ecology to the consumer,' said Jean-Charles Boisset of California's Boisset Family Estates, of the innovations in box tech back in 2016. The plastic bag that lines the interior of the box shrinks as wine is released from it — effectively sealing in the remaining stuff and preventing it from being spoiled by oxygen — so it tends to keep better than its corked cousins, and in some cases, can last for up to six weeks. Traditionalists needn't be terrified of the boxed wine renaissance, though — the classic bottle still reigns supreme. But the box is still creeping up the charts. As previously covered by The Post, top boxed wine brands to look out for include Black Box, FishEye, Banrock Station and BotaBox from California; French Rabbit and La Petite Frog from France; and Maipe from Chile. Hood echoed this — and advised keeping an eye out for smaller wine labels with natural ingredients.
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Yahoo
8 Facts About the Lion's Gate Portal 8/8
8 Facts About the Lion's Gate Portal 8/8 originally appeared on Parade. The Lion's Gate Portal is a highly revered celestial event in many spiritual spaces and practices. But what does it mean? Occurring annually on August 8, the Lion's Gate Portal aligns with the heliacal rising of the star Sirius within the constellation of Leo. The energy is ripe for manifesting our innermost, heart-based desires. Read on to learn eight essential facts about this doorway to the divine. READ: 8 Things You Need to Know About The Lion's Gate Portal 2025 1. When is the Lion's Gate Portal? The Lion's Gate Portal peaks annually on August 8 or 8/8, regardless of the year. However, the doorway begins to open on July 28 and lasts until August 12. Some refer to this event as the cosmic new year. RELATED: Leo Zodiac Compatibility: How The Star Sign Gets Along With Each Zodiac 2. What is the Lion's Gate Portal? Also referred to as the "Lion's Gate," The Lion's Gate Portal is a spiritual and astrological event. The heliacal rising of the Star Sirius within the constellation of Leo occurs. Sirius is known as the "spiritual sun" and is honored by many ancient cultures and spiritual practices. During this heliacal rising, Sirius's sacred and wise influences can radiate to us on Earth with greater ease. Or, in other words, there's an alignment between the Sun, the Earth, and the star Sirius on the Lion's Gate. This planetary occurrence is believed to create a spiritual portal, doorway, or opening for potent intentions, manifestation, and sacred results. 3. How Does the Lion's Gate Portal Impact Us? The energetic opening to higher planes of existence opens us up to new opportunities for spiritual evolution. It's very common to experience profound omens or signs from the Universe. You may receive direct messages from your angels, Higher self, the Universe, or your spirit team. Finding time for solitude and introspection allows us to receive these insights with greater ease. Being constantly on the go and lost in our day-to-day life can prevent us from fully experiencing this energetic surge. 4. What's the Numerological Meaning Behind the Lion's Gate Portal? In the practice of numerology, numbers hold profound meaning. This includes calendar dates. August 8, or 8/8, is considered a significant numerological alignment. What's the numerological meaning behind 8/8? When turned on its side, 8 appears similar to the infinity symbol (∞). The infinity symbol denotes the boundless disposition of the Universe. This infinite quality correlates to the linking of the material and nonphysical, etheric planes of existence. The 8/8 numerological meaning ties in with the portal quality of the Lion's Gate. Therefore, with the repeating quality of 8/8, spiritualists also view the Lion's Gate Portal as a sacred numerological event. Related: 5. How to Manifest During the Lion's Gate Portal? There's no right or wrong way to manifest during the Lion's Gate Portal. Like most cosmic events in spirituality, each spiritual practitioner has their unique approaches and methods. However, it's essential to most spiritualists to align with the high-frequency energy that this portal provides to the best of their ability. Charging crystals and other spiritual tools in the sunshine allows you to lock in the energy of the Lion's Gate Portal for some time after the event occurs. Anything that consciously aligns you with your heart's desires is ideal. This can involve meditation, scripting, prayer, affirmations, candle magic, and more. Remaining optimistic and concentrating on your desires is key during a Lion's Gate Portal. As the energy peaks on August 8, maintain your positivity. Opening your heart to receive is essential. Dwelling in fear, anxiety, or clinging to energy that no longer serves you can prevent your evolution. To reach your blessings, you must get into the frequency of positivity. 6. Why Is It Called the Lion's Gate Portal? The Lion's Gate occurs during the astrological Leo season. The zodiac sign Leo is associated with the Lion. As this celestial event creates a portal-like quality to manifest our desires, hopes, and dreams, we come to readily understand how the Lion's Gate Portal got its name. 7. Which Ancient Society Inspired Modern Lion's Gate Practices? While the Lion's Gate Portal is of a more modern-day spiritual practice or event, the ancient Egyptians worked with the fixed star Sirius. Sirius was a timekeeper for these ancient people. When the star Sirius appeared, ceremonies were performed in late summertime. This coincides with the August 8 timeline of the cosmic new year. 8. Will We Feel the Effects of the Lions Gate Portal, Even If We're Not Actively Participating? Even if we aren't actively participating, the Lions Gate Portal ushers in new waves of high-frequency energy. However, the more proactive we are in achieving this positive shift, the greater the rewards we can reap. While we will notice potent shifts in our lives regardless, practicing manifestation rituals or spiritual practices allows us to make the most of this celestial event. 8 Facts About the Lion's Gate Portal 8/8 first appeared on Parade on Aug 5, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 5, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
