“Take me out to the ball game,

Take me out with the crowd;

Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,

I don’t care if I never get back…”

‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame’ by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer 

The 2026 MLB season gets underway Thursday, March 26 with our Chicago Cubs opening the season at Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison hosting the Washington Nationals at 1:20 pm CDT. 

As a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, I looked forward to three things, in no particular order, at the Friendly Confines: 1) Singing ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame’ during the seventh-inning stretch. 2) Catching a fly ball at my seat (still hasn’t happened) and 3) Something more accessible to me… eating an Oscar Meyer smoky link, drinking a root beer, and begging my Mom for a Frosty Malt! 

Things have changed a great deal at the Friendly Confines since I was a kid, mostly for the better. You can still get a hot dog and a beer…even drinking a beer out of a baseball bat! And that baseball bat also carries the option of a cocktail, if beer isn’t to your liking. 

Over the past couple of decades, the Cubs have created a more expansive, diverse array of cuisines around the park and its patios, better reflecting both the community around them and the rise of Michelin-rated Chicago restaurants in Wrigleyville and the North Side of Chicago. 

Where The Action Is: Marquee Classics-Section 117

The Cubs introduced a rotational menu a few years ago, and if you want to taste much of what is new and good at the Friendly Confines, head to Section 117, where the ‘Marquee Classics’ stand serves the most decadent of the 2026 season offerings.

Take, for example, the new Bao Wow Dog. It’s a Vienna Beef hot dog tucked inside a soft bao bun with Heinz mustard slaw, tempura sport peppers, Fresno peppers and sriracha aioli. It’s served with McCain’s fries, which have the reputation of being the best French fries in the business.

Tostada Stack. Tostadas are layered with Hatch green chile beef, seasoned refried beans, queso fresco, Pico de Gallo and crema, topped with a fried egg, and served with a side of salsa roja. 

Double Diamond Waffle Fries This decadent treat is made for sharing! Seasoned waffle fries are topped with braised beef short rib in a red wine sauce. If that weren’t enough, that’s topped with Fontina cheese sauce, bacon, mushrooms, fried onions and scallions. Be still, my heart! 

Chicken & Churros For dinner (or lunch) and dessert combined, the chicken and churros appear to be the most decadent of the bunch, according to several taste-testers, with fried chicken thighs brined in pickle juice and served with golden brown churros, ancho syrup and strawberries, topped with powdered sugar and a caramel drizzle. 

The Rami  Short for ‘pastrami,’ The Rami is essentially a Reuben sandwich made with Pastrami and coleslaw instead of Corned beef and sauerkraut. The Rami is topped with Swiss cheese, and served on rye bread, with creamy Russian dressing and a pickle spear.

The Kingston This Jamaica-inspired treat is a sweet-savory-spicy Jerk-spiced grilled chicken with pineapple salsa, spicy slaw, picked red onion and garlic aioli on a brioche bun. 

Dill Pickle Tater Tots Capitalizing on the popular dill pickle trend (dill pickle juice, anyone?) Levy has created tangy salt and vinegar seasoned tater tots dusted with fresh dill, and served with dill pickle dip.

The Home for Gluten-Free: Clark Street Grill– Section 112

Another stand to get in line for is the Clark Street Grill in Section 112. There you can find the Cubs’  gluten-free options. Take, for example, their latest twist on French fries in their gluten-free Garlic Parmesan Fries: Thick-cut fries are bathed in garlic aioli, shaved parmesan and fresh parsley. Word has it they’re delicious! 

Other gluten-free items include: A Chicken Tender Basket: Chicken tenders are served with thick-cut fries and BBQ sauce.

Gluten-free also deserves decadent desserts, and the Levy company has created two new ones this season: try their new, individually packaged Brown Butter Rice Crispy Treat and/ortheir Chocolate Brownie. 

Section 121: Mobile Cart

Sunday Kids Build-Your-Own Mac & Cheese (only on Kids Sundays). Something for the kids besides their Kid’s Meals, young fans of the Cubs can build their own Kraft Mac & Cheese creation with choice of bacon, chicken, hot dogs, BBQ sauce, ranch, Cheetos and Doritos.

Happy Opening Day, All!! 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Not long ago, homebuying decisions revolved around a fairly standard checklist: commute times, school districts, and price per square foot. While those factors still matter, today’s buyers are placing a growing emphasis on something less tangible—but far more personal: lifestyle.

From how we work to how we unwind, the way people live has fundamentally shifted. And in response, real estate decisions are following suit.

The Shift from “Where You Have to Live” to “How You Want to Live”

Remote and hybrid work have untethered many buyers from the need to live near a specific office. Without the daily commute dictating location, buyers are free to prioritize what their day-to-day life actually looks like.

For some, that means moving closer to nature—trading urban density for hiking trails, water views, or more outdoor space. For others, it’s about staying in vibrant, walkable neighborhoods filled with restaurants, culture, and community energy.

The common thread? People are choosing homes that support the life they want—not just the job they have.

Homes Are Doing More Than Ever Before

Today’s homes are no longer just places to eat and sleep—they’re multifunctional environments. Buyers are looking for spaces that can adapt to a variety of needs, such as:

• Home offices that feel separate and productive
• Fitness areas or room for at-home workouts
• Flexible rooms that can evolve with changing needs
• Outdoor living spaces for relaxing and entertaining

This evolution has made functionality just as important as aesthetics. A beautiful home is great—but a home that works for your lifestyle is essential.

Wellness Is a Priority

Health and well-being are playing a larger role in homebuying decisions than ever before. Buyers are increasingly drawn to features that promote a sense of balance and comfort, including:

• Natural light and open spaces
• Access to outdoor areas
• Quiet surroundings
• Thoughtful design that reduces stress and clutter

It’s not just about owning a home—it’s about how that home makes you feel on a daily basis.

Community and Connection Matter

While some buyers are seeking privacy and space, others are prioritizing connection. Proximity to coffee shops, parks, fitness studios, and social hubs can be just as influential as square footage.

Neighborhoods are being evaluated through a lifestyle lens:

• Can you walk to your favorite spots?
• Is there a sense of community?
• Does the area match your pace of life?

These questions are becoming central to the decision-making process.

The Rise of Personalization

There’s no longer a one-size-fits-all definition of the “perfect home.” What works for one buyer may not work for another—and that’s the point.

Some buyers want minimalist, low-maintenance living. Others want space to host, garden, or grow. Some prioritize proximity to the beach, while others want mountain views or suburban quiet.

Real estate has become deeply personal, with lifestyle acting as the guiding filter.

What This Means for Sellers

For sellers, this shift presents an opportunity. Highlighting lifestyle—not just features—can make a property far more compelling.

Instead of simply listing specs, consider:

• How does the home live day-to-day?
• What kind of routines does it support?
• What experiences does it offer?

Helping buyers envision their life in a home is often what turns interest into action.

Final Thoughts

Lifestyle isn’t just influencing real estate decisions—it’s redefining them. Buyers today are more intentional, more self-aware, and more focused on aligning their home with their values and daily habits.

In a market full of options, the homes that stand out aren’t always the biggest or the newest—they’re the ones that feel right.

Because at the end of the day, people aren’t just buying properties—they’re choosing how they want to live.

Over the next few days, Chicago‘s Muslim community will be celebrating the end of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr 2026, beginning around the evening of March 19-20, depending on the appearance of a new moon. 

History and Significance of Eid al Fitr

According to Wikipedia sources, Eid al Fitr (‘Festival of Breaking the Fast’) is the first of the two main festivals in Islam, the other being Eid al-Adha. It falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of month-long, dawn-to-dusk fasting (sawm) during Ramadan. It’s one of the most beloved festivals, where people celebrate with utmost faith and joy. 

Eid history dates back to 624 AD, when Prophet Muhammad and his companions celebrated the first Eid after the Battle of Badr. The festival is celebrated to commemorate the end of Ramadan. Eid significance is all about gratitude, charity, and camaraderie, as people gather to celebrate faith, kindness, and love, rewarding Muslims for their devotion, patience, and spiritual growth during Ramadan.

Muslims in Chicago: A Short History 

Muslims have been part of Chicago’s history since the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, developing into a diverse, major community with over 100 mosques today.

Key milestones include the 1906 establishment of the Bosnian Dzemijetul Hajrije society, the 1922 founding of the Al-Sadiq Mosque by the Ahmadiyya movement, the 1930s rise of the Nation of Islam on the South Side, and post-1960s immigration that built hubs like Bridgeview and Devon Avenue.

Establishing Community 

According to the Encyclopedia of Chicago, Arab Muslims from Palestine began settling in Chicago in the early 1900s. Mostly entrepreneurs, they occupied a sociogeographic niche along the edge of the South Side’s African American community by the late 1940s. Political turmoil in the decades following the creation of Israel in 1948 brought more Palestinian Muslims to Chicago, while many non-Palestinian Arab Muslims began arriving in the mid-1950s. The first local Arab mosque, now known as the Mosque Foundation (est. 1954), opened a new facility in southwest suburban Bridgeview in 1982, later adding two state-accredited schools for Muslim children. By the end of the twentieth century, Arab Muslims were attending various mosques throughout the metropolitan region, particularly on the city’s North Side and in some suburbs.

Today, the Chicago metropolitan area has a large, diverse, and growing Muslim population, estimated at approximately 350,000 to over 400,000 residents. The population is ethnically diverse, including Asian, Arab, and African American communities.

Chicago Area Eid  Celebrations and Prayers 

The Downtown Islamic Center (DIC) 231 S. State Street, will host Jumu’ah (Friday Congregational Prayer) on Friday, March 20, from 1:10pm- 2pm, followed by Feed the Hungry on Sunday, March 22, from 10am – 12pm, packaging meals for those in need across the Chicago community. They’ll also host Community Iftars, with meals provided by local restaurants. 

At Irving Park’s  Muslim Community Center, 4380 N. Elston, March 20 marks the end of Ramadan with an Eid al-Fitr, or the “Festival of Breaking the Fast” from 7am-noon.  

To round out the month, West Town’s mHUB is hosting an Eid al-Fitr Celebration at mHUB 1623 W. Fulton Street, on Monday, March 31^st from 4pm–6:30pm for an afternoon of sweets, connection, and community spirit. There’ll be an Eid Sweets Station, Community Shoutouts – sharing gratitude and updates, a “Give Back” Wall for sharing your ideas on how your company can give back to the local community, and an Eid Wishes Tree for a personal message or reflection. For more information, click here.

Is That All?

MCCkeeps the celebration going through April,hosting a free EID FAMILY FEST🌙 on Saturday, April 4, from 2pm – 9pm at their MEC Banquet Hall (Basement) 8601 Menard Ave, Morton Grove. The star attraction is the JG Reptile Show (4pm – 5pm) with reptiles so close, you can even pet them. It’s fun for the whole family, with face painting, bracelet making, games and activities. Family Bazaar is selling clothes for families, jewelry and unique shoes, as well as Mehndi (Henna).

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago 

I have rheumatoid arthritis so I’m sometimes hyper aware of joint deterioration. After 3 knee replacements and 2 foot joint fusions I’m trying to do better for my joints. 

Not all of us will develop osteoarthritis as we age, but we should still think about caring for our joints. Even younger people should be aware of things that put unnecessary strain on their joints so they can keep them as healthy as possible as long as they can! 

Here are 7 ways you may be hurting your joints – and one way to help them.

Extra body weight. Every extra pound of weight we carry puts 4 extra pounds of pressure on your knees. It also causes more wear and tear on your hips, back and feet. Excess weight also triggers inflammation that can make your hands swollen, stiff, and painful. 

Uncomfortable shoes. Speaking of weight, high heels make your weight tip forward. Your leg muscles have to work harder to keep your knees straight, which causes pain and stress. The wrong shoes can be just as damaging. Worn out shoes don’t support the joints in your feet and ankles. This can throw off your knees, hips and back. Be careful of too much cushion or arch support as well. It doesn’t let your foot move naturally, which can lead to pain. 

Staring at your phone. Constantly looking at our phones causes all sorts of joint problems. Every inch your head goes down raises the load on your neck and shoulders. It’s like you’re holding 5 heads instead of one! “Texting thumb” is a real thing too. It irritates the tendons and can lock your thumb in a curled position. 

(Speaking of your hands, cracking your knuckles does not cause arthritis, but studies have shown it can cause your hands to swell and can weaken your grip. Something we definitely don’t need as we age!)

Carrying heavy objects. If you carry a heavy purse or backpack everyday you know it causes pain. The constant pull tires out your joints and overstretches your muscles. Don’t put too much load on your little muscles as that makes your joints pay the price. Opening a heavy door? Use your shoulder instead of your fingers. Bend at the knees to lift something off the floor using your leg muscles. Hold heavy loads close to your body using your entire hand, not just your fingers. 

Improper form while exercising. Strength training slows bone loss and helps new bone growth, making them denser. It builds muscles so in turn stabilizes joints. Use proper form when training. Posture matters too. When you slump, it puts more stress on your joints and muscles and tires them out. Keep your back straight and shoulders back. 

Computer time. Speaking of posture, too much computer time can really cause pain. Even if your posture is good, you can hold it for too long overworking your muscles and joints. Be sure to get up and move every hour. 

Poor sleep. Always try to get quality sleep and enough of it. Poor sleep triggers inflammation that can lead to joint problems over time. Sleeping on your stomach can push your head back, compressing your spine, putting stress on other joints and muscles.

What can help?

Do some good stretches daily after sleep. Stretching can help strengthen your muscles and tendons. This allows your joints to move more easily. That’s the key to stable and healthy joints.

 Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

No matter what the weather brings this weekend, it will not stop Chicagoans from experiencing and enjoying the city’s ultimate St. Patrick’s Day festivities as we become Irish all decked out in our finest greens and feeling the luck of the Irish!

Saturday kicks-off with the Chicago River Dyeing at 10:00 a.m. along the Chicago River between Columbus Drive and State Street (best viewing spot) in The Loop.  Chicago’s Journeymen Plumbers Local 130 turns our murky river into a beautiful emerald green using an eco-friendly, vegetable-based dye which lasts for about 5 hours.  Afterwards, it’s time to take in the 71^st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade which kicks-off at 12:15 p.m. heading north on Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Street.  This year’s theme is Faith, Peace and Unity inspired by Pope Leo XIII’s coat of arms and will feature floats, marching bands, bagpipers, and more.  Once again, the main viewing stand is in front of Buckingham Fountain.

Saturday’s Festivities include the following:

BAR CRAWLS (here are three of many others) – Shamrockin’ At The Pier Bar Crawl (Streeterville) featuring participating spots at the Pier for a lakefront celebration; CHI-RISH Bar Crawl (West Loop & River North) featuring 21 hours of partying at over 30 venues; Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Crawl (Wrigleyville) focusing on the Clark Street strip.

PARTIES/STREET FESTIVALS (here are four of many others) – St. Patrick’s Day River Dyeing Party (10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) at City Winery Riverwalk (11 W. Riverwalk) in The Loop; Shamrock’n at Old St. Pat’s (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) at Old St. Pat’s Campus (825 W. Adams St.) in the West Loop; Shamrock & Roll on Division Street (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) just outside The Lodge Tavern (21 W. Division St.) in the Gold Coast neighborhood; St. Patrick’s Weekend Festival (8 a.m.-10 p.m.) on Hubbard Street at iconic venues such as Hubbard Inn, Joy District, and Boss Bar in the River North neighborhood.

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are also being held at the Irish American Heritage Center Festival on Saturday and Sunday located at 4626 North Knox Avenue in the Mayfair neighborhood.  This lively, all-ages festival offers two days of nonstop Irish music, traditional Irish dancers, cultural performances, crafts, games, a dedicated kids’ area, and more.  And, on St. Patrick’s Day itself (March 17) the party continues at the Center’s Fifth Province Pub!

Sunday’s Festivities include the following:

The 48^th annual South Side Irish Parade, which is the largest-community St. Patrick’s Day Parade outside of Dublin, Ireland, steps off at 12:00 p.m. from West 103^rd Street and Western Avenue marching south to 115^th Street in the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood.  Join thousands of other revelers to watch the many bands, dance troupes, floats, and more.

The 23^rd annual Northwest Side Irish Parade steps off at 12:00 p.m. in front of the William J. Onahan School (6634 W. Raven St.) heading southwest on Neola Avenue then northwest on Northwest Highway to Harlem Avenue in the Norwood Park neighborhood.  Afterwards, local spots such as the Gale Street Inn in Jefferson Park will be hosting celebrations!

Irish Today Hungover Tomorrow – Enjoy Safely!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago