Pat Lenhoff

Column: America still is great. But my European vacation allowed me to reassess what it does best.

June 19, 2019 at 7:43 p.m.

While I write this, my jet lag is hanging on. My 22-hour journey home following a 15-day tour of France and Switzerland has me ruminating about my homeland in comparison...

Ruby coca is displayed during the Sweets and Snacks Expo in Chicago in May. Ruby coca officially arrived in the U.S. market this spring.

Column: Loose Ends — the summer edition

June 12, 2019 at 5:07 p.m.

Hello gorgeous! Madame Summer has arrived in all her glory, and not a moment too soon. After a brutal winter and a spring that wasn't, it's about time we get...

Column: Why we should celebrate the many unique roles of dads on Father’s Day

June 5, 2019 at 7:05 p.m.

In May, we talked about honoring mothers and motherly figures. Now that we're in June, it's a befitting time to turn our attention to the important role fathers play in...

Column: Proposed redevelopment of Hawthorn Mall a good thing for an aging city center

May 29, 2019 at 9:25 p.m.

Since we've already discussed retirement in this column, I'm likely not fooling anyone regarding birthdays celebrated. That said, my earliest memories of Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills include a vacation-like...

Violette and David Bernauer watch their son, David, during the Mundelein High School graduation May 12 from a private box at Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates.

Column: Watching graduation ceremonies from a skybox is not elitist. It’s brilliant.

May 23, 2019 at 7:56 p.m.

Lately, newspapers feature graduation photos, which appear all similar except for the different colors on caps and gowns — about the only distinguishing feature for each high school. The broad...

A Memorial Day parade in 2014 marches through downtown Libertyville.

Column: While Memorial Day signals start of summer, let’s not forget the real reason for the holiday

May 16, 2019 at 5:11 p.m.

In a very short time, summer's ritual arrival begins. Memorial Day signals an end to the studious, serious months of academic learning and, instead, refocuses our spirits on the lighter,...

Column: Retirement brings many new routines, including ones with your spouse

May 15, 2019 at 6:34 p.m.

The Boss and I always have known we were meant to be together since the first night we met at Sporty's, a popular bar that operated back in the day...

Column: Arrival of May means it’s time to celebrate all of our motherly figures

May 15, 2019 at 6:34 p.m.

Ahh, sweet savory May. It's one of the year's most beautiful months and a very appropriate time to celebrate Mother's Day. Seems pretty straightforward, right? Take time on the second...

The spire at Notre Dame Cathedral begins to topple as flames engulf the centuries-old landmark on April 15, 2019.

Column: Lessons from the past can help rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral after the fire

May 15, 2019 at 6:33 p.m.

I assumed I misunderstood the Boss when he said Notre Dame was on fire. But Notre Dame — the achingly beautiful, inspirational, soul-touching architectural anchor of the equally beautiful, inspirational...

Column: Tying up Loose Ends this spring

May 15, 2019 at 6:33 p.m.

As May approaches and the sodden snowfall of mid-April disappears, we anticipate Mother Nature's best spring showcase. Every tree bursts with color. Grass will never be greener than right now....

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