Get into the spooky spirit this Halloween
Come October 31, there is extra mischief in the air, and who knows what might be lurking around those dim corners? Halloween is a time when the line between having fun and being scared is easily blurred.
While trick-or-treating and attending parties are ways to enjoy the final day of October, there are plenty of other ways to make Halloween more fun.
• Read some scary stories. There’s something to be said about reading scary stories or poems on Halloween. Readers’ imaginations take over on Halloween as they envision scary characters and scenarios. Edgar Allen Poe, author of many notably macabre works, is a popular read come Halloween.
• Go pumpkin picking. Most people already make pumpkin picking an annual treat. Don’t overlook mishappen pumpkins that can be carved into spooky jack-o’-lanterns. Also, enhance Halloween decor with pitted and warty gourds that lend that scary appeal.
• Create a haunted house. Instead of going elsewhere to get chills and thrills, transform your house or yard into a spooktacular vision and invite neighbors to explore.
• Make creepy crafts. Children can
get a kick out of crafting Halloween decorations. Drape a piece of muslin over a beverage bottle and spray it with laundry starch. Let sit and the muslin will stiffen when it dries. Paint on black circles for eyes and hang your “ghost” from a string.
• Whip up Halloween treats. Candied apples, extra-rich brownies and mini hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls to look like mummies are just some of the ways to create a scary Halloween feast.
• Have a costume theme. Everyone in the household can get in on the fun by planning costumes to fit a theme. For example, everyone can dress like the Addams family.
• Host a Halloween book club. Those who love to read can ensure the October gathering of a book club is one that features a discussion of a scary book. Those looking for a scare can explore horror authors like Stephen King, Anne Rice, Dean Koontz, Clive Barker, Shirley Jackson, and Tananarive Due.
• Host an outdoor movie. Projectors can now be hooked up to smartphones and tablets, so it’s easier than ever to watch movies outside. Simply project a device onto a screen, white fence or even a bedsheet. Since it gets dark somewhat early in October, the
movie doesn’t have to start very late. Depending on the audience, choose a movie that is very scary or only mildly so if children will be viewing.
• Organize a Halloween treat
exchange. Similar to a Christmas “Secret Santa,” participants put together a wrapped gift of homemade or store-bought foods and exchange with others.
Halloween can be made even more entertaining with some extra activities that appeal to people of all ages.
Tips for a memorable Labor Day weekend
Labor Day weekend is widely considered the unofficial swan song of summer. Though millions of children return to school prior to Labor Day weekend, the final holiday of summer still marks an ending to the season of relaxation and a return to the hustle and bustle of life when the temperatures dip and schedules fill up.
Perhaps because Labor Day has become synonymous with the end of summer, many people look to make the weekended preceding the holiday as fun as possible. People with such intentions can keep these tips in mind as they seek to plan a memorable Labor Day weekend this year.
• Wake up early if you intend to
travel. Labor Day weekend should be memorable for all the right reasons and traffic is not one of them. A recent survey from the vacation planning experts at The Vacationer found that roughly 148 million people planned to travel over Labor Day weekend in 2023, which makes the three-day period a particularly busy time to be on the road or in the air. If you intend to fly this Labor Day weekend, try to book an early morning flight to reduce the risk of delays. If you’re driving, hitting the road before sunrise, particularly if you’re traveling a long distance, can help you avoid traffic jams.
• Plan the weekend. It can be tempting to fly by the seat of your
pants come Labor Day weekend, but it’s still best to book excursions and even dinner reservations in advance. The popularity of Labor Day weekend and its status as the unofficial end of summer compels many people to get up and go over the three-day period, so theme parks, water parks, restaurants, and other attractions may be all booked in advance. Purchase tickets and make reservations months in advance to ensure you aren’t left with little to do and/or nothing to eat come Labor Day weekend.
• Create a backup plan. Ideally the weather will cooperate and Labor Day celebrants will be able to spend the entire weekend
outdoors if they so desire. But weather is unpredictable, so it pays to create a backup plan in advance. If you’re traveling for the weekend, look around for indoor entertainment spaces to spend the weekend if the weather is uncooperative. If you’re planning a backyard barbecue at home, arrange for some indoor activities or pick a rain date and let guests know. If the party is scheduled for the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, a Sunday rain date might work.
• Go with a summer theme. Even if the kids are already back in school and your summer family vacation is a distant memory, that’s all the more reason to re -
vive the spirit of summer one last time. If hosting at home, a Hawaiian luau theme complete with a pig roast or a final summer pool party is a great way to send summer off before welcoming fall into the fold. Encourage guests to don summer attire and revive your summer playlist to get guests in the mood. If you’re traveling for the weekend, pick a sunny, sandy destination so you can squeeze every last drop out of summer. Labor Day weekend marks the perfect time to send summer off with a bang. Some pre-weekend planning can ensure everyone has a memorable final few days of summer.
essentials for the ultimate tailgate
For many sports fans, the kickoff to football season means the time to tailgate has returned as well. Tailgating evolved from informal fan gatherings by the tailgate of a supply wagon preceding the earliest college football games. Today, it involves setting up temporary camp in the parking lot of everything from neighborhood schools to city stadiums before a big game.
According to a study by Quicken Loans Racing and Beckon Media, 80 percent of Americans tailgate annually. Among those, 61 percent tailgate five or more times per season. Various stadiums have noteworthy tailgating traditions, but just about any locale can be a great place for fans to gather before seeing their favorite team play in person. Here’s some of what is needed to pregame with style.
• Vehicle: Naturally a vehicle is one of the essentials of tailgating. Using a vehicle with a hatch or liftgate can make it easier to set up a tailgate in the parking lot that fans can gather around. An SUV, van or pickup truck also may have more room to store gear.
• Grill: The Quicken Loans survey found that 93 percent of tailgaters prepare their food at the stadium or venue and 78 percent use a grill to cook. On-site grilling requires a portable grill. Look for grills that are marketed for campers and tailgaters, such as the Weber Q1000.
• Coolers: Tailgaters will need access to cold beverages (or warm on chilly days), and coolers keep everything contained in one place. It’s best to determine if stadiums allow coolers, grills and other tailgating gear prior to bringing anything. It’s important to follow the rules when tailgating.
• Tables and chairs: Camp chairs to sit in and tables to set food on can keep tailgates orderly and comfortable.
• Tech items: Some tailgaters want to get into the sporting mood by watching other games on televisions or mobile devices that can
stream content. Others may like listening to music or podcasts while they wait for the game to start. Speakers, tablets, mobile phones, small TVs, and even old fashioned AM/FM radios can be
brought along to improve the tailgating experience.
• Blankets: Football weather can vary depending on the month and where the game is played. Tailgaters should check the fore -
cast and pack clothing and other items accordingly. Everything from sweatshirts to blankets to ponchos might be needed if it’s chilly and wet. A hat and sunglasses can protect against glare shining off of the
parking lot asphalt.
Tailgating is all about having fun. Fans should be ready to cheer on the team and mingle with likeminded devotees when setting up a tailgate.
Pop culture costumes are bound to be big this year
One of the best ways to get in on the Halloween costume fun is to choose a look that borrows from popular culture. This year there is no shortage of inspiration for those who want to look like their favorite movie, television and game characters.
Comic book hero “frenemies”
Marvel’s popular characters joined forces in “Deadpool & Wolverine” this year with the titular stars played by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, respectively. Whether you’re team red or team yellow, dressing up as one of these action characters is certainly going to be popular for Halloween 2024.
Whirlwind romance
Fans of the “Bridgerton” television series know that the third season follows the romance between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. This is a perfect couples’ costume, and one that will be lavish at any Halloween gathering.
Travis and Taylor
The last year-plus has been notable for both football fans and Swifties. Three-time Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce and pop superstar Taylor Swift became the power couple of record, earning fans from both sides of the football/music aisle. Dressing up as this duo is sure to get rave reviews.
Country vibes
Beyoncé ushered in a new era of country music in 2024 with the release of her album “Cowboy Carter.” Emulating the pop-tocountry princess is a great way to turn heads this Halloween.
The “Juice is loose”
It’s been 36 years since audiences enjoyed the hijinks of Beetlejuice, the star character of Tim Burton’s horror-comedy. With the release of “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice,” complete with most of the original actors reprising their roles, there’s no question that Beetlejuice, Lydia and Delia
costumes will be trending this October.
Political opponents
The race to the White House this year certainly has had its twists and turns.
Political figures often are in fashion for Halloween costumes, and this year that is bound to be the case with individuals dressing up as the Republic and Democratic presidential candidates.
Another pink lady
While “Barbie” was the chic lady in pink for 2023, thanks to the announcement of the new prequel series dubbed “Elle,” Elle Woods from the “Legally Blonde” franchise is sure to be trending this Halloween.
Wacky Wednesday
Now that another series installment is in the works, there will be plenty of people dressed up as Wednesday Addams this Halloween.
Plan a perfect october weekend getaway
Fans of fall know that few things can beat the crisp, sunny afternoons of October. The early days of the month bring with them comfortable temperatures and beautiful vistas. Summer’s heat and humidity often are things of the past, and time spent outdoors, whether raking leaves or tailgating at a football game, can be quite pleasant.
Early October is home to two holidays: Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day,.
That means following the first full week of the month people in the United States have a chance to enjoy a three-day weekend to soak up all fall has to offer. Here are a few ideas.
Camping and hiking
Take in the awe of fall foliage up close and personal by visiting a rural area or park a short drive away from home. New York City residents, for example, can head to the Catskills, while Chicagoans can head to White Pines State Park.
Different regions of the country will show off their fall colors at different times, and while foliage may be past peak, these two- to threehour drives be highly enjoyable.
Fall festivals
Check out the chamber of commerce or visitors’ bureau websites of various cities and towns to see what is being offered relatively close by. Many will put on community fairs, festivals and the like. Columbus Day also presents a chance to celebrate Italian culture in many places, so Italian food and cultural festivals may be on the docket for those looking for such an excur-
sion.
Skiing towns
When the last of the summer tourists depart from ski resort towns and the lull sets in before the winter ski season heats up, visitors to Colorado cities like Aspen or Telluride or the Vermont city of Stowe can find great deals on hotel stays and dine out at relatively empty restaurants.
Warm weather culture
People who are not ready to part with warm weather can head to Miami. Miami often puts on a huge festival on Columbus Day and people from all over the world come to enjoy it. There’s fun for all ages and guests are welcome to arrive in costume.
Indigenous cultures Individuals looking to learn more about Native Americans may want
to travel to the states with the highest populations of Indigenous peoples. These include Alaska, Oklahoma, New Mexico, South Dakota, Montana, and North Dakota. It’s likely celebrations will be held in these areas highlighting their distinct culture and heritage.
Columbus Day weekend is an ideal time to get away before the rush of the holidays sets in soon enough.
Safe trick-or-treating tips for kids
Halloween is enjoyed by people of all ages, but few get a bigger kick out of the holiday than children. There are costumes to be worn, time spent with friends and the opportunity to collect free candy and other treats.
Although Halloween can be a fun time, the Children’s Safety Network warns that it’s also a time when accidents can happen. According to the CSN, the most dangerous day for child pedestrians is Halloween, with two times as many child pedestrians dying on Halloween compared to other days. It is essential to prioritize safety on Halloween, and following these guidelines can help.
• Make sure costumes are short. Costumes that drag on the floor are tripping hazards, which can lead to injury. Be sure that costumes do not cover the feet or drag on the ground.
• Trick-or-treat in groups. Children are safer in numbers due to the increased visibility of a crowd and because, if something happens, others can call for help. Parents can use their discretion on what age they feel is mature enough to let children go out alone. Until then, children should be accompanied by adults.
• Improve visibility. It’s important
to be seen while trick-or-treating, and that can be achieved by making sure costumes and trick-or-treat bags feature reflective tape. Trickor-treaters also can carry flashlights or glow sticks to improve visibility, and stick to areas with streetlights if going out after dark.
• Stay on sidewalks. Whenever possible, trick-or-treaters should stick to the sidewalks and avoid walking on the roads. This may not always be possible in neighborhoods without sidewalks, where parents and youngsters must be especially careful.
• Eat before trick-or-treating. A meal or snack before trick-or-treating can reduce the tendency to fill up on candy while out and about. All candy and other treats should be inspected by an adult before it is eaten.
• Keep pets locked away. Animals can become skittish when there are many people loitering outside of homes or ringing doorbells. Keep pets in a quiet room away from the action to prevent them from getting loose, injured or scared enough to bite or scratch someone.
• Avoid masks that obstruct vision. It can be hard to see peripher-
ally with a mask on, so avoid costumes with masks that compromise vision.
• Test out makeup beforehand. All
makeup used for costumes should be tested for allergic reactions prior to use. Heed the warnings on packaging and avoid putting makeup
too close to the eyes or lips. These are some safety strategies designed to keep Halloween fun and incident-free this year.
Get your pet ready for Halloween
Dressing up for Halloween is one of the more enjoyable ways to celebrate the spooky season. It’s not uncommon for people to be planning their costumes well ahead of Halloween, and seeing as the pop-up retailer Spirit Halloween starts taking over vacant properties beginning the middle of August, it’s never too early to begin thinking about the thrills, chills and candy to come.
Pet owners often choose to include their companion animals in Halloween festivities. Data from a 2022 PetSmart national survey unveiled that more than 75 percent of pet parents planned to dress their pets up for Halloween and other fall occasions. Some city-dwelling individuals even planned to match their pet’s fall attire to their own. In 2019, the National Retail Federation estimated Americans would spend $490 million on pet costumes in 2020, which was more than double the figure spent around a decade prior.
Rubies, the largest manufacturer of pet costumes in the U.S. and Europe, shared these statistics in 2022, many of which will stay consistent this year.
• Vermont, New Hampshire,
South Dakota, Utah, and Maine are the states most likely to have dress up their pets.
• A pumpkin, hot dog and bat are the three most popular pet costumes. Star Wars-themed costumes also are favorites year after year.
There are plenty of costumes and pet clothing designed for pets, but not all of them are recommended by humane organizations or vets. Those who choose to include pets in Halloween festivities should keep these tips in mind when selecting costumes.
• Can the pet move properly? Check to see if the clothing item is sized appropriately so that it is not restrictive. Make sure the pet can walk properly, jump, groom, and relieve itself. Do not leave pets in costumes for too long, as they may affect the animal’s ability to control body temperature.
• Is your pet stressed? Look for behaviors that may indicate the pet is stressed by wearing the costume. Pets feeling anxious may groom excessively or make more noise than usual. Dogs may pant a lot or yawn. If a pet is pawing or pulling at the costume, it might be making the animal uncomfortable. Dogs tend to
be more tolerant of costumes than cats, though each pet is unique.
• Can body language be relayed? Pets use body language to communicate with other animals. Costumes could interfere with that ability. If the pet will be wearing the costume indoors and not in prox-
imity to other animals, it may be fine. Pets who will be walking outdoors and come into contact with other companion animals might act differently and other animals may act aggressively when faced with a pet in a costume.
• Is it safe? Choose costumes that
do not impede the pet’s vision or its ability to walk. Select materials that are fire-retardant and nontoxic.
Pet costumes are quite popular on Halloween, and pet parents can have fun celebrating while also keeping pets’ comfort and safety in mind.
Call Munich to mind with your own oktoberfest bash
Various regions around the world are known for certain celebrations that attract crowds from near and far. New Orleans’ French Quarter lights up in honor of Mardi Gras; the Carnival of Venice is an historic festival full of masked balls that takes place around this Italian city of canals; people dodge bulls in the streets of Pamplona, Spain during San Fermín; and for those who live for beer and dancing, there’s no better place to be than Munich for Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest is an annual festival held over a two-week period. Despite what its name implies, the festival doesn’t take place primarily in the month of October. Rather, Oktoberfest ends on the first Sunday in October. Oktoberfest commemorates the celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Modern celebrations feature beer and German food and attempt to reproduce a Bavarian sense of cordiality, according to Britannica.
While the largest Oktoberfest festival occurs in Germany, a number of communities across the globe with large German populations hold their own Oktoberfests modeled on the original. And anyone can host their own Bavarian bash at home with some planning and key items.
• Beer: Beer is the glue that holds the celebration together. Only beer from six main breweries in Munich are allowed to be served during the traditional Oktoberfest. Each brewery produces a special festbier exclusively for the celebration. For an authentic experience, serve beer from one of these breweries, which include Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten.
• German food: German sausages and traditional German pretzels should be on the menu for Oktoberfest parties. Find out if you can order sausages from a German meat market in your area. Additional foods to offer include potato pancakes and cheese boards. Don’t forget the
apple strudel for dessert.
• Red, black and yellow, or blue and white: Decorate the space in red, black and yellow, which are the colors of the German flag. You also can go with blue and white, which are the colors inspired by the Bavarian flag.
• Traditional attire: For gents, traditional lederhosen, which are leather short or knee-length breeches, can be worn for the celebration. Women will want to don a real dirndl dress that features a blouse under a cinched bodice and an A-line aproned skirt.
• Long tables: Don’t overlook the communal spirit of the celebration, which means people sitting at long, large tables. Rent or invest in wooden tables that can seat the crowds.
• Tents: Set up tents to replicate the Oktoberfest beer tents in Munich. Add subtle streamers and flags as well as some string lights or lanterns for when the party continues into the evening.
• Festive music: Select a mix of oom-pah-pah, polka and classic military marches. Or choose from German pop hits, if desired. Of course, the party is yours, and as long as the music is upbeat, guests are sure to have a good time.
• Designated drivers: Since Oktoberfest is such a beer-heavy celebration, designated drivers and ride share services should be set up in advance to ensure all participants can arrive home safely after tapping their steins and yelling “Prost!”
TAX DEED NO.: 2024TX000227
FILED: 08/13/2024
TAKE NOTICE
County of: Will
Date Premises Sold: December 5, 2022
Certificate No.: 21-00154
Sold for General Taxes of (year): 2021
Sold for Special Assessment of (Municipality) and Special Assessment Number: N/A
Warrant No.: N/A Installment No.: N/A
THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES
Property Located at: 167 West Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, Illinois
Legal Description or Property Index No.: 1202-10-201-002-0000
This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of redemption from the sale will expire on February 11, 2025.
The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the county clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming.
This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to possession of this property if redemption is not made on or before February 11, 2025.
This matter is set for hearing in the Circuit Court of this County in Joliet, Illinois on February 27, 2025 at 9:00 A.M. in Courtroom 905, Will County Courthouse, 100 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432.
You may be present at this hearing but your right to redeem will already have expired at that time.
YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY Redemption can be made at any time on or before February 11, 2025 by applying to the County Clerk of Will County, Illinois at the Office of the County Clerk in Joliet, Illinois.
For further information contact the County Clerk:
Address: 302 North Chicago Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432
Telephone: (815) 740-4615
P&N PROPERTIES INC
Purchaser or Assignee
Dated: 08/13/2024
CASE NUMBER: 2024TX000227
CERTIFICATE OF PURCHASE NUMBER: 2100154
Lolita Ranchero
Eduardo Ranchero
Occupant - 167 W Boughton Rd., Unit A, Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Occupant - 167 W Boughton Rd., Unit B, Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Occupant - 167 W Boughton Rd., Unit C, Bolingbrook, IL 60440
LMR Home Health Care, Inc.
Michae J Raiz as R/A for LMR Home Health Care Inc
L.M.R. Nursing Services Inc.
Illinois Secretary of State for L.M.R. Nursing Services Inc.
Kevin Edward Ranchero as R/A for L.M.R. Nursing Services Inc.
Primerica Financial Services
Illinois Secretary of State for Primerica Financial Services
VIP Home Health & Hospice Inc.
Michael J Riaz as R/A for VIP Home Health & Hospice Inc.
LMR Medial Equipment Inc.
Illinois Secretary of State for LMR Medial Equipment Inc.
Carlito V Soriaga as R/A for LMR Medial Equipment Inc.
Awesome Home Health Care Inc.
Michael J Raiz as R/A for Awesome Home Health Care Inc.
Lauren Staley Ferry, Will County Clerk Claimants, Judgment Creditors and Decree Creditors, if any of the above described as “unknown owners”
“Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots” 8147-945848
Published 8/28/2024 , 9/4/2024, 9/11/2024
TAX DEED NO.: 2024TX000228
FILED: 08/13/2024
TAKE NOTICE
County of: Will
Date Premises Sold: December 5, 2022
Certificate No.: 21-00296
Sold for General Taxes of (year): 2021 Sold for Special Assessment of (Municipality) and Special Assessment Number: N/A
Warrant No.: N/A Installment No.: N/A
THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES
Property Located at: A parcel of leand measuring 170.08 feet by 256.61 feet located on the South side of Belmont Drive, starting approximately 179.44 feet West of Anderson Drive, 2Romeoville, Illinois
Legal Description or Property Index No.: 1202-34-315-004-0000
This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of redemption from the sale will expire on February 11, 2025.
The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the county clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming.
This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to possession of this property if redemption is not made on or before February 11, 2025.
This matter is set for hearing in the Circuit Court of this County in Joliet, Illinois on February 27, 2025 at 9:00 A.M. in Courtroom 905, Will County Courthouse, 100 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432.
You may be present at this hearing but your right to redeem will already have expired at that time.
YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY
Redemption can be made at any time on or before February 11, 2025 by applying to the County Clerk of Will County, Illinois at the Office of the County Clerk in Joliet, Illinois.
For further information contact the County Clerk:
Address: 302 North Chicago Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432
Telephone: (815) 740-4615
P&N PROPERTIES INC
Purchaser or Assignee
Dated: 08/13/2024
CASE NUMBER: 2024TX000228
CERTIFICATE OF PURCHASE NUMBER: 2100296
Skyland LLC
Illinois Secretary of State for Skyland LLC Agents of Delaware Inc. as R/A for Skyland LLC
Brodzinski Law PC
User Village of Romeoville c/o Village Clerk
Lauren Staley Ferry, Will County Clerk
Claimants, Judgment Creditors and Decree Creditors, if any of the above described as “unknown owners” “Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots” 8146-945847
Published 8/28/2024 , 9/4/2024, 9/11/2024
