September 2026

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What Keeps Us Up Can Also Move Us Forward

When you have a problem, people often tell you to “sleep on it.” But what happens when an inability to sleep is the problem? The last few decades, I have suffered from frequent bouts of insomnia. Like many people who have trouble sleeping, I worry about my children, my parents as they get older, and challenges at work. When this happens, rather than getting worried about a lack of sleep, I have learned to accept that my mind will be active, and to direct it to creative thoughts. It’s not…

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three Egyptian leather jewelry boxes with ancient-looking images carved in the leather

Ryne Sandberg and Frank Thomas Baseball Cards, Egyptian Jewelry Boxes, Gold Coins Available at Treasurer Frerichs’ Online ICash Auction

Looking for Special and Memorable Gifts? You’ll Find Them at the Online Auction September 25-October 4 Auction catalog available here. A 1926 British Sovereign gold coin bearing the image of King George V, three Egyptian leather jewelry boxes, and baseball cards of Chicago legends Ryne Sandberg and Frank Thomas are among the treasures available at the online I-Cash auction September 25-October 4. “Our online auction offers a variety of distinctive, memorable items you can buy for yourself, a friend, or a loved one,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose…

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Treasurer Frerichs poses with the seven men and women who received Hispanic Heritage Month celebration awards

Treasurer Michael Frerichs Honors Community Leaders in Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

Cubs Radio Announcer, Steinmetz College Prep Principal, National Museum of Mexican Art Curator Among Those Recognized Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the great achievements of Latino community leaders. Treasurer Frerichs honored nine individuals: the Spanish-language play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Cubs, Bulls and Blackhawks; a brother and sister who own several Chicago-area restaurants; a Chicago high school principal; an airport concessions firm founder; a registered nurse and clinical coordinator; the organizing director of Chicago’s hospitality workers union; the chief curator…

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You Can’t Predict Their Path. You Can Prepare For It.

Our twins have always loved going to the park: playing on the jungle gym, swinging, or swishing down slides. Recently, they have found an open path where they love running races.     They will race each other, Mom, or Dad. Although they are identical twins, they have very different running styles. Max will pump his arms and legs in a way that makes me think he very well could be a sprinter someday. Theo has a more free-spirited way  of running. After completing a 25-yard dash, Max is ready…

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Green corn leaves in a field with an overcast sky above. Photo is titled Corn Rows.

When Farmers Need Help Weathering the Storm

This summer, I was awakened by a tremendous storm in the middle of the night. My first thought was how much I don’t like the rain. I didn’t always feel this way. As a kid, I loved playing in the rain. I think my attitude started to change when baseball games were rained out. I also distinctly remember my first job detasseling corn really turned me against the rain. By the time I got through the field, my shoes were covered in 5 to 10 pounds of mud, my clothes…

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