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September 23rd is National Public Land Day, celebrated annually on the 4th Saturday of each September.  It promotes both the enjoyment of and volunteer conservation efforts for conservation of public lands; it was created by the National Environmental Education Foundation. NEEF aims to make our environment more accessible, relatable, and relevant and connected to the daily lives of all Americans. more NEEF has spent decades cultivating an environmentally conscious mindset through funding community outreach programs, critical STEM/STEAM programming to foster public land conservation and health in K-12 groups, promote environmental literacy, and partnering with diverse groups in local communities to make environmental care accessible and enjoyable for all! What began as just one federal agency, two sites, and 700 volunteers, National Public Lands Day has grown into the largest single-day volunteer event for maintaining public lands.  In celebration of this special day for fostering a strong connection between the public and the environment, it’s also a “Fee Free Day” at all National Parks and Public Lands! Did you know that even kids and teens can participate in projects?  NEEF has a host of youth friendly environmental education resources to help even our youngest community members learn to care for our planet and be environmentally responsible! 30th National Public Lands Day: 70,000+ Volunteers Gear Up to Enhance Parks, Forests, and Waterways Across the Country on September 23! Here’s where you can help locally: If you’d like to take part in the celebrations, head over to the Grove National Historic Landmark to learn about The Grove’s history, and participate in a restoration work day led by NEEF’s Natural Resources Manager in Glenview, IL. Celebrate National Public Lands Day by volunteering with Friends of Loomis St. Gardens and Skinner Park Advisory Council. Activities for all ages. No experience necessary. Refreshment and lunch provided. And Round Lake Logging Dam, Northern Wisconsin is a hub for this year’s efforts, too! US Forest Service staff will host a Fall Colors Photography Tour and BioBlitz at the Round Lake Logging Dam, first constructed in 1876 and restored in 1995. Attendees will have the opportunity to take a walk through history among hardwood and hemlock trees while taking photos of local biodiversity to share with local researchers using the iNaturalist app. Here’s some great National Parks to explore! Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Bayfield, WI encompasses 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland coastal protected areas.  In addition to the incredible bluffs on the shores of Lake Superior, it’s also home to the largest collection of historic lighthouses in the nation! Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Rhinelander WI spans a jaw dropping 1.5 million acres of unspoiled wilderness across Wisconsin’s Northwoods.  You’ll find no shortage of outdoorsy activities such as canoeing, hiking, cycling, paddling, cross-country skiing, camping, fishing, and more. Shawnee National Forest in Herod IL encompasses 289,000 stunning acres of parkland located in Southern Illinois and nestled between both the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.  Visitors will find breathtaking scenic views from the top of great canyons and sandstone cliffs, and stunning crystal clear waters and rocky streams. The many lakes, ponds, waterfalls, rivers, and streams of the area are perfect for fishing and swimming, and the sprawling prairies and woodland trails are perfect for hiking, cycling, trail running and more. Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in Thomson IL is the longest, contiguous river refuge in the continental US at 261 miles in length!  The refuge includes protected wetlands, islands, marshes, and floodplain forests, many of which are accessible only by boat. Some portions of the refuge are open to seasonal hunting, trapping, and fishing but they do have very restrictive regulations. Amazing State Parks to explore in Illinois all year round: Rock Cut State Park in Caledonia Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry Matthiessen State Park in Oglseby Ferne Clyffe State Park in Goreville White Pines Forest State Park in Mt Morris Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna Lowden State Park in Oregon IL Apple River Canyon STate Park in Apple River Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park in Lena Kankakee River State Park in Bourbonnais Staved Rock State Park in Oglesby Buffalo Rock State Park in Ottawa IL Cave-In-Rock State Park in Cave-In-Rock Illini State Park in Marseilles Chain O’ Lakes State Park in Spring Grove Glacial Park Conservation Area When you’re visiting national parks and preserved public lands, be sure to be a conscientious visitor! Be sure to abide by these tips and rules for responsible and eco-conscious behaviors: Be prepared for anything. National public lands are wilderness environments, and some are quite far from “civilization.” Be sure to pack enough food, water, and emergency supplies for your whole party. Live by the Leave No Trace principles. Whatever you bring into the public lands and parks needs to make its way out with you.  Whether the garbage is man-made or natural (fruit peels, veggie waste, pits and seeds from fruit, etc) it all needs to leave when you do.  This helps prevent growth of invasive species, or cluttering our trails with garbage. Check out our previous blogs for convenient car accessories for camping and trash collection. Never feed wildlife or animals. Wild animals depend on instinct and natural foraging skills to survive; visitors who feed wildlife can inhibit the animals self-sufficiency.  Animals who depend on handouts from humans can be destructive and invasive as well as endangering the survival of their own species. Always read the posted signage at the entrance and within the parks. Signs posted in and around national parks and public lands are there to protect you as much as they are the wildlife and environment. Adhere to posted signs to stay on the trails, conceal your food, or avoid specific areas, etc. Know your limits and keep it close. Adhering to openings and closings of parks will help ensure your safety and wellbeing.  The same can be said of not taking risks such as exploring “uncharted” areas or going off trail in posted areas.  We’re in the midst of a global pandemic, battling environmental issues such as widespread forest fires and flooding, and it is creating a crisis for first responders and medical professionals.  Being conscious to mind the rules and regulations of parks can prevent unnecessary accidents such as injury or death, both in the parks and in the general public, due to a lack of timely response or shortage in supplies and rescue equipment. Check out this list provided by the NPS in the US for additional information and precautions.

Today is Native American Day, and in honor of that, we’re highlighting a local destination, the Dickson Mounds at the Illinois State Museum, so you can get an up-close and personal look into the history of Native peoples in our region’s history. more Located in West Central Illinois in Lewistown, t he Dickson Mounds Museum is  a branch of the Illinois State Museum and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As one of the major on-site archaeological museums in the US, it offers a truly unique opportunity to explore 12,000 years of Native American history in the Illinois River Valley.  Visitors can explore the interactive and interpretive exhibits, learn about archaeological sites, and attend ongoing special events and workshops on local history. With more than 15,000 square feet of exhibits, there’s no shortage of educational opportunities. Permanent collections include “The River Valley Gallery”, featuring the connection between local indigenous people and the Illinois River from Ice Age to the present day; People of the Valley exhibit hosts a collection of artifacts, murals, photographs, and hands-on exhibits from Ice Age to the 19th century; The Discovery Center is a perfect family-friendly, all-ages exhibit where visitors can enjoy a history session through the joy of play. Running now through December 2023, the museum is hosting “Interrupted Journey: A Photographic Journal of Bird Rescue and Relationship” as a temporary exhibition. Through the photographs and journal entries of Ojibwe/Anishinaabe artist Nora Moore Lloyd, visitors will explore the relationship between art, artist, and her work with bird rescue and release in the Chicago region.  Each photograph honors the local area birds which have been displaced and interrupted by human activity, and is rooted in Lloyd's indigenous perspective of mutual respect and friendship with the natural world. If you’re looking for something unique to do, the museum is hosting some wonderful events upcoming! On Saturday, September 30th at 1PM, stop by the Dickson Mounds Museum for Girl Scouts of Illinois as they present “Trees, Flowers, and Bugs! Oh My!” where girl scouts can explore the path of the Naturalist at ISM-Dickson Mounds. On Thursday, October 5th 15 9:30AM, you and your tots can stop by for this month’s “Tot Time” event featuring farm animals! And that’s not all.  Check out the f ull calendar of events at Dickson Mounds Museum here.

Here at Classic Kia of Waukegan, we really love being part of a brand that is committed to upward mobility in sustainable practices, forward thinking business practices in innovative green technologies, and always moving forward and growing in leaps and bounds.  That’s why today we’re so thrilled to announce that the Kia EV9 has won the Luxury Category in the German Car of the Year 2024 Awards.  The Kia EV9 has continued to soar above the competition, making it a top pick for an environmentally responsible electric daily driver vehicle.  Let’s take a look at what makes this car rise a cut above the competition. Chosen by a panel of 27 trade journalists from a pool of nine competing models EV9 follows in the footsteps of EV6, Kia’s first dedicated BEV more Following its debut in the five-meter class, the 3-row Kia EV9 Electric SUV won over the 27 member jury of the “German Car of the Year 2024” award.  In fact, it emerged victorious against other competitive models in the “Luxury” class category, featuring all models with a base price over 70,000 Euro.  It’s an impressive moment for the EV9, especially considering it’s only the second model to join Kia’s dedicated battery-electric vehicles, following in the tire tracks of the Kia EV6 which won European Car of the Year in 2022. It’s clear that the EV9’s impressive engineering and world-class specs such as ultra-fast charging technology, luxurious and spacious interior, and fully loaded features have made an impression in the European market.  The EV9 is built on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and features 800-volt ultra-fast charging technology, affording it one of the best charging performances in its class.  Under optimal conditions, the 99.8 kWh  battery can gain up to 239km of driving range in just 15 minutes of charging. With a rear-wheel drive option powered by a 150kW Motor, it delivers a truly spectacular all-electric range of 541km based on WLTP Standars. Customers can also opt for an all-wheel drive variant which is powered by twin 141 kW electric motors, and an all-electric range of 497km (WLTP).  And, of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that the AWD version is offered in the sporty, snazzy GT-Line model. If you’re seeking creature comforts on your commute, then the EV9 is the right choice.  The GT-line version comes with front-row “relax” seats with electronic adjustability, allowing you to recline comfortably while charging.  It offers a seven-seater or six-seater option with individual second-row seats.  You can choose from relaxation seats or swivel seats which turn 90 degrees to the open doors, or 180 degrees to face the rear passengers. It’s a wonderful option for socializing as well as accessibility. “As Kia’s new flagship, the EV9 plays a pivotal role in transforming our brand into a leading EV provider. With its extraordinarily variable and spacious interior, striking design, and ultra-fast charging technology, it sets new standards in the SUV segment,” said Won-Jeong Jeong, President of Kia Europe. “We are very proud that the EV9 was named 'German Luxury Car of the Year' even before it is launched, as it is a strong signal that the Kia brand and its electrification strategy are recognized and awarded by German industry experts.” In this year’s GCOTY competition, which marks its sixth edition, a panel of 27 trade journalists tested and evaluated a comprehensive lineup of 48 new models. The competition is structured into five distinctive categories: ‘Compact,’ ‘Premium,’ ‘Luxury,’ ‘New Energy,’ and ‘Performance.’ Currently, the panel is poised to select the overall winner from the five best-in-class, with the announcement slated for the beginning of October.

We’re back with another Classic Auto Group Local Eats Guide in celebration of N ational Fried Rice Day! Today, we’re sharing our picks for incredible and community recommended Asian restaurants in Lake County and surrounding areas. more Whether you’ve got a penchant for sushi plates, a hankering for street style Thai noodles, are clamoring for some traditional Chinese dishes and dim sum, we’ve got you covered.  Each of the picks on this list has received top marks from local foodies and comes highly recommended. Know a restaurant we’ve left off our list? Let us know in the comments on our social media so our readers can try that one out, too! Asian Bowl Grayslake Thai and Japanese in Grayslake Bangkok Tokyo in Lake Bluff Blue House Korean BBQ in Mundelein Blufish Sushi Bistro in Vernon Hills, Glenview, and Park Ridge Green Peapod in McHenry Hong Kong Chop Suey in Mundelein Kawa Japanese Restaurant in Grayslake Lovely Thai in Grayslake Panda Chinese Restaurant in Grayslake Pho House in Libertyville Pl8 Simply Asian in Barrington Red Sun in Lindenhurst Royal Cantonese in Mundelein Royal Thai in Gurnee Shakou Restaurant in Libertyville Sushi Thai in Libertyville Tsukasa of Tokyo in Vernon Hills Yen Yen Chinese Restaurant in Arlington Heights Yu’s Mandarin in WheelingPlum Garden in McHenry Looking for a fun way to enjoy your Fried Rice cravings wherever you go? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve also found some super fun portable, travel friendly cookware to make yourself some stir fry and fried rice on your next camping trip or road trip.  That’s right, folks, you can take your love of Asian cooking with you wherever you go thanks to these convenient options for campfire friendly cooking and other accessories. The Cowboy Wok from Barebones Living is a great gift accessory to give to the off-road adventurer in your life. This shallow, disc-shaped pan with a large cooking surface is perfect for fast meals and holds its temperature well!  Great for stir frying over the fire, flipping tortillas, and so much more. The Bonfire Cast Iron Wok Top + Hub from Solo Stove is perfect for backyards o r bonfires or whatever adventure you bring it on!  Custom made to fit the Bonfire Cooking System by Solo, this fun accessory brings fine culinary cookware to the campsite.  Perfect for wood-fired stir fry or bbq on the go. The King Kooker 12” portable propane outdoor cooker with wok is an excellent budget friendly wok for the foodie on the go.  Great for off-grid living and camping, as well as bringing to the RV park to host a community cook-out with a little flare.

It’s National Smithsonian Day!  Did you know that the Smithsonian has curated a special online collection called “Explore America: Illinois” with art, americana, and other interesting information about our amazing state? Yep, pretty cool!  But that’s not all there is to love about our state, there’s the Smithsonian Center for Science and Industry, a mere hop skip and jump away in Chicago! more Let’s get exploring and see some highlights of the museum’s current and rotating offerings. Blue Whales: Return of the Giants is now showing in the Giant Dome Theater. If you’re hankering for an eye-opening, awe-inspiring, and jaw-dropping educational film on one of our planet’s most majestic creatures. Learn about their behavior, environmental concerns, conservation efforts, and more.  The film makes a great follow-up to The Blue Paradox exhibit examining the environmental crisis of ocean plastics and pollution. Pompei is a history exhibit featuring artifacts and materials excavated from the doomed Italian City and will be part of the rotating collection on view now through January 16th!  So hurry in because you don’t want to miss this fascinating look back in history to the city frozen in time.  And when you’re done, head back to the Giant Dome Theater to check out Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation. Engineers and scientists of all ages will be fascinated by the Passport to the Universe film playing in the Giant Dome Theater.  It’s a budget-friendly way to take a trip into space to explore the cosmos in depth, and appreciate the vastness of our universe! Transportation fans will have a blast exploring the Transportation Gallery, Flight and Motion Simulators, the Pioneer Zephyr train, a tour of a U-505 Submarine, and a NASCAR Next Gen Ford Mustang Stock Car. If you’re looking for something unique and interactive, we recommend enrolling your youngsters in the MSI Camp experiences, or taking your middle school aged kids to the Science Exploration Days, enjoying an overnight experience at the Science Snoozeum event in December.  There’s even special dates and times to allow an accessible experience for those with sensory issues during “Low Sensory Mornings”! Environmental enthusiasts will be overjoyed to get in depth look and real-time view of our planet at the Earth Revealed exhibit, learn about modern farming techniques and processes in the Farm Tech exhibit, view glacial photography at the Extreme Ice exhibit, and appreciate the incredible natural patterns that form all over our planet at the Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze exhibit. Have you been to the Smithsonian Museum of Science and Industry? Let us know your favorite experiences and share with our readers on social media!

Since its inception in 2011 by Irwin Tools company, National Tradesmen day has been helping the public understand the importance of trade careers and the individuals who work in them.  These skilled workers and professionals are the backbone of our community, providing vital services such as electrical work, plumbing, HVAC service, trucking and logistics, masonry, carpentry, welding, and of course our favorite automotive services!  These strong, dedicated individuals help us build and maintain our schools, offices, hospitals,and homes, as well as repairing our vehicles, transporting goods and important medication, and so much more. more During the early onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, it became more clear than ever just how essential these services are to our global economy and communities!  So, take a second to thank a local tradesman or contractor in your life for their hard work and dedication. Let’s take a look at what it takes to become a skilled tradesman in the automotive industry! Automotive mechanics perform more hands-on skills and are the backbone of every automotive dealership and service center.  The mechanic is in charge of inspecting each vehicle, ensuring that all electrical and mechanical components are in tip-top shape and working order.  They can inspect the vehicle’s computer and electronic components and let you know what requires maintenance or repair.  They focus on your vehicle’s functionality and longevity through regular tune-ups and service, and perform in-depth service appointments to get your vehicle back on the road. Automotive technicians perform basic care and maintenance services on your vehicle. This includes but is not limited to oil changes, fluid checks, tire rotations and alignments, repairing and replacing worn parts, replacing vehicle parts for manufacturer recalls, and performing electrical diagnostics. Both jobs require an ability to handle specialized tools and heavy equipment, certification from vocational schools or adequate apprenticeship under a seasoned certified mechanic, the utmost precaution and care for safety regulations with regards to electronic equipment, dangerous and corrosive chemicals and fluids, thorough working knowledge of vehicle diagnostic methods and tools, and an outstanding knowledge of the mechanical and electrical components of various makes/models of vehicle. There are an average of 600,400+ people employed as automotive mechanics and technicians as of 2023! Although it is still a predominantly male dominated profession (98% men, 2% women), there’s plenty of growth and opportunities to level the playing field for women.  More and more programs are encouraging STEM/STEAM programming and activities in younger grades to inspire more girls and women to join the ranks in the automotive industry, and more opportunities are opening up for women across multiple fields in automotive sports.

Here at Classic, our Auto Body Shop is standing by with a team of experienced and knowledgeable service personnel to guide you through the process.  If you find yourself in need of a little bit of advice or a refresher on how to do these things, we’re here to help!  Of course, it’s always good to be prepared for anything and arm yourself with the basics on vehicle maintenance.  That’s why today we’re dedicating some blog space to tire education, to make sure you’re “wheely” well informed on this important safety point.  Let’s learn more together. You should be regularly checking tire air pressure and keeping an eye on the wear-and-tear and tread depth, along with knowing how to gauge when it’s time to swap out to a different type of tire for the season or a change in driving habits. It’s always a great idea to be thinking about your vehicle’s tires, so here’s some tips to get you started. more Learn the different types of tires: Check with your mechanic or trusted tire installation technician to find the best tires that match your vehicle’s recommended size/type, your driving style and average mileage, local/seasonal weather hazards, and your budget. Here’s a little more information on the types of tires available, and things to consider when selecting the right option for your needs: Touring Tires - designed for day to day driving, can be used on a broad range of vehicles, available for all-season and summer-only options Performance Tires - designed for energetic drivers who focus on a more sporty driving style, available for all-season and summer-only options, and focus on features like dry or wet traction All-Terrain Tires - designed for both street and off-road driving, focusing on toughness and durability and strong off-road features for dirt/mud/ice/etc. Winter/Snow Tires - designed for maximum grip and traction in winter weather conditions, optimal for cold weather use and not made for warm-weather driving Donut or Spare Tires - designed for very short term use of no more than 50-70 miles, and are intended only for short term emergency use until you can replace your worn/damaged tire with new ones or get them repaired; these are also not designed to be driven at high speeds and it’s recommended at a max of 50 MPH or below for safety What to look for when performing regular routine maintenance checks on your tires: Check your tire pressure monthly, or whenever the temperature changes with a difference of 10º  higher or lower, and inflate to the specifications listed in your manual or on the inside of the door panel. Check your tire’s tread depth each time you check the pressure, and replace the tire if it is worn down to 2/32nds to 4/32nds of an inch.  You can insert a penny into the tread groove with President Lincon’s head upside down.  If you are able to see the top of Lincoln’s head, you need to replace the tires.  Alternatively, if your tire treads are extremely low, you may notice your tire’s “tread wear indicators, which are raised sections between the tire’s treads; if you can see these, replace them immediately. Make sure to have your tires rotated with each routine service appointment such as an oil change or alignment.  This will ensure that your tires wear evenly and safely, reducing the chance of flats due to overuse or extreme wear. Examine tire treads and sidewalls for any cuts, cracks, scrapes, punctures, bulges, bumps, or cracks.  Take a good look to make sure there are no nails, screws, or other foreign objects lodged between them.  If you spot any damage or wear-and-tear, you should bring your car in for a patch by a trusted service employee or a full replacement. Tires typically last around 50,000 miles, which is about 3 to 5 years average for the typical driver, but this does vary depending on your driving habits, where you live, and where you drive most. Drivers who frequently use unpaved roadways, go off-roading, and those who are “lead-foot drivers” may need to replace them more frequently than average.  Check with your trusted mechanic or local tire specialist to assess your needs. Here are some tools you should keep on hand to make changing tires a breeze: A manual car jack - used for raising your vehicle higher off the ground so you can remove and swap the flat tire A Spare tire or donut - swap this in place for the broken/damaged tires A lug wrench or torque wrench - a special tool designed to remove the nuts attaching your vehicle wheel to the rotors A portable tire inflator - a mechanical device that either is hand-pumped or more recently, powered by your vehicle’s electrical outlets that can inflate the tire to pressure within minutes. A tire gauge - A small tool either analog or digital that can help you determine the current air pressure of your tires Check out these helpful tips and videos to learn more about how to change your tire in an emergency:

Kia global partner, The Ocean Cleanup, sets a new record for the amount of plastic reclaimed from the world’s oceans 55 tons of ocean plastic delivered to Victoria, Vancouver Island, Canada Plastics will be recycled; proportion to be used in future Kia models under multi-year partnership Catch delivered to shore from 1.6-million-square kilometer Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) by The Ocean Cleanup’s System 002 The Ocean Cleanup announces scale-up to largest-ever System 03 in ongoing mission to remove 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040 Initiative aligns with Kia’s mission to become a sustainable mobility solutions provider Kia remains committed to more than 20% increase in plastic reuse by 2030 and achievement of carbon neutrality by 2045 View film of record ocean plastic reclamation here more Here at Classic Kia of Waukegan, we’re proud to be a part of a brand that cares about community on not just a local scale, but a global one. While here at home in Illinois we’re doing our part to help the environment and support sustainable business practices, Kia’s also taking the reins and making the world a better place, too!  Kia’s global partner, The Ocean Cleanup, recently set a new record for the amount of plastic they’ve reclaimed from our planet’s oceans: a 55-ton haul from the Pacific Ocean in Victoria, Vancouver Island, Canada; Kia plans to use the 55-tons of reclaimed plastic in its new EV Models in upcoming production. The Ocean Cleanup is an international non-profit project which aims to rid the oceans of plastic; the partnership between Ocean Cleanup and Kia marks the next phase in a seven-year global partnership agreement started in April 2022, and is part of Kia’s evolution into the leading sustainable mobility solutions provider. The record catch of 55-tons was removed from the ocean using The Ocean Cleanup’s System 002, a special extraction technology to remove plastic as it made its lengthy voyage through the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP).  Unfortunately, the world’s largest accumulation of floating waste has an estimated surface area of 1.6 million square kilometers. However, through efforts like this partnership between The Ocean Cleanup and Kia, small gains are being made to remove this debris and help create a cleaner ocean and healthier planet. Following the announcement of its record haul, The Ocean Cleanup recently revealed its new System 03 Technology, which is nearly three times larger than System 002 tech, and can capture much larger quantities of plastic at a lower rate of cost per kilogram removed on a continual year-round basis.  This is great news for the planet!  This more sophisticated technology provides environmental monitoring and advanced safety features such as a brand new Marine Animal Safety Hatch, designed to protect marine life during the cleanup process.  This new phase marks a glorious milestone in The Ocean Cleanup’s overall objective to see a 90% reduction of floating ocean plastic by 2040!  Kia also remains fully committed and passionate about efforts towards a more sustainable planet and securing the wellbeing of future generations right to a safe, healthy planet; the company will continue its support of The Ocean Cleanup, as the crew of System 03 will all be decked in uniform overalls represented with the Kia Logo and colors. Charles Ryu, Senior Vice President and Head of the Global Brand & CX Division at Kia Corp., commented: “The record catch of plastics brought to shore by The Ocean Cleanup for recycling is tangible proof of how technology can deliver sustainable solutions at scale. Kia’s partnership with The Ocean Cleanup demonstrates the brand’s commitment to having a positive impact. Initiatives such as this one perfectly align with Kia’s transition to a sustainable mobility solutions provider and our Plan S strategy, through which we embrace the needs of our customers and the protection of our environment by acting as a responsible corporate citizen.” Nisha Bakker, Director Partnerships of The Ocean Cleanup, said: “This record delivery marks the end of the System 002 era for The Ocean Cleanup, and the perfect platform as we launch System 03. We are moving forward step-by-step, and we believe that System 03 represents the size of system required to scale up and expand our cleanup in the most economical way. Beyond System 03, we plan to deploy a fleet of systems that together will be capable of removing 50 per cent of the GPGP every five years. However, we cannot do this alone. Committed and valued partners, and particularly our global partner Kia, remain essential for The Ocean Cleanup to bring our shared ambitions of plastic-free oceans to reality.” *BTX (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene) About The Ocean Cleanup The Ocean Cleanup is an international non-profit project developing and scaling technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic. They aim to achieve this goal through a dual strategy: intercepting in rivers to stop the inflow, and cleaning up what has already accumulated in the oceans. For the latter, The Ocean Cleanup develops and deploys large-scale systems to efficiently concentrate the plastic for periodic removal. This plastic is tracked and traced through DNV’s chain of custody model to certify claims of origin when recycling it into new products. To curb the tide via rivers, The Ocean Cleanup has developed Interceptor™ Solutions to halt and extract riverine plastic before it reaches the ocean. Founded in 2013 by Boyan Slat, The Ocean Cleanup now employs a broadly multi-disciplined team of approximately 140. The foundation is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and opened its first regional office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2023. For more information, visit: theoceancleanup.com and follow @theoceancleanup on social media.

When it comes to Star Trek, the most memorable modes of transportation that come to mind are ships like the infamous USS Enterprise, but did you know that several classic cars made an appearance or two as well?  We’re celebrating Star Trek Day with a look back at some of the most memorable moments featuring real-life vehicles and vehicle brands in the classic Sci Fi franchise.  We bet some of these may surprise you, too! more A 1930s Ford Model AA, A 1939 GMC AC-Series Truck, a 1928 and 1930 Chevy, and a 1930 Buick All of these cars make appearances together in the episode from Star Trek the Original Series in “The City on the Edge of Forever” when the crew travels back in time thanks to a mishap with Dr. McCoy. A 1931 Cadillac V-12 This classic oldie makes an appearance in the second season of Star Trek: The Original Series.  The crew of the Enterprise discovers a strange planet which hearkens back to the 1920s mafia/gangster run atmosphere of big city culture.  The vehicle is driven by Captain Kirk and his best friend, Spock as they attempt to drive around and blend in with “the locals”. A 1936 Ford Model 67 This vehicle made an appearance in the series Star Trek: Voyager. The crew detects a surprising readout of rust during a routine data analysis, and upon further investigation discovers a 1936 Ford Truck floating around in space!  The crew attempts to start the truck and play the radio, discovering an unusual radio frequency that leads them to solve a larger mystery. A 1965 Corvette Stingray Captain Kirk returns in the reboot from JJ Abrams with Star Trek 2009, and we’re introduced to the character in a thrilling high-speed escape as the young kirk absconds with his step father’s vintage corvette…and then promptly drives it off a cliff. A 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Pilot Tom Paris is quite the Earth History Aficionado, with a particular interest and fondness for vintage earth transportation. The Camaro makes an appearance in the “Vis a Vis” episode of Star Trek: Voyager’s fourth season, with Paris working on the car via holodeck, and enjoying a rendezvous in the car with his future spouse. A 1971 Ford LTD Country Squire and a 1974 Ford Mustang II Star Trek: Voyager makes several appearances on this list thanks to history jumping storylines. In this episode, Captain Janeway is recapping a story about her family’s past centering around a person names Shannon O’Donnell.  The vehicles appear in a scene where O’Donnell gets into a fender bender with the Mustang. A 1975 Chevrolet C-10 In the1986 theatrical film, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Kirk and his crew receive a distress call from earth and travel back in time to San Francisco in the 1980s to save mankind. Kirk and his cronies befriend a whale biologist, Dr. Gillian Taylor, who picks them up in the ‘75 chevy as they ride off to save humanity from doom with the help of two humpback whales. A 1977 Volkswagen Type 2 Van and a 1995 Dodge RAM Star Trek: Voyager strikes again, this time featuring two different vehicles in the same episode.  After the crew of the Voyager gets thrown back in time, Tom Paris and Tuvok (along with a special guest) use the vehicles to avoid gunfire and make a quick getaway to safety.

Today is National Beer Day and we’d like to share a list of great local businesses and breweries to visit on your next date night or friend's meet-up. There’s nothing we love more here at Classic than something that brings us together as a community and supports our local friends and neighbours. Locally owned and operated businesses are a vital part of our community!   Consider stopping by these businesses for a brew or booking them for a special event. more Local Micro Breweries, Brew Pubs, and Beer Companies: Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewery ZumBier Lake Bluff Brewing Company Tighthead Brewing Company Buffalo Creek Brewing Booners Bosacki’s Brewery Light the Lamp Brewery Roaring Table Brewing Oppidan Spirits Only Child Brewing Company Black Lung Brewing Company Mickey Finn’s Brewery Ravinia Brewing Co North Avenue Tap Liquid Love Brewing Flapjack Brewery Goose Island Brewhouse Lagunitas Brewing Company Chicago Crushed by Giants Brewing Company Chicago Metropolitan Brewing Chicago A reminder about responsible, safe driving: Please, remember that even just one alcoholic beverage before driving can impair your thinking, reasoning, and coordination.  Bear in mind that generally you should wait at least one to two hours after one drink, so your body has enough time to process the beverage.  In any case, no matter where you’re going or how many people you’re with you should have at least one designated driver in attendance when you visit any bar, brew pub, or event where alcohol is served.  The safest driver is a fully sober driver! Why support local breweries? What do they offer to the community? These businesses are the foundation of our local economy, provide diverse resources, function as community meeting centers, create meaningful connections and networks, and provide plenty of jobs to local citizens. They also help increase local property and sales tax, and those tax dollars help fund city projects, schools and education services, and road improvements. Plus, they provide a valuable source of tourism for the area since visitors also book local lodging options, explore local shopping, and enjoy local restaurants. Many small breweries also host tasting events that include open mic nights, small art shows or vendor markets, and many even hire musicians to perform and small independent artists to create beautiful murals or public artworks.  Lots of businesses also choose to host holiday parties or networking events at breweries as well as local groups for social meetups.  And as an added plus, if you’ve got a furry friend in tow, you’ll be happy to know most distilleries and breweries are pup friendly! Some breweries include specialty brews made with locally sourced ingredients such as fresh local honey, local fruits and berries, or even partner with local catering companies and farms for joint events! These are just some of the wonderful ways that breweries keep the local area hustling and bustling with community participation and make a positive impact.  As you can see, small brewing companies and tasting rooms are a valuable part of our community.  So check out some of the options on our list and help support our local businesses and neighborhoods.

September is a very busy time for family and friends, and it’s easy to fall behind on car maintenance as work resumes and kids go back to school.  So we’re bringing back our friendly service tip reminders with some great tips on maintenance checks for Autumn. more Why wait until the weather gets stormy, slippery, and you’re stuck in the lurch?  Prevent accidents and issues before they happen.  Be sure to schedule an appointment with your local service center and trusted mechanic, and ask them to start on these great checkpoints. Heating and Cooling System - As the temperatures in early Autumn tend to fluctuate these days, giving us heat waves during the day while dropping much cooler at night, it’s important you check your cooling system hoses, belts, and connections.  Ensure that your AC Unit, Radiator, and other cooling system parts receive tune-ups before major issues arise. Switching back and forth between heating and cooling is normal for the first few weeks of autumn, so be sure everything receives proper maintenance.  It’s also a great time to clean out or replace your air filter! And make sure to clear any leaf debris from your vehicle’s exterior for better airflow and intake. Defogging and Defrosting Features - Although we’re just bidding farewell to Summer, it’s important to check your heating and defrosting system before the cold weather necessitates.  Mid to Late Autumn can see a decrease in temperature including frosty temperatures at night.  Save yourself a lot of time and worry in your already hectic mornings by not having to add scraping frost to your task list.  Ensure that your heat and defrost vents are free, clear, and functioning at optimal condition before cold weather hits! Steering and Suspension - Inclement weather conditions such as fog, rain, flash flooding, and even fallen debris from trees can lead a driver to stop short in an instant.  Be sure that your steering and suspension have had a thorough inspection by your trusted mechanic.  It is recommended you have an alignment now, before winter weather strikes, to ensure that you have accurate steering and suspension.  Replace any worn or damaged parts immediately, don’t wait until slippery conditions cause an accident! Tires and Tread Depth - There’s nothing more unpleasant than hydroplaning in a sunshower or catching a pile of fallen wet leaves while trying to stop short. Ensure that you can stop on a dime with properly inflated tires and reasonable tread depth.  Switch out your summer tires for all-season or winter tires before the late autumn hits, to prevent accidents from improper road grip.  Remember to also monitor your tire pressure and ensure they’re properly inflated; change in seasonal temperatures of up to 10 degrees can cause immense changes to a tire pressure. Inflate according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, and prevent accidents due to slipping, sliding, or flat tires.  And remember to rotate your tires, especially if you’re using All Season ones. Windshield Wipers - We’re going to remind you of the importance of fully functional, pristine wiper blades with every seasonal change.  Clear visibility and streak-free windshields are a vital part of your automotive safety, and can prevent major accidents due to poor vision.  Early Autumn Thunderstorms are the worst time to get caught with damaged wiper blades.  Check your wiper blades and replace any damaged blades immediately.  Consider also adding an application of hydrophobic coating such as RainX to your windshield for increased visibility.

It’s National Cheese Pizza day, and we thought we’d take some time to highlight some of the best pizza places in our great state of Illinois. Of course, these type of lists are always contentious, and we get it!  If you feel your favorite place has been slighted and left off our list, please let us know and we’ll make sure it makes it into rotation on next year’s list.  We love to hear input from our readers, and always enjoy learning more about local favorites so we can check them out, too! more In no particular order of favoritism, here are some of the top highly rated pizza places across our state of Illinois (including some favorites from right here in Lake County): Louie’s Pizza in Waukegan This local haunt has been getting top marks since 1941, and that sense of comfort and nostalgia keeps people coming back year after year!  Customers love their classic cheese pizza, but that’s not all they love.  Reviewers report their taste buds are delighted by the garlic butter bread starter, as well as specials on the menu like the “Poor Mans Lobster” (cod with hot melted butter), Greek Salad, Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs, and their drink specials.  It’s some of the best pizza around in the county. Quonset Pizza in Waukegan You’re getting old-fashioned classic thin crust pizzas, along with local favorites like Chicago-style Italian beef and of course, wings!  Customers here rave about how perfect the pizza crust is, and the delicious amount of toppings you can choose from.  While you can never go wrong with a traditional cheese pizza, locals also recommend asking for the “BLT Pizza” or “The Works”. SLYCE Coal Fired Pizza Company in Wauconda If you’ve never had a coal fired pizza, get ready because you’re in for a real treat!  This crispy, smoky, flaky crust is like nothing else you’ve experienced.  Customers here recommend showing a little restraint in your topping choices, preferring to opt for things like a margherita pie (#4 on the Original Menu) where you can fully savor the delightful tomato gravy, fresh basil, and scrumptious heaps of melted fresh mozzarella.  If you’re making it a date night, you’ll love their expanded menu of Small Plates to share! Crosstown Pub & Grill in Naperville This is a local hub for great pub food and local sports that boats some of the best pizza and wings around.  While they are far from the traditional pizza, the Crosstown Turbo Flats are really out of this world.  Try the Chk Thai Thai for a pizza style flat bread with a little pizazz!  Or combine their legendary wings with a flat bread pizza experience.  Wash ‘em down with an ice cold brew and enjoy the Bears game while you’re there!  It’s top notch, one-of-a-kind eatin’. Leona’s Pizzeria in Elk Grove Village Open since 1950, this is the place to go if you want to order your pizza with options. It’s the perfect place to come with friends, because everyone can order the pizza style they love most and enjoy a ½ pan or a 12” pie to themselves.  Choose from thicker, airy crust of a Sicilian Style Pizza, a Thin Crust Pizza, or their very impressive Stuffed Pizzas!  Got a bottomless stomach or just a bad case of indecision between pizza and pasta?  They’ve got you covered with their Leonas Classic Sides Menu, featuring a lush, creamy fettuccine alfredo, a small plate of their famous Italian Meatballs, and more. Bricks Wood Fired Pizza in Naperville Casual style dining with an upscale taste!  This is the home of authentic wood fired and brick oven pizza since 2005, making them a relative “newcomer” in regional pizza fare, but no less of an expert at their craft.  You’ll never get bored of the “same old, same old” here!  Choose from unique pizza like the “Betty White Arugula” or the “Sunny Side Up” and the simply delectable “Honey Love” pie.  And of course, be sure to check the rotation of their signature seasonal favorites (currently the “Red, White, Bleu” and the “Hawaiian BBQ”). Antioch Pizza Shop in Antioch For more than 40 years, this shop has built a reputation as a fan favorite for pizza fanatics around the country.  Choose from one of four pizza styles: Thin crust, the Double Decker, Pan Pizza, or Stuffed.  They’ve also got a super yummy Gluten Free Pizza for those on a speciality diet.  Local favorites here include the BLT Pie and the Bacon Double Cheeseburger, but their shining star is the Buffalo Chicken with its spicy buffalo sauce, deliciously moist chicken, and creamy mozzarella cheese. On a Quest to eat some of the best pizza across the state? We don’t blame you!  Add these stops to your road trip quest and you will go home with a happy belly, for sure: Freedom Brothers Pizzeria and Alehouse in Plainville Flingers Pizza Pub in Bloomington Italian Pizza Kitchen in Roselle Pequods Pizza in Morton Grove Spacca Napoli Pizzeria in Chicago Gino’s East in Chicago Piece Brewery in Chicago Iron Horse Ale House in Chicago Haymarket Pub and Brewery in Chicago