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From the thrill of the hunt, the fun of thinking creatively and outside the box, and the ultimate satisfaction of finally getting the treasure, scavenger hunts have always been a delightful part of childhood memories!  Maybe you’ve even gone on a corporate team building scavenger hunt in adulthood.  Well, we’re really excited to tell you that you can enjoy the real deal treasure hunt right in your own backyard no matter how old you are!  That’s right, folks, thanks to an amazing hobby called Geocaching, you and your loved ones can go hunting for mystery trinkets and treasures without having to sail the high seas. more What is Geocaching and why should we try it? Originally called “geostashing” upon its inception in the early 2000s, Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt that involves using a GPS receiver or your mobile phone or tablet to pinpoint the location of hidden treasure!  This rugged wilderness game of hide-and-seek leads adventure seekers to containers called “geocaches” or caches at each of the GPS coordinate locations.  The rules for geocaching are simple: Find the cache, take something from the cache, leave another item in return in the cache, and then write it in the logbook. Geocaching is great for mental health on multiple levels: it gets you moving, it gets you outside, it promotes thinking outside the box, and it’s also a great boost of serotonin and endorphins once you finally land your prize!  Who wouldn’t love that?  It’s also a great way to bond with your friends and family as you work together to pinpoint the location of the “buried treasure.” Even better still, though, is the fact that Geocaching is also a global affair!  Once you’ve got the hang of the hunt, you can explore geocaching locations in just about every section of the world.  Just go online and check the local area you’re traveling to or visiting, and see what locations have been marked on the regional maps.  It’s an amazing way to experience nature as well as learning how to employ GPS and Map Technologies to pinpoint locations and read maps in different regions. What do you need for Geocaching? Geocaching basics require a smartphone with good connectivity range that is capable of GPS coordinate mapping (latitude and longitude coordinates) or a mobile satellite GPS device.  You’ll want to make sure you bring a portable battery charger to ensure that you don’t lose charge while on the hunt! You will need a set of comfortable clothing made for hiking and walking, because some journeys may take a little longer than others.  You’ll want comfortable footwear that is made for hiking and walking in different climates and terrain, as some geocache locations may be off the beaten path.  You’ll need to bring plenty of water and electrolyte drinks to keep you hydrated, and protein packed snacks to keep you energized. You’ll also want to bring a few small treasures and surprises to leave behind on your geocaching adventure when you claim your prize.  These can include things you’ve made, small trinkets and collectibles, currency from other countries, crystals or shells or rocks, or other small giftables. And of course, you’ll want to bring a camera or video recording device to log your adventures and share with friends! How do I find Geocaches near me? If you’ve got an Android or Apple smartphone device, you can download the Official Geocaching App! You can also check out this cool database of Geocaching locations right here in Lake County to see what’s new, what’s active, and what’s no longer a treasure spot. If you’re headed up to Wisconsin on a family adventure, you can try Geocaching or Earthcaching there as well!  Check out this list of geocaching spots in Wisconsin here. Learn more about Geocaching here: ​​

So, you’re in the market for a new car and are thinking about trading in your current one for a credit?  We love to see folks making fiscally responsible choices.  Trade-ins are a great way to lower your monthly payments, and it’s a much faster process than the average private sale.  Not sure how to go about getting your car ready for the trade-in process? No problem! more Let us help guide you through the process of how to get a vehicle ready for trade-in to ensure it’s ready to go.  Just a few easy steps and your trusty ol’ car will be on its way to a new life, and you’ll be off on the road to a grand adventure in your brand new 2022 or 2023 model from Classic Auto Group! What vehicles are currently in demand for trade-ins? Electric, Alternative fuel, and hybrid vehicles are currently in very high demand thanks to environmental concerns as well as rising gas and oil prices.  Second highest demand EVs and hybrid  models are the regular mid-size sedans and compact cars. How long should you keep a car before doing a trade-in? Ultimately, this decision is up to you, but on average most vehicle owners trade their cars in after about three years of ownership. How do I ensure that my car is trade-in ready? Gather up all of the important documents, accessories, keys and manuals. If you’re trading in your vehicle, it’s important to ensure that you have the proper paperwork.  This includes insurance, service and repair records, the car’s title and registration.  If you have multiple keys, digital media containing important owners manuals or nav system updates, or other bonus accessories, be sure those are in the vehicle when you’re ready for trade-in.  If you still have payments left on your vehicle, bring that financial paperwork with you as well; when you’re trading in a car with a loan, the dealer will essentially be assuming the rest of the contract and pay it off. Give your car a thorough once-over, and inspect it for dents, dings, and scratches, and then do your research to find the current market value of your car in its condition. Do a physical inspection and visual assessment of your vehicle’s appearance, then take it for a test drive.  You’ll want to make sure you note any noises, physical damage, or electrical issues.  Knowing the current condition of your car is imperative for getting an estimated value, which is great to know before you negotiate your trade-in. Bring your car in for a tune-up, and take care of any minor dashboard light warnings and quirky sounds. You’ll want to make sure your car is fully in working order and running smoothly.  Any minor issues such as lightbulb replacements, replacing floor mats, and checking fluid levels are all “topped off.”  Get an oil change or fluids flush if possible.  If your mechanic has noticed any major repairs or replacements are in order, you can note that to bring with you to the dealership for trade-in; issues like this may lower your trade-in value but the dealership is equipped to make those repairs.  If you have any cracks, scratches, or stars in your windshield or windows, you should have those replaced as well. Make sure your car is sparkling clean inside and out! The first step to preparing your car for a trade-in is ensuring that it’s had a very thorough wash and wax by a professional grade car wash and detailing.  Remove any leaves, debris, or bumper stickers from your vehicle if you are able.  Clean out the trunk, side pockets, rear seat pockets, floors, and glovebox of all junk, old paperwork, and other trash.  Doing these two steps prior to bringing the car in for a professional cleaning and detailing service will make the process faster and easier.

At Classic Auto Body, we understand that vehicle repairs can be stressful, especially when the damage to your vehicle is caused by an accident. Below is an outline of the steps that are typically followed when you bring your vehicle in for auto body shop repairs at Classic Auto Body. Every insurance company has its own process. Although their process is typically very similar or the same as ours, be sure to check with your insurance agent/company as they may have specific steps you have to follow. more Schedule Vehicle for Repairs Confirm loss to insurance company Obtain claim number Assess your repair needs Write Estimate We inspect your vehicle to find all of the damage that occurred during your accident Coverage confirmed Payment policy reviewed Project a completion date Repair order is generated While estimates are very thorough, there is often hidden damage that cannot be seen during the initial estimate. Review Estimate with Insurance Company for Approval and Schedule Vehicle for Repairs We will order the parts required so they are in stock and available when you drop your car dropped off If a rental vehicle is needed, we will arrange a rental car for you when you drop off your vehicle Vehicle Drop-off You authorize/sign for the repairs Pick up your rental Car (if needed) Repair Process Begins Vehicle is disassembled and re-inspected Vehicle torn down and blue-printed for necessary repairs It is during this stage that hidden damage is often discovered Supplement written (if necessary) Additional parts may be required Revised completion date Customer informed Repairs Continue Technicians re-manufacture the vehicle to restore it to its pre-accident condition Vehicle Inspected Prior to Painting Vehicle primed/sanded/sealed and masked This process helps the paint stick while preventing overspray Vehicle Painted During the painting stage all vehicles are primed and sealed to assure good adhesion when the final top color and clear coats are applied Vehicle Reassembled Final moldings and detail pieces are put back on during this stage Your vehicle is cleaned We perform a final inspection You are notified your vehicle is ready for pick up Vehicle Pick Up Repairs are reviewed with you to ensure they meet your satisfaction Be sure to contact Classic Auto Body if you would like to ask any questions about the process or if you would like more information about out Waukegan, IL auto body repair shop. Learn more about the type of services that autobody shops offer, just like we do here at Classic Auto Body Shop, in this in depth video from Business Insider!  Although this is not our service center, this is a very similar process to what we do day in and day out here to get your cars repaired good as new and back on the road!

Maintaining a car through regular self-check ups can help you keep your Classic Auto Group car in tip-top shape, and know when it’s time to bring it in for a tune-up or fluids change.  Today we’re going to give you some helpful steps for learning how to check your own oil.  Making sure your car has adequate oil should be done on a regular basis, but especially so before you embark on any of the exciting road trips or vacations you have planned.  Let our trusted service employees help you navigate the basics of engine maintenance with these helpful tips! more Engine Oil or Motor Oil is a vital part of your  car’s functionality; it helps lubricate each of the moving metal parts inside the engine of your vehicle.  This helps it avoid damage and keeps the engine running smoothly and efficiently.  When there isn’t enough oil in the car, the parts won’t get the required lubrication to function properly.  If you forget to change or top-off your oil, you may notice a tapping or knocking sound coming from under the hood; the improperly lubricated parts are now grinding metal on metal and that can cause friction and heat build-up.  If you continue to operate the vehicle without oil, you’ll eventually cause the engine to seize, and it will mean a costly repair or replacing your car outright with a new one. You also need to make sure to change your oil regularly, and can consult your vehicle’s owner manual to find the exact mileage milestone for each change.  On average, cars need an oil change every 3,000-6,000 miles.  As your car drives along, the oil will cycle through the engine and catches contaminants such as bits of metal, carbon particles, and even ash from the cylinders.  You may also notice that oil changes may need to be done more frequently during warmer weather, as the high temperatures can cause oil to break down a little more quickly.  Dirty engine oil can cause just as much damage if not more so to your engine, as it can become corrosive and increase the wear and tear on your engine. You can prevent these two costly errors by remembering to regularly check your oil.  Here’s how to do so: Make sure you park your car on flat, level ground.  If your car is in an incline or slope of any kind, the oil stick will not accurately reflect the levels. It may read too low or higher than actual. Open the hood of your car and look for the dipstick.  In most vehicles, this is marked with a colored handle usually in orange, gold, or yellow with an oil can insignia. Hook your finger through the loop of the handle and pull the dipstick straight up and out of the tube.  Make sure you have a clean rag or fresh paper towel on hand, and wipe the oil off the dipstick after removing it. You’ll see several lines on the dipstick, words like full or safe or add or low. Insert the dipstick back into the oil tub slowly, and push it all the way back down into the tube.  Slowly pull it back out and examine the dipstick lines to see how much oil is in the car.  If your oil level is between the two lines, there’s enough oil in your vehicle.  If not and it reads low, you’ll need to add one or two quarts of new oil.  Make sure that you check your vehicle’s owner manual (in the glovebox or online.) Learn More About Checking Your Car’s Oil + Fluids and Why You Should NEVER Drive a Car with Low or No Oil:

We love supporting others in our community through efforts like the work of COOL Ministries, and we believe it’s incredibly important to lift others up.  So whenever we have an opportunity to highlight charitable giving and community outreach, we jump at the chance!  That’s why today’s blog is all about highlighting fellow automotive industry giants, NASCAR!  Did you know that NASCAR has its own foundation and outreach programs?  We’re going to tell you all about it, and we hope that you’ll consider sending in some support if you’re able! more What is The NASCAR Foundation and Speediatrics Care organization? Founded in 2003 to bring the NASCAR community and its employees together in order to support children’s health and wellbeing all across the country!  It’s celebrated on the 3rd Friday in May every year.  Each NASCAR day, all the fans, sponsors and corporate partners, drivers, and celebrity supporters band together to fundraise for charitable children's organizations and the NASCAR Foundation.  It’s also a way for everyone in the racing industry to give back to their community of supporters! In 2006, Betty Jane France, wife of the late Bill France Jr, NASCAR’s former Chairman and CEO, began a long legacy of Humanitarian work by founding The NASCAR Foundation.  In addition, she also established the wonderful “Speediatrics” division of children’s health care units at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach and Homestead Hospital in South Florida.  Following the success of Speediatrics, she then went on to found the Speediatrics Children’s Fund to further efforts of children’s medical care across the entire US.  Last year was the 15th Anniversary of The NASCAR Foundation. Learn more about The NASCAR Foundation:

Today is National Love a Tree Day!  We’re bringing you some of our picks fpr best places to go hiking and get back in touch with the forest and natural wilderness.  You’ll find forest preserves, arboretums, and forest trails abound on today’s blog!  But first, let’s take a look at why these areas are important and vital to our local ecosystems.  We’re so excited that we live, work, and play in an area with so many incredible arboretums, parks, and forest preserves.  It’s such a beautiful part of Lake County Illinois life! more An arboretum is different from the typical forest preserve and protected nature preserve.  It serves, in a sense, as a “museum” of trees and local flora.  Trees and plants are grown for the purpose of research, preservation, and educational purposes.  Regional trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers are cultivated for the purpose of exhibiting their different varieties and properties, and providing a little oasis in the area for scientific and educational research. Forest and Nature preserves differ from Arboretums in the sense that they are not cultivated.  Instead, they are protected wilderness areas in states, cities, and counties which retain their natural character.  They provide permanent areas of protection against development and industry, with the means of preserving animals, plants, and ecosystems. Both of these categories of natural resources are vital to sustainability and environmental protection efforts.  We highly recommend exploring both, and bringing a camera along with you so you can help raise awareness and education for these beautiful environmental staples! While you’re out and about on your adventures, keep your eyes peeled for the following native trees in Illinois: American Beech American Elm Sycamore Tree Tuliptree Sugar Maple Red Oak Sweetgum Tree Pawpaw Tree Buckeyes Holly Spicebush White Oak (the state tree of Illinois!) Here are some gorgeous arboretums and forest preserves in the area that are perfect for spending summer days in nature: Lyons Woods Forest Preserve in Waukegan, IL Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve in Waukegan, IL Illinois Beach Nature Preserve in Waukegan, IL Century Park Arboretum in Vernon Hills, IL Ladd Arboretum in Evanston, IL Kuechmann Arboretum in Lake Zurich, IL Captain Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve in Mettawa, IL Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve in Wadsworth, IL McDonald Woods Forest Preserve in Lake Villa, IL Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve in Grayslake, IL Old S c hool Forest Preserve in Libertyville, IL Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve in Lake Forest, IL Grassy Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Barrington, IL Nippersink Forest PReserve in Round Lake, IL Grant Woods Forest Preserve in Ingleside, IL Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve in Deer Park, IL Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest, IL Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway in Wadsworth, IL Gander Mountain in Antioch, IL Raven Glen Forest Preserve in Antioch, IL Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda, IL Kenosha Sand Dunes in Pleasant Prairie, WI Petrifying Springs Park in Kenosha, WI Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum in Kenosha, WI

Let’s Explore Vacation Destinations in Wisconsin. With Memorial Day just around the bend, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your Summer Vacation plans!  We’re rounding up our picks for great family vacation getaways for the ultimate in fun, rest, and relaxation. more LAKEWOODS RESORT in Cable, WI Explore the incredible 3400 scenic acres of Lake Namakagon in Wisconsin’s Northwoods.  Whether you’re looking for a cozy room with the rustic lodge experience, or you prefer something more private like a lakeview luxury apartment, there’s something for everyone at Lakewoods Resort.  The surrounding area of Chequamegon National Forest is perfect for hiking, nature photography, and mountain biking.  The nearby shores of the Lake are perfect for swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing, and then some.  Plus, there’s a beautiful 18-hole golf course to challenge both amateur and professional players.  With so much to see and do, it’s no surprise that it’s been a trusted family favourite for more than 100 years. OSTHOFF RESORT in Elkhart Lake, WI Get off the hamster wheel and exit the rat race of life for a few days at the magnificent Osthoff Resort.  A classic luxury getaway for families in Chicago, St. Louis, and Milwaukee, this resort is full of entertainment, modern amenities, and plenty of upscale dining along the shimmering waters of Elkhart Lake.  You’ll find an on-site spa with whirlpool baths, a meditation sanctuary, massages, facials, and other full-body treatments.  Enjoy the sunshine with incredible outdoor activities such as tennis, volleyball, indoor and outdoor pools, a miniature golf course, and even a paintball court!  If you prefer a quieter stay, you can enjoy sunning on the sandy shores of the lake, paddle boating, or even sailing.  It’s an elegant experience that’s sure to provide plenty of rejuvenation for all. PITLIK’S BEACH RESORT in Eagle River, WI Should you find yourself nostalgic for days gone by, and wanting to rekindle the magic of childhood memories spent romping in the woods and exploring the wilds of nature, this is the resort for you.  The nearby shores of Sand Lake are perfect for fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking.  The forests are full of local flora and fauna, just perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and even horseback riding.  You and your family can enjoy a low-tech lifestyle with cozy and rustic living in Pitlik’s picturesque cabins along the lake.  Enjoy breakfast and lunch in the fresh woodland air or on a beautiful screened in porch, then head over to the main Lodge for a family dinner at Rena’s place, and enjoy a nightcap or cocktail at Joe’s Taproom.  It’s the perfect destination for getting up close and personal with the Great Outdoors. TUNDRA LODGE in Green Bay If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, all-inclusive family vacation with plenty of activities all in one location, look no further than Tundra Lodge.  This incredible destination is jam packed with activities like an indoor and outdoor water park featuring a lazy river, outdoor hot tubs, and 30,000 incredible square feet of water slides and tunnels for tubing, and an awesome on-site Arcade.  You don’t even have to leave the premise for dinner – the two on-site restaurants have plenty of family friendly fare, Klondike Katie’s Gift Shop is perfect for desserts and sweet souvenirs, or you can opt for a cozy night in with your loved ones by ordering room service.  However, if you get a little cabin fever, the resort is right in the middle of it all in the city of Green Bay, so you’ll never run out of things to do!

Summer is the perfect time to experience the best that Mother Nature has to offer!  Whether you’re hauling some landscaping from the hardware store to your backyard to craft your at-home-oasis, or maybe packing up the truck with camping gear for a weekend in the great outdoors, you’ll need a reliable truck or SUV to get the job done.  Today we’re going to share some automotive terminology with you that will help you better understand what your SUVs, Trucks, and Crossovers can do for you.  So let’s get up close and personal to learn how to put your vehicle to work to the best of its ability! more We hope that these vocabulary words and key terms will help you navigate our next Truck, SUV, or crossover purchase by finding something with the right capabilities for all your hauls and towing needs. Automotive Terminology: Bed dimensions The physical dimensions of a truck bed, consisting of width, height and depth. Bed extender A device that may be added to a pickup truck's bed when the tailgate is open, that sits on top of the tailgate, and that forms an enclosure that permits items that extend past the bed and onto the tailgate to be carried without risk of falling out. Bed features Factory-installed, optional accessories that add functionality or longevity to a truck bed, such as a bed extender, tonneau cover or bed liner, that are typically available on trucks and SUVs. Bed length measurement The inside length of a pickup truck's cargo box or "bed," measured from the front wall to the face of the closed tailgate. Bed liner A heavy-duty plastic liner or spray-on coating that protects the inner painted surface of a pickup truck's cargo box. Bed type Type of truck bed: long, short, flare-side, step-side, dually and flat beds for trucks, and dump beds and tanks for SUVs. Liftgate window The window integrated into the hinged lid of a hatchback, wagon, SUV or crossover that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Payload A vehicle's carrying capacity (in pounds) of occupants and cargo, and equal to the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) minus its curb weight. Tow hooks Metal hooks or eyelets, either fixed or removable, that are attached to a structurally sound section of a vehicles frame and used as pickup points for tow cables. Towing capable A vehicle with features and equipment that make it well-suited for pulling a trailer. Towing capacity The maximum amount of weight a vehicle is capable of towing (according to its manufacturer).

Today is National Odometer day! We’re going to take a little trip back in time to explore the History of the Odometer/Speedometer in modern day motor vehicles.  Find out why they were created and how they work, and impress your friends on trivia night! more Who invented the odometer? Did you know that both the Ancient Chinese and Ancient Greeks were pioneers in modern automotive engineering? That’s right, the word odometer, which literally means “path measure” in Greek, was first used by the Ancient Chinese and Ancient Greeks to measure distances and assist in the building of roadways and paths.  In Ancient Greece, the odometer was created by Hero of Alexandria; in China this technology was independently invented by Zhang Heng of the Han Dynasty.  Both of these early devices were a measuring system attached to a two-wheeled pull cart in a chariot or carriage style. The system was improved upon in 1698, when the first odometers appeared in seafaring ships, thanks to the work of English inventor Thomas Savery.  In 1775, Benjamin Franklin created a prototype odometer attached to his postal service carriage to track the mileage on his routes, thus pioneering the first version for driving on roads.  In 1903, brothers Charles and Arthur Warner patented the “Auto-Meter” which were the first automobile-friendly odometers; their tech was used in the majority of US manufactured vehicles.  In the 1970s, a digital odometer began to emerge onto the market and quickly gained popularity. By the early 2000s, most mechanically operated odometers had been phased out of production. How does an odometer work? Odometers generally count wheel rotations, and use a formula calculating the number of rotations multiplied by the tire’s circumference.  This is part of the reason why it’s very important to maintain your tire treads, as underinflated or very worn tires can affect an odometer’s mileage tracking process. Likewise, if your vehicle is equipped with after-market and non-standard tires or wheels, the odometer reading may not be as accurate. As a result of these shifting variables and modified possibilities, odometer readings can be off by several percent. The formula by which odometer readings are calculated for a motor vehicle: (Actual Distance Traveled) = (Final Odometer Reading - Initial Odometer Reading) multiplied by (actual tire diameter) divided by (Standard tire diameter) Learn more fun facts about various inventors of the Odometer around the world as well as the technology behind it: The History of the Odometer The Meaning in the Miles Ancient Greek Technology: Seven Surprising Ancient Inventions The Famous Ancient Chinese Inventions of Zhang Heng Vitruvius And the First Odometer

Leave the world in the rearview with the all-new Kia Sportage. It’s built for the rugged roads of adventure with BFGoodrich® All-Terrain Tires on the Sportage X-Pro trims, an LED lighting system, and a host of advanced interior technologies. more 2023 Sportage X-Pro The aesthetics of the all-new 2023 Kia Sportage combine the best in futuristic design yet rugged functionality, keeping in line with our "Opposites United" philosophy of design. With a comprehensive line-up of trim packages, you can choose from the LX, EX, SX, and SX prestige, or for those looking to match their car to their sense of adventure there's the X-Line, Sportage X-Pro, and X-Pro Prestige. Don't let it's small size fool you! There's a lot of power under the hood of this subcompact SUV, with a brand new 2.5-liter I-4 engine and new 8-speed automatic transmission and 187HP! It also boasts an 8% improvement on fuel-economy, despite it's size! Plus, you can drive safely and confidently knowing it has 8 standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including the brand new 360º Surround view Monitor with 3D view and live feed Blind-Spot View Monitor with instrument cluster! With all these features and options, and then some, you're getting some serious bang for your buck! But don't just take our word for it, stop by our dealerships today and spec one out for yourself. We'll have you driving off in style and on the road to adventure in no time! Our staff is ready to show you the ins-and outs of why the Kia Sportage has been named best-in-class on multiple levels. So, what are you waiting for? Adventure awaits! Stop by Classic Kia today and drive home your new 2023 Kia Sportage.

Comics are for everyone! Free Comic Book day is an annual event meant to encourage new readers of comics and graphic novels, as well as helping local small comic shop businesses keep the lights on.  Thanks to its popularity, what once originated as a North American only event, the Free Comic Book Day movement has expanded to a global audience! Folks can use a helpful webform their postal code or address to find a US or Canadian based shop, or click the link to find global resources. more Most of the promotional issues for freebies, discounted items, and special edition comics will be available in print form only, requiring you to visit a local shop to pick up the physical copy.  Copies of free or promotional books will be in limited supply with high demand, so please be patient and kind to local shop owners.  It’s customary to have folks waiting in line for hours prior to opening, so quantities may already be limited beginning fairly early in the day.  Some shops also limit how many freebies a person may get, so you’ll have to select and prioritize your favorites! This year’s Free Comic Book Day event coincides with the latest Marvel Studios movie release “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”  Fans of the franchise and meta storylines will rejoice, because there are plentiful Marvel deals abound for multiverse characters and plots! Check out the deals for Free Comic Book Day: Let’s check out the local hot spots for comics and cool comics related events happening in the area over the next few months. Jay’s Comics in Grayslake Dreamland Comics in Libertyville Comic Buying Center in Libertyville New Guy in Comics and Collectibles in Winthrop Harbor North Shore Comics in Northbrook Galaxy of Books in Winthrop Harbor Atlas Comics in Chicago Graham Crackers Comics Loop in Chicago 2nd & Charles in Gurnee Artisan Gamecraft in Kenosha, WI Legendary Comics and Records in Racine, WI Get your comics fix all summer long at these comic and fandom related events: The Chicago Alternative Comics Expo aka CAKE is happening on June 1st in Chicago The 2022 Indy Pop Con rolls into Indianapolis, IN at the Indiana Convention Center from June 3rd through June 5th QuadCon 2022 is happening on June 5th from 10AM to 4PM in Springfield,, IL St Louis Comic Con comes to St Charles, MO at the St Charles Convention Center on June 18th and June 19th FAN EXPO is returning to Chicago from July 7th through July 10th in Rosemont, IL Comicopolis will be held on July 23rd from 10AM to 4PM at the White Oak Library District in Lockport Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo C2E2 comes to down from August 5th through August 7th at McCormick Place in Chicago

The last few years of pandemic related health issues have made us appreciate our medical care teams more than ever before!  Since today is National Nurses Day, we just wanted to give a little extra shout and highlight the hard work of Nurses today. We’re also going to be sharing some First Aid tips and tricks that can help you no matter where life takes you!  While these tips and tricks or suggestions cannot replace the professional care of emergency services or medical professionals, it can be helpful in a pinch. Please be sure to always call 9-1-1 and seek hospital care in emergencies; our blog is not meant to be a stand-in for hospitalization, EMT work, etc, but is simply a helpful hint if you’re in a pinch! more What should you keep on hand for emergencies when traveling?  Here are some of the suggested items that nurses feel is important to always keep with you on the go! Protective latex-free gloves (Medium or Large size will fit average adults) A tube of Burn cream or general First Aid cream Over the counter pain medication (update frequently for expiration dates!) A bottle of antiseptic spray or liquid Rolled gauze and gauze patches Latex-Free waterproof bandaids and Paper Tape A Pocket sized first aid kit at bare minimum A small whistle for gaining attention of passersby A small flashlight Rehydration powdered drink mix sticks Tweezers, small pocket knife, blunt tip scissors We love a good road trip and off-road excursion, but it’s important to be prepared in case you are faced with an emergency, having these skills can be the difference between life and death until emergency medical services arrive or you can bring a person to hospital facilities.    Nurses often recommend that adventure seekers make sure to take a basic Red Cross First Aid course, and Basic First Aid for Children, Babies and Pets.  These classes are frequently administered in local schools, churches, hospitals, and many offices for a low-cost or no-cost basis.  IApplying techniques to clear airways, keep a heart pumping, or staunch the bleeding on a wound is literally lifesaving.  If you’re unable to take a professionally administered class, at least reading on the basics of first aid can prevent serious injury and minimize pain in an emergency situation. This PDF pamphlet by BleedingControl.org has very easy steps that everyone can learn to stop the bleeding after an injury and safe a life. MedlinePlus has a great written guide to the basics of CPR for adults, children and even infants. If you’re a nurse who wants to brush up your chops, this is a great first aid resource for Basic Life Support that’s really helpful. For those who care for or are traveling with children, HealthyChildren.org has a great First Aid Guide for Parents and Caregivers. And if you’d like your child to be prepared in event of emergency, you can help your child with disaster preparedness and tips from Eartheasy.com The Protect Life Store Go Bag First Aid kit is a wonderful budget friendly option with 160 pieces to cover just about every minor medical mishap.  Great for packing in the car for family road trips, beach days, hikes, and camping. At the time of this post The Protect Life First Aid Kit is $29.95 on amazon. The M2 Basics First Aid kit is a multiuse emergency kit that is part emergency preparedness and part basic first aid.  If you’re traveling with infants, pets, and adults and doing some offroading or “roughin’ it” camping, this is the kit for you. At the time of publication The 300 Piece Premium First Aid Kit by M2 on sale for $36.88 on amazon. ​​ The Ready America Emergency Roadside Kit is a very thorough survival and first aid kit for just about any situation.  You’ll have basic first aid needs covered as well as survival food bars, water, survival blankets, masks, and so much more.  It’s in a convenient backpack sized kit and priced at the time of publication on a sale via Amazon for just $40.00.