🦌 Sharks, Super Bowls & Snowflakes

Good morning and happy Tuesday! The groundhog saw his shadow, but with 50-degree weather in February, I think he needs new glasses. Either way, we’ve got a great lineup today—so buckle up, it’s a good one!

In this issue:

• Local on Shark Tank 🦈 

• Dino Family Fun 🦖

• Hot Pot Coming Soon 🍜 

Let’s get to it.

— Jake & Kayla Sherman, Publishers

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Local Entrepreneur Dives Into Shark Tank 🦈 

Arlington Heights entrepreneur Charlotte Trecartin took her business, CharCharms, to the big leagues—appearing on “Shark Tank” last Friday at 7 on ABC. What started as a fun way to accessorize water bottles during the pandemic has turned into a multimillion-dollar brand, now sold at Target and DICK’s Sporting Goods. After getting rejected in 2023, Trecartin took another shot at an open casting call—and landed her dream pitch. Did the sharks bite? If you missed it, time to catch the replay!

Boosting Mental Health on Campus 🏫🧠

Community colleges across Illinois are getting a $3.6 million boost to expand mental health resources, thanks to state grants aimed at supporting students. Local schools receiving funds include Harper College ($119,699) and Oakton College ($100,280), among others.

With nearly 70% of college students reporting mental health struggles, the goal is to improve training, peer support, and community partnerships to help students beyond the classroom. More support, less stress—hopefully, that means fewer all-nighters fueled by caffeine and existential dread.

Schaumburg’s Pricey Upgrade 🏛️💰

Schaumburg is gearing up to drop $44.2 million on a shiny new village hall, finally saying goodbye to its 52-year-old predecessor. The project fits within the village’s $50 million budget, with some extra cash set aside for furniture—because even government buildings deserve a glow-up. If costs run high, the contractor takes the hit, but if they come in low, the village gets the savings (rare, but we can dream). Demolition kicks off in April, and staff will temporarily relocate—because moving offices is everyone's favorite pastime. Stay tuned for updates!

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Chicago Winter Bike Swap 2025 🚴❄️

Cyclists, grab your helmets and head to the Chicago Winter Bike Swap this Sunday, February 9, from 9:30 AM to 2 PM at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles! With 32,000 sq. ft. of deals, FREE parking, and $5 entry, it’s like a treasure hunt for bike lovers—minus the hills. Don’t miss out on the gear, advice, and all-around cycling fun!

Community Blood Drive ❤️🩸

Roll up your sleeve and save lives at the Elk Grove Village Community Blood Drive this Saturday, February 8, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Village Hall (901 Wellington Avenue). Walk-ins are welcome, or you can make an appointment by calling 877-258-4825 or visiting vitalant.org.

Broadway Laughs: A Musical Comedy Night 🎭 🎵 

Get ready for a night of music and laughs with Broadway Laughs at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg. This hilarious musical revue features a talented cast of singers, backed by a live band, performing hysterical hits from shows like Guys and Dolls, Spamalot, The Book of Mormon, and more. Get tickets here.

📅 When: Friday, February 7, and Saturday, February 8, at 7:30 PM
🎟 Tickets: $35–$40

FAMILY FUN

Dino Fun Awaits! 🦖🎉

Step into a prehistoric world at Dinosaur Adventure at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. This interactive exhibit brings life-sized, roaring dinosaurs up close, perfect for kids (and adults!) who love all things Jurassic. Activities include dinosaur rides, themed obstacle courses, and even Jurassic scooters! Get tickets here.

🗓 When: February 15, 12 PM – February 17, 7 PM
📍 Where: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

Cabin Fever Festival: Winter Fun Awaits ❄️🔥

Shake off the winter blues at the Cabin Fever Festival! Enjoy outdoor games, ice fishing demos, dog sled rides, hikes, and s'mores around the fire. Perfect for families, with admission just $3 per person or $12 per family (kids 2 and under are free). Learn more here.

🗓 When: Saturday, February 8, 12 PM – 3 PM
📍 Where: Spring Valley Nature Center, Schaumburg, IL

THE BIG CITY

Chicago Auto Show 2025 🚗✨

The Chicago Auto Show rolls into McCormick Place from February 8–17, featuring nearly 1,000 vehicles, concept cars, and interactive exhibits.

📅 Hours: 10 AM–9 PM most days (check schedule)
🎟 Tickets: $17 adults, $12 seniors/kids, free for kids 3 & under
📍 Location: McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Dr, Chicago, IL

Don’t miss special events like craft beer tastings and the Toyota Miles Per Hour Run! Buy tickets here.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Galaxy Hot Pot Opening Soon! 🌌🍲

Spice up your dining routine—Galaxy Hot Pot & Grill is opening soon at 1417 Ellinwood St. This interactive dining spot in downtown Des Plaines lets you cook meats and veggies in a bubbling pot of broth right at your table. It’s dinner and entertainment rolled into one!

Hours: Noon–10 p.m. Sunday–Thursday, Noon–11 p.m. Friday–Saturday. Get ready to stir up some fun!

Ramen & Boba, Your Way! 🍜🧋

Ramen Library & Boba just opened its doors at 1621 S. Busse Rd. in Mt. Prospect, bringing a fun new twist to dining. This Korean ramen self-cooking spot lets you take control of your noodles, paired with refreshing bubble tea to complete the experience.

Whether you’re a ramen pro or a boba enthusiast, this is your next foodie adventure. Stop by and get slurping!

Fire + Wine Heats Up Park Ridge! 🔥🍷

The wait is over! Fire + Wine is opening its doors in Park Ridge on February 4th at 4 PM, bringing their signature wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and handcrafted cocktails to town. Whether it’s date night or a group gathering, the cozy vibe and bold flavors make it a must-visit.

EXTRAS

Super Bowl & Snacks 🏈🍗

Super Bowl LIX kicks off this Sunday, February 9, at the Caesars Superdome, with the Eagles vs. Chiefs battling for glory. Whether you're here for the game, Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show, or just the commercials (we won’t judge), it's the biggest Sunday of the year—though the real challenge might be seeing if the Eagles can beat both the Chiefs and the officiating crew. 🦅👀

You can debate the best team, but there’s no arguing that Buffalo Chicken Dip is a game-day essential. Don’t fumble the snacks—get the recipe here.

Enjoy the chaos, the commercials, and most importantly—Go Eagles! 🦅🎉

WEATHER

Tuesday, February 4
🌥️ High: 29°F | Low: 20°F — Partly cloudy with a chance of afternoon flurries.

Wednesday, February 5
🌨️ High: 31°F | Low: 23°F — Snow showers possible; overcast by late afternoon.

Thursday, February 6
🌬️ High: 28°F | Low: 17°F — Breezy and colder with lingering clouds.

Friday, February 7
❄️ High: 25°F | Low: 15°F — Light snow expected, especially in the morning.

Saturday, February 8
🌤️ High: 30°F | Low: 21°F — Chilly but mostly sunny skies.

Sunday, February 9
🌥️ High: 34°F | Low: 24°F — Partly cloudy with a slight warm-up.

THANKS!

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