Beauty Contestant Battles PTSD, Pancakes for Patriots and More

By Marcia Sagendorph

Enjoy the diversity of some of the recent blogs posted on Patch. Our bloggers bring their unique voices and topics to our our 23 sites throughout Lake, McHenry and Cook Counties. Click on the headlines to get the full story.

You, too, can start a blog to support your cause, promote your organization or share your expertise. We welcome bloggers of all stripes onto our sites and encourage vibrant community conversations. Reach out to Senior Community Editor Marcia Sagendorph at marcia.sagendorph@patch.com for easy tips to start your own blog.

Beauty Contestant In Skokie Fights Ugly Foe......PTSD

Amber Wandtke competes this weekend for the title of Mrs. International. She’ll also be fighting the illness the illness that’s struck both her and her husband: PTSD, and promoting awareness of a promising treatment being pioneered in Chicago. “My mission,” she said, “is to pick up the crown and sash for the millions with this disorder. I know personally just how horrible it is.”

- Posted by Michael Breen M.D. on Skokie Patch

Local VFW Posts to Host Pancakes for Patriots Viewing Events on July 27

A national ceremony will be held at the Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C. to honor all those who served in the Korean War, and to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Armistice which ended hostilities. The Department of Defense 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Committee is taking extra steps to ensure veterans who cannot make it to the national ceremony will be able to watch the televised event at their local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Posts, surrounded by their families, fellow veterans and members of their community.
- Posted by John Hanrahan on Grayslake Patch

Midwest Young Artists Summer Music Festival Concerts July 20

The Midwest Young Artists Chicago Chamber Music Workshop and Evening Orchestra camps are performing their final concerts on Saturday, July 20th at the MYA Center in Highwood. There will be grilled burgers and hot dogs available and the orchestra concert at 1pm will be outdoors. The chamber program will be indoors at 10am.
- Posted by Midwest Young Artists on Highland Park Patch

Pie baker's offering considered upper crust

Beth San Filippo has been baking pies for 30 years, and apparently she is pretty good at it. The Cary resident not only captured "Best of Show" honors at the McHenry County Historical Society's 2013 Heritage Fair pie-baking contest, she also took third place in the open class for her rhubarb, strawberry, blueberry and raspberry pie.
- Posted by McHenry County HIstorical Society on Crystal Lake-Cary Patch

National School Supply Drive

This summer, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Staples are teaming up with teen actor Jake T. Austin for the 6th annual Staples for Students national school supply drive to help kids get the tools they need to build great futures. 
- Posted by Emily Herr on Vernon Hills Patch

Elder Care Tips for Families

Confronting the need for nursing home care is an increasingly common challenge for families. The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) recently released the results of a survey of 335 experts on matters related to aging. Get tips here.
- Posted by Nancy Carey on Lake Zurich Patch

Wednesdays in the Woods: Crazy Talk Performing July 24

Come to Hubbard Woods Park at 4pm for an evening of family fun presented by the Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce! Enjoy shopping from a delicious selection of fresh produce, appetizing food items, and other products at the Farmers’ Market. Later, pull out a blanket and relax to the soothing tunes of one of our bands for the Summer Concert Series.                            
- Posted by Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce on Winnetka-Glencoe Patch