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Happy Lunar New Year! 我们祝你幸福，万事如意 Wish you happiness and all the best in the Year of the Tiger! Check out our picks for local restaurants, recipes, Lunar New Year traditions, books, and movies on today's blog. February marks the beginning of Lunar New Year celebrations for the Year of the Tiger!  This week,  Asian-Americans in the US will be celebrating with their families, just like many others around the globe in China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, North Korea, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines! Each country has their own version of the festival’s celebrations, but at the central core of each of them is Family.  Today we’ll be focusing mainly on the Chinese celebrations for Lunar New Year, but we encourage you to explore other global versions of these celebrations with your family, as they are equally important and wonderful! Here are some key elements you will see in Lunar New Year celebrations: Dragon - Much like many of the other symbols in Chinese new year, this also represents prosperity and good fortune, as well as a cultural symbol that the Chinese people are descendants of the  Dragon. Click here to learn more about the festival origins! Duilian - These are two vertical banners usually placed on either side of a doorway which announce wishes for good fortune, success, and happiness in the coming year: - Wan Shi Ru Yi: May everything be as you wish - Da Zhan Hong Tu: May you achieve your great plan - Sheng Yi Xing Long: May your business be prosperous Fish - Whole fish is a traditional dish served on New Years, and it is considered quite lucky.  It is customary to leave the head, tail and bones in one piece symbolizing a good beginning and end to the year. Flowers - The Plum Blossom and the Water Narcissus (or white daffodil) are both prevalent in Chinese New Year celebrations.  Plum blossoms represent growth, hope, and courage.  The Narcissus plants are representative of good fortune and prosperity, and if the blossoms open precisely on New Year Day, it is said to bring good luck all year long! Lanterns - On the 15th day of Lunar New Year celebrations is the Lantern festival. Red - This hue is considered an auspicious color in Chinese culture, often used in decor, gift giving, clothing, and more.  It represents life, vitality, good fortune, and prosperity.  Red envelopes, or hong bao, are envelopes filled with money given to unemployed single folks and young children Lunar New Year Crafts for Kids Make some dragon crafts with the kiddos at home like these from Red Ted Art. Chinese dragon puppets would make a great addition for storytime! Hang up some handcrafted Chinese Paper Lanterns to get festive! Make a family friendly “T is for Tiger” Felt or Paper Craft with Printable Pattern Whip Up a Culinary Treat for the Lunar New Year Shochu Punch Chou Dao Miu Pea Sprouts Lunar New Year Dumplings Whole Fish with Ginger Sesame Oil Spicy Dan Dan Noodles Peking Duck with Honey Glaze and Five Spice Chinese Restaurants to Support in the Greater Chicago Area China Garden Restaurant in Waukegan Ming Toy Restaurant in Waukegan China Kitchen in North Chicago Hunan Sixth Happiness North Chicago Lung Fung Restaurant in Zion Win Win Restaurant & Bar in Waukegan Lao Sze Chuan in Highland Park House of Szechwan in Des Plaines Lao Sze Chuan in Skokie Chengdu Impression Restaurant in Chicago Mrs. Gu Skewers Hot Pot in Chicago Laojiumen Hotpot Chicago MCCB Chicago Xi’an Cuisine in Chicago Supporting Asian Creators Year Round We believe in supporting the AAPI community all year round and not just on special holidays or months! To celebrate all global Asian cultures that participate in Lunar New Year, we’ve compiled a wonderful list of books and films by Asian creators for you to enjoy! Fantastic Books by Asian Authors for Audio/EBooks Make sure to load up your e-reader or tablet with some of these great books before your next road trip! You’ll find a slew of incredible tales written by both new and treasured voices in the writing community. Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin Amy Wu and the Perfect  Bao by Kat Zhang Land of Big Numbers by Te-Ping Chen How Much of These Hills is Gold by C. Pam Zhang A Pho Love Story by Loan Le Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park Stargazing by Jen Wang The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo Home Remedies: Stories by Xuan Juliana Wang Front Desk by Kelly Yang Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi Finding Julie Kim by Ellen Oh A River of Stars by Vanessa Huo Severance by Ling Ma The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang Movies to Stream Starring Asian Americans and AAPI Talent: Raya and the Last Dragon Over the Moon The Wish Dragon The Guardian Brothers Next Gen Ne Zha Go Back To China Front Cover It’s Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong Lucky Grandma Minari Crazy Rich Asians Shang Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings Always Be My Maybe To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

Do you eat, breathe, and dream about cars?  Do you spend your downtime and weekends off puttering around under the hood in your garage?  Are you the person your friends and family call to diagnose a problem before it goes to the mechanic?  Do you spend hours and hours online watching YouTube videos and tutorials on how to DIY an upgrade or mod for your vehicle? Yeah, same here!  We’re right there with you, so that’s why today’s post is all about helping you find your footing in the automotive field.  We’re sharing some great ways that you can turn your hobby in automotive mechanics into the career of your dreams.  We’ve got a great list of suggestions for technical schools, classes, and books to get you started on the path to evolving from hobby to paid venture!  Check it out on today’s blog. Trade Schools and Technical Institutes with Automotive Courses in Illinois and Wisconsin From auto mechanic trading courses to professional driving lessons to automotive and industrial design, you’ve got lots of avenues to explore! College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL College of Lake County in Grayslake, IL Illinois Central College in East Peoria, IL Joliet Junior College in Joliet, IL Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, IL Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, IL Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, IL Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, WI Wisconsin Technical College in Milwaukee, WI Ashworth College in Milwaukee, WI Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore, WI Penn Foster Career School’s Online Auto Repair Tech Program Ashworth College Online Automotive Technician Career Diploma Best Books To Learn About the Automotive Industry How Cars Work by Tom Newton Auto Repair for Dummies Automotive Technology: Principles, Diagnosis, and Service Auto Repair and Maintenance: Easy Lessons for Maintaining Your Car So It Lasts Longer Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide Basic Machines and How They Work Automotive Wiring and Electrical Systems How to Diagnose and Repair Automotive Electrical Systems Auto Fundamentals (Eleventh Edition) Auto Fundamentals (Twelfth Edition, Workbook) Automotive Service: Inspection, Maintenance, Repair (6th Ed)

Today we’re covering a list of fantastic drive-in theaters with unique viewing experiences, and those who offer a wide range of media from family flicks, indie films, foreign cinema, and more. hen the weather outside’s less frightful, we think a trip to the drive-in sounds delightful!  You’ll find lots of fun suggestions for destination movie theatres on today’s post. We’ve also got some quick tips and tricks for packing up the car to ensure everyone has a great time no matter how far from home you go.  Let’s go to the movies! Note: Some of these locations may be closed for the season, but others are open throughout the season (weather permitting.) Let’s Go To the Movies: What to Bring To the Drive-In Going to the movies is very exciting for little ones, especially if you’re at the drive-in!  And as fun as it is, an unexpected mess or a case of the fidgets while waiting for the show to start can make things go haywire.  That’s why we love to keep a little bag of tricks in our trunk to ensure that the experience is a breeze, and everyone can enjoy themselves together with less stress.  Plus, there’s some bonus picks for grown-up movie nights and date night suggestions! For Kiddos: Pack boxes with juice pouches, bags of fresh fruits and veggies, and crackers or munchies to keep them satisfied.  Pack some insulated water bottles to keep them cool and hydrated. Bring some cozy snuggle stuff such as a hooded blankie, fleece blanket, stuffies, or cotton throw. Pack an overnight bag with extra clean clothes - one spare outfit per child, and make sure it’s easy to wiggle-on in a pinch such as PJs or sweatpants or leggings.  For babies or toddlers, consider packing at least two onesies or sleepsuits.  Plan for being out late, and perhaps having some spills or accidents needing a swap. Bring simple outdoor toys such as velcro mitts with a tennis ball, a frisbee, a beachball, or similar to play outside and keep the kids happy before the movie starts. Plus, it means they’ll be a little knackered and more likely to sit still for the duration! A box or two of glow sticks and glowing jewelry, and party style spinning flashlights will keep kids entertained in the dark before the movie starts. For Everyone: Snag some comfortable cushions or pillows with waterproof material for sitting outside, or to add a little luxury to your car’s interior. Stay warm and cozy and comfortable in your car with a pile of soft blankets. Folding chairs for those who need a change of pace from sitting in the car and want to sit outside. A box filled with your favourite movie theatre snacks, chips, crackers, and other snack packs and candies.  Include a small cooler with ice for veggies, fruits, and bottled drinks.  And you can even jazz things up with a simple charcuterie tray for a date night twist! Don’t skimp on the wet wipes, napkins, paper towels, or hand sanitizer (and you might even want to toss a spare roll or two of toilet paper in there in case the bathrooms are less than equipped.) Bring some bug spray in case you leave your windows open or opt for the outdoor seating. Flashlights and LED candles can add an ambiance and make it easier to find your way to and from the car in the dark while stretching your legs or a walk to the facilities. Last but not least, pack some plastic grocery bags and a garbage bag to gather up your trash at the end of the night.. Fabulous Drive-In Movie Theatre Experiences Drive-In movies are a special experience in movie watching, so why not make a mini road trip and memorable weekend getaway around this cinematic excursion?  Grab your own camera or your smartphone and film a little documentary about your road trip as you go to your destination, and create some beautiful keepsake videos together.  Check out these suggestions for drive-in theatres and plan your next visit when the season opens, or check what’s playing now! The Milky Way Drive-In in Milwaukee, WI Chi-town Futbol and Movies in Chicago, IL McHenry Indoor/Outdoor Theater in McHenry (formerly the Skyline Drive-In) Blue Moonlight Drive-In Theater in Galesburg, IL Harvest Moon Drive-In Theatre in Gibson City, IL The Chicago Drive-In in Bridgeview, IL The Cascade Drive-In in West Chicago, IL Midway Drive-In, Sterling, IL Route 66 Drive-In Theater Hi-Way 18 Outdoor Theatre in Jefferson, WI 49er Drive-In Theatre in Valparaiso, IN Route 34 Drive-In in Earlville, IL Melody Drive-In in Knox, IN Skyview Drive-In in Litchfield, IL

Did you know that today is National Puzzle Day?  Whether you’re looking for a rousing good time with friends, an activity for the whole family, or a lively new addition to your date night rotation, you’ll find plenty of ideas on today’s blog! We’re highlighting our picks for interesting Escape Rooms and Mystery Dinner Theatre puzzles that involve diving right into the center of all the action.  Solve a puzzle or a mysterious crime with a little bit of cheeky improv and a lot of laughs! And for those who prefer to stay indoors, but want to stay busy at home we’ve got some great picks for car themed puzzles. It’s all happening right here on today’s blog. Amazing Escape Room Experiences in Greater Chicago Area and Southern Wisconsin: You might have seen Escape Rooms or Puzzle Escape Game Experiences popping up in your area over the last few years.  They’re an excellent way to spend time with friends and family, and perfect for those who have a competitive edge!   You and your friends, or even a group of strangers, will work together to solve puzzles by putting together clues or brain teasers in order to beat the clock and gain your freedom.  It’s a fun teamwork experience with challenging adventures and themed elements, and no experience is the same twice!   You’ll experience a whole new form of experiential storytelling and role playing for a truly unique night out on the town.  Check out our picks for great escape rooms in the area and snag your ticket now! 60 to Escape in Gurnee IL Golden Escape Rooms in Grayslake IL Edge of Escape Rooms in Zion IL No Escape Room in Buffalo Grove IL Xscape in Time in Barrington IL Lock Chicago Escape Rooms in Wilmette IL Noggin Builders Kid Escape Room in Northbrook, IL EscapeQuest in Crystal Lake IL Twisted Limits Escape Rooms in McHenry IL Mastermind Escape Games in Schaumburg IL Lake Geneva Clue Room in Lake Geneva WI TeamEscape 262 Menomonee Falls, wI City13 Milwaukee in Oak Creek, WI Seven Keys to Escape in Racine, WI Mystery Dinner Theatre Shows in Wisconsin and Illinois: If you really enjoy the escape room experience, but want to shake things up a bit, then dinner mystery theatre is just the ticket!  Check out these super fun experiential supper clubs and virtual experiences that put you and your guests in the middle of a mystery to solve.  It’s a super unique experience that will change each time you go thanks to the magic of improv theatre. The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Schaumburg The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Chicago The Murder Mystery Company in Milwaukee, WI St Croix Off Broadway Dinner Theatre in Hudson, WI Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, WI Murder Mystery Dinner Parties in Chicago Cool Car Themed Puzzles to Do At Home SpringBok’s 1000 Piece Classic Car Puzzle MasterPieces 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle Route 66 Pitstop Road Trip License Plate Map Puzzle by TDC Games Road Trip Puzzle Map Book for Kids on the Go by Conceptis Puzzles Road Trip 300 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle by Buffalo Games Store

It’s National Chocolate Cake Day It’s National Chocolate Cake Day, and we feel that’s cause enough to celebrate. Who doesn’t love a great chocolate cake?!  It’s the perfect sweet moment to punctuate a busy week once the weekend rolls around.   All that fudgy, moist, sweet, rich deliciousness on a plate is the best treat at the end of a long day.  And we’re here to support some fantastic local businesses in the Greater Chicago Area and Southern Wisconsin, all just a short drive away from Classic Auto Group!  So let’s hit the road and find some truly luscious chocolate treats right here on today’s blog. Best Places to Grab a Slice of Chocolate Cake or Order Dessert: Illusion Bakery Inc in Waukegan O Brothers Bakery in Waukegan Tony’s Bakery in Waukegan Panaderia y Pasteleria Arizmendi in Waukegan Sweet Tooth Delivery in Gurnee Dalton’s Cakes in Grayslake Tina’s Italian Bake Shop in Gurnee Gloria’s Cakes in Racine, WI O&H Danish Bakery in Racine, WI Larsen Bakery Inc in Racine, WI Olde Madrid in Racine, WI Sebastian’s in Racine, WI Nothing Bundt Cakes in Greenfield, WI Sweet Mandy B’s Bakery in Chicago Mindy’s Bakery in Chicago Lutz Cafe & Pastry Shop in Chicago Jennivee’s Bakery in Chicago Bittersweet Pastry Shop & Cafe in Chicago Make Your Own Car Themed Cakes in These Fabulous Tins and Moulds: Wotoy’s Cake Baking Pan Mold Wilton’s Lightning McQueen Cake Pan Mold Car Shaped Silicone Molds for Cake or Candies

We’re back with another great guide to Winter Sports fun in Illinois and Wisconsin.  Check out our latest travel blog and get to planning your great winter escape outdoors with some of our great picks for destination getaways and day trips.  From snowmobiling to snow tubing to ice skating and more, there’s lots of fun for everyone! Minocqua Forest Riders Snowmobile Club This incredible group maintains over 160 miles of trails in Northern Wisconsin in the Minocqua area.  The group grooms the trails weekly, ensuring they’re in prime condition for weekend activities.  You can view the full map of trails here! There’s a lot of additional wintertime Northwoods activities in the area, too: ice skating, ice fishing, snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding galore!  There’s even snow tubing and an incredible winter zipline course. Where to Eat: Northfork Fin & Filet in Arbor Vitae WI; Mary’s Place North in Arbor Vitae WI; Mavericks Restaurant Mexicano in Woodruff WI; Black Bear Bar and Grill in Minocqua WI; Great Northern Coffee Traders in Minocqua WI; Minocqua Prime in Minocqua WI; Lakeside Grill in Minocqua WI; Dixies Coffee House in Manitowish Waters WI Where to Stay: Timber Bay Resort in Lac du Flambeau; Pointe Hotel & Suites and Conference Center in Minocqua; Pine Hill Resort in Minocqua; The Waters of Minocqua; Whitehaven Bed & Breakfast in Minocqua Winter Park Other Activities Nearby: The Northwoods Petroleum Museum, Rhinelander Logging Museum, Three Lakes Center for the Arts, Campanile Center for the Arts, Island City Antique Market Bearskin State Trail This 26 mile trail stretches through two counties in Wisconsin.  You’ll enjoy activities all year round such as walking or biking and fishing in the warmer months, and snowmobiling and cross country skiing in the winter time.  Enjoy beautiful views of densely wooded pine forests, and enjoy the many lakes and ponds inviting you to enjoy the sites and sounds of the majestic regional wildlife. Where to Eat: Shady Sue’s Restaurant, Rhinelander Family Restaurant, Joe’s Pasty Shop, Big Daddy’s, Pat’s Tavern & Grill, Crimson Cafe, Dina Mia Pizza, CT’S Deli LLC Where to Stay: Quality Inn, Days Inn & Suites, AmericInn by Wyndham, Clear Lake Inn and Resort, Holiday Acres Resort on Lake Thompson, Centerstone Resort Lake-Aire-Tomahawk, Kafka’s Resort Other Activities Nearby: The Hodag, ArtStart, Rhinelander Historical Society Des Plaines River Trail Wadsworth Spanning a whopping 56 miles in both Cook and Lake counties, this gorgeous trail is perfect for year round fun.  You can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, walking, and horseback riding in warmer weather, or head out for a cool afternoon of winter fun with cross country skiing or snowmobiling.  This trail winds its way along protected lands and 85% of the river running through Lake County.  Enjoy all of the sights and sounds of nature and do a little bird watching or wildlife photography while you’re out there! Where to Eat: The Shanty Restaurant in Wadsworth; Captain Porky’s in Wadsworth; The Duck Inn in Wadsworth; Mama K’s Pizza and Grille; Pho Kho Gia Lai Vietnamese, Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe in Libertyville; Madras Kafe in Vernon Hills; Nirvana Wine & Grillerie in Vernon Hills; Tsukasa of Tokyo in Vernon Hills Where to Stay: The Lotus Suites, Dragonfly Bed and Breakfast, The Inn on Sheridan, Great Wolf Lodge Water Park Illinois Other Activities Nearby: 60 to Escape; Funflatables Gurnee; Extreme Flight Simulation; Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve; Midlane Country Club, Russell Military Museum Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda Whether you’re heading out for a solo day to get in touch with nature, or breaking away from the screens with your family and friends for outdoor fun, you’ll have a blast here in the Wauconda area.  From Ice Fishing to Ice Skating to Sledding and Snowmobiling, there are plenty of ways to enjoy wintertime outdoors at the Lakewood preserve.  There are even several dog parks for your canine companions to enjoy a little socialization time! Where to Eat: SLYCE Coal Fired Pizza Company; Bulldogs Grill; Uncle D’s Bar and Grille, Strawberry Moon; ALonso’s Burrito Express; Whisk Bakery & Coffee; Deacon’s Restaurant & Bar at the Golf Farm; Sofia’s Mexican Restaurant Where to Stay: Victoria Rose Garden Bed & Breakfast; Waterfront Hotel & Marina; Lincolnshire Marriott Resort; The Cottages on Petite Lake; The Mansion Bed & Breakfast; Cypress Resort & Marine Other Activities Nearby: Wauconda Bowl, Silver Lotus Yoga, Wedgewood Riding Center; Nippersink in Volo; Side Lot Brewery; Avolve Fitness More Great Destinations for casual sledding and tubing: Century Park Sled Hill in Vernon Hills, IL Wilmot Mountain in Wilmot, WI Wadsworth Sledding Hill in Wadsworth, IL Hart’s Hill in Round Lake, IL Paulus Park in Lake Zurich, IL Caboose Hill Sledding Hill in Lake Villa, IL Blair Park in Lake Bluff, IL Warren Township Sledding Hill in Gurnee, IL Christine Thompson Park in Gurnee, IL Great Destinations for Ice Skating in the Waukegan Area: Top Shelf Ice Arena in Gurnee, IL Skate Room in Vernon Hills, IL Watts Ice Center in Glencoe, IL Skating Ring at Midway Plaisance in Chicago, IL Inwood Ice Arena in Chicago, IL Kenosha Ice Arena in Kenosha, WI Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee, WI

Wintertime here in the Northern United States can be a real challenge!  The unpredictability of winter storms can mean sleet, slush, snow, and ice on the road as well as our vehicles. It’s important to make sure that you’re well equipped to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at you.  That’s why today’s blog is dedicated to convenient winter weather car gear and gadgets.  Check it out! The Heated Ice Scraper is an essential tool for every driver tackling winter weather muck.  Speed up the process of clearing your car windows and mirrors with this convenient 12V powered heated ice scraper for under $20! Get it for a steal right here. For those that prefer an ice scraper with reliable ol’ “manpower” you can ceheck out the Better Stuff Ice Scraper which chips and clears ice at the same time!  That’s right, it’s patented design is crafted to conform to the shape of your windshield to slice up hard-to-clear coatings of ice and frost while sweeping away the slush simultaneously.  You can grab a single or a two-pack and give one to a friend. Get it right here for under $25! Using the reliability of Amazon Confirmed Fit to find the right option for your car, this EcoNour Car Windshield Cover for Snow and Ice is one of the best buys for the snowy season.  Place one of these all-weather covers on your windshield to reduce your need to clear snow and muck and ice off the glass. Choose from the Standard or Extra Large sizes. Affordably priced under $30 right here. When paired with the convenient EcoNour Car Windshield Cover, your car can have all-season protection from the elements thanks to the EcoNour Car Side Mirror Snow Covers.  Check the Amazon Confirmed Fit feature to find the right option for your vehicle.  Affordably priced under $20, and currently on sale for $9.99! Get them right here. For the shorter drivers in our midst, the Astro AI 47,2” Ice Scraper with 360 pivoting head is going to be a godsend.  Choose from Medium or Large sized options in two colorways. Quickly clear the snow off of the top of your car, truck, SUV, or van with a convenient brush head or ice scraper at either end. Get yours here for under $30. No matter how carefully you drive, accidents do happen to the best of us!  Being stranded in a slushy snow puddle, icy patch, or other inclement weather hazard can be a real struggle.  But with the Tracgrabber tire traction device for snow and mud, the struggle will be a thing of the past!  With plenty of size options for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, and even oversized vehicles, you can get a set of 2 or 4 of these easy install straps.  They’ll give your tires a little bit of stability and traction to get you out of many sticky situations.  Priced between $99 and $150, but this type of safety and comfort is priceless! Get yours here. We want to hear from you! Do you have a favourite item that’s been a lifesaver in inclement weather? Tell us in a comment and we may feature it in a future blog post update!

Today is National Hugging Day, and with the pandemic in swing, we realize this may not be the easiest holiday to celebrate for everyone, but if you’re able, give your loved ones a hug and let them know you care! (Don’t forget to hug your pets, too!)  And if you can’t see your loved ones for whatever reason, we’re here to share some great ways you can “hug” your community and show them you care! Today we’re highlighting a wonderful local charity who needs your help providing not just hugs but safety and security to our local community here in Lake County.  Additionally, we’ve got a short list of more ways you can help local organizations and individuals. We Support COOL Ministries, and so can you: COOL Ministries is a not for profit charitable organization serving families in Illinois.  Founded by members of six Lutheran Churches, the organization first opened its doors to the community in 1983 with its inaugural COOL Food Pantry project.  They opened an additional location in 2007, COOL Pantry West, in Ingleside by way of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, which remained in operation through 2018. COOL pantry provides local families and veterans with breakfast, lunch, and dinner; they also provide accommodations for cardiac and diabetic diets, as well as options for those with allergies, and a wide array of ethnic food offerings. Since 2015, COOL Ministries is now a fully recognized social services organization run by the COOL Board of Directors who put their heart and soul into their work.  In 2016, after 30 years of operation out of a storefront in downtown Waukegan, headquarters relocated operations to a beautiful facility downtown at the Glen Flora Building on West Glen Flora Avenue. The COOL pantries receive an immense amount of community support from everyone here in Lake County; everyone from churches to individuals to the United Way of Lake County, and incredible grant funding and corporate donations.  We are also proud to count ourselves in the midst of those who support the efforts of COOL Ministries as they help local families and veterans find their footing on stable ground!  The support for COOL Ministries and the COOL Pantries is as diverse as the beautiful community we all love, work, and live in. Please, join us in supporting our community by helping raise funds and collecting donation items for COOL ministries from this list: Other fantastic ways you can support your community: Donate your time and physical presence to helping stock food pantries or serve meals Give blood at local blood banks or blood drives Ask if your employer will contribute a “gift match” to your personal donation When shopping on Amazon, set http://Smile.Amazon.com as your homepage Create care packages for the local homeless population and distribute, or bring to warming stations around the city. Collect gently used toys, books, and clothing in good condition which has been laundered and folded neatly, and bring them to a local family shelter or to warming stations around town. Donate or volunteer at events with other local charities and nonprofits: American Cancer Society in Lincolnshire, IL Barrington Area Community Foundation in Barrington, IL Beyond Sports Foundation in HIghland Park, IL Hands of Hope Foundation in Barrington, IL Jac Education Foundation in Highland Park, IL Jewish Council for Youth Service in Ingleside, IL Lake Forest Open Land Association in Lake Forest, IL Save a Star Drug Awareness Foundation in Highland Park, IL United Service Organizations in Great Lakes, IL (And many, many more!) And of course, all of us here at Classic Auto Group send a comforting virtual hug to you all in thanks for your support and dedication to building a better community!

Pardon our cheesy demeanor, but we’re a little excited today.  We’re celebrating National Cheese Day with an awesome list of local cheesemongers who have everything you need to make delectable dairy treats. Whether you’re cooking up a feast to take to tailgating parties, or you’re hosting a race-day party at home, we’ve got lots of ways for you to prep this delightful dairy food, whether it’s diced, sliced, fried, or fondue’d! Image via Motor1.com Grab your favourite cheeses for a wine-and-cheese dinner at home with your friends, or grab some sharp cheeses and delectable bites for a fondue or charcuterie for a race day party! And if we may be so bold as to boast, we’re really thrilled with our proximity to the great state of Wisconsin, home to the “cheeseheads” of Green Bay, as well as some of the country’s top dairy farms and cheese shops. 5 Cheesy Fun Facts About Wisconsin’s Dairy Industry 90% of the milk made in Wisconsin gets turned into cheese, equating to over 2.8 billion pounds of this dairy delight! There are over one dozen cheese-themed festivals in Wisconsin Wisconsin is home to nearly 100 cheese production facilities More than one million cows call Wisconsin home, which equates to 1 cow for every 5 people living in this great dairy state. The average American citizen eats over 25 pounds of cheese per calendar year We love shopping locally at neighbouring businesses, and that’s why we’re sharing our picks for great local cheese mongers and delis in Southern Wisconsin, Waukegan, and the Greater Chicago Area that you can support with your patronage.  And check out our picks for great recipes to share with your friends. Top Notch Cheesemongers and Shops That Are Worth the Drive Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha, WI Tim & Tom’s Cheese in Kenosha, WI Wisconsin Cheese Mart in Milwaukee, WI The Village Cheese Shop in Wauwatosa, WI Fromagination in Madison, WI The Cheese Box in Lake Geneva, WI Highfield Farm Creamery in Walworth, WI Wildmer’s Cheese Cellars in Theresa, WI Beautiful Rind in Chicago, IL Great American Cheese Collection in Chicago, IL Augusta Food and Wine in Chicago, IL Rogers Park Provisions in Chicago, IL Provisions Uptown in Chicago, IL Schaefer’s Wines, Foods & Spirits in Skokie, IL Vintages Cheese Shop in Arlington Heights, IL Movie Night and Race Day Recipes to Share with Friends Impress your friends with these great cheese centric tailgating recipes if you bring your grill, crockpot, or other portable warming stations. And if you’re spending the day at home watching our recommendations for car themed movies, or watching a televised Formula 1 or NASCAR race, you’re going to need lots of snacks to nosh on!   No matter how you slice it, these are some great shareable recipes featuring delectable dairy delights: Brown Eyed Baker’s Game Day Dip Just a Pinch Blog’s Chili Game Day Cheese Dip Lane’s BBQ Blog’s Game Day Pretzels and Beer Cheese Kingsford’s Game Day Grilled Cheese Sliders Old House to New Home’s Mini Mac & Cheese Bites Fountain Avenue Kitchen’s Cheesy Game Day Charcuterie Board Dinner at the Zoo’s Cheese Fries with Bacon America’s Test Kitchen’s Kid Friendly Cheese Quesadillas Meg’s Every Day Indulgence Blog’s Four Cheese Flatbread Tasty.co’s Cheese-Stuffed Burger Bomb Sliders Make Joshua Weissman’s Super Cheesy Homemade Deep Dish Pizza for a taste of Chicago right at home: And check out this fun video from celebrity chef and talk show host Rachel Ray featuring 5 NASCAR drivers as they race for the perfect cheeseburger!

We’re celebrating National Movie Day with some of our favourite movies about cars that you can stream or rent right now!  So grab a big ol’ bowl of popcorn and add these exciting flicks to your queue. But first, here’s some super fun facts about Stunt Car Drivers in Hollywood: Salary for a stunt car driver ranges wildly from a mere $10,000 all the way to a whopping $250,000+, but the average salary usually falls somewhere between $45,000 and $115,000. Most stunts are performed in a controlled environment, thanks to cooperation with location authorities.  Professional filmmaking ventures will arrange with city officials to shut down roadways, bridges, or highways in order to film. Nearly all vehicles used in motion picture stunts are modified with heavy reinforcements to the car’s frame to avoid crumpling or damage upon impact, and prevent death or injury to the stunt driver.  Many of them include a roll cage as well as using heavier steel construction.  Other modifications include overriding the car’s inherent safety features such as driver assist, traction control, and other computerized correction precautions.  In addition, the drivers are outfitted with safety suits and helmets in case of collision or other mishaps. Many stunt cars, such as the ones in the Fast and Furious Franchise have been modified to fit camera rigs in the rear or front of the vehicle to provide a birds-eye view of the action, and to help with in-cabin shots of the stars for added realism.  Other cars, such as the ones used in Mad Max: Fury Road, are outfitted with crane rigs which hold a steady-cam that gives them a 360 degree view of all the action as the cars are in motion.  Before technological advancements which allowed for this modification, camera crews and directors often followed the action by motorcycle or adjacent car riding alongside! Check out our picks for great movies about the automotive industry and featuring some of the best stunt driving in Hollywood! Getaway Starring Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez Streaming on: Hulu, Amazon Prime, AppleTV, Google Play and Youtube. Retired race car driver Brent Magna is now racing against the clock to save his wife, who has been kidnapped by a mysterious, nefarious criminal.  Brent is forced to drive all around the city by this faceless villain as the criminal directs him to each destination via phone.  This movie features an impressive lack of CGI, relying entirely on practical effects and performance stunt driving skills.  Although the plot leaves a little something to be desired, it’s filled to the brim with top tier action and escapism. Watch the Trailer here: The French Connection Starring Gene Hackman Streaming on Hulu, AppleTV, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and GooglePlay Considered to be a classic entry in cinematic history, this story follows New York City narcotics detective “Popeye” Doyle as he and his officer partner attempt to take down an international crime ring.  Together they chase down a drug smuggler importing Heroin from overseas into the US. Watch the trailer here: American Factory A Documentary Streaming on Netflix. This Oscar-winning documentary covers the day to day operations, successes, and setbacks of a new factory opened in the shell of a once-defunct General Motors Factory after its purchase by a Chinese billionaire and businessman.  An in depth look at the growing technology industry and the working-class individuals who power the movement.  Portions of this presentation are in English and Chinese with subtitles. Watch the trailer here: Gran Torino Starring Clint Eastwood Streaming on: HBO Max, Amazon Prime, AppleTV, Google Play, Youtube, Vudu Korean War Veteran and Retired Automotive Worker Walt Kowalski spends most of his days as a bigoted recluse, but things begin to change after he stands up to a street gang on behalf of a local teenager who attempts to steal his car.  Kowalski is forced to examine his perspectives and begins to understand they may have more in common than he realizes in this heartfelt drama. Watch The Trailer: Drive Starring Ryan Gosling Streaming on: Tubi, Vudu, Amazon Prime, Youtube, AppleTV, Google Play Gosling stars as a man who is a Hollywood stunt car driver by day, and a getaway driver for hire at night for some of the city’s most nefarious criminals.  Although he has steadfast rules against participating in the activities of his clients, circumstances get the best of him and he gets a little in over his head in this intense drama/thriller. Watch The Trailer:

Shopping for a vehicle isn’t generally a part of our day-to-day routine, and not even our weekly or monthly ones!  So it stands to reason most folks may not be familiar with all of the new lingo and terminology for the automotive industry.  That’s why we’re bringing you a helpful guide to understanding all things automotive with the Classic Auto Group Decoder!  Learn the tips and tricks of the trade from the experts in the field, and you’ll be very prepared for your next sale or purchase. Today we’re going to explore Automatic Transmissions! Automatic transmission A transmission that uses a torque converter, planetary gearset and clutches or bands to automatically change a vehicles gears. Automatic transmission bands In an automatic transmission, adjustable circular straps lined with a friction material which are actuated to tighten around and stop the rotation of a drum as part of the shifting process. Automatic transmission cooler hoses Flexible tubes that carry transmission fluid to and from a heat exchanger or oil cooler. Automatic transmission filter A component in most automatic transmissions that is fitted over the fluid intake, usually in the pan, that prevents debris and other contaminants from circulating throughout the transmissions inner workings and potentially causing unnecessary wear or damage. Some transmissions use a reusable metal or nylon mesh-type screen in place of a disposable filter. Automatic transmission fluid The fluid used for lubricating and cooling an automatic transmission. A car’s transmission is a vital part of your vehicle’s operation system, and one of the most important components.  It is a gearbox containing gears and gear-trains which provide power from your car’s engine to the wheels, and prevents the car from overheating and reaching max velocity..  If you want to visualize this process more simply, think of a bicycle’s gear and chain pulley system which moves its wheels in synchronization, and ensures they move at the same rate of speed. The transmission helps ensure that the engine is spinning at the right rate, transferring the correct amount of power to the wheels, and it changes gears depending on how far you push down on the accelerator pedal.  It regulates the engine’s RPM to avoid overloading the engine and also to decrease your fuel consumption, allowing you to regulate your vehicle’s energy.  Driving slowly with an automatic transmission means your car is operating in a lower gear; accelerating will switch the car into a higher gear, and thus rotating the wheels faster. The transmission directs the vehicle to idle when its wheels are not in motion by disconnecting the engine from the drive wheels. Automatic transmissions feature a computer-operated clutch that contains special sensors and processors to monitor your vehicle’s speed, directing the actuator to operate the clutch based on your speed and how hard you press on the accelerator.  Many drivers prefer automatic transmissions due to their ease of use, and the lack of multi-tasking required while driving.  If you listen carefully while you drive, you can notice when the automatic transmission’s mechanisms switch into another gear as you drive. The easiest way to monitor your transmission is by checking the fluid, which should be a bright red color; dark red or brown tinted fluid indicates it’s time for a flush and fluid change.  For those cars with a sealed transmission, there are a few sounds and sensations to look out for. If you notice that your car is having a rough time switching gears and you feel a slight pop sensation as it switches gears, or you notice that it is delayed in shifting gears while accelerating or decelerating, these are common signs your vehicle may need a service call with an experienced transmission.  Likewise if you notice any grinding, squealing, or a burning smell while shifting gears during your drive, these also point to a need for troubleshooting. Call one of our experienced service technicians today to schedule an appointment!

Today’s blog is focusing on transportation and automotive themed projects for kids of all ages.  We know that parenting during a pandemic can be quite a challenge, and equally so for our young scholars.  So we thought it would be a delightful idea to spread a little happiness and joy along with a bit of education.  These projects are excellent STEM/STEAM related opportunities to get creative, foster independent learning, and inspire young minds to think “outside the box.” You’ll find solo projects and teamwork based options, giving you a little flexibility in play style and learning methods.  Each workshop or project is  either good for keeping young ones busy while you work on things during the day, or a bit of togetherness time for weekends and evenings or breaks in the day.  It’s a multipurpose blog post today!  Feel free to suggest your own activities and we may include them in a future blog roundup. TamingLittleMonsters.com has three different physics related experiments and projects to inspire the physicist in your midst!  The projects are delightful, and your children will be so engaged they won’te ven realize they’re learning the fundamentals of a scientific field.  Inspire those free thinkers to get creative in problem solving.  Each one lists the materials you’ll need to get started. Lifeovercs.com has an excellent Transportation Activities unit ready to go.  You can engage children in preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary school ages with these activities.  From Math to Literacy to Arts and Crafts, it’s a full STEAM ahead list of engaging hands-on ideas. Keep preschoolers interested in play and increasing their motor skills and independent play with some of these excellent activities from Preschoolactivitiesnook.com ! It’s a great option for kiddos who are home from preschool or daycare and are missing the engagement with their peers.  There are 5 daily lessons that can be done with a sibling or an adult, as well as on their own for exploration. Stirthewonder.com offers an excellent lesson using straws, wooden beads, and a little artistic creativity to create wind powered cars!  Kids will learn a little science, fine art skills, and improve motor skills.  Great for kids in preschool and early elementary school to do on their own, but would make a wonderful sibling-and-me project for older tweens/teens to do with smaller kids. KiwiCo kits are an excellent idea to engage young learners and encourage them to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.  You can subscribe for a few months at a time, and kits will automatically ship to your doorstep.  You can find projects for just about any age from from infant to toddler, early elementary, middle school, and beyond.  The company offers “Koala Crates” “Kiwi Crates” “Atlas Crate” “Doodle Crate” options!