Tag Archives: Oak Park

Remembering Keith J. Taylor: A Humble, Humorous Artist

Two years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Keith J. Taylor when he appeared as my guest on “A Beer With Baron.” Humble, humorous and grateful, this talented cartoonist was a joy to interview. It was my first segment at One Lake Brewing, on the border of Oak Park and Chicago, after 10 BWB […]

Jussie Smollett not the first–or last–to employ race-hustling tactics

Sadly, race hustling, affinity hustling and identity hustling of all kinds are alive and well. It’s vital to be on the look-out for them, and for the ‘enemies from within’ who perpetuate them.

Bullying Smears Must Be Met With Civil, Reasoned Response

I have been an Independent politically for my entire life. Neither of the major parties has won me over enough to identify with either. There are good policy views on both ends of the spectrum, and there are good people on both ends, too. However, the Republican Party has a long way to go in […]

‘A Beer With Baron’ Marathon Prompts a Round of Reflection

For over a decade, I have had the honor of interviewing some of the most fascinating, accomplished, all-around cool people who hail from Oak Park, Illinois, the community that has been my home for over 25 years. Some guests I had the pleasure of knowing already; others–thanks to the show–I have been fortunate to get […]

Our daily shopping choices: a super-simple way to boost local economy amid COVID-19 era

During this COVID-19 era, any trip through the commercial corridors of Oak Park, Illinois—my community along the western border of Chicago—has revealed its potential as a post-apocalyptic movie set. But here in my town—and wherever you are, within your community—there is a simple mathematical principle that empowers us to revise the script: shop locally, as […]

On October 16th in Oak Park: “PR Secrets From a Media Insider”

Since 2001, associations and companies across the United States have hired Matt Baron of Inside Edge PR to train thousands of journalists, publicists and other professionals to develop immediately applicable, improved story-telling skills.   On Tuesday, Oct. 16th, through an Oak Park – River Forest (OPRF) Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn at Adam Doe State Farm, he […]

Sharing the Story of StorySlam: A Benefit for Farther Foundation

Honored to be serving as the emcee, and to be providing some media relations support, for StorySlam: A Benefit for Farther Foundation. It’s coming up fast–on Thursday, October 11th, at FitzGerald’s Nightclub. Tickets are $50 and include food and all the entertainment. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.fartherfoundation.org or call 708-497-7240. Founded in 2008, the […]

A Wonderful PR Moment: Oak Park Bank Wins Our Hearts, Then Business, With Screening

The triumphant scene from It’s A Wonderful Life Last Saturday, It’s A Wonderful Life played at the Lake Theater in downtown Oak Park. Sponsored by Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest, which is situated directly across the street from the elegant theater, it was a free screening. It also made for brilliant PR. Call […]