Sarah Soenke
  • Work
  • Stories
    • 5280 Magazine
    • Northwest Quarterly Magazine
    • The News-Gazette
    • CU-CitizenAccess
    • The Daily Illini
    • The Spread
  • Projects
  • About & Resume

5280 Magazine

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5 Local Holiday Hosting Must-Haves
Take your next holiday get-together to another level with some Colorado-centric essentials sure to wow your guests.
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Inside the New Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams Store​
Two years after debuting its first Denver location, this home furnishings brand has upgraded its Cherry Creek signature store—just in time for the holiday entertaining season.
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Rocky Mountain Lit Fest Is Here to Stay
This small gathering of Colorado-based authors, books, and bookworms became a bestseller in 2015 with its simplistic format and intimate setting—and this year promises the same. 
Shop Talk: eXtraOrdinary (XO) Gift Company
Ace your office gift exchange with a unique treasure from this Berkeley shop.
Q&A: Author Dr. James Hecht on His Life of Public Service
In Making A Difference, Denverite Dr. James Hecht writes about how his commitment to helping others has shaped his view of the world. 
Are Co-Ops the Answer to Expensive Housing?
Co-housing and cooperative living offer community-focused alternatives to high rents in the Denver and Boulder areas.
8 Alternatives to the Great American Beer Festival
This year’s GABF sold out in record time (67 minutes!), but there are still plenty of opportunities for ticketless beer enthusiasts to keep the beer flowing.
Our Top Charitable Picks November 28-December 4
Get Involved is a weekly series pointing readers toward community-oriented events, volunteer opportunities, and good causes in Colorado.
Our Top Charitable Picks October 31-November 6
Get Involved is a weekly series pointing readers toward community-oriented events, volunteer opportunities, and good causes in Colorado.
Our Top Charitable Picks September 19-25
This year’s GABF sold out in record time (67 minutes!), but there are still plenty of opportunities for ticketless beer enthusiasts to keep the beer flowing.

Northwest Quarterly Magazine

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Three Generations Celebrate Italian Dining at Franchesco's Ristorante
The Salamone family has spent 30 years serving impeccable food. Discover how these Sicilian natives took their business from a pizzeria to a fine dining establishment.
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A One-Stop Shop for a Healthy, Beautiful Smile
Attractive, pearly white teeth can make someone look more intelligent, compassionate and interesting. Meet a general-practice dentist who helps his patients to maintain that brilliant smile.
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25 Local People Who Inspire
– Jay Sandine
– Kerry Frank
– Estelle Black
– Anne Meyer
​– Beverly Garcia
A Day in the Life of a 13 WREX Reporter
WREX reporter Reuben Jones reacts to breaking news on a daily basis. Step into his shoes as he responds to bank robberies, covers car crashes and digs deeper into stories about homeless students in Rockford.
Major Updates for Byron Forest Preserve
Big things are coming to this small city and its incredible 2,000-acre natural preserve. Discover what new attractions and events are coming, and how your family can experience them.
Dining is Better with a Beautiful View
Life is good when there’s a gorgeous view to accompany a delicious meal. Take advantage of summertime weather by dining at these regional restaurants with al fresco options.
RMTD's 11th Fundraiser is Par for the Course
A day spent on the golf course can yield more than just an enjoyable day on the links. Those who join this annual fundraiser can help to support an essential transportation system.
Business Profile: Muraski Monuments
Changing trends don’t scare this husband-and-wife team. Rather, this pair sees continuing opportunities to help families create a lasting monument to their loved ones.
Imagine the Possibilities in Your Yard
Summer is the perfect time to spruce up your yard. Gather ideas from some of the best local landscape experts on how to rejuvenate the outside of your home.
Our Region's Original Flavors, From Morning till Night
The Old Northwest Territory is home to culinary talent like no other. Make note of these exemplary establishments for the next time you’re craving something delectable.
Raptors: Taking to the Skies in New Ways
Eagles, ospreys and falcons are some of the most creatively adaptive members of the raptor family. Learn how these birds are surviving and where to find them in our region.
​Know Your Neighbors: Jim Cooke
Meet a dedicated park district commissioner and attorney who celebrates St. Charles’ history while helping to build its future.
Wildwood Restaurant: World-Class Dining & Drinks
This upscale dining hotspot in Geneva looks to grow upon 10 years of serving quality, time-tested steak, seafood and drinks.
Raise a Glass to Supporting Local Nonprofits
Artale & Co.’s First Friday wine tastings attract an eclectic mix of wine drinkers. Check out how these events market new bottles and nonprofit causes.
Explore the Riverways of Europe, Asia, Africa
River cruises are quickly becoming a top trend in the travel industry. Allow John Sturm of Lindstrom Travel to explain why this intimate, all-inclusive cruise should be your next big trip.
​Our Amazing Performing Arts Venues
The performing arts venues in our region are beyond impressive. With elaborate architecture and outstanding local performers, we’re lucky to have these entertainment havens so close to home.
Not-to-Miss Mexican Food at Arturo's
This family-owned restaurant has a handle on delivering a fresh variety of tasty dishes. Discover their Mexican staples and experimental additions that will keep you coming back.
Success Stories: CoyleKiley Insurance Agency, Inc.
The experienced and trusted team at Rockford’s powerhouse independent insurance agency made a youthful transition this year. Learn about the new face of this agency and the legacy and it’s inherited.
Success Stories: Ink & Paper
This design-and-print shop in Stockton, Ill., has always let customers’ needs guide its offerings. Hear from the multitalented owner about the store’s 11-year growth.
The Wisdom of Night’s Silent Flyers
There’s no better time to look and listen for our region’s many types of owls. Check out the tips and insight of local raptor experts on where to see them in the Northwest Territory.
Geneva Film Fest Community Expands in 9th Year
Launched as a volunteer-driven celebration, this burgeoning festival is quickly gaining notice among film buffs in Geneva and around Chicagoland.
Know Your Neighbors: Betty Brown
She gave up a career in nursing long ago, but this Elgin socialite and philanthropist maintains a fierce passion for taking care of others.
Success Story: La Bellissima
Quality ladies’ undergarments are just the start at this homegrown Crystal Lake business, where customer service and quality products are the means to providing something that’s just the right fit – literally.
Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra, Driven by Passion
For nearly 15 years, this all-volunteer orchestra has grown through the dedicated passion of its musicians. See what’s still to come in this year’s lineup, which is full of surprises.
Spotting the Hawks
Only a few decades ago, hawks were nearly wiped out, when humans thoughtlessly poisoned them with DDT and other insecticides. Today, these magnificent creatures remind us that adapting to new realities is imperative for survival.
Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center: Music to Rockford's Ears
For musicians and patrons alike, Mendelssohn has cultivated a community of music appreciation in Rockford. Now, its staff is looking to build even more connections with local arts organizations.
Success Stories: Freeport Home Medical Equipment
This Freeport company combines expertise and compassion to best serve the community. Through home renovations and equipment, they aim to make customers’ lives easier.
Light Up the Holidays!
This winter, check out these holiday light shows that are transforming our region’s landscape into a winter wonderland.
Authentic Dining at Bravo Pizza & Italian Restaurant
The family-focused staff behind this Italian restaurant knows how to create a quality, genuine experience. See what’s inspired the wide menu of classic dishes at this popular restaurant’s two locations.
Four Essential Fall Festivals
What’s fall without some outdoors adventures and a celebration of the bounteous harvest? Discover four quintessential Midwestern gatherings that boast plenty of pumpkins, farmsteads, scarecrows and zombies.
Lindy's Landing: Staying Afloat Through Waves of Change
After 50 years in business, Lindy’s Landing is a Wauconda institution, but tradition hasn’t stopped this restaurant from seeking new ideas to satisfy a changing market.
Award-Winning Wines to Try This Season
You don’t have to travel to Napa Valley to enjoy a glass of wine by the vineyard. These Northern Illinois wineries are crafting a reputation for excellence with many award-winning vintages.
Rockford Symphony Orchestra: 80 Years of Playing​
Through 80 years of musical outreach, the Rockford Symphony Orchestra has made itself a staple in the region. Learn more about its long history, the music director behind its recent growth and what’s in store for its anniversary season.
Autumn Drive Showcases Rural Living​
The Woodstock area’s one-of-a-kind fall festival is back for its 28th year, with more than 23 rural destinations. Check out what’s in store for this year’s event and find out what you can discover along the trail.
Dream Destinations For Your Big Day
Whether you dream of a Midwest destination wedding or a hometown setting, our area offers spectacular options. Here, we highlight some of our favorites, and share the experiences of couples who recently said “I do.”

The News-Gazette

Slices of Life

The Nose Knows

Sommeliers aren't born, and Thad Morrow, owner of downtown Champaign's Bacaro, certainly wasn't born into the world of wine. But now as his restaurant's wine expert, he shares his continuously changing wine list and knowledge with his customers. 

CU-CitizenAccess

Small business development lagging in Champaign County​
Champaign County small business development is still struggling under setbacks from the Great Recession and have not returned to pre-recession conditions, said a county economic development official.
Champaign nonprofit group pulls for more retail downtown
As the number of small business retail establishments has decreased in the city of Champaign, downtown business owners and residents are looking to revitalize local shopping options, according to the Champaign Center Partnership.
Unconditional Love: Pet ownership brings joy – and more – at any age
This story and multimedia package was produced by me and a group of University of Illinois students in Assistant Professor of Journalism Janice Collins' multimedia class. It is part of Elderly Watch, a project of CU-CitizenAccess.org that focuses on elderly issues in east central Illinois. 

The Daily Illini 

'Hooked' on new dining discount app
Hooked, Champaign’s newest dining discount app, provides users with real-time discounts at 40 dining options around campus. The University is the fifth campus in the nation that the app is available on.
Illini Hackers named winners by Major League Hacking
After being named the Major League Hacking fall 2014 North America season winners, the newly organized Illini Hackers are preparing for the second annual HackIllinois on Feb. 27 to March 1.
Mike Love and the 'sonic oasis' of The Beach Boys
The Daily Illini spoke with Mike Love of The Beach Boys in light of the band’s performance at the Virginia Theatre on Monday at 7:30 p.m.
Real Estate, Elsinore start Pygmalion with chill sets
Real Estate and Elsinore started this year’s Pygmalion Festival off on a good start Thursday night at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
Made Fest 2014 doubles in vendors, adds extra day
Nearly 50 vendors will line The Highdive Outdoor Annex at Made Fest, with booths featuring vintage and handmade goods on Saturday and Sunday, doubling the amount of sellers and open hours from its debut last year.
Faith in God, not Hollywood
Father Vincent Lampert, one of 50 trained exorcists within the Catholic Church in the United States, visited Foellinger Auditorium on Monday night to recount the realities of his position, debunk the common myths and set guidelines that students of all faiths can follow to prevent forms of evil from entering into their lives.
Polyvinyl-signed band to perform on 'Fly By Wire' tour
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, signed artists of the Champaign-based label Polyvinyl Record Co., will return to one of their frequently visited towns in promotion of their recent LP release, “Fly By Wire.”
Error Records to bring local music for all ages to Champaign-Urbana
Soon to be located at 702 S. Neil St., Error Records — the part-record store, part-all-ages music venue — will give the five-year label a physical home and hopes to host a variety of performers of all ages and styles of music.
Knowing ISS inside and out: Vice President–Internal Jenny Baldwin
Jenny Baldwin was sworn in as vice president internal of the Illinois Student Senate on April 17. Now after serving two different vice president positions within the same semester, Baldwin has gotten important experience within both sides of Senate, allowing her to gain a larger understanding of the organization.
College of Fine Arts prepares its students for careers in the real world
Local artists, aspiring students and college career service counselors comment on what it takes to prepare and launch a career in an art-related field. 
CITES can and will crack down on your torrents
Brian Mertz, senior security outreach specialist for CITES, explains how and why the University tracks and handle illegal downloading on University networks. 
Advances in technology help deaf, hearing worlds communicate 
New popular technological advancements, such as the iPhone 5, can serve as a tool to communicate in ways never before possible those deaf or hard of hearing.
Students shouldn’t fear career change, alums say
Once a bachelor’s degree is earned and four years worth of tuition has been spent, the last thing a college graduate wants to prepare for is switching careers. But when about 60 percent of students change their majors during their undergraduate study, what are the odds of having to make the switch post-degree?
C-U organizations to honor World AIDS Day, raise awareness
Several organizations in the Champaign-Urbana community will honor World AIDS Day, an event intended to spread awareness and educate people about the facts on HIV.

The Spread

Lana del Rey
Odd Future
Money in the Banana Stand
  • Work
  • Stories
    • 5280 Magazine
    • Northwest Quarterly Magazine
    • The News-Gazette
    • CU-CitizenAccess
    • The Daily Illini
    • The Spread
  • Projects
  • About & Resume