Back in April, Chicago was charmed by a new restaurant on the South Side serving gourmet food and trendy wines in a neighborhood that was never deemed worthy of such amenities. Bronzeville Winery presented an intriguing menu, including a vegan smoked watermelon steak from chef Whitney McMorris, an industry veteran who had never been in charge of a kitchen.

Liz Parsons (right) carries a gluten-free chocolate everything cake during a procession that kicked off the cake auction at the Aug. 6 Lakeside Ice Cream Social. Jackson Rose serves ice cream to Hailey Buffington during the Aug. 6 Lakeside Ice Cream Social. Joey Nak reels in a Fish Pond Game prize with some help from his dad, Kareem, during the Aug. 6 Lakeside Ice Cream Social.

JoJo, the silverback gorilla at Brookfield Zoo who died July 31 during surgery to treat an acute illness, is destined to become part of the collection at the Field Museum. The news, first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times last week, was confirmed by officials at the Chicago Zoological Society and the Field Museum.

WESTVILLE — The La Porte County Parks celebrated its newest addition on Saturday morning – an inclusive playground at Bluhm County Park designed for all to use and enjoy. "We're hoping that something like this can really make people start to understand and see what the county parks have to offer all of our patrons," Parks Supt. Jeremy Sobecki said prior to the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Aidan Conley, 17, of Crown Point, shows his dairy goat during the 4-H livestock auction Saturday at the Lake County Fair in Crown Point. Mackenzie Bult, 17, of Hebron, prepares her Reserve Grand Champion Beef Steer for auction before the 4-H livestock auction. The Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Beef Steers are prepared for the 4-H large animal auction Saturday at the Lake County Fair in Crown Point.

ROCKLAND – The South Shore Food Bank has launched a new initiative to connect local business and food pantry leaders in a skills sharing program. Ten leaders from food pantries across the South Shore will meet monthly with business owners to share information on topics such as board leadership, fundraising and marketing strategies.