Dina Vardal’s life reflects a deep connection to her family’s cultural heritage and a lifelong dedication to service. She was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois, in a home that celebrated both Greek and Italian traditions. Her father was from the island of Mykonos, Greece, and her mother was from Ferrara, Italy. Together, they created a family life rooted in resilience, tradition, and community.

The Vardal family became well-known in Joliet. From 1982 to 1989, Dina’s mother, Danira, owned and operated Mykonos Gyros, a restaurant that served as a gathering place for neighbors to enjoy meals and conversation. Long before that, in 1958, her father and uncle founded Vardal Engineering, a business that continues under family ownership today. These ventures provided Dina with strong examples of work ethic and commitment to community.

Education and Lifelong Learning

Dina chose a path of service early on. At age 17, she enlisted in the Army National Guard, beginning what would become decades of dedication to public duty. Alongside her service, she pursued education at Joliet Junior College, graduating in 1990 with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Law Enforcement.

Her studies continued at Western Illinois University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement Administration with a minor in Accounting in 1992. She excelled academically, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and demonstrated leadership as President of the Law Enforcement and Justice Administration group.

Years later, while balancing career and family, Dina returned to school and earned a Master’s degree in Organizational Development from Benedictine University in 2007, underscoring her belief in lifelong learning and personal growth.

Career in Law Enforcement

Dina devoted more than twenty years to law enforcement. She became a certified SWAT officer, a position that required advanced tactical training and the ability to remain composed under pressure.

In addition to her SWAT responsibilities, she served as a firearms instructor, teaching concealed carry and gun safety courses to both officers and civilians. She also played a vital role in training new police recruits, passing on the skills, discipline, and confidence they needed to succeed. Known for her reliability and calm presence, Dina earned respect as both a mentor and a professional in the field.

Military Service in the Army National Guard

Alongside her police career, Dina Vardal served proudly in the Army National Guard for 22 years. Stationed with the 106th Aviation Unit at Midway Airport, she worked as a helicopter mechanic, maintaining several aircraft models, including the OH-58, UH-1H, UH-60 Blackhawk, and CH-47 Chinook.

Her technical skills and dedication led to greater responsibility as a crew chief, where she supervised maintenance teams. She also acted as the unit’s physical fitness coordinator, ensuring fellow soldiers met health and readiness standards. Beyond her duties, she organized morale-building events such as military balls and holiday gatherings.

Her service took her overseas to Panama and Germany, experiences that broadened her worldview and allowed her to form lifelong friendships with fellow soldiers.

Educator and Mentor

After retiring from law enforcement and military service, Dina pursued a new way to give back—education. She became a substitute teacher in the New Lenox School District, working with students from grades 1 to 8.

Her background gave her unique strengths in the classroom. With patience, structure, and encouragement, she helped students grow in both academics and character. Teaching provided her with a new sense of purpose, allowing her to inspire and mentor children in her community.

Personal Interests and Passions

Dina embraces hobbies and interests that connect her to her heritage and bring her joy. She travels regularly, especially to Greece, where she stays connected to her roots while enjoying the culture and landscape. She also enjoys scuba diving, embracing the adventure of exploring underwater worlds.

At home, she finds peace in gardening, caring for flowers, vegetables, and plants throughout the year. Cooking is another passion—her Greek meals and homemade cookies are well-loved by family and friends.

Sports also played a part in her life. During her college years, she played tennis at both Joliet Junior College and Western Illinois University. She was active in campus life and even featured in her school newspaper, reflecting her drive and involvement as a student.

Commitment to Community Service

Service has always been central to Dina’s life. She has volunteered with Meals on Wheels, delivering food and companionship to those in need. She has also supported her local food bank, contributed to the NAWS animal shelter, and participated in parish activities at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church. Through both small acts and larger commitments, Dina has shown her belief in kindness and the importance of helping others.

Family and Personal Life

Among all of her accomplishments, Dina treasures her family most. In 2022, she married Noe DeLeon Jr. at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Joliet, celebrating a wedding that honored tradition and love.

Her daughter, Danira, born in 2013, is her greatest joy. Dina Vardal calls motherhood the most meaningful role she has ever held and says that Danira is the best gift of her life.

Portfolio: https://dinavardal.com/

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From Soil to Sweet: How Homegrown Ingredients Transform Your Baking

 Published on: 10-10-2025

 

Using homegrown ingredients in baking elevates both flavor and quality. When you pick fruits, herbs, and vegetables directly from your garden, they are at peak ripeness and retain maximum natural sweetness and aroma. Unlike store-bought produce, which often spends days in transit, garden-fresh ingredients bring vibrant taste and freshness to every baked good. From juicy strawberries in a summer tart to fragrant mint in cookies, the difference is immediately noticeable, enhancing both flavor and enjoyment.

Fresh ingredients also improve texture and consistency. Ripe berries release natural juices, creating moist cakes and muffins without adding excessive liquid. Herbs like rosemary or thyme impart subtle aromatic layers to breads and pastries, enhancing complexity in ways pre-packaged ingredients cannot replicate. This direct connection to your ingredients allows bakers to develop a nuanced understanding of how each element contributes to the final product, fostering a more intentional and satisfying approach to baking.

Cultivating Ingredients for Quality and Control

Growing your own ingredients gives you full control over quality, avoiding pesticides and chemicals commonly used in commercial produce. By cultivating fruits and herbs organically, you ensure that every ingredient is clean, safe, and flavorful. This control over cultivation translates directly into better-tasting and healthier baked goods. Garden-fresh produce often contains higher levels of nutrients than commercially sourced alternatives, adding both wellness and taste benefits to your creations.

The act of growing your own ingredients also fosters mindfulness and patience. Watching seeds sprout, flowers bloom, and fruits ripen encourages attention to timing and detail, skills that translate directly into baking. By harvesting ingredients at the exact moment they reach peak ripeness, you ensure optimal flavor and texture for your recipes. This hands-on approach creates a connection between gardener and baker, making each baked good a reflection of care, attention, and craftsmanship.

Enhancing Flavor Profiles in Baking

Homegrown ingredients allow bakers to experiment with more vibrant and nuanced flavors. Fresh berries provide natural sweetness and acidity, enhancing muffins, pies, and tarts. Herbs, such as basil, lavender, or mint, add aromatic complexity to breads, cakes, and scones. Vegetables like zucchini, pumpkin, or beets can improve moisture and texture while introducing subtle, earthy flavors. Using ingredients at peak freshness ensures that every bite bursts with distinctive taste and aroma, creating an elevated baking experience.

Moreover, the freshness of garden produce allows for creative flavor layering. Unlike supermarket items that may have lost aroma during storage, freshly picked fruits and herbs retain their full sensory profile. This enables bakers to combine unexpected ingredients, creating innovative flavor pairings that surprise and delight. By incorporating homegrown ingredients, bakers can explore the depth of each component’s taste, elevating even simple recipes into extraordinary culinary creations.

Seasonal Inspiration for Your Recipes

Cultivating a garden naturally aligns baking with the seasons. Spring strawberries, summer tomatoes, fall pumpkins, and winter citrus or herbs each offer opportunities to create recipes that highlight the flavors of the time. Seasonal baking ensures that ingredients are at their freshest, improving both taste and nutritional value. Following nature’s rhythm encourages creativity, as bakers adjust recipes according to what is available in the garden, resulting in constantly evolving dishes that reflect the changing seasons.

Seasonal inspiration also strengthens the connection between baker and environment. Observing the garden’s cycles and responding to peak harvest periods fosters creativity in the kitchen. Each season encourages exploration of new recipes, flavor combinations, and presentation styles. Baking with seasonal, homegrown ingredients not only enhances taste but also promotes a deeper appreciation for the rhythms of nature, transforming baking into an engaging and dynamic practice.

Health and Sustainability Benefits

Homegrown ingredients contribute to healthier baking by reducing reliance on processed and packaged foods. Fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown in your garden provide nutrients, fiber, and natural flavors without unnecessary additives. Using fresh, clean ingredients allows bakers to create recipes that are both delicious and more nutritious. This approach encourages mindful consumption and supports long-term wellness, blending culinary enjoyment with personal health.

Growing your own ingredients also promotes sustainability. By reducing the need for store-bought produce, you minimize packaging waste and transportation emissions. Practicing organic or eco-friendly gardening methods furthers environmental responsibility. This sustainable approach to baking fosters an awareness of how choices impact both health and the planet, creating a meaningful connection between the food you grow, the recipes you prepare, and the broader ecological system.

Creative Experimentation in the Kitchen

Baking with homegrown ingredients encourages experimentation and personalization. With a variety of fruits, herbs, and vegetables, bakers can try unconventional combinations that reflect their garden’s harvest. Herbs can be infused into dough or batters, fruits can be layered in unexpected ways, and vegetables can be incorporated for moisture and color. This experimentation fosters creativity and allows bakers to develop signature recipes that are uniquely their own.

Furthermore, using homegrown ingredients teaches adaptability and problem-solving. Recipes can be adjusted based on availability or ripeness, challenging bakers to think critically about flavor balance and texture. This trial-and-error process improves technique and expands culinary knowledge, making baking an ongoing learning experience. Incorporating homegrown ingredients nurtures both innovation and confidence, transforming the act of baking into a rewarding and artistic endeavor.

Practical Tips for Garden-to-Baking Success

Timing and storage play a key role in successfully using garden ingredients in baking. Harvesting fruits and herbs at peak ripeness ensures maximum flavor and aroma. Immediate use preserves freshness, while short-term refrigeration or proper preservation methods, like freezing or drying, maintain quality for later use. Planning baking projects around your garden’s schedule allows you to make the most of seasonal produce and ensures consistent results in your recipes.

Cleaning and preparation are also essential. Gently washing produce and removing stems, leaves, or seeds ensures ingredients are ready for incorporation into doughs, batters, or fillings. Chopping, pureeing, or lightly cooking certain ingredients can further enhance flavor and texture. By treating garden ingredients with care, bakers can fully unlock their potential, achieving both visual appeal and exceptional taste in every creation.

From Garden to Gourmet Baking

Baking with homegrown ingredients transforms recipes by enhancing flavor, texture, and nutrition. Fresh fruits, herbs, and vegetables elevate baked goods, making them richer, more aromatic, and visually appealing. Seasonal inspiration encourages creativity, while sustainable practices connect baking to mindful living. Incorporating garden-fresh ingredients allows bakers to experiment, personalize, and enjoy a deeper connection to the food they prepare.

Ultimately, homegrown ingredients turn baking into a holistic experience that celebrates freshness, sustainability, and creativity. From the garden to the table, every step of the process—planting, harvesting, and incorporating into recipes—adds depth, flavor, and meaning to baked goods. By embracing this approach, bakers can produce treats that are not only delicious but also wholesome and satisfying, proving that the freshest ingredients truly make the best recipes.

Master the Art of Homemade Cookies: A Beginner's Guide to Baking the Best Recipe

Published on 09/30/2025

Baking cookies from scratch is one of the most rewarding and delightful experiences in the kitchen. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone looking to refine their skills, making cookies from scratch allows you to connect with the process and create delicious treats that are far superior to store-bought versions. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting the right ingredients to baking the perfect batch of cookies that will impress friends, family, and even yourself.

Why Bake Cookies from Scratch?

Baking cookies from scratch offers several benefits. First and foremost, homemade cookies taste infinitely better than those from a box or pre-made dough. You have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring that the final product is exactly how you like it, whether it’s chewy, crunchy, or somewhere in between. Additionally, when you bake from scratch, you can experiment with flavors and adjust recipes to suit your preferences. Moreover, the process of baking cookies can be therapeutic and a great way to bond with family or friends, especially during the holidays or special occasions.

The Essential Ingredients for Legendary Cookies

Before you dive into the mixing bowl, gather a few key ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in the flavor and texture of your cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

Flour is the backbone of your cookies, providing structure and texture. For most recipes, all-purpose flour is the standard, but you can experiment with different flours for unique results, such as whole wheat for a heartier texture or almond flour for a gluten-free option.

Sugar is responsible for the sweetness and helps cookies spread and brown as they bake. A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar is typical in many cookie recipes, as brown sugar adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor.

Butter is the secret ingredient that gives cookies their rich flavor and tenderness. Always use unsalted Butter so that you can control the amount of salt in the dough.

Eggs help bind the ingredients together, add structure, and contribute to the overall texture of the cookie. They also allow the dough to rise during the baking process.

Baking soda or baking powder is essential for leavening. Baking soda, in particular, helps create the perfect balance of chewy and crisp in cookies by aiding in the spreading process.

Vanilla extract is the most common flavoring for cookies. It adds depth to the taste and enhances the sweetness of the dough.

Salt, though a small amount, is critical in balancing sweetness and enhancing the flavors of the cookies.

Chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, or other mix-ins are where the fun comes in. The sky's the limit when it comes to choosing what to fold into your dough. Chocolate chips are a classic, but you can add anything from chopped nuts to coconut flakes or even candy pieces.

Preparing Your Kitchen for Cookie Success

Once you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to prep your kitchen. Start by gathering the necessary equipment. You’ll need mixing bowls, a hand or stand mixer (if you have one), a spatula, measuring cups and spoons, a baking sheet, parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, and a cooling rack.

Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature before you begin mixing. This ensures that the cookies bake evenly. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent cookies from sticking.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Perfect Cookie Dough

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients and tools, it’s time to start the baking process. The following steps outline how to create a classic cookie dough from scratch, which you can customize with your favorite add-ins.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened Butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take approximately 3-5 minutes, using either a hand or stand mixer. The creaming process is essential for a soft, chewy cookie. The sugar granules create air pockets in the Butter, resulting in a light texture.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Once the Butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each addition is thoroughly mixed. Add the vanilla extract and beat until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will help your cookies rise properly. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

Fold in Your Mix-ins

Now comes the fun part: add your mix-ins! This could be chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or any other ingredients you love in cookies. Stir them in gently with a spatula, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

For the best texture, it’s a good idea to chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and enhances their flavor. If you're in a hurry, you can skip this step, but for optimal results, it's worth waiting.

Baking the Cookies to Perfection

After your dough has chilled, it’s time to bake. Preheat the oven to the temperature specified in the recipe, usually between 350°F and 375°F, depending on the type of cookie.

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This will allow the cookies to spread without touching each other. If you prefer perfectly round cookies, consider using a cookie scoop for uniformity.

Let the Cookies Cool

Once the cookies are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This allows them to set and firm up. After a few minutes, transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This step ensures that the cookies maintain their crispy edges and retain a soft center.

Bright Minds, Big Hearts: Choosing Public Service After Academic Success

Published on:09/09/2025

Graduating at the top of the class often feels like the golden ticket. Opportunities flood in—prestigious jobs, scholarships, and career paths paved with promise. For many, this is the dream. Yet, for some high achievers, success isn’t complete without service. They realize that knowledge is most powerful when it’s used to lift others, not just themselves. The path from academic excellence to public service is not always the easiest, but it’s one filled with meaning, resilience, and the chance to create real change.

The Call Beyond Achievement

Earning high grades and accolades is rewarding, but eventually the glow fades. For top students, the question becomes: what comes next? Many find themselves searching for something more than recognition. Public service answers that call by offering a purpose that stretches beyond personal achievement. Instead of focusing solely on individual progress, it’s about contributing to society, whether through education, healthcare, policy, or grassroots work. That shift changes everything—from how success is measured to how life feels at its core.

When Knowledge Meets Responsibility

Being top of the class doesn’t just mean knowing—it means learning how to use it. Public service provides an avenue for applying academic skills where they’re most needed. A graduate in law may help communities access justice, a science scholar might focus on environmental advocacy, while a top student in health studies could serve underserved populations. The classroom builds expertise, but service channels it toward impact. It’s the moment when intellect and responsibility merge.

Redefining the Idea of Prestige

Society often places prestige in salaries, titles, or corner offices. Yet those who move into public service show that prestige can mean something different. Prestige can be found in drafting fair policies, in creating access to education, or in leading relief efforts for struggling families. While the financial rewards may be smaller, the pride that comes from making a difference is immeasurable. These individuals prove that being respected doesn’t always require wealth—it can come from integrity, compassion, and commitment.

Learning From the People You Serve

High grades often bring confidence, but public service teaches humility. Working with communities means learning from people whose knowledge comes not from books but from lived experience. Farmers understand sustainability, parents know resilience, and elders carry wisdom about survival and tradition. Top students who choose this path quickly realize that real-world learning never ends. Every interaction becomes a lesson in empathy, patience, and the human side of leadership.

The Power of Role Models

History and everyday life are full of stories where brilliant students chose service over luxury. Leaders, teachers, reformers, and healthcare workers often began as individuals with limitless options, who instead devoted themselves to the collective good. Their decisions inspire new generations to see education not as a ladder to climb alone, but as a bridge to help others cross. When young people see top students serving society, they understand that achievement is not just about reaching the finish line—it’s about bringing others along.

Fulfillment That Lasts Longer Than Medals

Trophies, certificates, and awards look good on a shelf, but they don’t carry the same weight as lives touched. In public service, fulfillment comes from the impact you can see and feel. It might be a child learning to read because of your program, a family gaining access to clean water, or a community thriving after years of neglect. These moments last longer than medals because they aren’t just achievements—they are legacies. For many, that sense of fulfillment is what makes the challenges of service worthwhile.

Balancing Dreams With Duty

Choosing public service doesn’t mean giving up on dreams—it means expanding them. A person can still pursue higher education, professional growth, and personal goals while serving. The difference lies in striking a balance between individual ambition and the responsibility to contribute to the greater good. Many discover that this balance actually enriches their lives, offering both personal satisfaction and a more profound sense of purpose. Service and ambition don’t have to compete—they can strengthen each other.

Inspiring Change One Step at a Time

The journey from classroom to community doesn’t always require grand gestures. Change often begins small—a tutoring program, a health initiative, or local advocacy. These steps, however modest, ripple outward. One inspired action leads to another, and soon entire communities feel the difference. For top students who choose public service, this ripple effect becomes their most significant accomplishment. It proves that brilliance paired with compassion can transform more than one life—it can shape a society.

Some roads are nice. Some roads are fun. But a few streets? They’re legends. They’re the kind of rides that every motorcyclist dreams of, where adrenaline meets beauty and the journey itself becomes the destination. If you live for the roar of your engine, the lean of your bike, and the horizon calling your name, these are the seven rides you absolutely must experience at least once in your lifetime.

Route 66, USA – The Legend of the Open Road

You’ve seen it in movies, you’ve heard it in songs, and you know the name by heart: Route 66. The “Mother Road” is more than a highway—it’s an American icon. Spanning nearly 2,500 miles, it takes you from Chicago’s skyscrapers to Santa Monica’s beaches. Along the way, you’ll ride through dusty deserts, quirky roadside attractions, and towns that feel frozen in time. It’s not just a ride, it’s an initiation into motorcycling culture.

Pacific Coast Highway, California – Where the Ocean Meets the Asphalt

Few rides scream freedom like California’s Pacific Coast Highway. Imagine leaning into sharp coastal curves while the Pacific Ocean pounds against cliffs just feet away. With every turn, you’re hit with a new view: golden beaches, towering redwoods, and sunsets that light up the horizon. From San Francisco to Los Angeles, this ride is pure cinematic beauty—except you’re not watching it, you’re living it.

Great Ocean Road, Australia – A Rider’s Playground

Down in Australia, the Great Ocean Road delivers 150 miles of jaw-dropping scenery. It’s got it all: rainforests dripping with life, surf towns buzzing with energy, and the towering limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles standing guard in the ocean. Wildlife joins the party too—kangaroos in the fields, koalas in the trees, and exotic birds above. Every stretch feels alive, making this ride a true playground for motorcyclists.

Stelvio Pass, Italy – The Road of 48 Bends

You want a challenge? Welcome to Stelvio Pass, Italy’s alpine beast. At over 9,000 feet and with 48 hairpin bends, this road is a gauntlet. It’s technical, demanding, and not for the faint-hearted. Every curve forces precision, every climb tests endurance. But when you reach the summit and look out across the Alps, you’ll understand why Stelvio is a rite of passage. Conquer this road, and you’ll feel like you can conquer anything.

North Coast 500, Scotland – The Call of the Highlands

Scotland’s North Coast 500 isn’t just a ride—it’s an epic. Stretching 516 miles through the rugged Highlands, it’s a blend of raw coastline, shimmering lochs, and roads that wind through landscapes straight out of legend. One moment you’re riding past ancient castles, the next you’re hugging a cliff above a roaring sea. Add in unpredictable weather, and the NC500 keeps you on your toes. This is adventure riding at its purest.

The Garden Route, South Africa – A Journey of Contrasts

In South Africa, the Garden Route is a festival of variety. Over 190 miles, you’ll experience beaches, forests, mountains, and towns bursting with culture. Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna Lagoon, and Bloukrans Bridge (home to one of the world’s highest bungee jumps) are just a few highlights. The roads are smooth, the views unforgettable, and the energy electric. It’s a ride that combines thrill and beauty in equal measure.

Leh-Manali Highway, India – Riding Above the Clouds

If you’re looking for the ultimate test, the Leh-Manali Highway in India is waiting. This Himalayan monster climbs above 17,000 feet, making it one of the highest motorable roads on Earth. Think treacherous passes, unpredictable weather, and oxygen so thin it’ll leave you breathless. But then there’s the payoff: endless snow-capped peaks, ancient monasteries, and valleys that look like they belong on another planet. It’s brutal, it’s beautiful, and it’s the ride of a lifetime.

Why These Roads Are Legendary

What ties these seven rides together? It’s the mix of thrill, beauty, and story. Each one pushes you—whether it’s the technical twists of Stelvio, the vast horizons of Route 66, or the thin air of the Himalayas. They’re not just roads to ride; they’re experiences that etch themselves into your memory and fuel your soul long after the engine goes quiet.

Final Thoughts

For bikers, the world is best measured not in miles, but in moments—those heart-racing, jaw-dropping, soul-freeing moments that only the right road can give. These seven rides are the pinnacle of that experience. They’re not just destinations on a map; they’re the roads that remind us why we ride.

So if you’re waiting for a sign, this is it. Pack your gear, fill your tank, and hit one of these legendary routes. The adventure of a lifetime isn’t out there somewhere—it’s right here, waiting on the road.