Students at Vaughn are thrilled to have the chance to play basketball. (Matt Michaels/The Northwest Passage)

From the ground up: Special Olympics program thriving at Vaughn High School

December 15, 2011 | No comments yet

When Jacqueline B. Vaughn Occupational High School tipped off its basketball season on Tuesday afternoon, the excitement surrounding the Eagles had very little to do with projected win-loss records. Instead, students were buzzing over the opportunity to play a sport they previously could only watch. Since 1968, Vaughn has been home to Northwest Side public… Read More »

Sports Harvest Inc. owner Chuck Massingill predominantly sells McFarlane sports figures. (Matt Michaels/The Northwest Passage)

Q&A: Portage Park store offers a fresh approach to sports collecting

October 9, 2011 | No comments yet

Five years ago, 58-year-old Chuck Massingill took a big gamble and left his longtime job as a baker to pursue his dream of running his own sports memorabilia shop. Today, he is the proud owner of Sports Harvest Inc. in Portage Park. Question: Why did you get out of the food industry and risk opening… Read More »