Health + Wellness

Thankful for Movement

How Body Fountain Helps Lincolnway Stay Well Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright | Photography by Jean Lachat For many, gratitude in November centers on family gatherings, holiday traditions, and warm meals around the table. But for Krystal Wilson, owner of Body Fountain in Mokena, there’s another gift to be thankful for: movement. “Massage can help keep bodies feeling and performing years younger by reducing muscle tension,” she explains. “When stiffness decreases, joints move more freely...

Home + Design

Ready, Set, Shine

Holiday Hosting Tips from Cynthia’s Cleaning Service Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright The holidays are a season of warmth, joy, and connection, but they can also bring stress when preparing your home for guests. Sharon Newman of Cynthia’s Cleaning Service offers advice to help families create a clean, welcoming space without losing the spirit of the season. “It always starts with creating a feeling,” Sharon says. “The holidays are about warmth, so focus first on the spaces guests notice...

Education

The Quiet Heroes: Nurses

Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright At Lewis University, nursing is more than a career path: it’s a calling to serve, heal, and bring comfort during life’s most vulnerable moments. This spirit of compassion and resilience shines through in the voices of faculty and students alike, who embody the quiet heroism that defines the profession. For Dr. Pam Taylor, Chair of the Department of Nursing, watching students choose this path inspires deep hope. “Seeing so many students choose to begin or...

Professional Services

Beyond the Blue

Celebrating Our Police Dogs Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright | Photography by Jean Lachat Across Lincolnway, a quiet but powerful partnership is on patrol — one built on loyalty, dedication, and four paws. The K-9 units of Mokena, New Lenox, Manhattan, and Frankfort aren't just enhancing public safety. they’re deepening connections between departments and the people they serve. This Thanksgiving season, we take a moment to celebrate these remarkable teams and the gratitude that drives them. ...

Arts + Culture

Everyone Belongs

On the Dance Floor Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright At Momentum Dance, inclusivity isn’t a buzzword—it’s the foundation of everything. Since opening the studio in 2016, owner Lauren Skiniotes has been committed to ensuring that every dancer, regardless of age, ability, size, or experience level, has a place to belong. “Inclusion has always been at the forefront of our minds and hearts,” Lauren shares. “Adapting our space, teaching styles, and performances to include dancers of all abilities...

Home + Design

Porch Chats & Life Lessons in Gratitude

Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright At The Cottages of New Lenox, gratitude is more than seasonal—it’s part of daily life. From the moment you step onto the beautifully landscaped grounds and into one of the five intimate cottages, a sense of warmth, connection, and purpose is felt. Each cottage houses just 16 residents, creating a personal, community-centered environment that feels like home rather than a large senior living facility. “Everyone here is family—from our care team to residents and...

Health + Wellness

Chinese Massage Therapy

Tui Na (pronounced twee-nah) is one of the oldest and most comprehensive forms of therapeutic bodywork in the world. Originating in China over 2,000 years ago, Tui Na is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—alongside acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and Qi Gong. Its name means “push and grasp,” describing the rhythmic, hands-on techniques used to restore balance, relieve pain, and promote overall wellness.A Brief HistoryThe origins of Tui Na can be traced back to ancient...

Food + Beverage

A Taste of Purpose

How One Marian Village Resident Inspires Through Food and Fellowship Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright When Pam Dieters moved to Marian Village two years ago, she brought more than boxes of belongings into her new cottage home; she brought with her a lifelong love of food, family, and community. Pam’s passion for cooking began decades earlier, when she was raising six children and looking for a way to stay busy at home. From her small kitchen, she launched a catering business, preparing hors...

Food + Beverage

Coffee to Cocktails

Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright | Photography by Jean Lachat There’s something comforting about the ritual of a perfectly brewed cup of coffee or a thoughtfully crafted cocktail. These aren’t just beverages, they’re moments of pause and presence. When made with intention, they invite us to slow down, connect, and savor. Whether it’s a bold single-origin roast or a balanced craft cocktail, the best drinks begin with care, quality, and a story. That story starts with the beans. For David...

Food + Beverage

Local Bites

Treats on the Move Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright Local food-on-wheels entrepreneurs are bringing big flavor and heart to our community, serving everything from icy treats and artisan coffee to sweet donuts and stunning charcuterie. Mobile food businesses are more than just convenient meals—they’re community connectors, bringing people together through shared experiences and bold flavors. From weddings and farmers markets to local events, these food-on-wheels entrepreneurs roll into town...