Entertainment

More Than a Race:

Why Dirt Oval 66 Is Helping Kids Put Down Their Screens Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright | Photography by Chris Moran The rumble starts before the first race. Families unfold lawn chairs in the parking lot. Grills fire up. Kids grab crayons for a coloring contest, collect temporary tattoos, and line up to meet drivers before engines ever roar to life. Live music fills the air while children dart between bounce houses, graffiti walls, and autograph sessions, building memories long before the...

Finance + Legal Services

Beyond the College Fund

Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright | Photography by Jean Lachat For many parents, saving for college begins long before acceptance letters arrive. According to the Education Data Initiative, at 4-year public universities, 41.4% of tuition comes from parent's income and savings. But as education costs continue to rise and family finances become increasingly complex, the question is no longer simply how much to save, it's how education fits into a family's broader financial future. That shift is...

Entertainment

The Kids Will Rock You

How Lincoln-Way Rock Orchestra Builds Musicians, Mentors, and Memories Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright | Photography by Emily Noesen Kids Will Rock You When most people picture a school orchestra, they imagine classical repertoire performed under formal lighting and quiet expectation. The Lincoln-Way Rock Orchestra turns that image on its head. Each summer, students from across the Lincoln-Way district step onto a stage transformed into a full-scale concert experience—complete with a live...

Professional Services

Giving Every Child a Voice

Article by Kenadee Berry | Photography by Jean Lachat Communication is about more than words, it's about connection. Every child deserves the opportunity to share who they are in a way that feels natural to them. At Kids Can Do, that belief is captured in a simple but powerful philosophy: "All Voices Matter." As Clinic Director, Erica Kluck explains, "Every child deserves the opportunity to communicate and connect regardless of how they express themselves." Whether through spoken language...

Home + Design

Your Backyard,

Every Day of the Year Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright Backyard pools have evolved far beyond a place to cool off on hot summer days. Today, homeowners across the Lincolnway area are creating outdoor spaces that function as year-round extensions of their homes, designed for family dinners, playdates, quiet evenings, and entertaining. According to the team at Aqua Pools, families are taking a more intentional approach to backyard design. "We're seeing families think about the entire...

Life + Culture

Ultimate Kids & Pets Round-Up

Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright Ultimate Kids & Pets Round-Up: Birthday Parties House of Lala's Custom Lip Gloss Bar - Frankfort:  Celebrate your next birthday at House of Lala with a custom lip gloss experience! Choose your pigment, add shimmering luster, pick a signature scent, personalize with charms and create unforgettable memories together.  Ballet 5:8 - Orland Park Put on your dancing shoes and celebrate at Ballet 5:8! Party guests enjoy ballet-themed games, creative movement...

Travel

Explore...Quick Getaways

Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright Summer is the season for adventure. Whether that means soaring through the treetops on a zipline, discovering a hidden hiking trail, relaxing on a sun-soaked beach, or exploring a new town, memorable experiences are often found just beyond the familiar. In this Explore issue, Lincolnway City Lifestyle invites you to embrace the spirit of discovery and make the most of the season ahead. Adventure doesn't have to mean crossing oceans or checking off a...

Health + Wellness

Explore...Farmers Market Finds

Article by Kenadee Berry | Photography by Kenadee Berry & Jean Lachat In an age of online shopping, self-checkout lanes, and next-day delivery, Lincolnway's farmers markets remain one of the few places where shopping still feels personal. More than a destination for fresh produce, they serve as gathering spaces that reflect the people, businesses, and traditions that make our area unique. What makes a farmers market so special is the sense of connection it fosters. Neighbors greet one another...

Local Services

Explore...The Next Chapter

Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright | Photography by Chris Moran For many families, the search for senior living begins during a season of uncertainty. A hospital stay, growing safety concerns at home, or the increasing demands of caregiving can quickly turn future planning into an urgent and emotional decision. In those moments, families are often left navigating unfamiliar terminology, financial considerations, and fear of making the wrong choice. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans serve as a family...

Wellness

Explore...With Confidence

Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright | Photography by Jean Lachat Summer has a way of inviting people to say yes: yes to road trips, weekend getaways, backyard projects, spontaneous adventures, and long-awaited life changes. But true freedom to explore often comes from something less visible: feeling prepared for whatever life may bring. That sense of confidence, according to experts at the Kathy Miller/Roger Kruel State Farm Agency, starts with protecting the things that matter most so families...