Entertainment

Holiday Magic in Motion:

Ballet 5:8 and Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra Unite Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright | Photography by Jean Lachat This holiday season marks an exciting artistic first for the South Suburbs, as Ballet 5:8 and the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) collaborate to present Beyond the Nutcracker. The partnership brings live symphonic performance and original ballet storytelling together on one stage, offering audiences a rich and immersive approach to a seasonal favorite. The collaboration...

Shopping

Lincolnway Gift Guide

Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright This time of year brings a cozy feeling to our neighborhoods, full of celebration and connection. Lights glow in windows, tables fill with shared meals, and family traditions take center stage. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, or simply cherish the cozy spirit of the season, this time of year invites us to reflect on what matters most: community, connection, and care. And one of the most powerful ways to nurture those values...

Professional Services

Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life

Coaching with Randi Lynn Quigley Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright During the holidays, gifts often come wrapped in paper and ribbons, but some of the most meaningful presents are not things at all. For Randi Lynn Quigley, a successful real estate agent and elite business coach, coaching itself can be the greatest gift. “I got into coaching because I know what it feels like to lose everything and rebuild from the ground up,” Randi Lynn says. “Real estate gave me financial success, but...

Finance + Legal Services

Legacy Planning

A Gift That Lasts Beyond the Holidays Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright | Photography by Jean Lachat The holiday season often inspires reflection. As families gather, conversations naturally turn to traditions, values, and the future. For Joe Dowling of Dowling Financial Services and Wealth Management, it’s also the perfect moment to begin another kind of conversation, one that extends well beyond holiday dinners or gift exchanges. It’s the conversation about legacy. “Legacy planning is the...

Education

Providence Catholic:

Building Hearts, Minds, and Community Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright At Providence Catholic High School, the Augustinian values of truth, unity, and love aren’t just ideals, they're the foundation of everyday life. “It’s the basis for our curriculum, expectations for how we treat each other and our community and they are guiding principles for decisions that we make,” says Steve Cardamone, Director of Institutional Advancement. “Much more than what makes us different from all other schools...

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...