Health + Wellness

Pu-Erh Tea 普洱茶

Pu-erh tea is one of the most fascinating and misunderstood categories of tea in the world. Originating in Yunnan Province, Pu-erh is prized not only for its flavor but for its aging potential and digestive-supportive qualities.The two main styles—Sheng Pu-erh (raw) pronounced shēng pǔ’ěr in Mandarin and Shou Pu-erh (ripe) pronounced shú pǔ’ěr —come from the same large-leaf tea trees but differ dramatically in processing, taste, and physiological effects.Understanding these differences helps you...

Arts + Culture

The Heart of Lincolnway:

Our Lincolnway Mayors Share What Sets Us Apart Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright | Photography by Jean Lachat Across New Lenox, Manhattan, Mokena, and Frankfort, the idea of “community” goes far beyond municipal boundaries or population numbers. It lives in the way neighbors show up for one another, in how growth is guided by shared values, and in the pride residents feel for the places they call home. While each village has its own history, character, and pace of development, their leaders...

Home + Design

Redefining Home:

Creating Comfort, Dignity, and Connection at Marian Village Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright | Photography by Chris Moran Home, at its core, is not defined by walls or addresses—it’s defined by how a place makes you feel. In senior living, that distinction matters more than ever. At Marian Village, home is intentionally shaped around comfort, dignity, and connection, creating an environment where residents feel safe, known, and deeply respected as individuals. “Home is more than a place—it’s...

Home + Design

The Art of Sanctuary

Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright In a world that rarely slows down, the meaning of home has quietly evolved. It is no longer defined simply by square footage, finishes, or address. Today, home is measured by how it feels—the moment you step inside and the way your body responds. For Randi Lynn Quigley, founder of The Randi Lynn Group and an eXp Luxury Agent, this shift is unmistakable. “Life moves fast now. Faster than ever,” she says. “Because of that, home has become a place of rest and...

Home + Design

Your Home, Expanded:

Outdoor Spaces Designed for Life Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright Home begins where you breathe deeply and feel completely at ease. For many, that sense of sanctuary stretches beyond the walls, into a sunlit backyard, a twilight-lit deck, or a quiet nook beneath a louvered roof. Mike Mitchell of Mitchell Construction knows that an intentional outdoor space isn’t just a place to step—it’s a place to linger, to connect, and to savor life’s small luxuries. “Home shouldn’t stop at the back...

Home + Design

Climate Control Systems:

Comfort You Can Feel, Systems You Can Trust Article by Kenadee Berry | Photography by Jean Lachat While we often think of 'home' as a place where we live and keep our belongings, feeling 'at home' is so much more. It is the warm embrace of your space and your family. It is the calm that falls over us after a long day or a rough week. Home is not just something we see, it’s something we feel. It’s the place where tension eases, routines feel familiar, and the noise of the outside world finally...

Home + Design

Sense of Home

Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright | Photography by Chris Moran For today’s buyers, the definition of home has shifted. It’s no longer just about where you live, but how you live—and how a space supports the life you’re building inside it. “Today’s buyers are focused on how a home supports their lifestyle,” says Peggy Alexa of Re/Max 10. “Functional layouts, move-in-ready finishes, energy efficiency, smart-home features, dedicated work-from-home space, and usable outdoor living areas all matter...

Health + Wellness

Medicinal Mushrooms for Optimal Health

Medicinal mushrooms occupy a unique intersection between food, tradition, and modern science. Revered for thousands of years in Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM/TCM), later explored in Western herbalism, and now investigated in immunology and neurobiology labs worldwide, these fungi are increasingly recognized as powerful allies for maintaining optimal health.This article explores:Historical use in East Asia and the WestThe fruiting body vs. mycelium debateEvidence-based supplement...

Education

Growing Local Leaders

at the University of St. Francis Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright | Photography by Jean Lachat The University of St. Francis has long been a cornerstone of higher education in Joliet, and under President Dr. Ryan C. Hendrickson, its Franciscan mission feels more connected to the community than ever. Dr. Hendrickson’s journey to USF was shaped by a deep Catholic formation, from studying under Benedictine monks in his Nebraska high school to the Jesuit influence of his years at Marquette...

Finance + Legal Services

Loving Local

with Murray & Regan Law Article by Nicole Swanberg Wright | Photography by Jean Lachat For Murray & Regan Law, community isn’t just a concept—it’s a philosophy that guides every aspect of their work. With deep roots in the Lincolnway area, the firm aims to be more than a legal resource; it strives to strengthen the neighborhoods, schools, and businesses that define the region. “Community is more than just the people you see around or the local businesses; it is a feeling and a shared sense of...