Family Focus Travel

You have reached the travel planner who believes every family deserves a vacation filled with wonder, laughter, and zero stress. With over 30 years in the corporate arena, I know firsthand how precious your time is—and how critical it is to step away from deadlines, meetings, and overflowing inboxes. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to create vacations where you get to relax, recharge, and simply enjoy the magic. I’m not just passionate about Disney destinations, Mickey Mouse and I are basically best friends. My daughter and I have spent countless vacations exploring Disney parks and resorts, learning all the little secrets that turn a good trip into an unforgettable one. From the perfect parade spot to the must‑try snacks to the hidden gems most guests miss—I’ve lived it, loved it, and can’t wait to share it. Think of me as the human version of Tinker‑Belle: I fix things, I build things, and I sprinkle a little pixie dust and enchantment when I plan Disney Vacations. Whether you’re dreaming of a multigenerational adventure, a first‑time visit, or a return to your family’s happy place, me and my pixie dust are ready to craft a vacation that fits your family perfectly. No stress. No guesswork. No endless planning tabs open on your laptop. Just magic—tailored to you.

Will County

Lauren Traut

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Mokena

Illinois

You have reached the travel planner who believes every family deserves a vacation filled with wonder, laughter, and zero stress. With over 30 years...

Come shop our fresh selections of rotating seasonal produce.

Dean’s Greens Farmstand at Boley Farm

Located on the scenic Boley Farm in Orland Park, IL, Dean's Greens is your go-to destination for fresh, locally grown plants and produce. We offer a vibrant selection of annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, vegetable plants, and finished vegetables—perfect for gardeners and food lovers alike! You’ll also find artisan breads, local organic honey, and seasonal favorites, all curated to support a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Visit us - open 7 days a week - at 8101 W 151st St to experience friendly service, farm-fresh products, and a charming rural atmosphere.

Cook County

Orland Park

Located on the scenic Boley Farm in Orland Park, IL, Dean's Greens is your go-to destination for fresh, locally grown plants and produce. We offer...

Scoliosis and Orthopedic Physical Therapy Private Practice

The Curve Clinic PLLC

At The Curve Clinic, we provide specialized physical therapy services for children, teens, and adults with a focus on scoliosis care through the Schroth Method, as well as pediatric and adult orthopedic rehabilitation. Our mission is to deliver individualized, evidence-based care that helps every patient move better, feel stronger, and improve confidence in their daily lives. We specialize in the Schroth Method, a non-surgical scoliosis approach designed to improve posture, breathing mechanics, spinal alignment, strength, and overall function. Each treatment plan is tailored to the unique needs of the individual, empowering patients and families with education and exercises that support long term success. In addition to scoliosis-specific care, The Curve Clinic provides comprehensive orthopedic physical therapy to a wide range of conditions including posture-related pain, sports injuries, developmental concerns, joint and muscle pain, mobility limitations, and recovery from injury or surgery. We are committed to creating a supportive and compassionate environment where patients of all ages can achieve their goals and return to the activities they love. At The Curve Clinic, we believe movement matters, and every patient deserves personalized care that promotes strength, function, and quality of life.

Andrea Earnest

Frankfort

At The Curve Clinic, we provide specialized physical therapy services for children, teens, and adults with a focus on scoliosis care through the...

country concrete inc

We are a family owned and operated business, serving Frankfort and surrounding communities. Wewe specialize in stamped and decorative concrete. We also do pools, driveways, walks and much more. Our reputation is strong and our goal is quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. 

We are a family owned and operated business, serving Frankfort and surrounding communities. Wewe specialize in stamped and decorative concrete. We...

Clearway Promise providing a seamless process!

Clearway Exteriors

We put our customers first walking you through the entire process creating a seamless experience the clearway of doing Business. Home renovations replacing or installing windows, doors, roofs, siding, gutters, gutter guards, soffit &amp; fascia, painting.

Tinley Park

We put our customers first walking you through the entire process creating a seamless experience the clearway of doing Business. Home renovations...

Hope, healing & justice for abused children.

Will County Children's Advocacy Center

The Will County Children's Advocacy Center was founded in 1995 by State's Attorney James Glasgow to partner with multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) comprised of law enforcement, DCFS investigators, medical personnel, prosecutors, and Will County CAC forensic interviewers, family advocates, and trauma therapists in response to reports of severe physical abuse, sexual abuse, commercial exploitation, neglect, and exposure to violence of children, in Will County, IL. Our Will County CAC intake/MDT coordinator, forensic interviewers, family advocates, and trauma therapists provide the following services: * Forensic Interviews: After a child is referred to the Will County CAC by law enforcement or the IL Dept. of Family Services (DCFS), our Intake Coordinator schedules a forensic interview for the child. One of our 4 forensic interviewers listens to the child’s story and asks non-leading, developmentally-appropriate questions as the child talks about the trauma he/she has experienced. Law enforcement, prosecution, DCFS, and mental health professionals observe the interview from a separate room. This reduces trauma for the child and provides a stronger foundation if the case goes to court. * Family Advocacy: Our family advocates are committed to helping each family navigate the complex systems that a family enters when a child makes an outcry of abuse. As each case goes through the investigation, prosecution and healing process, the team is there to help the family understand the process, learn about their rights and successfully access resources that will help their family during crisis. * Trauma-Focused Therapy: Our team of licensed clinical social workers provide short-term, trauma informed therapy to children who have received a forensic interview. Since child abuse affects the whole family, the services are available at no cost to both the child and their non-offending family members. Individual and group therapy is offered in English and Spanish.

Will

Crest Hill

The Will County Children's Advocacy Center was founded in 1995 by State's Attorney James Glasgow to partner with multidisciplinary teams (MDTs)...

Party in the Park Monday, July 28 6:00 – 7:30 pm Butternut Creek Woods Park FREE Come on out for an evening of FREE Family Fun!  Presented together by the Frankfort Park District and LWSRA, this party starts at 6:00 pm and will include a DJ dance party, surprise guest mascots, giant inflatable, giveaways and more!!!  A great time is guaranteed for all!    For additional information on the events listed above, please visit <a href="http://www.frankfortparks.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.frankfortparks.org</a> or call the Park District office at 815.469.9400

Monday, July 28 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Butternut Creek Woods Park FREE

Come on out for an evening of FREE Family Fun!  Presented together by the Frankfort Park District and LWSRA, this party starts at 6:00 pm and will include a DJ dance party, surprise guest mascots, giant inflatable, giveaways and more!!!  A great time is guaranteed for all!

For additional information on the events listed above, please visit <a href="http://www.frankfortparks.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.frankfortparks.org</a> or call the Park District office at 815.469.9400

Party in the Park

Health & Fitness

New Lenox

Oak Forest

Manhattan

Homewood-Flossmoor

Chicago Heights

Lorraine Swanson

Palos

Homer Glen-Lockport

Gotion Illinois Manufacturing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Students Earn International Scholar Award
MANTENO, IL July 16, 2026 — A group of Illinois high school and college students who spent their summer immersed in advanced battery manufacturing will soon embark on a journey halfway around the world as part of Gotion Illinois' inaugural International Scholar Award Program.
Departing Chicago on Sunday, July 19, the students, accompanied by local elementary, high school, and college STEM educators, and parents will participate in a 10-day educational, arts and cultural exchange across China. The group includes high school students from Herscher, Bradley-Bourbonnais, Clifton Central, Manteno, and Kankakee Bishop McNamara that is joinng college interns from UIUC, UIC, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Virginia Polytechnic, Wheaton, and ITT and others with degree programs ranging from engineering to business to architecture.
The trip marks the culmination of Gotion Illinois' summer internship program, which provides students with hands-on exposure to advanced battery manufacturing and clean energy technologies. Throughout the summer, participating high school and college students worked with experts at Gotion Illinois’ Manteno plant, gaining hands-on experience producing energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The internship introduced students to the wide range of careers that support advanced manufacturing, from engineering and quality control to supply chain, operations and Research and Development. The International Scholar Award Program combines workforce development, STEM education, the arts and cultural exchange, providing students with an opportunity to learn from global industry leaders while experiencing a new culture firsthand.
As a global battery technology company, Gotion Illinois created the Scholar program to help students of all majors better understand the international nature of the battery industry, and the role innovation, research, the arts and manufacturing play in advancing clean energy technologies worldwide. "The International Scholar Award reflects Gotion Illinois' commitment to investing in the next generation of innovators, engineers, and community leaders," said Mark Kruesel, Vice President of Manufacturing at Gotion Illinois. "We are proud to provide them with the opportunity to explore advanced battery manufacturing, connect with industry experts, and gain a broader perspective on the global technologies shaping their future."
Over 10 days, participants will travel through Shanghai, Nanjing, Hefei, and Beijing, where they will visit advanced manufacturing facilities, tour leading universities, engage with technology experts, and explore some of China's most renowned historical landmarks. The group will return to the United States via Guangzhou. Among the highlights of the trip are visits to the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and a variety of cultural, educational, and technology-focused destinations that showcase China's advancements in innovation, manufacturing, and sustainable energy. For many of the students selected, this will be their first opportunity to travel internationally and see how the technologies they studied this summer are developed and manufactured around the world. "This is a unique opportunity to see how our local community is connected to the larger world," said International Scholar Emily Lyle. Educators accompanying the delegation say the experience will have a lasting impact not only on students but also on local classrooms and communities.
“This is just our first cohort,” said Director of Public Affairs Andrew Wheeler. “We look forward to providing enough runway for full participation from all partners, including Kankakee 111 and Kankakee Area Career Center next year. Next year begins when we kick off October Manufacturing Month with Student and educator tours of the facility, and a look at local Advanced Manufacturing in a global context.”
 ###
About Gotion Illinois
Gotion Illinois is developing next-generation battery technology and advanced manufacturing solutions to support the growing demand for electric mobility and energy storage. Through partnerships with local schools, colleges, universities, and community organizations, Gotion Illinois is committed to workforce development, STEM education, and creating opportunities for future industry leaders.
Media Contact -&nbsp;Andrew Wheeler Gotion Illinois, Director of Public Affairs 
a.wheeler@gotion.com

Local Event: Students Earn International Scholar Award

Kankakee County

Manteno

Students Earn International Scholar Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Students Earn International Scholar Award
MANTENO, IL July 16, 2026 — A group of Illinois high school...

We are known for having a large well-organized, and clean sale with fantastic prices. We have clothes, toys, books, tools, small furniture, housewares, decorations,and a “boutique”area with brand, new items, and collectibles.

Local Event: Christ Lutheran Church Rummage Sale

Christ Lutheran Church Rummage Sale

We are known for having a large well-organized, and clean sale with fantastic prices. We have clothes, toys, books, tools,...

CD&ME

<h2>Rock the Night Away at SummerFest 2026! Friday, July 17 @ 6PM | CD&amp;ME, Frankfort</h2>
<h3>Get ready for an unforgettable night of live music, great food, and summer fun - all for a great cause! Your ticket includes live music performances, delicious eats and access to our cash bar.</h3>
&nbsp;Rain or shine |&nbsp; 21+ only | Spin the prize wheel for instant and premier prizes!
Special shoutout to our Lincoln-Way High School Alumni celebrating with us - grab your reunion tickets! Not part of a reunion? No problem - just select General Admission. Want your class to join the celebration? Reach out and let's make it happen!

Local Event: Lincoln-Way Foundation's SummerFest

Lincoln-Way Foundation's SummerFest

Rock the Night Away at SummerFest 2026! Friday, July 17 @ 6PM | CD&ME, Frankfort
Get ready for an unforgettable night of live...

Quality Inn - Georgios Banquets

Dig through 40 dealer tables featuring a massive selection of Rock, Blues, Pop, Country, and Jazz vinyl, plus cassettes, CDs, and music memorabilia. General admission is just $3.00 with kids attending for free, or get early bird access with a $10.00 preview at 7:30 A.M.

Local Event: Orland Park Record Collectors Show

Orland Park Record Collectors Show

Dig through 40 dealer tables featuring a massive selection of Rock, Blues, Pop, Country, and Jazz vinyl, plus cassettes, CDs,...

White Oak Library District: Lockport Branch

Get ready, fandom lovers! Lockport’s 10th Annual Comic and Fandom Con is leveling up again this year with over 60 artists, writers, and specialty vendors offering exclusive merch you won’t find anywhere else—all at budget-friendly prices. Show off your best cosplay for a chance to win cash prizes, rock out to live music, laugh it up with an improv group, and catch insights at the artist panel. Plus, there’s a scavenger hunt, a themed photo booth, and yes—zombies! This is your ultimate fandom adventure—don’t miss it!&nbsp;
Swag bags for the first 500 attendees. Follow your fandoms at this FREE show presented by the White Oak Library District and the Lockport Council of Arts.&nbsp;
121 E 8th Street, Lockport IL. Find out more at <a href="https://whiteoaklibrary.org/comicopolis" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">COMICOPOLIS.ORG</a> and on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/7676315335818212" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">comicopolislockport</a>.&nbsp;

Local Event: Comicopolis

Comicopolis

Get ready, fandom lovers! Lockport’s 10th Annual Comic and Fandom Con is leveling up again this year with over 60 artists,...

Northern Builders is pleased to announce the invitation to bid for the epoxy flooring scope of work for the renovations at Fire Protection District Station #2 to any union epoxy flooring contractors. Proposals must include a formal proposal as well as a bid bond form in a sealed envelope and send it to Northern Builders office at 5060 River Road, Schiller Park Illinois. Contractors can use the plans from the link below to formulate their proposal.&nbsp;<a href="https://northernbuilders.sharefile.com/public/share/web-s369e115cfbd04c038bab51d85c4069a9" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">northernbuilders.sharefile.com/public/share/web-s369e115cfbd04c038bab51d85c4069a9</a>
Contractors have until 12 pm on July 24th to submit their proposal and bid bond form to Northern Builders. Any proposal not submitted in a sealed envelope will not be accepted.

New Lenox Fire Protection District #2 Epoxy...

Northern Builders is pleased to announce the invitation to bid for the epoxy flooring scope of work for the renovations at Fire Protection District...

New Lenox Fire Protection District #2 Epoxy FLooring Invitation to Bid

Across Illinois

Accused Teen Killers 'Wanted To Be Together,'...

Among the five family members killed are reportedly the teen girl's grandmother, aunt, cousin and siblings. 

Accused Teen Killers 'Wanted To Be Together,' Had Instagram 'List' Before Family Mass Murders: Reports

Community Corner

Junior Firefighter Academy Kicks Off In Frankfort

Kids ages 5-10 can head to the fire station for a day of the academy to learn about the fire service and fire safety.

Joliet

Joliet Criminal Defense Attorney Will Take Over...

Honiotes has represented high-profile defendants including the grade school janitor facing child porn charges.

Joliet Criminal Defense Attorney Will Take Over Will County Public Defender's Office

Politics & Government

🌱 Patch AM: Woman Seeks To Thank Children Who...

Spotted on the Frankfort calendar: Students Earn International Scholar Award

🌱 Patch AM: Woman Seeks To Thank Children Who Stopped, Offered Comfort During 'Worst Day Of My Life'

Woman Seeks To Thank Children Who Stopped,...

When her mother, a recent brain cancer survivor, suffered a heart attack, a woman says 2 children stopped to make sure she wasn't alone.

Nearby Communities

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Health & Fitness

Party in the Park

Frankfort Park District, Community Contributor

Find out what's happening in Frankfortfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Frankfortfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

More from Frankfort

Obituary: Mary Ann Hill (nee Hutton)

Junior Firefighter Academy Kicks Off In Frankfort

A Connection Across Generations

Students Earn International Scholar Award

Christ Lutheran Church Rummage Sale

Lincoln-Way Foundation's SummerFest

Orland Park Record Collectors Show

Comicopolis

New Lenox Fire Protection District #2 Epoxy FLooring Invitation to Bid

Dean’s Greens Farmstand at Boley Farm

Family Focus Travel

The Curve Clinic PLLC

country concrete inc

Clearway Exteriors

Will County Children's Advocacy Center

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Party in the Park

Frankfort Park District, Community Contributor<img alt="Verified User Badge" class="styles-module-scss-module__AKw7-a__Badge" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-user.svg"/>

Find out what's happening in Frankfortfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Frankfortfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Frankfort Park District, Community Contributor