Beyond the Book, A Literary Experience

Bookstore • Coffee • Podcast Studio Step into Beyond the Book, a cozy literary haven where stories, coffee, and community come together. More than a bookstore, we’re a creative hub for readers and writers—celebrating diverse authors, hosting inspiring workshops, and nurturing the next generation of storytellers. From our South Suburban Literary Book Award to our Aspiring Authors Workshop, we honor the power of words to connect and transform. Whether you’re writing your first page or sipping your favorite brew, you’ll find your place, and your story, Beyond the Book. Through collaborations with thought leaders, nonprofits, and corporations, Beyond the Book weaves together a community where the love of reading, writing, and authorship is celebrated and cultivated with intention.

Cook County

Lauren Traut

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Homewood-Flossmoor

Illinois

Bookstore • Coffee • Podcast Studio Step into Beyond the Book, a cozy literary haven where stories, coffee, and community come together. More than...

Affordable Legal Help for Every Illinois Resident

Joerika Stitt Esquire, LLC — My Illinois Court Navigator™

Attorney-guided legal help for Illinois residents — no retainer, no consultation required. Flat-fee uncontested divorce starting at $1,850. Attorney-drafted prenuptial agreements starting at $1,850. Small business formation starting at $1,500. Licensed Illinois attorney serving clients statewide.

Cook

Olympia Fields

Joerika Stitt Esquire, LLC — My Illinois Court...

Attorney-guided legal help for Illinois residents — no retainer, no consultation required. Flat-fee uncontested divorce starting at $1,850....

Book now for spring exterior painting and deck staining

Orland Painting and Decorating Service LLC

Local family owned painting contractor with 36 years experience specializing in interior and exterior painting, drywall and plaster repair, wall covering installation , interior window refinishing, power washing and deck repair and staining.

Orland Park

Local family owned painting contractor with 36 years experience specializing in interior and exterior painting, drywall and plaster repair, wall...

A Calm, Inclusive Space for Mental Wellness

Step-by-Step: The Spa for Your Mind

Step-by-Step: The Spa for Your Mind is a modern mental wellness practice focused on therapy, emotional balance, and personal growth. We provide a calm, affirming, and inclusive environment where clients can explore their mental health at their own pace. Our approach centers on compassion, self-awareness, and individualized care rather than pressure or one-size-fits-all solutions. We support individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, burnout, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm. Step-by-Step is committed to culturally responsive and LGBTQ+ affirming care, ensuring that all clients feel safe, respected, and heard. Mental wellness is a journey, and we are here to walk it with you, one step at a time. Two locations to serve you: • Evergreen Park Location: 9730 S Western Ave, Suite 203, Evergreen Park, IL 60805 • Homewood Location: 1820 Ridge Rd, Suite 303B, Homewood, IL 60430

Lorraine Swanson

Evergreen Park

Step-by-Step: The Spa for Your Mind is a modern mental wellness practice focused on therapy, emotional balance, and personal growth. We provide a...

The Parent Teacher Organization will meet at 7 p.m. ﻿

The Parent Teacher Organization will meet at 7 p.m.

School District 161 PTO Meeting

Schools

Chicago Heights

Oak Forest

Tinley Park

Lake County

Munster

Indiana

Alsip-Crestwood

Hammond

Will County

Andrea Earnest

Frankfort

Chicago

Beverly-MtGreenwood

Mokena

Izaak Walton Preserve

Join Thorn Creek Audubon guides for an immersive bird watching tour through the beautiful Izaak Walton Preserve. Kick off your morning with coffee and muffins at 7:00 AM before heading out to spot diverse local species including waterfowl, warblers, and woodpeckers at 8:00 AM.&nbsp; Celebrate Homewood's World Migratory Bird Day.

Local Event: World Migratory Bird Day

World Migratory Bird Day

Join Thorn Creek Audubon guides for an immersive bird watching tour through the beautiful Izaak Walton Preserve. Kick off your...

Soundgrowler Brewing Co.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo 2026 with a vibrant artisan market and craft experience at Soundgrowler Brewing on Saturday, May 2. From 12 PM to 5 PM, Streetz Artz Alliance will transform the barrel room and outdoor beer garden into a lively marketplace featuring over 40 artists and makers. This event highlights creativity inspired by culture, community, and the spirit of Cinco de Mayo. As you explore the market, enjoy a wide selection of craft beer and beverages from the brewery while browsing unique, handmade goods. Take a break in the taproom or relax on the patio and enjoy freshly prepared tacos and other delicious food offerings available on-site. This family-friendly event is free to attend, with ample on-site and nearby parking available for guests. Event Details: What: Cinco De Mayo Artisan Market When: Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 12 PM – 5 PM Where: Soundgrowler Brewing Co. 8201 183rd St Suite P, Tinley Park, IL 60487 Come sip and shop with us for an afternoon of art, food, and community. Discover one-of-a-kind finds and support local artists while enjoying a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

Local Event: Cinco de Mayo Artisan Market

Cinco de Mayo Artisan Market

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo 2026 with a vibrant artisan market and craft experience at Soundgrowler Brewing on Saturday, May 2....

Old Western Avenue & Broadway Street

Mai Fest is back for the 5th year bigger than ever!&nbsp; With over 100 artisan vendors, 4 live bands, and food and drink, it promises to be a great day!&nbsp; A great way to celebrate Mother's Day weekend..find mom the perfect gift, or spend the day perusing the handmade goods and enjoying the live music.&nbsp; The fest runs from Noon to 5pm.&nbsp; There is free parking available in the city lots off of Western Ave north of the Cal Sag, and there will be a free shuttle to transport folks from the lots to and from the fest.

Local Event: Mai Fest 2026 Arts & Crafts Street Fair

Blue Island

Mai Fest 2026 Arts & Crafts Street Fair

Mai Fest is back for the 5th year bigger than ever!  With over 100 artisan vendors, 4 live bands, and food and drink, it...

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583090793623&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZbacLItXB132WqgNeeuGrCTPZYWLgON1s90EWCJwriX8RIS4xyUFbKKfXH22K0dlQHr-LYt_ywmTXSZLQXrNSALca1ZDe_iXbtu8P829LqYDk8xOMPTljRLM1S7mu0pQgNKN2ooTzDQf3uwXKDS0lbE1HdoW_tnBro2EuWqKgvK696c3EXT_dwWdAiWfPLGCQg&amp;__tn__=-%5DK-R" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Boxes of Hope TFC</a>, a program of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/firehousechapel?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZbacLItXB132WqgNeeuGrCTPZYWLgON1s90EWCJwriX8RIS4xyUFbKKfXH22K0dlQHr-LYt_ywmTXSZLQXrNSALca1ZDe_iXbtu8P829LqYDk8xOMPTljRLM1S7mu0pQgNKN2ooTzDQf3uwXKDS0lbE1HdoW_tnBro2EuWqKgvK696c3EXT_dwWdAiWfPLGCQg&amp;__tn__=-%5DK-R" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Firehouse Chapel</a> in Orland Park, has been selected by Sterk Family Law Group, PC as the Non-Profit Hero of the Month.
Food insecurity affects many hard-working families. 
There are many children whose main meals are served at school. What happens to these children on weekends?&nbsp;
Boxes of Hope helps fill the gap by providing food boxes for students to take home!&nbsp;
 Through the help of volunteers, Boxes of Hope packs and delivers food boxes to local schools, where they are distributed anonymously to children in need. 
Each box is put together to cover a full weekend of meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for every child in the household. 
While the program primarily supports children facing food insecurity, Boxes of Hope has also stepped in to assist families during times of unexpected need, such as a family crisis, fire, or other emergency.&nbsp;
Boxes of Hope is an example of how simple acts, done consistently, can make a difference!
As this month's Non-Profit&nbsp;Hero award recipient, Sterk Family Law Group, PC&nbsp;presented Boxes of Hope with a generous donation to help them continue their good work and featured the organization on their popular Spotify podcast hosted by attorney and #1 legal book author, Gwendolyn Sterk. 
If you know a family who can benefit from Boxes of Hope, or if you are in a position to volunteer or donate to Boxes of Hope, please check out Gwen Sterk's interview with Alexis Rodriguez and Jason Riha as they share how Boxes of Hope works behind the scenes.
Podcast Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F41NDTSP%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExcm9CalhIeGs5b1FYYWpBT3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6Hl2kDksAd3XGGF382EHYl1_VVFnCMo4_dGsufcOVoVXEFfYgraJCCm8txvA_aem_JzNjvzZhO99zISDHoqRN5A&amp;h=AT4styePW0-HEcrdM2QeU2a-gWggZeSj1myWC5xTWR2RCIyTC0Mzkn2L4JNdCxhAx0Omv8UdxhK21Di0pa29XsW3Q-oEqQGF7rf-wZXz_dAjApxA2p9iW9IfwAl22y_H-PuZRV69oUzyrzk6QMevtJCdwOoWArwt&amp;__tn__=R%5D-R&amp;c%5B0%5D=AT62s_WzH723XKWXYgM5C9R48Ta-l3BirCpBpGsKo7coloCWkF4J-E6BXg_Rd_3vdClJ4RXtWo23K83IhZrhBls7Sd7BufC_KXeqXNdldLNwiThgdLG-DkkGKuAuETfK1bLljU9G-0sGAgMsyFvG185_ERrcx39xeYfSuEGhsOJzgY4a0yk-x-vzuxPGjJ4" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">https://bit.ly/41NDTSP</a>
Sterk Family Law Group, PC
11508 West 183rd Place NW
Orland Park, IL 60467
Phone: (815) 600-8950 &bull; Fax: (815) 600-8519
<a href="mailto:info@sterkfamilylaw.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">info@sterkfamilylaw.com</a>
<a href="https://www.sterkfamilylaw.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Orland Park Divorce &amp; Family Law Attorney | Sterk Family Law</a>

Boxes of Hope, A Program of Firehouse Chapel,...

Boxes of Hope TFC, a program of the Firehouse Chapel in Orland Park, has been selected by Sterk Family Law Group, PC as the Non-Profit Hero of the...

Boxes of Hope, A Program of Firehouse Chapel, Honored as Non-Profit Hero of the Month

McHenry County

Crystal Lake-Cary

New Tornado Alley?: IL Tops Nation in Twister...

Illinois has recorded 111 tornado reports so far in 2026, more than double the next-highest state, according to AccuWeather data. 

New Tornado Alley?: IL Tops Nation in Twister Reports In 2026

Weather

South Suburban Death Notices, Week Of April 27

South suburban obituaries and available visitation information.

Obituaries

Monthly Vehicle Fee Kicks In May 1 For...

The fee replaces the vehicle sticker in the village.  

Monthly Vehicle Fee Kicks In May 1 For Flossmoor Residents 

Politics & Government

Homewood Public Works To Host Open House

The May 16 event is free to attend and open to the public. 

Community Corner

Flossmoor School District 161 Recognized With...

The district will receive a $10,000 award to support the implementation of new and impactful opportunities for English Learner students. 

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition