You’re Invited: Studio Open House & Ribbon Cutting

Creations by Beth Photography LLC

You’re invited 🤍 Creations by Beth Photography is hosting a studio Open House on May 7, and we’d love for you to stop by! This is a great opportunity to tour the studio, see real examples of heirloom artwork and albums, and get a feel for what a full portrait experience looks like—from newborn to family sessions. Whether you’re expecting, have little ones, or simply want to update your family portraits, this is a relaxed, no-pressure way to explore what we offer. 📍 9700 W 197th Street, Suite #102-C, Mokena We’d love to welcome you in and connect with more families in the community 🤍 A small giveaway will also be available for those who attend ✨

Will County

Lauren Traut

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Mokena

Illinois

You’re invited 🤍 Creations by Beth Photography is hosting a studio Open House on May 7, and we’d love for you to stop by! This is a great...

Peace Preschool

Peace Preschool is a smaller-scale Christian preschool that offers classes to children ages 3-5 in a loving and nurturing environment. What makes us unique? * large outdoor play area with playground * full-sized gymnasium * dedicated library * many field trips and special events throughout the school year * opportunities for parents to assist in the classroom

Andrea Earnest

Frankfort

Peace Preschool is a smaller-scale Christian preschool that offers classes to children ages 3-5 in a loving and nurturing environment. What makes...

Crystals, Reiki & Sound Healing for the Mind, Body & Spirit

High Ho Gems, Inc.

A welcoming space for healing, exploration, and spiritual education. Step into our crystal and rock wonderland in Mokena, Illinois. Visit our retail store to explore crystals from around the world, spiritual books, gemstone jewelry, traditional brass singing bowls from Nepal, and a wide variety of holistic offerings. At High Ho Gems, Inc., experience immersive sound baths featuring the world’s leading Crystal Alchemy Singing Bowls by Crystal Tones. These extraordinary instruments are also available for purchase, as we are a registered partner. Education is at the heart of what we do. We offer a wide range of classes and events, including Reiki certification (Levels 1–3), chakra studies, crystal education, meditation, women’s circles, Reiki Shares, holistic markets, and our long-running concert series. Shop consciously sourced crystals, receive Reiki, experience sound healing, and grow through guided classes and workshops in our Mokena healing studio. We are a family-owned small business, proudly serving the community since 2014 and rooted in Mokena since 2020. Mission At High Ho Gems, Inc., our mission is to create a heart-centered community where people of all backgrounds feel safe, welcomed, and supported. We offer authentic, high-vibrational experiences that help individuals connect more deeply with themselves, spirit, and their purpose—uplifting, inspiring, and bringing light to every soul’s journey.

A welcoming space for healing, exploration, and spiritual education. Step into our crystal and rock wonderland in Mokena, Illinois. Visit our...

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 County

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....

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)...

December  specials posters coming to follow.

Black Wednesday @ Floyd's Alehouse 60 craft beers, great drinks/ food all house made, live music

Black Wednesday @ Floyd's

Neighbor News

Orland Park

New Lenox

Oak Forest

Manhattan

Homer Glen-Lockport

Lorraine Swanson

Palos

Lemont

Homewood-Flossmoor

VFW Post 9545

Online orders can be placed as early as 8 a.m. on Friday for pickup at your chosen time, starting at 4:30 p.m. Phone orders are taken starting @ 3:30 pm
Try our&nbsp;hand-trimmed and hand-breaded fried chicken.
We are famous for our hand-breaded fried cod, but why not try our Baked Cod Dinner for a change?
 Harry E. Anderson VFW Post 9545
323 Old Hickory Rd
New Lenox, IL 60451
815.485.8369
Enjoy Sit-down dining!
Carry-out ordering is now available online! Go to the menu link below and scan the available QR Code. Pre-order to have your meal ready for you to come in and pick up&nbsp;at your selected time. Why wait on the phone when you can order and pre-pay online with our secure system?
Menu link: <a href="https://vfwpost9545.org/friday-fish-fry-menu/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://vfwpost9545.org/friday...</a> 
<figure><img src="https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/3443549/20230923/111100/vfw-post-9545-online-ordering___23111057652.jpg" data-image="vfw-post-9545_Online_Ordering.png"></figure>
Scan QR Code or click on the link below:
<a href="https://www.toasttab.com/vfw-post-9545" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.toasttab.co</a><a href="https://www.toasttab.com/vfw-post-9545" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">m/vfw-post-9545</a>
 
Our Year-Round Fish Fry is closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Holidays, and occasionally USA Independence Day.
Our Full-Service Bar will be open.
PUBLIC WELCOME!
For a change, try our Wing Dinner with&nbsp;Baked potato or Fries!!
Voted in the Top 5 Fish Fry in Chicagoland by “Chicago’s Best” and "Best Fish Fry" by "Best of Lincolnway 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 &amp; 2025 Readers Choice Awards!" 
Come on out and enjoy the best "Year Around Friday Fish Fry"&nbsp;(except for a few holidays)in the South Suburbs, as featured on WGN’s “Chicago’s Best!” Now serving Baked Icelandic Cod Fillet with choice of Baked Potato or French Fries, Icelandic Cod breaded and deep-fried golden brown. Shrimp, scallops, ½ chicken, and chicken&nbsp;tenders for the kids. All meals come with Coleslaw, French fries, and bread with butter. The baked potato is now available with all meals.
Coffee and Tea are free. A Pastry table is available for dessert, and we also have a full cash bar.
Tax is included in all of our prices.&nbsp;
All of Our Meals Are prepared with “Trans Fat-Free” Canola Oil since 2001.
Full-service bar at Fish Fry. 
Kid-friendly. Try the Chicken tenders for the kids.
Dine-in or carry-out. Our complete menu is on our website: <a href="https://vfwpost9545.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://vfwpost9545.org</a>. For carry-outs, phone ahead at 815.485.8369. Order online, and you won't have a busy signal!!
The fish fry opens at 4:30 p.m. and runs until 7:30 p.m. For your convenience, we now accept Visa, Discover, and MasterCard at Fish Fry.&nbsp;
There is plenty of parking available, and it is handicap accessible.
Feeling lucky? After dinner, stroll into the Canteen and try your luck with our
Accel Video slots and poker games. You could win $500 on a single spin!
OUR SLOT PLAYERS HAVE WON OVER $52 MILLION.
Closer than the Casinos, it avoids all that nasty I-80 truck traffic. Helps Support Local Veterans and Our Community Services! Easy to get to. Close to
I-80 and I-355.
PUBLIC WELCOME. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YOUR VETERANS!
ATM-Visa/MasterCard/Discover accepted. Entertainment is every Friday in the bar after the Fish Fry. Top List karaoke or Good Time DJ.
323 Old Hickory Rd, New Lenox, IL. 60451. Plug it into your GPS! 815.485.8369
<a href="https://www.vfwpost9545.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.vfwpost9545.org</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/vfwpost9545" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/vfwpost9545</a>
As Seen on “Chicago’s Best!”
and "Best Fish Fry" selection 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 &amp; 2025&nbsp;in "Best of Lincolnway."
Also, "One of the Best of Will County 2025!"

Plenty of parking and handicap accessible.

Local Event: NL VFW Friday Fish Fry.  Dine in or Order Carryout online, phone-in and save time at pickup!. 

NL VFW Friday Fish Fry.  Dine in or Order...

Online orders can be placed as early as 8 a.m. on Friday for pickup at your chosen time, starting at 4:30 p.m.  Phone orders...

NL VFW Friday Fish Fry.  Dine in or Order Carryout online, phone-in and save time at pickup!. 

Come out for a great night of Classic Rock by “SIDE EFFECTS!” Playing many different hits from many artists. bridging the 70's to 90's, and more.
 The music is Hot, and the cocktails and beer are cold—12 beers on tap, including Craft. Domestic bottles are $3, and a 5-bottle domestic beer bucket is $12. There are plenty of Seltzers, too. You can take a break anytime and try your luck with our new Video Slots and Poker. Maybe you could win $500 on a single spin! The machines are ready and waiting. Closer than the Casinos, it avoids all that nasty I-80 truck traffic. Try your luck. OUR SLOT PLAYERS HAVE WON OVER $52 MILLION!
There is plenty of parking available, and it is accessible for people with disabilities. You must be 21 to attend. ATM on-site, Visa/MasterCard/Discover accepted. Easy to get to. Close to I-80 and I-355. 323 Old Hickory Rd, New Lenox, IL. 60451 Plug it into your GPS! 815.485.8369 – <a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.vfwpost9545.org/?fbclid=IwAR0OSC9-huZNTCBMNg2OAhknrpEVqEAHCHz-e_oQ2aLBc6t0mwFpq5IDax4" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/vfwpost9545.org</a> No Cover-Public Welcome! Must be 21

Local Event: NL VFW Post 9545 Presents: The Band “Side Effects” in the Bar, Friday. No Cover Public Welcome 21+

NL VFW Post 9545 Presents: The Band “Side...

Come out for a great night of Classic Rock by “SIDE EFFECTS!” Playing many different hits from many artists. bridging the 70's...

NL VFW Post 9545 Presents: The Band “Side Effects” in the Bar, Friday. No Cover Public Welcome 21+

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...

Be Kind to Your Mind Mental Health &amp; Wellness Fair SATURDAY May 30th~A Day for Wellness Warriors, Healing, and Family Fun~ Call your crew, bring the kids, and come be part of something powerful because this is more than an event, it’s a celebration of strength, healing, and community. For over 16 years, Toy Box Connection, a local children’s charity in Orland Park, has been dedicated to lifting up families and giving back in meaningful ways. Now, we are raising the bar even higher with our 2nd Annual Mental Health/Wellness Fair &amp; Walk—an event created with the whole family in mind, bringing people together to support one another while strengthening the mental wellness of our community .Happening Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the event welcomes wellness warriors of all ages for a full day of connection and care. The 2K interactive, meditative walk is designed to be fluid throughout the day - no start time, no pressure. Whether you join for five minutes or the full experience, it’s an opportunity to slow down, breathe, and move at your own pace alongside others on a shared journey. The heart of the day continues with a vibrant wellness fair featuring local vendors, mental health advocates, and holistic practitioners offering resources, tools, and inspiration. You’ll find opportunities to learn, explore, and connect in ways that feel approachable and empowering and because healing doesn’t have to be heavy, the event is filled with family-friendly fun. Kids can play on the big obstacle course, bounce house, engage in the huge games, families can relax, and everyone can enjoy food trucks and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to stay awhile. Home Depot will be there to build small crafts with all who would like to get creative. What makes this event truly special is the sense of unity it creates. That’s the heart of this day, showing up as wellness warriors for ourselves and for each other . go to <a href="https://www.toyboxconnection.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExRk9FOG9ieEN5d0xiVEFCdnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7sgAmsuUAbdFiTL6ZqmgPuHmSgQKDe9P268z7CnwefG2w4gXmKEclERPpHcg_aem_rjdDBIIoinC5mRbH_6AuGw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.toyboxconnection.com</a> for all the details hope to see you all there!

Local Event: "Be Kind to Your Mind"           Free ~Mental Health/Wellness Fair & Meditation Walk 10am -3pm

"Be Kind to Your Mind"           Free ~Mental...

Be Kind to Your Mind Mental Health & Wellness Fair SATURDAY May 30th~A Day for Wellness Warriors, Healing, and Family Fun~ Call...

"Be Kind to Your Mind"           Free ~Mental Health/Wellness Fair & Meditation Walk 10am -3pm

Free Scrap Metal Pickup. We Pick up: All Appliances, Farm Equipment, Garden Tractors, Snowmobiles, Automotive(all car related parts), Furnaces,Nuts, Bolts, Nails, Screws&hellip;if it&rsquo;s Metal we&rsquo;ll take it away for you. If you&rsquo;re wondering if we can take a particular item just give us a call and ask. For Free Pickup please call Brian @ 815-210-8819

Free Scrap Metal Pickup

Free Scrap Metal Pickup. We Pick up: All Appliances, Farm Equipment, Garden Tractors, Snowmobiles, Automotive(all car related parts), Furnaces,Nuts...

Hiring: Part-Time Choir Director
Trinity Lutheran Church New Lenox, IL Choir Director Position - Part Time 
508 North Cedar Road New Lenox, IL 60451
Choir Director Job Description and Duties:
-Choose music from files and/or purchase (from budget*) music for selected services. 
-Music is chosen based on voicing, church year theme, readings, and/or gospel reading, if possible. Difficulty level is also a consideration. 
-Let church secretary know for placement in the service bulletin. 
-Organize music including filling and emptying folders and filing music. 
-Conduct rehearsals. 
-Direct choir at services and rehearsals. 
-Choir rehearsals have been held on Wednesday nights at 7pm for usually 1 hour (could be adjusted). More time needed near Easter and Christmas. 
-Choir has traditionally sung after the 2nd reading during services. We also sing during offering as well as for prelude. (concurred with pastor - anywhere during service as needed). 
-Singing dates are chosen based on choir member availability and when music is fully prepared. 
-Singing dates that happen every year: 
*Reformation Sunday, the Sunday before Thanksgiving as well as on Thanksgiving 
*Christmas Eve 11:00pm Service 
*Ash Wednesday 
*Maundy Thursday 
*Good Friday 
*Easter at Both Services 
*Confirmation 
-Choir sings during Advent, Lent, and ordinary time. 
-Recruiting new members
Extra info: 
-During Lent, other rehearsal arrangements may need to be made since Wednesday have the Soup and Sandwich and Lenten Services. Choir has switched to Mondays or Thursdays before. (sometimes practices have been held between the 8:00am and 10:30am Service.) 
-If the organist is not available to accompany, the director may need to hire (budget funds) someone who is capable on piano, organ or other instrument. 
-Presently two choir members teach Sunday School, so when we have to sing during offering at the 9:00am service. The director may text them when the sermon starts.
-Questions, please call or email: (815) 485-6973 or <a href="mailto:tlcsecretary508@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">tlcsecretary508@gmail.com</a>

Trinity Lutheran Church in New Lenox, IL Hiring...

Trinity Lutheran Church in New Lenox, IL Hiring: Part-Time Choir Director

New Lenox Flower Shop, Baseball Tourney...

The business and organization have partnered to make Mother's Day special for moms at Wintrust Crossroads Sports Complex in New Lenox. 

New Lenox Flower Shop, Baseball Tourney Organizer To Treat 1,000 Moms To Carnations On Mother's Day

Business

Lincoln-Way Central Flower Sale To Benefit...

The May 9 sale benefits the Transition program for special services students that focuses on job readiness and transitioning out of school. 

Lincoln-Way Central Flower Sale To Benefit District 210's Transition Program 

Community Corner

Mokena Park District Calls Out Kids Who Damaged...

One juvenile involved has since come forward. 

Mokena Park District Calls Out Kids Who Damaged Picnic Tables At Main Park 

Man Accidentally Shoots Himself, Barricades...

The incident happened Tuesday evening in the 10500 block of Sharon Lane.  

Man Accidentally Shoots Himself, Barricades Himself Inside Home: Mokena Police 

Crime & Safety

'It Was All God': Tinley Park Woman, Car Wash...

After four months of wondering if she'd ever find her hero, Stacey Doranski met Skyler Smith in person Monday. 

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition