David Zaycek Mokena Branch
Legacy in the Making
Hello Lincolnway,
I hope you enjoy this final month of Spring! June is our time to dedicate content to HIM: the man in your life who has made a special impact. For some, a father, grandfather or brother made the first lasting impression. For others, it could be a religious leader, a teacher, or a coach. Our intent is to acknowledge and celebrate those special men who made a difference in our lives.
Speaking of making a difference, this edition focuses on Legacy Leaders who have made a difference for all of us. A legacy is money, property or intangible value passed down from an ancestor or predecessor. It often refers to the long-term impact of a person's life. As we researched Lincolnway for legacy stories, we were overwhelmed by the strong and invaluable heritage this area represents. Our feature article shares just a few of the most enduring legacy stories built by great men of character, diligence, and a commitment to longevity. We admire their strength and are grateful they are a part of the Lincolnway community.
To our local fathers: enjoy your day - June 21st. It's a wonderful time for us to recognize all you bring to your family and the personal legacy you're creating. All the best,
JANET VIANE, PUBLISHER
@LINCOLNWAY_CITYLIFESTYLE
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Janet Viane | janet.viane@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Nicole Swanberg Wright
nicole.swanbergwright@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Kenadee Berry | kenadee.berry@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Meg Mueller | meg@socialbutterflysocialmedia.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Chris Moran: cmoranphotography@gmail.com
Jean Lachat: jean@jeanlachatphotography.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Proverbs 3:5-6
JUNE 2026
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Mayors Keith Ogle (Frankfort) and Mike Adrieansen (Manhattan) joined us at Enrico’s for the party. 2: Voorn, Preston & Carlasare joined us for an evening reflecting on growth and partnership, and what’s ahead. 3: Always a pleasure connecting with New Lenox Economic Development Coordinator Nancy Dye, Mayor Tim Baldermann 4: Publisher Janet Viane and part of her family at the anniversary party 5: Grateful to share the evening with Mitchell Construction and the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce. 6: Mokena Mike, as seen on the February cover, performed at the anniversary party. 7: Celebrating with partners Right Choice Home Care, Zoelife Psychiatric Services, and Nave Wellness.
JEAN LACHAT
JEAN LACHAT
CHRIS MORAN
JEAN LACHAT
CHRIS MORAN
CHRIS MORAN
8: Momentum Dance won a Studio Spirit Award at a dance competition for kindness and unity. 9: More than 300 Lincoln-Way students were recognized at the Celebration of Biliteracy. 10: Body Fountain recently sponsored the Lincoln-Way Half Marathon & 10K!
business monthly
Firm Reflects New Leadership in Name Change
Voorn, Jaworski, & Preston, PLLC has officially rebranded as Voorn, Preston, & Carlasare PLLC, reflecting the firm’s evolving leadership and continued commitment to delivering trusted, client-focused legal counsel.
IPO Composer-In-Residence Oswald Huỳnh Named 2026 Fellow in Music Composition
Congratulations to Oswald Huỳnh on being named a 2026 Guggenheim Fellow in Music Composition, an extraordinary and well-deserved honor. An IPO Composer-In-Residence and 2022 Classical Evolve winner, Oswald continues to make a profound impact through his innovative and deeply expressive work. His achievements reflect remarkable talent, dedication, and artistic vision.
Brian Sewell of Guild Mortgage Earns Recognition
Congratulations to Brian Sewell of Guild Mortgage on being named among the Top 1% of Mortgage Originators in America for 2025 by Mortgage Executive Magazine. This outstanding recognition reflects the trust of his clients and partners, as well as the dedication of the Sewell Team. Known for a commitment to helping clients achieve homeownership, Brian continues making a meaningful impact in the community.
Legacy Leaders
ARTICLE BY NICOLE SWANBERG WRIGHT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN LACHAT
Fleckinstein's Bakery Herder Bros, Inc.
in New Lenox and Mokena in Frankfort
Fleckenstein’s Bakery began as Joan Fleckenstein’s passion for cake decorating. In 1977, she and her husband, Bob, opened a small bakery, and the community’s immediate support quickly turned it into a full-time business. Their sons grew up in the bakery, starting with simple tasks and gradually learning everything from mixing dough to decorating. By 1985, Ray Fleckenstein had joined full time, and over the years, multiple generations have worked alongside one another. Joan and Bob instilled a strong commitment to quality, using the best ingredients and taking pride in every product, while also ensuring fair prices so customers receive real value. That balance continues to guide the bakery today. What means the most to Ray is the connection to the community. Fleckenstein’s now serves generations of families, from wedding cakes to everyday treats, becoming a meaningful part of their traditions.
Herder Bros. was founded in 1920 by three brothers—Fredrick, Harry, and Eugene Herder—in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood. Starting with horse-and-wagon deliveries of ice in the summer and coal in the winter, the business evolved over generations into trucking, moving, and storage. Today, it operates as a small trucking company with a specialized focus, including piano moving and assisting seniors transitioning into and out of assisted living.
While the business has changed, its core values remain rooted in providing quality, friendly service. One tradition that endures is the presence of a Herder family member on every job site: a hands-on approach that has helped sustain the company for over a century.
Family ownership has always been central to Herder Bros. Across generations, relatives have worked side by side. Today, the next generation continues to lend a hand, carrying forward a legacy built on family involvement and dedication.
Scott's U-Save Tire & Automotive Whitmore Ace Hardware
in New Lenox
Scott’s U-Save has roots in a family automotive legacy dating back to 1919, when the owner’s great-grandfather launched one of Chicago’s first parts distributorships. Years later, his father chose to branch out, opening his own two-bay tire shop and gas station. That independent spirit helped grow the business into four locations with more than 50 employees. After his father’s passing in 1997, his mother led the company for over two decades—an uncommon role for a woman in the industry at the time. Since returning in 2018, the next generation has begun transitioning into ownership as she steps back.
The business is guided by a strong commitment to community impact. Beyond automotive service, the team prioritizes giving back through donations, partnerships with local organizations, and ongoing support of schools and food pantries.
At its core, Scott’s U-Save remains people-focused: supporting employees’ growth, building lasting customer trust, and maintaining a community-first mindset that continues to define its legacy.
locations in Manhattan, Mokena, New Lenox
Whitmore Ace Hardware traces its roots to 1896 in Wilmington, Illinois, when William Whitmore I opened a hardware store with his brother-in-law. Over time, the business continually adapted to meet customers’ needs—selling everything from horse-drawn carriages and coal stoves to automobiles, farm equipment, and modern appliances. While products have changed, the commitment to providing trusted goods and dependable service has remained constant. Today, the company serves communities across the south and west suburbs of Chicago, including the Lincoln-Way area, and is led by fifth-generation family members who are preparing the next generation for leadership.
A strong culture built on shared values has guided the business across generations. With a focus on continuous improvement, teamwork, customer service, and community impact, the company prioritizes people in every aspect of its work.
Operating as a fifth-generation family business carries both pride and responsibility—honoring a legacy while continuing to grow, adapt, and serve future generations.
VIDEO-FIRST
MEDIA STRATEGY
ARTICLE BY KIM HILL
GUYS’ GUYS’
Has it been too long since your tribe gathered to rib and one-up each other as only guys can do? To help plan a getaway for just the guys, City Lifestyle gathered an eclectic list of locations offering tons of things to see, do and experience. Here’s hoping the only ribs one will get on this guys’ getaway are the kind to hold in hands while barbecue sauce drips onto shirts. Scottsdale/Phoenix
There’s no other tournament on the PGA Tour like the Waste Management Phoenix Open and no hole like the legendary 16th, where 20,000 boisterous fans boo the tee shots that miss the green. The other 51 weeks of the year, golfers can play TPC Scottsdale or try one of more than 200 courses in the Scottsdale area, a top golf destination. Another winter event is the BarrettJackson Collector Car Auction. Even if one’s only collector car was a Hot Wheels, it’s a blast to peruse the acres of autos for sale before heading inside to watch the unique or renowned cars crossing the auction block. When it’s time to get moving, the strenuous hike up Camelback Mountain in nearby Phoenix
is a bucket-list item. Need a more moderate trail? Experience the same magic of the majestic saguaro cactus in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
New Orleans
It’s always a party in New Orleans (NOLA), especially when it comes to festivals, many of them centered around music. Folk to funk, gospel to jazz, zydeco, blues, African and other musical styles are celebrated on the Jazz and Heritage Festival’s 12 stages. If free admission is more desired, don’t miss the French Quarter Festival featuring local musicians and food vendors representing dozens of New Orleans restaurants. Part of the fun of Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo is admiring revelers’ watercraft, some of them homemade just for this festival on the banks of Bayou Saint John. If one of the festivals can’t be attended, there’s still plenty of NOLA live music, particularly the jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street. And when a break from crowds is needed, take a guided swamp tour. Kitschy, yes, but it’s a hoot to cruise around on a swamp buggy while looking for alligators.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
“America’s Sports Car” is produced at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, where visitors can join guided tours to observe Corvettes being built and learn the fascinating history of these sexy autos. See examples of all Corvette generations at the National Corvette Museum. And if the need for speed is still felt, a few times a year Xtreme Experience offers driving or ride-along events in exotics like Ferraris or Lamborghinis at the National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park. After getting all revved up, cool down at Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest known cave system in the world and a World Heritage Site, where guided tours take participants through tunnels humans have used for thousands of years. And after all this touring, the Bowling Green area is the southernmost point in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail of distilleries.
Austin
Live music rules here, with iconic venues such as Antone’s, The Continental Club, the White Horse and hundreds of other locations, from dive bars to big stages. From rock and blues to country and urban, music is heard every night of the week (and many afternoons as well). When guys are hungry, there are tons of barbeque and Tex-Mex joints. Unique food trucks are truly a thing here, with nearly 2,000 food trailers in town. Burn some calories biking or running the Southern Walnut Creek Trail or one of many paved paths. Get out on the water in a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard on Lake Travis or Lady Bird Lake. Take a dip in the historic Barton Springs Pool, where the underground springs keep the water around 68 degrees all year.
GETAWAYS
GETAWAYS
FOUR GREAT PLACES FOR GROOVES, GRUB AND GAWKING WITH BEST BROS
There Are Two Ways To Find Senior Living
Doing It Alone
• Endless phone calls
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A
With a Senior Living Expert
• One call, clear guidance
• Options matched to care & budget
• Tours coordinated for you
• Confidence in the decision
NEXT GEN LEADERSHIP
ARTICLE BY NICOLE SWANBERG WRIGHT
At its core, the practice of law is about people—guiding them through uncertainty, helping them make sense of complexity, and standing beside them in moments that matter. At Murray & Regan, that philosophy extends beyond client work and into the fabric of the firm itself, where mentorship, collaboration, and long-term vision are shaping not only careers, but a lasting legacy.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS MORAN
Across offices in Illinois, Ohio, and Washington, attorneys Drew Barnholtz, Catherine Lusk, and Jerry Krane each bring distinct paths and perspectives. What connects them is a shared belief that success in law isn’t just measured in outcomes—it’s built through relationships, growth, and the people you help along the way.
For Drew Barnholtz, based in the firm’s Cleveland office, the path to law was both personal and entrepreneurial. Inspired by his father, who practiced for 50 years, Drew saw early on how the profession could combine business acumen with meaningful service. Today, that dual passion defines his work, whether he’s structuring deals or helping families navigate critical decisions.
After nearly a decade-long friendship with co-founder Dan Regan, Drew stepped into the opportunity to help build out the Ohio office. It’s a role he sees as both energizing and deeply meaningful. “We are a family,” he says—a philosophy that extends to both colleagues and clients. For Drew, legacy means building something that lasts beyond any one individual. His vision includes growing the Ohio office into a powerhouse while contributing to the firm’s broader national presence.
In the firm’s Frankfort office, lead attorney Catherine Lusk brings a different, yet equally compelling journey. Originally drawn to law through an interest in neuropsychology, Catherine entered law school in her 30s intending to pursue international work. Instead, she discovered a passion for litigation.
That shift ultimately grounded her career. Litigation offered immediacy, strategy, and a direct connection to real-world outcomes. Over two decades, Catherine has found that some of the most influential teachers aren’t in courtrooms, but in the clients themselves. Working with individuals during some of the most
stressful periods of their lives has reinforced the importance of steady guidance, practical thinking, and empathy.
That perspective shapes her approach to mentorship. At Murray & Regan, Catherine finds herself both learning from senior partners and guiding newer attorneys. She sees mentorship not as a formal process, but as something embedded in daily work—reviewing drafts, preparing for hearings, and talking through decisions. For Catherine, legacy is about helping others build confidence, judgment, and pride in their work.
On the West Coast, Seattle-based lead attorney Jerry Krane shares a similarly people-centered approach. Drawn to law by a desire to help individuals navigate complex situations, Jerry views his role as both advocate and guide—someone who can bring clarity when it’s needed most.
His development has been shaped by a range of colleagues and experiences, giving him a practical understanding of the profession. Since joining the firm, Jerry has found mentorship to be a defining part of its culture. With strong support from leadership, he has embraced both learning and teaching as essential to the role.
For Jerry, mentorship goes beyond providing answers. It’s about helping others understand the reasoning behind decisions and building the confidence to navigate challenges independently. Like his colleagues, he sees legacy as something measured in impact—on people, culture, and the future of the firm.
Together, Drew, Catherine, and Jerry reflect what sets Murray & Regan apart. While their paths differ, their perspectives align around a common idea: growth is not an individual pursuit, but a shared one.
At Murray & Regan, mentorship isn’t a program. It’s a practice. And legacy isn’t just a concept; it’s something being built every day.
Preparing the Next Generation for More Than Wealth
Legacy by Design:
ARTICLE BY NICOLE SWANBERG WRIGHT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS MORAN
Founded from a modest investment newsletter in 1963, Charles Schwab Corporation grew into one of the most recognized names in finance by helping everyday investors access tools once reserved for Wall Street insiders. From pioneering extended service hours to launching 24-hour quote access, the company built its reputation on innovation, education, and long-term thinking— principles that continue to define its legacy today.
But legacy is about more than business milestones or financial growth. For many families, it means creating something lasting: values, opportunity, and a plan that can benefit future generations.
That is where David Zaycek, Branch Owner and Sr. Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab Corporation, helps clients navigate the bigger picture. With years of experience guiding families through financial decisions, David believes estate planning is about far more than dollars and cents...it is about preparing loved ones to carry forward both wealth and purpose.
Working with individuals and families at different stages of life, David helps clients align financial strategies with personal goals, whether they are planning for retirement, supporting children and grandchildren, or considering the impact they hope to make for generations to come. His approach centers on thoughtful preparation, communication, and preserving what matters most.
“Over the course of my experience, I’ve encountered countless stories of families who struggled to sustain wealth across generations. Preventing this requires rethinking the very definition of legacy. True legacy-building starts with shared family values, a commitment to passion and purpose, and a disciplined, rulesbased approach to financial decisions,” says David. “Passing down the wealth you’ve built over a lifetime can be a tremendous gift to your family. However, it’s important to ensure heirs are adequately prepared to embrace the advantages and responsibilities of inheriting a family legacy.”
Here are three questions to inform your planning and help ensure your legacy will live on.
How will your bequest impact your heirs?
A sudden influx of money can change a person’s life, sometimes in ways they might not welcome. What’s more, the decisions you make about the distribution of wealth among beneficiaries can potentially cause tensions that could threaten your legacy. Initiating candid conversations with your heirs can help you get ahead of such issues. Taking the time to discuss their concerns may help everyone feel more confident in your vision and more committed to ensuring its longevity.
Are your heirs equipped to manage the inheritance?
Another benefit of opening a dialogue with heirs is the opportunity to learn about their individual financial capabilities. Ensuring they are set up to be good stewards of the inheritance may be as simple as introducing them to your financial advisors and explaining your existing strategies. Other times, a more thorough financial education effort will be appropriate, perhaps in combination with one or more trusts to help relieve your heirs of some or most of the financial management responsibilities.
Do your heirs understand (and share) your intentions?
Discussing your goals and values for your legacy—and inviting your heirs to share theirs—can strengthen family bonds and help everyone move forward with a shared purpose. This alignment becomes even more important if you intend to pass down enduring assets, such as a family business, a charitable trust, or a valuable family home. Developing mutually held values can improve the chances of successfully sustaining the legacy you envision. Ultimately, a lasting legacy is built not just on wealth, but on preparation, communication, and shared values, ensuring future generations are equipped to preserve and carry it forward with purpose.
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
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FIDUCIARY FINANCIAL GUIDANCE
In a world where financial matters can feel overwhelming, Dowling Financial stands out as a trusted partner. By treating clients like family and embracing a holistic, collaborative approach, Joe addresses every aspect of financial planning—from retirement and tax strategies to estate planning and risk management. With a focus on aligning strategies with clients’ life goals, Dowling Financial offers a welcoming hand and a clear path toward achieving long-term success and peace of mind.
Consultations are always complimentary.
Joseph W. Dowling
President
BUILDING SKILLS, BUILDING
LEGACY
ARTICLE BY NICOLE SWANBERG WRIGHT
Legacy is often thought of in terms of what we leave behind—but in communities like ours, it’s just as much about what we pass on. Today, learning is no longer confined to a single path or phase of life. It’s dynamic, hands-on, and deeply rooted in connection. Across Lincolnway, organizations are creating opportunities for people of
all ages to build practical skills, explore meaningful careers, and share knowledge across generations. From teens discovering their confidence, to students preparing for the workforce, to adults reinventing their futures, community-based learning is shaping a legacy that extends far beyond the classroom.
“For younger members of the community, that journey often begins with connection at The Bridge Teen Center in Orland Park.” Aaron Heldt, Director of Marketing at The Bridge Teen Center, says the goal is simple: give teens the chance to actively participate, not just observe.
Through hands-on programming in carpentry, automotive basics, welding, and electrical work, students are introduced to skills that are both practical and increasingly rare in traditional education. Aaron explains that many of these trades-based experiences have been scaled back in schools and are no longer commonly taught at home, making early exposure even more critical. But at The Bridge, the impact goes far beyond technical ability.
In programs like “Thriftastic,” students gain real-world experience working in a fast-paced retail environment, building both hard and soft skills while learning to collaborate across generations. Volunteers from the community play a vital role, mentoring teens while passing down not only technical knowledge, but also work ethic and life experience. Aaron notes that this intergenerational exchange is where some of the most meaningful learning happens.
The transformation can be immediate. One student, initially hesitant to try welding, left her first session with a new sense of confidence after stepping up to the torch. Others discover long-term passions. Aaron shares the story of a student who first explored culinary arts at The Bridge as a seventh grader and now returns to lead programs, mentoring younger students and continuing the cycle of learning.
These experiences reflect a larger purpose: building a community of contributors, not just consumers. By helping teens realize “I can do this,” The Bridge is laying the foundation for confidence, independence, and future success.
As students grow, so do their opportunities to turn interests into tangible career paths. At Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210, Career and Technical Education programs are being reimagined to better align with today’s workforce needs and tomorrow’s opportunities.
Jen Vujosevic, Director of Community Relations for the district, explains that Lincoln-Way has restructured its CTE offerings into clearly defined career pathways. These programs reflect priorities set by the Illinois State Board of Education, focusing on high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand careers while helping students build technical expertise and transition successfully into college or the workforce.
Courses are intentionally designed in a progression, allowing students to move from exploration into mastery. By the time they reach advanced coursework, many students are prepared to earn industry-recognized credentials or step directly into professional environments.
But some of the most impactful learning happens outside the classroom. Through job shadowing, internships, and work-based learning experiences, students engage directly with local businesses and industry professionals. Organizations like SkillsUSA and Future Business Leaders of America provide leadership opportunities, while programs such as welding competitions, apprenticeship pathways, and research partnerships with Argonne National Laboratory expand students’ horizons.
In culinary programs, students take their skills into real-world settings—planning and executing full meals, catering events, and serving at community gatherings. These experiences build not only technical ability, but also confidence, teamwork, and professionalism.
Lincoln-Way’s commitment to skill-building extends beyond its students. Adult community education programs in welding and woodworking offer beginners the chance to explore new interests, with classes that are consistently in high demand. Jen notes that these opportunities reflect a growing desire for hands-on learning at every stage of life.
For many, that lifelong learning journey continues at Joliet Junior College, where education meets workforce development in powerful ways.
Katie Smith, Communications and Media Manager at Joliet Junior College, emphasizes that the college’s programs are designed with both students and the broader community in mind. From automotive technology and welding to HVAC, electrical systems, and precision machining, JJC offers a wide range of hands-on training aligned with real workforce needs.
Katie explains that preserving skilled trades is central to the college’s mission. By working closely with regional employers, JJC ensures its programs remain relevant while helping to strengthen the local economy. Many pathways offer stackable credentials, allowing students to enter the workforce quickly while continuing to build their skills over time.
These opportunities often carry forward across generations. Katie shares the story of Olivia Arias, a graduate who was inspired by her family’s work in refinery operations. After shifting her career path, Olivia earned multiple industry certifications, gained hands-on experience through an internship with ExxonMobil, and continues to build her career in the field—demonstrating how exposure and mentorship can shape a lasting legacy.
JJC’s programs are led by faculty with real-world experience, and strong industry partnerships provide direct access to internships, mentorships, and employment opportunities. At the same time, the college serves a growing number of adult learners seeking to change careers, re-enter the workforce, or gain new skills in emerging industries. With affordable tuition, scholarship support, and workforce initiatives that reduce barriers, these programs offer accessible pathways to meaningful, sustainable careers.
Across all of these institutions, a common thread emerges: learning is not just about acquiring knowledge— it’s about connection, opportunity, and impact.
Whether it begins with a teen discovering their confidence, a student building a career-ready skillset, or an adult pursuing a new path, community-based learning is shaping something far greater than individual success. It is creating a shared legacy—one where skills are passed down, opportunities are expanded, and each generation is better equipped to build, contribute, and thrive.
JUNE 2026
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JUNE 7TH
Art on the Green
Breidert Green | 9:00 AM
Mark your calendars for the Frankfort Arts Association's fine art exhibition, Art On The Green, in the heart of downtown Frankfort on Breidert Green. The open green space is a beautiful setting surrounded by quaint shops, live music, children’s art activities, and the local Farmers’ Market. The fair will feature artists from the surrounding area in a variety of disciplines.
JUNE 8TH
Party in the Park: All American Olympic Games
Heritage Knolls Park | 6:00 PM
Come hang out with the Frankfort Park District all summer long at the Parties in the Park! Leave your gadgets behind and enjoy some outdoor fun. We’ve got games, activities, a rocking DJ Dance Party, and a whole lot more fun!
JUNE 13TH
Momentum Dance Recital
Lincoln-Way West High School | 10:00 AM
Mark your calendars for Momentum Dance's 2026 Recital: "Alice in Wonderland"! There are three showtimes to choose from: 10 AM, 1 PM, and 5 PM! Tickets available at 30288.danceticketing.com/r/events
JUNE 13TH
Round Barn Heritage Fest Craft Fair
Round Barn Farm Park | 12:00 PM
Round Barn Heritage Fest is Manhattan's annual summer festival at Round Barn Farm! Enjoy live music, food trucks, beer and wine, hayrack rides, craft vendors, and many family-friendly activities in the beautiful park setting of Round Barn Farm from 12 to 5 PM.
JUNE 13TH
Tails & Tales Dog Adoption Event
Frankfort Public Library | 9:00 AM
Have you thought about adding a furry friend to your household? Join the Frankfort Public Library for their NAWS & PAWS dog adoption event, held simultaneously with the Friends of the Library Book Sale. NAWS & PAWS staff and volunteers will have a variety of dogs available for you to interact with and give them a forever home!
JUNE 13TH
Picnic & Plant-a-thon
New Lenox Library | 10:30 AM
Join us for a picnic and plant-a-thon as we kick off summer at the Library! Take part in our community planting day, enjoy live music, and cool off with a free sweet treat (FREE for the first 50 patrons from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM).
JUNE 18TH
Yard Game Drop-In
Manhattan Public Library | 1:30 PM
Join the Manhattan Public Library for some fun in the library yard (weather permitting)! Drop in and play a few games, stay as long as you'd like! This is an all ages event. Examples of games include corn hole, pickleball, frisbee, tic tac toe, sidewalk chalk, kanjam, and more.
JUNE 20TH
MONSTER TRUCK MAYHEM
Dirt Oval 66 | 7:00 PM
8 monster trucks, freestyle motocross + FREE pre-race party on the track with Touch-A-Truck, meet the drivers, and see the wild obstacles up close! Monster Mayhem is the LARGEST monster truck event in Illinois! Join the Pre-Race Party from 4-6 PM and stay for the show starting at 7 PM. Tickets and more info available at dirtoval66.com
JUNE 24TH
Nave Wellness 5th Anniversary Celebration
Join Nave Wellness Center as they celebrate their fifth anniversary Business After Hours with the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce on
Being a good neighbor means being there for our communities As your local State Farm® agents, we’re ready to help whenever you need us. Give us a call.
ROGER KRUEL
KATHY MILLER
events
CONTINUED
JUNE 26TH
50th Anniversary Sneaker Ball
Chicago Gaelic Park | 6:00 PM
Join the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association for the 50th Anniversary Sneaker Ball on Friday, June 26 from 6 to 10 PM. Help LWSRA celebrate 50 years of service, impact, and community! Individual tickets are $75 each, available at lwsra.ticketspice. com/50th-anniversary-sneaker-ball. In addition to dinner and festivities, raffle tickets will be sold and cash bar is available. Entertainment by Maggie Speaks.
JUNE 27TH
Play Day in the Commons
New Lenox Commons | 10:00 AM
Play Day in the Commons is a day full of free fun for kids! From 10 AM to 2 PM, Play Day will include all sorts of exhibits and attractions set up throughout the Commons, including: a foam party, Inflatable bounce houses, character visits, balloon artists, hands-on science demonstrations, and more! The Young Entrepreneurs Fair will also return this year.
JULY 1ST
America's 250th Birthday Bash
Mokena Public Library | 4:00 PM
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a fun-filled family party! Enjoy crafts and games that highlight the nation’s history and culture. Kids can create patriotic art, families can join interactive activities, and everyone can share in the festive spirit. Stop by for a lively, educational celebration honoring 250 years of American history—perfect for all ages! Registration opens June 26 at mokenalibrary.org.
Creating Family Fun Since 1978!
Are you simply searching for a pool builder—or are you looking to join the Aqua Pools family?
At Aqua Pools, we believe your backyard should be more than just a space. It should be an oasis for relaxation, connection, and fun. As a trusted swimming pool contractor, we specialize in designing and building stunning inground pools and offering high-quality hot tubs, swim spas, patio furniture, and more to complete your backyard retreat.
Since 1978, we’ve been committed to excellence in everything we do. As an all-inclusive pool service company, we provide professional pool service, expert hot tub repair, and a fully stocked swimming pool store with all the pool supplies you need for easy maintenance. Whether you’re ready to build a new inground pool or need reliable service from a team you can trust, we’re here to help.
oughtfully designed assisted living residences o ering comfort and ease, so you and your loved ones can truly nd your joyful place - close to home.
Discover the Lincoln-Way Area’s Premier Assisted Living Community, Conveniently Located o 159th Street in Homer Glen
At Marian Village, peace of mind comes to life through spacious studio residences supported by a full range of services and amenities, including:
• Respectful, individualized personal care assistance that supports daily living with dignity
• Friendly reminders for daily routines such as bathing, dressing, meals and social engagement
• Full-service dining with three chef-prepared meals daily in an elegant dining room
• Engaging lifestyle with inviting gathering spaces, library, chapel and activity areas
• Wellness-focused amenities including fitness center, on-site physician offices and salon services
• Beautiful outdoor spaces with landscaped courtyards, walking paths and gardens
Start Your Next Chapter
Visit marianvillage.org or call 708.734.6348 to learn more.
