Letter from the Editor
Tiffany Blanchette Magazine Editor
I love dogs. This is likely one of the top 5 facts I would share about myself with a stranger. Like many, I am pretty ecstatic when I get to pet a dog, but it’s the incredibly meaningful relationships we form with our four-legged friends that I truly cherish. And after reading all of the heartfelt submissions for this issue’s Top Dogs, I know that sentiment is shared by many.
For me, I owe much of my respect for the canine-human connection to the first dog I ever called mine – my black lab Sport. I got him as a puppy when I was around 12 years old, and for the next nearly 13 years, Sport was by my side through all of life’s ups and downs.
He was my rock, my constant emotional support, my adventure buddy, my patient alarm clock, and my company on quiet nights. He lifted my spirits and, while I would get a heavy sigh at times, he loved me unconditionally. He was my best friend.
If there’s a reason dogs are known as “man’s best friend,” I’ll wager it’s because they offer us all of these things often without question, positively impacting our mental health and happiness with their existence. Every dog is a top dog in my book, and the Top Dogs featured in the pages of this issue embody that notion.
As we close out the spring months, may we go forward in the spirit of our canine counterparts and seek to love unconditionally, lift each other’s spirits, and maybe adopt a new best friend.
LIFESTYLES OF KANKAKEE COUNTY
Published by ShawMedia Phone: 815-936-NEWS
PUBLISHER Steve Vanisko svanisko@shawmedia.com
EDITOR
Tiffany Blanchette 815-937-3380
tblanchette@shawmedia.com
ADVERTISING
Lyle Turro 815-937-3376
lturro@shawmedia.com
Lauren Powell 224-595-3569
lpowell@shawmedia.com
Design Kristin McKenrick
Contributors: Cathy Janek, Paul Fruhwirth, Bill Jurevich | Photographer: Tiffany Blanchette
ONYX, RAYA, WICKET, MEEKO
& MAUI
Breed: Pomeranian
Owners: Michelle & Dale Moore, of Bradley
From Left...
Onyx is a snuggle bug who loves to be the center of attention. He is tiny but mighty and isn’t afraid of anyone. He shakes with excitement for a Starbucks pup cup. He’s an adventurer at heart and loves to go for walks around town.
Raya is only 3 pounds, but she thinks she is a giant. She loves sticking out her tongue and letting her brothers know who’s the boss. Wicket is deaf, however you would never know it. He is our special, extra sweet, super soft teddy bear. He loves all things metal, especially his food bowl.
Meet Kankakee County’s Top Dogs
By Tiffany Blanchette
GRACIE
Breed: English Labrador
Owners: Cheri & Jeff Bauer, of Limestone
Gracie loves everyone she meets and her tail is always wagging. She enjoys going on walks and car rides. At 4 years old, she has learned to high five, give kisses and play hide-and-seek. She loves being outside and finding lots of sticks. She is so sweet and friendly!
Meeko is a good boy who loves belly rubs. He entertains himself by tossing his favorite donut toy all around the room. When he has something to say, he does a “tough guy” kick and makes a noise that sounds just like Chewbacca.
Maui is the sweetest dog you’ll ever meet. He is four years old with wobbly little knees. He loves to play with the neighborhood kids and gets sad when they have to leave. He enjoys going on walks during warm seasons and is always excited to meet new people.
BENTLEY
Breed: Samoyed
Owners: Troy & Valerie Hofbauer, of Bourbonnais
Bentley has the most unique personality. He’s sweet and lovable and puts a smile on everyone’s face. When he goes on his walk people stop their car to look or take a picture of him. The only thing they don’t do yet is ask for his autograph!
CHIMAYO
Breed: Golden Retriever
Owners: Pete & Denise Schiel, of Kankakee
Chimayo is Pete’s partner in crime. She is very laid back, gentle, loving and always happy to see and greet everyone. She listens well and loves boat, car and golf cart rides. Chimayo always has a ball or toy in her mouth to share….even while sleeping. She is the perfect companion and is definitely a role model for other pups. Chimayo is named after a church in New Mexico known for its holy dirt that is said to have healing properties.
ELLA MARIE
Breed: Mixed breed
Owners: Rebekah & Rob Forsman, of Kankakee
Ella was born in a kill shelter in 2023 before being transferred to River Valley Animal Rescue in Momence. She has overcome many obstacles learning how to live life with love and we couldn’t love her more. Ella knows how to sit, shake, jump up, and lay down. She is best friends with her fur brother, Winston. She whines when she’s tired and brings her bedtime toy to us when she’s ready to call it a night. We are so in love with our baby girl and are not only proud of her for everything she has overcome, but for the love and trust she has given us.
WINSTON
Breed: Husky mix
Owners: Rebekah & Rob Forsman, fur sibling to Ella Marie Winston is the happiest and silliest dog in the whole world. He is obsessed with walking. He lets us know every single day by howling and jumping around that he’s ready for a walk or ready to play. He’s super talkative and definitely gets what he wants. He also gets carried to bed every night since he was a baby and couldn’t jump on the bed and now that is the routine. He won’t go to bed any other way. He loves everyone he meets and is the best companion in the world!
LILY
Breed: Basset Hound
Owners: Julie & Christopher Roy, of Bradley Lily is a 4-month-old basset hound we rescued from Guardian Angel Basset Rescue. She loves sticks, smelling flowers and asking her human mom to carry her. When Lily’s birth mom, Daisy, was pregnant, the human owner suddenly passed away. The family surrendered Daisy to GABR, where she delivered nine healthy puppies. Our Lily is one of the nine. GABR does amazing work rescuing basset hounds and I am so glad they rescued Daisy or we would not have our beautiful Lily!
PIPPI
Breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Owners: Jensen Family, of Bonfield
Pippi is always game for anything, whether it’s going for walks with her five human siblings, running an agility course in the 4-H show ring, or snuggling up on the couch. She just wants to be wherever her people are! Pippi has big, doe eyes, the patience of a saint, and a great big heart of gold.
ROXIE
Breed: Pitbull
Owner: Katie Dean, of Kankakee
Roxie is a 3-legged Pitbull who was part of a domestic violence incident which resulted in her leg amputation. She is the sweetest girl even though her previous life wasn’t perfect. She is an adventurous girl that loves being by her mom’s side. She changed my whole perspective about the breed and I just love her so much!
SAYDE
Breed: Cockapoo
Owners: Cheryl Hartman, of Herscher
Sayde joined our family to provide companionship to our disabled grandson. She brings him so much joy. Sayde is able to reduce stressors associated with numerous hospitalizations and physician visits!
Kankakee
DATEBOOK
MAY 30
Sunset Stroll & Slow Roll
Head to downtown Kankakee for the Sunset Stroll on North Schuyler Avenue from 6-10 p.m. A slow roll community bike ride kicks off at 6 p.m. with live music at 6:30 p.m., as well as street performers and food vendors from downtown eateries. Adults 21+ can stroll with purchased beverages.
JUNE 1
Dog & Puppy Adoption Day
Join Wags to Riches and the River Valley Animal Rescue for a Dog & Puppy Adoption Day on Sunday, June 1 from 1-4 p.m. at the grooming salon, 1310 N. Hobbie Ave., Suite 3, Kankakee. Everyone is welcome to come meet the doggies!
JUNE 1
Heroes, Hogs & Hot Rods Festival
From noon to 9 p.m., visit Manteno’s Square on Second for a day of celebrating veterans. Hosted by nonprofit Project Headspace and Timing, live music, craft vendors, and a resource fair will be accompanied by BBQ and Strongman competitions as well as food trucks, raffles and a car show. Visit projectheadspaceandtiming.org for more information.
EVERY SATURDAY THROUGH OCTOBER
Kankakee Farmers Market
A weekend staple returns on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at the Farmers’ Market lot, 250 S. Schuyler Ave. in Kankakee. Fresh local produce, handmade goods, and delicious treats from 50 or more vendors await each week, rain or shine. Visit downtownkankakee. com/events/farmers-market for more info.
JUNE 5 - 8
Bradley 315 Music Fest
The four-day festival returns to Bradley for a second year featuring national and local musical acts along with food, a carnival, car show, vendors and more. The event takes place near the Northfield Square mall at 1600 IL50. Visit bradley315.org for more information.
JUNE 6
Friday Night Concert Series
Kick off your weekend with the Friday Night Concert Series from 6-9 p.m. at the Hill Stage at the Harold & Jean Miner Festival Square, 199 S. E. Ave. in downtown Kankakee. Concerts are free with rotating artists and food trucks. The event returns on June 20, July 11, Aug. 1 and Aug. 15. For lineups, go to downtownkankakee.com.
JUNE 11
Sandwiches with a Side of Jam
Get your midweek dose of live music, fresh eats and sunshine at this free lunchtime concert series, which runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Harold & Jean Miner Festival Square. The series reoccurs on July 9 and August 13. Visit downtownkankakee.com for lineups.
EVERY SUNDAY THROUGH AUGUST
Momence Farmers Market
Stop by Island Park at 79 Mill Street in Momence from 1-4 p.m. on Sundays to browse the vendor market, new this year.
JUNE 4
Lunchtime Bites & Beats on Festival Street
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Village of Bourbonnais will host the season’s first Wednesday lunchtime series at The Grove at Goselin Park, 700 Main St. NW. For more info, visit villageofbourbonnais.com.
JUNE 14
Relay for Life of Kankakee County
The Relay For Life of Kankakee County is celebrating its 30th anniversary! The day-long event starts at 2 p.m. with an opening ceremony at a new venue, The Grove at Goselin Park, 700 Main St. NW., Bourbonnais. Register as a team, individual or survivor at relayforlife.org/kankakeeil or by calling 800-227-2345 option 4.
JUNE 14
Electric Lady Lounge 3rd annual Pride Event
From 5-11 p.m. at the Majestic Theatre, 150 N. Schuyler Ave. in Kankakee, Electric Lady Lounge is hosting the 3rd annual Pride event, themed PRIDE2K. Drag performances, karaoke, raffles, vendors, resources, food and more will be available. Tickets are $10 in advance at Electric Lady Lounge or cash only at the door. Proceeds support the Kankakee LGBTQ Network.
JUNE 17
Sip, Shop & Stroll at the Frank Lloyd Wright House
Join Wright in Kankakee for the Sip, Shop & Stroll event from 5-8 p.m. on the lawn of the B. Harley Bradley House, 701 S. Harrison Ave. in Kankakee. Art, musical entertainment, food and shopping await! Rain date is June 24. For tickets and information, visit Wright1900.org.
JUNE 25 - 29
Bourbonnais Friendship Festival
The Bourbonnais Friendship Festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary as the annual, free family event fills the village with music, parades, and other festivities. The event is located behind the Bourbonnais Municipal Building, 600 Main St NW. Visit bourbonnaisfriendshipfestival.com for more info.
JUNE 26
Kankakee Kultivators 32nd Annual Garden Walk and Artisan Faire
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., visit seven area gardens and enjoy lunch (included with $30 ticket) at the Civic Auditorium, next to the Kankakee County Museum, 801 S. 8th Ave., Kankakee, where the Artisan Faire also runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at Benoit Greenhouses, Busse & Rieck, Tholen’s Landscape & Garden Center, and Woldhuis Farms Sunrise Greenhouse.
JULY 11
Fridays @ 5 at The Grove
From 5-8 p.m., the Village of Bourbonnais kicks off its Fridays @ 5 series on the lawn at The Grove at Goselin Park, at 700 Main St. NW.
Get back to playing with your
Furry Friends
If you love your pets as much as we love ours but bone, joint, or muscle pain has you on a leash, call to schedule an appointment with our experts at the region’s most preferred orthopedic practice.* Get back to playing with your best furr y friends.
IWags to RICHES
Dog groomer Sarah Wagner treats your pets like her own
By Cathy Janek | Photos by Tiffany Blanchette
n just a few short months, Kankakee’s very own Sarah Wagner now grooms about 200 dogs each month at her new grooming salon, Wags to Riches.
Many of these dogs come out of the salon smelling a little bit like Cherry Blossom or Pistachio Dream — she offers a scent of the month.
Scented shampoo and spritzes are just some of the things that Wagner can easily incorporate in her business as an independent operation.
Wagner began dog grooming because she was looking for a career in something where she could primarily focus on animals with a bit of human involvement thrown in.
For more than a decade, Wagner worked at a “big box” dog grooming salon.
“Very quickly, I found that I really enjoyed the work,” she said.
While grooming, Wagner thinks about how she would like her own dogs groomed if she wasn’t there.
Sarah with her pug Bobo who also happens to be the business mascot.
“They are a member of the family, and they need to be treated as such,” she said.
Therefore, Wagner works hard to build trust with a dog and its owner.
About five years ago, she began making a plan to start her own business in her community and at the end of 2024, Wagner did just that.
Located at 1310 N. Hobbie Ave., Suite 3, Wagner said Kankakee has “been a great community to open a business.”
“Everyone has been wonderfully supportive and generous,” she added.
The salon features scents that are incorporated into a monthly add-on special with any bath or haircut that also includes nail buffing, teeth brushing, and an accessory.
For June, Wagner has chosen “Caribbean Dream” for the monthly scent. These products are sourced from USA-based companies that are nonharsh and chemical free for a dog’s skin and coat.
Wagner also offers color services for dogs.
Past clients have opted for green for St. Patrick’s Day or red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July.
“It is all vegan, specifically made for dogs, and completely safe,” she said, “We can do a chalk variety that will last a small amount of time or a permanent dye which lasts for about eight to 12 washes.”
The goal for her salon was to “be a nice, calming and super clean” place for pets and their owners.
As a result, Wagner decorated with eclectic vintage dog art and midcentury modern pieces.
Already, she has grown her staff with a few of her former co-workers.
“It’s just getting busier and busier,” Wagner said.
For those individuals with nervous dogs, Wagner’s best suggestion is to keep bringing them in.
“They will get used to the routine,” she said.
Dog grooming isn’t just an aesthetic thing, Wagner emphasized.
“They need their ears cleaned and they need baths. They need their nails done. One of the leading causes of arthritis in dogs is not getting their nails done enough,” she added.
Groomers see a dog sometimes more than a veterinarian, Wagner said.
“Sometimes we catch things such as growths or eye issues that owners need to follow up on with a vet,” she added.
For more information and to book an appointment, visit
Spizzirri Reptile Rescue helps non-furry friends in need
By Cathy Janek | Photos by Tiffany Blanchette
What started out as a hobby for Momence’s Niko Spizzirri and his wife, Sharon, has turned into a full-fledged nonprofit adventure.
The Spizzirris first became involved in rescuing reptiles in 2019 and officially formed Spizzirri Reptile Rescue & Rehab in 2023.
“There are a fair amount of dog and cat rescues,” Niko Spizzirri said. “However, Spizzirri Reptile Rescue is one of just a handful of rescues devoted to reptiles in Illinois.”
Spizzirri said a surprisingly large number of people are reptile owners and if these reptiles need to be rehomed, there are few places to bring them.
And around the country, reptile rescues are dwindling.
Spizzirri said he has seen about seven rescues in the United States close recently.
At the beginning of his venture into rehoming reptiles, Spizzirri said he would see posts about people giving away snakes or lizards on Facebook and would take them – sometimes even paying for the unwanted reptile so it wasn’t left in a box on someone’s porch.
Nowadays, owners with reptiles who are seeking to rehome often find Spizzirri.
Currently, 43 reptiles are housed in the lower level of the Spizzirri’s home in Momence, where over 300 rescued creatures have been cared for to date.
These include 20 different species of reptiles including monitor lizards, iguanas, tortoises, aquatic turtles, geckos, fish, guinea pigs, and multiple species of snakes including pythons.
Once summer hits, the reptiles move to larger outdoor enclosures depending on weather conditions.
Talon, a bearded dragon, poses for a photo with Niko.
The nonprofit did receive quotes to create a pond for the reptiles; however, due to the excessive cost, approximately $45,000, Spizzirri started a GoFundMe for just that purpose.
One of the most common reptiles Spizzirri receives are redeared sliders, an aquatic turtle that can live up to 20 years.
“They are native and common to the state,” he added.
As a result, people think they can just release them and “not only is that extremely bad for our ecosystem, but they can kill a lot of fish and do a lot of harm,” Spizzirri said.
Four foster families also host several reptile rescues on behalf of the nonprofit.
In addition, a couple of Spizzirri’s rescues can be found out and about in town.
Tang, a bearded dragon, has found a new home at the Edward Chipman Public Library in Momence.
Since January 2025, he has served as a reading buddy for some of the library’s younger readers.
Likewise, Tank, another bearded dragon rescue, can be found at the Momence Early Childhood Center.
To raise money and awareness about his rescue, Spizzirri hosts and appears at events, from birthday parties to community festivals, with his assortment of reptiles and often his 5-year-old daughter, Violet, in tow to educate and entertain the public.
These events help pay for food and veterinary visits for the reptiles, which adds up to thousands of dollars a year.
The nonprofit fully relies on donations. However, some of the costs such as electricity comes out of the Spizzirri’s family budget.
Spizzirri is currently busy developing new programming inviting individuals to enjoy the reptiles and coordinating art events where people can gather around and draw the reptiles live.
“Most of our animals are chunky, very active, and thriving,” he added.
Quite a difference from when they arrive at the rescue.
Often, Spizzirri said bearded dragon rescues, which can live up to 26 years, come lethargic and underweight.
Sometimes, he added, the reptile would receive an IV line to improve their health.
The need for rehoming reptiles may be due to the longevity of many reptilian species.
“Turtles can live 56 years,” Spizzirri said, “When people are purchasing a reptile, they don’t put that into perspective.”
For more information, find Spizzirri Reptile Rescue & Rehab on Facebook. To donate, visit gofund.me/27312e55.
A red-eared slider turtle basks under a heat lamp in its habitat at the rescue.
May is National Pet Month and our local rescues have many adoptable pets available. Consider visiting one of the many Kankakee County area rescues and giving a pet in need a ‘fur-ever’ home!
Kankakee County Humane Foundation k3chf.org
2214 S. Rt 1, St. Anne, IL 60964
Phone: 815-933-5999
k3humanefoundation@gmail.com
Kankakee County Animal Control kankakeeil.animalservices.website/shelterpronet/home.spn
134 Mooney Drive, Bourbonnais, IL 60914
Phone: 815-937-2949
Kcarc@k3county.net
River Valley Animal Rescue & Cat Oasis rivervalleyanimalrescue.org
Animal Rescue: 3960 Vincennes Trail, Momence, IL 60954
Cat Oasis: 117 E Washington St., Momence, IL 60954
Phone: 815-507-5007
shelter@rivervalleyanimalrescue.org
Sunrise Center Cat Rescue (Hexies) & Animal Rescue sunrisecenteranimalrescue.org
3306 Waldron Rd., Kankakee, IL, 60901
Phone: 815-482-4486
sunriseadoptionteam@gmail.com
New Beginnings for Cats facebook.com/NEWBEGINNINGSFORCATS
7701 E. 3500 N. Rd., Bourbonnais, IL 60914
Phone: 815-472-4734
newbeginnings4cats@gmail.com
Perfect Paws Animal Rescue perfectpawsanimalrescue.org
4216 E. 5000 N. Rd., Bourbonnais IL 60914
Phone: 843-499-2886
Kirstie@perfectpawsanimalrescue.org
It’s A Pittie Rescue rescueapittie.org
Peotone, IL
Phone: 708-792-3311
itsapittierescue@gmail.com
Spizzirri Reptile Rescue & Rehab www.facebook.com/p/Spizzirri-ReptileRescue-Rehab-100077496616713
Momence, IL
Phone: 708-704-9911
SpizzirriReptileRescue@gmail.com
Iroquois County Animal Rescue iroquoiscountyanimalrescue.com 100 Lincoln Ave., Iroquois, IL 60945 Phone: 815-429-4028
Guardian Angel Basset Rescue www.bassetrescue.org 108 E. Main Street, P. O. Box 288, Dwight, IL Phone: 815-584-6521
Gayle’s Rescue facebook.com/GaylesRescue Limestone, IL Phone: 815-685-0319
South Suburban Humane Society southsuburbanhumane.org 21800 Central Ave., Matteson, IL 60443 Phone: 708-755-7387 office@southsuburbanhumane.org
HOSPICE CARE
Women Investing In Real Estate
Creating Financial Independence
There’s an Opportunity Waiting for You to Say YES!
Municipal Bank’s loan team is ready to show how investing in Real Estate can serve women In today’s everevolving financial landscape, women are increasingly recognizing the transformative power of real estate.
What was once considered a male-dominated field is now a space where women are taking charge, building wealth, and creating financial independence.
Real estate offers an empowering opportunity not only for financial growth but for personal empowerment, offering long-term stability, passive income, and the ability to control your financial future. Whether you’re looking to generate steady income streams, diversify your investment portfolio, or create a legacy for future generations, real estate can be a powerful tool in making it happen.
Unlike other investment options, real estate provides tangible assets that can appreciate over time or generate income, giving you both a sense of security and the potential for future gains. Real estate has proven to be a reliable investment, with property values showing consistent appreciation over the past decade. Whether buying your first home or investing in your retirement, it is wise to consider real estate as part of your portfolio.
Steps to Start Your Real Estate Journey:
1. Set financial goals - Before diving into real estate, take time to define your financial objectives. Are you looking to build long-term wealth, short-term income, or a mix of both?
2. Do your research - Seek properties with economic growth potential as this translates to higher returns. Familiarize yourself with important terms, the local market conditions, and the best financing options.
3. Leverage your finances - Real estate offers opportunities to invest with borrowed funds. Understand your financing options and use them strategically to maximize your returns while managing risk.
4. Seek expert advice - Check out the county’s number one lender six consecutive years in a row, Municipal bank. We are here to guide you, helping you avoid costly mistakes and accelerate your success. Working with the best local lender gives you a premier understanding of market conditions in the area and personalized care so you have the support you need to reach your goals.
Benoit Greenhouses
Celebrating 50 years of family growth
By Cathy Janek | Photos by Tiffany Blanchette
Back in late December during what for many of us is holiday fog, the gardening staff of the familyowned Benoit Greenhouses was hard at work ensuring annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, succulents, and tropicals make it to their customers’ flower beds and pots this spring.
Many of the plants purchased in the spring begin with cuttings that are meticulously placed in small pots in large rows in the greenhouses of the garden center, according to Mandy Benoit, who owns Benoit Greenhouses along with her husband Luke.
Mandy serves as the “chief creative officer,” a job that includes photography and marketing, while her husband Luke handles operations, including growing the thousands of plants that are available wholesale and to the public. Mandy and Luke Benoit purchased Benoit Greenhouses in
2020 from Luke’s parents, Vince and Christine Benoit, right at the start of COVID.
With curbside pickup and the outdoor atmosphere, Benoit said, the business was able to continue to grow.
With a new generation of Benoits at the helm, Benoit Greenhouses will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
The work at the greenhouse, which includes two selling seasons – spring/summer and fall – is often a family affair.
Other than one employee and some seasonal staff members, the Benoit Greenhouses staff is made up of nieces, nephews, cousins, parents and the Benoit’s four children Leo, Kate, Anthony, and Lucy.
After all, Luke Benoit grew up much the same way after his
parents, Christine and Vince, purchased the greenhouse business along with Vince’s cousins Mark and Brenda Benoit in 1975.
The foursome ran the garden center until 1989, when Christine and Vince became the sole owners. However, the gardening business goes back much further in time. The glass greenhouses used by the Benoits date back to 1884 when they were owned by Charles Splear.
In 2016, the Benoits purchased additional greenhouses on eBay and traveled to Decatur, Indiana to disassemble them, down to every bolt and screw, and then rebuild them on the nearly 70-acre Benoit Greenhouses property.
“The Benoit kids can work like no one else, they all have an amazing work ethic,” Mandy Benoit said. “It really is so cool to be able to work with your cousins.”
After the spring gardening season ends, Benoit Greenhouses closes for part of the summer and reopens in the fall selling pumpkins, gourds, and mums along with fresh donuts and fall-themed drink concoctions such as s’mores cold brew or salted caramel hot chocolate.
The greenhouse also has a corn maze and a giant inflatable pumpkin among other activities for children and adults.
Last fall, the couple decided to venture in new territory and hosted a 40-person farm to table dinner on the property that included hand-built cedar tables, cut flowers from the garden and catering by Crème of the Crop Catering and Food Truck.
This year, Benoit said, the event will be open to the public. Benoit Greenhouses is located at 568 N. 2750 E. Road in Kankakee. For more information, visit www. benoitgreenhouses.com.
INGREDIENTS:
STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE
• Store bought pie dough, or your favorite homemade pie dough recipe (2 crusts)
• 2 lbs. rhubarb, cut into ½ inch pieces
• 1 lb. strawberries, trimmed and sliced
• 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 3 TBL tapioca
• Pinch of table salt
• 1 egg
• Water DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat oven to 425 degrees
2. Grease a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray. Gently unroll the pie dough into the prepared pan.
3. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, set aside.
4. In a large saucepan or skillet, combine chopped rhubarb and sugar. Cook over medium low heat until the sugar is mostly
absorbed, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside, at least 30 minutes.
5. Strain the rhubarb through a mesh strainer and collect the macerated liquid into the saucepan or skillet. Add the strawberries and heat over medium low for about 10 minutes.
6. Combine the rhubarb and the strawberry mixtures, let cool. Add a pinch of table salt and mix.
7. Once cooled, add the mixture to the crust-lined pie plate.
8. Using the second piece of pie dough, cover the mixture and flute the sides of the pie crust to your liking.
9. Beat egg with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Using a pastry brush, paint the top pie crust with the egg wash.
10.Cut 4 slits in the top of the pie to allow steam to escape.
11.Place the pie on the prepared sheet pan, reduce the oven to 400 degrees and bake for 55-60 minutes, rotating pan halfway through.
12.Remove from oven. Let cool for at least 3 hours at room temperature.
13.Serve with whipped topping, ice cream or by itself!
From the Kitchen Of Paul Fruhwirth
PROGRESS AWARDS
By Tiffany Blanchette
Each year, the Daily Journal recognizes local businesses across Kankakee County for their progress and success. Nominations are gathered and accolades are weighed before 10 winners are chosen for their impact, efforts and investment in the community. Thank you to our 2025 Progress Award winners and sponsors.
Heritage FS, St. George
Innovator in Agriculture. Sponsored by Burklow Construction
Helping Kankakee and Will County farmers grow their best crops is the mission of Heritage FS. The company has been busy for the past three years planting the seeds for what has been an approximate $10 million site expansion in the middle of corn and soybean production in this ag-based region. For more information, visit heritagefs.com.
St. Anne Schools
Excellence in Education. Sponsored by Kankakee Community College
St. Anne Grade School and St. Anne High School merged into one district to offer the best educational experience for all students K-12. The combined St. Anne Unit District No. 24 will be stronger together and provide students with more opportunities for success. For more information, visit stanne24.org.
PROGRESS AWARDS
Innovator In HealtHcare
Riverside Healthcare Innovator in Healthcare. Sponsored by Nucor Riverside Healthcare uses cutting edge technology for local stroke procedures with their new neurointerventional biplane angiography system. The $3 million imaging device uses x-ray sources and detectors to simultaneously capture high-resolution, three-dimensional images of blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord. The imaging device and the 40-member team, including front desk personnel to the neurosurgeons, play a key role in the success of this service. For more information, visit riversidehealthcare.org.
excellence In HospItalIty
Deer Ridge Barn
Excellence in Hospitality. Sponsored By George Ryan Jr. Insurance Group, Inc.
Owners Marci Sadler, Ken Lundquist and Michael Blum bought the 2,500-square-foot farmhouse and 10 acres of property on a blind bid and have turned it into a beautiful, quaint place to host weddings, family reunions, class reunions and corporate gatherings. After hosting 42 events in 2024 and receiving rave reviews, the group has 70 events scheduled so far in 2025. For more information, visit deerridgebarn.com.
Kankakee Regional Land Bank Authority
Innovator in Real Estate. Sponsored by First Trust Bank of Illinois
Through an intergovernmental agreement between Kankakee County and the City of Kankakee, the Land Bank was created. The Kankakee Regional Land Bank Authority is an outside-the-box concept working to revitalize abandoned properties. For more information, visit krlba.org.
Innovator In real estate Innovator
Fortitude Community Outreach
Innovator in Social Services. Sponsored by Oak Orthopedics
Fortitude Community Outreach has made great strides in the past year in being the voice, advocate and front-line provider for people experiencing homelessness in Kankakee County. The agency made remarkable headway in 2024 and the short- and long-term goals remain attainable for the 12-person staff. Fortitude is slowly but surely working to turn its new home at 150 S. Evergreen Ave. in Kankakee into a complete agency for people without housing. For more information, visit fortitudecommunityoutreach.org.
PROGRESS AWARDS
Innovator In tecHnology
Converging Networks Group
Innovator in Technology. Sponsored by Riverside Healthcare
Keeping pace with the rapid-fire changes in technology, the family-run Converging Networks Group has indeed modified its operations plans since the IT company’s founding in 2003. Several hallmarks within the business have endured over the past 22 years, including an unwavering customer-first mantra that is interwoven into the fabric of Kankakee. CNG’s menu of services has evolved tenfold over the past two decades to cater to their client list of small, medium and large businesses. For more information, visit consultcng.com.
small BusIness of tHe year
Electric Lady Lounge
Small Business of the Year. Sponsored by Seven Design Birds
Since its founding in 2021, Electric Lady Lounge has become a Kankakee County hot spot for people looking to add a little flair. Tattooing is the bread and butter of the business, but owner Bri Haug said there are many aspects behind the service-minded storefront. Electric Lady Lounge has a team of six, with four tattoo artists, a paramedical cosmetician and a piercer. Beyond tattoo services, Haug said her goal is to cultivate a welcoming community space – something reflected in events like the shop’s annual Pride celebration in support of the LGBTQ community. The shop has also been a space that amplifies art in all of its forms. For more information, visit electricladytattoo.com.
LaBeau Bros.
Mid-Size Business of the Year. Sponsored by Hove Buick GMC, Hove Nissan
While there has been monumental growth within the company, staff at LaBeau Bros. maintain the same core philosophy that was its foundation when the doors first opened in 1941. The licensed Peterbilt and Volvo dealership has been servicing generations of family members’ trucks with an unrelenting focus on service, attention to detail and getting to know customers by name. The Kankakee shop was also recently recognized by Peterbilt as one of eight of Peterbilt’s 298 licensed operators to receive a Best-in-Class award this year. For more information, visit labeautrucks.com.
Urban
Farmer
Large Business of the Year. Sponsored by Economic Alliance of Kankakee County Urban Farmer, which was founded in Manteno in 2013, is a co-manufacturing partner with leading consumer package companies, food service providers and retailers in need of stocking their shelves with quality frozen foods. In about six months, their business grew to around 500 employees. Amid the company’s meteoric rise, Urban Farmer has stayed close to its core vision. As stated on the company’s website, it is “to make better-for-you foods the everyday choice.” For more information, visit urbanfarmer.net.
