Welcome back! As you may have noticed, Lifestyles of Kankakee County magazine took a short hiatus while a few changes were underway at the Daily Journal. Our publications, owned and operated by the Small family for more than a century, have recently been adopted by another family – the Shaw Media family. Like the Smalls, the Shaw family has a long history of publishing local newspapers and quality content in other forms, much like this magazine you have come to know and love. A lot has changed since Benjamin Flower Shaw founded Shaw Media in Dixon, Ill. in 1851, and since 1909 when his daughter-in-law Mabel Shaw stewarded the company for 46 years. But along with that change has come growth, progress and renewal. With that in mind, it feels only fitting that a recurring theme in this issue is our very own Kankakee River. The river flows through our county touching numerous communities, residents and visitors alike. From the many trails and parks that hug the banks to the powerful resource its currents provide, the river inspires everything from art, recreation, business and community projects. (It even helps produce the very beer you see on the cover!) So, whether the river of life carries you to a new experience, or to a new family, it is a beautiful testament to growth, progress and renewal.
LIFESTYLES OF KANKAKEE COUNTY
Published by ShawMedia Phone: 815-936-NEWS daily-journal.com/lifestyles
Contributors: Cathy Janek, Tiffany Blanchette, Bernard Thompson, Visit Kankakee County
Photographers: Tiffany Blanchette, Devyn Forquer, Taylor Leddin-McMaster
because injuries are
NOT ON THE SCHEDULE
Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
6712 North Convent Street Bourbonnais, IL 60914 (815) 928-8050
Tiffany Blanchette Magazine Editor
Soothe the winter blues
Kankakee County offers cures for cabin fever
By: Tiffany Blanchette
As we await April’s showers and May’s blooming flowers, finding ways to escape feelings of the winter blues can become quite challenging. A change of scenery and an opportunity to treat oneself is often just the thing that can help ease the restlessness of the long winter months, and Kankakee County offers more than a few cures for cabin fever.
Stop into the colorful taproom featured on the cover, Knack Brewing & Fermentations in Kankakee, for rotating taps of locally-crafted beer and break out a board game from their collection. Bourbonnais’ BrickStone Brewery and Wilmington’s Rt. 66 Old School Brewing round out the region for craft beer selections.
Enjoy a latte at Stefari | Photo by Taylor Leddin-McMaster
Residents have options to reach for wine as well with a visit to The Lush Vine in The Majestic in downtown Kankakee, where food and wine pairings await, many times with the accompaniment of live music. A block away, the Cork Wine Bar on South Schuyler Avenue offers up flights of regional wines while Bourbonnais’ Flight 102 Wine Bar whips up creative plates to match its fine wine selections.
Maybe a more fitting cure involves some caffeinated options for those chilly mornings. Well, then head to The Well in Manteno for a tasty pick-me-up. Or snag a larger-than-life Sweet Darren’s cinnamon roll from Connect Roasters in Bourbonnais to go with their locally-roasted cup of joe.
Those in St. Anne can swing by The Mill Co. while Kankakee dwellers can soon choose between two staple locations – Stefari West Ave or Stefari Coffee House, returning to The Majestic.
If mocktails or cocktails sound like the cure, Stefari West Ave and the 8 One Five offer both a mean martini and a delightful zero proof drink.
Rounding out the list are some places that tend to serenade their guests. The soothing sounds of jazz can be found at The Venu’ Lounge in downtown Kankakee alongside their creative signature drinks. The variety of genres sounding through Manteno’s Copeland’s Bar & Grill on a monthly basis match the variations in their food and drink menu.
While the snow (hopefully) melts and the daylight will soon grow longer, a few of the ‘cures’ above should suffice as the region awaits the sweet relief of spring and summer.
Pictured: Top Left - Live music at The Lush Vine Right, Top to Bottom: Small pour at Knack Brewing, Coffee at The Well, Drinks at 8 One Five
Photos by Tiffany Blanchette
MARCH 1
The Oscar Vanishes:
A Mystery Dinner at Frank Lloyd Wright House
Channel your inner Nancy Drew, Miss Marple or Perry Mason at a Mystery Party at the B. Harley Bradley House, at 701 S. Harrison Ave. in Kankakee, for this Wright in Kankakee fundraiser event that kicks off the 125th anniversary of architect Frank Lloyd Wright designing the historic home along the Kankakee River. Two shows only, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tickets include refreshments and a booklet to guide your questioning. Come in your Hollywood best or casual or business attire and investigate as an individual, a couple or a group. The paparazzi await. Tickets are $50 at Eventbrite.com. Purchase by searching “The Oscar Vanishes” in Kankakee. The event is 21+. For information, call 815-936-9630. For more Wright in Kankakee events, go to wright1900.org.
MARCH 8
Kankakee Public Library’s FantasyCon
From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., the Kankakee Public Library will be hosting authors, artwork, vendors of collectibles, comic book creators and more during this family-friendly pop culture celebration. Planned activities include a panel discussion, a caricature artist, yummy treats from favorite local vendors, and more.
MARCH 14 - 15
Manteno Chamber of Commerce’s St. Patty’s Pub Crawl
MARCH 27
Craft Beverage Trail Party Bus
Join the Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau on an adventure to complete the Kankakee County Craft Beverage Trail! There will be two time offerings to board the bus and sample the sips the area has to offer. For more information, go to visitkankakeecounty.com.
APRIL 5
KVSO Concert: Music Speaks of Life
Enjoy the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra’s Season Finale program focused on Light in the form of moving from darkness to light at 7 p.m. at ONU’s Kresge Auditorium in Bourbonnais. The evening will feature the KVSO Chorus joining the Orchestra for a performance of Elaine Hagenberg’s “Illuminare.” The orchestra will conclude its season with two masterpieces: Johannes Brahms’ “Variations on a Theme by Haydn” and Jean Sibelius’ “Symphony No. 2 in D Major.” Tickets are $30 for adults and $5 for students.
MAY 3
Manteno’s Spring Showcase:
A Garden & Arts Festival
Celebrate St. Patty’s weekend in Downtown Manteno. Patronize and support some of Manteno’s finest eateries and pubs and enjoy drink and food specials, entertainment, and the St. Patty’s festivities! Visit mantenochamber.com for more information.
Immerse yourself in the arts and beauty of spring while shopping and supporting local talent and business at the Village of Manteno’s Spring Showcase: A Garden & Arts Festival from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. For details, visit villageofmanteno.com/events/spring-showcase.
DATEBOOK
MAY 3
Cruis’n The Square
Kick off a summer of cruise nights in downtown Kankakee at the first Cruis’n the Square from 6-8:00 p.m. at the Harold & Jean Miner Festival Square, at 199 S. East Ave. See more events at downtownkankakee.com.
MAY 15
Women in Networking’s Leading Ladies Athena Awards Luncheon
Join the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce for its Women in Networking event, International Athena Awards Leading Ladies Luncheon, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Adventure Commons in Bourbonnais. The event will celebrate the recipients of the Athena Leadership Award and the Athena Young Professional Award. The 2025 WIN Scholarship will also be presented. Tickets are $30 for chamber members and $55 for prospective members; or $225 for a member’s table of eight. To register, visit kankakeecountychamber.com.
MAY 18
Coffee, Cars and Cigars
From 8-11 a.m., the Kankakee Events Partnership is bringing Coffee, Cars and Cigars to downtown Kankakee’s Harold & Jean Miner Festival Square, at 199 S. East Ave.
MAY 18
35th annual Rhubarb Festival
Start the countdown to the 35th annual Rhubarb Festival, set for Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kankakee County Museum grounds at 801 S. 8th Ave in Kankakee. Celebrate the county’s beloved plant with delicious rhubarb dishes, fun activities, and contests. Whether you’re into gardening, cooking, or just love sweet and tangy treats, there’s something for everyone. Discover new recipes and take home fresh rhubarb. For more information visit kankakeecountymuseum.com.
REDEFINING HOSPICE CARE
4 Common Banking Scams
for you to be aware of
on the RiverHome
Kankakee native Angelina Gear finds purpose in promoting her hometown
By: Cathy Janek
Photos by: Tiffany Blanchette
With her 12-year-old, four-legged friend Timber in tow, Kankakee resident Angelina Gear can often be found exploring the area’s river trails.
A self-proclaimed river rat, Gear is a Kankakee native who grew up along the banks of the Kankakee River.
When Gear moved away to the mountains of Montana taking Timber, her dog, with her while she worked for the Conservation Corps, AmeriCorps, and the United States Forest Service and also earned a degree in parks, tourism and recreation management at the University of Montana-Missoula, she still lived near a river—the Clark Fork River.
She also lived for a period in Fort Collins, Colorado near the Poudre River.
Along the way, Gear, who loved being outside and working in that capacity, also realized sometimes the biggest differences can be made on the administration side.
After spending 18 years in other parts of the country, including time with her parents who retired to south Texas during the first part of the pandemic, Gear came to the determination that her life was missing a sense of community and her thoughts returned to her memories of “growing up in Kankakee, Illinois and on the river.”
“I realized the sense of community and community pride is what I was missing this whole time,” Gear added. “Going from seasonal jobs and moving around, I never had the community spirit that I have here.”
“I took a leap of faith and drove back to Illinois,” she said.
Staying with friends while she worked on her resume, Gear was approached by a job agency in their search for the sales and marketing manager at the Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau, now her current position.
Gear had also earned a marketing degree from the University of Colorado, a decision that made her a perfect fit.
At the time of her interview, Gear admits she wasn’t too familiar with the work of a visitor’s bureau.
Taking that leap of faith, Gear and her best friend, Timber, have now had their shoes and paws firmly planted in Kankakee for over two years.
“This job really puts all the puzzle pieces together,” Gear said of what’s important to her. “Now, I get to fangirl my hometown as a career.”
In her role, Gear admits each day telling the stories of the people and promoting the businesses in the county is “never the same.”
Some days she can be found doing typical office work such as attending meetings, conference calls, and fielding phone calls.
However, other days are a bit more adventuresome –from groundbreakings and exploring other communities to assess how socioeconomic improvements to their communities could be added to Kankakee to even putting herself in front of the camera to promote her hometown.
Most recently Gear was filmed sledding down a local hill in a unicorn costume and dancing on the ice at the Kankakee Valley Park District’s Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena – both roles that have led her to get recognized around town.
Calling her hometown a “sleepy river town with a music and art addiction,” Gear said, “Kankakee is located in a beautiful river valley. Our entire community is surrounded by the river. It is the heart and soul of this place and what I love about it.”
“The biggest takeaway for me in this community is the people – the kindness, the willingness to help one another,” she said.
“It is a place that needs to be celebrated,” Gear added.
Kankakee County is rural, she said, “We are known for agriculture and outdoor recreation – all the things I am passionate about.”
The Visitors Bureau website, visitkankakeecounty.com, is filled with suggestions of day trips, overnight trips, and family adventures as well as specialized experiences such as a craft beverage trail, a taco trail, and a barn quilt tour for visitors and residents to enjoy, much of which came from the organization’s creative staff.
Gear said the bureau prides itself on knowing “every nook and cranny of the county. We know the people and what they are doing.”
Their goal “is to put that out there for the public to see and enjoy.”
“This is a hard-working community where people get their inspiration from nature to create art and music,” she said.
In the time Gear was living in other parts of the country, she said the community has gone through a “renaissance and revival” – something that she is interested in helping continue.
And as Kankakee continues to grow and flourish, Gear is considering helping the community in another capacity.
With her background in parks and recreation, Gear plans to run for a seat on the Kankakee Valley Park District board in this year’s general municipal election.
GET ON GET ON
ON THE TRAILS ON THE TRAILS
Avariety of trails offer beautiful views of the Kankakee River throughout the county.
Take a trip to the Kankakee River State Park for a nearby immersion into nature and explore its 4,000 acres along 11 miles of river for year-round outdoor recreation.
Venture over to Riverfront Park in Bourbonnais for a ¼ mile loop trail with breathtaking views of the Kankakee River, and a frisbee golf course to boot.
Head to Helgeson Park in Bradley for scenic descent toward the river’s edge where a gentle tree line offers shade and the perfect hammock set up.
Drop by Perry Farm Park in Bourbonnais to connect to the riverfront trail for an easy afternoon walk, or venture off the paved path to hike above the Indian Caves.
Whichever path is taken, the views along the Kankakee River National Water Trail will not disappoint!
HOME & GARDEN
Embracing the arrival of spring in Illinois AWAKENING the Garden
By: Bernard Thompson
As winter’s grip loosens and the Illinois landscape begins its slow thaw, gardeners eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring. The first hints—longer daylight hours, the return of songbirds, and the emergence of green shoots from thawing soil—signal that it’s time to step back into the garden.
After months of Illinois’ winter grip, the process of reviving garden spaces can be therapeutic and rewarding. Sometimes, just the idea of being out in the sunshine is enough to raise gardening spirits.
Assess and Clean Up
Before diving into new planting, take time to assess your garden beds. Winter can leave behind broken branches, compacted soil, and a layer of debris. Begin by removing dead plant material and clearing leaves and mulch that may harbor pests. If perennials need trimming, now is the time to cut back old growth, allowing fresh shoots to take center stage.
Prepare the Soil
Midwest soil benefits from a good refresh before planting. Once the ground is no longer frozen, aerate the soil with a rake or garden fork to improve drainage and loosen compacted earth. Consider adding compost or organic matter to restore nutrients lost over winter. A soil test can help determine if any amendments are needed, ensuring a fertile foundation for the growing season.
Start with Hardy Plants
Cool-season flowers and vegetables are a great way to ease back into gardening. Pansies, violas, and primroses add early color, while leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce thrive in chilly spring air. Root vegetables such as carrots and radishes can also be sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Plan for Pollinators
Spring is the perfect time to incorporate pollinatorfriendly plants into your landscape. Native wildflowers, such as coneflowers, milkweed, and black-eyed Susans, attract essential pollinators like bees and butterflies. These early blooms provide nourishment for emerging insects and contribute to a thriving ecosystem throughout the warmer months.
Embrace the Season
Spring gardening is more than just preparing for summer blooms—it’s about reconnecting with nature and enjoying the process. Take pleasure in the scent of fresh earth, the sound of birdsong, and the satisfaction of seeing your garden come to life. Whether tending a vegetable patch, creating a new flower bed, or simply enjoying the renewal of your outdoor space, spring offers endless opportunities to embrace the beauty of the spring garden.
INGREDIENTS:
• Olive or Vegetable Oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
PERFECT LASAGNA
From the Kitchen Of Paul Fruhwirth
• 1lb sweet Italian sausage (or spicy)
• 3 TBL Tomato Paste
• 1 can whole peeled tomatoes, processed to a puree in a food processor
• 1/3 cup chopped parsley
• ½ cup chopped basil (optional)
• ¼ TSP Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 TSP Italian Seasoning
• 1 16 oz container of 4% milkfat cottage cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 package traditional lasagna noodles (do not use no-bake)
• 1 egg
• 1 lb freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (use whole milk, not part skim)
• Salt & Pepper
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a large, 12-inch skillet, heat the olive or vegetable oil until shimmering. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the Italian sausage and cook until no pink remains. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, basil (if using), red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Let simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, make the lasagna noodles according to the package, but about two minutes less than recommended. Remove noodles from water and spread flat on a baking sheet. Lightly beat the egg and mix with cottage cheese. Add about ¾ cup of the grated parmesan and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Grease a 13X9 lasagna pan. Cover the bottom of the pan with one cup of the red sauce. Layer as follows: noodles, red sauce, cottage cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Layer until ingredients are gone, ending with shredded mozzarella and remaining parmesan on top layer. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle top with additional chopped parsley and grated parmesan.
5. It is important to let the lasagna rest for at least 30 minutes in order to maintain its structure. If you cut into it too soon, it won’t be as cohesive as if you let it rest.
FOR THE LOVE OF JAZZ
The Venu’ Lounge delivers a new genre to downtown Kankakee
By: Cathy Janek • Photos by: Tiffany Blanchette
Alocal couple’s lifelong love of music led them to open a jazz club in Kankakee.
This past July, Glenda and Earl Corbett opened The Venu’ Lounge at 171 South Schuyler Avenue in downtown Kankakee, recently adding the V2 Event Center next door.
Growing up, Glenda often listened to the blues music of B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Buddy Guy.
Earl’s family was heavily involved in gospel music.
“My dad was part of a gospel group in the 1960s and 1970s,” he said. It was a passion he passed on to his children, including Earl.
One of eleven siblings, Earl said as their family grew his father turned his attention to developing his children’s voices.
So much so that a quartet of Earl’s sisters still perform –something they have done for the last 40 years.
As a retired Kankakee police officer, Earl, who is an experienced singer himself, jokes he never sang on the job even though people who knew of his talents tried to encourage him to do so.
“It wasn’t part of the job description,” he joked.
Earl added, listening to jazz music is something some music enthusiasts need to grow into.
To enjoy jazz music, he said, “You have to sit and really listen.”
“I love live music,” Earl said, so much so that he wanted to pass along his enthusiasm to others.
However, with the way the music was transcending into the hip hop and rap genres, Earl said he wondered if listening to live jazz was becoming a dying artform.
So, the couple decided to follow the “if you build it, they will come” adage to bring live jazz music to both current
enthusiasts and those looking to expand their musical repertoire.
And in the little more than six months that their jazz club has been open, that is exactly what happened – people have come.
Earl said the lounge’s popularity is taking off and word is spreading that there is a jazz and R&B venue in Kankakee.
“The support from the community has been awesome,” Glenda said. “There is a very diverse crowd that comes to the venue.”
Prior to the club’s opening, Earl explained, jazz music was only performed in Kankakee County once a year at a festival.
The couple used to travel around the Chicagoland area visiting different jazz lounges that had “speakeasy vibes,” according to Glenda.
And the two thought, this is something they could bring to Kankakee.
Finding the space on Schuyler Avenue, the property was initially slated for another business.
However, those plans fell through, and the space became an opportunity for the Corbetts.
“It took off from there,” Glenda said.
The couple worked with an architect to bring the vision for the space to life – a venue that captures the essence of a true jazz club with ambience and flair.
Glenda said in addition to an assortment of jazz events, they are being approached about hosting “spoken word, storytelling, and karaoke events.”
Occasionally, musicians have asked if they can pop in to play and “knock some dust off their instruments,” she said. “We are giving them the opportunity to showcase their talent.”
“It is growing beyond jazz events,” she said. “We also have Motown tribute nights.”
However, Glenda was clear – jazz is “our niche and we will not travel too far away from that.”
Glenda works as a senior public service administrator with the State of Illinois, a position she is contemplating retiring from to devote more time to the jazz club.
The two have previously dabbled in business ventures together, but Glenda said, “This venture is the most fun and rewarding – just to see the smiles on people’s faces.”
And although the two were not originally night owls, they occasionally nap during the day in their new role as jazz club owners.
As a 30-and-older club, which Glenda playfully called a “grown and sexy crowd,” people can come in and know it is a safe and friendly environment.
“It is a space for music lovers who like really, really smooth jazz music,” she said.
The Venu’ Lounge serves hand-crafted drinks and often has local food truck vendors on site.
The space also includes the V2 Event Center, which is available for private events such as birthdays, corporate events, and other celebrations.
Visit The Venu’ Lounge on Facebook for upcoming events. www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558476030844
A man of many hats
Bill Yohnka connects with community through art & advocacy
By: Cathy Janek • Photos by: Tiffany Blanchette
To say Kankakee native Bill Yohnka wears several hats would be quite the understatement.
Currently, he is at the helm of a transformative project – a multi-year effort to reimagine Kankakee’s riverfront.
However, his work commitments and volunteer commitments do not end there.
In addition to hosting storytelling and trivia events, Yohnka also hosts a morning radio show on X-Country 106.5 (WXNU), manages the Kankakee Farmers’ Market and the Merchant Street MusicFest, and also announces for both the Kankakee County Speedway and the Kankakee High School Kays boys basketball team.
But at the top of his list right now is his role as the executive director of Kankakee Riverfront Society, a not-for-profit organization of riverfront advocates.
Yohnka is leading the more than $5 million project, The Currents of Kankakee, that will turn a one-acre property at
the southeast corner of East River Street and South Schuyler Avenue into a destination for residents and visitors to enjoy.
It’s the first step in a multi-phase plan to recreate the riverfront of Kankakee.
Yohnka said he took on the job because “it was an opportunity to be involved in something that is way bigger than anything I could do on my own and work with the community to make it happen.”
Whether it be his radio show or announcing gigs or participating in storytelling events, they all overlap, he added, and frequently the conversations turn to the Kankakee River.
“Our river is already beautiful,” he said.
Visiting the backyards of friends who live along the Kankakee River, Yohnka said the view is “just breathtaking,” but unless you know someone who has a property along the river many residents are not afforded the same view.
Therefore, back in 2017, community stakeholders first began talking about the possibility of creating space that would be special and accessible to everyone in the community.
As time went on, and with a lot of dedication and hard work by community members, this January a groundbreaking ceremony was held that kicked off the first phase of the project, which is expected to be nearly completed in 2025 with some remaining landscaping planned for spring of 2026.
“There are plans to connect it and expand,” Yohnka added.
Once completed, he said it is going to “put a spotlight on the river” and “create a walking, biking, running, and relaxation space” for the community.
In addition to his professional commitments, Yohnka made a commitment to himself for 2025.
Today, he is focused on his health with a goal of eating better, exercising, and dedicating more time to things that are of personal interest to him, including creating art.
His work is well-known and includes watercolor paintings, unique signs, and chalkboard art, much of it with a Kankakee-inspired spin to it.
Moving back to the community in the early 2000s, Yohnka realized “this is where my energy needs to be. This is a place that needs to feel better about itself and doing Kankakee-themed art seemed very natural to me.”
“Seeing people’s excitement about something that says Kankakee or has a local tie makes me feel good,” he added. “I feel inspired in my community by the things I create.”
He even used his creative talents to design a board game for a friend dedicated to the city of Momence and its annual Gladiolus Festival.
“Since it is not my job, I just do what makes me happy,” he added.
The creative forces run in Yohnka’s family as his dad, Dennis Yohnka, was a long-time reporter for the Daily Journal and his uncle, Paul Yohnka, was a former art teacher.
The three men shared the same distinctive penmanship – something that locals can find in the signs Yohnka creates for events throughout the community.
Top: Bill with his mural of Kankakee at the popular riveradjacent bar, On the Rox
Middle: Bill shares a story during a Yarn Factory Listeners event Bottom: Postcards created by Bill promote Kankakee County for the Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Even though both men have passed, Yohnka said he connects to them through art.
“It is like my dad and uncle are still here,” he said.
Also known as “Mr. Kankakee,” Yohnka admits there were times when he was a bit sensitive about it.
There are many people “working on doing things” in the community, he noted.
However, as he has gotten older, Yohnka said he has come to the determination that if people call him Mr. Kankakee that is okay.
He still says as much as we “need cheerleaders, we also need the rest of the crowd” to get things done.
In 2025, Yohnka says he hopes to use his voice in the community to help promote the mental and physical well-being of men in the community –something he is focused on for himself.
There is so much being asked of you, he said, sometimes it appears “your worth depends on the list of things you are able to do.”
“Maybe the lesson I have learned is that you can’t do everything, you really can’t,” Yohnka said.
BE INSPIRED BY COMMUNITY
Take a stroll downtown past one of several Kankakeeinspired murals:
A mural commemorating the Kankakee Ramblers Cycling Club at the corner of Schuyler Avenue and Station Street is part of the Kankakee Development Corporation’s mural series in downtown Kankakee. The club was responsible for making bicycling popular in Kankakee upon its inception in 1885. Updated bike lanes now whiz right past the mural, created by John Fetterer and Bill Yohnka and painted by Bradley artist Peter Pagast.
Other murals in the series include an interactive living room mural by Yohnka and Pagast featuring photo frames with things unique to Kankakee near the Kankakee Public Library lot, colorful produce painted by Jessica Carter in the Kankakee Farmers’ Market lot, and the design of Dave Baron’s “The Hub” was the first to come from Pagast’s brush at 135 N. Schuyler Ave. across from The Majestic.
Most recently, a mural dedicated to the Kankakee Mallow, a species unique to the Kankakee River State Park, located at Martinez Tacos, 348 E. Station St., was designed and completed by Katie Bretzlaff of Kankakee’s Hedgeapple Arts - Art Studio & Gallery.
Listen in to local storytellers:
Visit the Yarn Factory Listeners: Kankakee Storytelling page on Facebook for upcoming events featuring local storytellers with Bill as the host.
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557371541287
Winter blues to spring Winter blues to spring
Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
By: Bernard Thompson
As winter gives way to spring in Illinois, the lingering effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can still weigh heavily on many people. The cold, dark months often bring fatigue, low energy, and a general sense of sadness. But as the days lengthen and temperatures rise, there are several ways to ease the transition from winter blues to the uplifting spirit of spring.
Understanding SAD
SAD is a form of depression linked to seasonal changes, primarily affecting individuals during the fall and winter months when sunlight exposure decreases. Here in Illinois, when weeks can go by with no consistent sunshine, symptoms can pop up, including lethargy, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, and a lack of motivation.
While the arrival of spring usually alleviates these symptoms, some people experience residual effects that persist into the early months of the new season.
Ease the Transition
As nature begins to bloom, consider these practical ways to shake off the winter blues and embrace the renewal of spring:
1. Soak Up Natural Light
With more daylight hours available, try to spend time outdoors whenever possible. A morning walk, an afternoon in the park, or even opening your windows to let the sunlight in can make a significant difference in boosting serotonin levels and improving mood.
2. Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule
Disruptions to the body’s circadian rhythm during winter can carry over into spring. Sticking to a regular bedtime and wake-up time helps regulate energy levels and supports overall well-being.
3. Stay Active
Exercise is a natural mood enhancer. Activities such as jogging, biking, or even gardening can increase endorphin production, reduce stress, and help you feel more engaged with the changing season.
springsunshine springsunshine Social Scene
4. Adjust Your Diet
Spring is the perfect time to incorporate fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables into your meals. Foods rich in vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants can help counteract the effects of SAD and boost overall health.
5. Socialize and Engage in Enjoyable Activities
Winter often leads to isolation, but spring provides opportunities to reconnect with friends and family. Attend community events, take part in outdoor activities, or simply enjoy a picnic to lift your spirits.
6. Consider Light Therapy or Professional Support
If symptoms of SAD persist, light therapy lamps can help simulate natural sunlight exposure. Additionally, speaking with a therapist can provide guidance on coping strategies tailored to your specific needs.
By embracing the rejuvenating energy of spring, individuals can gradually overcome the winter blues and welcome the new season with positivity and enthusiasm.
Send in your Social Scene!
Gather four or more of your photos of attendees from an event and submit them to www.shawlocal.com/photo-submission. Please include names of those pictured in each image, the event title, location and date, and a brief event description. Submissions must have this information to qualify for Social Scene.
Fresh Floral Arrangements for Any Occasion
Currents of Kankakee’s East Riverwalk Groundbreaking
By: Tiffany Blanchette
Agroundbreaking ceremony was held on Jan. 22 for the City of Kankakee’ East Riverwalk project. The one-acre site, located on the southeast corner of East River Street and South Schuyler Avenue, has been in the works since 2017 and is now scheduled to open later this year. The Kankakee Riverfront Society, the not-forprofit fundraising arm of the development, has worked in conjunction with Kankakee’s Economic & Community Development Agency to secure funds and fundraise for the roughly $5-million riverfront beautification.
Photos courtesy of Kankakee’s Economic and Community Development Agency
Top: Kankakee Public Library Director Allison Beasley, left, and Vicki Forquer, Assistant Director of Library Resources
Left: Alicia Kleinert, founder of MCA Senior Adult Day Center, helps carry shovels to the groundbreaking site.
Right: State Rep. Jackie Haas, of Bourbonnais
Photos by Tiffany Blanchette
Top: Area leaders and officials gathered with community members at the official groundbreaking for Kankakee’s East Riverwalk project.
Middle: Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis welcomes attendees to the official groundbreaking for Kankakee’s East Riverwalk
Bottom: Kankakee’s Economic & Community Development Agency Executive Director Barbi BrewerWatson, center, Kankakee Riverfront Society Executive Director Bill Yohnka, left, State. Sen. Patrick Joyce, right, and Kankakee City Manager Elizabeth Kubal
Dr. MLK Jr. Memorial Foundation Prayer Breakfast
Article
& Photos by: Tiffany Blanchette
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation hosted its annual Interfaith Prayer Breakfast in January at Olivet Nazarene University’s Chalfant Hall. The event was followed by the Ecumenical Service at the College Church, where the speaker was Pastor Carl Randle Sr., Rev. Dr. Lori K. Holmes, of Caldwell Chapel A.M.E. Zion, was Mistress of Ceremonies, and lifelong Kankakee resident Jess C. Gathering received the MLK Lifetime Service Award.
Pastor Carl Randle Sr., of Kankakee’s Fair Haven Church, gives a passionate keynote speech.
Jess Gathing, a lifelong Kankakee resident, right, accepts the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Rev. Lori Holmes, leads the congregation in singing the hymn “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Johnathan Harper performs a violin solo during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation’s annual Ecumenical Service.
Cynthia Taylor performs the song “Precious Lord” during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation’s annual Ecumenical Service at College Church of the Nazarene in Bourbonnais.
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