The 27th version of the Manteno Oktoberfest begins Thursday and runs through Sunday in the heart of the village's business district.

In a nod to years past, a speakeasy, the Hideout Lounge, recently opened in the basement of the Majestic in downtown Kankakee.

County craft beverage trail tour set for March 27.

The Village of Bourbonnais and Bourbonnais Township Park District have announced the eighth annual Chocolate Tour is returning next year

<p>The last few days have been rainy. The many, many leaves that have not been picked up now are matted to the wet grass. It will be more of a challenge to use the leaf blower now.</p>

The Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra concert will be held at 4 p.m. Dec. 8 at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 308 E. Marsile St.

<p>This week will put October 2024 into history. It doesn’t seem possible we have only two months left of 2024.</p>

<p>&lt;strong&gt;Dear Savvy Senior,&lt;/strong&gt; Can you recommend some good pill boxes and medication-reminding devices? I recently started taking several new prescription medications along with some vitamins I normally take and need to get a pill box that helps me organize them. What can you tell me? &lt;strong&gt;— Almost 70&lt;/strong&gt;</p>

<p>Last week, daughter Verena hosted a Tupperware bridal shower here for daughter Lovina. We had a great turnout with more than 20 ladies. It was quite interesting, and we served everyone lunch after the party. Verena and I made the casseroles, but the rest was brought in by my sisters, nieces and daughters. That really helped, and I appreciated it very much.</p>

<p>If you’ve ever done a double take after seeing someone else’s kitchen, you’re not alone. Everyone has their own quirks and unique ways of handling their kitchen that may raise some eyebrows. Find out if you’ve ever debated these divisive opinions among home cooks, from the necessity of dishwashers and meal planning to the right storage methods for eggs and bread.</p>

<p>&lt;strong&gt;Dear Cheapskate:&lt;/strong&gt; With all the suggestions you have made for the “best inexpensive” products in your blog EverydayCheapskate.com (which I get in my email box every weekday and love it), I don’t believe I have ever seen a recommendation for dry cat food, canned cat food or cat litter. Or even pet products, for that matter. That’s where I really need help.</p>

<p>I am sitting here drinking coffee and enjoying a piece of zucchini coffee cake a lady from our church district dropped off for us. It is delicious, and I would like to ask her for the recipe. I do hope it doesn’t have many calories. Isn’t it always comforting when you try to say it has a vegetable (zucchini), so it can’t be too unhealthy? The added zucchini does really make it a moist cake.</p>

<p>The best way to become a great home cook is to learn proper techniques, then practice. Learning some of the best secrets from professional chefs can’t hurt! Here, for your cooking pleasure, are secrets from the pros that will help you avoid making these five mistakes.</p>

<p>Sunday was baptismal services in our church for two young souls. Church attendance was bigger than usual because of relatives coming in honor of the two getting baptized.</p>

<p>As Special Olympics Illinois races into the final heats of summer sports, eight Texas Roadhouse restaurants across the state, including the Bradley-based restaurant, will team up with local police to raise money for the state-wide organization.</p>

<p>July 27 was grandson Ryan’s 5th birthday. He was excited to be 5 years old. Our whole family gathered July 24 for supper for son Joseph’s 22nd birthday.</p>

<p>July 1 (yesterday) was daughter Loretta’s 24th birthday. I wish her many more happy, healthy years ahead. Her two little boys keep her busy. Denzel will be 2 years old July 10, and Byron will be 1 on Aug. 7. On Sunday, Joe and I drove with Dustin and Loretta and the boys to the park. Byron was sitting with Loretta and me in the back, and he wouldn’t quit fussing until he could sit up front with Joe, Dustin and Denzel. Then, he would look back at Loretta and me with a grin on his face as if saying, “Ha ha, I like it better up here.” He enjoys watching the horse run. Denzel will hold the lines to drive their horse, Spirit. Spirit is a calm horse and travels along safely. Of course, Dustin makes sure to keep a watch on the road for traffic.</p>

<p>I am Lovina’s “English” friend, Ruth, and I had the opportunity to help Lovina shop for food, take pictures of the wedding preparation and then attend Daniel’s and Lovina’s wedding June 21. Lovina asked me to share with you what happens in the days leading up to the wedding, and she will share more about the wedding in her next column.</p>