The spirit of the holidays was alive and well over the weekend as Bourbonnais hosted its first Miracle at The Grove on Saturday

Gallery

On Thursday, the fourth annual lighting of the village’s Christmas tree kicked off the season. This year Rockin’ Around the Tree Lighting was held at 6 p.m. for the first time at The Grove, the $18-million multifaceted park that opened in July and has drawn rave reviews from the community

The restoration crew at Bradley’s Restoration Works Inc. had planned to painstakingly bring new life to hundreds of window panes

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>Elizabeth Kubal is making history in the city of Kankakee.</p>

<p>If there’s one thing Brianna Mesenbring trusts, both literally and figuratively, it’s her gut. The literal trust is what got her interested in the science of gut health and nutrition, and the figurative trust is what made that interest into a career. The founder of Bourbonnais-based The Modern Nutritionist, Mesenbring helps teens and adults — specifically women struggling with acne — to heal by enhancing gut health.</p>

<p>For the last several months on the side of Martinez Tacos in Kankakee, a bevy of talented hands have been busy creating a vibrant floral mural. At the helm of this project is Katie Bretzlaff, a long time art teacher in the area and now owner of Hedgeapple Arts.</p>

<p>In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”</p>

<p>On a warm and sunny Good Friday, Lindsay Green is busy grooming a small cockapoo aptly named Bunny. Based on Bunny’s demeanor, one would think she was at the park or playing with a new toy instead of at the groomer, a place many dogs dread.</p>

<p>While Recharge Coffee Co. has left the building, coffee is still on the menu at 47 1/2 W. Second St. in Manteno.</p>

<p>In our fourth annual Top Dog issue, we invite readers and their furry friends to join in on the fun and share information not only about what makes their pup special, but what is special about their relationship. Several dogs this year showed off their talents and wardrobes, and each had unconditional love for their paw-rents.</p>

<p>Despite being well into 2023, it’s never too late to implement a new resolution. For those who enjoy creativity and are looking for more organization in their daily lives, bullet journaling is just the ticket.</p>

<p>Authenticity is on the menu at a hot spot just off Governor’s Highway in Monee. Nad Tatrami opened in March of 2022 and is a traditional Polish restaurant. Owners Matt and Dorothy Rozak are from Zakopane, a small village in the Tatra Mountains along the Poland/Slovakia border.</p>

<p>Being that there is so much unique talent in our area, Lifestyles of Kankakee County wanted to highlight people doing exciting things locally. This became “Thriving Twenty” and celebrates 22 (with two sets of two business partners) individuals under age 40 making their mark in Kankakee County.</p>

<p>While studying veterinary medicine at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Dr. Madeline Benjamin would venture up to Gilman when the mood struck to break away from studying and enjoy antiquing. Because of the straight-shot up I-57 to get from the university to the Iroquois County city, it was an easy afternoon trip.</p>

<p>It’s no secret that Illinois winters are rough. Temperatures plummet and daylight is fleeting. This makes it difficult to find the motivation to exercise. Factor in the holiday season and all of its tasty treats and delights, and it’s easy to stray away from one’s regular workout and eating habits. There are plenty of ways to stay active while indoors, and a variety of food options to keep your diet balanced.</p>

<p>Santa Claus is coming to town and is scheduled for several family-friendly meals. But his presence (not to be confused with his presents) is not the only holiday-themed fun happening within the walls of local eateries.</p>

<p>On one of their first dates over a decade-and-a-half ago, Andy and Amy Palmer painted their way through Bob Ross art kits. With both having a lifelong predilection for art — with Andy attending college for art — it&#039;s no surprise that art became their eventual business. Known for their unique earrings of different colors and materials, the Aroma Park couple developed APalm Creations some 10 years ago.</p>