Lincolnway, IL May 2026

Celebrating HER: The Women Who Shape Our Lives

Hello Lincolnway,

Every year we dedicate two of our issues - one to HER and one to HIM. It's a tribute to the women and men who are so critical to our lives. This month we focus on HER. Whether it's your mother (including step and in-law), sister, wife, daughter, grandmother, granddaughter, aunt, cousin or special friend or colleague, they may have all played a role in shaping who you have become. Be grateful. Where would you be without this incredible list of influencers?

Throughout this issue, we focus on women who have been Game Changers. Whether they positively impacted others through their actions, broke records, demonstrated amazing leadership or reset expectations, these ladies are role models worth celebrating. Listen to and learn from their stories and wisdom. We encourage you to support their businesses and other women-owned entities in our community.

We would also like to wish all the mothers across Lincolnway a very happy May 10th. Over the years, my son wrote me poems for Mother's Day. One was entitled "If It Weren't For My Mother." He listed several examples of what would not have existed without my engagement, influence, discipline or (fill in the blank)." Although written in comedic fashion, his last line says it all: "Lastly and most important, if it weren't for my Momma, I wouldn't be who I am, where I am or what I am." Doesn't this ring true as we think about our mothers (or maternal alternates) this holiday? Reach out to HER.

Let's recognize the women who make life so much more meaningful. Cheers to the ladies who inspire us every day!

All the best,

JANET VIANE, PUBLISHER @LINCOLNWAY_CITYLIFESTYLE

May 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

Jean Lachat | jean@jeanlachatphotography.com

Chris Moran | cmoranphotography@gmail.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

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Imagine the kids splashing and laughing just steps from your back door, the whole family cooling off together on a hot afternoon, and neighbors gathering for weekend fun that never seems to end. An inground pool is more than a backyard upgrade, it's where summer memories are made. Safe, beautiful, and built to last, our custom designs fit any yard and any budget. Let's build something your whole family will love!

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Thank you to everyone who made this year’s annual Lincolnway Foundation Gala so special! 2: Momentum dancers competed successfully at the Bloom Dance Competition! 3: Thank you to everyone who made the annual Garden Party Fashion Show a huge success!

business monthly

Prestwick Country Club Announces $10 Million Capital Improvement Plan

Prestwick Country Club in Frankfort is proud to announce a transformative $10 million capital improvement plan designed to enhance the member experience for generations. Key updates include new culinary team, locker rooms, expanded pro shop, new cart barn, pool liner replacement, kitchen renovation, new halfway house member concessions, patio/dining pavilion addition, clubhouse interior refresh, bunker renovations, golf course irrigation system, parking lot resurfacing, and cart path restoration - positioning Prestwick for an exciting future.

Jean Lachat Recognized by Photography Business Institute

Jean Lachat was recognized as the 2026 Coach of the Year by the Photography Business Institute in early Spring. PBI is a professional photographer's group of both US and international photographers. Jean is one of the original members of PBI's Peak Performance Coaching, and has mentored hundreds of photographers over the last eight years.

Game Changers:

Women Who Are Redefining the Rules

Julianna Rubio Slager Jameka Williams-Muhammad

Ballet 5:8

Julianna Rubio Slager is a choreographer, director, and artistic leader whose work lives at the intersection of art, faith, and storytelling. Through Ballet 5:8, she creates spaces where dance is both excellent and meaningful—inviting audiences into reflection, conversation, and transformation. Her work has been recognized across the arts field, including being named a National Visiting Fellow at the School of American Ballet (2023), receiving multiple Illinois Arts Council grants, and earning a DCASE Individual Artist Grant. Her work has also been featured by major media outlets and is praised for its originality and emotional depth.

Rather than a single accomplishment, Julianna is most proud of the culture she has cultivated-one that challenges artists toward excellence while forming them as whole people. She began to realize she was “changing the game” as audiences responded not just to performance quality, but to how deeply they felt seen and moved.

Navigating leadership as a woman has required balancing strength and tenderness. Today, she leads with clarity, conviction, and intentional care. Her advice: pursue substance over visibility and build something true to who you are.

USA Masters Track & Field National Champion

Jameka Williams-Muhammad of New Lenox is a national champion track athlete and owner of Anointed Hands Physical Therapy, where her passion for movement and performance extends beyond the track. As a USA Masters Track & Field National Champion in the 80-meter hurdles, she has earned multiple national titles and podium finishes, consistently ranking among the top athletes in her division across the country. Competing in both indoor and outdoor events, she exemplifies speed, precision, and longevity at an elite level.

What sets Jameka apart is her ability to sustain peak performance while balancing entrepreneurship, family life, and community impact. Her journey reflects discipline, resilience, and a commitment to growth—qualities that have defined both her athletic and professional success. She believes success comes from consistency, preparation, and trusting the process, even when progress is not immediate.

Through her achievements, she is redefining what it means to be an athlete, proving that greatness is not limited by age, but driven by mindset and determination. She hopes her story encourages other women to pursue bold goals, embrace every season of life, and never underestimate what they are capable of achieving.

Brittany Kaup Sherri Heckenast

Kaup Homes Dirt Oval 66

Brittany Kaup of Manhattan is a fifth-generation home builder, general contractor, and co-founder of Kaup Homes. With over 15 years of experience, she has worked hands-on through every stage of residential construction, from planning and design to collaborating directly with homeowners. Her perspective as a mother of three shapes her philosophy: homes should be functional, welcoming, and designed for real life.

Currently, Kaup is leading her first full-scale development under Kaup Homes, a 58-lot community set to debut in New Lenox in Spring 2026. While she has contributed to countless projects, this milestone marks her leadership of a project entirely under her guidance, continuing her family’s long-standing legacy in home building.

Her approach has always been collaborative, prioritizing transparency, trust, and the unique needs of each family. After overcoming early career challenges in a male-dominated industry, Kaup now leads with resilience, integrity, and encouragement, fostering environments where clients, partners, and team members feel respected and supported.

Her advice to aspiring women leaders: embrace challenges, trust your abilities, and let doubt fuel growth. Surround yourself with mentors and allies, and build a path guided by your own vision and values.

Sherri Heckenast of Frankfort, owner of Dirt Oval 66, grew up immersed in her family's auto parts and recycling business on Chicago's South Side, where she learned every role from the ground up. After stepping in to help run the business following her father’s health crisis, she developed resilience and earned respect in a male-dominated industry through hard work and determination. She later helped lead the company through a successful sale, marking a pivotal career milestone.

Her journey into motorsports was a natural extension of her upbringing. A former racecar driver, Heckenast combined her passion for racing with her talent for event planning, ultimately launching Dirt Oval 66 through a partnership with Route 66 Raceway and NASCAR. Today, she leads large-scale, high-energy events with a team of over 100 employees, creating a space where families and fans can connect.

A defining moment came when she confidently asserted her expertise to a skeptical customer— realizing she didn’t need to fit expectations to earn respect.

Her advice: don’t limit yourself by labels. Work hard, believe in your ability, and take the driver’s seat.

Rita Cook Briley Birkey Bank of America

Nautical Bowls Frankfort

Rita Cook of Mokena serves as President of Bank of America Chicago and Midwest Division Executive for the Private Bank, connecting clients, teammates, and communities to the firm's full capabilities. She oversees billions in lending, deposits, and client assets, helping families and businesses thrive. While proud of her professional impact, she considers motherhood her greatest legacy.

Her path has been intentionally non-linear, shaped by lateral moves across finance, operations, and leadership. She realized she was “changing the game” when her broad perspective allowed her to connect teams and serve clients more holistically, blending strategy with empathy.

Navigating the financial services industry, Rita rarely saw leaders who reflected her experience. That reality shaped her belief that true credibility and long-term impact stem from authenticity and a strong network of support. Those experiences shaped her servant leadership style: grounded in authenticity, preparation, and creating space for others to succeed.

Her advice? Stay curious, embrace lateral growth, find strong sponsors, and lead with purpose. Ambition, she believes, doesn’t require certaintyonly courage and a willingness to evolve.

Briley Birkey, owner of Nautical Bowls in downtown Frankfort, is an entrepreneur whose path to business ownership was shaped first by motherhood. After spending nearly a decade raising her three children, she stepped into her long-held dream of building something of her own. Drawing on experiences in Disney hospitality and Chicago-based software sales, she created a business rooted in wellness, community, and meaningful connection.

Since opening in Fall 2024, Nautical Bowls has become more than a superfood café—it’s a space where young employees grow into confident leaders and where community gathers. Birkey is especially proud of the culture she’s built, including leading a team that extended its impact globally through a service trip to Malawi, helping bring clean water to communities in need.

Her journey has been organic, and at times underestimated, but those experiences shaped her leadership. Today, she leads with resilience, creativity, and a commitment to developing others.

Her advice: embrace failure, lead with integrity, and build something that helps others discover their purpose.

There Are Two Ways To Find

Doing It Alone

• Conflicting information

• Unsure what questions to ask

• Endless phone calls

• Feeling rushed and overwhelmed

Senior Living

With a Senior Living Expert

• One call, clear guidance

• Options matched to care & budget

• Tours coordinated for you

• Confidence in the decision

TRY

Acupuncture

&

Chinese Medicine

NATURAL CARE FOR EVERY PHASE OF A WOMAN’S LIFE

HORMONE BALANCING

INFERTILITY

POSTPARTUM CARE

MENSTRUAL IRREGULARITIES

MENOPAUSE / PERIMENOPAUSE ANXIETY / STRESS

Whole Woman Wellness

For Dr. Shannon McMahon, DCM, L.Ac., the path to holistic medicine began with a desire for deeper connection. After a career in environmental engineering, she felt called to help people in a more personal, hands-on way. That realization led her to study acupuncture at Pacific College of Health & Science, where she also discovered a passion for herbal medicine.

Today, her work focuses on helping women reconnect with their bodies through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a system rooted in balance, rhythm, and interconnectedness. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, TCM views the body as a whole—where hormones, digestion, mood, and reproductive health reflect overall harmony. This approach is especially powerful in women’s health.

From menstruation and fertility to postpartum recovery and menopause, each phase is seen not as a problem to fix, but a transition to support. TCM emphasizes prevention, addressing subtle imbalances before they become more serious concerns. In her practice, Dr. McMahon

commonly supports women experiencing fertility challenges, menopause, autoimmune conditions, and chronic inflammation—issues often linked by stress, hormonal shifts, and a sense of disconnection from the body.

Through acupuncture and herbal medicine, she works to gently restore balance by regulating the nervous system, improving circulation, and supporting natural rhythms. Because herbal medicine can feel unfamiliar, she prioritizes education, helping patients understand how treatments work and why they are uniquely tailored. This personalized approach builds trust and empowers women to take an active role in their healing.

Across every stage of life, treatment evolves alongside a woman’s needs. In TCM, even menopause is viewed as a “second spring”—a time of renewal and self-nourishment. For Dr. McMahon, the growing interest in holistic care reflects a shift: women seeking not just relief, but lasting wellness, resilience, and connection to their bodies.

HOLDING SPACE FOR MOTHERS

ARTICLE BY NICOLE SWANBERG WRIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS MORAN

At Nave Wellness Center in Frankfort, Raven Fisher, LCPC, is creating a space where women feel seen, supported, and understood - especially during the transformative seasons of pregnancy and motherhood.

For Raven, the center’s focus on women’s and maternal mental health is rooted in personal experience. As both a woman and a mother, she knows how meaningful it can be when clients feel a sense of shared understanding with their therapist. That connection often becomes the starting point for trust, helping women feel safe enough to open up, be vulnerable, and fully engage in the therapeutic process.

In her work, Raven frequently sees women navigating the pressure to “do it all.” She describes it as a pendulum: swinging between extremes in search of balance. While expanded rights and opportunities have created new possibilities, they have also introduced unrealistic expectations. Many women find themselves striving for a version of success that simply isn’t sustainable, leading to burnout, depletion, and a constant feeling of falling short. Raven encourages her clients to step away from these extremes and instead work toward a more grounded, attainable middle space.

That pressure often intensifies during pregnancy and postpartum, when many women struggle quietly. Many mothers experience postpartum depression and/or anxiety during the perinatal period.

Raven notes that signs someone may need additional support can vary, but often appear as shifts from their usual baseline: changes in sleep, appetite, mood, or social connection. Rather than waiting for obvious distress, she emphasizes the importance of consistent, proactive support. Simply checking in, listening without judgment, and acknowledging the difficulty of this season can have a powerful impact.

Maternal mental health, Raven explains, is not just an individual concern; it’s foundational to the health of the entire family. Mothers often carry both the physical demands of pregnancy and the emotional responsibility of nurturing a household. When a mother is not well, the effects ripple outward. Prioritizing self-care, she says, is essential, much like putting on your own oxygen mask before helping others.

She also hopes to shift misconceptions about postpartum mental health, particularly around timing. The perinatal period extends far beyond the first few weeks after birth, spanning from conception through one to two years postpartum. With significant hormonal and life changes happening throughout this time, ongoing awareness and support are critical.

At Nave Wellness Center, Raven’s holistic approach means looking beyond isolated symptoms. Mental health is deeply connected to physical, emotional, social, and even financial wellbeing. By helping clients see how these pieces intersect, she supports more complete and lasting healing.

For women in overwhelming seasons, Raven offers a gentle reframe: self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate. Small, intentional acts (a few deep breaths, a moment outside, a pause in the day) can be meaningful ways to reconnect and restore.

Above all, she wants women to know they are not alone. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to ask for help. And, with the right support, it’s possible not just to cope, but to truly grow into a new version of oneself.

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and to ask for help. And, with the right support, it’s possible not just to cope, but to truly grow.

BUILDING Beauty AND Business:

The Founders of Ageless Rituals Med Spa

ARTICLE BY NICOLE SWANBERG WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH SCHWEISS

For Dani DuCharme and Colleen Knight, founding Ageless Rituals Med Spa in Frankfort was about more than aesthetics—it was the culmination of decades of passion, experience, and dedication.

Dani, influenced by her father’s 45-year legacy running Aurelio’s Pizza, always knew she wanted to build something of her own. “Watching my dad’s work ethic showed me that anything is possible if you’re willing to put in the work,” she says. Coupled with a lifelong interest in skincare—rooted in her own struggles with acne—Dani developed a deep understanding of how confidence and self-image are intertwined. Over 20 years in aesthetics reinforced her belief that the industry isn’t transactional; it’s a journey of empowerment and self-care.

Colleen’s path to entrepreneurship stemmed from a lifetime of caring for others as a nurse. “Helping people has never just been a profession—it’s who I am,” she explains. When Dani shared her vision for a med spa that blended clinical expertise with a luxurious, personalized experience, Colleen saw a natural extension of her purpose: building teams and creating meaningful spaces where people feel seen, supported, and confident.

The journey wasn’t without challenges. From navigating regulations to assembling the right team and selecting equipment, every decision required intentionality. “Even with experience, starting from scratch is a big undertaking,” Dani reflects. Colleen adds, “Every step came with both challenges and opportunities, and those early struggles laid the foundation for everything we are today.”

Today, their roles have evolved from hands-on builders to leaders guiding a growing business, balancing client care with team development and thoughtful expansion. “We’re building something that actually means something...not just for us, but for our clients, our team, and our community,” Dani says.

For Dani and Colleen, entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a business - it’s about creating a space where passion, care, and purpose intersect, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who walks through the doors of Ageless Rituals.

Empowering Communication, Every Day

For Star Speech and Myo Therapy owner Dana

Ann Hawkins, the path to building a more supportive, accessible speech therapy practice began with a simple but powerful realization: families needed more than reassurance: they needed tools.

A speech-language pathologist specializing in early communication, myofunctional therapy, and aural rehabilitation, Dana has spent years working closely with young children and their families. Time and again, she noticed a disconnect. Parents were often advised to “wait and see,” yet left feeling uncertain about how to help their child in the meantime. That gap became the foundation for her practice.

Dana created Star Speech and Myo Therapy to offer something different: care that feels clear, practical, and empowering. As both a clinician and a mother of three, she understands the realities families face. Her approach is rooted in the belief that therapy should seamlessly fit into everyday life, not exist as something separate or overwhelming.

Instead of focusing solely on what happens during a session, Dana emphasizes what happens in between. She guides families on how to support their child’s development during playtime, meals, and daily routines, turning ordinary moments into opportunities for growth. By offering both in-person and virtual therapy, she also ensures families can access consistent, high-quality care in ways that work for them.

For Dana, the most meaningful moments are often the smallest. A child using their first word, engaging more during play, or connecting in a new way can transform not only their confidence, but their relationships. These breakthroughs, she says, ripple far beyond the therapy room.

Her philosophy is simple: children learn best through connection, play, and real-life experiences. By focusing on the whole child and equipping families with strategies they can actually use, Dana is helping redefine what effective speech therapy looks like.

At its core, her work is about more than communication. It’s about giving children the tools to be understood, and giving families the confidence to help them get there.

ARTICLE BY NICOLE SWANBERG WRIGHT

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY

JEAN LACHAT

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s , she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

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

Local Multidisciplinary Care Clinic

Restore balance and find relief with acupuncture integrated into specialized pelvic, oncology, and lymphatic physical therapy—designed to support healing, reduce pain, and improve overall well-being. Our expert team provides gentle, personalized care to help you feel stronger, calmer, and more in control of your recovery journey. Come discuss your goals for health with Dr. Anna Bloomfield, acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine doctor.

InSync:

ARTICLE BY NICOLE SWANBERG WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

BY CHRIS MORAN

A New Approach to Women’s Wellness

In an era where women’s health is finally receiving the nuanced attention it deserves, Dr. Lauren Mansell is leading a more integrative, patient-centered approach. As the founder of AcuRehabMed, she brings together physical therapy, pelvic floor therapy, and acupuncture to treat the body as an interconnected system—rather than a collection of isolated symptoms.

At the core of her work is the belief that true healing happens when structural, neurological, and physiological factors are addressed simultaneously. Physical therapy restores movement and function, while pelvic health therapy focuses on the coordination and support of the bladder, bowel, and reproductive systems.

Acupuncture complements both by regulating the nervous system, improving blood flow, and reducing pain. This layered, trauma-informed model is particularly effective for patients navigating chronic or complex conditions.

Many women, she notes, don’t realize they could benefit from pelvic floor therapy. Symptoms like leaking when sneezing or laughing, pelvic heaviness, pain during intimacy, or even persistent low back and hip pain are often dismissed as “normal” after childbirth or with age. “They may be common,” Lauren explains, “but they’re not something you have to live with.” With proper care, patients not only find relief but also gain a clearer understanding of their treatment options and bodies.

Acupuncture plays a powerful supporting role in this process. By calming the nervous system and lowering cortisol levels, it helps shift the body out of a stress response that can inhibit healing. Many patients report improved mobility and deeper sleep after just a few sessions.

Lauren frequently treats conditions ranging from postpartum recovery and pelvic floor dysfunction to sports injuries, vertigo, and

complications related to cancer treatment. Many of her patients arrive after traditional approaches haven’t fully resolved their concerns. What sets her approach apart is its focus on root causes. Rather than chasing symptoms, she examines contributing factors like posture, breathing patterns, stress, and movement habits. The result is not just temporary relief, but lasting change.

Looking ahead, Dr. Lauren is particularly excited about emerging research on the gutbrain-pelvic connection and the growing emphasis on trauma-informed care. “When we provide sensitive, individualized treatment,” she says, “patients regain control and ultimately, their quality of life.”

BEYOND BETTER HEARING

ARTICLE BY KENADEE BERRY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN LACHAT

Better hearing transforms connection, confidence, and quality of everyday life experiences.

At first, audiology wasn’t part of the plan for Dr. Scott Sumrall. His career began in civil engineering, working in project and construction management, until one project shifted everything: contributing to the development of an audiology clinic. Through close collaboration with the audiologists (and continued exposure to the field) he gained a deeper understanding of “the critical role hearing plays in overall quality of life.”

That experience proved to be pivotal. Dr. Sumrall witnessed firsthand how “improving an individual’s hearing can significantly enhance their daily experiences, relationships, and well being,” ultimately inspiring a transition into audiology. Today, that perspective shapes his work at Freedom Hearing and Speech, where the guiding philosophy is simple: “your ears are as unique as your thumbprint.”

As a locally owned, independent practice, Freedom Hearing and Speech takes a personalized approach to care. The ability to partner with multiple leading hearing technology manufacturers allows solutions to be “based entirely on each patient’s specific hearing needs, lifestyle, and preferences.” But what truly distinguishes the practice is its comprehensive model. Hearing healthcare extends far beyond devices; it depends on “precise fitting, advanced programming, and real-ear verification” to ensure clarity and comfort in real-world environments.

Hearing loss itself often goes unnoticed. It “sneaks up,” presenting as muffled words, difficulty in crowded spaces, or even withdrawal from social settings. Despite these signs, many individuals delay care, waiting “seven to ten years” before seeking help.

The consequences of that delay can be significant. Untreated hearing loss is often described as a “use it or lose it” scenario, where reduced auditory input limits the brain’s ability to process sound over time. Research has linked it to a cognitive decline, social isolation, and even “up to a three-fold increase in the likelihood of falls.” Hearing health, it becomes clear, is closely tied to overall well-being.

At Freedom Hearing and Speech, care is built around that understanding. From diagnostic evaluations to tinnitus treatment and advanced vestibular testing, each patient begins with a thorough consultation designed to uncover not just their hearing profile, but their lifestyle and long-term goals. The result is a personalized path forward, one that supports clearer communication, stronger connections, and a better quality of life.

As advancements like artificial intelligence and seamless smartphone integration continue to reshape hearing technology, the possibilities are expanding. What remains constant is the mission: helping patients reconnect with the sounds (and moments) that matter most.

You can always count on some unpredictability. Trust our consultants to give you the stable guidance that comes from experience. Call or visit us today.

David Zaycek

Mokena Branch

19214 S. LaGrange Rd.

Mokena, IL 60448

708-326-6080

schwab.com/mokena

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MAY 9TH

Touch-a-Truck & Village of Manhattan Open House

Manhattan Village Hall | 11:00 AM

Get ready for a hands-on, family-friendly experience at the Village of Manhattan's Touch-A-Truck event! From 11 AM to 1 PM, this exciting day invites both kids and adults to explore a variety of vehicles, from construction equipment to emergency vehicles. It’s the perfect opportunity to get up close with the machines that play an essential role in our communities.

MAY 15TH

Front Street Fest

Front Street Metra Lot | 4:00 PM

The 2nd Annual Front Street Fest in Mokena, hosted by the Mokena Chamber of Commerce, takes place May 15–17, in the Front Street Metra parking lot. The three-day event features live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities, with headline acts including The Ron Burgundy’s, Totally Taylor, and Libido Funk Circus. Tickets and full schedule available at www.mokena.com.

MAY 21ST

New Lenox Farmers Market

New Lenox Commons | 4:00 PM

Join the Village of New Lenox as they kick off their 2026 farmers market season on Thursday, May 21 at 4 PM in the Commons.

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MAY 23RD

Team Demolition Derby

Dirt Oval 66 | 7:00 PM

Memorial Day weekend kicks-off with Military Night featuring the 4-team bracket, plus dirt racing from the spectator cars division and a gauntlet race!  Special attraction: live performance from Chicago 6, led by former Chicago Bears defensive tackle and Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Hampton. Gates open 4:00 PM with showtime at 7:00 PM. Tickets available at www.dirtoval66.com.

MAY 30TH

Wellness Day

Hickory Creek Preserve | 9:00 AM

Join the Forest Preserve District of Will County for Wellness Day 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Enjoy a thoughtful walk through the preserve, gentle yoga, nature journaling, and meaningful time spent with others—or in peaceful solitude. Please dress for the weather, as activities will take place outdoors. Register by May 26 via visit www.reconnectwithnature.org or 815-727-8700.

MAY 31ST

Frankfort

Community Showcase

Downtown Frankfort

You won't want to miss the Community Showcase event in Downtown Frankfort! It's not your typical business expo - local businesses and organizations are coming together to show off their unique offerings. Plus, the event coincides with the Village of Frankfort's Country Market, making it a full day of excitement and entertainment.

Want to be featured?