Living

"My work as a historian has always begun with the stories of my ancestors," says Kelley and she opens this book with an angry man, his son, and the story of Henry, who was "born in bondage" and ultimately became a blacksmith. Kelley admits that she doesn't know much about Henry's earliest life but in adulthood, he became a voter and "he was part of a community" – something that Kelly "found time and again" had given "Black folks [a] sense of self."

"I was proud to secure $1.1 million to establish a safe pedestrian and bike path along Route 53," Foster said. "This project will help connect residents to local businesses, schools, and more, all while helping to reduce emissions. I'll continue fighting for the federal resources to bolster our local economy and preserve our outdoor areas for future generations to enjoy."

Six women chefs, passionate to help and support each other, have joined together to raise money to benefit the non-profit International Society for Better Health (ISBHA) for their school and food security programs. 

The City of Joliet would like to invite the public to attend a special Flag Day ceremony, which will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14, at 30 North Bluff Street. A group of U.S. Submarine Veterans from the Northeastern Chicago area, USS Chicago Base, are dedicating a memorial to remember the 28 World War II Submarines that traveled through Joliet on their way to the Pacific theater. The monument will be installed at the existing Veterans Memorial, on the south side of Bicentennial Park.

The celebration is coming soon, you can feel it in the air. Your entire family will gather for one special day. There'll be picnics and tasty foods, dancing, and storytelling. No, it's not Christmas or your birthday, not Easter or...

Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant is partnering with the Community Nutrition Network and Senior Services Association, Meals on Wheels Foundation of Northern Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, and Community Lifeline Ministries to host the event. 

Head to Monee Reservoir or Hidden Lakes Trout Farm on Father’s Day weekend to take advantage of the free fishing days sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which means no fishing license is required. The Forest Preserve will throw in free bait and other treats for dads. Also scheduled are kayaking, late-night fishing and yoga programs.

Saturday: June 17, 2023 @ 11am to 12pm Igniting The Fire  134 East Cass Street, Joliet, Il 60432 Books will be available for purchase. Event is free: All Are Welcome WE GIVE YOU HOPE Hot Meals To Go Program Hope & Divine Purpose Transitional Home, Inc. Israeio...

For anyone who likes to watch the ponies, or who thrills to the Triple Crown each year, "Isaac Murphy: The Rise and Fall of a Black Jockey" by Katherine C. Mooney (Yale University Press, $25) is a book filled with action and history. Isaac Murphy was born a slave in 1861 and became a horse jockey, as many Black men did then. Horse racing was one of America's most popular sports in the mid-nineteenth-century and Murphy was one of America's most well-known athletes, Black and white – but while his work, the races he won, and the prizes he captured made him famous then, Murphy is often forgotten today.

Get ready to soar high during the Kites in Flight Fest in Ottawa, IL. This two-day event, held from 11 am-5 pm on May 20th and 21st, is open to all ages and will feature kite demonstrations from the Chicago Kite Company. You might see giant fish, giant astronauts, a king-kong-sized gorilla, and more!