Kankakee Valley Community Happenings

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano welcomes Alicia Kleinert, the founder and executive director of the MCA Senior Adult Day Center. Alicia shares the vital mission of her organization, which provides structured daytime services, health monitoring, and social engagement for seniors aged 60 and older across Kankakee, Will, and Iroquois counties.

The conversation highlights the launch of the Community Stewards campaign, an initiative designed to maintain the center’s stability and ensure that local seniors continue to receive uninterrupted care. Alicia explains the challenges of delayed funding and how local businesses and individuals can play a pivotal role in supporting the organization through tax-deductible contributions, volunteering, and in-kind donations.

Listeners will also learn about the broader impact of adult day services, including the essential respite provided to caregivers and the ways the center addresses senior isolation through specialized programming and health services. Alicia also reflects on her professional background as a respiratory therapist and what motivated her to establish this resource in her hometown.

Listen to the full episode to discover more about the specific services offered at the center, the organizations already stepping up to help, and how you can get involved in supporting the local senior community.

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case sits down with Akash Rana, the Director of Immediate Care and Workforce Health for Riverside Healthcare, to discuss the recent expansion of medical services in the Bourbonnais area.

As community needs for accessible and timely medical attention grow, Riverside Healthcare has opened a new Immediate Care facility designed to bridge the gap between primary care and emergency services. This episode explores how the new location aims to serve local residents and what patients can expect when visiting.

Key Discussion Points

• New Bourbonnais Facility: An overview of the new location situated within the Riverside Ortho & Spine Center and the specific resources available on-site to streamline patient care.
• Comprehensive Services: A look at the variety of non-life-threatening conditions treated, including minor injuries, illnesses, and specialized testing capabilities.
• Workforce Health and Physicals: Details on the support offered to local employers and students, ranging from drug screenings to sports and DOT physicals.
• Choosing the Right Care: Akash Rana explains the critical differences between visiting an Immediate Care clinic and seeking treatment at an emergency room, helping listeners make informed decisions during a health crisis.

Why Listen

Understanding where to go for medical treatment can save time and ensure the best health outcomes. This conversation provides essential information regarding the hours of operation, scheduling options via Riverside MyChart, and the walk-in capabilities of the new Bourbonnais site.

To learn more about the advanced diagnostic technology being used and the full scope of services available at this new location, listen to the complete interview.

Guest: Akash Rana, Director of Immediate Care and Workforce Health at Riverside Healthcare Host: Denny Case Station: 92.7 WVLI

For further information on Riverside Healthcare services or to find the nearest location, please visit their official website.

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case of 92.7 WVLI welcomes Eduardo "Eddy" Navoa, a sales associate from Hove Nissan in Bradley. With seven years of experience in the automotive industry, Navoa shares insights into his professional background and his commitment to serving the Kankakee Valley area, including his work with the local Spanish-speaking community.

The episode delves into what distinguishes the customer experience at Hove Nissan. Navoa explains the dealership's philosophy on providing a low-pressure environment and how they have structured their team to assist buyers in various financial positions. He discusses the specific expertise the sales staff brings to the table and how that translates into a more efficient process for the consumer.

The discussion also addresses recent local weather events and their impact on vehicle availability. Navoa provides an update on the condition of the current new and used inventory at Hove Nissan, as well as an overview of available financial incentives and modern tools that allow customers to handle much of the purchase process remotely.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about the specific credit assistance programs available and the details of current financing offers at Hove Nissan.

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In this segment of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case sits down with Penny Greenlee, the Community Outreach Director for High Point Residences of Kankakee. The conversation provides an overview of supportive living environments designed for individuals aged 65 and older, clarifying common misconceptions regarding the differences between these facilities and traditional nursing homes.

Greenlee discusses the various services provided at High Point, including their approach to independent living, specialized memory care, and the level of medical staffing available to residents. The episode also highlights the specific financial programs and insurance types the facility accepts, which distinguishes their mission within the local community.

To hear the full discussion on senior care options, resident amenities, and how to coordinate a visit to the facility, listen to the complete interview.

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano welcomes Dr. Alec Fisher from the Riverside Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department. Dr. Fisher, a Los Angeles native who completed his medical training at Dartmouth and Johns Hopkins, discusses his transition to the Riverside team and the diverse range of services he provides to the community.

The conversation explores the two primary branches of his practice: reconstructive surgery and cosmetic procedures. Dr. Fisher explains the advanced techniques currently being utilized at Riverside, including microsurgery and the DIEP flap procedure for breast cancer survivors. He also addresses the growing demand for body contouring following significant weight loss and explains how these procedures integrate into a patient's overall health journey.

Listeners will gain insight into the philosophy of modern plastic surgery, as Dr. Fisher debunks common myths regarding "fake" results and emphasizes the importance of a natural, refreshed appearance. The episode also covers:

• The collaborative nature of plastic surgery within a hospital system.
• What patients can expect during a personalized consultation.
• Specialized care for facial fractures, hand surgery, and gender-affirming procedures.
• How to connect with Riverside specialists and access educational resources.

For a deeper look at the surgical innovations available in the Kankakee Valley and to hear Dr. Fisher’s unique perspective on patient care, listen to the full episode.

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Angela Morrey from the Kankakee County Economic Alliance to discuss the current economic landscape of the region. The conversation highlights the unexpected diversity of local industries, ranging from global manufacturing and healthcare to a robust tourism sector bolstered by the Kankakee River and new local attractions.

Angela shares surprising statistics regarding Kankakee County's high state rankings in specific agricultural sectors—proving that the local farming economy extends far beyond corn. The discussion also covers the vital role of small businesses, the importance of community networking, and the ongoing efforts to address national challenges locally, such as housing availability and workforce participation.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about the specific data driving the county's growth, how local organizations are collaborating to support residents, and where you can find resources to get involved in the community's economic future.

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In this edition of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano welcomes Village of Bradley Mayor Mike Watson to discuss several time-sensitive updates affecting local residents.

The conversation highlights the approaching deadline for the Bradley property tax rebate program. Mayor Watson emphasizes the importance of submitting the necessary documentation before the window closes to ensure residents receive the funds they are entitled to.

Additionally, the episode covers an upcoming seasonal giveaway event held at a familiar local landmark. Mayor Watson provides information regarding eligibility, residency requirements, and the first-come, first-served nature of this community initiative. The discussion concludes with a look toward the future of the village, including news of a scheduled groundbreaking ceremony and upcoming summer developments.

Listen to the full episode to get the specific dates, locations, and requirements for these programs and to stay informed on the latest news from the Village of Bradley.

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

This installment of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings features host Mike Tomano in conversation with Rhonda Stenzinger of the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association (KVTA). The discussion focuses on the organization’s upcoming production of Footloose: Youth Edition, a high-energy, family-friendly version of the classic musical coming to the Lincoln Cultural Center.

Stenzinger shares insights into the rigorous rehearsal process for the cast of 46 local performers and the enduring appeal of the show’s chart-topping 1980s soundtrack. The conversation also explores the historical events in Elmore City, Oklahoma, that served as the inspiration for the story, as well as Stenzinger’s thirty-year history with the local theatre community.

Listen to the full episode for details regarding the March 14th and 15th performance schedule, ticket information, and special daytime bookings available for schools and homeschool groups.

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

This episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings features an in-depth conversation between host Mike Tomano and Alicia Kleinert, the founder and executive director of the MCA Senior Adult Day Center. Since opening its doors in late 2024, the center has become a vital resource for the Kankakee River Valley, evolving from a visionary idea into a thriving community hub for local seniors and their families.

In this installment, Alicia Kleinert discusses the significant milestones the center has achieved in its first 18 months of operation. A primary focus of the discussion is the center's recent success in navigating complex state requirements to accept Medicaid and the CCP program waiver, a move that significantly expands access for low-income seniors in the region.

The conversation explores the center’s holistic approach to care, detailing how they support the "aging in place" initiative while providing a structured, dementia-friendly environment. Alicia shares insights into:

• The personal inspiration behind founding the center and the specific community needs it addresses.
• The importance of collaboration with local hospitals, Catholic Charities, and home health agencies.
• How the center combats social isolation through companionship and tailored programming.
• Opportunities for local residents to get involved through unique volunteer roles.

The episode also highlights an upcoming community fundraiser that promises a bit of friendly competition for a good cause. Listen to the full episode to learn more about the center's specialized activities, the requirements for their volunteer program, and how the MCA Senior Adult Day Center is preserving the stories of Kankakee’s lifelong residents.

Listen to the full interview to discover how this local organization is redefining senior support services in the Kankakee River Valley.

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

Mike Tomano and Rob West welcome Brandi Elder, President of the Bourbonnais Firefighters Association, to discuss a long-standing local tradition. Brandi explains the vital role the Association plays in supporting the fire district, including how community fundraising helps provide life-saving equipment for first responders.

The conversation focuses on the upcoming 39th Annual Sweetheart Dance, a signature event featuring live music and a highly anticipated auction. Mike and Rob also discuss the importance of specialized rescue tools, sharing a personal story about their impact in the field. Listen to the full episode to find out about a unique piece of music memorabilia up for auction, venue details, and how you can support the Bourbonnais Fire Department this weekend.

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.