“It’s quiet but really pretty, and everyone says good morning,” Ashley Shannon said, describing the south suburban neighborhood she and her husband moved to in February.
On Thursday night, April 24, Ashley and Connor Shannon were among dozens of attendees at Flossmoor’s New Resident Reception — an annual event designed to help newcomers connect with village leaders, community groups and neighbors.
Held at Conservatory Vintage & Vinyl on Sterling Avenue, the gathering offered food, drinks and music — plus the kind of conversations that turned strangers into soon-to-be friends.
Travis Adams, a member of the Community Relations Commission and one of the event’s hosts, said the village has welcomed about 130 new residents over the past year. About 88 RSVP’d to Thursday’s event.
“Ultimately, we just want people to plug into the community as soon as possible,” Adams said. “There’s so much depth here — with the partnerships, the businesses, the people. We want them to feel at home right out of the gate.”
For the Shannons, it already feels that way. The couple relocated from Madison, Wisconsin, and Chicago after a tip from Ashley’s boss, who lives in Flossmoor.
“We really love our neighborhood,” Ashley said. “It’s peaceful, the gardens are beautiful, and everyone is so friendly. It’s the kind of place where people actually say good morning.”
Since arriving, they’ve become regulars at Flossmoor Station Rand spent afternoons browsing the local record store with their dog, Romeo.
For Collette and Walter Woghiren, who attended with their two young children — 5-year-old Kingston and 3-year-old Kinzley — the reception was another reminder that they made the right move.
“We’ve really appreciated how welcoming everyone’s been,” Collette said. “It already feels like home.”
New resident Michaela Daniels said she felt the same sense of belonging. She and her family of nine recently moved from Homewood for more space.
“We love the location — the homes are bigger, and we needed that,” Daniels said. “But also, every time I come to something here, I think, ‘Oh man, they’re just like a family.’ It doesn’t feel like two different towns.”
That blend of accessibility and small-town warmth came up again and again. Residents pointed to the village’s walkability, the Metra access and the neighborhood feel.
Trustee-elect Carolyn Rodgers, attending her first reception since being elected to the village board on April 1, said she was moved by the turnout.
“You do this kind of work because you care,” Rodgers said. “It’s all volunteer — you invest your time, your energy — and when you walk into a room like this and see people connecting, it feels worth it.”
Organizers emphasized that the reception is a showcase of Flossmoor’s spirit. Local businesses provided food and beverages, while village staff and commission members staffed tables and mingled with guests.
“It’s not a lot of work when the community is this generous,” said Stephanie Wright, community engagement manager. “The restaurants, the venue, the volunteers — everyone just shows up.”
Wright said the event is one of her favorites.
“It’s a more intimate gathering, but it means a lot,” she said. “You see people making connections, finding opportunities, and really starting to feel at home.”
Kinzley, during the New Resident Reception at The Conservatory
on April 24. (Nuha Abdessalam/H-F Chronicle)
Carolyn Armstrong, owner of Flossmoor Station, said she hopes new residents feel the village’s welcome.
“It’s a community gathering place — that’s the goal,” she said.
Her colleague, brewer Jake Laduke, put it more simply: “It’s got that ‘Cheers’ feeling. Everybody knows your name when you walk in. That’s what Flossmoor has always been about.”
Gary Daggett, a longtime resident and village trustee, said the event is also about transparency and access.
“We’ve got directors from every department here — public works, zoning, police,” Daggett said. “It’s a great chance for residents to see who’s behind the scenes and what resources are available.”
Flossmoor Police Chief Carl Estelle, who also lives in the village, said the event reflects the values at the heart of the community.
“We are just so proud of any opportunity that we have to meet and get to know our new neighbors, welcome them to the community and make them feel at home,” Estelle said. “Because only that way can we do some of the things we want to accomplish — by working together.”