Laraway Flea Market Gives Life to 2nd-hand Goods; Vendors Sell Homemade Crafts

Laraway Flea Market is seen as a ripe vineyard for retired seniors and laid-off workers turned entrepreneurs.

A retired emergency room nurse at Advocate Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, New Lenox's 62-year-old Cindy Markunas considers The Laraway Flea Market in New Lenox Township as an opportunity to profit from a life-long hobby. "I've always loved to do this, even when I was young. I love finding things. I love being a picker," she said. Opened since June, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekends-only, The Laraway Flea Market, 2467 E. Laraway Road, is a great way for Markunas to immerse herself in the spirit of the "American Pickers," a popular PBS television show. From her own 10-by-15-foot booth within the massive 20,000-square-foot warehouse, her inventory consists of items made affordable for those on a tight budget. "I sell movies, books, gifts, small …

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