Palos East students create blankets for cancer charity

Student Council members at Palos East Elementary School recently created fleece blankets for an area charity that supports adult cancer patients.

The students donated handmade fleece blankets to Knitting It Together, a nonprofit that accepts handmade and hand knit, crochet, fleece and quilted blankets and hats. The organization donates the blankets to five Chicago area hospitals, including Northwestern Medicine in Palos Heights, with the aim of providing items of comfort to adult cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Swallow Cliff group lauds students as Good Citizens

The Swallow Cliff Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently presented DAR Good Citizens Awards to seven area high school students who demonstrated “the qualities of dependability, service to their schools and communities, and patriotism,” according to a news release.

Good Citizens Award chair Malinda Clickner-Poczynok presented pins, monetary awards and certificates to winners JohnAnthony V. Alvarado of Shepard High School, Theresa Brady of Evergreen Park Community High School, Jamal Awadalla Morad of Oak Lawn Community High School, Jahaziah Renee Morris of Chicago Christian High School, Natalia Muzurek from Stagg High School Nathan Christopher Powers of Oak Forest High  School and Kristina Elizabeth Raloff of Tinley Park High School.

Muzurek, an honor student who has compiled over 400 hours of community service, was selected to advance to the DAR District IV competition.

Visit Chicago Southland issues 2024 Visitors Guide

Categories of attractions highlighted in the 2024 Chicago Southland Visitors Guide include Things to See and Do, Arts & Culture, Accommodations, Dining, Shopping, Transportation and Golf in Chicago’s 60 south and southwest suburbs.

The new guide also includes highlighted topics such as Chicago Southland Bucket List, Foodie Tour, Four Seasons Four Agendas, and Exploring Black History.

The 2024 Visitors Guide is the bureau’s 36th edition and the most concentrated to date, according to a news release.

“Everything that visitors and residents alike are looking for can be found in this guide, including the finest attractions and restaurants in all of Illinois,” said Jim Garrett, president/CEO of Visit Chicago Southland.

Print copies of the guide can be requested and an online version can be viewed at www.visitchicagosouthland.com.

Mother McAuley, Mercy Circle conducting food drive

Residents of Mercy Circle and students at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School are teaming up to collect non-perishable food donations for families served by Pat’s Pantry.
People can drop off food and toiletry items from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 28 to March 6 at Mercy Circle, 3659 W. 99th St.

Bank supports High 5 Heights effort

Republic Bank of Chicago recently donated $500 to High 5 Heights, the retail store owned and operated by Community High School District 218 that employs graduates with special needs from Shepard, Richards, and Eisenhower high schools.

Bank officials Kristen Woods and Michael Quinn from the Palos Park branch presented the check to students and staff members at High 5 Heights, 12213 S. Harlem Avenue in Palos Heights, calling it “a remarkable program empowering young adults with learning differences.”

High 5 Heights, which also features a training center where students learn heat transfer press, laser engraving, embroidery and other skills, carries a wide selection of apparel, seasonal decor, art, and other items created by District 218 students.  The store also features merchandise created by individuals with special needs marketed at the regional and national levels.

Senior American Idol set for March in Orland Township

The 2024 edition of Orland Township’s Senior American Idol competition will showcase 11 talented contestants who will compete for the night’s top honor amid an evening featuring dinner, dancing and live entertainment.

Contestants will sing their favorite songs over three rounds, aiming to impress the judges, win over the audience, and win the highest score to move on to the final round. Audience members can support their favorite singers by contributing to their designated ballot boxes with donations, adding extra points. Funds collected will go towards the Orland Township Scholarship Foundation.

Tickets are $30, and include a plated dinner and access to a cash bar. Doors open at 4:30 for the March 7 event at Georgios Banquets, 8800 W. 159th St., Orland Park. Tickets must be purchased in advance at Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., in Orland Park. Information is at orlandtownship.org or 708-403-4222.

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