Evergreen Park students help stock pantry
Clubs and organizations affiliated with Evergreen Park Community High School combined to collect more than 300 pounds of food for the Evergreen Park Food Pantry in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.
Led by members of the school’s National Honor Society, Student Government, Student Leadership and Service Club students, all students were urged to donate nonperishable items.
The donations were delivered to the Evergreen Park Food Pantry on Monday.
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Marian Catholic students fix meals for families in need
Students at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights joined volunteers at an area church last week for a community service project that provided all the fixings for a delicious Thanksgiving meal for 250 families in need.
More than 60 volunteers gathered at Emmaus Community in Olympia Fields on Thursday, Friday and Saturday to set up, assemble and distribute food boxes containing turkeys, vegetables, potatoes, rolls and desserts that will enabled families to cook a full meal for Thanksgiving.
The Emmaus Community was able to buy 350 turkeys and many of the food items being given to families.
Marian Catholic kicked off its annual Christmas Drive on Monday. Now in its 50th year, students, families and staff provide Christmas gifts and food for Christmas dinner to more than 35 area families.
New superintendent for Oak Lawn Community HS
After 15 years as superintendent of Oak Lawn Community High School District 229, Michael Riordan will retire in June. The Board of Education has appointed Shahe Bagdasarian as his replacement.
“It has been a privilege to serve as Oak Lawn’s superintendent these last 15 years,” said Riordan, who began his OLCHS career in 1992 as a science teacher. “I love the OLCHS community, and I have loved being its school superintendent. OLCHS is a remarkable place to learn, work, and grow. I know the district will continue a successful path led by Dr. Bagdasarian.”
Bagdasarian began his career in education as a special-education teacher in Lansing, Michigan, and has taught, coached football, and held numerous educational leadership positions, most recently as the principal of York High School in Elmhurst. He’ll begin at OLCHS July 1.
Silver Cross effort supports Ukraine relief effort
Alicia Bean, a registered nurse and nursing educator with Interstate Disaster Medical Collaborative, recently traveled to Ukraine for the second time in a month, where she helped to train medical staff on how to treat patients during a mass casualty event. During this stay, however, due to bombings at power grids, she knew the hospital would be without power for some stretches of time.
In those cases, having medical supplies that don’t rely on electricity was essential. And Bean didn’t go empty-handed. Silver Cross Hospital and Silver Cross EMS donated supplies that she was able to bring over to assist with training staff and caring for patients. Donations for the effort came in from all over Will County, including the fire departments from Joliet, Lemont, Homer Glen and Lockport.
Bean was overwhelmed by the amount of supplies they were able to bring over.
“It was unbelievable,” Bean said. “We were able to pick up some supplies here and there, but that was incredible. The number one biggest risk for patients in trauma is blood loss. The supplies helped save hundreds of lives.”
Tinley Park Historical Society sets holiday event
The Tinley Park Historical Society and Museum presents a holiday event from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 3 and 4 at the museum, 6727 174th St. The event includes museum tours, historical presentations, cartoons for the kids as well as snacks and treats.
Mr. D’s Magic and Illusionist Show will perform at 3 p.m. Saturday and the Glennsvibes Duet will perform Christmas music at 3 p.m. Sunday. All children will receive a free book, and there will be an opportunity for children to write letters to people in the armed services.
HBCU recruiting at Southland schools
Carmen J. Walters, president of Tougaloo College, a 153-year-old HBCU — Historically Black College or University — in Jackson, Mississippi, will lead a delegation from the school to visit six area high schools next week.
Tougaloo College provided sanctuary for Freedom Riders and others in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s whose perseverance and courage advanced the cause of human and civil rights and equal education for generations of Americans, Walters said.
Among the area high schools Walters and her team will visit are Rich Township District 227, Hillcrest High School, Thornton Township High School and Bloom Township High School.
Southland College Prep Charter High School will host a Tougaloo College Recruitment event at 10 a.m. Dec. 10 on its campus, 4601 Sauk Trail, Richton Park. Registration for the event is at 708-748-0100, ext. 4124.
Memory care residents salute volunteers
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Residents at Grace Point Place, an Anthem Memory Care community in Oak Lawn, celebrated Giving Tuesday this week with a twist by honoring some local volunteers. The seniors made self-care packages for 55 volunteers who donate their time to Hometown Meals on Wheels.
“Volunteers are the glue that holds the community together, said Shannon Dahlman, community relations director for Grace Point Place. “Our seniors wanted to recognize and thank these selfless individuals for all that they do to help provide hot meals to older adults living in their own homes.”
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