Pace Connect Service begins in Harvey
Officials celebrated the launch of the Pace Connect transit service designed to provide a “first and last mile” transit option during late night hours in two designated zones. The shared ride service allows a rider to book a trip through the Pace Connect app, available in App Store and Google Play, or through a call center.
The app uses algorithms to match riders headed in the same direction into one vehicle, maximizing the service’s efficiency and affordability. Rides cost $2 each (or less if the rider pays by Ventra and transfers from a fixed route service), and riders can pay by credit card through the Pace Connect app or by using in-vehicle Ventra Card readers.
In the Harvey Area Zone, riders can book a ride between Pace’s Harvey Transportation Center and any address in a defined zone surrounding the facility, presenting a way to connect with Pace Route 352 and the Metra Electric District. Employer sites within this zone include University of Chicago Ingalls Memorial Hospital, South Suburban College and the Amazon warehouse in Markham.
The Harvey service will run from midnight to 5 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 11 p.m. Saturdays to 6 a.m. Sundays; and 11 p.m. Sundays to 5 a.m. Mondays.
There is also an O’Hare Businesses Zone to travel between select employers at the O’Hare Airport cargo area and the Rosemont CTA Blue Line Station, where they can connect with the L rapid transit service. Employer sites within this zone include airline and mail cargo areas, airport hotels and airport catering sites.
Moraine Valley presents outdoor Shakespeare play
Moraine Valley Community College will host its 19th season of free Shakespeare Under the Stars performances with “Much Ado About Nothing,” at 7 p.m. from July 20 to 22, and at 5 p.m. July 23, on the main campus, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills.
The outdoor performances will be on the Gateway, between Buildings M and F.
This summer’s play by the Bard is a comedy about misunderstandings, love and deception. It focuses on the courtship and scandal between a young woman named Hero and her suitor, Claudio. The witty war of words between Claudio’s friend, Benedick, and Hero’s cousin, Beatrice, also draws attention in this story.
Bring your own chairs, blankets and refreshments, but no alcohol. In the event of rain, the show will be moved inside the Fine and Performing Arts Center. For more information, call 708-974-5500 or email [email protected].
The cast includes Michael Kocher, of Homewood; Sean Gallagher, of Tinley Park; Lucy West, of Frankfort Square; Nick Kniebusch, of Orland Park; Aidan McGuire, of Orland Park; Elaina Dague, of Homewood; Jocelyn Orozco, of Lansing; Margaret Pesquera, of Alsip; Luke Wlazlo, of Orland Park; Gracie Polchan, of Justice; Natalie Cross, of Summit; and Diana Christine, of Orland Park.
District 168 breaks ground in Sauk Village
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Officials broke ground Monday for the expansion of the Blossoms Family Center Expansion at Wagoner Elementary School District 168 in Sauk Village.
The Blossom Family Center, an early childhood center, plans an 8,000-square-foot addition to enhance the educational experience for young learners by providing state-of-the-art facilities to support their growth and development.
The expansion design by architectural firm Cordogan Clark, will include four new classrooms, a multipurpose space to be used as a large motor skills room, and a new playground. Minor interior renovations are also planned.
The construction of the center is expected to be completed by mid-January 2024.
Dixie Highway resurfacing to begin
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced resurfacing of Dixie Highway, between 149th and 159th streets in Harvey, will require intermittent daytime and occasional overnight lane closures beginning July 10.
The $1.6 million project, which also consists of constructing new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps, is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Access to residences and businesses within the work zone will be maintained throughout construction.
Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through the area, IDOT said. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
Road closure changes set for Wolf Road
Beginning Thursday, July 6, northbound Wolf Road will reopen and southbound Wolf Road will close between 179th Street and Route 6. The new configuration is expected to remain in place through early September.
A detour will direct motorists to U.S. 6 and 179th Street. Access to residences and businesses within the work zone will be maintained throughout construction.
The construction is part of a $2 million project, which consists of resurfacing 1.2 miles of Wolf Road, constructing new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps and culvert repairs.
Franciscan Health Center for Bariatric Surgery recertified
The Franciscan Health Center for Bariatric Surgery Olympia Fields has been recertified as a Center of Excellence by the Clinical Sciences Institute of Optum.
Center of Excellence bariatric centers are nationally designated health care facilities that deliver quality specialty care based on objective measures developed with input from the medical community for improved patient safety and health outcomes.
Sheree Boyd, director of operations for Specialty Physicians of Illinois, had a gastric band procedure years ago, but learned that leaving it in place for a long period of time can cause significant health issues. In a single procedure, Dr. Gerald Cahill removed the gastric band performed gastric bypass surgery.
“I was 243 pounds and now I’m down to 134, exceeding my goal of 145,” Boyd said. “Now the only pill I take is a vitamin.”