NCJW Traveling Players present at Kennedy School in Tinley Park
Friendship took center stage recently when students at Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. School for Exceptional Children in Tinley had a visit from the National Council of Jewish Women Traveling Players.
The group used storytelling, movement and music to encourage inclusion, kindness, empathy and being a good friend, singing songs such as “Thank You for Being a Friend” and “You Can Count on Me.” Students sang along and danced.
The players are “a spirited group of women who bring silliness and fun – alongside powerful messages of respect, friendship, helpfulness, acceptance and self-esteem – to young people and adults with special needs,” a news release shared. At 40 years old, it’s the “longest-running community services project offered by the NCJW South Cook Section,” visiting places twice a month during the school year.
Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. School is a day school run by St. Coletta’s of Illinois in Tinley Park that serves students 3 to 22 years old who have developmental or intellectual disabilities. The school partners with school districts in the southwest, south and western suburbs of Chicago. Information is at www.stcolettasofil.org or 708-342-5200
Orland Park library hosts reception for quilting artist
The community is invited to meet quilting artist Lynn Burke, the library’s April Artist of the Month, at 7 p.m. April 10 at the Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave.
Her exhibit, “Memorable Threads,” is a collection of quilt art “that reflects decades of craftsmanship, creativity, and storytelling through fabric,” a news release shared. Her work is on display the whole month on the second floor of the library.
At the reception, Burke will talk about her 50 years of making quilts and talk about her techniques that blend traditional work with modern approaches. Her work includes a collection of necktie quilts that resulted when a request for donations led to more than 600 donated neckties. Information is at 708-428-5200.
Earth Day events set at Eggers Grove
Friends of the Forest Preserves have planned an Earth Day celebration for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 18 at the comfort station at Eggers Grove, 11251-11249 S. Avenue B in Chicago.
Music, food, ie-dying, a spring ephemeral walk and introduction to environmental volunteering will be available.
The program is free. Registration is available at fotfp.org/events-calendar/, and the schedule is found via the QR code on that page.
Professor gives talk at Cal City Historical Society
The Calumet City Historical Society hosts a talk titled “Revolutionary Activity in Illi-Michiana: Let Us Not Forget” with Professor Ken Schoon with Indiana University Northwest on April 12 at 760 Wentworth Ave.
The talk, planned in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, details what was happening in the Illinois, Michigan and Indiana territories in the late 1700s when Gen. George Washington was involved in events on the West Coast. It will include the evolution of the Northwest Territory before statehood in the early 1800s.
The society’s headquarters opens at 1 p.m., the membership meeting starts at 2 p.m. and the program begins at 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served after the membership meeting. History books will be available for sale.
Admission is free. Information is at www.calumetcityhistoricalsociety.org or 708-832-9390.
Oak Lawn VFW auxiliary hosts penny social
A penny social is planned for 1 to 5 p.m. April 19 at the Johnson Phelps Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 5220 at the VFW post, 9514 S. 52nd St. in Oak Lawn.
The public is invited to look for hidden treasures on nickel, quarter and diem tables or try their luck with a raffle.
The kitchen will be open for lunch, and admission is free. Proceeds will benefit needy veterans and their families, the community and the military. Details are at 708-383-5182.
Chocolate Chase set for April 18 in Palos Heights
The annual Chocolate Chase 5K, hosted by the Palos Heights Parks and Recreation Department, steps off at 9 a.m. April 18 at the recreation center, 6601 W. 127th St., and winds through neighborhoods.
Disposable chip training will be used to determine the results, and the race course is USATF certified. Winners in each category for men and women will receive prizes afterward in the mail.
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After the race, participants are invited to enjoy snacks and refreshments at the finish line tents, including plenty of chocolate.
Proceeds benefit park programs. The cost to register is $35 before April 12 and $48 on or after April 13. Limited space may be available that morning. Packet pickup is 1 to 9 p.m. April 16 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 17. Register at www.palosheightsrec.org/497/Chocolate-Chase-5k or call 708-361-1807.
Pullman gallery highlights South Side quilters
The exhibit “Quilting Is An Art” featuring quilting by four South Side quilters, can be viewed through April 30 in the Block House Gallery, 11137 S. Langley Ave. in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood.
The gallery is open from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and noon to 2 p.m. April 18. Several pieces are available for sale and can be found at the website, pullmanarts.org.
The show was curated by Doris Barnes, a member of Needles and Threads Quilters Guild of Chicago and Oakdale Quilt Ministry of Chicago. Other artists showing their work are Margo Haynes, La Sheral Smith and Loretta Pope.
Quilting historically has been “underappreciated by the formal art world,” according to the gallery’s website. Quilts “have gained increasing prominence in recent dances as vehicles for storytelling, celebration and protest.”
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