Moraine Valley Foundation gets $15K boost
Students in career programs at Moraine Valley Community College have a potential new resource when it comes to paying for school: The Moraine Valley Foundation recently received $15,000 from the Orland Park Kiwanis Club to boost scholarship opportunities.
The opportunities will be available to students studying such careers as welding, automotive technology, automation, engineering technology and heating and air conditioning to help pay for fees, tuition, books, tools and class supplies.
In the last eight years, the club has made similar donations to the foundation, with more than 100 students gaining scholarships. The latest gift will pay for scholarships for 28 Career Programs students in the fall 2026 and spring 2027 semesters.
“Orland Park Kiwanis Club’s donations focus on where we can have the greatest impact on people or organizations with the greatest needs,” President Larry McGrenera said via a news release. “We hope that the scholarships we provide to Moraine Valley students hit that target and look forward to the students growing our gift to pay it forward in the future, once they land a job in their chosen field.”
Time capsule ceremony set at Stagg
Area residents are invited to write letters to the future to be included in a community time capsule as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding.
The letters will be collected from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 5 in the auditorium at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School, 8015 W. 111th St. in Palos Hills. Palos Hills Mayor Gerald Bennett and Hickory Hills Mayor Mike Howley will speak, and Blackberry Jam will provide live music during the free event.
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The Green Hills Public Library, which serves Palos Hills, Hickory Hills and part of Justice, will keep the locked capsule of letters until it’s opened in 25 years. People of all ages are encouraged to write about American contributions, the nation’s past and their hopes for what might happen in the future.
No registration is needed. Information is at 708-598-8446, Ext. 130.
Book time to check out library sale
The Friends of the Library will host a book sale July 31 to Aug. 4 at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave.
Friends only preview night is 5:30 to 8 p.m. July 31. Fee that night is $10 for nonmembers. Membership forms can be requested at the front desk although people must join by July 30 to get free entry at this summer book sale. Cost is $5 for individuals and $10 for families for a yearlong membership.
The sale continues from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 1 and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 3. The bag sale, $7 for a paper grocery bag of items, is 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 4. Details are at 708-448-1473.
Benefit boosts scholarships at MVCC for trades
A summer fundraiser for the Forever 51 Trades Scholarship Fund is planned for 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 2 at CD & Me, 23320 S. La Grange Road in Frankfort.
The scholarship fund, for students in skilled trades at Moraine Valley Community College, honors the legacy of Adam Bartuzi, who died at the age of 51. In the wake of that difficult loss, family members returned to Moraine Valley to continue their education, thanks to scholarships. That kindness inspired the creation of the fund, which is run by the McNamara, Bartuzi and Zopf families.
The event features live music by the Queso Jazz Band and acoustic artist Damien Patrick, food trucks, a cash bar and raffles. Tickets cost $25 per person and can be bought at the door. Donations are welcome.
Jim Cornelison sings for veterans at Taste of Orland Park
Jim Cornelison will perform during the annual veterans tribute from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 1 on the main stage as part of the annual Taste of Orland Park at 14700 S. Ravinia Ave.
Cornelison, trained as an opera singer, has performed at sporting events across the country, including singing the national anthem for the Chicago Blackhawks for years.
The veterans tribute recognizes active-duty service members and local veterans for their service. Gates open at 3 p.m.
The festival runs July 31 through Aug. 2 at the Village Green and includes live entertainment, a kids’ zone, community booths, vendors, fireworks, a drone show and local restaurants. Admission is free. Details are available at orlandpark.org/Taste.
Music comes to Palos Heights farmers market
Live music will be featured on the first Wednesday of each month during the Palos Heights Farmers Market at 12217 S. Harlem Ave.
On Aug. 5, National Farmers Market Week, Black Willow Brass Quintet plays 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and Dave Gorka plays 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Madam Solo performs 9:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 2, and Dave Gorka returns 9:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 7.
Other special events include food drives Aug. 19 and Oct. 7 for Palos United Methodist Church’s food pantry and a kids’ scavenger hunt through Aug. 19.
The market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday. Details are at 708-361-1807.
Fete German heritage at Alpine Fest in Frankfort
The German American Heritage Center DANK Chicago South presents its Alpine Fest on Aug. 1 at 25249 S. Center Road in Frankfort.
Doors open at 4 p.m. Music by Ully & the Zicke Zacka Band starts at 5 p.m. Kids can play carnival games, and German food and drinks will be sold. The kitchen will be open from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Door prizes and a gift basket raffle also are part of the fun.
Admission costs $10 per person, with those 18 and younger admitted free. Information is at 815-464-1514 or www.dankchicagosouth.org.
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