Morgan Park Academy alumni to gather
Morgan Park Academy has planned several events for alums to connect and remember school traditions during its homecoming and reunion celebration, set for Sept. 12 at the campus, 2153 W. 111th St. in Chicago.
Events start with check-in at 3 p.m. at Alumni Hall; guided tours and access to academy archives from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. New additions include the Fred and Michele Montgomery Academic Resource Center, the Thrall Family Makerspace and a student-run coffee shop in Hansen Hall, and yearbooks, photographs, athletic memorabilia and other artifacts from the academy’s 153-year history can be viewed. The independent school serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
An athletic walk of fame ceremony starts at 4:30 p.m. in Jones Bowl, and the alumni reception and reunion celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. in Jones Bowl and the Pavilion. Reunion class photos will be taken, and music, dancing, an open bar and buffet will be included in the registration fee.
Tickets cost $75 for alumni, friends and guests and $45 for faculty and alumni who graduated in the last five years. Register at morganparkacademy.org/alumni.
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Community walk boosts Pathlights
AgeWell, a community walk to benefit Pathlights, takes place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Oak Lawn Park District, 9401 Oak Park Ave.
The family-friendly event is open to anyone and will feature food, fitness activities, music and community resource booths. Attendees can walk, stroll or wheel along a one-half mile paved trail around the park.
Activities include face painting, soccer, library letters to grandparents, chair massages, chair yoga, Acorn to Oak kid-friendly crafts, chair dancing, a blood drive, flu shots, music therapy, sing-a-longs and flu shots. Raffles for prizes also are planned.
Registration costs $25 for adults, $15 for youths 6 to 13 years old and free for children 5 and younger. Sign up individuals or teams at go.rallyup.com/c/f905db. Recognition will be given to the individual who raises the most money for the walk, as well as other prize options for participants.
Palos Park officer’s daughter wins scholarship
The South Suburban Association of Chiefs of Police has awarded a $500 scholarship to Abby Winter, the daughter of Palos Park police officer John Winter.
Palos Park Deputy Chief Chris Hughes nominated Winter for the award, which will be used to support her education this year.
The association gives annual dependent college scholarships to current college students who are “dependents of active police officers or support staff members working for a law enforcement agency and whose chief belongs to SSACOP,” according to a news release.
“We realize that behind every student is a network of support, and this program recognizes both the hard work and dedication of young scholars like Abby and the families who have helped guide them,” Hughes shared in the release.
MVCC alum earns community college award
Mokena resident Brian Swift has received the 2026 Illinois Community College Trustees Association Distinguished Alumnus Award, which honors an alum who has shown outstanding distinction and success in their field as well as community service and support for community college education.
Swift, an alum of Moraine Valley Community College, is a motivational speaker, author and founder and president of Swift Outdoor Accessible Recreation, a nonprofit organization that provides programs, services and equipment for people with disabilities.
He began studies at Moraine Valley in 1980 less than a year after a spinal cord injury that left him a quadriplegic. He went on to earn a law degree from DaPaul University College of Law after graduating from Moraine Valley and St. Xavier University.
Swift also was honored as the college’s 2026 Distinguished Alumnus as part of the Moraine Valley Foundation’s Alumni Hall of Fame.
Classic car fans invited to Orland Park event
Orland Park Church will turn into a haven for car enthusiasts of all ages during the Family Classics Car Show, set for 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at the church, 7500 Sycamore Drive in Orland Park.
The free event includes classic cars, hot rods, trucks, a bouncy for kids and touch a truck. Donations will be accepted for the dinner, and all proceeds will go to Orland Park Christian Preschool.
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It costs $20 to register a car; visit www.orlandchurch.com.
Frankfort Fall Festival names parade marshal
Curtis Pascarella with Phillips Chevrolet will serve as the parade grand marshal for the 2026 Frankfort Fall Festival.
The car dealership is one of Frankfort’s longest-standing businesses and has made a lasting impact on the community by supporting local events.
The parade starts at 1 p.m. Sept. 6 and winds through downtown Frankfort and includes marching bands, floats, local businesses, community groups and performers.
The Fall Festival welcomes more than 300 artisans from across the country to showcase their handmade products. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 5 and 6 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 7. Food and entertainment will be available. Admission is free.
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