Mentoring program sponsors shopping spree for Matteson students
The Making Disciplines boys’ mentoring program has yet again sponsored a shopping trip with Matteson School District 162 administrators for school supplies for students and families with limited resources, thanks to a $1,500 donation.
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Eric Bassette, founder of Making Disciples, boosted the effort further while shopping with district representatives when he surprised Derrick Wolf and his third-grade twin daughters, Evelyn and Aliyah, by paying for their school supplies.
Bassette, who has retired and now lives in Atlanta, returned for this year’s shopping trip, now in its seventh year. Rebecca Dixon, the district’s assistant director of special education, and Jaime Goodley, its director of special education, bought everything from earbuds and glue sticks to notebooks and backpacks.
“We are grateful that Eric and Annette Bassette continue to make Matteson School District 162 and our families part of their commitment to giving back,” Blondean Y. Davis, district superintendent, shared via a news release. “Their generosity helps remove one more barrier for families and allows our students to walk into their classrooms ready to learn.”
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra sets new venues
The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra has found new performance venues for its concerts for the 2027-27 season, The Center at GovState in University Park and Lincoln-Way North High School in Frankfort.
The season opens with violist Matthew Lipman at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at The Center, 1 University Parkway. Pieces include Mikhail Glinka’s “Ruslan and Lyudmila Overture,” William Walton’s “Viola Concerto” and Johannes Brahms’ “Symphony No. 1.”
The Illinois Council of Orchestras named Maestro Stilian Kirov as 2026 Conductor of the Year.
Through Oct. 11, the IPO will offer three concerts for $120, which allows patrons to buy one bronze level ticket to any of three concerts of their choosing, a savings of $30. Buy tickets at ipomusic.org or 708-481-7774.
Area marching bands to perform field shows at Romeoville contest
Several area high school marching bands will be among 17 bands from throughout Illinois competing at the ninth annual Spartan Classic on Oct. 3 at Romeoville High School’s Spartan Stadium, 100 N. Independence Blvd,
The stadium opens at noon and the first band plays at 12:45 p.m. Competitors include Bloom Township, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Harold Richards and Amos Alonzo Stagg high schools. Cornerstone Drumline, of Joliet, showcases its 2026 production.
The public is invited; admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors and $40 for families of two adults and two students or seniors. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Proceeds support Romeoville’s band program. Concessions will be sold.
EPCSH cheerleading team garners toys for hospital
Cheerleaders at Evergreen Park Community High School not only donated toys to Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn but also worked to get cheerleaders at other schools involved.
The result was 107 toys delivered to young patients at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn by cheerleaders and coaching staff. Other schools involved were Lemont, Lockport and Lincoln-Way Central high schools, and Wheaton Academy.
Hospital staff said summer was a good time to get new donations because most are typically received around the winter holidays.
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The cheerleading team at Evergreen Park participates in a community service project every year.
Orland Park car show boosts food pantry, veterans organization
The Orland Township Food Pantry and Chicago Soldiers will benefit from the 13th annual Spirit of America car show, set for noon to 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at Midas, 14810 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park.
The show will showcase more than 200 cars and motorcycles, a performance by the local band Dog Collar and food for sale, with proceeds benefiting the charities. T-shirts will be sold and local vendors will be on hand.
Those who want to display a car pay a $25 donation that will benefit veterans. Check in between 10 a.m. and noon. The first 100 car owners get a free T-shirt and dash plaque. The cars will be judged and awards given. Details are at 708-821-8733 or 708-923-6312.
Moraine Valley faculty present free jazz concert
Jazz fans can attend a free concert given by Moraine Valley Community College’s jazz faculty at 3 p.m. Oct. 4 in the Fine and Performing Arts Center, 9000 College Parkway in Palos Hills.
The concert honors the 100th anniversary of the birth of two jazz legends: Miles Davis and John Coltrane. It’s open to the public. Information is at 708-974-5500.
Learn Medicare options at Orland Park library
It can be tricky to navigate Medicare, and with that in mind, the Orland Park Public Library will host Medicare: What To Know at 10 a.m. Oct. 5 at 14921 S. Ravinia Ave.
Attendees will hear about Medicare basics, including its parts and key differences between plan options. The program is designed for anyone who wants to learn more before enrolling in Medicare or potentially making changes in a plan.
Register at www.orlandparklibrary.org under the calendar of events or call 708-428-5100.
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