Orland Park Library Opens Winter Wonderfest
Hundreds of people joined the Orland Park Public Library for its annual Winter Wonderfest, a family-friendly activity for patrons of all ages.
The lobby featured holiday songs played on a piano while visitors warmed up with drinks and entertainment throughout the building. Goats in holiday sweaters strolled down the street as an ice sculptor brought winter images to life from blocks of ice. The event ended with the performance “Juggling Funny Stories.”
Orland Park residents can join the winter reading program online at orlandparklibrary.org or by visiting the library at 14921 S. Ravinia Ave.
Police cadets in Palos Park search for non-perishable food.
Through Jan. 1, Palos Park Police cadets and a public works officer are accepting non-perishable food items that will help southwest suburban families.
Drop-off boxes are located at the Palos Park Recreation Center, 8901 W. 123rd Ave.; Palos Park Public Library, 12330 Forest Glen Blvd.; Palos Park Metro Station, 12200 S. 82nd Ave.; and the village administrative center of Palos Park Captur, 8999 W. 123rd Ave.
Canned goods and boxed items can be donated. Arrange for pickup by calling 708-671-3770 or emailing [email protected].
Andrew Middle School has added an assistant principal.
Doug Bozic has been approved by the Unified School District 230 Board of Education as the new assistant principal of operations for Victor J. Andrew High School, succeeding Tim Dalton, who will retire at the end of the school year.
Since 2022, Bozic has been the head of physical education, health and driving education at the school. He held the same position from 2020-2022 at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School after beginning his career at Andrew as a PE teacher, driver-driver and adapted PE teacher for over a decade. He also served as head coach of the Andrew boys track and field program and student activities coordinator.
He served on the board of directors of the Illinois High School and College Driver Training Association for over 10 years. He holds a master's degree in educational administration from Concordia University and a master's degree in sports administration from Northwestern University.
Psychology students at MVCC pack lunches for the homeless
For the past 15 years, Nick Schizas, a professor of psychology at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, has incorporated a service-learning project into his Introduction to Psychology honors course, connecting psychological ideas to real-world problems.
Twice a semester, students pack lunches for BEDS Plus, a nonprofit that helps people with housing and supportive services. At the end of the semester, students give a presentation about how the project impacted them and what psychological concepts they saw in action.
A recent packing of items donated by Shiza and students resulted in 60 lunches of sandwiches, chips, granola bars and fruit cups. They also planned to serve chicken dinners donated by The Patio in Bridgeview at the BEDS Plus Summit service center while interacting with residents.
“Through service learning, my students become active and involved in their communities and develop a deeper understanding of psychological concepts,” Shizas shared in a press release. “It's a humane experience where many students come back and say, 'This is one of the most memorable experiences I've had at Moraine Valley.'
Skate with Santa at Crestwood
Southwest Ice Arena will host “Kate with Santa” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 24 at 5505 W. 127th St. in Crestwood.
The annual event costs $8, which includes skate rental. The holiday spirit is high when Santa trades his sleigh for ice. Information by calling 708-371-1344.
Pajama party planned at the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn
The members' noon slumber party is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Children's Museum of Oak Lawn, 5100 Museum Drive in Oak Lawn.
Bubbles and confetti will be used to countdown to 2026. Admission is $5 per participant. A yearly membership, which includes unlimited visits, discounts on special events and early entry from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturdays, starts at $175. This level includes up to six people per day. Information by calling 708-423-6709.
Chicago Heights Gallery Market Will Close Soon
Area residents have until Dec. 20 to purchase items created by more than 25 local artists and artisans at the Union Street Gallery Handmade Market, 1527 Otto Blvd. in Chicago Heights. Gallery hours are noon to 4:00 pm on Thursdays and Fridays and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays.
This year's market features ceramics, prints, stationery, jewelry and home art. The final reception is scheduled for 10:00-17:00 on December 20. Food, raffles, music and opportunities to meet wine artists, studio artists and market vendors will be included, and visitors will be able to vote for their favorite artist's exhibit. Call 708-754-2601 for details.
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