The pandemic has been official for year, giving those of us who were infected toward the beginning a lot of time to reflect on the experience.
Among those were Sheila Harris of Bloomington, who visited UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, last week to thank her hospitalist, Dr. Ashok Khilwani, and the employees who staffed Ingalls Memorial’s COVID-19 unit one year after she was placed on a respirator and hospitalized for a month with a severe case of coronavirus.
Harris brought flowers and doughnuts to share with the team that saved her life, and thanked Dr. Khilwani for his care, according to a release from Ingalls.
Midlothian library to host community dialogue
You didn’t have to actually have to come down with COVID-19 to have felt its impact, as well as that of the social and political upheaval over the last 12 months. This month Midlothian Public Library is wondering, how do we as individuals and communities make it through and rebound from times of hardship?
It’s hosting “Midlothian: Village of Resilience,” a moderated small group dialogue event that will offer participants a chance to connect with others, reflect on their experiences and respond with ways people and the library can support resilience in the community.
This event will be offered twice, via Zoom on April 17 and in person with social distancing April 24. Both programs are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The program is free, but registration is required at 708-535-2027 or online at bit.ly/MidloEvents.
Evergreen Park library celebrates verse
April is National Poetry Month, and the Evergreen Park Public Library is celebrating by giving budding poets opportunities to display their work.
“Poetry on the Spot” is an interactive experience that transforms library space into a colorful oasis for rhyme and verse. Poets of all ages can experiment with various forms of verse like blackout poetry, seed packet poetry, magnetic poetry, and found poetry, and display their work for others to enjoy.
“There are countless forms of poetry, and we’re hoping Poetry on the Spot introduces people to a new form of expression,” said Mary Black, teen services coordinator at the library, 9400 S Troy. “We even encourage poets to record a video recitation of their poems because we believe poetry is best shared from the mouth of its creator.”
Local teens can join a virtual Poetry Jam at 6:30 p.m. April 20, where they can write a poem, read a poem, or just join to hear some great poetry. Register through the events calendar at evergreenparklibrary.org or 708-422-8522.
Dolton library collecting family stories
Has the last year given you more time to revisit memories and go through your photo albums? The Dolton Public Library District wants to help you share them with its program Family Heirloom Stories.
Share the treasures from your family tree by uploading a photo and back story of the item. The participant with the best photo and back story will win a prize. The program is from May 1 to 31, and participants can upload a photo and story at lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary.org leaving your name, email address and phone number. The winner will be chosen at the end of the program.
Palos Scout adapts Eagle project to modern times
Lucas Scoigletti, a senior at Shepard High School in Palos Heights, completed a service project to earn the rank of Eagle Scout that has become a standard feature in public spaces over the last year.
He built stations to hold hand sanitizer that also would fit in with the décor inside Incarnation Catholic Church in Palos Heights.
Good Deeds Day turns into a week of opportunities
The Jewish United Fund of Chicago presents a weeklong volunteer event supporting local nonprofits in neighborhoods across the city and suburbs, both in person and remote. Events happening in Homewood include collecting essential items for the National Council of Jewish Women South Cook and support of the South Suburban Family Shelter.
The extensive list of projects range in scope and offer something for all ages and abilities, according to a release from the organization. More information is at https://www.juf.org/.
McAuley’s 2021 Virtual Gala a big hit
Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School held their first virtual gala this year and created the most successful Celebration yet, according to a release from the school.
In its first livestream version in late February, the event, usually held at Beverly Country Club, over 3,000 virtual viewers went on a nostalgic tour of McAuley places with videos from alumnae, friends, and family as well as current McAuley students, who shared their talents of singing and dancing.
There also was a raffle and auction that brought in record-breaking bidders, raising nearly $400,000 for tuition assistance.
Crisis Center for South Suburbia receives $20K grant
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois awarded the Crisis Center for South Suburbia a $20,000 grant to help it weather the pandemic.
The grant will be used to purchase new web-based case management software and other tools so court advocates can obtain electronic signatures from domestic violence survivors who need orders of protection, according to a news release. Last year, the Crisis Center helped file 679 orders of protection — and 94% of those were granted, the Crisis Center said.
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