Elmhurst bowler lauded as Athlete of the Week
For a second time in 2025, Katharine Svehla, of Elmhurst, was named Athlete of the Week for women’s bowling by the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
She is a senior at Lewis University in Romeoville. Svehla, a graduate of York High School, earned the honor while helping the Flyers qualify third of 19 teams at the Warhawk Open last month.
Svehla was 10th of 161 bowlers in traditional play, thanks to averaging 182.4, a 86% fill percentage, 95% makeable percentage and 100% single-pin spare percentage. She averaged 18 pins per frame in baker play, filling 76.5% of frames with a 44% strike percentage and an 83% single-pin percentage.
Oak Park church blends jazz, prayer each month
Jazz Prayer: Where Jazz Meets Spirit takes place at 7:10 p.m. the third Friday of the month, September to May, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 611 Randolph St. in Oak Park.
Upcoming dates are Jan. 16 and Feb. 20, March 20, April 17 and May 15.
Sessions feature top local jazz musicians, space for personal connection and uplifting themes. “Jazz Prayer is a unique Oak Park tradition – part concert, part reflection – that blends live jazz performances with moments of inspiration and peace,” a news release reads. “Join us for an inclusive and welcoming evening where rhythm, grace, and community meet.”
Doors open at 7:10 p.m. and the program begins at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments are served before the program. Everyone is welcome. Details are at 708-848-4741.
Railroad, plastic, metal models star in swap meet
Fans of models are invited to a show and swap meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 17 at St. John Lutheran Church, 7214 Cass Ave. in Darien.
The event, which typically draws more than 300 each year, features at least two operating model railroad club layouts, 75-plus vendors selling plastic model kits, model railroad-related items and diecast models.
Food will be available to purchase. The event takes place on two floors of the church, which is fully accessible to people with disabilities and has an elevator to reach the lower level.
Admission is $2 for children 12 to 17 years old and $5 for everyone else. Scouts who are in uniform and children younger than 12 are admitted free. Information is at 630-969-7987.
Hidden Oaks hosts birding program
Birding enthusiasts can learn more about which birds migrate or stay in Will County and how to attract them to their yard, thanks to Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Backyard Winter Birds, set for 8:30 to 10 a.m. Jan. 11 at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trouth Farm Road in Bolingbrook.
A guided half-mile hike and indoor bird viewing with a warm drink will be part of the session, which is open to those 10 and older. It’s free, but registration is required by Jan. 10 by calling 815-722-4121 or visiting reconnectwithnature.org.
Workshops give kids confidence to audition
Auditioning for a show can test someone’s nerves, especially if the potential actors don’t have much experience. Two free, hourlong workshops on Jan. 15 aim to make auditioning a bit easier.
A workshop for beginners with little to no experience is set for 6 p.m. and a workshop for returning performers who have been in shows but want to hone their skills is planned for 7 p.m., both taking place at Academy of Music and Art, 350 E. Ogden Ave. in Westmont.
The workshops, for boys and girls 9 to 17 years old, come before auditions for the academy’s winter show, “Shrek Jr. the Musical.” They cover basic choreography, audition preparation and singing and are aimed at boosting confidence and making auditioning feel fun.
Sign up online at www.academyofmusicandart.com or call 630-654-8426.
Darien Rotarians schedule trivia night
The Darien Rotary Club is trying something new – a trivia night.
The evening of friendly competition over brain-teasing questions starts at 6 p.m. Jan. 15 at St. John Lutheran Church, 7214 Cass Ave., Darien.
Teams of two to eight people can test their knowledge and try to win prizes. Drinks and food from Falco’s Pizza will be sold.
Tickets cost $20 per person in advance and $25 per person at the door. They are available online at darienrotaryclub.org.
The club, founded in 1974, meets every two weeks via Zoom or in-person at 6 p.m. Tuesdays at the church. The next regular meeting is Jan. 20.
Send news to pioneerwest@tribpub.com.
