Evergreen Park Book Buddies promote reading
The beloved tradition of Book Buddies continued in Evergreen Park Elementary School District 124 last month, with four Evergreen Park Community High School students visiting first graders in the district’s four schools: Southeast, Northeast, Southwest and Northwest elementary schools.
Seniors Chloe Thompson, Emma Neylon, Samantha Sense and Fionn Doherty are all part of the school’s education internship. They each read a holiday-themed story to the first graders and had a wrapped gift for each student of a book the children could read and take home.
“The Book Buddies program is my favorite initiative that the (Learning Resource Center) started years ago,” media specialist Tina Ward shared in a news release. She and library assistant Karen Hewitt began the program in 2018. “I love that we come together as a community to make sure that our future Mustangs know how much we value literacy.”
New lighting system puts Orland Park officers on display
Those who think police vehicles are more visible in Orland Park these days aren’t imagining things. The Orland Park Police Department has launched a pilot program meant to increase officer visibility through the expanded use of “cruise lights.”
The lights provide more visibility without showing an emergency response. The new system features steady, non-flashing red and blue lights used without sirens instead of traditional emergency flashing red and blue strobes.
Motorists do not need to pull over when they see the steady lights that indicate an officer on patrol but should pull over when flashing red and blue lights are on, usually with a siren, which indicate an emergency response, police said.
Vow renewal service, dinner planned at The Center
Couples can renew their vows after an anniversary dinner Feb. 15 at Wayside Chapel at The Center, 12700 Southwest Hwy. in Palos Park.
Those who got married in January or February can celebrate their anniversary beginning with fellowship in the Great Hall at 4:30 p.m., followed by a candlelight dinner and renewal of wedding vows ceremony in the chapel. Couples need not have been married in the chapel to participate.
The cost is $110 per couple. Reservations are due before Feb. 10 by calling 708-361-3650.
Orland Park library gets early holiday gift
The Friends of the Orland Park Public Library presented a check for $8,000 to help pay for programming for people of all ages. Its Board of Directors are President Pattie Goble, Vice President Eileen Yates, Treasurer Melissa Panio-Petersen, Secretary Diane Gallagher and members Shirley Haiduk and Michael Bisberg.
The public is invited to join the nonprofit organization supporting the library; annual memberships range from $5 to $25 and above. Forms are available at the library and on the library’s website. The organization welcomes volunteers and gently used donations of books, DVDs and Blu-rays via the donations book drop at the library.
“We are deeply grateful for the Friends’ ongoing partnership and their incredible commitment to enriching what the library can provide,” Assistant Library Director Anthony Andros shared via a news release. “Their support allows us to continually expand programming that educates, inspires, and brings people together.”
Information is with Andros at aandros@orlandparklibrary.org.
Chocolate fans find plenty to like at Saturday event
Christ Lutheran Church is starting a new tradition: an indoor craft show and chocolate walk from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 31 at the church, 14700 S. 94th Ave. in Orland Park.
The event, designed with the entire family in mind, will feature crafters and vendors, cash-only raffle baskets, a chocolate-making video and a valentine photo spot. Free samples will be given out at chocolate and sweet tables, and items will be sold (cash only).
Admission is $3 per person, although children up to 13 are admitted free. Information is at 708-349-0431.
Homewood library hosts canned food drive
Through Feb. 8, patrons of the Homewood Public Library are invited to bring in canned goods for local food pantries during its Souper Bowl Drive.
For every three cans, donors will receive a buy one get one free coupon for the Friends of the Library book sale area on the second floor and its bigger sales, as well as a raffle ticket for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Donations should be brought to the Library Services desk at the library, 17917 Dixie Highway.
No expired food will be accepted. Details are at 708-798-0121.
Send news to communitynews@southtownstar.com.
