Students create ‘pocket hugs’ for veterans in Beverly
More than 40 people, a combination of student council members from St. Cajetan Elementary School and residents of Smith Village, both in Chicago, joined forces to create “pocket hugs” for veterans during the 11th annual Valentines for Vets program at Smith Village.
The pocket hugs, which include a handwritten message of encouragement to a veteran, pairs with a card topped with a ribbon and a small heart made by The Quilter’s Trunk. The veterans are from inpatient and outpatient health care programs offered by the Road Home Program at Ruth University Medical Center.
The program’s senior veteran outreach coordinator, Modie Lavin, a U.S. Marine Corps Gold Star mother, said the valentines mean a lot to those who have served their country but paid a price for doing so. “Some veterans immediately put the heart on their pocket hug into their pocket. Others displayed the card with the heart and message,” she shared via a news release.
University Park gains rentable van service
A new VanGo service is available in University Park, thanks to a partnership between Pace Suburban Bus, the Village of University Park and Metra.
The village is the Pace’s seventh VanGo location and allows commuters to reserve a vehicle for round-trip travel in the service area for just $5. Registered users can unlock a vehicle with a code, use the van for a local trip and return it at the end of the day.
“Reliable transportation is a cornerstone of opportunity, and VanGo gives workers in and around University Park a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to reach jobs,” Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski shared via a news release.
He was among officials present for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Others were Richton Park Mayor Rick Reinbold, Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger, Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, University Park Mayor Joseph Roudez III, Pace board member Terry Wells, who represents South Cook County, and Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Kankakee.
Other guests were University Park Trustees Sonia Jenkins-Bell, Karen Lewis, Donnal Fulcher and Gina Williams; former Sauk Village mayor Edward Paesel; Lisa Zeigler and Craig Schmidt from Governors State University; Will County Center for Economic Development President and CEO Doug Pryor; and representatives from the offices of Rep. Jackie Haas, R-Kankakee, and U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, D-2nd.
McCord Gallery showcases art by veterans
McCord Gallery & Cultural Center offers a month of events in connection with its “The Veterans Experience Through Art” exhibit at the gallery, 9602 W. Creek Road in Palos Park.
Art by veterans can be viewed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays through March 28. An artist reception, which is free and open to the public, takes place 6 to 8 p.m. March 6.
Area residents are invited to have coffee with World War II veteran Howard Hill at 10 a.m. March 21, and a “veterans garage” shows off historic military vehicles and equipment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 21 and 22.
The center will commemorate Vietnam Veterans day at 11 a.m. March 28 with a luncheon featuring the Joliet American Legion Band. Seating is limited but free for veterans; others pay $10. Registration is required for the lunch by calling 708-671-0648.
Olympics theme stars at Good Shepherd Lutheran lunch
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Palos Heights recently hosted its annual Ash Wednesday lunch with a timely theme this year: the Olympic Games.
More than 70 people gathered to eat a variety of food from countries around the world to celebrate the spirit of the event. The lunch follows a morning service that includes receiving ashes in the shape of a cross on the forehead or hand.
The church’s Congregational Activities Committee creates the theme, sets up the decorations and serves the catered meal that day.
Evergreen Park library hosts gourmet fundraiser
The Evergreen Park Public Library has brought back its popular Sip & Simple
Fundraiser, set for 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 28 at the library, 9400 S. Troy Ave.
Proceeds will go to the Evergreen Park Public Library Foundation to help pay for much-needed updates to the Youth Services area.
In exchange for a $40 ticket, attendees – who must be at least 21 – can try a curated selection of wine paired with locally prepared food including desserts, enjoy a cash bar and participate in raffles for baskets and split-the-pot. The Record Shop on 95th will provide music.
Buy tickets online at evergreenparklibrary.org or by calling 708-422-8522, Ext. 1.
Soda bread contest planned in Palos Heights
Area residents are invited to participate in an Irish soda bread baking contest March 7 at Pass Health Foods, 7228 W. College Drive in Palos Heights – and the overall winner earns a $100 gift certificate along with bragging rights.
Subcategories include best gluten-free Irish soda bread, most unique and best vegan irish soda bread, and each winner gets a $25 gift certificate. A People’s Choice award earns the same certificate.
Entry drop-off is 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. with judging at noon. All entries will be available to sample after the judging. Everyone present can vote for the People’s Choice winner.
Entries must come with a recipe and be on a disposable platter. Registration is required by emailing passhealthfoods@gmail.com or calling 708-448-9114.
Job fair set for teens, adults in Evergreen Park
Job seekers can get a helping hand with finding work, thanks to the fourth annual Teen and Adult Job Fair from 1 to 3 p.m. March 8 at the Evergreen Park Public Library, 9400 S. Troy Ave.
The fair allows residents of all ages to meet with local employers and trade unions, receive free professional headshots to use on LinkedIn and other job sites, and to get assistance with resumes, as well as networking tips.
No advance registration is required, but participants are encouraged to bring several copies of their current resume and dress in professional or business casual attire. Information is at evergreenparklibrary.org or 708-422-8522.
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