Swallow Cliff DAR lauds women for volunteerism
The Swallow Cliff chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently presented DAR Community Service Awards to two women for “outstanding voluntary service.”
Recipient Michelle Maxia founded Toy Box Connection in 2008 as a way to put gently used toys, furniture and books in the hands of children in need, linking donors, local businesses and other nonprofit organizations with families. Thousands of children with a soldier parent serving overseas received a toy via the Children of Soldiers Project.
Following several suicide deaths of people close to her, Maxia turned her focus to mental health. She organized a Be Kind to Your Mind mental health/wellness fair and walk in May at Centennial Park in Orland Park, bringing together 30 mental health and wellness vendors as well as food and family activities.
The chapter recognized Lori Claus for her work with the homeless by creating plastic sleeping mats, which provide comfort but also allow her to recycle plastic grocery bags. The waterproof mats, about 3 feet wide and 6 feet long, take 500 to 700 bags to complete.
She spends six to eight hours crocheting each and incorporates a cross into each design, making 90 to 100 mats per year that are given to outreach missions in Chicago and charitable groups.
Cook County trout fishing season opens soon
The 2026 spring inland trout fishing seasons opens April 4 at Axehead Lake and Bealleau Lake in Park Ridge, Sag Quarry East in Lemont, Horsetail Lake in Palos Park and Green Lake in Calumet City.
About 1,000 pounds of rainbow trout will be stocked by the Forest Preserves of Cook County at Sag Quarry East and 1,5000 pounds at Axehead Lake and Belleau Lake. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will stock 600 pounds at Horsetail Lake and 700 pounds at Green Lake. All are “catchable” trout ranging from a half-pound to one pound.
Fishing for or possessing any kind of trout is not legal March 15 until 5 a.m. April 4. In addition, the trout lakes will be closed to all fishing from March 30 until sunrise on April 4, allowing the trout to disperse throughout the lakes before the season opens.
During the season, five trout per day may be caught with no size restrictions. Those fishing can use no more than two lines with no more than two hooks per line.
Anyone 16 and older must have a valid Illinois sport fishing license with an inland trout stamp. Illinois residents who have a disability don’t need a sport fishing license but must have a State of Illinois disabled ID card showing a Class 2 or 2A disability or a veterans disability card. Also not required to have a license are Illinois residents who are on active military duty who are home on leave.
A fishing guide that includes maps showing depth and location of lakes as well as fish species, is found at fpdcc.com/fishing. Information also is at 708-403-6951.
Orland Park student earns award for software development
The League for Innovation in the Community College has awarded a Terry O’Banion Student Technology Award to Orland Park resident Brandon Mardoian, who was named Student Developer Champion.
The Moraine Valley Community College student earned an associate’s degree from Moraine valley and completed his bachelor’s degree in biology. He returned to Moraine Valley in spring 2024, studying software development. The Phi Theta Kappa member plans to earn a certificate in software development in May.
“It was pretty surreal to learn I won,” Mardoian shared in a news release. “It’s very validating that I’m making the right choices in life, but to have this external validation is reaffirming.”
Moraine Valley has nominated students for this award every year since 2006, and Mardoian’s win is the sixth for the college.
Glenwood Academy gains new CEO
Colleen Conlan-Carter has been promoted from her role as chief operating officer to chief executive officer of Glenwood Academy, following Mary Hollie’s tenure since 2014 as president and CEO of the school.
“In my 11 years at Glenwood Academy, I have seen first-hand the incredible impact the school has on students and their families, and the life-changing opportunities it provides,” Conlan-Carter shared via a news release. “I am excited to continue to implement the Glenwood Academy mission of battling poverty, injustice and inequity for those that we serve, while providing a second-to-none education, and a guiding hand to all our students.”
She has a doctorate in education, an education specialist degree and a master’s degree in educational administration from Northern Illinois University; a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Illinois State University; and a certificate in nonprofit management from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Among her other work, Glenwood’s new CEO is a member of the Council for Exceptional Children, the Illinois State board of Education, the National Association of Independent Schools and the Association of Children’s Residential and Community Services.
Egg hunt planned in Palos Heights
Candy and small prizes will be scattered on the grounds of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church during Easter Eggstravaganza from 10 to 11 a.m. April 4 at the church, 7800 W. McCarthy Road in Palos Heights.
The free event, open to the community, takes place rain or shine. Attendees receive an Easter message in the Family Life Center before children 1 to 11 years old (fifth grade) hunt for eggs.
Families should arrive a few minutes early to add children to the participants’ list at the welcome table. Information is at www.good-shepherd-church.com or 708-448-4170.
Night hike set at preserve near Orland Park
Orland Grassland volunteers will lead a night hike along the Birdsong Trail from 6:45 to 9:30 p.m. March 28 at Orland Grasslands Land and Water Reserve on West 167th Street west of South LaGrange Road near Orland Park. The parking lot will be locked at 7 p.m.
Participants will head west into the sunset, eventually viewing lights from Chicago and end at the parking lot to get hot beverages and treats. Attendees should wear shoes that can get a little muddy. RSVP by calling 708-220-9596 or visit www.orlandgrassland.org.
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