River Forest parade features WWII veteran
River Forest resident Donald Ferrone was this year’s grand marshall of River Forest’s 101st annual Memorial Day parade.
Ferrone joined the Army Air Force Reserve in 1944 during World War II, eventually earning the rank of corporal. Ten days into his initial training, he contracted spinal meningitis. He eventually completed training and was deployed to a Royal Air Force base in England in early 1946 to remove wartime equipment such as airplane engines and tanks. He then served at two air bases in Germany repairing planes.
The corporal came back to Chicago in November 1946, was discharged and drove for the Chicago Sightseeing Company, his father’s business, eventually becoming its CEO and president before retiring. River Forest’s honor roll can be viewed at vrf.us/HonorRoll.
River Grove resident competes at national SkillsUSA
When Owen Kelly, of River Grove, heard his name called for winning first place and a gold medal at SkillsUSA’s Illinois competition this spring in Pekin, it was a surprise. “I didn’t expect to win it at all. I was just sitting there hoping someone from Triton (College) took it home. Hearing my name get called first was crazy,” he said.
His finish over more than 300 students led to him competing in the organization’s National Leadership & Skills Conference June 1 to 5 in Atlanta with more than 6,000 other state champions in the country’s skilled career and technical education students. Kelly attends Triton, where he is studying automotive technology and is part of the General Motors partnership program.
Kelly, an auto mechanic who hopes to become a master technician, called the competition hard. “Everyone was there on their toes. We were looking at all these questions wondering how it was possible.”
He explained that the national contest had 13 stations with different car parts, such as an engine assembly, brakes, transmissions, high-voltage electric station for EVs, with some challenges to answer a question and others to show proper safety procedures, system diagnosis and even repair work.
Although he didn’t earn a medal, Kelly had fun during his first visit to Atlanta. “I got to meet a lot of cool people and meet a lot of vendors,” he shared. “The sheer amount and how big the competition was surprised me the most.”
Burr Ridge hosts series of outdoor concerts
The LowDown Brass Band performs 7 to 8 p.m. June 18 as part of the free Concerts on the Green series at Burr Ridge Village Center, 701 Village Center Drive in Burr Ridge.
Attendees can claim a spot as early as 6 p.m. but should bring their own seating.
Dan Hampton & The Chicago 6 perform after the Joe Biscelgia Band on June 25, and Rhythm Makers Orchestra plays on June 25. Other concerts are Dustbowl Revival on July 16, The Tossers on July 23 and Reckless on July 30.
Information is at burrridgeentertainment.com.
Laser show features Chappell Roan’s music
The Cernan Earth and Space Center at Triton College in River Grove has created its first original later show in 30 years: Laser Chappell Roan.
The show, at 8:30 p.m. Saturdays in June at the center, features some of the artist’s biggest hits accompanied by visual effects and laser light imagery in the center’ dome.
Program producer Jordan Jubeck said because Roan’s music and images are intertwined with LGBTQ+ representation, it’s a fitting event for Pride Month. Language and themes may not be suitable for all viewers. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for seniors 55 and older and children 2 to 17 years old. They are sold only at the center’s Star Store starting at 6:30 that night, not online.
Bowling outing benefits Working Together Chicago
Bowling fans can raise money for Working Together Chicago and the Center for Independence while having a good time from 6 to 9 p.m. June 26 at Eden Lanes Bowling Alley, 10159 W. Cermak Road in Westchester.
The annual fundraiser includes bowling, prizes, raffles and family fun. Tickets include three hours of bowling, shoe rental, hors d’oeuvres, a raffle ticket and cash bar. They cost $50 for anyone 12 and older and $25 for children. Those who don’t want to bowl can pay $20 for hor d’oeuvres, a raffle ticket and cash bar. Reserve a lane for up to six people to bowl and 11 additional raffle tickets.
Working Together Chicago creates job opportunities for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the Chicago area. Details and ticket sales are at workingtogetherchicago.org.
Send news to pioneerwest@tribpub.com.
