Native American artist visits Orland Park library
As part of Chicago-based artist Negwes White’s exhibit of acrylic paintings, Here & Now: An Urban Native Voice, the artist will appear at a program from 10:30 a.m. to noon July 11 in Large Meeting Room 104 at the Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave.
White, who is Walpole Island Ojibwe, Guachuchil from Mexico and Diné from Fort Defiance, Arizona, will share Native American stories, demonstrate a traditional Plains Indian grass dance, talk about his creative process and answer questions. The urban Native artist is passionate about teaching culture, language and art in ways that foster price and connection.
The exhibit will be up all of July on the second floor of the library. Information is at www.orlandparklibrary.org or 708-428-5100.
Oak Lawn artists compete in Reflections contest
Oak Lawn Community High School students shared their creativity in the Illinois PTA Reflections program, now in its 55th year, a nationally recognized arts initiative that allows students to show their talent through a variety of art.
Mediums include film production, literature, music composition, visual arts, photography and dance choreography. Of the 37 student submissions from OLCHS, 15 advanced to the state level: Addison Clark, Peyton Marshall, Erin Sprull-Pennington, Josiah Bedolla, Zayra Bustamante, Skye Meyer, Hannah Trigg, Tahj Balock, Molly Castellano, Isabel Juarez, Emily Prado, David Sosa, Ava Urbaniec, Lilian Ibarra and Alanah Martinez.
Earning honorable mention awards were Weronica Makary, Mikayla Vazquez, Nathaniel Vega and Jake Herpich. Advancing to the regional level and eligible for national judging were Addison Clark, Emily Prado and Peyton Marshall.
Tinley Park-Frankfort Rotary grants scholarships
Three local students gained $1,000 scholarships courtesy of the Tinley Park-Frankfort Rotary Club, which has been awarding such scholarships for more than 15 years.
The recipients were Elizabeth Ardagh of Lincoln-Way East High School, who will study biological sciences and neuroscience on a premed track at the University of Notre Dame; Caden Wolfe, of Andrew High School, who will study special education at DePaul University; and Gaving Hemminger of Tinley Park High School, who plans to study biology on a premed track at Georgia Institute of Technology.
Scholarships are given to students based on how closely they “align with Rotary’s motto, ‘Service Above Self,’” according to a news release.
The club, chartered in 1975, supports local and global initiatives via volunteerism, fundraising and community partnerships. Learn more at facebook.com/tpfrotary.
Underground Railroad history picnic set
The Crete Historical Society and Midwest Underground Railroad Network have joined forces to offer a community picnic and educational program from noon to 2 p.m. July 11 at Schubert Woods Pavilion in the Cook County Forest Preserve, on Sauk Trail west of Ashlan Avenue near Steger and Park Forest.
The free event allows families to learn about the region’s history with the Underground Railroad. Attendees should bring their own food and seating but drinks and treats will be provided.
Underground Railroad authority Professor Larry McClellan will lead a guided hike at 11 a.m. to the McCoy Homestead site. Hikers should plan to arrive at 10:30. Afterward, he will give a lunchtime presentation about noon.
A Crete Historical Society representative will talk about local Underground Railroad activities and figures, as well as give an update on the “Network to Freedom” designation efforts happening at Crete Congregational Church.
Musical performances by Lana Lewis and Al “The Voice” Mack also are planned. The event is free and open to the public. Details are at 773-370-3305.
Country Fest comes to Tinley Park
Tinley Park Country Fest offers a star-spangled celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States July 3 to 5 at the Metra station, 18001 S. 80th Ave.
Events take place 4 to 11 p.m. July 3, noon to 11 p.m. July 4 and 1 to 8 p.m. July 5.
Musicians from Nashville and local favorites will perform, including Ashley Walls, Eric Chesser, Whiskey Friends (a Morgan Wallen tribute band), Would Coulda Shoulda, The Walk-Ins, Music In Motion Kids, Knievel’s Daredevil Band and Billy Gray Music.
Other entertainment includes a line dancing lesson, rib vendors, local breweries, craft vendors, carnival rides and games, beer garden and a magic show. And what would a Fourth of July event be without fireworks?
A schedule and ticket sales are at www.TinleyParkCountryFest.com.
Worth library hosts blood drive
A blood drive is planned for 2 to 6 p.m. July 8 at the Worth Public Library District, 6917 W. 111th St.
The drive, held with Versiti Blood Centers, is open to the public. Many appointments are still available. Walk-ins are welcome or sign up at tinyurl.com/WorthLibraryLifeSavers.
Illinois Citizens Reentry Day planned
Joliet Unity Movement, advocate and mentor Elizabeth Protich and Holsten Human Capital Development have joined forces to host Illinois Citizens Reentry Day, a free event from noon to 6 p.m. July 3 that celebrates new beginnings.
Will County residents will find music, family activities, a spades tournament, voter registration, open mic poetry and storytelling, employment opportunities, community resources and fellowship at the Riverwalk Community Center, 350 N. Broadway in Joliet.
The event “recognizes the strength, resilience, and contributions of individuals and families impacted by the justice system while connecting attendees with resources that support successful reentry (after incarceration) and long-term stability,” per a news release. Information is found at www.Joliet815.com.
Send news to communitynews@southtownstar.com.
