League of Women Voters marks Juneteenth with registration drive
Members of the League of Women Voters of the La Grange Area put the mission of the group on full display during the organization’s Juneteenth Celebration and Remembrance at the Corral at Lyons Township South, offering information about elections and registering people to vote.
Participants asked about how to check registration, how teens could register in advance at the DMV while getting their driver’s license, how to register at age 17 if the people will turn 18 on or before Nov. 3 and others. The event, hosted by ChaseYouth and Laced Up Athletics, was supported by CommUNITY Diversity Group of La Grange.
The league is a “political organization that neither supports nor opposes candidates of parties and encourages informed and active participation in government” and aims to influence public policy through advocacy and education, according to a news release.
This chapter serves Countryside, Burr Ridge, Indian Head Park, La Grange, Hodgkins, La Grange Highlands, Lyons, La Grange Park, McCook, Western Springs and Riverside. Information is found at www.lagrangearealwv.org or by emailing league@lagrangearealwv.org.
Cooling centers available in Franklin Park
Keeping recent extreme heat in mind, the Village of Franklin Park recommends several locations that serve as cooling centers for residents.
They are the Franklin Park Community Center, 9560 Franklin Ave., available from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; Franklin Park Fire Department headquarters, 10001 Addison Ave.; from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; Franklin Park police station at 9541 W. Belmont Ave., available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For nonemergency calls in Franklin Park, an operator is available 24 hours a day at 847-678-2444. Additional cooling centers can be found at the Cook County Cooling Centers locator online at www.cookcountyil.gov/service/cooling-centers.
Everyone is urged to check on neighbors because the very young and very old are susceptible to heat-related injuries and illnesses.
Historical society serves up ice cream
In the words of the summertime chant, “I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream!” Those hopes will be realized during an ice cream social set for 1 to 3 p.m. July 19 at the La Grange Area Historical Society, 444 S. La Grange Road.
The free event, which the society holds each year, will celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Participants of all ages can enjoy Tate’s ice cream and toppings and join in fun activities and games. Learn more about the society at lagrangehistory.org.
Outstanding educators recognized at Triton College
Triton College in River Grove has named instructors Magdalena Krusszynska-Piper and Rebecca Fournier as its 2026 Outstanding Faculty of the year.
The award, which is given annually to one full-time and one adjunct instructor, recognizes faculty who show exceptional teaching excellence, dedication to successful students and service to the college community.
Fournier, a full-time English teacher who has served at Triton for 18 years, called receiving the award “both an honor and humbling, because not many people get a chance to be rewarded for doing what they love,” she said via a news release.
Kruszynska-Piper, an adjunct engineering technology instructor, has taught at Triton since spring 2020, specializing in 3D modeling, AutoCAD and drafting after spending 20 years in manufacturing. “I realized I could have the most impact by helping students into the workforce and manufacturing. For me, it’s a passion, not a job,” she shared via the release. “This honor has deep meaning for me.”
Quartet performs 1900s jazz in La Grange
The Noah Schroer Quartet will perform at 7 p.m. July 21 as part of the community concert series at First Presbyterian Church, 150 S. Ashland Ave. in La Grange.
Schroer, founding member of Badass Gumbo, has performed in the Chicago area for more than 20 years. This concert features a quarter performing traditional jazz standards from the early 1900s.
If weather allows, the concert will be on the church lawn. Participants should bring lawn chairs or a blanket, snacks and friends.
RSVP volunteers to receive national award
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, or RSVP, at Triton College in River Grove will be recognized nationally by the Internal Revenue Service during a virtual ceremony at noon July 16 by receiving the Frank Nolden Award.
The award recognizes Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly partners that show exceptional commitment to serving their communities through free tax preparation help.
Triton’s RSVP offers free tax assistance each year to adults 60 and older from low- to moderate-income households. In the 2026 tax filing season, volunteers prepare more than 1,300 tax returns, leading to more than $1.2 million in refunds.
Triton has sponsored RSVP since 1983 through AmeriCorps Seniors. The grant-funded organization pairs adults 55 and older with volunteer opportunities in the community, such as clerical work, food donations, and helping at animal shelters and hospitals.
“This recognition belongs to our incredible volunteers, who give their time and expertise each year to help members of our community navigate tax season with confidence,” Mario Porras, director of RSVP at Triton, shared in a news release.
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