Orland Park Winter Wonderfest, food drive in Palos Park
Orland Park Library Kicks Off Winter Wonderfest
Hundreds of people joined the Orland Park Public Library for its annual winter reading kickoff, Winter Wonderfest, which features family fun for patrons of all ages.
The lobby featured Christmas songs played on the piano and visitors warmed up with drinks and activities around the building. Goats in holiday sweaters wandered outside while an ice sculptor brought winter-themed images to life from blocks of ice. The event concluded with a performance of Juggling Funny Stories.
Orland Park residents can join the winter reading program online at orlandparklibrary.org or by visiting the library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave.
Palos Park Police cadets search for non-perishable food
Through Jan. 1, Palos Park Police Cadets and Community Services Officer are accepting non-perishable food items that will help families in the southwest suburbs.
Drop boxes are at the Palos Park Recreation Center, 8901 W. 123rd Ave.; Palos Park Public Library, 12330 Forest Glen Blvd.; Palos Park Metro Station, 12200 S. 82nd Ave.; and Palos Park Kapture Village Administrative Center, 8999 W. 123rd Ave.
Canned and boxed products can be donated. Arrange a pickup by calling 708-671-3770 or emailing Jmiller@palospark.org.
Andrew High School adds assistant principal
Doug Bozych has been approved by the Consolidated High School District 230 school board to become the new assistant activities director at Victor J. Andrew High School, succeeding Tim Dalton, who will retire at the end of the school year.
Since 2022, Bozych has served as president of the physical education, health and driver education division at the school. He held the same position for 2020-22 at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School after beginning his career at Andrew as a physical education educator, health driver and adapted physical education teacher for over a decade. He also served as head coach of Andrew’s boys’ athletics program and student activities coordinator.
For more than 10 years, he served on the board of directors of the Illinois High School and College Driver Education Association. He holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Concordia University and a master’s degree in sports administration from Northwestern University.
Psychology students at MVCC provide packed lunches for the homeless
For the past 15 years, Nick Shizas, a psychology professor at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, has included a service-learning project in his honors introductory psychology course, connecting psychological ideas to real-world problems.
Twice a semester, students prepare lunches for BEDS Plus, a nonprofit organization that helps people with housing and support services. At the end of the semester, students give a presentation on how the project affected them and what psychological concepts in action they saw.
A recent packing session of donated items by Shizas and the students resulted in 60 lunches of sandwiches, chips, granola bars and fruit cups. They also planned to serve chicken dinners, courtesy of The Patio in Bridgeview, at the BEDS Plus Summit Service Center, interacting with residents.
“Through service learning, my students become actively involved and engaged in their communities, but also develop a deeper understanding of psychological concepts,” Shizas explained in a press release. “It’s a humanizing experience that many students come back and say, ‘This is one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had at Moraine Valley.’ » »
Skate with Santa in Crestwood
Southwest Ice Arena hosts Kate with Santa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 24 at 5505 W. 127th St. in Crestwood.
The annual event costs $8, which includes skate rentals. Holiday cheer abounds when Santa trades his sleigh for ice. Information is at 708-371-1344.
Sleepover planned at Oak Lawn Children’s Museum
A noon New Year’s Eve sleepover for members is planned from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Oak Lawn Children’s Museum, 5100 Museum Drive in Oak Lawn.
Bubbles and confetti will be used for the countdown to 2026. Admission is $5 per member. Year-round memberships, which include unlimited tours, special event discounts and early entry from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, start at $175. This level includes admission of up to six people per day. Information is at 708-423-6709.
Chicago Heights Gallery Market Closing Soon
Area residents have until Dec. 20 to purchase items created by more than 25 local artists and artisans at the Union Street Gallery Artisan Market, 1527 Otto Blvd. in Chicago Heights. Gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.
This year’s market features ceramics, fine art prints, stationery, jewelry and homemade art. A closing reception is planned for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 20. Food, raffles, music and the chance to meet guilt artists, studio artists and market vendors will be included, and attendees will be able to vote for their favorite artist’s exhibit. Details are at 708-754-2601.
Send news to communitynews@southtownstar.com.
