Pipefitters bring holiday cheer for Glenwood students
Pipefitters bring holiday cheer to Glenwood students
A group of Glenwood Academy students received some holiday cheer from more than 350 Pipefitters Local 597 apprentices at its Mokena facility.
The students enjoyed a visit from Santa, who delivered about eight to ten gifts to each, as well as a pizza party. Apprentices purchased and wrapped hundreds of gifts for students.
Glenwood Academy is a private boarding school located in Glenwood that serves children whose homes are affected by violence, physical and emotional harm, poverty and educational neglect.
Recycling Christmas lights until January 30
A Christmas light recycling program is available through Jan. 30 in several area locations, through a cooperative effort between State Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, and Calumet Township, Village of Midlothian, Oak Forest, Village of Calumet Park, Town of Blue Island, Blue Island Park District and Village of Crestwood.
Lights may contain glass, plastic, lead and copper wiring, all of which must be disposed of properly. Unused and non-working lamps can be recycled, but broken bulbs should be removed before donating.
Oak Lawn, Flossmoor, drop-off locations are Blue Island City Hall, 13051 Greenwood Ave.; Memorial Park, 12804 Highland Ave. at Blue Island; Midlothian Village Hall, 14801 Pulaski Road; Crestwood Village Hall, 13800 S. Cicero Ave.; Calumet Park Village Hall, 12409 S. Throop St.; Calumet Township Office, 2353 York St. in Blue Island; Calumet Township Community Center, 12633 Ashland Ave. in Calumet Park; and Oak Forest City Hall, 15440 S. Central Ave. Information is at 708-396-2822.
Oak Lawn teen publishes first novel
When Ashlynn Goldizen published her first novel, “Unwrapped “A Novel in Verse,” it was a dream come true.
The story, a spiritual one, explores the disconnect a teenage girl faces between Christmas and God as she struggles with her personal relationships, ultimately using her faith to rediscover hope. It is aimed at readers aged 13 and over.
Goldizen, a sophomore at Richards High School in Oak Lawn, started the book in February 2025 while reflecting on her thoughts on the holiday and what it meant to older children. She added Bible verses to the book and sought advice from youth ministry leaders at Moraine Valley Church in Palos Heights, where she attends.
“I called it ‘Unwrapped’ because some gifts aren’t wrapped in paper. Some don’t reveal themselves until you finally unwrap your heart,” she explained in a press release.
She sold 15 copies of the book in December and aims to sell 100 in a year. It is available on Amazon.
Host Sites Sought for Flossmoor Day of Service
Community organizations, government agencies, local businesses and neighbor groups are invited to host a service project as part of Flossmoor Village’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. State Honored Day of Service, which will take place on January 19.
The volunteer initiative, now in its 11th year, is organized by the Flossmoor Community Relations Commission.
Several organizations have already registered for this year’s event, but more are needed. The hosts brainstorm a project and provide a site, and the commission provides volunteers to do the work. Register at www.flossmoor.org/506/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Day-of-Service.
Chili chefs needed for Frankfurt event
Local restaurants and chili fans are invited to participate in the First & Ice Winter Social Chili Cook-Off, scheduled for noon to 2 p.m. 31 at Breidert Green in Frankfurt.
Competitors in two categories – Restaurant Division (local restaurants, bars and professional food businesses) and Amateur Division (non-professionals) must register by January 17.
Participation is free but places are limited. Register at www.frankfortil.org.
Competitors will serve samples to attendees and compete for top honors in each division. Participants can vote for their favorites.
Chicago Festival of Bands celebrates National Polka Month in Orland Park
The International Polka Association recognizes National Polka Month with its 57th annual Chicago Band Festival, noon to 5 p.m., Jan. 18 at Elements by the Odyssey, 16235 LaGrand Road. at Orland Park.
Music will be performed by EZ Tones, Music Company, Tony Blazonczyk and New Phaze, IPA Tribute Band and Kevin Altenburg and Friends.
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Admission is $20 at the door. A cash bar and food for purchase will be available. Information is on www.ipapolkas.com.
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