Orland Park library kicks off Winter Wonderfest
Hundreds of people joined the Orland Park Public Library for its annual winter reading kickoff, Winter Wonderfest, featuring family fun for patrons of all ages.
The lobby featured holiday songs played on the piano, and visitors warmed up with drinks and activities around the building. Goats in holiday sweaters walked around outside as 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 seek nonperishable food
Through Jan. 1, Palos Park police cadets and the community service officer are accepting nonperishable food items that will help families from the southwest suburban area.
Drop-off boxes are at the Palos Park Recreation Center, 8901 W. 123rd Ave.; Palos Park PUblic LIbray, 12330 Forest Glen Blvd.; Palos Park Metra station, 12200 S. 82nd Ave.; and Village of Palos Park Kapture Administrative Center, 8999 W. 123rd Ave.
Canned goods and boxed goods may 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 Board of Education to become Victor J. Andrew High School’s new assistant principal of activities, taking over from Tim Dalton, who will retire at the end of the school year.
Since 2022, Bozych has been division chairman of Physical Education, Health, and Driver Education at the school. He had that same position for 2020-22 at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School after beginning his career at Andrew as a PE, health driver’s ed and adapted PE teacher for more than a decade. He also was head coach of Andrew’s boys’ track and field program and Student Activities coordinator.
For more than 10 years he was part of the Illinois High School and College Driver Education Association Board of Directors. He has a master’s degree in educational administration from Concordia University and a master’s degree in sports administration from Northwestern University.
Psych students at MVCC pack lunches for homeless
Students in Moraine Valley Community College’s Honors Introduction to Psychology class pack lunches for BEDS Plus, which serves the homeless. (Moraine Valley Community College)
For the past 15 years, Nick Shizas, professor of psychology at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills has included a service-learning project in his Honors Introduction to Psychology course, linking psychological ideas to real-world issues.
Twice a semester, students pack 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 items donated by Shizas and the students led to 60 lunches of sandwiches, chips, granola bars and fruit cups. They also planned to serve chicken dinners, donated by The Patio in Bridgeview, at the BEDS Plus Summit Service Center, interacting with residents.
“With service learning, my students become actively involved and engaged in their communities but also develop a more profound understanding of psychological concepts,” Shizas shared via a news release. “It’s a humanizing experience that many students come back and say, ‘That as one of the most memorable experiences I 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 rental. Holiday cheer abounds when Santa trades his sleigh for the ice. Information is at 708-371-1344.
PJ party planned at Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn
A Noon Year’s Eve pajama party for members is planned for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn, 5100 Museum Drive in Oak Lawn.
Bubbles and confetti will be used to count down to 2026. Admission is $5 per member. Memberships for the year, which include unlimited visits, discounts on special events and early admission from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays, start at $175. That level includes admission up to six people per day. Information is at 708-423-6709.
Chicago Heights gallery’s market closes soon
Area residents have until Dec. 20 to shop for items created by more than 25 local artists and craftspeople at the Handmade Market at Union Street Gallery, 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, art prints, stationery, jewelry and homemade art objects. A closing reception is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 20. Food, raffles, music and the chance to meet guilt artists, studio artists and the market’s vendors will be included, and attendees can vote for their favorite artist’s display. Details are at 708-754-2601.
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