Evergreen Park student toy drive generates 300 items for Toys for Tots
A Toys for Tots drive led by students in the National Honor Society at Evergreen Park Community High School in the first two weeks of December brought in more than 300 toys donated by students and staff.
The toys will be given to children in need in Evergreen Park and Worth Township.
The Honor Society’s toy drive is an annual tradition, but this year another organization helped with the effort: the school’s baseball team and Coach Andrew Massey contributed after the team’s own holiday event.
Society sponsor Ben Nesler, the high school’s department chairman for social studies and business technology, was pleased by the drive. “During the holiday season we know that a great deal is asked for, and we are proud to say our Mustang Nation gave back,” he said via a news release.
Turn Christmas trees into trail chips at Lake Katherine
Instead of putting their natural Christmas trees in the trash, area residents are invited to recycle them at Lake Katherine Nature Center, 7402 W. Lake Katherine Drive in Palos Heights.
Trees may be dropped off until Jan. 31 in the designated area at the end of the parking lot near the farm implements. All decorations should be removed.
Trees will be chipped and distributed along the preserve’s trails in the spring. Information is at 708-361-1873.
Chick Evans scholarships awarded to Marist seniors
Marist High School seniors Hector Castillo and Olubukola Onomole have won the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship, a highly competitive full-tuition college scholarship.
Castillo, a graduate of St. Germaine School in Oak Lawn, plays on Marist’s tennis team, serves as a peer tutor and is a member of the French National Honor Society and Amnesty International. He also was named a Posse Scholar, a highly selective full-tuition merit scholarship awarded to students recognized for their leadership potential and academic promise,” per a news release.
Onimole, who graduated from Veterans Memorial Middle School in Blue Island, serves as an officer with Student Ambassadors, is student council vice president, on the Green Team executive board, co-president of the Book Club and a member of the track team and speech team. She also manages Marist’s hockey team and is involved with the Black Student Union, French National Honor Society, National Honor Society and Marist Youth.
The scholarship, renewable for up to four years, is awarded by the Evans Scholars Foundation of the Western Golf Association to caddies who apply. They must show a strong caddie record, financial need, outstanding character and an excellent academic record.
Pathlights benefits from pair of trivia nights
Early bird rates end Jan. 9 for Pathlights’ trivia night, set for Feb. 19 in Tinley Park and March 12 in Oak Lawn.
The event raises money for emergency support services for older adults and caregivers served by the nonprofit agency. The fee of $40 to attend either event goes up to $45 or $80 to attend both.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and trivia starts at 6 p.m. Feb. 19 at Bremen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2791, 17147 Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park, or March 12 at Johnson-Phelps Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5220, 9514 S. 52nd Ave. in Oak Lawn.
Split-the-pot and other raffles will be included. Sign up by visiting pathlights.org/event. The last day to do so is Feb. 15 and March 8. Call 708-361-0219.
Mindfulness retreat planned at The Center
Those looking for peace and space to think about the new year or to decompress after holiday stress are invited to Awake at The Center: A Day of Mindfulness in the Outdoors, set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 10 at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park.
The retreat will be led by Sharon and Dan Morley and other leaders of the organization’s Sunday morning mindfulness team. Participants will walk, sit, listen and share the beauty of the grounds in the morning. The afternoon features the healing sounds of crystal bowls with the help of Jalima Cuesta.
Wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Those who get cold can warm up by the center’s fireplace. The fee is $65, which includes leadership, lunch, and retreat supplies. Register at 708-361-3650.
Beekeeping, fun with ducks set at Plum Creek Nature Center
Two programs are planned by the Forest Preserve District of Will County at Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 Dutton Road in Beecher, with one featuring duck-related play for preschoolers and facts about beekeeping for people of all ages.
Preschoolers 3 to 5 years old and their caregivers can enjoy an evening of duck-themed fun with Nature Play Day After Hours – Ducks in a Row, planned for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 6 at the preserve. They’ll enjoy games, crafts, stories and a duck hunt inside and outside. Attendees also will get a peek at the federal duck stamp art display. Sign up by Jan. 4 for this free session.
Meet a Beekeeper takes place 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 10 at the center. Participants will learn about the science and art of beekeeping with local beekeeper Dad Bradley. It’s designed for all ages and is free.
To sign up for either program, call 708-946-2216.
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