Leyden honors employees during education week
Leyden High School District 212 recognized its more than 600 professionals, including bus drivers, food service staff, support staff, teachers, security, maintenance staff and administrators who help educate students at its two high schools.
The recognition was part of American Education Week, Nov. 17 to 21, created by the National Education Association “as a way to honor people who work in public schools.
The district serves River Grover, Schiller Park, Melrose Park, Northlake, Franklin Park and unincorporated Leyden Township.
Holiday soap drive set in Darien
Darien Woman’s Club hosts a holiday soap and paper goods collection Nov. 28 through Dec. 18 with several drop-off locations in Darien.
They are Indian Prairie Public Library, 401 Plainfield Road; Concord School, 1019 Concord Place; Mark DeLay School, 6801 Wilmette Ave.; Cass Junior High School, 8502 Bailey Road; and the Darien Park District, 7301 Fairview Ave.
Donations of hand soap, laundry detergent, bar soap, dishwashing soap, paper towels, toilet paper and napkins are needed.
Holiday event benefits Infant Welfare Society
The Oak Brook chapter of the Infant Welfare Society hosts Mistletoe Medley during the day Dec. 2 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.
This year’s theme is “Let It Snow,” and dancers from Salt Creek Ballet will perform.
The fundraising event draws more than 500 guests every year and features premium raffles, a fashion show featuring suburban and city chic, boutique shopping with more than 20 vendors and lunch. NBC 5 news anchor Allison Rosati will return as master of ceremonies.
Proceeds benefit the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, which has been in existence for more than 110 years, providing community-based health care to families and children in the Chicago area who lack access to basic medical services.
Tickets cost $125 per person, and premiere tables cost $2,000 each. All tables seat 10 people. They are sold online at oakbrookchapterinfantwelfare.org.
Despite cancelation, walk raises money for lung association
Participants in the Lung Force Walk for the American Lung Association raised $137,000, despite it being canceled because of poor weather.
The money was raised by 650 supporters, teams and sponsors, including Northwestern Medicine, in the weeks before the walk, which was expected to happen last month at Cantigny Park in Wheaton.
“While we are disappointed that the weather prevented us from walking together, the generosity and dedication of our community truly shined,” Danielle Trojanek, executive director of the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago, shared via a news release.
Dog park permits sold through end of year in Will County
Two dogs explore at Whalon Lake in Naperville. Dog park permits are on sale at Forest Preserve District of Will County, including Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook. (Forest Preserve District of Will County)
Dog owners are invited to buy 2026 dog park permits for the Forest Preserve District of Will County, which are valid for the rest of 2025 and all of 2026.
The fee, which is $40 for county residents and $80 for nonresidents, includes all six off-leash dog parks, including Whalon Lake in Naperville. Each park has separate enclosures for small dogs weighing 35 pounds or less and larger dogs.
Permits are sold at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road in Bolingbrook, which is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Online sales include a $2 service fee. Applications also can be mailed to Sugar Creek Administration Center, 17540 W. Laraway Road in Joliet. Find details at www.reconnectwithnature.org/activities/dog-exercising.
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