Career Day at Moraine Valley draws emergency responder candidates
Fire Safety/First Responders Career Day drew more than 100 high school students from 10 local high schools to Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, allowing them to learn about a public service career.
Students from Eisenhower, Reavis, Richards, Shepard, Oak Lawn Community, Stagg, Sandburg, Argo Community, Andrew and Evergreen Park Community high schools participated in the event, which was coordinated by Moraine Valley Fire Science Program coordinator and instructor Andrew Hufnagl and Moraine Area Career System assistant director Suzanne Kendryna.
Participants rotated through a series of stations that demonstrated techniques and operations, as well as a side-by-side sprinkler burn room. The college’s Fire Academy class led the sessions. MACS partners with the college to help local high school students explore career paths and make decisions about their future.
Metra hosts Toys for Tots drive Dec. 9
For the 14th year, Metra is teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation to collect monetary donations and new, unwrapped toys during the morning rush hour Dec. 9 at all five downtown Metra stations.
Metra employees and Marines will receive the donations at Millennium Station, Van Buren Station, Chicago Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center.
This year, Amtrak employees will join the toy drive. Last year’s event brought in nearly 2,900 toys and $9,500 to the campaign, allowing the Marines to donate more than 97,000 toys to more than 78,000 children in the Chicago area.
Master Chorale concert set in Homewood
The Chicago Cargoyle Brass Ensemble and organist Mark Sudeith will join the South Holland Master Chorale for a Holiday Joy & Fanfare concert at 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at St. John Neumann Parish, 17951 Dixie Highway in Homewood.
The 70-member chorale will perform a variety of holiday favorites, hymns and contemporary works. Audience members will be invited to sign several traditional Christmas carols, including “Silent Night,” which closes the concert. Admission is free but donations will be accepted. Details are at 708-210-2913 or southhollandmasterchorale.org.
Children with illnesses get boost from women’s organization
Team Nicholas recently received $15,000 from 100+ Women Who Care of Will County. On hand for the donation, from left, are Kelly Baltas, corporate giving and events coordinator, and Laura Valencik, director of guest and volunteer services, both at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox; Team Nicholas founder Joanna Veghts; and Maribeth Carlson, founder of 100+ Women Who Care of Will County. (100+ Women Who Care of Will County)
Members of 100+ Women Who Care of Will County recently chose Team Nicholas to receive $15,000, thanks to $10,000 collected from the group and a 50% matching donation from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation.
Team Nicholas brings joy, comfort and smiles to children with cancer and other critical illnesses in the Chicago area. The organization provides wish list items such as arts and crafts, toys, games and Legos. Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox has been added to its coverage area.
At quarterly meetings, 100+ Women Who Care meet and choose three random charities. After brief presentations on each, members vote on a winning charity and write a $100 check to it that night. The group’s next meeting is 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 10 at Coom’s Corner, 1225 E. Ninth St. in Lockport.
‘Christmas Story: The Musical’ hits stage in Chicago Heights
The Drama Group presents “Christmas Story: The Musical: at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 6 and Dec. 11-13 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 7, 13 and 14 at 330 W. 202nd St. in Chicago Heights.
The show tells the story of the movie by the same name, featuring young Ralphie Parker, who just wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Tickets cost $19 for students, $23 for seniors and military and $25 for adults; all tickets include a small service fee. They are sold at dg.booktix.com or by calling 708-755-3444.
Chamber plans Merry Magic Mixer
Business leaders, city officials and community partners are invited to gather for an afternoon of celebration at Merry Magic Mixer, set for 3 p.m. Dec. 11 at Wind Creek Chicago Southland, 17300 S. Halsted St. in East Hazel Crest.
During the annual holiday tradition, presented by the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for the City of Harvey’s Christmas toy drive and a nonperishable food item for BEDS Plus. Raffles, music, hors d’oeuvres will be included. Sign up online at business.chicagosouthlandchamber.com/calendar or call 708-957-6950.
Enjoy tea by a Christmas tree at The Center
Tickets are being sold for Christmas Around the Tree teas Dec. 9 to 13 at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park.
A holiday luncheon tea featuring a 20-foot Christmas tree takes place noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 9. Other teas are 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 10-13. Entertainment, farm-grown tea, food and the chance to make holiday potpourri are included. Attendees are invited to bring their dolls to the tea.
Tickets cost $46 per person and can be bought by calling 708-361-3650 or online at www.thecenterpalos.org.
Second City touring show comes to Moraine Valley
The Second City Touring Company offers “Jack Frost Roasting on an Open Fire at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 in the Dorothy Menker Theater in the Fine and Performing Art Center at Moraine Valley Community Theater, 9000 W. College Parkway in Palos Hills.
Performers will roast everything from festive family gatherings to classic holiday movies in the show, which contains adult content. Tickets cost $37 for adults, $35 for seniors 55 and older and $32 for veterans, active military and people younger than 18. They are sold at 708-974-5500 or from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays in the box office in Building F.
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