Triton hospitality program makes 1,000 meals for students, pantries
Students at Triton College in River Grove and families in the community dined on Thanksgiving meals thanks to Chef Manuel “Manny” Uribe and his Hospitality Industry Administration students.
Half of the meals went to Troy Mart for students and the other 500 meals were given to local food pantries before the holiday. The packaged meals included roast turkey, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese and corn.
The idea for the meals came from the students, Uribe said, adding that the students wanted to support fellow students and help address food insecurity of Triton’s neighbors. “No one should be hungry on Thanksgiving. That’s really the idea behind this effort, and we’re thankful to be able to give back,” he shared via a news release.
First Chanukah lighting celebration set in Hinsdale
Hinsdale will host its first public Chanukah celebration from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at KLM Lodge, 5901 S. County Line Road in Hinsdale.
Music and songs, arts and crafts and refreshments will be featured, as well as a menorah lighting. The event is offered by the Chabad jewish Center of Hinsdale.
RSVP at www.jewishhinsdale.com/chanukah25.
Lisle veterinarian recognized for his creation
The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association recently presented Dr. Jason Szumski, a veterinarian at Golf Rose Animal Hospital in Lisle, with its 2025 Dr. Erwin Small First Decade Award.
The honor is given at the association’s annual convention to a veterinarian who has graduated in the last 10 years and who has participated and contributed to organized veterinary medicine, via time and effort.
Szumski co-founded Vet SOAP, an artificial intelligence-powered platform that streamlines veterinary medical records, automatically generating electronic notes, which saves time for certified veterinary technicians and veterinarians. He also has developed seminar curriculum that aims to help recent veterinary graduates determine the right career and connect with an employer.
The 2023 University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine alum, who graduated with honors, serves as class president of his graduating class.
Historical society tour includes holiday sips, sweets
People 21 and older are invited to Holiday Sips and Sweets Tour for an evening of drinks, desserts and hors d’oeuvres from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14 in four historic homes offered by the La Grange Area Historical Society.
The Devitt home and Younce home are on Sixth Avenue, and the Powell home and historic Samuel Vial home are on south LaGrange Road. Reservations are required for the tour, which allows a glimpse into how families share traditions and decorate for the holidays.
Tickets cost $75 and can be picked up from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 11-13 and 5 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at Vial house, 444 South LaGrange Road. Sign up online at lagrangehistory.org.
A capella chorus presents holiday show in Elmhurst
The West Towns Chorus performs “Tinsel, Tunes & Toymakers at 3 p.m. Dec. 14 in Huizenga Auditorium at Timothy Christian School, 188 W. Butterfield Road in Elmhurst.
Holiday-themed raffle baskets will be on display in the lobby. The chorus, known for its men’s a cappella performances, will be joined by South Shore Brass Quintet, Affinity Strings, flutist Danielle Wolf and percussionist Gina Knight.
Tickets cost $27 for general admission and $32 for preferred seating. Credit card purchases add a fee. Groups of 10 or more should call 630-201-5544. Visit www.westtowns.org/public-events.
Brass band headlines concert at La Grange church
The Illinois Brass Band plays at 5 p.m. Dec. 13 at First United Methodist Church of La Grange, 100 Cossit Ave. in La Grange.
The performance will include holiday classics such as Christmas fanfares, Christmas favorites such as “The Little Drummer Boy” and symphonic highlights from “Frozen” and sacred carols such as “In the Bleak Midwinter” and Handel’s “For Unto Us a Child Is Born.” Vocalist Amy Bearden also will be featured.
Tickets cost $15 for adults, $5 for children 18 and younger and $35 for families, which is two adults and up to four children. They are sold in advance at illinoisbraddband.org or at the door that evening.
Cookies, photos opps with Mrs. Claus, Santa offered
Enjoy cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 13 at Kiddie Academy of Darien, 1502 75th St. in Darien.
The couple will pose with little ones for photos, and cozy holiday movies will be shown. Cookies and hot cocoa will be served at the free event, and families are encouraged to make crafts at a series of stations. All ages are welcome.
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