SEASPAR lauds volunteers, staff
The annual Believe & Achieve recognition banquet held recently by SEASPAR at Carlisle Banquets in Lombard brought together volunteers, staff, supporters and program participants for dinner, a dance party and awards.
SEASPAR, the South East Association for Special Parks And Recreation, aims to enrich the lives of people with disabilities through recreation. It serves Brookfield, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Indian Head Park, La Grange, La Grange Park, Lemont, Lisle, Western Springs, Westmont, Willowbrook and Woodridge.
True Balance Karate, of Downers Grove, was named Donor of the Year, after providing instruction for the organization’s karate program for 15 years and holding a tournament to benefit SEASPAR.
Naberhaus Volunteer of the Year was Gina Graf, of Countryside, who received the award from her son, Austin, a recreation specialist at SEASPAR. Two part-time staff were recognized: two-year employee Bill Lyones, of La Grange Highlands, and eight-year employee Sandy Greco, of Woodridge.
Participants earning awards were Athlete of the Year to Blaine Sharenow, of La Grange Park, who trains in Special Olympics bowling, flag football, volleyball, basketball and softball; Shining Star Award for an outstanding participant in teen and adult programming to Hope Murphy, of Western Springs, who participates in Special Olympics training, weekly programs and the EAGLES adult day program; Cultural Artist of the Year to Jackson Mangan, of Downers Grove, who shines in the musical theater program, including at the 2025 Holiday Spectacular talent showcase; and the Rising Star Award for a participant in youth programming to Nile Naff, of Woodridge, who does Special Olympics training, weekly programs and special events.
Cook County clerk seeks election judges, technicians
The Cook County Clerk’s Office seeks election judges for the March 17 gubernatorial primary election.
Suburban Cook County residents can apply to be an election judge or polling place technician, especially those who live in southwest communities, such as Palos, Lemont and Lyons townships, as well as Elk Grove and Leyden townships in northwest Cook County.
Judges, who are paid $250, greet and sign in voters. Technicians, who are paid $400, work with the judges to monitor supplies and equipment and help with setup, breakdown and maintenance of electronic equipment; they receive some training.
In addition, bilingual judges are needed for districts that have large numbers of people who may not be proficient in English, so those who speak Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Spanish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Gujarati, Korean and Tagalog are urged to apply.
Election judges must be a registered Cook County voter or eligible college or high school student. Applications should be submitted soon to allow for a required training class. Do so at www.cookcountycoerk.com/work.
Educator shares drama of Lincoln’s assassination
Nationally known storyteller Barry Bradford brings to life the events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at The Community House, 415 E. Eighth St. in Hinsdale.
The Chicago educator’s one-man show brings history to life. Refreshments and lunch are included in the $20 ticket fee. Sign up by Feb. 19 at www.thecommunityhouse.org or call 630-323-7500.
Leyden students named Chick Evans Scholars
Antonio Herrera, who attends East Leyden High School, and Mohamed El-Hindi, who attends West Leyden High School, have received Chick Evans Scholarships.
The scholarships pay for housing and tuition at colleges and universities. The competitive scholarships, available for youths who caddie at golf courses, require excellent academics, financial need and outstanding character. They are worth more than $125,000 over four years.
Chicago museum seeks artists for interactive display
March 2 is the last day for artists to submit proposals for temporary, immersive installations for six months at WNDR Museum, 1130 W. Monroe St. in Chicago.
The Artist Showcase program for 2026, led by the museum’s studio team, “invites artists to install hands-on experiences that celebrate exploration, curiosity, and creative discovery while engaging thousands of visitors in a high-traffic, interactive environment,” per a news release.
Individual artists and team artists will be paid a commission of $12,000 per installation, which covers artist fees, fabrication and design, and material and supplies.
Proposals can be submitted at pages.wndrmuseum.com/artistcall. Artists chosen for the program will be announced in March, and the installation will be put up in May.
“We’re so thrilled to be kicking off this initiative and furthering our mission to highlight local artists in the Chicago community,” Director of Studio, Steven Krejcik shared via the release. “As we continue to innovate the WNDR experience for our future and returning guests, we see great value in providing this kind of exposure and opportunity for emerging artists.”
Franklin Park hosts parent-child events
Parents can spend a little one-on-one time with their children, thanks to the Park District of Franklin Park.
A mother-son night out is set for 6:10 to 8:10 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Franklin Park Ice Arena, 9711 Waveland Ave.. Mothers and sons can enjoy pizza and lemonade, music, photo opportunities and a treat while skating. Skate rental is included. The cost per couple is $38 for residents and $48 for nonresidents. Extra siblings cost $16 for residents and $21 for nonresidents.
A daddy-daughter dance takes place 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 28 at Centre at North Park, 10040 Addison Ave. The winter wonderland event includes music, dancing, dinner, flowers, a photo opportunity and a treat. Space is limited. The cost per couple is $54 for residents ($27 for each additional sibling) and $68 for nonresidents ($34 for each additional sibling).
Sign up for either event by visiting fpparks.org or by calling 847-2852.
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