Inclusive Catwalk show benefits Tinley school
Fashionistas can enjoy an innovative fashion show and support a good cause at the Inclusive Catwalk: All Abilities Fashion Show at 6 p.m. Oct. 10 at Fashion Bar on the third floor of Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago.
It’s presented by the iCan Dream Center, an alternative school in Tinley Park that partners with area public schools to serve youths with learning disabilities. Specialized programs for high school and college students provide vocational readiness, therapeutic services and life skills training. It also offers Little Dreamers, an therapeutic early childhood program in Tinley Park.
Attendees can enjoy an inspiring night of entertainment, fashion and stories from youths who participate in the center’s program. A reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails is set for 6 yo 7 p.m, with the fashion show following at 7 p.m. Dinner stations, cocktails and dancing take place 8:30 to 10 p.m. A silent auction also is planned.
Creativity is encouraged when it comes to attire, with anything from Met Gala-inspired looks to unique shoes, one-trend dresses, power suits and bold prints. Tickets cost $150 per person, with all proceeds benefiting the center’s programs. Buy tickets online at icandreamcenter.com/event/inclusive-catwalk/.
The show allows young people with disabilities to walk the runway with professional models as they showcase their confidence and creativity. The iCan Dream Center seeks to amplify the message of inclusion and diversity through integrating the event into Chicago Fashion Week.
Spooky fun planned at Haunted Barnyard
Saddlebred Riders United Youth Group presents its Haunted Barnyard from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 5 at 10101 S. Kean Ave. in Oak Lawn.
The event will be spooky but has “scare levels” appropriate for younger children. Bobalicious of Palos Heights will have beverages and treats for sale.
Admission is free, but tickets for attractions cost $2 each. Concessions and pick-a-pumpkin patch can be paid for in cash, but the spooky house, photo op and face painting and tattoos will require tickets. All proceeds benefit the youth group. Information is at 708-598-7718.
10 years of Run with the Nuns in Lemont
Online registration continues until 5 p.m. Oct. 12 for the 10th annual Run with the Nuns, a 5K race set for 9 a.m. Oct. 13 at Mount Assisi Center and Convent, 13860 Main St., Lemont.
All proceeds benefit the nonprofit School Sisters of St. Francis of Christ the King and the Mount Assisi Ministry.
Runners on the challenging all-terrain course will see asphalt and grass on a path through the natural hills of the center and convent. All participants receive a dry-fit shirt and race medal. The cost is $50 for adults and $20 for children 12 and younger who walk or run with a parent.
Register in advance online and pick up packets from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 10 or 8 to 10 a.m. Oct. 12. Registration and packet pick-up also are available starting at 7:30 a.m. on race day. Sign up at runwiththenuns.org.
Those who can’t make it on race day can sign up for a virtual race. Participants pick their location and day and complete the 5K (3.1 miles) in a single stretch. The cost is $50, which includes shipping to receive the T-shirt and participation medal. Virtual runners are not eligible for awards, and they cannot run the official course race.
National Merit Semifinalists named in Lemont
Lemont High School seniors Nora Thornber and Leonardo Rafacz have been named National Merit Semifinalists after their performance on the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and seven others were listed as National Merit Commended Students.
As semifinalists, Rafacz and Thornber will compete for some of the nearly $26 million in scholarships offered in spring 2025. The nationwide pool of National Merit Semifinalists includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.
Commended students at the school are Carly Brennan, Sophia Bushnell, Julianna Duran, Simas Dyglys, Preston Gierman, Charles Heger and Alexander Lazarowicz.
Presentation centers on Orland Park’s history
Learn about Orland Park’s early days during a presentation by Elizabeth Paulson, Orland Park Heritage Sites supervisor, and Mike Duffy, history researcher for Orland Park and Tinley Park. They’ll present a program highlighting key milestones in the city’s development at 1 p.m. Oct. 10 at Smith Crossing, 10501 Emilie Lane, Orland Park.
They also will talk about how local residents can add to and help identify details for items already in the Heritage Sites’ archives. Refreshments will follow the presentation. Registration deadline is Oct. 4 by calling 708-326-2313 or emailing JDohm@SmithSeniorLiving.org.
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