Sheriff’s office helps fill food pantry in Orland
A donation from the Cook County sheriff’s office helped fill the shelves of the Orland Township Food Pantry after a food drive last month.
This year’s drive, which involved efforts from sheriff’s office personnel, including officers who patrol the township’s unincorporated areas, yielded a large number of nonperishable food items.
“Our community thrives when we come together to support one another, and I can’t thank Sheriff Tom Dart and his team enough for their commitment to helping those in need,” Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady shared in a news release, adding that the sheriff’s annual food drive “is a shining example of partnership and compassion, and the impact of their donation will be felt by many families across Orland Township.”
The pantry always needs donations of food, pet items, hygiene products and financial contributions. Information is at www.orlandtownship.org or 708-403-4222.
103rd Street Metra station reopens as 95th Street station closes
After more than a year of construction, the 103rd Street/Rosemore Station on the Metra Electric Line will reopen to customers. That same day, the 95th St./Chicago State University station will close for about two years for its own $33.4 million rehabilitation and expansion.
The 103rd St./Rosemore station is the second to reopen under a $33.9 million contract for three stations: 79th Street/Chatham, 87th Street/Woodruff and 103rd Street/Rosemore. The 79th Street/Chatham station has reopened and work has begun at the 87th St./Woodruff station. After completion, all three stations will have enclosed lobbies with elevators and ADA-accessible entrances, new stairs and headhouses, new lighting and signs, and new composite deck platforms.
The 95th Street station project, which has a completion date of the third quarter of 2027, will improve its accessibility and connection to Chicago State University. It’s being funded through the Rebuild Illinois capital program, Cook County and a Federation Transit Administration All Stations Accessibility Program grant.
The work includes a new tunnel entrance and walkway and bike lane connecting to a new commuter parking lot, as well as new headhouse, platform and stairs, new street-level entrance on 95th Street with an enclosed entrance, new elevator and a full-length canopy on the platform.
In other Metra news, the board approved a $8.69 million contract to renovate the 115th Street/Morgan Park Station on the Rock Island Line.
Work is expected to begin later this year at the station to replace the existing platform shelters, create a new plaza and sidewalks, and address stormwater management needs. The project will also include resurfacing the station’s two parking areas and new lighting.
H-F park district earns Champions for Change award
The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District had to make space for another award after winning the Illinois Park and Recreation Association and Illinois Association of Park District’s Champions for Change Award during the annual Soaring to New Heights conference awards luncheon held recently at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago.
The award is given to an agency that has “unique and exemplary practices of increasing access and fostering diversity and inclusion within its community or organization,” a district news release noted. Such practices result in positive social change and remove barriers, as well as encouraging others to follow in their path.
“At HFPD, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – or DEI – are not just initiatives; they are part of who we are,” Irwin Center manager Oralethea Davenport, chairman of the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District DEI Committee, shared in the news release.
The district’s board-approved DEI goals in the last two years include annual training, program and event reviews, and creating a HFPD DEI logo for display at facility entrances. The district’s scholarship fund has offered recreational opportunities for families in financial need, and its collaboration with the South Suburban Special Recreation Association has boosted accessibility for programming, allowing people with special needs to participate in activities that might otherwise be available.
In addition, events and programs such as the annual PRIDE Fest held with the villages of Flossmoor and Homewood help enhance community bonds and promote equity.
Diaper drive this month benefits Together We Cope
Together We Cope benefits from a diaper drive held through Feb. 28 at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, 8100 W. 119th St., No. 100, Palos Park.
New, opened and partial packages of diapers, training pants and adult briefs will be accepted. All brands and sizes are welcome, especially for larger children and adults. Monetary donations in cash or checks made payable to Together We Cope also are welcome.
Palos Islamic Center hosts day to learn about Ramadan
Learn about Ramadan during Open Mosque Day from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 23 at Palos Islamic Center, 123400 S. 80th Ave., Palos Park.
All are welcome to connect with Muslim neighbors and explore Ramadan, which is celebrated Feb. 28 through March 29.
During the holiday, Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset, eating and drinking nothing, including water, as well as attend prayer services. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam; the others are prayer, almsgiving, pilgrimage and the profession of faith. Families and friends gather to break their fast. The holiday Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan.
Information sessions, traditional cuisine, henna, calligraphy and festive decor will be offered at the center. Information is at palosic.org or 708-888-7074.
Church’s chili cook-off benefits youth work trip to Appalachia
A chili cook-off and dinner is planned from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 26 in Fellowship Hall at Flossmoor Community Church, 2218 Hutchison Road, Flossmoor.
The event, hosted by the board of Lay Ministries, benefits the youth work trip to Appalachia. Lay Ministries will supply cornbread and traditional chili toppings. Macaroni and cheese also will be served.
Attendees will eat, judge and enjoy fellowship. The suggested donation is $10 per person. It’s free to enter the contest. Register at www.fccfaithful.org/happenings or call 708-798-2800.
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