Athlete leaders at Andrew promote literacy
Members of the Victor J. Andrew High School Varsity Athletic Leadership Team recently read to kindergartners at Helen Keller Elementary School in Tinley Park during a Feeder Reader storybook event designed to promote literacy, introduce vocabulary and build relationships with future Andrew students.
Since 2018, members of the team, known as VALT, visit a District 140 elementary school each month to read storybooks to students.
“I love the questions they ask; the kids are so into it,” Hellen Keller graduate Maggie Brower, who participates in cross country and soccer at Andrew, shared via a news release. “I was here and once their age; it’s so fun to come back.
Junior swimmer and track and field athlete Veronika looks forward to reading to the kids. “It’s great to see the different and fresh perspectives,” she said via the release.
Andrew athletic director Kevin McKeown started the Feeder Reader program as one of VALT’s activities. Student-athletes also play games with special education students monthly and often visit with senior citizens. Each of the 54 members must sign up for three community service events during the year.
Palos East food drive helps fill local pantry’s shelves
The Palos Heights Food Pantry hosted at Palos United Methodist Church got a special delivery from Palos East Elementary School in Palos Heights.
Students collected more than 1,200 nonperishable food items donated by school families for the student council’s annual holiday food drive. Fifth-grade teacher Cathy Casey said student council members collect food and pack it for the drive each year, helping to stock the local pantry during the holiday season to assist members of the community in need.
Casey praised families at the school for their support of the project. “The Palos East community is always very supportive and generous with their donations to the food drive,” she said via a news release. “The Palos Heights Food Pantry is very appreciative and thankful for their support.”
View nature photos via Zoom with Sierra Club
A members’ slides night is planned at the next meeting of the Sierra Club’s Sauk-Calumet Group at 7 p.m. Jan. 13. The meeting will take place over Zoom.
The night allows members to share photos of nature they’ve taken in the last year., whether it’s in their own backyards or from travels around the country and the world. Presenters are limited to 10 to 15 minutes and should email Lois Lauer at lois.lauer@illinoissierraclub.org before Jan. 10.
To join the program, visit www.sierraclub.org/illinois/events-calendar and RSVP under Members’ Nature Photography on Jan. 13. Those who RSVP will receive a URL to join the meeting as well as an email with a link. All meetings are free and open to Sierra Club members and the public.
Good Seeds Ministry’s winter clothing drive ends in January
Outerwear clothing is the focus of donations sought by Good Seeds Ministry. Items such as coats, mittens, gloves, hats and scarves will be collected through January in the large beige wicker box on the front porch of the lodge at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park.
Multiple bags of winter wear have been distributed to immigrants in Chicago. Information is with the Rev. Nancy Nemeth at waysiderev@thecenterpalos.org.
Stamps, coins available at monthly show in Orland Park
Coin and stamp collectors are invited to buy, sell and trade stamps, paper money, coins, collectibles and more from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first Sunday of every month at the Civic Center, 14750 Ravinia Lane, Orland Park.
Admission and parking are free. Dealers can set up at 7 a.m. Next year’s shows will be Jan. 5, Feb. 2, March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, July 6, Aug. 3, Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7. Information is at 708-275-9520, 708-476-7315, or bob60638@yahoo.com.
Death, dying discussion featured at UCC church
A program called Death Cafe will be offered from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 15 at Salem United Church of Christ, 9717 S. Kostner Ave., Oak Lawn.
Death cafe, a casual community gathering, allows people to come together to talk about death, dying and end of life topics over tea, coffee and dessert. No agenda is planned and the program offers a safe space where participants can share their thoughts, experiences and questions about death.
The event is free but reservations are required because space is limited. Email Lindsay@alkinghomedoulas.com. Information is at www.deathcafe.com.
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