Lemont author publishes third novel
Lemont resident Jesse Severson has released his third novel, “ReSet,” a psychological thriller in which a brilliant young man discovers a pill that cures every disease and his need for power and money.
“It started with the kernel of an idea about a cure-all pill. Sounds fantastic, right? But what if it turns into the wrong hands?” Severson shared via email. “Enter Matthew Sterling. If you love a good bad guy, you’ll love to hate Matthew. I tried to make him petty and infuriating but not ‘cartoon evil.’”
Severson, a former journalist who works for an advertising and marketing agency in Orland Park, squeezes in writing during his down time. “I love the creative challenge of writing novels, especially when each is so different from the last,” he said. “Because I have a full-time job, my writing time is usually on Saturday mornings, so I can harness my creative energy into that routine and chip away at it over the course of the year.”
His previous self-published novels are “Cody,” a crime-related first-person novel set in small-town Texas, and “The Estate Sale,” a heartfelt story of an everyday man and the ups and downs of his life glimpsed through items found at his estate sale.
Severson’s already got the manuscript for a fourth book done and hopes to release it later this year. He described it as a “dark comedy about bad-behaving parents for a Little League team.” His books are available via Amazon.
Foundation gives out thousands of toys to children
Thousands of families had something to smile about at the holidays when One Love Global Wellness Foundation distributed more than 3,500 toys to children in New Lenox, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Mokena, Frankfort, Lockport and Homer Glen.
The nonprofit organization based in Orland Park receives toys gathered through the National Toys for Tots initiative sponsored by the Marine Corps. New, unwrapped toys and books are collected from October through December.
The foundation, started in 2011 to combat food insecurity in Will County, also helps all year by distributing food to children, older adults, veterans and families. Its Mission Meals program, which provides meals and grocery items to community members, hosts a distribution April 8 at St. John United Church of Christ Community Center, 11100 Second St., Mokena. Reserve a spot by calling 708-497-6613.
Palos Park officer recognized for spotting house fire
Vigilance while on patrol earlier this month led to Officer Bob Kotsianis of the Palos Park Police Department discovering a house fire.
Kotsianis, who was driving down 81st Avenue while on duty on Jan. 13, noticed smoke coming from the second floor of a home on that street. He radioed for fire assistance and checked the home for anyone inside and directed backup officers to do the same.
Palos Park Mayor Nicole Milovich Walters recognized Kotsianis’ patrol work.
Girl Scouts host collection drive for Tinley Park animal shelter
Girl Scout Troop 65859 is collecting pet supplies for P.A.W.S. Tinley Park, a no-kill animal shelter, through Feb. 8.
Items may be dropped off at Acorn Public Library, 15624 Central Ave. in Oak Forest, or Midlothian Public Library, 14701 Kenton Ave.
The wish list includes canned dog food, canned cat food (not fish), Science Diet dry kitty and puppy food, peanut butter, collards, washable beds, bath towels, fleece blankets, bleach, 4- and 6-foot nylon leashes, nonclumping cat litter, paper towels, 13- and 33-gallon garbage bags and liquid laundry detergent.
Monetary donations may be made via Zelle at Troop65859@gmail.com.
Annual Folk Festival takes stage next weekend at U of C
The 65th annual University of Chicago Folk Festival features two full nights of concerts Feb. 7 and 8 in historic Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St.
At 8 p.m. Feb. 7, enjoy Alum Ridge Boys and Ashlee, performing bluegrass; Nathan Gourney, Laura Feddersen and Brian Miller, Irish; Gabe Carter, electric blues; Rhys Jones, Joseph Decosimo and Nokosee Fields, old-time; and T’Monde, Cajun.
Performers at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 are Rhys Jones, Joseph Decosimo and Nokosee Fields, performing old-time; Izak Metropoulos, Sophia Metropolous Lauto and George Lawler, Greek; T’Monde, Cajun; bohola, Irish; and Alum Ridge Boys and Ashlee, bluegrass.
Tickets cost $30 for adults, $20 for seniors and $5 for students with ID. Buy online or at 773-702-ARTS. The concerts also will be streamed online at www.facebook.com/UCFolkFest and on the fest’s YouTube channel.
The event includes a day of free workshops and dances from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 8 in Ida Noyes Hall, 1212 E. 59th St. Information is at www.uofcfolk.org.
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