Orland Park pastor lauded for service
The Rev. Don Borling and the congregation of All Saints Lutheran Church in Orland Park recently received one of St. Coletta’s of Illinois’ highest honors, the Humanitas Award, during the organization’s 75th annual Caritas Benefit.
The award, which recognizes those who serve as role models, honors Borling’s “exceptional commitment” to St. Coletta’s and his unwavering support for its mission to assist people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Borling regularly visits the St. Coletta’s campus in Tinley Park to lead services and to provide spiritual guidance. He and his congregation host annual summer picnics for St. Coletta’s participants as well as a Thanksgiving feast at the church. They also attended a Village Board meeting to show support for the expansion of a group home that sparked some community concern.
“Pastor Don and his congregation are true lights in our community,” St. Coletta’s of Illinois’ CEO Heather Bendick shared via a news release. “He and his congregation provide not only spiritual nourishment but also a sense of belonging and community. Their kindness and involvement have made an extraordinary impact.”
Metra Electric Line stations close for construction
The Metra Electric Line will partially shut down Dec. 7-8 and Dec. 14-15 because of extensive construction associated with the South Shore Line’s $650 million expansion plans adding capacity in the area north of 18th Street to accommodate additional South Shore trains. The two lines share tracks in that area.
Chicago train service on those lines will terminate and originate from the 18th Street Station, with buses substituted for trains between Millennium and 18th Street stations, and the line will use a Sunday schedule both Saturday and Sunday on those weekends.
In addition, the Museum Campus/11th Street and Van Buren Street stations will be closed. Buses will shuttle riders via the McCormick Place busway between the 18th Street and Millennium stations both weekends. ADA customers will be transported with Pace Paratransit vehicles between those stations and will not stop at the Van Buren Street, Museum Campus or 18th Street stations.
Artist works with Andrew students at MVCC workshop
Multimedia artist Siri Stensberg recently worked with Advanced Placement art students from Victor J. Andrew High School during a hands-on installation workshop at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills. They also received a tour of the college’s facilities.
Moraine Valley Fine and Performing Arts Center art gallery coordinator Dan Jarvis invited the student to the workshop, where Stensberg guided students in creating 3D elements and shared her artistic process. She repurposes found and broken elements to create an experience for viewers.
“This was a great opportunity for students to work with a professional artist and experience her process firsthand,” Andrew art teacher Kerrie Kiltz said in a news release. “Students were so inspired that they plan on including some of the techniques learned in their own portfolio creation.”
Lionel Railroad Club sets holiday open houses
Chicagoland Lionel Railroad Club hosts its annual holiday open houses from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14 at its clubhouse, 1311 S. Schoolhouse Road, Unit 4, New Lenox.
Santa will be there from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for photos and to hear Christmas wishes. The clubhouse will be decorated for Christmas and will feature special trains such as the Polar Express and North Pole Central. The retail shop has been newly remodeled and stocked with track, rolling stock, accessories and a new club car.
Admission is $6 per person or $15 per family. Food and beverages can be bought but popcorn and parking are free. Information is at www.clrctrains.com.
Sierra Club’s program highlights Illinois’ butterflies
Sauk-Calumet Sierra Club presents “Monitoring Butterflies in Illinois” at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 via Zoom.
Allen Lawrance, co-director of the Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network, will discuss butterflies of Illinois, the network and its volunteer scientific monitoring work. He also will provide tips about setting up a butterfly garden.
Meetings are free and open to Sierra Club members and the public. To receive a link, visit the club’s calendar of events at www.sierraclub.org/illinois/events-calendar and RSVP by clicking on the program title.
Senior council hosts luncheon, Las Vegas-style show
Evergreen Park Senior Council Luncheon and Program is set for 11 a.m. Dec. 19 at the community center, 3450 W. 97th St., Evergreen Park.
Vito Zatto will present a Las Vegas-style show of comedy and singing after a lunch of baked ham and all the trimmings. The council asks attendees to bring boxed cake mixes and frosting to donate to the village’s food pantry, which it supports.
All seniors 60 and older and their friends are invited; they don’t need to live in Evergreen Park. Cost is $10 per person, and tickets must be bought by Dec. 13 at the community center. Information is at 708-422-8776.
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