Rich Township students learn at Drake Hotel
Students in Rich Township High School District 227 had an opportunity to learn more about the world of culinary arts by participating in the Gingerbread House Project at the Drake Hotel in Chicago in collaboration with C-CAP.
The project allows young people passionate about a culinary career to work together to design and create elaborate gingerbread houses. The students learn valuable skills such as baking and decoration, guided by professional chefs.
Midlothian library collecting children’s winter gear
The Kiwanis Club of Crestwood and Oak Forest Area needs children’s winter wear for the annual drive. Items will be accepted through Nov. 27 at drop-off sites that include the Midlothian Public Library, 14701 Kenton Ave.
The club seeks new or gently used items such as scarves, snow pants, mittens, earmuffs, boots, hats, gloves and warm clothing for youth from birth through high school. To make a monetary donation or to volunteer with the club, email timgkiwanis@hotmail.com.
Former Palos Park mayor recognized for work on police foundation
The Palos Lions Club honored former Palos Park Mayor Carolyn Baca for her key role in starting the Palos Park Police Foundation in 2010 with the Rev. Lane Hensley, who served the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Palos Park at the time.
Bacca, a lawyer, was mayor from 2003 to 2007. Prior to that she was the police commissioner, who oversees public health and safety; a Plan Commission member; and a Village Council member. While she was police commissioner, from 1999 until 2003, the cadet program was created to involve teenagers in the police department and let them observe how a law enforcement agency works.
When Baca retired from public office, she became an active board member of the foundation.
The foundation’s mission is to “prevent crime, save lives, and make our community a better and safer place to live and work by assisting the Palos Park Police Department” with resources not available from the village, according to a news release.
Resources it provides include training and education in law enforcement and professional development, financial support for recruiting and retaining high-quality officers and leaders, cadet and mentoring programs, personal hardship assistance to officers and surviving family members of officers killed or injured in the line of duty, and equipping all officers with tactical gear and personal police equipment such as service revolvers, holsters, duty belts, restraints, flashlights and bulletproof vests.
The foundation raises money through soliciting residents and businesses, selling clothing and fundraising events. Donations pay for its operating expenses.
Oak Lawn students get marketing lesson from Chicago Wolves
Sports and marketing classes taught by Derek Sefcik at Oak Lawn Community High School recently learned about how the Chicago Wolves hockey team is promoted, thanks to a field trip to Allstate Arena, where the Wolves play.
Students listened to a panel discussion by Wolves executives, includingVice Chairman Wendell Young, a former NHL goalie. They also attended the Wolves-Iowa Wild game, which was the first hockey game for some.
During the field trip, the students learned many sports need people who are passionate about the sport and value the lessons learned in Sefcik’s classes such as teamwork, communication and hard work.
Oak Forest Lutheran church selling homemade pierogi
Back by “popular demand,” Lutheran Church of the Resurrection is selling homemade pierogi, including some new flavors cooked up by the members who make the pierogi. The sale is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 23 and noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 24 at the church, 15050 Central Ave., Oak Forest.
The cost is $8 for a half dozen pierogi, which will be offered in traditional flavors as well as new ones. New this year is homemade kolaczki. Other baked treats also will be sold.
Information is available at 708-687-2170 or resurrectionoakforest@gmail.com.
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