Homewood clinic pediatric sensory room planned
A new sensory room for pediatric therapy patients will open in 2025 at the expanded Franciscan Health Outpatient Therapy Homewood clinic at 18428 Governors Highway.
The project is funded by a $10,000 donation from the newly established Circle of 1875, named for the year the first Franciscan hospital opened in Lafayette, Indiana. It’s a women’s giving circle “dedicated to supporting Franciscan’s mission and programs in the community,” according to a news release. Members agree to give at least $1,000.
It’s the first time a circle has come to Franciscan Health Foundation of South Suburban Chicago, and it has 10 members. Circle members cast votes for a project to receive funding after hearing proposals from departments and programs in the south suburbs. The vote for the sensory room, the new circle’s first project, was unanimous.
The goal is to grow membership in the organization every year, Laurie Crosby, executive director of the Franciscan Health Foundation of South Suburban Chicago and a Circle 1875 member said in the news release. Information about the circle program is at 708-852-2430.
ShareFest giveaways set in Lockport
In an attempt to take some of the burden off residents during this holiday season, Lockport Township High School District 205 hosts its fourth annual ShareFest Community Giveaway on Dec. 15 at the east campus of the school, 1333 E. Seventh St., Lockport.
From 10 a.m. to noon (while supplies last), residents can receive new and used home goods, clothing, toys and books. Participants should enter Door 1 of the CWC entrance. From noon to 2 p.m. (while supplies last), residents can receive food via a drive-through in the district parking lot.
The giveaway, done in partnership with the nonprofit organization ShareFest Will County and other local organizations, aims to brighten the holidays for those in need. Last year, 580 families and 1,215 individuals were served, and more than 9,000 pounds of clothes, 34,000 pounds of food and 450 toys were given away. Information is at www.sharefestwillcounty.org or 815-305-9198.
Kwanzaa, Hanukkah highlighted in Flossmoor
Learn more about Hanukkah and Kwanzaa during a free interactive presentation at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Flossmoor Public LIbrary, 1000 Sterling Ave.
A Flossmoor rabbi and a representative from St. Veronica Church’s Kwanzaa Ministry will give interactive presentations on their traditions. A question- and answer-session follows the program. Details are at www.Flossmoor.org.
Downtown Frankfort hosts annual holiday market
Celebrate the holiday with help from Christkindl Weekend from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15 in downtown Frankfort. The free, family friendly event offers unique items in local boutiques and specialty shops as well as festive treats and seasonal menus at village restaurants.
Activities at various times include strolling carolers in Victorian attire, a trackless train for young visitors, horse-drawn wagon rides, sightings of the Grinch, holiday tunes by the Frankfort Brass Band, real reindeer, a market and carols from local Girl Scouts, and Santa and Mrs. Claus roaming throughout downtown.
Fans of “The Nutcracker” can make a themed ornament to take home as a keepsake and watch selections from the ballet performed by Ballet 5:8. Audience participation is encouraged during carols led by Sammy Listro.
Hiking bridge closed at Thorn Creek
The pedestrian bridge over Thorn Creek in Thorn Creek Nature Preserve in Park Forest has been closed until further notice for safety reasons. The closing also includes the Woodland Trail, Owl Trail and Wetland Trail.
The half-mile Nature Center Loop Trail remains open, and naturalist-led programs will be available. The center is open from noon to 4 p.m. Fridays. Signs and maps about the closure are available at the trailhead kiosk, nature center and on the trails.
Information is at 708-7547-6320, thorn_creek@att.net or tcwoods.org.
Memory care community welcomes Christmas cards
Spread a little holiday cheer by sending Christmas cards to the residents at Grace Point Place in Oak Lawn, a memory care community.
Cards may be sent to the center at 5701 W. 101st St., Oak Lawn, IL 60453.
“Christmas brings back warm memories for all,” Christopher Mitchell, life engagement director for Grace Point Place, said in a news release, adding that receiving cards is “a meaningful way for our seniors to connect with others in the community.”
Free gun locks offered in Palos Park
Thanks to the Palos Park Police Department and its partnership with Project ChildSafe, residents can receive a free cable gun lock at department headquarters, 8999 123rd St.
The barrel locks fit almost any pistol but also will feed through the breech of most rifles or shotguns, Chief Joe Miller noted in a news release from the department.
He added that a June 2024 study published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s journal showed that of those reporting having a loaded firearm in the home and a child 17 and younger, “up to 41.1% reported the firearm was kept unlocked.”
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