Shepard High School gains city services with annexation
The city of Palos Heights has annexed Alan B. Shepard High School, which means it can provide municipal services, including police protection, to the school, which previously was in unincorporated Cook County.
The annexation resolution was unanimously approved last month by the Community High School District 218 Board of Education after the Palos Heights City Council’s initial approval in April. The council finalized the ordinance May 20.
Previously, the school received services from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. The school district is working with the city to provide a school resource officer who would start in the position for the 2025-26 school year.
“Becoming part of Palos Heights not only strengthens our identity within a vibrant and supportive municipality but also opens the door to new opportunities for collaboration, community engagement, and shared resources,” Principal Tim Baker shared in a news release.
Superintendent Josh Barron said Palos Heights residents already have forged bonds with the business High 5 Heights, run by students with special needs in the adult transition program at the district since opening in November 2023.
Ice cream marks conclusion of Macs with Mercy season
Macs with Mercy held its final session of the school year with a truck from Rainbow Cone at Mercy Circle in Chicago to celebrate the year’s accomplishment of the intergenerational collaboration.
Chicago Alderman Matt O’Shea, who founded Macs with Mercy in 2022, paid for the ice cream to express appreciation for the group’s “dedication to add cheer to the lives of 48 families who pick up groceries every Wednesday at Pat’s Pantry at Mount Greenwood Community Church,” according to a news release.
The group shared stories about the more than 500 handmade gifts created this year at Mercy Circle, a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community.
Hoodwink’d kicks off concert series in Oak Lawn
The Oak Lawn Park District and village of Oak Lawn host the first summer concert of the year with Hoodwink’d, which will perform at 6 p.m. June 8 at the Village Green, 9446 S. Raymond Ave.
The group offers classic rock and pop from the 1970s and ‘80s.The show is free.
A series of free concerts are planned at 6 p.m. select Sundays at the park: The Flat Cats (modern music rooted in jazz and blues) on June 22, The StingRays (‘50s to ‘70s rock and roll oldies) on July 13, Abby Kay Band (blend of rock, country, blues and pop) on July 27, The Walk-Ins (rock and roll) Aug. 3 and Motown Nation, 1960s (pop, R&B and soul) Aug. 17. Information is at 708-857-2225.
Learn more about aquatic therapy
A free aquatic therapy class and informational session for those with bone and joint issues is planned for 5:30 p.m. June 10 at Franciscan Health Fitness Center Chicago Heights, 100 197th St Place.
Physical Therapist Briana Narcissi will lead a presentation on the benefits of aquatic activities for joint health and overall function before the class starts..
The class is free, but registration is required. Contact Justin Davis at justin.davis@franciscanalliance.org or (708) 855-7692.
UCC pastors unite for prayer vigil, rallies
Area residents are invited to join members of United Church of Christ congregations in Oak Lawn, Blue Island and Evergreen Park at a prayer vigil planned for 7 p.m. June 8 at Pilgrim Faith USS, 9411 S. 51st St., Oak Lawn, and No Kings rallies set for noon to 2 p.m. at Daley Plaza or 1 p.m. at 103rd Street and South Western Avenue in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood.
At the prayer vigil, candles will be lit for those affected by the policies of the Trump administration, from arrested state and federal judges to the poor and elderly losing Meals on Wheels assistance, changes in voting registration, and federal employees and teachers losing their jobs, according to a news release from the churches.
“We will offer prayers, sing, and we will conclude with lighting our own candle for justice on the front steps of the church. This is an attempt to be present in the community and raise the consciousness of the Trump policies that are impacting all of us,” the Rev. MaryBeth Ingberg of Immanuel UCC in Evergreen Park, shared in a news release.
After worship, attendees can make posters for those who join the No Kings rallies. Car pool and train information will be available for the rally at Daley Plaza. Those new to protesting or who want a quieter experience can join with Southsiders for Peace at the Beverly rally.
“Yes, even we are being impacted by the policies that are contrary to our Constitution and the way of Christ. Let’s keep the flames of justice burning,” the Rev. Brian Clary of Christ Memorial UCC in Blue Island shared in the release.
‘Boeing Boeing’ provides laughs at Mokena theater
Prepare to board the farce “Boeing Boeing” at 7:30 p.m. June 13 and 14 or 2 p.m. June 15 at Curtain Call’s Front Street Theatre, 11112 Front St., Mokena.
The show, set in the 1960s, follows the misadventures of a bachelor who thinks he’s all set, but three glamorous stewardess fiancées might think others. A faster Boeing jet and a surprise visit from a friend make plans go awry when all three stewardesses show up in town at the same time.
Tickets cost $22 and are at cctheatre.com or call 708-607-2281.
Orland Park library hosts free shredding event
The public is invited to a free community shredding event from noon to 2 p.m. June 13 at the library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave.
Registration is not needed; just drive up with documents to shred. Quantity limitations may apply. The event is sponsored by Illinois State Reps. Mary Gill and Bill Cunningham.
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