Hospitals in Hinsdale, La Grange lauded for patient care
For the 24th consecutive grading period, the UChicago Medicine AdventHealth hospitals in La Grange and Hinsdale have received an A safety grade from The Leapfrog Group, which ranks hospitals in the nation based on preventing things that harm patients.
The national nonprofit watchdog Leapfrog assigns grades from A to F to general hospitals “based on more than 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems that hospitals have implemented to prevent patient harm,” a news release notes. The latest grades came out in the spring 2025 edition of Leapfrog’s semiannual Hospital Safety Grade report.
Dr. Monica Reed, president and chief executive officer of UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, praised the medical teams at the hospitals. “With their expertise, dedication and compassion, they drive our efforts to provide the highest-quality whole-person care, focusing not only on patients’ physical health, but also on their mental and spiritual well-being,” she shared in the release.
Pet Parade set for May 31 in La Grange
The 79th annual La Grange Pet Parade steps off at 9:30 a.m. and continues until 11:30 a.m. May 31 at Cossitt Avenue and La Grand Road. This year’s theme is “One Sweet Day.”
Fiona K will be the junior grand marshall, chosen from her entry in the coloring contest judged by the La Grange Art League, which will honor her with an art show. Six floats will be chosen to receive trophies; judging is at 9 a.m. in the line-up area. Points are given for theme, effort and homemade elements.
Registration still is available for individuals, small groups and families until noon May 30. The pet and owner costume contests include prizes. Youths compete for an Apple iPad and $200 and $100 Amazon gift cards. Adults can win a pet parade swag bag, T-shirt and hate or T-shirt. Groups/families will vie for an Apple iPad and $200and $100 in Aurelio’s Pizza gift certificates. Register online at lagrangepetparade.org/participate/.
The parade attracts thousands of spectators and participants every year and costs up to $100,000 to present, which includes payment for some of the acts that perform.
Darien library, garden club host Lady Bird Johnson
The Darien Garden Club’s National Garden Week Program features Leslie Goddard portraying Lady Bird Johnson at 6:30 p.m. June 2 at Indian Prairie Public library, 401 Plainfield Road, Darien.
Attendees can learn more about the late first lady’s passion work as an advocate for the environment and her passion for wildflowers during this poignant, humorous portrayal by Goddard, an actress and historian.
Socializing starts at 6:30 with the presentation from 7 to 8 p.m. This program is available in person or online; registration is required in person at the library or online at ippl.libcal.com/event/14226501.
$1 million winning Lottery ticket sold in River Grove
A man is calling himself “Fateful 56” after winning $1 million on a $10 Jumbo Bucks scratch-off Illinois Lottery Ticket he bought at a Shell gas station in River Grove earlier this month, giving himself the nickname because the winning number on the ticket was 56 and his wife is 56 years old.
“I actually picked the ticket because I saw the name ‘Bucks’ on it. I’m a hunter, and I thought it was a hunting-themed ticket – turns out I was wrong,” the winner shared, via a news release.
He was at the gas station to buy his wife a soda and impulsively decided to buy a few scratch-off tickets. “When I scratched the ticket at home and realized I won a million dollars, I was in total shock – but my wife was even more stunned,” he noted in the release. “I had to scan the ticket on my app to prove it, and even then, she still thought I was playing a prank on her.”
The gas station earns $10,000 for selling the ticket. So far this year, 25 scratch-off tickets worth $1 million or more have been won by Illinois Lottery players
Yearbook, literary magazine earn kudos for LTHS
Menagerie and Tabulae students at Lyons Township High School in La Grange won awards earlier this month at the Journalism Education Association’s convention in Seattle.
Earning four superior awards for Meagerie, the literary magazine, and Tabulae, the yearbook, ties the most in a single convention in program history. The 2024 Menagerie also earned a fourth place Best in Show trophy.
Superior marks went to yearbook editor-in-chief Erin Higney for yearbook copy/caption: academics; literary magazine editor-in-chief Will Madigan for literary magazine: layout; Patrick Smith, yearbook copy/caption: sports; and Keira Geraghty for yearbook layout: theme. Awards for excellent and honorable mention also went to both publications.
Bam Theatre hosts party to fete permanent home
In celebration of the acquisition of its first permanent home, Bam Theatre hosts a ribbon-cutting block party from 4 to 7 p.m. May 30 at 520 N. Cass Ave., Westmont.
Bam Theatre, founded in 2001 by Artistic Director Melanie Lamoureaux, is an educational theater organization based in the western suburbs of Chicago. It engages nearly 3,000 students every year.
The new 15,000-square-foot building will host productions, private instruction and group classes as well as being a gathering place for students, families and artists.
The community celebration is free and open to all ages. Food and a cash bar will be available, as well as outdoor activities and games. Guided tours will be offered. Information is at bamtheatre.com.
Send news to pioneerwest@tribpub.com.
