Bears mascot delights students in Tinley Park
Last week, a special friend visited the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy School for Exceptional Children in Tinley Park to help everyone feel better as winter ends.
Staley Da Bear, the official Chicago Bears mascot, danced through a crowd of cheering students and staff, giving high fives to many raised hands.
Above the noise, his handler asked, “Are you ready to have a dance party? Let’s go!”
School leaders invited Staley to motivate students as they start the second half of the school year.
The therapeutic day school has about 70 students, including those from Thornton Township District 205, Thornton Fractional District 215, Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202, Crete Monee District 201-U, Consolidated High School District 230, and Flossmoor District 161.
Oak Lawn library and Tinley book store collaborate for RomCon
Fans of romantic books will be excited on Feb. 17 when the Oak Lawn Public Library hosts RomCon, an event dedicated to the genre. Love’s Sweet Arrow, an independent bookstore in Tinley Park, is partnering with librarians to present the free mini-convention featuring eight romance authors, book signing, author panels, raffles, trivia, and book sales.
Love’s Sweet Arrow owner Rosanne Backlin gathered a diverse group of authors for the event, including Danielle Jackson, Kelly Farmer, Tinia Montford, Tamara Jerée, Rien Gray, Hanna Earnest, and Sara Fujimura. Author Olivia Dade will be making a virtual appearance at the event.
Dade, who lives in Sweden, is the author of popular books “Ship Wrecked” (2022) and “Spoiler Alert” (2020), and she has a new novel, “At First Spite,” coming out in 2024. Bettcher says,
“Having her participate in RomCon is a really big deal for us,” said fiction librarian Emily Bettcher.
Oak Lawn’s RomCon takes place from 1 to 4:15 p.m. on Feb. 17. Register in advance for updates and a special treat on the day by calling 708-422-4990 or visiting cal.olpl.org/event/10993047 Hidden Oaks Nature Center to close for most of 2024.
The Hidden Oaks Nature Center, located at 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook and managed by the Forest Preserves of Will County, will be closed for most of 2024 starting Feb. 19 for a major transformation.
Forest Preserve District officials stated that Hidden Oaks Preserve may also close at times for outdoor renovations during the year, as needed, but the changes will not impact Hidden Lakes Trout Farm, located in the northern part of the preserve.
The interior and exterior improvements at Hidden Oaks Nature Center aim to convert the former Bolingbrook Park District site, purchased by the Forest Preserve in February 2022, into a nature center with exhibits and activities tailored to the Forest Preserve.
The renovation will introduce new design elements throughout the first floor, a new permanent live animal tank for the nature center’s resident turtles, and an elaborate indoor bird-watching lookout deck.
Officials stated that the renovation at Hidden Oaks Nature Center will involve new design features on the first floor and the installation of a new permanent live animal tank for the resident turtles, as well as an extensive indoor bird-watching lookout deck.
Oak Forest High School receives award for promoting diversity
Oak Forest High School has been given the College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for having a high number of female students in AP Computer Science A. Schools receiving this award have increased the participation of girls in AP computer science courses, as stated in a news release from the School District 228.
Oak Forest High School was among 225 institutions in the country recognized in this category.
“We are very proud of the unique perspective our female students bring to the fields of Math and Science,” said Oak Forest principal Jane Dempsey. “This award acknowledges our belief that anyone can succeed in any field. Our graduates demonstrate the impact of providing opportunities to women.”
Oak Forest Raiders selected as leaders for Fleadh event
The Oak Forest Raiders instructional tackle football and cheerleading program for boys and girls ages 5 to 14, which has been operating in the area for more than 50 years, has been chosen as grand marshals for the 15th anniversary edition of the Oak Forest Fleadh.
Participants, families, and coaches will lead the parade, which begins at 11 a.m. on March 2 at 151st and Central Avenue and goes to the Oak Forest Park District. The parade will be preceded at 8:30 a.m. by the CNB Oak Forest Fleadh 5K race, starting and finishing at 155th Street and Betty Anne Lane. More than 500 people are expected to participate. Activities are also planned before and after the race at Fire Station 1, 5620 Jame Drive. Street closures are planned for the race and parade. More information can be found at www.oak‐forest.org.
Video from Visitors’ Bureau showcases Southland attractions
The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau has released an interactive destination video for vacationers and staycation ideas for residents.
The video features footage of Chicago Southland amenities along with their corresponding logo and website link displayed on the side of the screen. Users can also browse through the vertical list of all amenities in descending order of appearance.
“This interactive video makes it easy for tourists and residents to explore and visit many of Chicago Southland attractions in one place,” said Jim Garrett, president/CEO of the bureau. “The video includes nature centers, art galleries, restaurants, breweries, museums, sports facilities, golf courses, and performing arts centers, among others.”
The CSCVB interactive video can be accessed at www.visitchicagosouthland.com/#clicktivated.
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