Established 1945

Father Perez Knights of Columbus Council #1444 sponsored its second blood drive of the year on Saturday, August 1 at the Perez Clubhouse to address our neighbors’ dire need for blood. Thirty Brother Knights, their friends and family members rolled up their sleeves and squeezed the ubiquitous foam ball to help the cause. Their participation increased the number of units of blood credited to the Council’s efforts in 2020 to 74 including units from its third annual drive in May and individuals who donated on behalf of the Council at a Vitalant donor site.

According to Grand Knight Nate Smith of Alsip, “The Council learned that about 70% to 80% of blood drives had been canceled since March, so we agreed to host a second drive. We strategically chose the August 1st date so that those who donated during our May drive would be eligible to make another donation.”

Full story available in the Alsip Express

Three films telling stories about life with memory impairment comprise a free outdoor monthly movie series open to the public. Complimentary popcorn, candy and beverages will be provided; attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs or blankets. 

All shows take place outside Grace Point Place, 5701 W. 101st St., Oak Lawn, with social distancing being observed. The series features:

• “Still Alice” - A university professor confronts early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, 7 p.m., August 25.

• “50 First Dates” - A playboy romances a woman with short-term memory loss. 7 p.m., September 15.

• “The Notebook” - a man reads a story about the past to a woman in a nursing home, 6 p.m., October 13.

“In addition to providing an enjoyable evening of entertainment under the stars in a safe environment, we hope to spark conversations about the many different ways memory-impairment affects individuals and those around them,” said Shannon Dahlman, community relations director for Grace Point Place.

For more information, call Shannon Dahlman at 708-304-8443.

Full story available in the Alsip Express

Following all social distancing protocols, Eisenhower High School administrators and faculty organized a complete graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 on Friday, July 10.

Staff organized seniors in small alphabetical groups. Accompanied by small family groups, students walked into the Eisenhower gymnasium and took seats, spaced about 10 feet apart, as they would for a traditional graduation.

Each group listened as Principal Dr. Erik Briseno read his commencement address followed by senior speaker Yessica Calderon delivering her remarks.

Eisenhower administrators read the name of each graduate, who then walked across the stage to applause to receive his or her diploma.  

Everyone in the building was required to follow social distancing protocols, including facemasks. For those who could not attend the ceremony due to crowd limitations Eisenhower streamed the ceremony live on Facebook. 

Full story available in the Alsip Express

District 218 is leaning toward a blended model for student learning, where half the student body comes to class on alternating days and the other half works remotely at home. The district includes high schools Eisenhower in Blue Island, Shepard in Palos Heights, and Richards in Oak Lawn. 

All students would be learning remotely from home on Wednesdays, which would be reserved for students coming to school who need additional academic help or social support, staff development and deeper cleaning of the building. The district is also considering having all students starting off the year remotely for two or three weeks and then segueing into a blended world.

Full story available in the Alsip Express