Established 1962

Alumna Lauren Licursi, Oak Lawn Community High School Class of 2018, has been accepted for a paid summer position at Texas A&M Baylor College of Medicine to pursue biomedical research. Lauren is on a biomedical team with PhDs and MDs that will research clinical aspects of medicine and the cell-based mechanisms of cancer. She will be published as one of the main authors for the research conducted.

Lauren said, “I had Mr. Atkins for three years at OLCHS. My love for medicine sprouted from his science classes where I found interest in all aspects of Biology and Chemistry. Up until taking AP Biology senior year with Mr. Atkins, I was pretty pessimistic about my future goals believing that I wouldn’t make it to college, let alone pursue a research position at the Baylor College of Medicine and MD Cancer Center like I am now. Mr. Atkins pushed me to become the best student that I could be, showing me opportunities that were available to me if I worked hard enough, changing my perspective on my future to be viewed as hopeful and bright. I look back now to my experience at OLCHS and I am so thankful that I had Mr. Atkins as one of my teachers as he is extremely motivated to create generations of bright and passionate young adults. I truly believe that without having Mr. Atkins during my sophomore, junior, and senior years, I would not be where I am today.”

Lauren is currently majoring in biology and neuroscience and minoring in chemistry at Augustana College. She is the Chief Medical Scribe for ScribeAmerica, an Organic Chemistry Teaching Assistant, and a Reading Writing Center Biology Fellow. 

Full story available in the Burbank Independent

As Illinois makes substantial progress in the Phase 1A vaccine rollout, and as federal vaccine deliveries increase, Phase 1B will go into effect January 25, expanding eligibility to include frontline essential workers and residents age 65 and over. 

“We anticipate that the health district will begin vaccinating adults over the age of 65 by appointment the week of January 25, 2021,” announced Louis S. Viverito, Stickney Township Health District President. 

However, “all residents should be aware that the health district is dependent on the allocation of vaccine from the State of Illinois. In no scenario will the health district have enough vaccine for all persons who want one in the near term,” warns Viverito. “We anticipate that over the weeks to come vaccines will become more available to the health district and to other providers. We ask for your patience in these incredibly difficult times.” 

The health district plans on providing a phone number to the public the week of January 18th to request an appointment for a vaccination. In accordance with the Phase 1A of Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines Stickney Public Health District continues to vaccinate the first responders of Stickney Township, health care providers who live and work in the community, and the most vulnerable adults. 

Full story available in the Burbank Independent

The Stickney Public Health District has begun issuing COVID-19 vaccinations to priority 1A individuals, which include health care workers and Emergency Medical Services staff, according to Louis S. Viverito, Health District President. 

The District has reached out to all medical providers in the Township regarding vaccine availability. Long-term care residents and staff are being handled by the state and federal partnership with pharmacy chains. Per the state vaccination plan other groups are not eligible at this time. 

Healthcare workers eligible for the vaccination can call the Health District at 708-424-9200 and ask for the South Clinic to register and schedule an appointment. A completed basic demographic form and a consent agreement will be required. These can be emailed prior to coming in or may be completed at the time of the appointment. 

The Health District continues to receive regular guidance and updates from the Illinois Department of Public Health on the roll-out of the vaccines. Updates will be announced as the vaccine becomes more readily available for other groups. Residents with questions may visit the Stickney Public Health District website at www.stickneypublichealthdistrict.org or call 708-424-9200. 

The Stickney Public Health District was formed in 1946 and serves the residents of Stickney Township. 

Full story available in the Burbank Independent

The Burbank Park District will be holding a 5k run and one-mile walk on Saturday, January 16 at the Newcastle Park Recreation Center, 8050 Newcastle Ave. The race starts at 9 a.m.

Pre-registration and race day registration are both accepted. For runners who register before January 9, the cost is $25; for runners who register after January 9, the cost is $30. For walkers who register before January 9, the cost is $20; and for walkers who register after January 9, the cost is $25. Race day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. 

Those who wish to participate can register at the Newcastle Park Recreation Center, the Fusion RecPlex, online at www.burbankparkdistrict.org, or by calling either 708-599-2070 or 708-599-3873.  

Full story available in the Burbank Independent