Established 1930

Join the Oak Lawn Park District and the Oak Lawn Public Library at Lake Shore Park, 9610 E. Shore Dr. for a Winter Story Walk event on Monday, January 20th, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. 

This event is free. Enjoy crafts and refreshments and a walk along the pathway while reading this season’s featured book, “The Snow Globe Family,” by Jane O’Connor.

Register using code 316401-01.

Full story available in the Oak Lawn Independent

CineVerse, the Oak Lawn Park District’s weekly film discussion group open to anyone age 17 and older, will screen and discuss the following movies: 

Wednesday, January 15: “Drive” (2011).

Wednesday, January 22: “Charly” (1968).

Wednesday, January 29: “The Favourite” (2018). 

Wednesday, February 5: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” (1920).

Wednesday, February 12: The Hitchcock classic “The Man Who Knew Too Much” (1956).

Wednesday, February 19: Mel Brooks comedy “Blazing Saddles” (1974).

Wednesday, February 26: Science-fiction film “Arrival” (2016).

All meetings are held from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Oak View Community Center, located at 4625 W. 110th St. in Oak Lawn (check building signage for room number). 

For more information, call 708-529-9028 or visit cineversegroup.com.

Full story available in the Oak Lawn Independent

Members of the newly formed Cross Countries Rapid Response Team recently hosted a school-wide Sweets for Shelters sale to benefit the BEDS Plus Homeless Shelter based out of Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ in Oak Lawn. BEDS is the premier homeless shelter in the area, opening its doors from October through April annually. Guests are provided with a mattress, clean linens and towels, a warm supper, breakfast and a sack lunch for the next day. Cross Countries raised more than $1,300 for the shelter.

Sweets for Shelters was a student-driven effort that took place at Oak Lawn Community High School from November 12 through November 22. Team members baked goods and sold them before school to hungry students and staff. In addition, members made popcorn during all lunch periods for the student body. 

Full story available in the Oak Lawn Independent

Aware that the holidays often cause depression and anxiety, a team of Shepard High School students set out to spread a little joy for local veterans.  

But in the end, just because they asked, friends, teammates and even students at Argo and Oak Lawn high schools combined to build their small project into one that reached far. With time still to work, the team of six Shepard students and their new friends created more than 1,000 cards.

The idea originated in the “Change the World” assignment, now an annual project for Advanced Placement English students taught by Jeff Vazzana.

Comparable in rigor to what students will encounter in university classes, the “Change the World” assignment allows students to choose a topic of personal interest or societal relevance. The teams then research its history, cultural relevance, and background. They interview experts on the subject and then develop solutions to improve or resolve the issue. Finally, students must design and follow through on a plan of action to create positive change.

Full story available in the Oak Lawn Independent