OLCHS raises $750 in Dash for Den

Members of Oak Lawn Community High School’s Student Council, cheer team and Spartan Screamers took part in the 5K walk fundraiser Dash for Den recently at the Children’s Farm at The Center in Palos Park.

Proceeds from the walk raise awareness about addiction and help support Pathway to Sobriety at The Center, a long-term residential Alcoholics Anonymous-based recovery program for men who have alcoholism or addiction.

The Spartans raised $750 for the event, which was chaperoned by Kali Graziano, Jennifer Sidlow, Susan Szala and Maria Vanderwarren. Information about Pathways is at thecenterpalos.org/pathway.

Moraine Valley college earns diversity award

Moraine Valley Community College is one of 20 community colleges in the United States to receive the 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from “INSIGHT Into Diversity” magazine. The award means the college will be featured with others in the November/December issues of the magazine.

The selection process includes questions about leadership support for diversity, campus culture and climate; demographic information about students, faculty and staff; recruitment and retention of students and employees. MVCC was the first to receive the award when it first was presented in 2012 and has done so several times since.

Earning the award “helps build sustainability and resilience for our ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion work,” Rory Smith, MVCC’s executive director of diversity, equity and inclusion, said in a news release. “I believe this will inspire Moraine Valley’s diversity, equity and inclusion allies and advocates throughout our campus to continue their work and inspire others to join this collective effort to make this a better place for our students and a better place for us all.”

Evergreen Park library offers job insight for disabled

Evergreen Park Public Library hosts “Opening Doors of Employment for Young Adults with Disabilities” at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at 9400 S. Troy Ave.

A panel of special education transition specialists will connect young adults with disabilities and their families to employment information and resources. Panelists include Lindsay DeVris, job developer, and Carli Hochstetter, transition consultant, AERO Cooperative; Joanne Callahan, program director, Working Together Chicago; and Carrie Patterson, youth services coordinator, Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Another program the library runs for post-high school young people with disabilities is Stacks Social Club, which offers monthly programs to promote interactions, as well as resources such as a chair wedge, weighted vest and games for families to try at home before purchasing. Information is at 708-422-8522.

Genealogical Society plans talk on H.H. Holmes, White City

Former criminal investigator Ray Johnson will present “H.H. Holmes & New Links to Chicago & and White City” at 10 a.m. Nov. 9 at the meeting of the South Suburban Genealogical & Historical Society at Martin Kauchak Public Safety Center, 3000 W. 170th Place, Hazel Crest.

Johnson, known as the “History Cop,” an author, historian and lecturer, will discuss new links between Holmes, a murderous swindler, and Thomas B. Bryan and Daniel H. Burnham and possible link to a swindle in England. Holmes’ crimes were detailed in Erick Larson’s book “Devil in the White City.”

A Zoom link is available via registration online. For information, visit ssghs.org or email info@ssghs.org.

Stagg flag football coach earns award from Bears

The Chicago Bears named Saja Alnajjar of Stagg High School in Palos Hills as its Girls’ Flag Football Coach of the Week for Week 7.

The award recognizes excellence in leadership and team commitment as part of an effort to support athletes and expand girls flag football throughout Illinois. The award includes a $2,000 donation to Stagg’s flag football program.

Alnajjar, who has built the team from the ground up, is in her second year of coaching, leading the Chargers to a 14-8 record this season and securing their first regional championship before losing in sectionals.

“Saja exemplifies dedication and passion in her role as the Flag Football coach,” Stagg Athletic Director Jen Doede shared in a news release. “Her work ethic and commitment to the program and her own personal improvement as a leader not only inspires her athletes but also fosters an environment of growth and resilience.”

Sierra Club chapter hosts Zoom meeting on climate change

Sierra Club organizer Ann Baskerville will talk about how to make Illinois’ grid cleaner and more resilient during “A Cleaner and Better Grid,” a Zoom-only meeting of the Sauk-Calumet Sierra Club Group at 7 p.m. Nov. 11.

Illinois passed CEJA two years ago, and Baskerville will talk about next steps to help combat climate change. All meetings are free and option to Sierra Club members and the public.

For a link to the meeting, visit the club’s calendar of events at www.sierraclub.org/illinois/events-calendar. Information is at patrick.cofey@illinois.sierraclub.org.

Journalist details past with Cal City Historical Society

Calumet City Historical Society Presents a talk this weekend with award-winning journalist Joseph Pete, who will revisit bygone monuments such as Roosevelt and Washington high schools, Taco Joe’s, movie palaces, Inland Steel Christmas parties and the gym where Michael Jordan played his first Chicago Bulls game.

The talk is based on Pete’s book, “Lost East Chicago and Indiana Harbor,” at 3 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Calumet City Historical Society Center, 760 Wentworth Ave. He will have copies for sale and will sign them. East Chicago, incorporated in 1893, was once home to more than a hundred nationalities, drawn by work at its steel mills.

The society has a general membership meeting at 2 p.m. followed by a light lunch and then the program.

The center will be open 1 to 5 p.m.

Admission is free. Information is at www.calumetcityhistoricalsociety.org or 708-832-9390.

— Compiled by Melinda Moore. Send news to communitynews@southtownstar.com.