Acclaimed photographer Mark Ballogg will highlight his exhibit “Making Space” from 7 to 8 p.m. May 2 on the second floor of the Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave.

Attendees can speak with the photographer, view some of his favorite photographs and learn more about the Chicago art scene. The event is free and requires no registration.

The exhibit, featuring some of the photos taken of 166 artist studios throughout Chicago by Ballogg over six years, will be on display in May. The project led to a hardbound book in 2023 displaying a single photograph from 94 studios representing 113 artists as well as 76 excerpts recorded from conversations.

Ballogg, an internationally recognized architectural photographer, has more than 30 years of experience that has earned him accolades from throughout the world.

He does work commercially through Ballogg Photography in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. Information is at 708-428-5110.

Bridge work starts soon over Hickory Creek in Frankfort

If the weather holds, bridge repairs on La Grange Road over Hickory Creek in Frankfort will begin April 28, the Illinois Department of Transportation has announced.

During the project, LaGrange Road will go down to one lane in each direction over the bridge. Lane shifts on both sides of the road as workers prepare for the repairs.

The $1.4 million project is expected to be finished in September and will include installing a new deck overlay, replacing expansion joints and repairing the bridge deck.

Pathlights marks 50 years with a gala celebration

Pathlights has been around for 50 years and is celebrating its service to the community with a benefit gala set for 6 p.m. May 2 at Orland Chateau, 14500 La Grange Road, Orland Park.

Pathlights, based in Palos Heights, began as PLOWS in 1975 and serves older adults in Chicago’s south and southwest suburbs.

Its services range from coordination of in-home services to caregiver support groups, housing resources, respite care and counseling for long-term care plans.

In addition to celebrating the organization and its work, the gala is a benefit. “We hope to raise the critical funds we need to continue the work we do,” Alison Park, Pathlights resource development manager, noted in a news release.

“We expanded our service area in the fall, now caring for older adults in Bremen and Rich townships.”

The event, which calls for formal attire, includes an open bar, dinner, silent auction, live music performed by Bluewater Kings and a silent auction.

Tickets cost $150 per person or $1,050 for a table of eight.

They are available online at pathlights.org or by calling 708-361-0219.

Open house features update on Calumet Triangle Area plans

An open house discussion on the Calumet Triangle Area Planning Study is set for 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 26 at the South Holland Community Center, 501 E. 170th St., South Holland.

Sponsored by the South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association, residents and area visitors are welcome, organizers said. Snacks and children’s activities will be provided.

Attendees can learn about suggested improvements for the Torrence Avenue corridor and throughout the Calumet Triangle Area, such as pedestrian access, transit upgrade, bikeways and other safety and mobility enhancements.

NSDAR chapter bestows Good Citizens Awards

The Swallow Cliff chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently held its annual youth awards program to honor the chapter’s seven Good Citizens Award winners.

Students who win show the qualities of service to their schools and community, dependability, patriotism and leadership. They were required to submit two letters of recommendation, a summary of their community service, activities and achievements, and write a timed essay about a given topic.

Winning students received monetary awards, pins and certificates and were as follows: Lauren Gorman, Chicago Christian High School; Fatima Suhail, Argo Community High School; Madison Grace Prim, Oak Forest High School; Kaylah Forrest, Tinley Park High School; Xalani Mithcell, Evergreen Park High School; Patrick Corrigna, Shepard High School; and Ameera Zaied, Stagg High School.

Zaied, who has more than 100 hours of community service and is class valedictorian, was chosen to advance to the DAR District IV competition.

Thorn Creek Woods raffle marks Earth Day

Celebrate Earth Day by buying tickets in the Friends of Thorn Creek Woods raffle before 3 p.m. April 27, when the winning tickets will be drawn. Proceeds benefit the nature center.

The 18 baskets available feature such things as cats, gourmet pasta, hummingbirds, a birdhouse, owl lamps, three nature prints, coffee and soil. Tickets cost $1 each or six for $5 and can be bought from noon to 4 p.m. Fridays at the nature center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest. Winners don’t need to be present.

This year’s Earth Day event, set for 1 to 3 p.m. April 27, features spring wildflowers, known as ephemerals, that thrive in Thorn Creek Woods.

A photo display, games, crafts, exhibits and refreshments are included, as well as a hike at 2 p.m. to discover which species are blooming.

It’s sponsored by Friends of Thorn Creek Woods and the Jim Marzuki Fund for Public Programming. Information is at www.tcwoods.org, 708-747-6320 or by emailing thorn_creek@att.net.

Donation drive set at Chicago Gaelic Park

A Society of St. Vincent de Paul donation drive is planned for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26 and 27 in the east parking lot at Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest.

Donations of gently used or new items in boxes or bags will be accepted, such as clothing, linens, lamps, toys, shoes, jewelry, rugs, office supplies, blankets, purses, tools, books and draperies. Proceeds from the eventual sale of the items supports people in need. Information is at www.chicagogaelicpark.com or 708-687-9323.

Oak Lawn VFW auxiliary hosts penny social

The Johnson-Phelps Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary will have a penny social from 1 to 5 p.m. April 27 at the post, 9514 S. 52nd Ave., Oak Lawn. Attendees will search for hidden treasures in nickel, dime and quarter tables, as well as vying for prizes at the raffle table. Proceeds benefit veterans in need and their families, as well as the community. The kitchen will be open for lunch. Information is at 708-423-5220.

South Suburban College sets education forum

The South Suburban College Strategic Planning Breakfast and Forum is planned for 9 a.m. to noon at DoubleTree Hilton Chicago-Alsip, 5000 W. 127th St., Alsip. The event features a discussion panel about the State of Education in the Southland as well as a free breakfast. Information and reservations by May are with Christin T. Miller at ctmiller@ssc.edu.

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