Around the Southland: Smith Village goes to the dogs, Metra station projects begin, more
Special education students at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences and Smith Village in Chicago recently teamed up for an event made for dogs.
Four independent living residents brought their dogs for a tasting event at Smith Village to showcase that its store is the first to sell dog treats made by the ag students. The treats, available in different shapes, include eggs and honey collected at the school's farm.
Residents Theresa Boone and Barb Graber, Smith Village sous chef IsaGani Alma and 19th Ward Alderman Matt O'Shea judged the contest, with the dogs earning blue ribbons. Residents Beth O'Grady and Dave Degnan gave each student a Special Olympics-style medal and their teacher, Anne Brown, a trophy for the class. O'Grady and Degnan began selling the dog treats at the store after visiting a class.
Metra has broken ground on two commuter train station projects in the area: 95th Street/Chicago State University Station on the Metra Electric Line and the 115th Street/Morgan Park Station on the Rock Island line.
The $8.69 million project to improve the 115th Street/Morgan Park Station will create a new plaza and widewalks, replace existing platform shelters and work to resolve stormwater issues, as well as resurfacing two parking areas and adding lighting.
'An overall $10 million investment in this project from Gov. Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital program will improve transit access and quality of life in one of Chicago's great neighborhoods as well as strengthen transportation across the region,' Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi shared in a news release.
The 95th Street/Chicago State University Station project includes building a new street-level entrance on 95th Street with a new storefront, elevator and enclosed entrance area, replacing the existing platform and stairs and headhouse, building a new CSU campus headhouse, and creating a walkway and bike lane that connects a new community parking lot and tunnel entrance. Work is expected to be completed in late 2027.
'No matter their zip code, all Chicagoans deserve reliable and accessible public transit to get to school, get to work and more easily move throughout Chicagoland,' Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., who co-sponsored the federal All Stations Accessibility Program that is helping to fund the rehabilitation, noted in a news release.
The annual street fair in Hickory Hills marks its 45th year this summer. The event takes place 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 29 on Roberts Road between 95th and 91st streets.
The family-friendly event includes a car show, food trucks, crafters, bingo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., karaoke from 1 to 3:30 p.m. and inflatable rides. The Hickory Hills Park District sponsored the bounce house and outdoor games and activities.
A live concert in the beer garden the night before kicks off the event, with music from the Ranger Band from 7 to 10 p.m. June 28. On the day of the festival, Rock 'n Roll Ray performs from 4 to 7 p.m. June 29 in the beer garden.
Information is at City Hall at 708-598-4800.
Legacy Ranch recently received a $9.750 check from members of 100+ Women Who Care of Will County, a philanthropic group founded by local women interested in supporting their communities by donating to charities as a group to boost the impact of a donation.
The nonprofit organization provides equine-assisted services to people facing developmental, emotional or physical challenges, aiming to offer an inclusive environment for individuals to build confidence, improve their well-being and overcome challenges with the help of the healing power of horses.
'The donation will allow us to further our mission of supporting anyone who reaches out to us and to expand our programs to serve even more individuals in our community,' Executive Director Kate Rasmussen shared in a news release.
The women meet quarterly and pitch charities to support, with members writing a $100 check on the spot to the winning organization. The group's next meeting is 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Coom's Corner in Lockport. Information is at www.100wwc-will.org.
Students at area Catholic schools recently banded together to help children and families served by Franciscan Health Olympia Fields.
Infant Jesus of Prague School in Flossmoor students raised money via a penny drive, bringing in jars of pennies and sabotaging other groups by adding silver change to their jars. The $350 raised helped buy supplies such as toys to outfit a pediatric sensory room at the new Franciscan Health Outpatient Therapy Homewood.
Interim Principal Charlotte Kelly is a member of the Franciscan Health Foundation Board of Directors and the Circle of 1875, an organization of women who support Franciscan's programs and missions in the community. The circle chose to support the therapy site as its first project in 2004 but funds fell short.
Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights also contributed to that site, with student council members selling cookies and raising $1,000 to buy toys.
Students at St. Agnes School in Chicago Heights raised $1,400 with help from their families and friends for babies and new mothers in need served by the hospital.
The Franciscan Health Foundation accepts contributions online at www.franciscanhealthfoundation.org/locations/south-suburban-chicago or by calling 708-852-2430.
Tickets are on sale now for the annual Southside Summer Festival presented by Marist High School from 4 to 10 p.m. July 19 at the stadium, 4030 W. 115th St., Chicago.
Poi Dog Pondering will headline the event, and Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root will be the opening act. Red Pop Fury also will perform. Attendees may bring blankets to sit on the floor. No outside food or beverages allowed.
Tickets for the event, open to those 21 and older, cost $35 before July 18 or $40 at the door. Limited VIP tickets cost $150 and include beverages and light food. Buy tickets at marist.net/southside-summer-festival/ or via the 'GoFan' app. The festival will be a cashless event; credit cards, debit cards and Venmo will be accepted.
All money raised supports scholarships and financial aid for current and future Marist students.
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