03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Community news: Cultural celebration at Oak Park library, 50th ordination anniversary, more
A Kapwa! celebration took place recently at the Oak Park library, drawing more than 100 community members.
The program observed Kapwa!, which honors Asian Pacific Islander Desei American Heritage Month. The event featured traditional clothing, literary works, delicious food, arts and crafts stations and live music.
The event was supported by Oak Park and River Forest High School's Pan-Asian Leadership Society, or PALS, local Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans and the Village of Oak Park.
A special Mass in honor of Rev. Michael O'Keefe's 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood is planned for 2 p.m. July 13 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 8404 S. Cass Ave., Darien.
O'Keefe served as associate pastor at Our Lady of Mount Carmel from 1994 to 2000 and as pastor from 2006 to 2022, counseling, teaching and coaching students at Mount Carmel. After he retired, he continued to be an active presence there.
An informal reception will follow at the church. The public is invited. Information is available at 630-852-3303.
Swifties of all ages are invited to view the Laser Taylor Swift cosmic light show at 8:30 p.m. every Saturday in July at Triton College Cernan Earth and Space Center, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove.
The 45-minute show features thousands of stars, dazzle laser lights and stunning visual effects, all set to the music of Grammy Award winner Taylor Swift.
'It's been a long time coming, but whether you missed the Eras Tour or want to relive the excitement, this is your chance to dress up, wear your friendship bracelets and celebrate your favorite songs under the stars,' Cernan Center Director Kris McCall said via a news release.
Tickets cost $5 for children 2 to 17 years old and for those 55 and older and $10 for adults. They only are sold in the center's Star Store the day of the show starting at 6:30 p.m. Triton students, staff and faculty are admitted free with a valid ID.
The center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturdays. Information is available at
The third annual Disability Pride Month March and Rally takes place July 12 at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., with participants marching around the main library and plaza starting at 11 a.m.
Attendees are invited to make signs and ribbon wands from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. before the parade.
Another program celebrating the month is Craft Corner from 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 15. Kids, families and students in sixth to 12th grade are invited to make disability pride buttons and fidgets.
Registration is required for both events. Do so online or by calling the library 708-383-8200.
Several members of the women's bowling team at Lewis University in Romeoville earned All-Academic recognition for the 2024-25 school year from the National Tenpin Coaches Association for a GPA of 3.4 or higher.
Individual winners included Ailyn Aguilar of Franklin Park and Katharine Svehla of Elmhurst. Svehla had a GPA of 4.0.
In addition, the Flyers also received the team award, which goes to all teams that earned a 3.2 GPA or better. The team had a GPA of 3.25.
The La Grange Business Association hosts its 51st annual craft fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 12 and 13 along La Grange Road in downtown La Grange.
'Recognized as one of the top 200 craft fairs in the nation, this highly anticipated event offers a treasure trove of handcrafted wonders, from intricate jewelry to stunning ceramics, textiles, woodworking, and more,' a news release notes, with 'each piece lovingly crafted by artisans from across the country.'
Information is at or by calling 708-582-6510.
Fans of Ferraris will find plenty to like when the annual Festa Ferrari returns 1 to 4 p.m. July 13 at Burr Ridge Village Center, 900 Village Center Drive.
Upscale shopping, fine cuisine and plenty of the iconic cars will be featured.
Musical guest Swing Forward will perform, as well as other entertaining acts.
Food and drinks will be served from 1 to 4 p.m. at Pella Signature.
A private VIP reception takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. at Eddie Merlot's, with proceeds going to the West Suburban Humane Society. The volunteer-based, animal welfare organization that cares for up to 25 dogs and 60 cats and even more in foster homes.
Tickets are available at For information call 630-654-2782.
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