Southland College Prep ensembles sings at Rate Field
Members of the girls ensemble at Southland College Prep Charter High School in Richton Park sang the national anthem last month to open the Chicago White Sox vs. the Kansas City Royals at Rate Field in Chicago.
The six students, three alumnus and director Elizabeth Norman-Sojourney originally entered a contest to sing the anthem but were turned down. A new audition tape, however, brought them the opportunity to perform.
Students members are Elizabeth Hoskins, Camyiah Finney, Charity Phillips, JeaNai Malone-Day, Aniyah King and Morgan Smith. Alumni members are Danielle Mambo, Alexis Lytle and Christina Agunloye.
MVCC photographer earns national recognition
Moraine Valley Community College visual media coordinator Glenn Carpenter, left, receives the Master of the Profession Award from the University Photographers’ Association of America from Cydney Scott, president of the association. (Jay Ferchaud)
Glenn Carpenter, Moraine Valley Community College’s visual media coordinator, has been recognized with an award that he helped create – the master of the Profession Award from the University Photographers’ Association of America.
Carpenter, who served as association president for 16 years before stepping down in 2024, is one of nearly 25 members to have achieved the recognition, which was created in 2011 to recognize association members for their dedication to the organization and consistent production of high-grade photography. He has been a member of the association since 1998.
“I was part of the board when we came up with this award. … This is recognition that they’re doing journeyman’s work,” he shared via a news release. “They surprised me with the honor at the (association) symposium. Knowing who else has received this award in the past, it’s somewhat humbling.”
Association President Cydney Scott thanked Carpenter for his leadership. “His impact goes beyond the basic nuts and bolts. He has been an ambassador not just for UPAA, but also for the profession, presenting at UPA symposiums and other higher education organizations and working with the U.S. Department of Labor to have ‘university photographer’ formally recognized as a job title.,” she shared in the release.
Palos Park’s fall festival arrives this weekend
The Village of Palos Park presents Autumn in the Park from 6 to 11 p.m. Sept. 19 and 2 to 11 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Village Green, 8901 W 123rd St.
This year’s parade steps off at 1 p.m. Sept. 20, so 123rd Street/McCarthy Road will be closed between LaGrange and 80th avenues from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Other nearby streets also will be closed at 123rd.
The classic rock band Arra performs 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sept. 19; on Sept. 21, Whiskey plays classic, Southern and country rock 3 to 6 p.m. and Mike & Joe performs rock cover hits 7:30 to 10:30.
Food, beer and wine will be sold, and kids’ activities and crafts as well as artisans can be found Sept. 21. Admission and parking are free. Details are at 708-671-3700.
Orland Fire Protection District hosts wellness talk
Residents in the Orland Park Fire Protection District are invited to its monthly Coffee & Conversation to hear Dr. Ron Vaught and Jeanine Sinal with Beyond Health and Wellness of Oak Forest talk about individual fatigue and how to empower health and activism.
The session is set for 10 a.m. to noon at the district’s administration building, 9750 W. 151st St. in Orland Park. Coffee and snacks will be offered.
Vaught has a doctor of chiropractic degree and a certification in meridian therapy and acupuncture, as well as certifications as a rehabilitation specialist and sports physician. Sinal, a massage therapist, specializes in therapeutic and advanced bodywork techniques and works as a chiropractic assistant.
Curt Unander of the Senior Advisory Council will offer information on fire blankets and host a raffle. Details are at www.OrlandFire.org.
St. Xavier hosts health fair for community
Community members, St. Xavier students, staff, faculty and alumni are invited to a Community Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 23 in the Shannon Center recreational gym, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.
Glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure checks will be offered, as well as vision and hearing tests, stress management, nutrition information, mental health awareness and booths with health resources. Some students in health-related programs at the university will be on site to provide services. Face painting will be available for children.
The university’s Office of Family and Community Engagement presents the health fair. Details are at 773-298-3000.
League of Women Voters discuss deepfakes
Learn more about the digital landscape surrounding politics during a League of Women Voters of Palos Orland Area event, set for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Lemont Public Library District, 50 E. Wend St. in Lemont.
Co-President Elaine Savage and Vice President of Communication Sheryl Szot Gallaher will talk to attendees about how to spot mis- and disinformation and deepfakes generated by artificial intelligence. All are welcome. Information is at LWV.org.
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