State Rep. Deborah J. Graham and state Senator Don Harmon were recently honored by the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) for their perfect voting records on environmental issues in 2007. Rep. Graham and Sen. Harmon were recognized by IEC Executive Director Jonathan Goldman at a March dinner in Springfield. The two legislators are among only 16 state senators and representatives who voted consistently in favor of the environment in 2007.
First place x 10
The Brooks-Julian Speech Teams topped every category at West 40’s Speech and Drama Festival in February, bringing home 10 first place ribbons and the grand prize trophy. The team was coordinated by Diane Pingle, retired District 97 teacher, and students were coached by Dist. 97 teachers. Julian coaches were Bill McGlynn, Malachy Boyle and Bessie Kovouras. Brooks coaches were Laura LaBarbara, Antoinette Cofield and Pat Kowalczyk.
Junior citizen
Fenwick High School junior Chris Mayor recently received the Chicago Park District’s Junior Citizen Award. The Junior Citizen program recognizes high school juniors and seniors who demonstrate leadership in their local parks, school and community. A panel of judges selected Mayor as a regional finalist based on his contributions to Shabbona Park.
RUSH OP officers
The 2008 officers of the RUSH Oak Park Hospital Medical Staff include two Oak Parkers, Vice President Susan Balter, M.D. and Secretary David Kracker, M.D.
AmeriCorps volunteer
Katy Baron, daughter of Jim and Jackie Baron of River Forest, recently began her 10 months of full-time service with AmeriCorps NCCC. Founded in 1994, AmeriCorps NCCC is a residential national service program for ages 18-24 that was created to assist with disaster relief and support efforts to improve the environment, education and public safety. In exchange for their service, members receive $4,725 to help pay for college. Baron, who attended Oak Park and River Forest High School and graduated from the College of Wooster in May 2007, will complete a series of six- to eight-week-long service projects as part of a 10-12 person team.
Blackwater invasion
Bill Barclay of the Oak Park Coalition for Truth and Justice spoke at a screening of the DVD Blackwater Invades Illinois on April 8 at the DePaul Art Museum, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave., Chicago.
