Around the Southland: District 218 schools promote respect and kindness, Earth Hour night hike, and more

Mar. 17—Pie in the face highlights Respect Week at Shephard

Shepard High School in Palos Heights broke its fundraising record for Special Olympics this year, mainly through the polar plunge but also with a pie-in-the-face contest. Several Shepard staff members volunteered, while the three who received the most donations got the pastry at the Respect Week assembly.

More students and staff, including nearly all administrators, band director Chris Pitlik and choir director Roland Hatcher, participated than ever before.

The assembly featured a basketball game for Special Olympics athletes. The Shepard student body cheered raucously for each made basket, and groaned with each miss.

The assembly also featured a tug-of-war contest among all four academic classes. Respect Week activities are designed to inspire people to treat everyone, especially those with special needs, with kindness and dignity.

Richards High School encourages acts of kindness

Richards High School in Oak Lawn created Kindness Week this year, expanding on an Act of Kindness bingo event the Leo Club, a service organization and the Richards affiliate of the Lions Club of Oak Lawn, runs over spring break.

"Kindness Week shows students that they have the opportunity and power within them to make kindness happen, that it's not something that just comes around from time to time," said faculty sponsor Karen Lavin. "They can choose to do it."

Each day presented a kindness challenge.

"We had Caught in the Act day where teachers were on the lookout for kids being kind. Students received Caught in the Act cards that they could use for entry into a gift card raffle," Lavin said.

The week also included thank you note stations in the cafeteria and main office and Beam of Light Day, which included sharing small gifts to brighten another person's day.

Lavin asked students to share their thoughts on the experience.

Homer Glen resident celebrates 45 years at Palos Hospital

Donna Boonstra, of Homer Glen, recently celebrated her 45-year service anniversary at Northwestern Medicine, where she began her health care career as a medical transcriptionist at Palos Hospital in January 1978. Before long, she advanced to assistant supervisor and then supervisor.

When Boonstra started in medical transcription, medical records required a different set of technology.

"I used an electric typewriter and we used carbon paper so we had copies of the paperwork," she said. "I would have to type everything, and if I made a mistake, I would have to go back and use correction fluid to fix it."

To better support her work and challenge herself, Boonstra pursued a bachelor's degree and went on to earn a master's degree.

In 2017, Boonstra became a health information management scanning coordinator and, in 2021, an administrative coordinator in operations for Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group.

Boonstra says she appreciates her colleagues, especially after her sister died from cancer early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The overwhelming support of my Northwestern Medicine co-workers helped me through a difficult time," she said.

Orland Grasslands Volunteers to host Earth Hour night hike

Orland Grassland Volunteers will host a night hike from 7-10 p.m.March 25 along Birdsong Trail to honor Earth Hour.

The hike into the grassland wildness will include stargazing and listening for the frogs call and possibly owls and American woodcocks.

Participants should meet in the parking lot on 167th Street just west of La Grange Road, dressed for hiking in natural terrain and the weather. Flashlights are recommended.

Earth Hour, organized by World Wildlife Federation, is from 8:30-9:30 p.m.March 25 in every time zone during which people are asked to turn off electronics and lights to help reduce their carbon footprint and help with climate change.

There will be a hot beverage and dessert bar afterward. Those interested are asked to RSVP to Marnie Baker at marnie.baker@gmail.com or replying under the Contact Us tab at www.orlandgrassland.org.

Will County pop-up clinic vaccinates over 250 dogs and cats

Will County hosted a pop-up pet clinic at the County Office BuildingMarch 11, which vaccinated and microchipped more than 250 cats and dogs.

The free vaccines were provided by Petco Love as part of their national vaccination initiative, which is providing one million free pet vaccines to animal welfare partners, including K9 Enrichment Initiative, for family pets in need. The vaccines included DAPPv canine and HCP feline vaccines. Microchips, ID tags, dog and cat food, along with collars were also provided.

"Pop-up clinics ensure that residents have the resources they need to keep their pets healthy," said County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant.

Volunteers with K9 Enrichment Initiative also distributed 100 bags of pet food, 84 pet waste scoopers and 187 gift bags. Supplies were donated by Rescue Pack, FiNano and Max & Neo.

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