Oak Park library brings support for people with disabilities
The Oak Park Public Library hosted its third annual Disability Pride March & Rally earlier this summer, with more than 100 people turning out to participate – doubling last year’s turnout.
Attendees made signs with positive messages and marched around the main library. Local organizations had booths on the plaza outside the library, and Dynamic Links led a singalong.
Their signs featured messages such as “Respect all disabilities” and “Disabled and Proud,” drawn with colorful markers, and several attendees held rainbow signs or wore T-shirts with similar perspectives.
More than 100 people turned out to participate, doubling last year’s turnout for the annual Disability Pride March & Rally recently at the Oak Park Public Library. (Oak Park Public Library)
Triton track & field star earns national recognition
A student who made history at Triton College in River Grove is making her mark just months after graduation.
The US Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association has named Ava Connerty the 2025 NJCAA Division III Women’s Outdoor Track & Field National Scholar Track Athlete of the Year.
Connerty, a two-time NJCAA All-American, is the first Triton Trojan to achieve that honor.
She won the 100-meter hurdles – capturing the national title by two-tenths of a second – and was part of the 4×400 relay team that took third place at this year’s NJCAA DIII Outdoor Track & Field Championships, which took place earlier this year in Utica, NY.
“I honestly never thought that I would be a national champion,” she shared in a media release. “It’s so amazing seeing all of my training pay off in the best way possible. Knowing that I’m the first female track national champion in Triton history is unbelievable.”
After earning her associate’s degree in psychology in May, Connerty is attending Nova Southeastern University, a Division II school, on an athletic scholarship for track and field.
Frank Lloyd Wright Races registration set
Sept. 2 is the last day to get an early bird registration rate for the 49th annual Frank Lloyd Wright Races, set for Oct. 19 in Oak Park, a savings of $10 on all races.
The Park District of Oak Park will offer a 10K run, 5K run/walk, youth miles (for children 6 to 14 years old) and a new event, Lil Runners 50-yard dash for children 3 to 5 years old. Medals will be awarded to top finishers in various age categories.
All races start and end near Oak Park & River Forest High School. The 10K starts at 8 a.m., the 5K run starts at 8:30 a.m., the 5K walk begins at 8:45 a.m., and youth miles starts at 9:15 a.m. and the Lil Runners events begins at 9:30 a.m.
Participation costs $45 for the 10K run or 5K run ($55 after Sept. 2), $50 for the 5K walk or youth miles ($50 after Sept. 2) and $18 for Lil Runners ($28 after Sept. 2).
Proceeds from the event go to the park district’s scholarship fund, which helps all Oak Park residents with access to recreational opportunities. Public transportation is recommended as parking in the area is limited. Register at pdop.org or call 708-725-2000.
West End Arts Festival seeks artisans, sponsors
Exhibitors are needed for the West End Arts Festival, set for Sept. 6 and 7 in La Grange.
The juried art festival, which takes place near the historic Stone Avenue Metra Station, highlights fine art, live demonstrations and interactive activities. It features artisans from around the country.
Attendees will find delicious food and drinks for sale and can enjoy acoustic music in an open-air setting. Parking and admission are free.
To present art at the festival, email artfest@lgba.com. Sponsors also still are needed. Find information at lgba.com.
Young chamber musicians can audition for program
Final audition for the Youth Chamber Orchestra Program in Chicago is at 9 a.m. Aug. 31.
A few spots remain open for the program, which includes orchestral instruments, voice and piano, helping young musicians who want to improve their performance.
Rehearsals are Thursdays and Saturdays.Submit a video audition to www.americanyouthsymphonyorchestra.org. Details are at 630-850-8505.
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