Civic Association Sets 2018 Plans and Educator Awardees

The McKinley Park Civic Association, the neighborhood's longest-serving community group, has set forth its 2018 plans, including its 47th annual banquet on Sunday, March 4. Held at Polonia Banquets, the event honors leading local educators and unveils the winner of the William H.G. Toms Community Service Award.

The Outstanding Educators of 2018 will be feted at the banquet. They are:

• Diane Brown of De La Salle Institute
• Lilia Esposito of Montessori Foundations of Chicago
• Pastor Adam Gawel of St. Andrew Lutheran Church
• Monica Guerrero-Diaz of Evergreen Academy Middle School
• Cynthia Hengst of Nathanael Greene Elementary School
• Maribel Herrera of Burroughs Elementary School
• Guan Liang (Jack) Mei of Thomas Kelly High School
• Brother John Scherer of Aquinas Literacy Center
• Kaccey Skrbec of Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park

Tickets for the banquet cost $25 for adults and $16 for children 3 to 11 years of age until February 14. After that, ticket prices rise to $28 for adults and $17 for kids, and no tickets will be available after February 21.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the association's February meeting at 6:30 on Wednesday, February 7, at the McKinley Park public library, 1915 W. 35th St., Chicago. Tickets can also be requested via postal mail care of Sue Pletsch, 3709 S. Hermitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60609.

The banquet, which is the association's sole fund-raiser, also offers individuals and organizations a channel to reach the neighborhood via a banquest ad book. Ad prices start at $5; for more information, contact Sue Pletsch via email at pletschdoc@gmail.com.

In addition to planning the upcoming banquet, the council's meeting on January 3, 2018, featured announcements about again co-hosting the McKinley Park Memorial Day parade on May 28 and sponsoring an Omega Delta Youth Baseball team for 2018 season play at nearby Hoyne Park.

Vernalynn De La Rosa, a substance abuse prevention program coordinator from the Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA), attended the meeting to announce an upcoming focus on McKinley Park, including new substance abuse resources and programs.

Alma Anaya attended the meeting and announced her candidacy for Cook County Commissioner for the 7th District, a seat vacated due to Commissioner Jesús "Chuy" García's running for U.S. Congress.

Illinois 2nd District State Representative Theresa Mah was also in attendance and announced her office's open house event, slated for Saturday, January 20.