News Briefs: Cop on a Rooftop is Friday; Wilmette library celebrated for inclusivity; Northfield’s Arbor Day festivities

Cops will post up on local Dunkin’ Donuts rooftops this Friday, May 16, for the annual fundraising program for Special Olympics Illinois.

City of Highland Park, Village of Wilmette, Village of Northfield and Village of Glencoe police departments are participating from 5 a.m.-noon on Friday. Highland Park officers will be at Dunkin’ locations at 1990 Skokie Valley Road and 1996 Second St.; Wilmette officers at 3207 Lake Ave.; Northfield at 1900 New Willow Road and Glencoe at 81 Green Bay Road.

The officers will be collecting donations and selling special merchandise to support the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois, which has raised nearly $10 million in its 21 years.

More than 600 Dunkin’ locations are participating this year.

NSSRA recognizes Wilmette library for commitment to inclusivity

The Wilmette Public Library received the Advocate of the Year award on May 2 at The  Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association’s annual awards banquet.

According to a library press release, the award goes to individuals and organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to advocating for the inclusion and well-being of people with disabilities within the community.

Community engagement librarian Sarah Jo Zaharako developed the Wilmette library’s partnership with the NSSRA, the release says, and she coordinates field trips to the library for NSSRA participants throughout the year.

Zaharako, as well as shelving manager Patsy De Vuono, welcome desk staffer Mary Dormin and facilities and safety manager Marcos Levy, received the award.

In presenting the award, NSSRA Recreation Specialist Nick Falter said, “This award is given to an organization that not only understands the importance of inclusion but actively lives it. It recognizes a partner who has made intentional, thoughtful efforts to ensure that individuals of all abilities feel welcomed, respected, and empowered.

“This year’s recipient has truly redefined what it means to be an inclusive community space. From the very beginning, Wilmette Public Library approached NSSRA with a clear purpose: to do better, to serve more inclusively, and to make their space accessible for everyone.”

Falter also said that the library staffers “go above and beyond in their preparation — reserving parking spots for our bus, planning ahead for sensory needs, and warmly greeting our groups with genuine excitement. … Every time we walk through their doors, we are reminded of what’s possible when accessibility is built into the foundation of a place.”

Northfield marks Arbor Day

The Village of Northfield and park district officials marked Arbor Day on Friday, April 25, by gathering at Clarkson Park with Sunset Ridge District 29 fourth-graders and teachers.

Trustee Matt Galin read an Arbor Day proclamation, and students took turns shoveling dirt to cover the roots of the freshly planted Swamp White Oak, according to the Village.

The Village also celebrated the winners of its Arbor Day Poetry Contest: First place — Claire Zebro; Second place — Audrey Hendricks; Third place — Eleni Hillcki; and Fourth place — Archer Milnes.

The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Become a member of The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a member? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.