March 2018 Village of Westchester Newsletter

Village of

Westchester MARCH

FIRE DEPARTMENT

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POLICE DEPARTMENT

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SCHOOL DISTRICT

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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LIBRARY

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POLICE DEPARTMENT

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2018

Newsletter

Food Pantry Honored

The Westchester Food Pantry is proud to announce that co-directors Kathleen Franzwa and Amanda J. Grant were named “Persons of the Year” by Westchester Village President Paul Gattuso and Westchester Trustees at the annual “Celebrate Westchester” gala in January. Additionally, the Westchester Food Pantry was named “Service Organization of the Year” by the Westchester Chamber of Commerce, which presented the Pantry with a donation of $500.00. The event, sponsored by the Westchester Chamber of Commerce, celebrates Westchester citizens and organizations who have made the community a better place to live and work.

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MARCH 2018

Westchester Blood Drive

Fire Department MARCH 2018

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Fire Department 4

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WESTCHESTER ACCEPTING FIREFIGHTER APPLICATIONS FOR ELIGIBILITY LIST The Westchester Fire Department will be accepting applications for the position of entry-level firefighter as of February 15, 2018. Applications are available at iosolutions.com until March 29, 2018. The application deadline is March 29, 2018 at 4:00 PM. You must provide written proof that you meet the following minimum requirements and pay any required fees: • $25 non-refundable application fee; • U.S. Citizen; • Valid driver’s license (valid Illinois driver’s license due at time of hire); • High school diploma or equivalent (GED) AND either (i) a certified copy of a transcript confirming successful completion of at least thirty (30) semester hours (or their equivalent in quarter or trimester hours) of credit from an accredited college or university listed in the United States Department of Education database or (ii) proof of at least twelve (12) months of active service in any branch of the United States military service (army, navy, air force or coast guard) with an honorable discharge or medical discharge; • Basic Operations Firefighter Certification (or the updated equivalent classification) or Firefighter II Certification (or the updated equivalent classification) from the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal; • Must be at least 21 years of age and under 35 years of age at time of application deadline (3/29/18), unless exempt by applicable state law; • Must provide proof of successful completion of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) with Ladder Climb Certification conducted by a licensed agency within 12 months immediately prior to written exam date (4/28/18); CPAT and Ladder Climb Certifications may be obtained at the following local agencies: o NIPSTA (Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy) – Glenview, IL – www.nipsta.org or 847-998-8090. o SUFD (Southwest United Fire Districts) – Darien, IL – www.sufd.org or 708-579-2064.

• Valid Illinois Department of Public Health Paramedic license at time of hire.

Each applicant is required to complete, sign and submit an application form and all related documents that are part of the application process as required by the Rules and Regulations of the Westchester Board of Fire and Police Commissioners (Rules).

Preference points will be awarded per applicable state law and the Rules.

The number of complete applications that shall be received and processed for this examination is limited to a maximum of one hundred and fifty (150) applications. Be sure to complete and confirm your online application ASAP to ensure your application is accepted. The application deadline will be on 3/29/18 at 4:00 PM OR once 150 online applications have been confirmed; whichever occurs first.

All portions of the testing process are mandatory. Failure to attend and complete any portion of the process will result in elimination from employment consideration.

Written Exam/Orientation Information: Candidates must attend the mandatory orientation and written examination on Saturday, April 28, 2018. Sign-in begins at 8:00 a.m. Please arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. with a photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, military ID) to sign-in. Late arrivals will not be permitted. All electronic communication devices must be left in your vehicle and will not be permitted into the testing area. Testing will take place in Westchester, IL. The exact testing location will be provided to eligible candidates prior to the exam date.

Test day will consist of two exams: the National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NFSI), and the Integrity Inventory. Study materials for the NFSI can be purchased online at iosolutions.com.

Police Department MARCH 2018

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A Message from the Police Chief – Steven Stelter A Message from the Police Chief – Steven Stelter Well, spring is right around the corner and if you are like me the warm weather cannot get here soon enough. I want to share with you some technology resource tips for parents. More than ever before, today’s children need their parents to help them acquire the skills to use time wisely.

Technology has opened many doors to vast amounts of information, social networks around the world and new career development opportunities, all at the touch of a finger. Parents, by being technology savvy, can help children be selective in using technology for learning as well as for entertainment purposes by modeling lifelong learning skills and monitoring their children’s use of software and the web.

Here are two helpful websites for parents: visit the Parent Tech Guide website to learn more about parenting in the digital age, www.parenttechguide.com. Also, the National Parent Teacher Association has initiatives in educational technology to help parents stay involved in their schools technology activities, www.pta.org. ________________________________ __________________________________ ____________ The Westchester Police Department

realizes the importance of partnering with the citizens to insure we can provide the best services possible. The men and women are extremely dedicated to protecting those within our community.

The Cook County Sheriff ’s Department has provided a drug take back box in the lobby of the Village Hall for all individuals that have the need to dispose of medications that are expired or are left behind from a loved one. The Sheriff will maintain the box and dispose of the medications legally with no responsibility to the Village. I want to thank the Sheriff for this program. If you have old medications or medications from a lost loved one, come on down to the Village Hall and deposit them in the drug box located in the front lobby. ________________________________ __________________________________ ____________ The Westchester Police Department realizes the importance of partnering with the citizens to insure we can provide the best services possible. The men and women are extremely dedicated to protecting those within our community. We firmly stand by the Department’s Mission Statement which reads: “It is the mission of the Westchester

Police Department to protect lives and property of the people we serve, to reduce the occurrence of crime and to continually provide professional public safety service while partnering with the community to improve the quality of life.”

“Our goal is to do so with honor, integrity and accountability while conducting ourselves with the highest ethical standards to maintain public confidence and trust in our police department.” ________________________________ __________________________________ ____________ Identity Theft & Tax Time Identity Theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your social security number or any other identifying information without your permission. Fraudulent tax returns continue to be a problem, so it is important to take charge before you become a victim.

The first thing you should do is file your return as quickly as possible. Waiting until the last minute increases the chances of your information being compromised.

Check into filing immediately and making an amended return when your final figures are available. That is one way the IRS

POLICE BLOTTER 1) At 9:35pm on January 11, 2018 a Retail Theft was reported that the Walgreens located at 10345 Roosevelt Road. A 39 year old male was arrested for theft and an outstanding warrant.

2) At 8:15am on January 26, 2018 a Criminal Damage to Auto was reported on the 1500 block of Norfolk. The vehicle owner reported that unknown person(s) broke out the rear window as it sat in the driveway.

3) At 12:21pm on January 27, 2018 a Residential Burglary was reported on the 2800 block of Sunnyside. The resident reported that unknown person(s) removed various personal belongings. There was no sign of forced entry.

4) At 12:57pm on January 28, 2018 a Residential Burglary was reported on the 1100 block of Gardner Road. The resident reported that unknown person(s) made entry through a rear door and removed personal belongings from the home.

5) At 12:38pm on February 4, 2018 a Criminal Damage to Property was reported on the 11500 block of Enterprise Drive. It was reported that unknown person(s) damaged the mailbox by striking it with a vehicle. No further information was available.

6) At 9:03am on February 6, 2018 a Burglary to Auto was reported at 10436 Cermak. Geyer Plumbing reported that unknown person(s) broke into a work truck and took tools.

7) At 6:31pm on February 7, 2018 a Theft was reported at the Sprint Store located at 10356 Roosevelt Road. 2 subjects with facial tattoos walked into the store and cut the security wire and left with 4 phones valued at approximately $3200.

will have information on file that a return for 2017 has been filed. Check with your accountant or IRS agent to assure you file properly. Also be certain to request your FREE credit report, everyone gets one FREE report a year. Call the FTC at 1-877322-8228. ________________________________ __________________________________ ____________ Parking Regulations – Snow Removal I would like to remind everyone that after a snowfall of 2 inches or more to be mindful of the parking restrictions the Village has in place. It is imperative everyone follows these laws in order for our public works snow plows to clear the streets as best as they can. It is also important to know the difference between a “snow emergency route” and “alternate side of the street parking.” Both of these are spelled out plain and clear on the Village website within the municipal code section. The section numbers are as follows: Snow Emergency Route – 11.30.020 Times / Alternate Side of the Street – 11.32.160

Police Department 6

MARCH 2018

AARP Driver Safety Course This course is intended to help drivers live more independently as they age and remain safe on today’s roads. Since the program’s inception in 1979, more than 14 million participants have completed the course. More than 6,000 AARP-trained volunteers conduct our classroom course each year.

The AARP Smart Driver Course covers defensive driving techniques and the normal changes in vision, hearing, and reactions time associated with aging. The course also provides practical techniques for adjusting to these changes to ensure the driver’s own safety and that of others on the road. During the course, participants learn about current rules of the road and how to operate their vehicles more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment. Topics include: • Maintaining proper following distance • Minimizing dangerous blind spots • Limiting driver distractions such as eating, drinking and conversation • Properly using modern car features • Effects of medications on driving • Maintaining physical flexibility • Monitoring the driving skills and capabilities of yourself and others.

Participant Cost: Members of AARP - $15 Non-Members of AARP - $20 There are 2 classes scheduled for 2018. Please call Village Hall to schedule yourself into a class. Both days of the class are required for completion. Classes run 9am to 1pm on both days. Food and beverages are NOT provided.

April 10 & 11 June 12 & 13 Class Instructor: Richard Josd Location: Village Hall Community Room (entrance on east side of building) 10300 Roosevelt Rd Westchester, IL 60154 Register by calling Village Hall at 708-345-0020 and asking for Melissa F.

School District MARCH 2018

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News 8

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Notes

MARCH 2018

Westchester Hires New Village Manager The Village of Westchester is pleased to announce its recent hire of David Plyman, for the position of Village Manager.

Plyman comes to the Village of Westchester with 30 years of government experience, and has served as Village Manager for several communities in Illinois and Iowa. He most recently served as the Village Manager for the City of Rochelle, Illinois which experienced significant commercial and industrial growth during his six years as city administrator.

Plyman brings a unique set of public and private sector experiences in public administration, city planning and economic development.

During his time serving as city administrator for the various communities he has worked, Plyman has gained a wealth of experience in areas such as planning and development, personnel management, code enforcement, departmental reorganization, budgeting and downtown renewal.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to join the Westchester team”, Plyman said. “I am excited for the privilege to lead and work with Westchester’s group of talented and dedicated professionals who serve the village. As a team, we will work hard to address the challenges that Westchester faces while achieving the goals that it desires. I look forward to meeting residents and business leaders and becoming a part of the community,” he continued.

Plyman brings thirty years of city management experience to Westchester. Plyman’s city management career started in River Forest as assistant village administrator where he wrote the village’s first comprehensive plan and helped form the Lake Street Tax Increment Financing District. These planning and economic development efforts resulted in the successful redevelopment of River Forest’s Lake Street business district.

He also served as city administrator in two communities in southeast Iowa in which he oversaw major water and sewer system improvements, two downtown restorations and large commercial and institutional development projects. In Rochelle, Plyman negotiated economic development agreements that resulted in the construction of a number of large industrial and commercial projects as well as the expansion of city-owned utilities to serve these developments. While

at Rochelle, he also guided city departments through down-sizing and reorganization in an effort to reduce costs.

Plyman, 57, is a native of the Chicagoarea. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Northern Illinois University. He is married to Joann, a registered nurse, with whom he has two college-age sons and a daughter in high school.

David Plyman started his employment with the Village on February 20, 2018. He can be reached at dplyman@westchester-il.gov.

Water Billing Changed to Bi-Monthly Please be advised the Village is in the process of transitioning to a new bi-monthly billing cycle in regards to everyone’s water bill. During this transition, you will receive a final monthly bill in March (due March 21st, which is the remaining balance for February).

Once the bi-monthly cycle is in place, you will receive bills in the following months: May, July, September, and November for 2018. The due date will be the 21st of each odd month, unless the 21st falls on the weekend or holiday which will then be moved to the following business day.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this transition. We hope this change will better serve the residents of Westchester.

DIVINE PROVIDENCEDIVINE INFANT SENIOR (OVER 50) CLUB Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 7, 2018. It will be our St. Patrick/St. Joseph box luncheon meeting.

Doors open at 11:30am – lunch will be served at 12 noon, and our meeting will follow lunch. Paid tickets required for the luncheon.

NEW MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME. COME OUT AND ENJOY FRIENDSHIP, FUN AND LAUGHTER. Due are $15.00 per year, and you should be a registered parishioner at Divine Providence or Divine Infant.

Call Marilyn @ 708-236-5757 or Kay @ 708-562-3760, for an application.

Bethleham Woods, in LaGrange Park, is having a St. Joseph’s Table on Monday March 19, 2018 -----11:30am.

A $5.00 donation is suggested, and you must register if you wish to attend. Please Call Kay @ 708-5623760

Westchester Food Pantry News, Awards and Advocacy for February The Westchester Food Pantry has two new community partners: Thornton’s in Bellwood and Imperfect Produce. The Pantry has partnered with Imperfect Produce to provide fresh fruit and vegetables to clients each week. This partnership has more than doubled the amount of produce offered at the Westchester Food Pantry. Thornton’s (Bellwood location) chose the Westchester Food Pantry as its community partner and presented the Pantry with a check for $1500 in early January.

Additionally, Thornton’s is now a part of the Westchester Food Pantry’s food reclamation network.

Co-Director Kathleen Franzwa has been chosen by the Greater Chicago Food Depository to serve as a community advocate at the National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference and Lobby Day at the end of February in Washington, D.C. There, Kathleen will serve as a voice for those in our area affected by food insecurity, and advocate for services and funding on their behalf. “We need more help for those affected by hunger, especially our seniors,” states Kathleen. “We must do better for the vulnerable members of our communities.”

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Community Development 10

MARCH 2018

Detached Garages on Alleys Did you know all detached garages adjacent to alleys must have address numbers on them. This will help the Police and Fire Departments respond to events such as garage break-ins, in progress crimes and medical/fire emergencies. The goal is to easily identify the correct location instead of counting houses from the corner, or identifying where a problem exists that needs to be addressed.

Garages shall have address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the alley fronting the property. These numbers shall: • Contrast with their background • Be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters.

• Be a minimum of 4 inches in height with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch.

Junk Vehicles • Did you know that all junk motor vehicles are required to be garaged when in a residential district. “Junk vehicle” means any vehicle which is in a wrecked, dismantled, partly dismantled, burned or inoperative condition. A junk vehicle is also a motor vehicle from which, for a period of at least seven days, the engine, wheels, or other parts have been removed, or on which the engine, wheels or other parts have been altered, damaged or otherwise so treated that the vehicle is incapable of being driven under its own motor power. If you see any junk vehicles, please give Community Development a call at 708-345-0199.

With spring around the corner, the Village wants to remind residents to be prepared for severe weather. To prepare for severe weather you should do the following: The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property before severe weather: • Build an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car in case you are told to evacuate. This kit should also include a pair of goggles and disposable breathing masks for each member of the family.

• Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.

• Continually monitor the media – Be aware of storm’s which could impact your area.

• Know how you will be warned in an emergency (NOAA Weather radios with a tone alert are a good option).

• Know if you live or work in a flood prone area. Check with your local emergency management for details.

• Know where to shelter (ie: basement, interior room/hall, bathroom, closet, etc) if conditions warrant and where shelters in your area are located.

• Ensure your home is ready – Elevate items in the basement which could be flooded. Bring in outdoors items such as children’s toys, patio furniture, garbage cans, etc which could be blown around and damaged. Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.

• Know how to shut off utilities, including power, water and gas, to your home. Have proper tools (i.e.: wrench) ready and nearby.

• Find out what types of events and kinds of damages are covered by your insurance policy. Keep insurance policies, important documents and other valuables in a safe and secure location.

• Keep fire extinguishers on hand and make sure everyone knows how to use them.

Information above was prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For more tips on what to do during and after severe weather, check the FEMA’s website at http://www.ready.gov/severe-weather

Chamber

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St. Joseph 12

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St. Joseph MARCH 2018

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School District MARCH 2018

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School District 16

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School District MARCH 2018

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School District 18

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Library 20

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Library MARCH 2018

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Calender 22

MARCH 2018

Thursday, March 1

Divine Providence Parish- 7:30am Mass, 8am Lenten Reflection Series, 7:30pm Adult Choir Rehearsals 2550 Mayfair Ave. www.dprov.org

Friday, March 2 Divine Providence Parish7:30am Communion Service and Eucharistic Adoration 8am-4pm, 7pm Stations of the Cross 2550 Mayfair Ave. www.dprov.org Westchester Community Church Events Fish-fry 4:30 - 7:00; 1840 Westchester Blvd.

2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org

the Gym.

Saturday, March 10

Sunday, March 18

Divine Providence Parish- LENTEN FOOD DRIVE this weekend. Confessions 3:15-3:45 and 4pm Anticipated Mass in Church. Manna Certificate Sale after Masses.

2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org

Divine Providence Parish- 8:30am and 10:30am Mass in Church. 9:30am St. Joseph’s Table serving until 12:30pm in the Gym. 2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org

Sunday, March 11

Westchester Community Church Events - 2nd Annual Fellowship Concert Music Extravaganza at 3:30 p.m.; 1840 Westchester Blvd.

Divine Providence Parish- Confessions 3:153:45 and 4pm Anticipated Mass in Church 2550 Mayfair Ave. www.dprov.org

Divine Providence Parish- LENTEN FOOD DRIVE this weekend. 8:30am and 10:30am Mass in Church – 11:30am Peace by Piece Workshop. 11:30am Confirmation Rehearsal in the Church, Manna Certificate Sale after Masses.

2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org

Sunday, March 4

Monday, March 12

Divine Providence Parish- 8:30am Mass and 10:30am Mass 2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org

Divine Providence Parish- 7:30am Mass, 10am Prayer and Faith Committee meeting, 4:15pm Religious Education Classes 2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org

Divine Providence Parish-7:30am Mass in Church. 7pm Multi-parish Lenten Reconciliation

Tuesday, March 13

Wednesday, March 21

Divine Providence Parish- 7:30am Mass. 7pm Lenten Mission at St. Louise de Marillac, 7pm St. Vincent DePaul Meeting in the Ministry Center 2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org

Divine Providence Parish-8:00am Mass in Church with School Children attending and 4:30pm Tai Chi Chuan for Wellness Class in Church Narthex.

Saturday, March 3

Monday, March 5 Divine Providence Parish-7:30am Mass - No Religious Education Classes 2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org Casimir Pulaski Day, SCHOOL WILL BE IN SESSION

Monday, March 19 Divine Providence Parish-7:30am Mass in Church. 4:15pm Religious Education Classes 6pm Renew My Church Town Hall Meeting in the Mayfair Room 2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org

Tuesday, March 20

8:30am and 10:30am Mass in Church. Manna Certificate Sales after Mass.

2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org

Monday, March 26 Divine Providence Parish- 7:30am Mass. No RE classes.

2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org Spring Break begins

Tuesday, March 27 Divine Providence Parish- 7:30am Mass 2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org

Wednesday, March 28 Divine Providence Parish-8:00am Mass in Church and 4:30pm Tai Chi Chuan for Wellness Class in Church Narthex.

Thursday, March 29 Divine Providence Parish – Holy Thursday 7:30am Morning Prayer, Half Day of School 11:30 dismissal, 7:30pm Mass of the Lords Supper, 8:30pm Evening Watch

Friday, March 30 Divine Providence Parish – Good Friday 7:30am Morning Prayer, 3pm and 7pm Passion of Our Lord

WMS Charity Games (4:00-6:00 PM)

Tuesday, March 6

Wednesday, March 14

Divine Providence Parish-7:30am Mass, 7pm Lenten Mission at Divine Infant 2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org

Divine Providence Parish- 8:00am Mass in Church with School Children attending, 4:30pm Tai Chi Chuan for Wellness Class in Church Narthex, 7:30pm Sacrament of Confirmation 2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org

Board of Education Committee of the Whole Meeting / State of the District Presentation at WMS (6:00 PM)

Thursday, March 22 Divine Providence Parish-7:30am Mass in Church- 8am Lenten Reflection in the Ministry Center 9:30am Quilters Guild Meeting in the Ministry Center and 7:30pm Adult Choir Rehearsal in Church.

2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org

WPS / WIS Spring Picture Day PARCC Assessments, Grades 3-8 (March 6-23)

Wednesday, March 7 Divine Providence Parish-8:00am Mass in Church with School Children attending, 4:30pm Tai Chi Chuan for Wellness Class in Church Narthex, 7pm Vespers 2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org

Thursday, March 8 Divine Providence Parish-7:30am Mass in Church- 8am Lenten Reflection Series, 9:30am Quilters Guild Meeting in the Ministry Center and 7:30pm Adult Choir Rehearsal in Church.

2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org

Friday, March 9 Divine Providence Parish7:30am Communion Service in Church followed by St. Peregrine Devotion, 5pm Lenten Simple Supper, 7pm Stations of the Cross

Thursday, March 15 Divine Providence Parish- 7:30am Mass. 8am Lenten Reflection in the Ministry Center and 7:30pm Adult Choir Rehearsal in Church.

2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org EC /PreK Screening @ WPS (by appointment only).

WPS Grade 2 Fine Arts Celebration (6:30 PM)

Board of Education Meeting at WMS (Cafeteria @ 7:00 PM)

Friday, March 23 Divine Providence Parish- 7:30am Communion Service in Church. Stations of the Cross at 7pm in Church.

2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org School Improvement Early Release Day (see school calendar for time schedule)

Friday, March 16

Saturday, March 24

Divine Providence Parish- 7:30am Communion Service in Church. Stations of the Cross at 7pm in Church

Divine Providence Parish- Lenten Retreat 10-3 in the Mayfair Room. Confessions 3:153:45 and 4pm Anticipated Mass in Church.

Manna Certificate Sales after Mass.

2550 Mayfair www.dprov.org

Saturday, March 17 Divine Providence Parish- Confessions 3:153:45 and 4pm Anticipated Mass in Church.

5pm St. Joseph’s Table serving until 7pm in

Sunday, March 25 Divine Providence Parish- Palm Sunday -

Westchester Community Church Events Fish-fry 4:30 - 7:00; 1840 Westchester Blvd.

School District Closed

Saturday, March 31 Divine Providence Parish – Holy Saturday 7:30am Morning Prayer, 9am RCIA Rehearsal and Brunch, Noon Blessing of Easter Baskets, 7:30pm Easter Vigil

Tuesday, April 2 Spring break ends - classes resume Board of Education Committee of the Whole Meeting at WMS (6:30 PM)

Wednesday, April 3 Board of Education Committee of the Whole Meeting at WMS (6:30 PM)

Thursday, April 4 WPS Kindergarten Pre-Registration for 20182019 (4:00-6:00 PM)

Friday, April 5 WMS Mandatory Washington, D.C. Parent Meeting (6:30 PM)

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Park District 24

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