Community Events and Achievements

Swing Dance Soiree in Oak Park

Fans of swing dance can join the Spring Soiree Dance from 5 to 8 p.m. on June 12. It will be held at Oak Park Arms Senior Living, located at 408 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. The Swing Set Big Band will perform music from the 1950s and 1960s. Attendees can enjoy hors d’oeuvres from 5 to 6 p.m., with music and dancing from 6 to 8 p.m. While admission is free, registration is necessary to ensure sufficient space and refreshments. Contact 708-386-4040 or visit oakparkarms.com for more information.

Jazz Performance at La Grange Church

Jazz vocalist Alyssa Algood will feature in a community concert series at the First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, 150 S. Ashland Ave. The concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. on June 16 on the church lawn, weather permitting. Attendees should bring lawn chairs or blankets and snacks. Algood will perform jazz standards and original songs alongside a pianist. The concert series takes place every third Tuesday of the month. More details are available at FPCLG.org.

Oak Park & River Forest Symphony Concert

The Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest will host a performance at 4 p.m. on June 14 at the chapel at Concordia University. The event will feature the premiere of “Piano Concerto No. 1” by orchestra principal cellist Alexander Groesch, with Mio Nakamura on the piano. Other pieces include Bruch’s “Violin Concerto No. 1” by violinist Nikki Chooi and Joseph Suk’s “Märchen,” meaning “fairy tale.” A reception will follow, and a pre-concert talk will start at 3 p.m. Free parking is at 1124 Bonnie Brae. Tickets cost $30 until June 13, and are $5 more on the day of the concert. Students, including college students, can attend free of charge. Purchase tickets at SymphonyOPRF.org, call 708-218-2648, or email [email protected].

Elmwood Park Student Recognized for Volunteer Work

Dylan Ramirez of Elmwood Park received the 2026 Illinois Community College Trustees Association Gregg Chadwick Student Success Award. This statewide award recognizes students who demonstrate extraordinary volunteerism. Ramirez, who graduated with a psychology degree from Triton College, plans to transfer to a four-year university to work with adolescents. He was awarded a $1,000 scholarship on June 5 during the association’s awards banquet. At Triton College, Ramirez served in various leadership roles and organized events to promote mental health awareness. He expressed pride in his accomplishments.

Elmhurst Church Hosts Juneteenth Celebration

St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, located at 125 W. Church St. in Elmhurst, will host a Juneteenth event from 9:30 a.m. to noon on June 14. The event celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S. The collaboration with Christfirst United Methodist Church will feature worship, the Evon Sams jazz combo, games, a bouncy house, lunch, and Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream. Participants should bring a dish to share. Register via stpeterselmhurst.org or call 630-530-6000.

SafeLIGHT Foundation’s Teen Driving Ambassadors

The SafeLIGHT Foundation named its class of Teen Ambassadors, each receiving a $2,500 scholarship. The program promotes safe driving and includes students from nine area high schools. Ambassadors are tasked with educating peers on driving risks and responsibilities. The foundation has awarded $138,000 to more than 50 teens, working with 21 schools in the Chicago area. Applications for the next class are accepted at safelightfoundation.com/teen-ambassador-program.

Scottish Festival and Highland Games

The 40th Scottish Festival and Highland Games will occur from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 12 and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 13 at the DuPage Event Center & Fairgrounds in Wheaton. The family-friendly event features Highland dancing, children’s activities, the largest bagpiping championship in North America, and a British car show. Proceeds benefit Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care. Children 11 and under enter free, with free parking available. Buy tickets online for savings. Single-day, weekend, and VIP passes are at chicagoscots.org.