Still time to see Jean Rossi paintings at Des Plaines library

Des Plaines resident and artist Jean Rossi is having his paintings showcased at the Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood Ave., through January. Rossi, who began painting when he retired from practice as a clinical psychologist in 1995, started his studies at Oakton Community College and continues to take courses with Jim Krauss, Mark Palmiri and Davida Schulman. Rossi likes to use photos from his extensive travels as subjects for his paintings. He enjoys working with acrylic and watercolors.

• Taylor Easterling, 16, a sophomore at Conant High School in Hoffman Estates, received several awards in November from the Illinois Hunter Jumper Association.

Easterling earned Champion, Junior Hunter Division and Champion Equitation, both in the 15- 17-year-old category. She also received two special awards: Junior Hunter Grand Champion and the Showplace Productions Junior Rider Challenge Trophy.

• The Maine Township High School District 207 board of education has given Nicole DeMali of Maine South, Leo Porroa of Maine West and Jennifer Youkhana of Maine East its January "207s Best" honors for improved performance.

The "207s Best" program recognizes outstanding students each month throughout the school year. Teachers nominate students and an executive committee makes the final decision.

• Peter Goschy of Mount Prospect, regional vice president senior services and administrator of St. Benedict Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Niles, will co-chair the 15th annual Monarch Ball, the black-tie benefit for Resurrection Health Care, March 7, at the Hilton Chicago. His co-chair is Mary Anne Harper, a registered nurse and clinical manager for maternal child services at St. Joseph Hospital.

• Bartlett resident Barbara Lockwood was honored for her five years of service to Aurora University during the second annual Fall Founders Convocation in December.

• David J. Parks was appointed by the Palatine Public Library District board of trustees to fill the vacancy created when Trustee Peter Salter resigned in November. Parks, a 32-year resident of the library district, was sworn in at the regular meeting on Jan. 14.