Neighbors in the news
"The Blue Arm," a photographic fine art work by Arlington Heights artist Gary Swiontek, was selected for inclusion in "EXPLORATIONS 2008 - New Works by New Artists," a juried exhibition of works by emerging artists. The exhibition will be on display from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays beginning Dec. 10 through Jan. 7, at The Art Center, 1957 Sheridan Road, in Highland Park. For information, call (847) 432-9106 or theartcenterhp.org.
• Meghan Hanrahan, a member of Artistry in Motion, the resident dance company of the Des Plaines Park District won a free scholarship to attend the Pulse 2009 convention after auditioning at this year's convention on Nov. 15 and 16. Hanrahan and members of Artistry in Motion attended classes at Pulse with world-renown choreographers including Mia Michaels, Trce Diorio, Chris Judd and ballroom champions Tony Meredith and Melanie.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Northwest Suburban announced that Dr. Maxim Chasanov, medical director of the Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health in Arlington Heights, was named NAMI Illinois Psychiatrist of the Year.
The award recognizes a physician who either through direct care to consumers or their involvement with, and support of, a NAMI Illinois affiliate, has contributed to the lives of NAMI Illinois members.
Additionally, Todd Shields was the recipient of the John Rowley Excellence in Journalism Award; Starr Roberts was named Outstanding Family Support Group Facilitator for her service and dedication to the NAMI Family Support Group program; and Donna Watt was named Outstanding Consumer Support Group Facilitator for her service and dedication to the NAMI Connections Recovery Support Group program.
All the recipients were recognized at NAMI Illinois' State Education Conference held at the Hilton Hotel in Lisle/Naperville. The awards were presented by Lora Thomas, executive director of NAMI Illinois.
• The Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution honored the following high school seniors as recipients of the DAR Good Citizens Award: Oliver Rose, Adlai E. Stevenson High School; Anna Brodarick, Carmel Catholic High School; Emily Buehler, Libertyville High School; Byran Whitson, Mundelein High School; and Kirsten Groody, Vernon Hills High School.
The faculty of each high school selected the senior student who best demonstrated the qualities of good citizenship in their home, school and community with an emphasis upon dependability, leadership and patriotism.
The Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter will honor the students during a special awards program in February.