Play details life during the Depression

Performances of a play detailing one of the most trying times in American history continue this weekend.

Written and directed by Dan Scott of Des Plaines, "Rise and Shine" examines the struggles of a Des Plaines family during the Great Depression and their attempts to lift themselves up.

The play will be presented by the Des Plaines Historical Society at 8 p.m. Fridays, 7 p.m. Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through April 27 at the Fisher-Wright House, 815 Center St.

Tickets cost $15 on Fridays and Saturdays and $13 Sundays for adults; $13 and $11 for students and seniors.

Since it's performed in the 1916 Fisher-Wright house, "Rise and Shine" invites the audience to experience a bit of local history as they watch the lives of the Lieber family unfold.

For more information call (847) 391-5399 or visit www.desplaineshistory.org/home/rise_and_shine_play.

Elk Grove soldier gets thanks: Phillip Drwila, 39, a native of Elk Grove Village and a soldier stationed in Iraq, has picked up kudos from a fourth-grade class at Hometown School in south-suburban Hometown.

Twenty-five students sent letters to Drwila, who is teacher Kate Noskowiak's cousin.

Drwila, who enlisted at age 35, wrote individual responses to each student, answering questions about what it's like to be serving in the Army in Iraq.

D62 honors longtime employees: Des Plaines Elementary District 62 will say "thanks" to employees with 25 years of service on Monday.

The following staff will be honored:

• Gloria Gryzik, SPARK Program-Terrace;

• Susan Garcia-Roe, ELL Resource Teacher-Orchard Place;

• Judith Lubben, SPARK Coordinator-Terrace;

• Donald Hupfauer, Head Custodian-Central; and

• Barbara Westerman, Administrative Assistant, ELL/Spanish-Forest.

A reception will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. at Forest Elementary School's multipurpose room, 1375 Fifth Ave., Des Plaines.

Later on Monday, they will be recognized at the school board meeting.