News Briefs: Ravinia reopens for 2021 season; New Trier Science Olympiad heads to state; Household-item drive set for April 10

Ravinia Festival plans to reopen in July for the 2021 summer season after closing down last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The full lineup of 2021 concerts will be announced in late April along with the protocols for attendance, an announcement on the Ravinia website says.

“The health of our audiences, artists, community, and staff is our priority, and our decisions have been supported by guidance from state and local health officials as well as consultation with Northwestern Medicine,” the website says.

The only performance listed as of press time is the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which will return in July to “its summer home at Ravinia for its annual six-week summer residency.”

All performances will take place outside in Ravinia’s pavilion, with reserved-in-advance, distanced seating offered in the pavilion, on the lawn and al fresco at our dining spaces, according to the website.

“There will be reduced audience capacity and reduced numbers of artists onstage at all concerts this season to maintain a healthy environment,” the site adds.

New Trier Science Olympiad advances to state competition

On March 6, New Trier Science Olympiad sent one varsity and two junior varsity teams to compete at the Oakton College Regional.

According to a school press release, New Trier won first place in the varsity category out of 11 teams with a strong score of 24 points. New Trier’s varsity Science Olympiad team and additional students competing in trial events will compete for one of two bids to nationals at the state competition April 10 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Overall, varsity earned first-place medals in 15 events, second-place medals in three events and one fifth-place medal at regionals. The two JV teams earned first-place medals in 21 events, second-place medals in 16 events and third-place medals in two events, per the release.

Donate housewares to Chicago Furniture Bank on April 10 in Winnetka

New Trier Township and the Winnetka Presbyterian Church are sponsoring a housewares collection for the Chicago Furniture Bank from 10a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 10, at the church, 1255 Willow Road, Winnetka.

Chicago Furniture Bank is a not-for-profit organization that provides dignity, stability and comfort to Chicagoans leaving temporary shelters and moving into permanent housing with few household belongings, according to a township press release.

Requested items:

• Plates, bowls, glasses/cups

• Utensils

• Pots and pans

• Small appliances

• Lamps

• Artwork

According to the release, this is a contactless donation event. Staff and volunteers will be wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Donations will be taken from the hatchback or trunk of the vehicle in the church parking lot at Willow and Hibbard roads in Winnetka.

For more information about the Chicago Furniture Bank, visit www.chicagofurniturebank.org or call (312) 752-0211.

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