News Briefs: NS Art League celebrates centennial; HP offers enhanced recycling; Glencoe tennis courts reopen; Forum will discuss library renovations

The North Shore Art League marked its 100th anniversary with a gala at the Community House in Winnetka on Sept. 27, when faculty, students, artists and community members viewed artwork and celebrated the organization’s legacy.

The gala featured a variety of art displays, including the 100th Annual Members’ Show, a “100 paintings for 100 years” mosaic wall featuring contributions from league artists and New Trier High School art students. Proceeds from the mosaic wall were donated to support the NSAL’s educational outreach programs.

In addition, a faculty/alumni/board art show was in the main studio, and attendees enjoyed live music from New Trier High School jazz musicians William Jesse and Vincent Anderson. Moments from the evening were captured by local artists Sarah Kaiser-Amaral and Emma Costello.

“What an incredible evening,” said Linda Nelson, NSAL executive director. “We were delighted to celebrate 100 years of art in the community in our original studio. Many of our former and current faculty members, students, and community members attended the gala, and the board, staff, and volunteers worked hard to ensure its success.”

Founded in 1924, the NSAL is one of the oldest art leagues in the United States. The nonprofit organization offers classes, workshops, and summer camps in a variety of mediums, aiming to make art accessible to people of all ages.

New program can help recycle plastics for Highland Parkers

Residents of Highland Park may soon be able to recycle more types of plastic with the launch of Hefty’s ReNew program this fall, according to information from the City of Highland Park.

The program aims to divert hard-to-recycle plastics from landfills and promote the use of recycled materials.

Through the program, residents can collect non-PET plastics — such as Styrofoam, plastic grocery bags, food wrappers, shipping packaging, plastic utensils and straws, and food storage bags — in Hefty’s designated orange ReNew bags. These bags can then be placed in designated LRS Recycling bins.

LRS reportedly sorts bags, repurposing collected plastics into plastic lumber sold by Firstar Fiber Corporation.

“The ReNew program is one way to help divert these resources away from landfills, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, increase efficiency at recycling facilities, and improve the quality of other recycled materials,” according to the program announcement.

Residents should soon, if not already, receive a starter kit containing one Hefty ReNew bag and a program guide.

Additional information on the program and a list of accepted materials can be found on HeftyReNew.com, on the orange ReNew bags and on cartons with a corresponding QR code.

More renovated Glencoe tennis courts reopen

The Glencoe Park District announced the reopening of the tennis courts at Berlin Park following a full-court renovation. The courts have been closed since mid-July and are now available for play.

The renovation project aimed to enhance the courts’ aesthetics, functionality and safety. In addition to the Berlin Park courts, the Watts Park tennis courts are also set to reopen this month after their own renovation.

These reopenings mark a significant milestone as three out of the Glencoe Park District’s five racket courts have been updated since the beginning of 2023, according to a release from the district. The district will next renovate Shelton and West Park.

“We believe these renovations will not only elevate the quality of our amenities but will also contribute to a vibrant and welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy,” said Lisa Sheppard, executive director of the Glencoe Park District. “We thank the community for their patience and support throughout these transformations and cannot wait to see our locals enjoying the updated courts.”

Learn about Glencoe library renovations on Oct. 14

The Glencoe Public Library will host a public forum from 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, to discuss proposed renovations to the library building.

Representatives from the Chicago architectural firm Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill will present their initial plans for the renovation project. The firm was hired by the Library Board in April to develop a master space plan for the project, which aims to address existing building issues and modernize the library’s interior spaces, grounds and infrastructure.

According to Roger Parfitt, president of the Glencoe Library Board, the board’s goal is to create a more “modern, comfortable building that meets the current needs” of the community while preserving the library’s historical integrity.

“In the board’s 2023 strategic planning process, we learned that Glencoe wants to retain the library’s warm and welcoming character, particularly the beautiful façade on Park Avenue and the vaulted ceiling in the Johnson Room,” said Parfitt in a news release.

He added, “Before the SOM team finalizes their ideas, we need to hear from Glencoe residents,” said Parfitt.

Built in 1941, the Glencoe Public Library has undergone several renovations over the years. The last major renovation was completed in 2001 and expanded the library’s space by approximately 20%.

Additional information about the project can be found on the library’s website under About Us/Building Plans (glencoelibrary.org/building-plans).

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