News Briefs: Wilmette’s Black History contest is open; Give feedback on local roadway safety; Gap Year Fair coming to New Trier this week

Wilmette’s Human Relations Commission has opened its annual Black History Month competition.

This year, the theme is African Americans and Labor for the poster, essay/poetry, video or music contest. According to the Village of Wilmette, the theme asks contestants to explore the way work intersects with the collective experiences of Black people.

Contestants must be Wilmette residents or students enrolled in grades K-12, and entries are due Feb. 21 either by email (phyfers@wilmette.com) or in person at the Wilmette Village Hall, 1200 Wilmette Ave.

Contest winners will receive a gift card and a recognition certificate (presented at a Village Board meeting) and their works will be displayed online, at the library and at Village Hall.

For more information on the theme, the Village suggests visiting the websites of National Education Association, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History or the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Roadway-safety survey and interactive map open for north-suburban residents

Cook County is seeking public input on roadway safety.

The Cook County Safety Action Plan is part of a regionwide initiative called Safe Travel for All “to reduce and eliminate serious injuries and deaths on northeastern Illinois’ roads,” according to a website on the program.

The county is asking travelers of all kinds (drivers, bikers, walkers or public transiters) to fill out an online survey and to identify dangerous traveling locations on the interactive Safety Hotspots Map.

According to the site, “Safe Travel for All is a people-focused, equitable approach to improving traffic safety in northeastern Illinois by creating safety action plans for counties in the region. Communities are reimagining streets that are safer for people of all ages and abilities, whether walking, biking, driving, or using mobility devices like wheelchairs or walkers. There are many variables impacting how safe we feel when walking, biking, taking public transportation and driving on a daily basis. When answering these survey questions, keep in mind what makes you feel safe while getting around.”

New Trier will host USA Gap Year Fair on Jan. 25

Open to Chicago-area students and parents, the local USA Gap Year Fair is on Saturday, Jan. 25, at New Trier High School’s Winnetka campus, 385 Winnetka Ave.

Interested Chicago-area students and parents can learn about gap year options and connect with gap year program providers face-to-face. The event will begin with a Gap Year 101 Presentation and live Q&A from noon-1 p.m., followed by the Gap Year Fair from 1-3 p.m.

Registration for the free event is open online.

USA Gap Year Fairs is an annual circuit of 30-40 events that brings together reputable gap year organizations, interested students and parents, educational professionals, and gap year experts.

For more information on USA Gap Year Fairs, visit Go Overseas’ website.

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