A poetry reading by poet Major Jackson is open to the public at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 26 in the Cornog Theatre at New Trier High School’s Northfield campus, 7 Happ Road.

The kick-off event also features New Trier students reciting their work to kick off New Trier’s 21st annual Lit Fest, a free event (RSVP here) put on by the school’s English department.

Aside from a poetry reading, Jackson will participate in a Q&A. Jackson is the Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Chair of Humanities at Vanderbilt University, the poetry editor of the Harvard Review, the author of six books of poetry (including his recent new and selected “Razzle Dazzle”), and the host of the popular podcast “The Slowdown.”

Lit Fest receives funding assistance from the New Trier Educational Foundation and an endowment created from New Trier alumnus Hale Curtis in memory of his mother, Phyllis Barbara Marschall, who graduated from New Trier in 1947. 

“My mother enjoyed reading (and) she always had a book in her hand, fiction or non-fiction,” Curtis said. “Supporting Lit Fest would be a fitting tribute to her memory.” 

Jackson will also lead workshops for the English Department during its professional development retreat and for students the following day during Lit Fest, where he will be joined by 18 other world-renowned professionals with expertise in journalism, oral storytelling, playwrighting, poetry, translating, songwriting, fiction and nonfiction writing, podcasting, and comic art. 

“In supporting this dialogue between artists and students, this gift from Mr. Curtis will honor his mother’s legacy of valuing a well-rounded education for all New Trier students, one that transcends barriers, touches hearts, and inspires students to create,” English Department Chair Ed Zwirner said in a press release.

‘Finding Nemo Kids’ now open from Highland Park Players

Highland Park Players debuted its most recent show, “Finding Nemo Kids,” on Feb. 8 and the performances continue through Feb. 22 at the Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road in Highland Park.

Remaining shows are at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Feb. 15 and 22, and Sunday, Feb. 16. Tickets are available online. 

“I am so excited to bring ‘Finding Nemo’ to the stage with Highland Park Players,” said Jeri Hart, the show’s director/choreographer. “I love working with young performers. Their talent and enthusiasm is sure to bring joy to audiences of all ages!” 

The production stars Brielle Horwitch (Nemo), Bobby Schaefer (Marlin), Kylie Kaplan (Dory), Portia Chaimson (Sheldon/Gurgle), Vivian Davis (Sheldon’s parent/Nigel), Camil Duliman (Bruce/Gil), Evan Fenton (Squirt), Ari Gerdes (Professor Ray/Crush), Campbell Hinsley (Tad/Bubbles), Mateo Martinez (Chum/Bloat), Lexi Tabachow (Pearl’s parent/Peach), Roxie Tabachow (Pearl) and Henry Tilghman (Tad’s Parent/Anchor). 

The production team features Jacob Cohen (producer/pr), Jeri Hart (director/choreographer), Aaron Kaplan (music director), Carol Lee Wax (producing advisor), Christopher Finch (costume/prop/set designer), Richard Neumann (sound designer), Bee Wold (production assistant), Sarah Tilford (marketing), and Sydney Cowie (tickets). 

“The Highland Park Players are excited to be presenting this spectacular production that is going to be not only interactive but for kids by kids,” Cohen said.

The Highland Park Players is a nonprofit with a mission to enrich, educate and entertain the community by providing area residents with the opportunity to attend and participate in a superior theater experience. 

Other shows this season are: “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” in concert in March and “Rent” in July.

Winnetka Park District awarded at annual conference

The Winnetka Park District marketing team and Park Board president were recognized at the recent Illinois Park and Recreation Association conference and the Illinois Association of Park Districts Soaring to New Heights conference.

The marketing team won several awards:

• First place: Agency Showcase Award for the district’s virtual brochure.

• Third place: Sports category for a tug-of-war photo taken by Kate Erickson, the district’s organization manager.

• Honorable mention: Recreation, people at play category for a photo of the easter egg hunt by Skylar Greenberg.

“We are thrilled to receive these honors, which speak to the ongoing efforts of the marketing team to engage with the community,” Erickson said in a statement. “It’s inspiring to learn from others in the industry and continue improving how we connect with our residents.”

Additionally, Park Board President Christina Codo earned a master board member designation from the Illinois Association of Park Districts on Jan. 25. It is the highest distinction in the IAPD’s Board Member Development Program.

To earn this status, members reportedly must participate in educational opportunities, attend events, serve on committees, and demonstrate leadership at local, state and national levels.

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