News Briefs: Special performance coming to local church; Kenilworth road work begins Monday; New principal for West School; Rotary walk-a-thon details

Kenilworth Union Church, 211 Kenilworth Ave., will welcome the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club for a performance at 7 p.m. Friday, May 13.

According to a press release from the church, Kenilworth Union members are among the glee club’s alumni and the current singers will stop in Kenilworth as part of their spring tour, “To Repair.”

No tickets are necessary, and all are welcome to attend.

Founded in 1859, the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club is the second oldest collegiate chorus in the United States. The celebrated ensemble has performed at countless renowned venues, such as the Kennedy Center, the World Series, and several American Choral Directors Association conventions, the release says.

Professor Mark Stover will conduct the concern, which “highlights the world premiere of composer Tesfa Wondemagegnehu’s multi-movement work “To Repair,” a poignant piece that incorporates elements of African-American spirituals and text from notable Black authors to confront racial inequity and inspire hope for a better future.”

Wondemagegnehu said in the release, “The ‘To Repair’ Project asks the performer and audience to look inward and repair before external repair begins. I’m excited that the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club is premiering this unsanitized score with the world. After arriving in Ann Arbor and kickin’ it with them for a few days, I knew this to be true.”

The concert will also feature works by eight other composers (Benjamin Britten, Uzee Brown, Michael McGlynn, Connor Koppin, Rosephanye Powell, Robert Schumann, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Timothy C. Takach) and some rousing renditions of University of Michigan repertoire, making it a great show for all ages and preferences.

Lane closures at Sheridan and Woodstock for at least one week

Utility work will close traffic lanes near the intersection of Sheridan Road and Woodstock Avenue in Kenilworth starting Monday, May 9.

The Village of Kenilworth will begin the installation of a new sewer connection in the location and just one lane of the roadway will be clear between 7 a.m.-7 p.m. through Friday, May 13, according to a release from the Village.

Village officials expect traffic to be at its worst between 8-8:45 a.m. as New Trier High School students and families travel to the school’s location in Winnetka.

The work reportedly will continue in the area the week of May 16 as well, but “the traffic impact is expected to be lighter,” the village says.

The construction is part of the $7 million Phase II of the Village’s Green Streets project to mitigate flooding.

Glencoe District 35 names new West School principal

The Glencoe District 35 Board of Education confirmed on Thursday, May 5, Dr. Jeannie Sung as the new principal of West School effective July 1.

Sung has been a principal in Glenview District 34 and the head of school at St. Johnsbury Academy in South Korea.

“With building leadership experience spanning nearly two decades in both local and international schools, Dr. Sung offers a wealth of valuable experiences to share with our community,” wrote Superintendent Catherine Wang in a statement.

Sung will take over for Erika Zuhr, who has been with Glencoe D35 for 16 years, serving as West School principal for the past year. Dr. David Rongey was the school principal prior to Zuhr and retired in 2021 after 21 years with Glencoe D35.

“I am honored and beyond thrilled to join the Glencoe District 35 family,” Sung said in a statement. “I look forward to supporting our West School students and staff by continuing the tradition of educational excellence through strong partnerships built around the themes of community and belonging.”

Walk-a-thon has begun

Area rotary clubs are uniting to sponsor the Rotary Hope Walk for the Homeless, which includes a walk-a-thon from May 5-14 and a 5K event May 14 at Gillson Park in Wilmette.

Joining forces are clubs representing Wilmette, Wilmette Harbor, Winnetka/Northfield, Evanston, Evanston Lighthouse and Skokie Valley.

Proceeds from the event will go to organizations like Connections for the Homeless and La Case Norte to support those experiencing homelessness in Chicagoland.

Participants will solicit pledges of $2-$10 per mile walked. Walkers can participate from anywhere between May 5-14, or join a group in Gillson on May 14.

To register or for more information, visit wilmetterotary.org.

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