News Briefs: NSCD seniors become Eagle Scouts; Make A Difference Day is Saturday; HP mayor picks up special honor

Three seniors from North Shore Country Day have achieved or are nearing the achievement of their Eagle Scout rank, which is attained by less than 5% of Scouts.

To reach the special status, Scouts must complete an Eagle Scout project.

Nolan Darnieder, of Kenilworth Troop 13, is constructing wheelchair-accessible garden beds at Lake Forest Place, an assisted living community. The project will allow wheelchair users in the community to access the garden.

Isabel Roberts, a member of Winnetka Troop 20G, partnered with her fourth-grade teacher at Hubbard Woods School to enhance Bell Woods. The project involved building birdhouses, bat houses, insect homes and an outdoor classroom; planting native plants; and creating a resource binder for students.

Kelly Wyne, of Highland Park and a member of Lake Forest Troop 46, planned, fundraised and constructed a privacy fence at Woodlands Academy, providing a secluded area for community events and polling near the school’s Gloria Dei Center.

In a release from NSCD, the students shared their experiences and advice for fellow Scouts. Darnieder emphasized perseverance and finding a project that aligns with personal passions. Roberts highlighted the importance of preparation, self-belief and adaptiveness. Wyne, whose family has a strong Scouting background, stressed the value of perseverance and the life skills Scouting provides.

Make a Difference Day is Saturday in Winnetka

The Volunteer Center is calling on community members to donate gently used goods to support 14 local nonprofits at its 22nd annual Make A Difference Day from 9 a.m.-noon this Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Indian Hill Train Station in Winnetka, 111 Green Bay Road.

Donation needs include: children’s clothing, educational toys, adult bikes, men’s and women’s clothing, pet supplies, and musical instruments. Each participating nonprofit has specific needs, with a full list available at VolunteerCenterHelps.org.

“Make A Difference Day is a great opportunity for our community to come together, upcycle unused items, and support local nonprofits that help those in need,” said Bridget Lewis, executive director of The Volunteer Center.

Donations must be sorted, bagged and labeled for each nonprofit prior to dropoff.

Some organizations accepting donations are:

• Binary Heart: Computers, iPhones, iPads & more.
• Books4Cause: Gently used books, CDs, DVDs, vinyl.
• Connections for the Homeless: Men’s coats, gym shoes, jeans, t-shirts, backpacks, and more.
• Salvation Army: Sports equipment.
• Share Our Spare: Infant and toddler clothing, diapers, formula, and baby foods.

The Volunteer Center is a 60-year-old organization dedicated to connecting individuals, families, and service groups with nonprofit opportunities in New Trier Township and surrounding communities.

Rotering selected for Alumnae of NU honor

Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering recently was awarded The Alumnae of Northwestern University’s 2024 Alumnae Award, an honor that recognizes alumnae who have made significant contributions to their fields and achieved national recognition, according to a release from The Alumnae.

The Alumnae of Northwestern University is a women’s organization founded in 1916.

Rotering, a fourth-term mayor, was recognized for her work in reforming city government, promoting transparency and collaboration, and prioritizing fiscal responsibility, according to the release.

“Her leadership has led to significant investments in infrastructure and public safety, while also promoting community vibrancy,” the release says.

“As the 49th recipient of our Alumnae Award, Nancy will join a distinguished group of women bringing honor to the women of Northwestern University,” said Carol Willis, The Alumnae of Northwestern University president, in the release.

Rotering is a vocal advocate for gun violence prevention. She spearheaded the Highland Park City Council’s passage of a municipal assault weapons and large capacity magazine ban in 2013, which has withstood legal challenges.

In addition to her work as mayor, Rotering founded the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic, which provides free legal services to northeastern Illinois residents. She also teaches women and American political leadership at Northwestern University and is a member of the Northwestern Women’s Board and the Council of 100.

Rotering received the award on Oct. 14 at The Hilton Garden Inn in Evanston.

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