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  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Illinois Tollway awards nearly $19.8 million in Construction Contracts in May 2026 construction
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Treasurer Maria Pappas Honors AANHPI Heritage Month by Recognizing Community Leaders with Live Music and Dance Celebration Culture
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings, 19th Senate District
    Hastings school safety measure “Alyssa’s Law” passes Senate Illinois Legislature
  • Members of the Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital Geriatric Emergency Department Initiative (GEDI) program team are pictured from left to right: Andrew Bierlein, Amanda Capuano, Julissa Sanchez, and Dylan Ciolek
    Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital Expands Specialized Emergency Care for Older Adults  Health
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas hosted a reception Monday afternoon for Cook County’s Haitian community following the Flag Raising Ceremony in Daley Plaza. The celebration honored Haitian Heritage Month and Haitian Flag Day, observed annually on May 18.
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Hosted Reception Following Haitian Flag Raising at Daley Plaza Culture
  • Centennial Park Aquatic Center. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Centennial Park Aquatic Center Kicks Off Summer Season May 23 Entertainment
  • The OFPD will Host its Senior BBQ on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 as a part of the 4th of July commemoration. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time at the OFPD Admin building, 9790 W. 151st Street.
    Orland Fire Protection District Seniors to host Barbecue July 1, 2026 Baby Boomers
  • Chris Getty files petitions in Springfield Monday May 18 2026 for 4th Congressional District Race. Getty is the first to file as an independent
    Chris Getty becomes first Independent Congressional Candidate to file for IL-4th Congressional District race with nearly 20,000 signatures elections
  • Barack Obama Presidential Center April 2026 Courtesy Wikipedia and Claire Fridkin
    Obama Foundation Announces Hope and Change Lobby Naming at Presidential Center in Honor of President Obama’s 2008 Campaign Chicago
  • Hastings leads effort to expand virtual dental care Government
  • Yusef D. Jackson Rainbow PUSH President
    Rainbow PUSH to Host National Forum on Voting Rights, Redistricting, and the Future of American Democracy Civil Rights
  • Cook County Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas
    Cardenas Urges Full Passage of 2026 Tax Relief for Families of Fallen Heroes, Calls on Eligible Spouses to Apply Cook County
  • Father and son Leving law firm
    Leving Team Reunited Dad and Son After Cross-State Abduction Dads' Rights
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Illegal Alien Sentenced to a Year in Federal Prison for Feloniously Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers During Arrest Crime
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings, 19th Senate District
    Hastings landmark insurance reform passes Senate Insurance

Tag: Christmas

Orland Fire hosts annual holiday Toy Drive for needy families/children

Posted on November 14, 2025November 14, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Orland Fire hosts annual holiday Toy Drive for needy families/children
Orland Fire hosts annual holiday Toy Drive for needy families/children

Orland Fire hosts annual holiday Toy Drive for needy families/children The Orland Fire Protection District is hosting its annual Toy Drive for needy families and children.  The Toy drive collections are located at all 6 of the OFPD Fire Stations and the Fire Administration Building, where toy donations can be dropped off. The OFPD Toy…

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Features, Fire, Government, News, NewsWire, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park

Is Thanksgiving and Christmas about celebration, or just about the money?

Posted on December 1, 2023December 1, 2023 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Is Thanksgiving and Christmas about celebration, or just about the money?
Is Thanksgiving and Christmas about celebration, or just about the money?

Is Thanksgiving and Christmas about celebration, or just about the money? Thanksgiving and Christmas have been forcibly morphed from family holidays into commercial focused profit generation and greed. It’s no longer about families, enjoyment or religion but rather about spending money. By Ray Hanania When I was growing up, a phrase I am sure younger…

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Baby Boomers, Blogger, Commentary, Culture, Features, Opinion, rayhanania, Seniors

Leving law firm hosts Toys for Tots giveaway at WGN TV

Posted on December 13, 2021December 13, 2021 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Leving law firm hosts Toys for Tots giveaway at WGN TV
Leving law firm hosts Toys for Tots giveaway at WGN TV

Leving law firm hosts Toys for Tots giveaway at WGN TV Dad’s Rights advocate Jeffery Leving is co-hosting a Toys for Tots holiday giveaway organized by his legal team led by attorney Jeffrey Paustian in conjunction ith WGN TV Morning News. Leving, who is the premier attorney representing father’s rights, said during alive interview Dec….

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Chicago, Cook County, Features, Jeffery Leving, Law, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Township hosts Bingo with Santa

Posted on December 13, 2021December 13, 2021 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Orland Township hosts Bingo with Santa
Orland Township hosts Bingo with Santa

Orland Township hosts Bingo with Santa Families had a December to remember at Orland Township’s Bingo with Santa. Nearly 120 guests joined Orland Township in celebrating the most wonderful time of the year with pizza and Holiday Bingo with Santa! The event took place at Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant, 14459 South La Grange Road, Orland…

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Entertainment, Features, Government, News, Orland Park, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland

Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage Launches Holiday Give-Back Initiative with Toys for Tots 

Posted on December 7, 2021December 7, 2021 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage Launches Holiday Give-Back Initiative with Toys for Tots 
Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage Launches Holiday Give-Back Initiative with Toys for Tots 

Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage Launches Holiday Give-Back Initiative with Toys for Tots  Chicago-Based Restaurant Brand Offers Customers Free Soda for Each Toy Donation Made at Local Restaurant Locations  CHICAGO, Ill. – Donate a toy, leave with a free pop! Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage is ringing in the season of giving through the launch of its…

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Business, Chicago, Features, food, News, restaurants, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Township Holiday Program: Highlighting Donor Kindness

Posted on December 3, 2021December 3, 2021 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Orland Township Holiday Program: Highlighting Donor Kindness
Orland Township Holiday Program: Highlighting Donor Kindness

Orland Township Holiday Program: Highlighting Donor Kindness Students at Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School helped make the holidays a bit brighter for families in Orland Township. Orland Township’s Holiday Program has provided a yearly holiday meal, gifts, and other personal items to more than 200 resident families in need for over three decades. This year,…

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Cook County, Features, Government, News, Orland Park, Orland Township, Suburban Chicagoland

Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade is Back, Dec. 5

Posted on November 29, 2021November 29, 2021 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade is Back, Dec. 5
Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade is Back, Dec. 5

Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade is Back, Dec. 5 Fortier “Everyone had a rough year and we want to make it better.” Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade has been a Chicago tradition for forty-three years and the non-profit organization plans to make a return this year with the 44th Motorcycle Parade. In year’s past,…

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Chicago, Cook County, Events, News, NewsWire

“Oh, What Fun” Festival of Trees is Back to Usher in the Holiday Season in the Quad Cities 

Posted on November 5, 2021November 5, 2021 By Ray Hanania No Comments on “Oh, What Fun” Festival of Trees is Back to Usher in the Holiday Season in the Quad Cities 
“Oh, What Fun” Festival of Trees is Back to Usher in the Holiday Season in the Quad Cities 

“Oh, What Fun” Festival of Trees is Back to Usher in the Holiday Season in the Quad Cities  “Oh, What Fun!” The Kwik Star Festival of Trees is BACK in person this year! Returning to the River Center in downtown Davenport, Iowa, on November 20-28, this year’s Festival brings the magic of the holiday season…

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Entertainment, Features, News, NewsWire, Regional Midwest, Travel

Orland Township offers Holiday Giving opportunities for needy families

Posted on November 1, 2021 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Orland Township offers Holiday Giving opportunities for needy families
Orland Township offers Holiday Giving opportunities for needy families

Orland Township offers Holiday Giving opportunities for needy families Orland Township’s Holiday Program is now accepting donations As the 2021 Holiday Season begins, Orland Township is ready to accept donations for this year’s Holiday Program; and there are several ways to participate. For over 30 years, Orland Township has provided a yearly holiday meal, gifts,…

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Cook County, Features, Government, News, Orland Park, Orland Township, Seniors, Suburban Chicagoland

Orland Township Provides Gifts and Meals for Over 200 Families

Posted on December 23, 2020December 23, 2020 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Orland Township Provides Gifts and Meals for Over 200 Families
Orland Township Provides Gifts and Meals for Over 200 Families

Orland Township Provides Gifts and Meals for Over 200 Families Generous community supports Holiday Program. Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady and the Township board distributed food and toys to more than 200 needy families during the Township’s annual Holiday Program Through many acts of kindness and generosity, the holidays were made a little brighter for…

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coronavirus, Government, Health, News, Orland Park, Suburban Chicagoland

Twentieth Anniversary of Shop with a Cop – December 14, 2019

Posted on December 4, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Twentieth Anniversary of Shop with a Cop – December 14, 2019
Twentieth Anniversary of Shop with a Cop – December 14, 2019

Twentieth Anniversary of Shop with a Cop – December 14, 2019 Twenty years ago, a group of Hoffman Estates Police Officers started a project to bring gifts and food to families in need during the Holiday Season. Seeing the faces of these children and their families change from despair to joy, the Officers pledged to…

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Business, Crime, Features, Government, News, Police

Intercontinental Chicago offers Windy City Wonderland with holiday programs and packages

Posted on October 15, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Intercontinental Chicago offers Windy City Wonderland with holiday programs and packages

Intercontinental Chicago offers Windy City Wonderland with holiday programs and packages INTERCONTINENTAL CHICAGO HOTEL TRANSFORMS INTO A WINDY CITY WONDERLAND WITH UNIQUE HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING AND PACKAGES. From a Milk & Cookie hotline that allows guests to text Santa Claus to a “Letters to Santa” station in the lobby, the iconic Chicago hotel is rolling out all…

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Chicago, Entertainment, Features, Festival

Men turn into zombie customers during last-minute holiday rush

Posted on December 22, 2018November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Men turn into zombie customers during last-minute holiday rush
Men turn into zombie customers during last-minute holiday rush

Men turn into zombie customers during last-minute holiday rush As the calendar approaches the Christmas holidays, men experience a transformation, turning into addled, confused zombies desperately searching for the last-minute gift for their wives, girlfriends and significant others. Although the retail business has a name for every experience, they haven’t figured this male zombie shopper…

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Baby Boomers, Blogger, Business, Commentary, Entertainment, Features, Humor, Opinion, rayhanania

Have we lost our family focus this holiday season?

Posted on December 21, 2018November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Have we lost our family focus this holiday season?
Have we lost our family focus this holiday season?

Have we lost our family focus this holiday season? Christmas isn’t about family any more. It’s about commerce, money and spending. And that’s too bad. It’s a holiday season that should be enjoyed by families with a focus on families, not on spending money By Ray Hanania Next week will be Christmas and I bet…

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Baby Boomers, Blogger, Commentary, Festival, Opinion, rayhanania, Religion

Pappas displays Christmas trees from around the world

Posted on November 26, 2018November 26, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Pappas displays Christmas trees from around the world
Pappas displays Christmas trees from around the world

Pappas displays Christmas trees from around the world Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ office is decorated with more than 90 Christmas trees and holiday displays for 15th year.  “Christmas Trees from Around the World” highlights different traditions for the holiday season representing every ethnic and national group More than 90 Christmas trees and religious displays that…

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Editors Pick, Features, Government, News

Christmas holidays shoved down our throats

Posted on November 9, 2017November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Christmas holidays shoved down our throats

Christmas holidays shoved down our throats It’s not even three weeks till Thanksgiving and stores are already pushing and promoting Christmas. Don’t you think it’s just too soon? Maybe we should enjoy the Fall and also Thanksgiving before we start focusing on the Christmas holidays. By Ray Hanania You don’t have to be Christian to…

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Blogger, Commentary, Festival, Opinion, rayhanania

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  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Illinois Tollway awards nearly $19.8 million in Construction Contracts in May 2026
    May 21, 2026
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Treasurer Maria Pappas Honors AANHPI Heritage Month by Recognizing Community Leaders with Live Music and Dance Celebration
    May 21, 2026
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings, 19th Senate District
    Hastings school safety measure “Alyssa’s Law” passes Senate
    May 21, 2026
  • Members of the Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital Geriatric Emergency Department Initiative (GEDI) program team are pictured from left to right: Andrew Bierlein, Amanda Capuano, Julissa Sanchez, and Dylan Ciolek
    Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital Expands Specialized Emergency Care for Older Adults 
    May 19, 2026
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas hosted a reception Monday afternoon for Cook County’s Haitian community following the Flag Raising Ceremony in Daley Plaza. The celebration honored Haitian Heritage Month and Haitian Flag Day, observed annually on May 18.
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Hosted Reception Following Haitian Flag Raising at Daley Plaza
    May 19, 2026

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