Hot Picks: Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra fundraiser

Here is a look at top events you won’t want to miss. Suggestions include the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra fundraiser A Fanfare for Broadway with “Glee” in Flossmoor.

Giving the gift of life

Angelique Marseille and Don Terry beat the odds, both alive with the help of innovative hospitals, the instinct to do good and donated organs. Marseille, 42, of Homewood, this month marked the 20th anniversary of her liver transplant at the University of Chicago Hospitals — …

Serving for Feb. 23, 2012

Here is a look at what Southlanders are accomplishing in the military including news from Sauk Village, Frankfort, Chicago Heights, Olympia Fields, Blue Island and Orland Park.

Early screenings for some Feb. 24 flicks

A number of the films opening on Feb. 24 will have 12:01 a.m. screenings at theaters including:

AMC LOEWS CRESTWOOD 18: 13221 Rivercrest Drive, (888) 262-4386: Showing action-adventure thriller “Act of Valor” (rated R), the dramatic thriller “Gone” (rated PG-13), the romantic comedy-drama “Good Deeds” …

Park Forest may up homeless shelter effort

Homewood, Chicago Heights and Park Forest are the top three contributors to an effort to construct and operate a homeless shelter scheduled to open in September in Country Club Hills, according to Mike Wasserberg, executive director of South Suburban Public Action to Deliver Shelter. Wasserberg …

Your Pets for Feb. 23, 2012

We want your pet photos. Whether it’s you with your dog, cat, bird, fish or lizard, please email a jpeg photo with your name, your pet’s name and hometown to Jason Freeman at jfreeman@southtownstar.com .

ComEd chief Frank Clark retiring after blazing hard career path

After a 46-year career, Frank Clark, the man who rose from mailroom clerk to become Commonwealth Edison’s first African-American CEO and then chairman, will put in his last day Friday at the company that powers 3.4 million homes in Northern Illinois.

Homewood burglars caught in act

Four men were charged with burglary after police saw them emerging from a house Feb. 14 in the 17600 block of Briar Avenue and found that a rear door had been kicked open, police said.

Police were conducting surveillance in the Governor’s Park neighborhood after …

Two Southland men with big plans launch concert-webcasting business

Opportunity can be born in some pretty unlikely places, Chris Halper believes.

Like the couch.

The Orland Park man believes it can lead to some pretty unlikely places, too.

Like the big time.

With the recent launch of myLive ticket — a business that streams …

A rising tide of resentment

Officials from throughout the Southland are getting restless over the rising cost of Lake Michigan water, so much so that efforts to find a source other than Chicago are gaining momentum. The idea may be more feasible for some towns (those closer to Indiana) than …

Stretch of I-57 named for Tuskegee Airmen

When a 91-year-old veteran who helped make history during World War II says an event is “the culmination of my life,” it carries some real meaning. But that’s how Virgil Poole, of Glenwood, said he felt Monday at a dedication ceremony for the renaming of …

Flossmoor, Homewood police blotter

FLOSSMOOR

SUSPENDED LICENSE: Thirston Cornelius, 58, 1709 Carolina Drive, Sauk Village, was charged with driving on a suspended license, having an obstructed windshield and possession of drug paraphernalia after a Feb. 11 stop in the 3900 block of Vollmer Road, police said.

HOME BURGLARY: A …

Chocolate lovers indulge in Homewood

Anyone who didn’t get their chocolate fix taken care of at the annual Homewood Chocolate Fest on Saturday wasn’t really trying. The Chocolate Bake-Off alone offered a variety of sweet samples from 16 amateur bakers and confectioners, enough for nearly 800 visitors who only had …

Charity Briefs for Feb. 21, 2012

Here is a look at charity news in the Southland.

H-F psychologist wins state award

Homewood-Flossmoor High School psychologist Jennifer Schultz recently was awarded the Illinois School Psychologists Association’s Presidential Award at the ISPA’s annual state conference in Itasca. Schultz received the award based on her work with the organization during the past six years, which has included serving as …

Around Town (East) for Feb. 19, 2012

Here is a look at events in the SouthtownStar’s East region, which includes Beecher, Chicago Heights, Country Club Hills, Crete, Flossmoor, Glenwood, Homewood, Matteson, Monee, Olympia Fields, Park Forest, Richton Park, Steger, and University Park.