Joliet News Briefs

Hoops for D86 Fundraiser- Feb. 1

The Joliet Grade Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence will host its seventh annual “Hoops for D86” fundraiser, presented by ExxonMobil, on Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 1:00–4:30 p.m. The basketball tournament will take place in the field house at Joliet West High School, 401 N. Larkin Avenue, and feature players from Joliet Public Schools District 86 schools. In addition, District 86 administrators will play community members during a game scheduled for 2:15 p.m.

The event is open to the public. Admission is $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for students. Concessions and raffle tickets will be available to purchase.

Entertainment will be provided by cheerleaders from M.J. Cunningham Elementary, Dirksen Junior High, Hufford Junior High, A.O. Marshall Elementary, Pershing Elementary, and Washington Junior High School. Student drawings will also take place during the event. Proceeds from the event will be awarded in classroom grants to benefit Joliet Public Schools District 86 students. Since 2004, the Joliet Grade Schools Foundation has awarded 366 grants totaling over $400,000. For more information, please call Sandy Zalewski at (815) 740-3196 ext. 8204.

JTHS Orchestra Winter Concert on January 15, 2020

The Joliet Township High School Orchestra will hold its Winter Concert on Wednesday, January 15 at 7 p.m. in the Joliet Central High School Auditorium located at 201 East Jefferson Street in Joliet.

The event is free and open to the public. Snacks and JTHS Orchestra merchandise will be available for purchase (cash only).

Bertino-Tarrant urges county fire depts. to apply for state grant State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant is excited to announce the Office of the State Fire Marshal is now accepting applications for the state’s Small Equipment Grant program.

“Our firefighters and first responders work tirelessly to ensure our homes are safe,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “This grant will help provide necessary assistance to help make sure our firefighters have the tools and resources needed to stay safe while protecting our communities.”

The Small Equipment Grant Program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment.

Most Illinois fire departments, fire protection districts and township fire departments are eligible to apply for grants.

Ambulance services that qualify as a not-for-profit emergency medical service provider are also eligible to apply. For more information on the application process or to access a copy of an application, Bertino-Tarrant urges fire departments to visit www2.illinois.gov/sites/sfm/Iam/FireDepartment/Grants-and-Loans/.

Applications must be postmarked no later than Feb. 29, 2020 to be considered.