LANSING

New village flag to be unveiled on Tuesday

The new flag for the village of Lansing will be presented at the Village Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the courtroom of the police station, 2710 170th St.

In July, the Village Board recently voted unanimously to accept a design by a local student that was part of a contest sponsored by the Lansing Historical Society.

The design is a red, white and blue stripe, with two yellow stars symbolizing the 19th century Illinois villages of Glen Oak and Bernice. They merged in 1893 to create Lansing.

The student who created the winning design will be recognized at the meeting.

UNIVERSITY PARK

Holiday Shopping Fair at GSU seeks vendors

The Governors State University Civil Service Senate is sponsoring a Holiday Shopping Fair from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 19 and 20 in the Hall of Governors on the university's main campus. All proceeds are used for the Civil Service Senate Educational Assistance Fund. The event is free and open to the public.

Vendors also are needed for the fair. Fees are $33 for one table, $53 for two, and $73 for three. Selling any goods suspected of copyright violations is strictly prohibited.

Governors State University is at 1 University Parkway, University Park. For more information or to register, call (708) 534-4360.

SOUTH SUBURBS

Group unveiling plans to assist homeowners

Neighborhoods Inc. has unveiled its upgraded 2008 Healthy Neighborhoods Home Improvement Initiative for Burnham, Calumet City, Lansing, Chicago's Hegewisch neighborhood, South Holland and Dolton homeowners.

Neighborhoods Inc. has partnered with First Savings Bank of Hegewisch to continue its initiative, which offers flexible term loans, project supervision and consultation.

Besides helping homeowners secure financing, Neighborhoods Inc. staff offers professional advice and tips for economical and efficient design for home improvements. Staff also can assist in finding a contractor of the homeowner's choice to make upgrades.

Since 1999, Neighborhoods Inc. has obtained more than $2 million in loans for residents and has helped improve more than 1,000 homes.

For more information, call (708) 862-3232.

HOMEWOOD

Partnership offers help caring for the autistic

Illinois Curing Autism through Research and Education has teamed up with Good Shepherd Center to open the Autism Resource Center.

Their joint mission is to supply resources, training and referrals for families with a child or adult diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. By providing knowledge and support, they hope to assist families in making decisions.

Materials can be borrowed from a lending library, or the public can stop in or call to discuss questions or concerns.

Autism Resource Center Good Shepherd Center is at 17929 Gottschalk Ave. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursday; alternate hours are available on request. Calls may be made 24 hours and will be returned the next day. Call (708) 206-6155.