Kolmar School Organizing 'Meal Train' for Family In Need

The Kolmar Elementary School PTA has started a “meal train” to help one of its own families dealing with catastrophic illness and the death of a loved one with dinner plans.

Anthony “Tony” Tsapralis, a Kolmar dad, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2007. His wife, Jessica, was pregnant at the time with their only child, a daughter named Tori.

For the past six-and-a-half years, Tony underwent four brain surgeries, eight months of radiation and four different chemotherapies.

He succumbed to the disease on Oct. 9 at age 36.

His illness and death has been extremely hard on his wife, but even more difficult for his daughter, Tori, 6, a first-grader at Kolmar.

All of this has not only been an emotional struggle for Tony’s family, but also a great financial burden.

The Kolmar PTSA is asking for donations of gift cards to gas stations, Jewel, Target and also Visa and Master Card. The gift cards can be dropped off during school hours or sent too:

Together for Tony

c/o Kolmar Elementary School

10425 S. Kolmar Ave.

Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Other noteworthy events:

• The last Oak Lawn Farmers Market will take place today from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., then it’s goodbye to farm fresh produce, flowers and vendors until June 2014. Send the Farmers Market off in style. Cook and Dumke Drive.

• Teen Zombie Crafts --  As part of Teen Read Week (Oct. 13-19), the Oak Lawn Library is hosting a teen zombie craft class tonight at 6 p.m. Bring and old doll and turn it into a zombie. Maybe stick some pins into it, too. Supplies will be provided. The library is located at 9427 S. Raymond Ave.

• Trinity Quilters -- The quilters of Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church are looking for new members. The Trinity Quilters meet year round making handmade quilts for Lutheran World Relief. If you like to quilt, hook up with the quilters at 9 a.m. The church is located at 9701 S. Brandt Ave.

• Oak Lawn Village Board/Public Hearing – The village board discusses the proposed 2014 village budget. Oak Lawn faces an $8.4 million budget deficit, more than half of which is unfunded pension liabilities. State law requires municipalities pass balanced operating budgets. This meeting is open to the public and residents are encouraged to attend. You may want to bring coffee because this meeting may last awhile. 7:30 p.m. Oak Lawn Village Hall, 9466 S. Raymond Ave.