When the Scuff Gross Regatta sets sail at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 27 on the Des Plaines River many of the participants and viewers along the shore and on the Swinging Bridge will be sporting the official attire of the day, a specially designed T-shirt.
The shirts were designed by students from Riverside-Brookfield High School who are members of the school’s digital design class. The school was approached by Alex Gallegos, chairman of the event for the Riverside Township Lions Club, to have students participate by designing the T-shirts.
Career and technical education teacher Patty Sarkady presented the project to her class. Students, many of whom were still attending school by Zoom, took the challenge. The designs were then presented to a small committee who chose two designs that were combined to make one design
Sarkady was pleased with the participation of her class and said she was very happy when students were able to return to the building this spring so students and teachers could interact with each other.
Three students who worked on the project — Alexandra Svora, Luke Berndt and Daniel Bogdanovsky — will receive their own shirts and have been invited to attend the regatta. According to Gallegos, one of the benefits of approaching the high school was to showcase the talent of its students. Sales of the T-shirts will benefit the Lions Club and its many contributions.
The regatta, named for late Lion Scuffy Gross, has grown over the past few years as kayaking is becoming more popular. It is hoped the event will showcase Riverside and the benefits of the Des Plaines River.
If you don’t want to paddle around Riverside, maybe you’ll be one of those running around maybe just cheering on the runners] on June 26 during the Friends of the Fourth 5K.
Also on June 27, though there won’t be a commemorative T-shirt, will be an event marking the unification of the new St. Paul VI Parish, which merges St. Hugh, St. Mary and Mater Christi parishes. The unified parish will also dedicate the Lyne Pastoral Center on East Burlington Street.
Members of the Lyne family will be present for the dedication to recognize the contributions the late Bishop Lyne gave to St. Mary Church and Riverside.
