Around the Southland: Fish fry season, Black history showcase, and more

News from Worth, Robbins, Cook County, and other Southland communities

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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This week marks the start of the weekly fish fry dinners at Marrs-Meyers American Legion Post 991 in Worth, running from February 20 to April 3. Robbins is hosting a free Black History in Robbins event on February 28, featuring presentations on the town's role in the Underground Railroad and its broader history. The Cook County Clerk's Office is seeking election judges and technicians for the March 17 gubernatorial primary election, especially those who speak languages other than English. Other news includes a book publication, a Palos Heights State of the City luncheon, a musical performance, and a jazz concert.

Why it matters

These community events and news items showcase the diverse cultural, historical, and civic engagement activities happening across the Southland region, providing residents with opportunities to learn, participate, and support local businesses and organizations.

The details

The fish fry dinners in Worth will be served from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, featuring cod, catfish, shrimp, or chicken fingers, as well as sides and desserts. The Black History in Robbins event will highlight the town's role in the Underground Railroad and its broader history, with presentations by local historians. The Cook County Clerk's Office is seeking election judges and technicians, especially those who speak languages other than English, to work the March 17 gubernatorial primary election. Other news includes the publication of a student's first book of poetry, a Palos Heights State of the City luncheon, a musical performance of 'Disney's Newsies,' and a free jazz concert at Moraine Valley Community College.

  • The fish fry dinners in Worth will be served from February 20 to April 3, 2026.
  • The Black History in Robbins event will take place on February 28, 2026.
  • The March 17, 2026 gubernatorial primary election is when the Cook County Clerk's Office needs election judges and technicians.
  • The 'Disney's Newsies' performances will be held on February 26-27 and February 28 - March 1, 2026.
  • The Moraine Valley Jazz Ensemble concert will take place on February 27, 2026.

The players

Marrs-Meyers American Legion Post 991

A local American Legion post in Worth, Illinois that hosts weekly fish fry dinners during the Lenten season.

Robbins Block Clubs

A community organization in Robbins, Illinois that is hosting the Black History in Robbins event.

Larry McClellan

A historian who will give a presentation on Robbins' role in the Underground Railroad at the Black History in Robbins event.

Dawn Anderson

The historian of Robbins, Illinois who will talk about the town's broader history and legacy at the Black History in Robbins event.

Cook County Clerk's Office

The office responsible for administering elections in Cook County, Illinois, and is seeking election judges and technicians for the upcoming gubernatorial primary.

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What they’re saying

“I wrote this book to have meaning in my life, and I hope others can do the same.”

— Paige Cihocki (News release)

The takeaway

These community events and news items highlight the diverse cultural, historical, and civic engagement activities happening across the Southland region, providing residents with opportunities to learn, participate, and support local businesses and organizations. From fish fry dinners to Black history showcases and musical performances, the Southland continues to offer a vibrant array of community-focused programming.