Sixty-four Joseph Sears School eighth grade students made the trek from Kenilworth to the Bethel New Life at 1140 N. Lamon Avenue in Chicago on Nov. 11 to put on a "county fair carnival" for dozens of west side senior citizens. Since 1979, Bethel New Life has helped west side residents to start businesses, find work and housing, buy and maintain homes, nurture their families, and embrace aging with dignity. It has also advocated for safer neighborhoods and better schools, said Lori Vallelunga, president and chief executive officer of Bethel New Life. The recent county fair carnival featured dancing, music, games and a lively "cupcake walk." But more importantly, it brought together two groups of people that otherwise would likely never meet, Vallelunga said. (Story)