Student’s Unique Journey to School
A student from The Center’s Farm & Nature School in Palos Park experienced a special ride to school earlier this year. This opportunity came about through an auction aimed at raising funds for education. The ride was made possible by the Palos Park Police Department with police commissioner Dan Polk facilitating the VIP treatment. Community Services Officer Grace Mischak and Officer Rebecca Duffy provided transportation in a police car.
Blessing of the Waters Celebrates 20 Years
The 20th annual Blessing of the Waters is scheduled for 3 p.m. on June 28 at the Cal-Sag Channel, near the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District waterfall at Fulton and Chatham streets in Blue Island. This public event will feature music and refreshments. It highlights the importance of water in sustaining life, supporting ecosystems, and uniting communities. Attendees will have an opportunity for reflection and appreciation of natural resources against the scenic backdrop of the Cal-Sag waterway.
Commemorative Plaques for Notable Park Forest Residents
Park Forest will honor former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar and founder Philip Klutznick with plaques at their past residences on Birch Street Co-ops. The ceremony takes place at 9 a.m. on June 27, starting at 2651-53 Western Avenue and moving to 2731 Western Avenue. The Klutznick family were among the town’s first settlers in 1948, while the Edgar family resided there briefly from 1969 to 1970.
Professor Inducted into EPCHS Hall of Fame
David McGrath, a 1967 graduate of Evergreen Park Community High School, was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame during a recent Honors Night ceremony. McGrath, an accomplished author and college professor, has penned four books and over 700 essays published in national outlets. His accolades include recognitions such as a finalist in the national EdPress awards and citations for heartfelt op-eds.
Library Hosts Cat Welfare Workshop
Individuals interested in aiding outdoor cats can attend a workshop on June 27 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Blue Island Public Library. Participants will learn humane trapping techniques, receive a list of low-cost neuter clinics, and understand the caretaker rights for feeding and sheltering cat colonies. Additional details are available at TripleRPets.org.
Local Students Achieve National Merit Scholar Status
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recently announced the winners of its 71st annual scholarship program. Local students receiving scholarships include Kinga Strzalka, Neel Patel, and Ashton Zopf, pursuing studies in science, quantitative analysis, and engineering, respectively. National Merit Scholars are selected from a pool of high school juniors through the PSAT/NMSQT.
Upcoming Musical Event at Church of the Transfiguration
A free concert is set for 7 p.m. on July 2 at the Church of the Transfiguration in Palos Park. Liturgical Folk will perform, bringing modern folk sounds with historic church language, preceded by the band Good Lord, Rose. A potluck dinner will precede the concert at 5:30 p.m. Attendance is free with donations welcome. RSVP at transfigpalos.org.
Crete Woman’s Club 35th Garden Walk
The Crete Woman’s Club Garden Walk, a runner-up in the Woodland Tools garden walk competition, takes place July 8 and 9. The event features residential gardens, a wildflower farm, and an organic farm. A vendor fair with 30 vendors will also be available. Tickets are available at local Crete businesses and the event promises a mix of nature and community engagement. More information is at cretewomansclub.net.