Palos Park Student Enjoys Ride to School
A student at The Center’s Farm & Nature School in Palos Park received a unique school transportation experience earlier this year. The student won an auction to benefit education, leading to a ride in a police car courtesy of the Palos Park Police Department and Commissioner Dan Polk. Community Services Officer Grace Mischak and Officer Rebecca Duffy were the chauffeurs.
Blessing of the Waters Celebrates 20 Years
The annual Blessing of the Waters event in Blue Island will commemorate its 20th anniversary on June 28 at 3 p.m. Held at the Cal-Sag Channel near the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District waterfall, the event will feature music and refreshments. This free public event highlights water’s essential role in life, ecosystems, and community connections. The scenic Cal-Sag waterway sets the scene for reflection, unity, and appreciation of natural resources.
Historical Plaques in Park Forest
Park Forest will see plaques honoring former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar and founder Philip Klutznick placed on Birch Street Co-ops, their previous residences. The ceremony kicks off on June 27 at 9 a.m. at the Birch Street Townhomes. Initially, the event will be at Klutznick’s former residence at 2651-53 Western Avenue, then it moves to Edgar’s former home at 2731 Western Avenue. The Klutznicks were early settlers in Town, residing there since 1948, while the Edgars lived locally from 1969 to 1970.
David McGrath Inducted into Hall of Fame
Evergreen Park Community High School has inducted David McGrath, a 1967 alum, college professor, and author, into its Hall of Fame during the Honors Night celebration. McGrath, with four books and over 700 essays to his name, has contributed to publications like the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and Chicago Tribune. His accolades include being a finalist in the national EdPress awards of 1993 and earning recognition for heartfelt op-eds in the Tribune.
Informative Session on Cat Trapping at Library
The Blue Island Public Library will host a session on humane cat trapping from 10:30 a.m. to noon on June 27. Participants will learn about setting humane traps, which are available on loan with a refundable deposit, and get insights on transporting cats safely. Attendees will also receive a list of affordable neuter clinics and guidance on their caregiver rights in Cook County. Workshop participants will have priority access to trap-neuter-release assistance.
Local Students Named National Merit Scholars
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced winners of their 71st annual program, awarding $2,500 scholarships to selected students. Local winners include Kinga Strzalka from Lemont Township High School, Neel Patel from Carl Sandburg High School, and Ashton Zopf from Victor J. Andrew High School. Strzalka plans to study science/research, Patel quantitative analysis, and Zopf aims for engineering. The selection was from an initial pool of high school juniors who took the PSAT/NMSQT.
Church Organizes Free Concert Event
Church of the Transfiguration in Palos Park will host a free concert at 7 p.m. on July 2, featuring Liturgical Folk and Good Lord, Rose. The concert pairs modern folk sounds with traditional church language. A potluck dinner is slated before the concert at 5:30 p.m. While the event is free, donations are welcomed. Interested attendees can RSVP at transfigpalos.org.
Crete Woman’s Club Presents Garden Walk
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Crete Woman’s Club Garden Walk, an event that recently won second place in the Woodland Tools garden walk competition. Scheduled for July 8 and 9, it includes residential gardens, a wildflower farm, and an organic farm with items for sale. A vendor fair with around 30 vendors will be featured on Thursday during the walk. Tickets are available at local venues and more information can be found at cretewomansclub.net.
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