Student Enjoys Unique School Commute
Earlier this year, a student from The Center’s Farm & Nature School in Palos Park experienced a delightful journey to school. The opportunity arose from an auction benefit for educational purposes. With help from the Palos Park Police Department, specifically Police Commissioner Dan Polk, the student received VIP treatment. Community Services Officer Grace Mischak and Officer Rebecca Duffy escorted the student in a police car, creating a memorable school ride.
Blessing of the Waters Celebrates 20 Years
Blue Island prepares to commemorate the Blessing of the Waters’ 20th anniversary at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District waterfall, located at Fulton and Chatham streets. The event, scheduled for June 28 at 3 p.m., will feature music and refreshments. Open to everyone, this celebration emphasizes the fundamental importance of water in sustaining life and ecosystems while connecting communities. Set against the scenic Cal-Sag Channel, participants can enjoy a reflective moment appreciating natural resources.
Park Forest Homes Honored with Plaques
New plaques honoring former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar and Park Forest founder Philip Klutznick will be placed at co-op homes along Birch Street in Park Forest. On June 27 at 9 a.m., a ceremony will first honor Klutznick’s former residence at 2651-53 Western Avenue before moving to Edgar’s previous home at 2731 Western Avenue. The Klutznick family settled here in 1948, while Edgar’s occupancy spanned from 1969 to 1970.
David McGrath Inducted into School Hall of Fame
Evergreen Park Community High School recently welcomed David McGrath, a distinguished alum from 1967, into its Hall of Fame during an Honors Night event. McGrath is a college professor and an author of four books, including “South Siders” and “Far Enough Away.” His essays have appeared in major publications like the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post. He received notable accolades, including a finalist spot in the national EdPress awards in 1993 and “Most Heartfelt Op-ed” citations from the Chicago Tribune. McGrath is widely recognized for his contributions to education and literature.
Blue Island Hosts Talk on Cat Management
The Blue Island Public Library will host an informational session on managing outdoor cat populations. Scheduled for June 27, the discussion will run from 10:30 a.m. to noon at 2433 York St. Attendees will learn about humane trapping techniques and low-cost neuter clinics, and explore the rights of caretakers in Cook County. Workshop participants will receive priority in trap-neuter-release assistance. Visit www.TripleRPets.org or email [email protected] for more details.
Local Students Named National Merit Scholars
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced its Scholars for the 71st annual program, awarding $2,500 scholarships. Kinga Strzalka of Lemont Township High School aims to study science/research. Neel Patel of Carl Sandburg High School plans to pursue quantitative analysis, while Ashton Zopf of Victor J. Andrew High School focuses on engineering. High school juniors begin the selection process with the PSAT/NMSQT, culminating in 6,700 finalists sharing nearly $24 million in scholarships.
Free Concert Event in Palos Park
Church of the Transfiguration, located at 12219 S. 86th Ave. in Palos Park, will host a free concert on July 2 at 7 p.m. Liturgical Folk will perform, blending modern folk sounds with traditional church language, preceded by Good Lord, Rose. A potluck dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. While the event is free, donations are appreciated. RSVPs can be made at transfigpalos.org.
Crete Woman’s Club Garden Walk Returns
The Crete Woman’s Club Garden Walk celebrates its 35th year, securing second in the Woodland Tools garden competition for community and service. Taking place from July 8-9, with vendor fairs adding variety on Thursday, visitors can explore public gardens, a wildflower farm, and an organic farm. Tickets are available at various local venues such as Crete Ace Hardware and Crete Township Hall. For more information, visit www.cretewomansclub.net or call 708-672-9438.