Community Events and Recognitions

Sweet Ride to School in Palos Park

A student from The Center’s Farm & Nature School in Palos Park experienced a unique school commute earlier this year. Thanks to winning a charity auction aimed at supporting education, a special ride was organized. The Palos Park Police Department and Police Commissioner Dan Polk played a key role in this initiative. The student got VIP treatment, driven in a police car by Community Services Officer Grace Mischak and Officer Rebecca Duffy.

Blessing of the Waters 20th Anniversary

The annual Blessing of the Waters will celebrate its 20th year at 3 p.m. on June 28. The event will take place at the Cal-Sag Channel near the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District waterfall, located at Fulton and Chatham streets in Blue Island. Attendees can enjoy music and refreshments, with the event being free and open to the public. According to a news release, the ceremony will honor the crucial role of water in sustaining life, ecosystems, and community connections. The scenic backdrop of the Cal-Sag waterway sets the stage for reflection and unity.

Park Forest Homes of Jim Edgar and Philip Klutznick Honored

In Park Forest, plaques will be placed on the Birch Street Co-ops, marking the former residences of former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar and Park Forest founder Philip Klutznick. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, at the Birch Street Townhomes. It will start at the former Klutznick residence at 2651-53 Western Avenue, then move to the former Edgar residence at 2731 Western Avenue. The Klutznick family were early settlers, arriving in 1948 after the birth of their daughter, Sara. The Edgar family lived there from 1969 to 1970.

David McGrath Joins Evergreen Park Community High School Hall of Fame

David McGrath, author and college professor, has been inducted into the Evergreen Park Community High School Hall of Fame. McGrath, a 1967 alumnus, was recognized during the school’s Honors Night ceremony. He has written four books and over 700 essays for major publications, including the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post. His achievements include being a finalist in the national EdPress awards and receiving accolades from the Chicago Tribune. McGrath has taught journalism and English at several institutions, including the University of South Alabama and the College of DuPage.

Workshop on Trapping and Neutering Cats

A workshop on humane trapping and neutering of outdoor cats will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon on June 27 at the Blue Island Public Library. Participants will learn how to set humane traps and receive a list of low-cost neuter clinics. They will also discover their rights as caretakers in Cook County, including feeding and sheltering cat colonies. Those attending can obtain priority for trap-neuter-release assistance. For more information, visit www.TripleRPets.org or email [email protected].

Local Students Receive National Merit Scholarships

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced its winners for the 71st annual program, with local students among them. These $2,500 scholarships were awarded to Kinga Strzalka of Lemont Township High School, Neel Patel of Carl Sandburg High School, and Ashton Zopf of Victor J. Andrew High School. The winners were selected from juniors who took the PSAT/NMSQT, with 6,700 finalists earning the Merit Scholar title and sharing almost $24 million.

Free Concert at Church of the Transfiguration

A free concert will be held at 7 p.m. on July 2 at Church of the Transfiguration in Palos Park. Liturgical Folk, combining modern folk with traditional church language, will perform. They will be preceded by the band Good Lord, Rose. A potluck dinner with the bands is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Donations are accepted. RSVP at transfigpalos.org.

Crete Woman’s Club Garden Walk

The Crete Woman’s Club Garden Walk, recognized as America’s second-best garden walk, will be held on July 8 and 9. The event runs from 3 to 7 p.m. on the first day, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second. A vendor fair with approximately 30 vendors will accompany the walk. Details and tickets are available at several local businesses. Visit www.cretewomansclub.net for more information or call 708-672-9438. News can be sent to [email protected].