Community Highlights and Events

Unique Student Arrival in Palos Park

A student from The Center’s Farm & Nature School in Palos Park experienced an interesting commute earlier this year after winning an auction that benefited education. The Palos Park Police Department, along with police commissioner Dan Polk, arranged for a special VIP escort. Community Services Officer Grace Mischak and Officer Rebecca Duffy provided the student with a ride in a police car.

20th Anniversary of Blessing of the Waters

The annual Blessing of the Waters event will celebrate its 20th year at 3 p.m. on June 28 at the Cal-Sag Channel in Blue Island. The event will feature music and refreshments and is free for the public to attend. The ceremony emphasizes the importance of water in sustaining life and ecosystems. The scenic Cal-Sag waterway sets the backdrop for this moment of reflection and appreciation for natural resources.

Historic Honors in Park Forest

Park Forest will honor former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar and village founder Philip Klutznick by placing plaques at their former residences on Birch Street. The ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m. on June 27, beginning at Klutznick’s past residence and concluding at Edgar’s former home. The Klutznick family was among the first settlers, arriving in 1948, whereas the Edgar family lived there briefly from 1969 to 1970.

Professor Inducted into EPCHS Hall of Fame

David McGrath, a noted author and college professor, has joined the Hall of Fame at Evergreen Park Community High School. The 1967 alum and award-winning writer has contributed works to high-profile publications such as the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. McGrath’s distinguished career includes teaching positions at several educational institutions and numerous accolades for his writings.

Cat Care Workshop at Blue Island Library

The Blue Island Public Library will host a talk for those interested in helping outdoor cats. Scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to noon on June 27, the session will cover setting humane traps, available low-cost neuter clinics, and legal rights as a caretaker. Participants will have priority in receiving assistance for trap-neuter-release programs. More details can be found at www.TripleRPets.org or by emailing [email protected].

Local Scholars Achieving National Merit

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has awarded scholarships to local students in their 71st annual program. 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. They are part of 6,700 finalists, sharing nearly $24 million in scholarships.

Free Concert in Palos Park

On July 2, the Church of the Transfiguration in Palos Park will hold a free concert at 7 p.m. Liturgical Folk, known for fusing modern folk rhythms with traditional church language, will perform. The band Good Lord, Rose will open the event. A potluck dinner is planned at 5:30 p.m. with the musicians. Although the event is free, donations are appreciated. You can RSVP at transfigpalos.org.

Crete Woman’s Club Garden Walk

The Crete Woman’s Club is hosting its 35th annual Garden Walk, winning second place in the Woodland Tools garden walk competition. The event includes a vendor fair with around 30 vendors. Taking place on July 8-9, the walk includes residential gardens, a wildflower farm, and an organic farm. Tickets are available at several local locations. More information is available at www.cretewomansclub.net or by calling 708-672-9438.