Community Updates from Palos Park and Beyond

Student’s Unique School Commute

A student from The Center’s Farm & Nature School in Palos Park experienced a special commute earlier this year. The journey provided by the Palos Park Police Department involved a ride in a police car. Community Services Officer Grace Mischak and Officer Rebecca Duffy facilitated the journey, offering the student a unique experience.

Blessing of the Waters in Blue Island

The 20th anniversary of the annual Blessing of the Waters will take place at 3 p.m. on June 28 at the Cal-Sag Channel in Blue Island. This event occurs at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District waterfall. Music and refreshments will be available, and the event is free to the public. It highlights the importance of water in sustaining life and supporting communities.

Honoring History in Park Forest

Two Park Forest homes will now feature plaques honoring significant residents. Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar and Park Forest founder Philip Klutznick will be recognized at their previous residences on Birch Street. The ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. on June 27 and will begin at Klutznick’s former home, proceeding to Edgar’s former residence.

David McGrath Joins Evergreen Park Hall of Fame

David McGrath, author and professor, has been inducted into the Evergreen Park Community High School’s Hall of Fame. A 1967 graduate, McGrath has written extensively on various subjects, contributing to major publications such as the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune. His career includes teaching roles at several educational institutions.

Blue Island Library’s Cat Care Talk

A session focused on aiding outside cats will occur from 10:30 a.m. to noon on June 27 at the Blue Island Public Library. Attendees will learn about setting humane traps, receive information on low-cost neuter clinics, and gain insights into caring for a colony. Those attending can prioritize for trap-neuter-release help.

Local Students Achieve National Merit Scholarships

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation awarded scholarships to local students, with each receiving $2,500. Kinga Strzalka of Lemont, Neel Patel of Orland Park, and Ashton Zopf of Tinley Park were among those honored. These students distinguished themselves from initial screenings taken during the PSAT/NMSQT process.

Palos Park Church Concert Event

The Church of the Transfiguration in Palos Park will host a free concert at 7 p.m. on July 2. The event will feature performances by Liturgical Folk and Good Lord, Rose. A potluck dinner will precede the concert, and attendees can RSVP online.

Crete Woman’s Club Garden Walk

The 35th annual Crete Woman’s Club Garden Walk will take place from July 8 to July 9. The event showcases residential gardens and farms, including an organic farm. A vendor fair is part of the festivities. Tickets are available in advance through various local retailers and more information can be found on the Crete Woman’s Club website.