Shortly after the July 4 Highland Park shooting, Glencoe Village Manager Phil Kiraly described feelings of being heartbroken in the events just a few miles away.
“Highland Park is not a distant unknown place, it is part of our community,” Kiraly said. “It is a place that we know and knows us. Because of that, Glencoe can be a source of strength for our neighbors and they can be a source for us.”
Following the shooting where seven were killed and dozens of others injured in Highland Park at the Independence Day parade, Kiraly spoke at a July 7 candlelight vigil at Congregation Am Shalom, followed by an interfaith service three days later.
Meanwhile, representatives of several Glencoe organizations detailed their efforts following the rampage.
On July 5, the Glencoe Park District canceled its offerings, including summer camp, but there was a resumption in programming the next day.
“We have a number of participants and staff that live in Highland Park and/or attended the festivities,” explained Park District spokeswoman Erin Classen via email. “There is a general feeling of sadness and anxiety, but also a feeling of trying to keep kids engaged and make things as normal as possible.”
At Glencoe School District 35, class was not in session for most of children, but according to the district’s website, there were over 130 children enrolled in what was the final week of summer school.
“The healing process will not be swift and we stand ready to support our staff, students, and families in the weeks and months ahead. We have been sharing the resources provided through the Highland Park community,” District 35 Superintendent Catherine Wang wrote in an email.
Wang added school district officials have been working with representatives of Family Service of Glencoe, the village’s social service agency in the goal to provide assistance.
For their part, Family Service of Glencoe Executive Director Kristina Phillips said the agency would be providing drop in counseling all five days this week. There has been “very steady traffic” since the shooting, according to Phillips, including some Highland Park residents.
“We are experiencing different reactions and emotions,” Phillips said in an interview. “Some people are angry, some are scared and others are just simply confused on how to process their emotions.”
Phillips said the team of seven therapists plan on providing sessions for the next several months tied into the shooting.
More Top Picks Best Swing Sets
With a goal of its serene setting providing some comfort, the Chicago Botanic Garden waived its admission and parking fees from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. from July 6 through the 10th.
“We are heartbroken by the act of violence in Highland Park on Monday. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all who are impacted by gun violence. In times of crisis, nature can be healing,” CBG spokeswoman Julie McCaffrey wrote in an email.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.