Forest preserve program celebrates 75 graduates
A summer of learning, outdoor exploration and service culminated last week in a graduation ceremony for 75 Cook County youth at Wampum Lake Forest Preserve in Thornton Township.
Now in its eighth year, the Forest Preserve Experience is a collaborative program coordinated by Friends of the Forest Preserves and the Forest Preserves of Cook County, with support from the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, the Housing Authority of Cook County, the Forest Preserve Foundation and others.
For five weeks this summer, young people ages 14-19 who live in households that receive services from the county Housing Authority worked in crews at several Forest Preserves sites in the south and west suburbs, learning about environmental conservation and contributing to the health and beauty of the preserves.
“Not only did youth participating in the Forest Preserve Experience help restore land to ecological health, but they also learned about jobs in the environment and conservation fields, as well as career readiness skills like teamwork, communication skills and more,” said Arnold Randall, general superintendent of the forest preserves.
Most crew members worked at Forest Preserves sites near their homes, allowing them to engage in projects that their families and communities would most easily be able to enjoy, according to a news release from the county. In addition to career and life skills workshops, the summer included a variety of recreational outings and activities such as hiking at the Indiana Dunes National Park and visiting Brookfield Zoo.
Genealogical Society program promotes history
The South Suburban Genealogical & Historical Society meets at 10 a.m. Aug. 12 at 10 a.m. at 3000 W. 170th Place, Hazel Crest, for a program by Tina Beaird, owner of Tamarack Genealogy, called Making History Relevant: Promoting Your Society in Fun and Creative Ways.”
Beaird’s program suggest new strategies and techniques for capturing community members’ attention and engaging with history lovers of all ages in profitable and exciting ways.
The program is offered in person and online with registration at https://zoom.us/ …/tJwtceurqjkuGtx9wtkntFFWMa0rgBHFaulI.
Carnival to benefit Alzheimer’s Association
Porter Place memory care will host a summer carnival to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association from 1-4 p.m. Aug. 12 at its facility at 17833 Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park.
The event includes carnival games, a dunk tank, bounce house, face painting and a visit from the Tinley Park police K-9 team. The $10 per person entrance includes unlimited games. Nachos, hot dogs, cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn and T-shirts will also be available for purchase.
Porter Place is hosting the fundraiser for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. More information is with Jennifer Boonstra at 708-781-1047 or [email protected].
Caregiver Support Group meets in Beverly
Learn how to care for yourself while you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, which is emotionally and physically exhausting at a Caregiver Support Group meeting at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15, at Smith Village, 2320 West 113th Place in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood.
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The support group provides a confidential, safe and supportive environment and aims to combat the isolation many caregivers experience, according to a news release. The free meetings are scheduled the third Tuesday of every month. More information is at 773-474-7300.
Orland Grassland Volunteers take deep dive into geology
By Orland Grassland Volunteers
The Orland Grassland Volunteers will meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14700 Ravinia Ave. for a program from Dave Dolak, a professor at Columbia College Chicago, called “Rocks on the Beach: Geology 101 in Sandals, a History of the Great Lakes Geology.”
Dolak will discuss how rocks found along the beaches of Lake Michigan illustrate the glacial history of the region. Afterward, there will be a discussion about how the glaciers formed Orland Grassland and where evidence of glaciers can be seen, according to a news release.
In addition, the volunteers will be getting updates from task groups on birding and seeding strategy, and “there’s usually some pretty good treats, too,” according to the release. More information is at www.orlandgrassland.org or 708-942-8023.
‘Beat the Nun’ golf event benefits St. Coletta’s
St. Coletta’s 34th Annual Kennedy Golf Invitational returns Aug. 21 to Crystal Tree Golf & Country Club in Orland Park, where participants will have a chance to compete against Sister Maryann Dosen to see who can drive a golf ball the farthest.
The fundraiser will benefit St. Coletta’s of Illinois, a nonprofit social services agency that provides educational, residential and vocational training services to more than 300 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“God gave me the gift of hitting the golf ball long and straight, so I’m going to use it to help benefit others,” Sister Dosen said in a news release.
For $25, golfers can see if they have what it takes to “Beat the Nun.” Those who do win bragging rights and are entered in a raffle to win a Bettinardi putter.
Tickets to participate in the daylong Kennedy Invitational are $600 for a single golfer or $2,400 for a foursome. Tickets are at https://kennedy2023.givesmart.com and more information is at www.stcolettasofil.org or 708-342-5200.
Send news to [email protected].