Forest Preserve Experience grads celebrate in South Holland
Nearly 90 young people ages 14 to 19 who were part of Cook County’s Forest Preserve Experience program and spent the summer working and exploring forest preserves graduated in a ceremony recently at South Suburban College in South Holland.
The Forest Preserve Experience, which celebrated its 10th year this year, is coordinated by the Forest Preserves of Cook County and Friends of the Forest Preserves with support from the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, Forest Preserve Foundation, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Housing Authority of Cook County and others.
Over five weeks in the summer, youths from households served by the county Housing Authority contributed to the health and beauty of the preserves while learning about environmental conservation. Most worked near their homes so they could work on projects their community would be able to enjoy.
“The youth participating in the Forest Preserve Experience got their hands dirty this summer and for a good cause,” John McCabe, forest preserves resource management director, shared in a media release. He added that more than 120 participants joined for over 2,500 hours of conservation services through such activities as removing invasive species.
Grant funds equipment for Oak Forest Fire Department
A new $44,900 grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has allowed the Oak Forest Fire Department to buy battery-operated extrication equipment.
The equipment will allow for the safe and rapid rescue of people trapped in vehicles or confined spaces after a serious accident or emergency. The new tools have advantages such as increased maneuverability, faster deployment and reduced tripping hazards.
Deputy Fire Chief Paul Chocola said in a news release that having the new equipment “means everything in an emergency when every second counts.” He added, “We are grateful to the foundation and our local Firehouse Subs in Oak Lawn for providing us with this invaluable funding.”
Palos Heights library hosts book sale
Friends of the Library sponsor the annual fall book sale Aug. 15 to 19 at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave.
Hardback and paperback books, records, jigsaw puzzles, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks and magazines are among the items that will be sold. Some items are from the library’s collection and other items are donated.
Friends members can attend preview night, which is 5:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 15, for free; nonmembers pay $10 per person. The public is invited to shop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 16 and 18. The sale concludes with a $5 bag sale from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 19.
A Friends membership costs $5 for individuals and $10 for families. Details are at 708-448-1473.
Homewood Fire Department hazmat work honored
The Homewood Fire Department has been recognized as the first recipient of Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response Outstanding Community Safety Partnership Award.
The department recently earned the award for its “exemplary commitment to hazardous materials (hazmat) preparedness and community safety,” according to a news release.
The award was established to honor fire departments that exceed standard practices in hazmat safety, community engagement and response. Homewood’s department earned high marks in all areas, including its collaboration with local, regional and industry partners; participation in TRANSCAER drills, training and video development; advancing community preparedness; its performance in responding to hazmat incidents; and continuous hazmat education and training for its personnel
Sounds of Motown come to Oak Lawn on Sunday
Motown Nation will be featured at 6 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Village Green, 9446 S. Raymond Ave., Oak Lawn.
The free performance wraps up the Oak Lawn Park District’s summer concert series. The band performs 1960s pop, R&B and soul. Information is at 708-857-2225.
Morgan Park Academy students join HOBY conference
Area students who attend Morgan Park Academy in Chicago attended the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference, a nationally known leadership conference.
They were Bree English, Blue Island; Cecilia Drown, Orland Park; Zoya D’Antignac, South Shore; and Alana Haaruun and Milton Head, Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood.
The conference, held earlier this summer at Loyola University in Chicago, brings students of differing cultures, communities and backgrounds together to participate in workshops to help develop their leadership strengths.
More Top Picks Chainsaw
Orland furniture store hosts blood drive on Sunday
A blood drive is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 17 at Darvin Furniture & Mattress at 15400 La Grange Road in Orland Park.
Donors will be taken care of at the Versiti Blood Centers mobile unit, which will be parked near the main showroom entrance of the store. Sign up for a donation time slot at Darvin.com.
All those who show up to donate blood can enter a raffle to win prizes, including gift cards to Seasons 52 and BJ’s Restaurant Brewhouse or a Fogo de Chao gift bag. Winners don’t need to be present.
Send news to [email protected].