New Palos Heights library tree commemorates America250
A newly planted tree and bronze marker in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary have been dedicated and donated by the Swallow Cliff Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution at the Palos Heights Public Library.
The ceremony, held last month, included the Pledge of Allegiance and remarks by chapter Regent Audra Gray, Palos Heights Mayor Robert Straz, Library Director Jesse Blazek and library Trustee Susan Snow. Attendees included Palos Heights Alderman Bob Basso and PHTV4 representatives Ronald and Susan Jankowski.
After the dedication, attendees were invited to add their signatures to a large copy of the Declaration of Independence.
The NSDAR committee chose a swamp white oak because of its hardiness and connection to white oaks in the nation’s history. In addition, it’s the state tree, the USS Constitution is partially built of white oak, and Abraham Lincoln’s tomb and monument are surrounded by white oaks.
Land buy adds forest preserve to Will County
A new preserve is joining the Forest Preserve District of Will County, thanks to a purchase of 126 acres in Custer Township that will eventually be known as Horse Creek Preserve – Kang Woodland.
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The land was bought in the 1980s by Dr. Shin Theke Kang and his wife, Tae Sue Kang, of Chicago, who spent decades preserving it. The land, home to more than 32,000 oak, maple, ash, pine, cherry and black walnut trees, hosts wildlife such as the slender glass lizard, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, wild turkeys, red foxes and native songbirds.
The purchase is part of the forest preserve’s $50 million 2025-230 Capital Improvement Program and brings the district’s total acreage owned, managed or leased to 24,228, per a news release.
Glamour rules the night at gallery’s gala
Get swept away “where glamour meets giving” during the annual fundraising gala for McCord Gallery & Cultural Center in Orland Park.
A Gilded Affair starts at 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at Midlothian Country Club, 5000 147th St. Dinner, an open bar, dancing and silent and live auctions are planned.
Money raised provides music and art education, gallery exhibitions and cultural programming, as well as helping preserve the historic McCord House. Tickets cost $175 and can be bought by calling 708-671-0648.
Learn to prevent sweetheart scams
The Cook County Sheriff’s Department will lead a class on preventing sweetheart scams at 1 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Evergreen Park Public Library, 9400 S. Troy Ave.
Attendees will learn what the scams are, why senior citizens are targets and get tips to avoid becoming a victim. Registration is required for this free program. Sign up at 708-422-8522.
Class of 1996 gathers at Stagg H.S.
Amos Alonzo Stagg’s class of 1996 is invited to a reunion Oct. 17, including a tour from 4 to 5 p..m. at the school, 8015 W. 111th St. in Palos Hills.
After the tour, attendees will gather at Durbins, 10154 S. Roberts Road in Palos hills. Pizza and sodas will be served 6 to 9 p.m., and a cash bar with beer and spirits will be available. The event is for adults only.
Prepaid tickets are available for $35 via Zelle at [email protected].
Performance gives boost to youth orchestra
A concert that raises money for the Suburban Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Robin Lipman Scholarship Fund will take place at 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at First Presbyterian Church, 900 Thomas St. in Chicago Heights.
Guest artists pianist Lisa Kristina and violinist Paloma Chavira will perform. Donations will be accepted.
The orchestra is a nonprofit organization run for 50 years by “a talented team of classically trained musicians and instructors who are dedicated to providing students across the south suburbs of Chicago with the opportunity to develop the necessary skills, music education, and inspiration to play and enjoy music, and to build a community or string players,” according to its website. Information is at 708-414-0431.
Patriotic relay travels through Frankfort
The Village of Frankfort serves as the starting leg of the American Discovery 250 Relay on Oct. 13 as part of the nationwide celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary.
The relay is a 6,800-mile journey across the country along the American Discovery Trail connecting California to Delaware. A copy of the Declaration of Independence will be carried along the route.
Area participants who sign up can join the relay for part of the journey by running, biking, walking or traveling by wheelchair, horseback riding or other nonmotorized means of transportation. Details are at www.discoverytrail.org/america-250-relay.
The event begins from 8 to 9 a.m. at Breider Green with music, patriotic remarks, coffee, light refreshments and family-friendly entertainment before heading to Old Plank Trail. From there, the relay goes through Matteson, Park Forest, Glenwood and Lynwood before continuing its eastward journey.
The Presbyterian Church in Orland Park marking 50th anniversary
The Presbyterian Church in Orland Park will mark its 50th anniversary with a 10 a.m. service and 11 a.m. celebration Sunday, Oct. 18 at the church, 13401 S. Wolf Road, Orland Park. Cake, ice cream and other refreshments will be served.
Service: 10:00 AM
The Presbyterian Church in Orland Park had its first service on Jan. 5, 1975 at 143rd Street and West Avenue and was chartered on May 2 1976. It moved to its current location in the spring of 1990.
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