Cook Forest Preserves program graduates 70
A summer of learning, outdoor exploration and service culminated Thursday in a graduation ceremony for 70 Cook County youth at South Suburban College in South Holland.
Now in its ninth 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 Housing Authority worked in crews at several Forest Preserves sites in the south and southwest suburbs, learning about environmental conservation and contributing to the health and beauty of the preserves.
“The youth participating in the Forest Preserve Experience did incredible things this summer; at five different sites, they completed more than 2,000 hours of conservation service. They helped restore land to ecological health, and they learned about jobs in the environment and conservation fields, as well as career readiness skills like teamwork, communication skills and more,” said Forest Preserves Interim General Superintendent Eileen Figel.
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. In addition to career and life skills workshops, the summer included a variety of recreational outings and activities, ranging from kayaking local waterways to visiting Brookfield Zoo.
“We consider it an honor to work with the next generation in caring for our forest preserves and our planet,” said Radhika Miraglia, program director of Friends of the Forest Preserves.
Southwest Highway slowdown in Chicago Ridge
Longterm lane closures began last week on Southwest Highway under the Tri-State Tollway in Chicago Ridge. The closures are necessary to accommodate bridge repairs, according to a release from the Illinois Tollway. One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained, officials said, though delays are expected.
Traffic shifts and lane reductions on Southwest Highway are scheduled to continue through 2024 for work to repair bridge beams underneath the Tollway. This work is being coordinated with the Illinois Department of Transportation along with local municipalities and police and fire departments.
Along with pavement repairs, Tollway officials are working on a stretch of I-294 in the south suburbs from Southwest Highway to 171st Street, including median barrier and noise wall repairs and improvements for roadway drainage, fiber optics, utilities, and roadway camera and ramp queue detection system. More information is at illinoistollway.com.
Late Silver Cross president’s name lives on
New Lenox Mayor Timothy Baldermann and other officials recently joined members of the Silver Cross Hospital staff to rename Silver Cross Boulevard to Honorary Ruth Colby Boulevard in her memory.
“Honorary Ruth Colby Boulevard will be a visual reminder that Ruth’s wisdom and guidance transformed what was once a community hospital into a regional medical center and nationally recognized healthcare brand,” Balderman said at the July 23 naming ceremony.
In Orland Park, Premier Suburban Medical Group named its outdoor garden and gathering space in honor of Colby during a recent dedication ceremony. The Ruth Colby Memorial Garden features an array of colorful flowers and shrubs, an elegant fountain, seating space and more.
Colby led Silver Cross Hospital from Oct. 1, 2017, until her death Oct. 15, 2023. Prior to that, she’d been the hospital’s senior vice president and chief strategy officer since 2005.
“Ruth was instrumental in bringing the new Orland Park Medical Pavilion to life, and her vision for the vibrant location can be seen in the building design as well as the pavilion’s full array of healthcare services,” said Dr. Refat Baridi, co-founder of PSMG.
Along with staff and officials from Silver Cross and PSMG, Ruth’s husband Don DeFrank and son David Chodak took part in the July 25 dedication. Colby loved to be outdoors and enjoyed spending time in her very own garden, they said.
National Model Aviation Day event planned in Matteson
The Tinley Creek Remote Control Club plans to celebrate National Model Aviation Day with an exhibition and model aircraft demonstrations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 10 at the AMA model airplane flying field, 19498 South Cicero Ave., Matteson.
Club officials said experienced pilots will be flying airplanes, jets, helicopters and drones throughout the day at the event, which is free and open to everyone. There will also be a model aviation display as well as a flight simulator station and a trainer station where newcomers can experience remote control flying, a feature experienced by over 40 people at last year’s event.
More information is at tinleycreekrc.com or by email at tinleycrrekrc@gmail.com.
‘Concert on the Lawn’ set in Evergreen Park
Lyric Opera of Chicago stage artists and members of the Chicago Lyric Opera Chorus will perform at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at the final Evergreenia: Concert on the LAwn event at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 9815 S. Campbell Avenue, Evergreen Park, a concert series modeled on Highland Park’s Ravinia, “only smaller,” organizers said.
The performance will include music ranging from opera to classical to musical theater, organizers said in a release, advising attendees to “bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics and beverages of your choice.”
The concert is free, though donations will be collected for the Lyric Opera.
Pet Parade approaches in Morgan Park
Registration is due Aug. 13 to participate in the annual Pet Parade, planned for 10:30 a.m. Aug. 15 at Smith Village in Chicago’s Morgan Park community. The parade gives neighbors and residents an opportunity to shine a spotlight on their beloved pets, according to a news release. Although it is not required, pets may arrive in costumes or perform tricks. Each pet and its owner will walk the runway and announcers will share tidbits about each animal. Prizes are awarded to the top three pets. There is no charge or entry fee.
More information and registration is with Bridget Murphy at bmurphy@smithseniorliving.org or 773-474-7316 or at the Smith Village reception desk at 2320 W.113th Pl.
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