Will County Forest Preserve executive director retires
Ralph Schultz, of Plainfield, has retired as executive director of the Forest Preserve District of Will County after a 32-year career there. He joined the preserve in 1993 as a landscape architect and has been director of planning and operations and chief operating officer, as well as supervising a major expansion of the district. Deputy Director Tracy Chapman will take on the executive director role.
Forest Preserve Board President Destinee Ortiz thanked Schultz for his service. “You’ve led with clarity, commitment and care. Your legacy will live on in every trail connection, restored habitat, and public program that brings people closer to nature,” she shared in a news release.
During Schultz’ tenure, he oversaw the creation and extension of Old Plank Road Trail, Veterans Memorial Trail, Wauponsee Glacial Trail, the regional DuPage River Trail and Joliet Junction Trail, as well as smaller paths.
His career was inspired by the joy he had with working in his yard and for his community. “I wanted to help build greenway systems that would have both ecological and recreational value and truly contribute to the quality of life in our communities,” he noted in the release.
Former governor to speak in Blue Island
Former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn will be the featured speaker at the annual Blue Island Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at 11 a.m. May 26 at Memorial Park, 12800 Highland Ave.
Quinn, who served as the state’s 41st governor from 2009-15, will join members of American Legion Post 50 in honoring all the Blue Islanders who gave their lives for their country in the many wars and conflicts involving the United States.
All veterans may participate, and members of the public are invited to observe. A post-ceremony continental breakfast open to the public will be served inside the Memorial Park field house.
Veterans’ commission leads BAPA parade
Everyone loves a parade, including the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County, which has a starring role in the Beverly Area Planning Association’s Beverly/Morgan Park Memorial Day Parade at 10 a.m. May 26 from 110th Street and Longwood Drive in Chicago.
Commission Superintendent Elizabeth Soto and Deputy Superintendent Grant Jacobson, both military veterans, will serve as grand marshals of the parade, which heads north on Longwood to Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Drive. The organization, founded 90 years ago, provides mental health, health and financial services, as well as helping veterans connect to agencies such as Hines Hospital and the Veterans Administration.
The community’s Memorial Day ceremony is at 9 a.m. May 26 on the Ridge Run stage at Ridge Par. The grand marshals will be recognized, a wreath will be laid and taps will be played.
The parade, the oldest neighborhood Memorial Day parade in Chicago, will feature the Morgan Park High School JROTC, Patriot Guard, Scout troops, antique vehicles, floats and military vehicles. The Jesse White Tumbling Team will provide the finale. Information is at BAPA.org.
Bremen District 228 students earn Evans Scholarships
Five seniors at Bremen High School District 228 have earned an Evans Scholarship, which pays for housing and college tuition for golf caddies, valued at more than $125,000 over four years.
Among Illinois’ 130 scholars this year are Oak Forest High School students Lillian Everitt, Aiden Kelly and Ethan Nutile, and Bremen High School students Nayeli Lozano and Yoseline De La Rosa.
Several recipients, including District 228 students, participated in the Western Golf Association’s Caddie Academy, a summer program that provides promising high school students with daily caddying opportunities and personal growth, as well as the chance to apply for an Evans Scholarship after three summers.
Open house focuses on Frankfort’s park buildings
Frankfort residents who want to have input on the design of a potential recreation facility are invited to an open house at 6:30 p.m. May 28 at Founders Center,
Frankfort Park District officials have sought such input for the last decade, given the significant repairs needed for its indoor facilities, including the Puent Building and the Founders Center, which has some areas that are nearly 100 years old.
The annual property tax levy does not generate enough income to make the repairs or build a new facility. “The key question we hope residents can help us answer is whether voters would support a tax rate increase to fund renovations of existing facilities or to construct a new recreation center,” Executive Director Gina Hassett noted in a media release, adding that such funding would require a referendum.
Plans developed after feedback in 2024 from surveys and focus groups will be presented at the open house. Suggested amenities include fitness areas, indoor playgrounds, aquatics, multipurpose rooms and a walking/jogging track. Call 815-469-9400.
Homer Glen student shares research at national conference
Homer Glen resident Abigail Trainor was one of five senior public relations students at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis., to present research and thesis papers at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research last month in Pittsburgh.
Students researched topics, including ethics in AI in public relations, internal communication management, crisis communication, and parasocial relationships and their ties to public relations.
Elder abuse workshop planned in Robbins
Adult Protective Services Director Velencia Myton of Pathlights will present a workshop on elder abuse at 11 a.m. May 28 at the William Leonard Public Library, 13820 Central Park Ave., Robbins.
Myton has spent more than 30 years working to improve the lives of older adults, first as a nursing home administrator and then as a Pathlights employee, leading a team of professionals who investigate elder abuse through the Illinois Department on Aging.
Attendees will learn about what constitutes neglect, abuse and exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities, as well as how to report an abusive or neglectful situation. Register by calling 708-597-2760.
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