Forest Preserves job program graduates 99

A summer of learning, outdoor exploration and service culminated this morning in a graduation ceremony for 99 Cook County youth at Wampum Lake Forest Preserve in Thornton Township.

Now in its seventh year, the Forest Preserve Experience is 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 HACC worked in crews at several FPCC 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 8 acres of land to ecological health, but they also learned about jobs in the environment and conservation fields, as well as work readiness skills like teamwork, communication and more,” said Forest Preserves General Superintendent Arnold Randall. “We are so proud of their contributions to caring for our local natural habitats, and we hope they continue to build appreciation of these great assets among our future generations.”

Brewfest returns to Orland Park with live music

Orland Park Brewfest is planned 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sept. 17. This year’s event features offerings from local craft breweries, a full dinner spread and live entertainment. Brewfest will be held at the Orland Park Public Works building, 15655 S. Ravinia Ave.

Brewfest includes numerous sampling stations with over 50 selections of ales from some of the region’s favorite craft breweries.

“Our event is unique in that everything is included,” said Ray Piattoni, the village’s director of Recreation and Parks.

Tickets are available at www.universe.com/brewfest ranging from $40 to $55, depending on when they’re purchased. The ticket includes 20 beer tastings, a full dinner by City BBQ and a souvenir glass. Designated driver tickets are $20 each and include a full dinner, a souvenir glass and nonalcoholic beverages.

Live entertainment will be provided by band Fletcher Rockwell who are widely known for their original songs and clever versions spanning everything from vintage Tom Petty, Paul Simon and Talking Heads to contemporary roots revivalists Chris Stapleton, Dawes and Mumford & Sons.

More information is with the Orland Park Recreation and Parks Department at 708-403-5000.

Shepard High’s Marching Astros kick off camp

Weeks before the start of the new school year, marching band members from Shepard High School baked in the summer sun to prepare for the coming competitive season.

As much as any event, marching band camp signals the start of a new school year. For a week, the Marching Astros arrived early and stayed late to learn the new field show, titled “Dancing Through Darkness,” they will perform at home football games and competitions.

Refining the field show takes time. Band director Christopher Pitlik and the assistant instructors need band camp to orchestrate the complex movements and music for the desired visual effect.

The Shepard band will compete this fall at contests hosted by Andrew High School, Northern Illinois University, Lincoln-Way Central High School, and Illinois State University.

Rich Township superintendent heads to Korea

Rich Township High School District 227 Superintendent Johnnie Thomas joined 22 other industry leaders in an exchange seminar July 13 at the Korea — U.S. Science and Technology Talent Development Center in South Korea.

“The opportunity to involve our community in an international discussion around how to best educate children is something that is going to benefit our entire community,” Thomas said.

The Science Creative Foundation introduced Korea’s policies and best practices for STEAM education and an online platform for science and mathematics education, while the U.S. delegation shared the current status of STEM education in the United States and how to train STEAM experts. In addition, there was an in-depth conversation between Korean-U. S. education experts on nurturing science and technology talents, according to a district news release.

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—Paul Eisenberg