A summer of learning, outdoor exploration and service culminated recently in a graduation ceremony for 116 Cook County youth at Wampum Lake Forest Preserve in Thornton Township.

Now in its sixth year, the Forest Preserve Experience was able to nearly double its capacity from its 2021 initial plans.

For five weeks this summer, young people ages 14-19 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.

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 canoeing to meditation to “Touch a Turtle Day.”

Orland Park library gets new leader

The Orland Park Public Library Board of Trustees has named Mary G. Adamowski director of the library after former director Mary Weimar retired in June.

Adamowski, a longtime Orland Park resident, has spent the last 34 years working at the library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave. Adamowski got her first job at the library as a circulation clerk, and was also head of Youth Services for nearly 14 years. A highly accomplished library leader who was awarded the Illinois Library Association’s Davis Cup award, she helped the library through the $3.4 million renovation in 2020 as assistant library director.

“I’m so happy to serve this community,” Adamowski said. “I just love Orland Park, and we have such a wonderful staff here. I am so grateful to the board for their confidence.”

Will County state’s attorney donates K-9 to Monee police

A new member of the Monee Police Department was sworn in last month.

Cap, a 19-month-old German shepherd purchased by Will County State’s Attorney James W. Glasgow for the Monee Police Department using forfeited money, is the department’s new K-9 officer. Glasgow, Monee police Chief Scott Koerner, and Officer Steve Crescenti joined Cap as he was sworn in by village Clerk Doneshia Codjoe before Mayor Therese Bogs and the members of the Village Board.

Cap, his training, and the canine transport equipment, were funded by money seized from dealers and traffickers selling illegal narcotics in Will County. No taxpayer dollars were used. Cap joins eight other police dogs provided to law enforcement agencies, including K-9 officers Rookie in Shorewood, Hutch in Channahon, Roxie in Rockdale, Mao in Wilmington, Simo in Crest Hill, Tiburian in Elwood and Tucker in Park Forest.

Dianne Masters Cup charity golf outing approaching

The Crisis Center for South Suburbia, which serves victims of domestic violence and their children throughout the entire South area by offering free shelter, housing, counseling and aid, hosts the Dianne Masters Cup Charity Golf Outing on Aug. 10, at Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park.

Participants can click DMCgolf2021.givesmart.com to register, purchase a sponsorship or participate in online auction and raffles.

Smith Village Farmers’ Market features local produce, sweets

Vendors will offer a variety of local treats from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Smith Village Farmers’ Market at 113th Place and Oakley Avenue, taking place rain or shine.

In addition to Smith Village’s new stand serving lemonade, popcorn and flowers from Mariano’s to benefit Emilie’s Fund, tasty highlights include Misericordia Hearts & Flour Bakery, Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences’ honey, Urban Canopy’s truck loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables, NISSE Farms’ honey, Fat Tommy’s doughnuts and Sweet Freaks’ crepes.

More information is at 773-474-7300 or SmithVillage.org.

Music on the Green set at Morgan Park Academy

Music on the Green, featuring live entertainment from the Gentlemen of Leisure, a craft beer festival and a fireworks show will kick off at 6 p.m. Aug. 29 at Morgan Park Academy, 2153 W. 111th St. All proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Chicago and the 19th Ward Youth & Community Foundation.

Tickets are $10 per person or $25 per family and are available at www.the19thward.com

Taste of St. Julie offers some far-flung flavors

The first Taste of St. Julie takes place from noon to 9 p.m. Aug. 21 at St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church, 7399 W. 159th St. in Tinley Park.

The free event will feature food for purchase including American backyard, Asian cuisine, European grill and Latino cuisine along with desserts and beverages. There will also be games, face painting, a bounce house, dunk tank, bingo, split the pot and music from My Dad’s Cover Band, which is made up of St. Julie parishioners. More information is at www.stjulie.org.

Will forest preserves start August scavenger hunt

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has scheduled an August program that will get you out in the preserves exploring and looking for signs of the District’s furry woodchuck mascot, Willy.

The “Where’s Willy? Scavenger Hunt” runs through Aug. 31, at four preserves: Hadley Valley and Messenger Woods Nature Preserve in Homer Glen, as well as Hammel Woods in Shorewood and Kankakee Sands Preserve in Custer Township.

Clues to Willy’s location in the four preserves are available on at ReconnectWithNature.org in a story posted to the Current Headlines section. Once you locate a cutout of the wandering woodchuck, take a photo and upload it via the link in the online story.

The first 200 scavenger hunt participants who find Willy at all four preserves by the end of August will receive a Forest Preserve District drawstring backpack.

Villagewide garage sale planned in Evergreen Park

The Evergreen Park Senior Citizens’ Council is bringing back “Memories to Go,” the village-wide garage sale, Sept. 11 at Yukich Field, 89th and Kedzie Avenue, and are seeking vendors.

Inside rental on the ice rink are $50 and outside rentals are $35. More information is at 708-422-8776.

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