American Legion delivers service flags, Matteson teen heads to state pageant
Evergreen Park American Legion Post 854 celebrated Flag Day this year at a funeral home as members presented flags representing each branch of the United States military for use at wakes and funerals of veterans.
The U.S. flags of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps., Air Force and Coast Guard were presented to Kosary Funeral Home in Evergreen Park in a plan put into action by Post 854 past Cmdr. John Weinberger two years ago.
The presentation also was a way to honor the decades of commitment to veterans by the late funeral home owner Walter E. Kosary, who served during World War II in the Navy as a petty officer, third class, pharmacists mate.
Walter E. Kosary’s wife and daughter, Linda K. Kosary and Elizabeth Kosary Graca, the current owner and directors of the business, were on hand to receive the flags.
According to a release from Post 854, Kosary Funeral Home has served for decades as a final place of honor and tribute for U.S. veterans, who called Evergreen Park, Chicago, surrounding suburbs and communities home.
Matteson sophomore to compete for Miss Teen USA
Nia Williams, a sophomore at Rich Township High School, is Miss Teen Matteson, and will compete in the 2021 Miss Illinois Teen USA pageant June 26 at Braden Auditorium at Illinois State University in Normal.
Williams, an honor roll student and a member of the pom dance team, is representing Matteson this year in the state pageant against 29 other participants from across Illinois.
Lawn Manor Park opens in Oak Lawn
The Oak Lawn Park District held a ribbon-cutting last week for the newly renovated Lawn Manor Park, 108th & Kostner Ave.
The event included a showcase of new park amenities, a four square contest and a Fitness Court tutorial.
Renovations at the park included a new playground, tot structure, musical chimes, 75-foot zip line, and large shelter area that features a “live roof ” with trays of plant material on the lower roof terrace.
Additional amenities include a spray pad, sand volleyball court, walking paths, two half-court basketball courts, two tennis courts, pickleball court, and site lighting.
Both baseball fields received new benches, fencing, and concrete dugouts.
Lawn Manor Park also features a brand new Fitness Court, a digitally connected platform in which people can access a workout library and engage with other fitness court users around the country via a smartphone app.
The renovations were made possible by a $400,000 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources along with a $30,000 National Fitness Campaign Grant.
Midlothian library celebrating 90th anniversary
In November 1931, the Midlothian Community Library was established in a single room of the Lions Club clubhouse.
Since then, the library moved to the Midlothian School building on Springfield Avenue in 1936 and to its present location at 14701 Kenton Avenue in 1991.
This October, following an exterior renovation project, Midlothian Public Library will host a Grand Reopening and 90th Anniversary Celebration.
The date of the celebration is not set yet and based on the completion of the renovation, but the Friends of Midlothian Public Library are kicking off the event by selling commemorative T-shirts with the slogan, “90 Years and Still Renewing.”
The shirts were designed by community member Tony Pechota, also known for his design of the Keep Midlothian Beautiful logo.
The shirts are navy blue with a red, yellow and beige design, 100% cotton, unisex cut, available in adult sizes S through XXXL and will cost from $10 to $15. Information is at bit.ly/90YrsLib, 708-535-2027 or at the library.
New bridge connects Richards High School, Stony Creek Drive
Construction crews have completed the installation of the new bridge that connects Stony Creek Drive with the Richards High School campus in Oak Lawn.
The bridge also will allow people to once again can access the trail that runs along Stony Creek through Wolfe Wildlife Park.
Free music festival set in Matteson
Matteson will present a Summer Music Festival on July 2 at Village Hall featuring three musical acts.
The free community event starts at 5 p.m. and will end with a fireworks show at dusk.
There also will be food vendors and areas for relaxing and lounging to enjoy the music festival.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and picnic items. but no glass bottles are allowed.
Musical acts performing are T.L. Williams, K’Jon and the Delivery Point Band.
“We invite our residents and neighbors from surrounding communities to come out and enjoy a memorable evening in Matteson,” said Village President Sheila Chalmers-Currin.
“Bring out the lawn chairs and picnic baskets for a fun night with great music, food, fireworks and summer fun for the whole family.”
Orland Park library honors longtime employees
The Library Board of the Orland Park Public Library this week honored retiring library Director Mary Weimar and retired Adult Services manager Andrew Masura. Both had been with the library for decades.
Weimar retired this week after serving the library for 25 years. Assistant library Director Mary Adamowski is set to become director.
Masura worked at the library for 30 years before retiring during the pandemic, and the board was just now able to honor him.