• Ever wonder what goes on at the Public Works Facility? Or do you just want some free food? Either way, Saturday, May 21 from noon to 3 p.m. will be a fun-filled, action-packed day of family fun in Forest Park. The village will be celebrating their public works employees, so if you were ever curious what all they do to make your life that much better, be sure and get out to meet and greet them. They will have their equipment on display, are conducting raffles and will be giving out free food. Stop by 15th Street and Circle Avenue, at the village’s Public Works Facility. There will also be surprise activities for the kids.
• Historic measures: The Historic Preservation Committee is coming to a final draft of the proposed Historic Preservation ordinance for Forest Park. At their last meeting, members of the committee wrestled with balancing the desire in Springfield for more strict measures and Forest Park’s desire to have the ordinance be voluntary.
As it reads currently, it is based on Hinsdale’s ordinance, but with some very important changes. Most importantly, a house would, pending council approval and a few more checks by the village administrator and the commission, be nominated for historic preservation by anyone in town, with consent of the owner. The ordinance is aimed at helping homeowners obtain grant money for renovations that would preserve the historic character of their old homes and keep the community looking nice.
The members of the committee are learning just how hard it is to please the powers that be but seem to be doing a good job at balancing the needs of the community, the national requirements for the grants and the demands from Springfield: we should see the ordinance come before the council soon.
• Coming attractions at Garfield School:
May 19″Senior Kindergarten Family Night at 6:30 p.m.
May 23-27″Spirit Week/Assemblies each morning at 8:45 a.m.
May 24″Garfield’s Annual Awards Night at 6:30 p.m.
• At Proviso East: The kids will be out in style at the prom on May 20. Their theme is “Driftin on a memory.” It will be held in Shiller Park. But the most exciting event, open to the public is their upcoming Drumline Competition. So if you enjoyed the film Drumline, get ready to see these kids kick some serious butt on May 21, at the fieldhouse between noon and 6 p.m.
• Meanwhile, on the other side of Harlem:
Battle of the Bands, Saturday, May 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. in Scoville Park, Lake Street at Oak Park Avenue. Bands competing for cash prizes include Last August, Cellenium, Scarborough & Faith, the Casanova’s, and Everything the Giant’s Promised. Hosted by Alex Mufson, with DJ Andrew Meier.
Bella Voce, Anne Heider, artistic director, presents uninhibited, a gala cabaret-style afternoon of vocal entertainment, Sunday May 22 from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at the 19th Century Club, 178 Forest Ave. Call 312-461-0723.
Village Players Theatre, 1010 Madison St., presents Broadway Snapshots, a musical revue of songs and scenes from the golden age of Broadway. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. through May 21. $20/$16 seniors and students. Call 524-9892.
• Save the date: The Forest Park American Legion Post #414 and the V.F.W. Memorial Post #7181 will be selling poppies on Thursday, May 26. Rain date: May 27.
• Don’t forget the basket: The Park District of Forest Park and the Chamber of Commerce will host the annual, highly anticipated All-School Picnic on May 26.
• Summerfest 2005 is still around the corner. It is on Friday, June 10 from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturday, June 11 from noon to 10 p.m.
• St. Bernardine Day Family Festival is scheduled for May 22, beginning with a special Mass at 11:30 a.m. and continuing until dusk. Admission is free and there will be food and beverages for purchase. St. Bernardine Day is a fundraiser for the parish, school, and other parish programs. Check it out at 815 Elgin Ave.
Carpe diem Forest Park, seize the day.
