Park District says thanks for the help
On behalf of the board of park commissioners of the Park District of Forest Park, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the following individuals and businesses that made financial contributions, donated prizes or gift certificates or provided in-kind donations for our 41st Annual Fourth of July Celebration:
American Legion Post 414, Bertuca Salon and Spa, Joan and Mike Bigos, Brown Cow Ice Cream, Centuries and Sleuths Bookstore, Consolidated Auto, Dunkin’ Donuts, Ed’s Way Super Market, Ferrara Pan Candy Co., Flavour Cooking School, Forest Park Stucco, Francesca’s Restaurants, Golden Steer Restaurant, Chris Guillen Photography Group, H and R Auto Inc., Harlem Maenner and Damenchor, Harrison Street Care, Heels, House Red, Hudson Precision Products, Kmart, Ladies Workout Express, Cliff and Joanne Leber, Louie’s Grill, Mohr Oil Co., Moss Modern Flowers, Old School Records, Panda Studios Dancers, Pat’s Pet Emporium, PEL, Run Chicago, Quitsch Florists, Schauer’s Ace Hardware, Starbuck’s Coffee, Starship Subs, Team Blonde, Trage Bros. Electronics, Forest Park VFW Post 7181, Wilbert Burial Vaults.
We would also like to thank the following vendors that participated in the event:
Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor, First United Church of Christ Forest Park Eagles Aerie 1344, Forest Park Youth Soccer Assn., Harlem Maenner and Damenchor and the Kiwanis Club of Forest Park.
If you missed this year’s fireworks display, just ask anyone that was there and I’m sure that they will tell you that this year’s extravaganza was, by far, the biggest, loudest and most spectacular display in the 41-year history of the Fourth of July fireworks at the Park District of Forest Park. That was all made possible by a resolution authorizing an intergovernmental agreement between the village of Forest park and the Park District of Forest Park. In conjunction with the village’s vehicle license application form, individuals were able to make a voluntary donation that went directly towards the fireworks display. Those donations were an addition to the Park District’s yearly budgeted amount for the fireworks. We would like to thank the village council for providing the opportunity, and we are extremely grateful to all of the residents and business owners who participated in the donation program.
A special thank you to New Horizon Pyrotechnics for their professional expertise in giving us a show to remember for years to come. It was outstanding.
Our appreciation is extended, as always, to the mayor and village council of Forest Park, and the police, fire and public works departments for their continued support.
Last, but not least, we wish to thank all of the volunteers that truly make this community celebration possible, especially Joe and Sandy Byrnes, Mike and Debbie Espinosa, Lawry Kozlowski and Maurice Stivek. Without their help, an event of this size could never take place. Thank you for giving your time for the enjoyment of others, especially on a holiday.
On behalf of the Park District staff, I would like to thank the board of park commissioners whose support and assistance are truly appreciated.
Larry Piekarz
Director, Forest Park Park District
A commendable job
As Forest Park residents, we read the police blotter in the paper every week, feeling sorry for our neighbors, but never imagining any of this reported crime could happen to us. Unfortunately, a few weeks ago two offenders attempted to break into our house, shaking our family, and questioning the safety of a place we have called home for 25 years. However, due to the speedy response of the Forest Park police, and a concerned neighbor, the offenders were caught and charged with attempted burglary, and later linked to other burglaries in town. The professionalism and compassion displayed by the officers who participated in the arrest, along with Chief Jim Ryan, were absolutely commendable. We are so lucky to have a police department that shows such enthusiasm for their work, and truly cares about the residents living in the community they protect. Thank you for reassuring my family and me that the “small town charm”of Forest Park still lives on.
Joan White and family
Forest Park
