Welcome to sisters, Olivia and Ashley, who have moved to Forest Park from Elmwood Park. Olivia is a mental health worker at MacNeal Hospital. Her sister, Ashley is equally involved with mental health since she works at a Dairy Queen. There is supposed to be a picture of these lovely young ladies somewhere, but unfortunately I am unable to locate it. Maybe next week.
For your gardening needs, remember Empowering Gardens, 7730 W. Madison St. This garden shop is a 501c(3) nonprofit Illinois corporation. With the support of patrons, this community retail garden center (and soon-to-be gift shop) will create job opportunities for people with disabilities. You can visit the garden center or mail a check to Empowering Gardens Inc., P.O. Box 2161, Oak Park, 60303. You’re invited to visit their website and subscribe to their monthly gardening tips. You are also invited to “like” them on Facebook. You couldn’t spend your garden money in a better place.
Another jewel in the crown of Forest Park is our outstanding library. On Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. our local author and historian (and Forest Park Review columnist), John Rice, will examine the June 22, 1918 train tragedy that killed so many circus animals and performers. Have you seen the circus graves at Woodlawn cemetery? The two stone elephants guide you to the section where the people are buried.
A timely pamphlet at the library discusses mosquitos and mosquito-borne diseases found in northern Illinois. An informative pamphlet is available at the Forest Park Public Library. Some diseases discussed in the pamphlet are West Nile Virus, which cycles between mosquitos, humans and other animals. Crows and blue jays are especially vulnerable, as are eagles. Several years ago the virus exploded in our area and blue jays and crows are still rarely seen. Such plagues as malaria and yellow fever, on the other hand, are practically unheard of in the Chicago area and are unlikely to be found around here. Other disease-carrying mosquitos develop in stagnant water. Many potential breeding sites can be found right around home. Get rid of old tires, wheelbarrows, clogged rain gutters, children’s waading pools. Throw away all trash that can hold water, change birdbath water, and stock ponds with goldfish or other surface breeding fish.
On Aug. 12 at 10:39 a.m., you can learn a lot about textile making at the library. You’ll practice spinning, carding, and dying raw wool. This activity is for kids 6 and under. Registration is encouraged since space is limited. Stories will be told as the textile working is ongoing. Remember, Tuesdays in August at 9:30 and Fridays at 10 a.m., Summer Playgroup time is here. Here being the library.
Happy birthday to Dyonne Scheiwe, Evelyn Rose Osborn, President Barack Obama, Ashley Ernst, Sandy Boy, Briana Balsavich, Barbara Sullivan, Dan Giers, David Stahlke, James Childs, Betty Schulz, Flynn Vogel, Logan Wagner, Roger Grant, Janet Sullivan, Dylan Rozmus, and T.J. Janopoulos.
Happy anniversary to Peggy and Tim Grams.
Jackie is a former Chicago and Elmwood Park schoolteacher with an undying love for music, friendly pets and a host of life’s other treasures too numerous to list. She was born on the far southwest side of Chicago in a great neighborhood when it was a great time to be young.
