A Tradition of Recognition: The Park Forest “Oscars”

For several years, under the direction of Evelyn Randle, Park Forest’s community relations manager, the village has acknowledged the dedication of its residents and institutions with a special awards program. This year’s ceremony, held last Saturday at Freedom Hall, celebrated 31 individuals and organizations across 10 categories. The event isn’t merely a formality; it’s a deliberate effort to acknowledge those who actively invest in the community’s well-being.

Among those recognized was Barb Dorman, whose leadership of the Tuesday morning free food pop-up at First Baptist Church earned her a “Making a Difference” award. Volunteers, including this reporter and Penny, participate weekly, distributing provisions to those in need. The ceremony provided an opportunity to connect with many of Park Forest’s dedicated citizens, and to feel a part of something larger than ourselves.

The atmosphere at Freedom Hall was palpable. While not all honorees could attend, each was acknowledged with a reading of their accomplishments. As Randle intended, the event served as a public expression of gratitude, a collective “well done” resonating throughout the hall. Park Forest, like any community, faces challenges, but the strength of its social fabric remains remarkably resilient.

Wildlife Encounters: Deer, Squirrels, and a Changing Landscape

Beyond the human achievements celebrated at Freedom Hall, Park Forest is also witnessing a fascinating shift in its natural environment. Resident Beth Brecher recently had a close encounter with a male deer while preparing to feed birds in her backyard. This wasn’t an isolated incident; she had observed the same deer, accompanied by three does, just days prior.

These deer are likely foraging from the Sauk Trail Woods Forest Preserve, utilizing a pathway created by the space beneath electrical wires that run east-west through the center of town. This corridor provides access to Central Park and surrounding areas, offering a convenient food source. Remarkably, drivers along Western Avenue have been observed slowing down to allow the deer to cross safely.

Brecher’s wildlife observations didn’t stop with deer. On the same day, she also photographed a black squirrel, a species once uncommon in the area. This influx of wildlife is part of a broader trend, potentially linked to climate change and shifting animal migration patterns. What was once a rare sight – an eagle, for example – is now becoming increasingly common, with sightings reported near the Matteson Auto Mall.

What does this increasing interaction between wildlife and residents signify about the evolving relationship between Park Forest and its surrounding ecosystem? And how can the village balance development with the preservation of natural habitats?

A Blast from the Past: Roswell and a 1960s Cold Snap

The recent cold weather brought back memories of a particularly frigid January in Roswell, New Mexico, over six decades ago. While living there, a severe cold wave descended upon the community, with temperatures plummeting to 16 degrees below zero. Our trusty 1960 Chevrolet Corvair, notorious for its slogan “unsafe at any speed,” proved difficult to start in the extreme cold.

A neighbor offered a surprisingly effective solution: plugging a light bulb near the engine overnight. This simple trick worked wonders. Today’s vehicles, equipped with advanced technology and safety features, eliminate the need for such improvisations. Yet, there’s a certain charm in remembering those resourceful solutions from a bygone era. Despite the modern conveniences, a little help from a neighbor – or a light bulb – can still go a long way.

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