Established 1930

The annual “Forest in Bloom Award” nominations are now open in Oak Forest. 

Residents and businesses who beautify their homes or properties through “exceptional landscaping” will receive the award.

The Forest in Bloom Beautification Awards are presented by the City of Oak Forest Streetscape Commission. When residents see a home or business in town “where pride of ownership really shines through,” the city says they should submit a nomination form. 

Any resident or business in Oak Forest is eligible for nomination. Participants can nominate themselves or others. A nominee must earn 25 points to receive the award. Judges will consider the visual aesthetic of the front yard landscaping, the maintenance of the lawn, bushes, shrubs, and flower beds, as well as accessories like gazing balls, fountains, and statues. Backyards will not be considered. 

The committee consists of seven judges, one for each ward. For purposes of remaining impartial, the judges will not critique a potential winner in a ward they reside in. 

To enter the contest, a form must be submitted on each resident’s behalf, which can be accessed at: http://www.oak-forest.org/526/Forest-In-Bloom-Awards.

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After more than a year of social distancing, many are looking for more connection in their lives. And, even in normal times, many tire of “small talk” and crave more meaningful conversations, and many wish they could get to know their neighbors better. “Conversation Café” is a discussion model designed to fulfill these common wishes, and it is coming to Midlothian Public Library.

A Conversation Café is a 90-minute structured, hosted conversation that uses a simple format and ground rules to help people feel at ease and to give everyone a chance to speak. Each Conversation Café focuses on a topic, and questions are posed to invite connection, reflection, and response. When held in person, participants take turns speaking around a circle, but for this summer, the library will be hosting its Conversation Cafés on Zoom. No one needs to feel like an “expert” on the topic because participants are encouraged to speak from their own experience. Also, at any time, it is fine to simply listen. Format and discussion questions will be emailed to participants in advance, but no homework is expected!

Conversation Cafés are scheduled for Mondays, June 21 and July 19, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

June’s topic is “Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” This session will focus on participants’ visions for an equitable, diverse, and inclusive society and what changes they are interested in making at the local community and organizational levels to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion.

July’s topic is “Passing the Baton.” This session will use the metaphor of the relay race to invite participants to reflect on the baton of experiences they have been passed by their families, communities, and society--and which of those “batons” are beneficial to pass on to those who come after us and which are best to leave behind.

The program is free, but registration is required. To register and to get the Zoom link to join, go to www.midlothianlibrary.org and click “Events.” For more information, call the library at 708-535-2027.

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With the pandemic, many employees have found themselves out of work. At the same time, many employers have begun to rely more heavily on video and phone interviews. Video and phone interviews can be just as stressful as in-person interviews—or even more stressful because they involve additional factors that complicate the process. To help jobseekers navigate the uncharted territory of phone and video interviews, Midlothian Public Library will present “No Stress Video and Phone Interviews” on Thursday, June 17, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., online via Zoom. 

The program will be led by job coach Jez Layman. In this class, she will help attendees learn the differences between types of interviews and how to prepare for them, as well as tips on best presenting oneself when one is not actually in the room.

To register for this free program, and to get the Zoom link to join, go to www.midlothianlibrary.org and click “Events.” For more information, call the library at 708- 535-2027. 

Full story available in the Midlothian-Bremen Messenger

It was a perfect day for a walk, an even better day to dedicate a path in memory of former state legislator and Bremen Township Supervisor Maggie Crotty, who died in November 2020, age 72. 

Many friends showed up to honor Maggie as the walking path was dedicated, including former Speaker of the Illinois House Mike Madigan. Also, part of the dedication was Robin Kelly, a 2nd District Congresswoman. John Cullerton told stories about his friendship with Maggie as well. 

The emcee of the dedication was former Illinois Representative Terry Steczo. He remembers Maggie as a strong voice in Illinois. 

“It was obvious from the time I first met her that she had natural leadership qualities,” said Steczo. “Whenever and wherever she decided to get involved in projects, it wasn’t long before she was in charge. She joined her children’s PTA organization when they were in school and before long was president. Then she ran for the school board and within a short time was board president. When she decided to run for the legislature, I knew that she had the abilities and capabilities to be able to be successful, and she was.”

Full story available in the Midlothian-Bremen Messenger