Established 1930

Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Oak Lawn Park District for its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020. 

The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

GFOA advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve.

Pictured (from left to right): Oak Lawn Park District’s Finance Department: IT Manager Jon Regan, Superintendent of Finance & Personnel Phil Costello, Accounting Manager Ron Badali, Human Resources Manager, Safety and Performance Metrics Analyst Jack Leiser, and Business Office Manager Cheryl Daly.

Full story available in the Oak Lawn Independent

The Village of Oak Lawn will hold its annual Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 3 at 4 p.m. In addition to the change in the annual parade day and time (always held on the 4th), the parade route will slightly change!  

The parade will kick off at 95th St. and Cicero Ave. and proceed westbound on 95th St. to 55th Court, and 95th St. will be closed during this event. 

Spectators are encouraged to view the parade on both sides of 95th. The parade features many local businesses, organizations and entertainment including the Chicago White Sox Mascot Southpaw, Those Funny Little People, Medinah Flying Carpets, the Giant Wheel and so much more. 

Following the parade and starting at 6:30 p.m., join in for Post Parade entertainment on the Village Green featuring the band South City Revival. This event will include food and fun. 

As a reminder, the fireworks display will be held the next day on Sunday, July 4th at Harold L. Richards High School at dusk. 

Full story available in the Oak Lawn Independent

Richards High School band director Jordan Fansler recently presented his program’s annual awards. All recipients, by the way, also played together in the band program in District 123.

Nora Danaher received the Woody Herman Jazz Award, Haley Thompson received the Patrick Gilmore Band Award, Trevor Coffman received the Director’s Award, Blake Attig received the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and Jose DelCastillo received the John Phillip Sousa Award.

Full story available in the Oak Lawn Independent

On Tuesday, June 1, Oak Lawn Public Library began the summer reading program, “Reading Colors Your World.” 

As in previous years, high school students and adults can register and track their progress on the Beanstack app or by visiting olpl.beanstack.org. Adults can sign up their children on the app and multiple family members can be added. 

Adult and teen participants will input every day read in Beanstack. For every five days of reading, the participant will earn a virtual raffle ticket for the prize drawing of their choice. When readers reach 30 days, they will receive a certificate for a free individual pizza from Lou Malnati’s. 

Summer Adventure Club for Youth Participants

Youth participants will either be in Summer Adventure Club for ages 2-14 or Koala Club for ages 0-24 months. Participants have a variety of options to choose from to complete the program. 

Summer Adventure Clubbers complete the program by finishing ten out of 20 objectives, ranging from reading a book to writing a letter to a friend or family member. 

Koala Clubbers must also complete ten of 20 goals, but are permitted to do each activity twice if desired. Activities include playing a stacking game and reading a book about letters before singing the alphabet song together. 

Upon finishing, Summer Adventure and Koala Clubbers can pick up their completion prize at the library starting on Thursday, July 1. The final day to receive the completion prize is Monday, August 9, while supplies last.

“Reading Colors Your World” programs include DIY Tie-Dye at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13 for teens and Small Batch Preserving at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 17 for adults.

Children will enjoy “Reading Colors Your World” programs too, including Dan Gogh: Magical Color Zoo, a fun video that includes comedy, magic and puppets that will be available to watch on Thursday, June 17. 

All summer programs will be held virtually. 

The summer reading program continues through Sunday, August 1. 

Visit the library at 9427 S. Raymond Ave. or call 708-422-4990 for questions.

Full story available in the Oak Lawn Independent