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12 | June 14, 2018 | The Homer Horizon news homerhorizon.com FROM THE TINLEY JUNCTION Tinley Park’s Farmers Market open for the summer Good weather is a necessity for growing delicious fruits and vegetables. It also is a key ingredient to hosting a successful farmers market. On June 2, R Market Inc. welcomed produce patrons to Zabrocki Plaza in Tinley Park for its first farmers market of 2018. And the only thing more bountiful than the wide variety of fresh flowers, veggies, crafts and cuisines was the happiness radiating from attendees, as they made their way through the over 60 vendor booths on a beautiful spring morning. The weekly event runs from 7:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. every Saturday through October. “I’m excited that we’re in our 21st year, still going strong, and that people still want to participate,” said Becky Nichols, market organizer. “There’s something for everybody, and it’s a nice place to come. It’s free, and the kids also have fun stuff to do. There’s food to eat, beverages to drink, things to look at and buy. This market is also great for shopping for birthday gifts or wedding gifts.” Popcorn from Kernel Sweetooth, cheese from Stamper Cheese Company, treats from Villa’s Nuts & Candy and sweets from first-time vendor Orland Park Bakery also were popular products at the market. Tupperware, Avon, Pampered Chef and vendors selling homemade candles, jewelry and more offered several options for unique gifts, as well. During the summer vacation months, the market also will offer free face painting and crafts for children at 9 a.m. Reporting by Laurie Fanelli, Freelance Reporter. For more, visit Tin leyJunction.com. FROM THE MOKENA MESSENGER Service dogs in training get cuddle time A puppy-cuddling event sounds like the unrealistic dream of every dog-lover out there. But last week in Mokena, that cute, cuddly event was a reality. With 10 new puppies destined to be future service dogs, Heartland Service Dogs Inc. hosted an event June 6 to let the puppies meet new people and raise awareness about their organization. “We do have a few people who have signed up as puppy-raisers, but we are still looking for more,” Fox said. Even with the number of puppies from this litter, she said it will not be enough to meet the need for service dogs in the area. In addition to their current waiting list, which could be up to three years for some people, Fox said she has received roughly a dozen new applications in recent months. “Even if every puppy successfully completed the program, I don’t have enough dogs,” she said. For those people who do volunteer to become puppy raisers, it is about an 18-month commitment, and Fox said Heartland is with the foster parents every step of the way. “[Puppy raisers] don’t have to feel like, ‘Well, I don’t know anything about training a service dog,’” she said. “You don’t need to. You just need to be willing to love it and care for it, and we’ll help you with the rest.” Reporting by Amanda Stoll, Assistant Editor. For more, visit MokenaMes senger.com. FROM THE FRANKFORT STATION Proposed land sale would pave way for mixed-used development The Frankfort Village Board is slated to vote this month on a purchase and sale agreement that would allow for the construction of a 11,300-square foot singlestory mixed-use building on North White Street. The redevelopment offer — submitted by Frankfort accounting firm DeMarco, Sciaccotta, Wilkens & Dunleavy LLP, would involve purchasing the “Mech House” at 11 North White St. and a portion of the Prairie Park parking lot located at 7 North White Street for approximately $250,000. The new structure is expected to offer space for retail and office use, as well as a sit-down restaurant with outdoor seating. Because the proposed project would eliminate a section of the Prairie Park parking lot, new parking spaces would be constructed around the new building as part of the project plan. A first reading of the agreement was conducted at the board’s June 4 meeting, and trustees are expected to take action on the matter June 18. “Right now, this property is earning no property tax, either for the Village or the school districts or any of our other governing entities within the Village, because it is owned by the Village,” Trustee Cindy Heath said. “So, once this does become a commercial property, it will be taxed, it will be on the property tax rolls.” Heath said she anticipated the development would have an assessed property value of more than $1 million, which she suggested would benefit local entities that rely upon sources of property tax revenue other than residential property taxes. Reporting by Nuria Mathog, Editor. For more, visit FrankfortStation.com. FROM THE LOCKPORT LEGEND Cruisin’ Into Lockport signals summer’s arrival Nothing says summer in Lockport like the sight of classic cars lining the downtown square. On June 4, the first installment of Cruisin’ Into Lockport 2018 kicked off the season with a car show dedicated to the finest Ford Motor Company has ever offered. Thunderbirds, Mustangs, custom models and more varieties impressed car experts and novices alike. Along with all the Ford fun, the event also featured the Pit Stop Food Court, games for children and live music compliments of the rock band Cadillac Groove. Now in its 15th year, Cruisin’ Into Lockport signaled the start of summer in the suburbs with sunny skies and huge crowds during its first week. “I think over the past 15 years it has gained a reputation for being a fun family event with free entertainment, and you can even eat your dinner out here,” said Jodi Herman, City of Lockport administrative assistant. “On nights like tonight, when it’s so nice, you can come out to look at the cars and sit and listen to the bands. It’s great.” Joliet resident Jim Dickerson said he enjoys coming out to Cruisin’ Into Lockport for the cars and the company. He showcased his 2003 Ford Mustang GT. “This is something fun to do, and it keeps me out of the tavern,” he joked. Reporting by Laurie Fanelli, Freelance Reporter. For more, visit Lock portLegend.com. FROM THE ORLAND PARK PRAIRIE Parks & Rec Committee looking to 2019 for possible paid concert Pending budget approval later this year, Centennial Park West is looking more and more likely to host a big-name musical act in 2019. The Village of Orland Park’s Parks and Recreation Committee on June 4 voted 3-0 to recommend the Village Board approve contracting with Double D Booking for a concert next year at Centennial. Nancy Flores, recreation director for the Village, said after months of meeting with talent agencies, staff determined that Double D Booking was its preferred, exclusive event management group to contract for a possible concert. “Double D works very closely with the talent agents, and they also have a national outreach,” Flores said. Flores said services performed by Double D include talent sourcing, and pre- and post-event production management. Flores said the event management services were unique, which is why staff was recommending moving forward with Double D. These types of services would include the agency handling hotel accommodations for the musical act, travel expenses and on-site management during the concert. “That way, especially if this does come to fruition, staff can really focus on the task at hand — which is working together with [the parks department] and making sure the event is secure, ticket sales, alcohol sales, food, and working with other vendors,” Flores said. “There’s going to be a lot on our plate for an event of this magnitude. We felt that Double D is going to be the best fit for us, because they are going to be able to offer those on-site hands to help us.” Reporting by Jon DePaolis, Freelance Reporter. For more, visit OPPrairie. com. FROM THE NEW LENOX PATRIOT Bennitt’s baseball versatility, passion for engineering lands him at IIT When Lincoln-Way Central graduate Brandon Bennitt was searching for colleges, his No. 1 priority was clear: to find a school with strong academics and a respected engineering school. Baseball, Bennitt decided, would not be the ultimate decision-maker. “My dad really wanted me to play college baseball, but I started looking at schools like [University of Illinois] and Purdue for their engineering programs,” Bennitt said. “I told my parents I might just go to a big school like that and not play baseball, and they were good with that.” Instead, Bennitt found a fit that would give him the best of both worlds. He signed to play baseball at the Illinois Institute of Technology, a NCAA Division III program. He plans to major in computer engineering. “I didn’t want to go too far away, and IIT is really close to home,” Bennitt said. “I felt really comfortable with the coaches there, and I already know some guys that play there. “The school has a great engineering program, and that’s the most important thing. Baseball is just a bonus.” It’s a bonus that has allowed Bennitt to fulfill a lifelong goal and to follow in the footsteps of his father. Bob Bennitt played baseball at Joliet Junior College and Quincy University. “It’s always been a dream to play college baseball,” Bennitt said. “My dad always worked with me and pushed me. … I knew that if I went to college and didn’t play baseball, I’d definitely miss it.” Reporting by Steve Millar, Freelance Reporter. For more, visit NewLenox Patriot.com.
® homerhorizon.com Sound off the Homer Horizon | June 14, 2018 | 13 Social snapshot Top stories From HomerHorizon.com from Monday, June 11 1. PHOTOS: Turning the tassel 2. Homer Glen native ordained a priest for Diocese of Joliet 3. LTHS conducts graduation ceremony for Class of 2018 4. The Dish: Hard-to-find baked treat finds home in Mokena 5. Providence graduates reflect on family bond in Class of 2018 Become a Horizon Plus member: homerhorizon.com/plus “Godzilla rolls are in the fryer. So crunchy and tasty.” WoW Sushi, from Friday, June 8. Like The Homer Horizon: facebook.com/homerhorizon “The talent just keeps on performing at the 1st-4th grade talent show! So much talent at Luther J. Schilling elementary! #33cpride #ljspride” @Schilling33C, Schilling School, from Monday, June 4. Follow The Homer Horizon: @homerhorizon From the Editor Discovering and rediscovering summertime interests Thomas Czaja tom@homerhorizon.com As of this issue date, we are a week away from the official start of summer. Though, with the nice weather we have been having lately, we have already been out and about, taking advantage of the warmer months and all the many fun outdoor activities the Chicago area has to offer. With this time of year come local traditions, as well. In this issue, we see multiple examples of things going on right in Homer Glen. We see in the cover story on Page 3 the recap on the annual 5K Fun Run held at Messenger Marsh Forest Preserve. It once again benefitted Shady Oaks Camp, and an estimated 125 people participated. Even if you missed the race, maybe exploring the Messenger Marsh or other spots you haven’t checked out around town is on your to-do list. Elsewhere, in the cover story on Page 17, you can read about the Lemont Classic Car Club shows starting up again for the season. By the time you read this, three will already have occurred for the year. However, they run every Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Big R parking lot in Homer Glen through September, so there are plenty of chances to catch a car show or two, and you never know what kind of make or model may pull in on a given week. Now, even if you aren’t the fastest runner or most knowledgeable about all things cars (me), you can still have and gain an appreciation for both events. The blurb on Page 5 of this issue is in regard to the Homer Township Public Library and its Summer Reading Challenge for adults, teens and children alike. There is an assortment of prizes available as incentives to those of all ages who get reading. When was the last time you read a book? Even those who aren’t bookworms and enjoy an active summer lifestyle can surely appreciate spending an occasional evening out on the patio peacefully reading while getting some fresh air and sipping a beverage. These are just three examples of some stuff going on locally over summer. Whether stopping somewhere nearby for ice cream, exploring nature or checking out cars or books, there is something for everyone to find and participate in. For myself, I am part of an Ultimate Frisbee group that meets weekly. I was stagnant with it for a while, but now I am going again, trying to make the most of the idyllic weather. Reading about the 5K Fun Run and its good cause has inspired me to once again try to complete my first 5K coming up. It’s all about us getting out of our comfort zones, trying new things, rekindling old things and making the most of summer, because we know how fleeting it is. So, before we are bundled up in jackets again, try finding the extra in the ordinary, even right here in the community, and you are bound to discover new knowledge, interests and people along the way. Sound Off Policy Editorials and columns are the opinions of the author. Pieces from 22nd Century Media are the thoughts of the company as a whole. The Homer Horizon encourages readers to write letters to Sound Off. All letters must be signed, and names and hometowns will be published. We also ask that writers include their address and phone number for verification, not publication. Letters should be limited to 400 words. The Homer Horizon reserves the right to edit letters. Letters become property of The Homer Horizon. Letters that are published do not reflect the thoughts and views of The Homer Horizon. Letters can be mailed to: The Homer Horizon, 11516 West 183rd Street, Unit SW Office Condo #3, Orland Park, Illinois, 60467. Fax letters to (708) 326-9179 or e-mail to tom@ homerhorizon.com. www.homerhorizon.com. Don’t let your advertising cool down this summer. BE SMART. ADVERTISE IN CONTACT The Homer Horizon JULIE MCDERMED 708.326.9170 ext. 21 j.mcdermed@22ndcenturymedia.com Visit us online at Homerhorizon.com
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