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16 | June 14, 2018 | The Mokena Messenger news mokenamessenger.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 TinleyJunction.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 LockportLegend.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 bigname 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 preand 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 NewLenoxPatriot.com. FROM THE HOMER HORIZON Lockport-Homer Youth Theater to stage its adaptation of ‘Mary Poppins’ “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.” The famous nanny Mary Poppins spread spontaneity, laughter and, of course, fun to the Banks children in the 1964 Disney film. And that same magic will be brought to life locally, as 90 students in the Lockport-Homer Youth Theater present their adaptation of the beloved musical. Students ranging from first grade through sophomore year in high school have been rehearsing three days a week for the past few months in preparation for the musical’s run June 14-16 at Lockport Township High School’s East Campus auditorium. “I’m excited that the community will get to kind of see all the different talents that these kids have,” executive director and producer of the show Angela Adolf said. “What will be amazing is I think when people come to see it, they will forget that they are watching 13-yearolds and feel as if they are watching a high-level community event, because their talent really is spectacular. These kids have worked really, really hard, and it’s fun to showcase them.” General admission tickets can be purchased for $12 on the theater website at www. homeryouththeater.com. Tickets will increase to $15 if purchased at the door. The musical will take place at 7 p.m. June 14-15, and then again at 2 p.m. June 16. LTHS’s East Campus is located at 1333 E. 7th St. in Lockport. Reporting by Jacquelyn Schlabach, Assistant Editor. For more, visit HomerHorizon. com.
mokenamessenger.com sound off the Mokena Messenger | June 14, 2018 | 17 Social snapshot Top 10 Web Stories From MokenaMessenger.com as of Monday, June 11 1. Secret to successful self-defense: recycle 2. Photos: So long, junior high; hello, high school 3. Mokena Community Park District seeks public input 4. ‘Mr. Mokena’ leaves behind lasting legacy: Longtime trustee John Mazzorana passes away May 27 5. School boards weigh putting new sales tax on ballot: 1 percent increase would fund facilities, maintenance in Will County Become a member: mokenamessenger.com/plus Lincolnway Special Recreation Association posted this June 5: “It is with sadness we share the passing of LWSRA Wheelchair Softball player Ricky Salinas. Ricky was a well known face on the diamond in the summer always enjoying the competition and camaraderie within the adapted sports community. He will be missed on and off the field. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates. #RS19” Like The Mokena Messenger: facebook.com/ mokenamessenger.com “Freshmen, finished [their] first week on a great note!!! Proud of you guys!!!” @lwcfootball, on June 7. Follow The Mokena Messenger: @mokenamessenger Remind dad what he means to you this Father’s Day Amanda Stoll a.stoll@22ndcenturymedia.com I think that most holidays are meant as nothing more than a yearly reminder of things we should really do every day. The more cynical might say it is a money-making scheme designed by card companies or chocolate shops or something of the sort to make money, but that is beside the point. We have birthday celebrations, anniversary celebrations, religious holidays, bank holidays and just about every other holiday you can think of, but what does it all mean? Sometimes it honestly gets overwhelming for me because it starts to feel like a never-ending to-do list of obligatory events. But, that is exactly the reason we should take the time for all the good times. Why let the rest of our crazy-busy lives get in the way of the holidays and celebrations that revolve around the people we love? While it pains me to say it, but things like National Taco Day — which is, by the way, on Oct. 4 — are not real holidays. I know, that hurt me to say as well. But really, the holidays that are less serious need to make way for the really, truly important ones like birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Those holidays are so special because they are about people, and what are we without the people we love and care about and who love and care about us? Gift-giving can be hard, but it is something I think most of us feel obligated to do even if the budget is tight. Sometimes it seems like we are all just giving gifts for the sake of giving gifts — which is totally not the point. For example, my dad has pretty much every tool he could ever want, and the ones he does not have are certainly out of my budget. He does not need any more clothes or sunglasses or knick-knacks. My parents live more than 1,000 miles away, so I think it is safe to say they will not be reading this. Otherwise I might risk my Don’t just list your real estate property... dad seeing this before I show up for a surprise visit this weekend. I will not be bearing any big, expensive gifts, but with my parents living so far away I know he will enjoy having me down for an all-too-infrequent visit. And I’m sure he will also appreciate my box- and furniture-carrying abilities as they are also moving into their new place this weekend. Good thing I’ve been working out more lately. Moving boxes in the Florida heat and humidity is not exactly going to be fun, but as long as there is a cold beer waiting for us at the end of the day, I am confident it will be a successful Father’s Day. So, what makes Father’s Day special for you? Instead of agonizing over what to get dad for Father’s Day, why not make it about more than the money and the gifts? Play a round of golf, do some yard work or just take a drive around town. Whatever you do, let’s make Father’s Day about the time spent together. “Time is money,” and, although that common phrase probably was not originally meant in the same context, I think this would be an appropriate time to take it out-of-context for the greater good. In reality, your time is worth more than your money in so many ways, and that is what holidays like Father’s Day should really be about. 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 Mokena Messenger 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 Mokena Messenger reserves the right to edit letters. Letters become property of The Mokena Messenger. Letters that are published do not reflect the thoughts and views of The Mokena Messenger. Letters can be mailed to: The Mokena Messenger, 11516 West 183rd Street, Unit SW Office Condo #3, Orland Park, Illinois, 60467. Fax letters to (708) 326-9179 or e-mail to tj@mok namessenger.com. www.mokenamessenger.com. Sell It! With a Classified Ad See the Classified Section for more info, or call 708.326.9170 22ndCenturyMedia.com
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