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6 | June 14, 2018 | The Mokena Messenger news<br />
mokenamessenger.com<br />
pride<br />
From Page 3<br />
rainbow hue of colors within<br />
the crowd.<br />
“It was crucial to us to<br />
let people know you have<br />
a community out here, too.<br />
We’re letting people know<br />
we’re here. That it’s OK to<br />
be queer, it’s OK to be gay,<br />
it’s OK to be LGBTQ. We<br />
got you,” Robin said.<br />
Valerie Pasqua, of New<br />
Lenox, attended the event<br />
with her three young children.<br />
They ran around<br />
playing with their balloon<br />
swords and partaking in the<br />
activities set up for children.<br />
“I am a huge supporter of<br />
the fight for LGBTQ people<br />
who are trying to get equal<br />
rights here,” Pasqua said. “I<br />
brought my family here so<br />
they can grow up knowing<br />
how to show support and<br />
love for all people.”<br />
The event was not only<br />
about entertaining participants<br />
with a celebration, it<br />
was also about educating<br />
people in a safe environment.<br />
Organizations — such as<br />
the Gay Straight Alliance in<br />
Lockport, Southwest Suburban<br />
Activists and Cross<br />
of Glory Church in Homer<br />
Glen — tabled and answered<br />
questions. Local businesses,<br />
such as Stuffed with Love,<br />
also came out to show support<br />
for the LGBTQ community.<br />
“I love being here today.<br />
Everybody is here to have a<br />
good time, and to show these<br />
kids a good time, and to help<br />
them build confidence,”<br />
Stuffed with Love owner<br />
Heather Giertuga said.<br />
At the top of the hill on<br />
Yunker Farm was a giant<br />
word sculpture that read<br />
“LOVE” with a rainbow letter<br />
“O.” It was a simple but<br />
meaningful sentiment to people<br />
who posed for pictures<br />
alongside it to share its message<br />
across social media.<br />
“I hope they do it again<br />
next year,” Pasqua said.<br />
Cookout Balloon Toss Bean Bags<br />
BBQ Cook-Off Tours And Much More!<br />
People gather at Mokena’s Yunker Park to show support for the LGBTQ community as vendors sell merchandise or pass<br />
out information to help raise awareness of various LGBTQ issues. Megan Schuller/22nd Century Media<br />
Backyard<br />
BBQ<br />
and<br />
June 14<br />
4:00–6:30PM<br />
To RSVP please call (708) 479-1082<br />
or email dtanjic@heritageofcare.com<br />
Evergreen Senior Living Orland Park, invites residents and neighbors from our<br />
community to join us for aBackyard BBQ and friendly Cook-Off Competition.<br />
Join us in our Traditions Dining Room and beautiful Courtyard in<br />
celebration of Flag Day and the beginning of Summer!<br />
Evergreen Senior Living offers lovely assisted living options and<br />
unmatched memorysupport. Visit our community of care, where<br />
friendships flourish and families find peace ofmind.<br />
OPEN TO<br />
THE<br />
PUBLIC!<br />
10820 183rd Street, Orland Park, IL<br />
EvergreenSLC.com/OrlandPark Facebook.com/EvergreenSeniorLivingOrlandPark<br />
i k
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