Kopy's Kolumn: The Publisher's Blog for June 10, 2019

Gary Kopycinski, Kopy's Kolumn, here's looking at you — The publisher courtesy the Village Manager. (Feb. 20, 2019)

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Setting this one to go live at 12:01 AM on June 10. Will do that from now on, then I can write throughout the day to catch the “odds and ends” of news and commentary

First, Something Odd

Of all the videos we’ve posted through the years, this one continues to draw the strangest, angriest, and most bizarre comments on our YouTube page:

Yes, the one meeting in Country Club Hills I attended and shot video. You might recall the controversy from 2011.

Yes, 2011.

So, there’s Mayor Dwight Welch in all his glory trying to keep his credit card. This was a meeting for the ages, and people still comment on the video as if it all happened yesterday — or as if its still happening.

For the record, the Village of Park Forest has one credit card and every charge is published on the Village website, along with every check written. That’s the transparency Mr. Tom Mick insists on.

Dwight Welch is no longer mayor of Country Club Hills, but lives on in infamy, I guess.

The Manager’s Report

Tom Mick reports at last Monday’s Village Board meeting. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

This one’s not odd at all. Here are the essentials from Village Manager Tom Mick’s latest report, all still relevant, all upcoming dates.

Main Street Nights

The Main Street Nights Concert Series for 2019 will begin on June 12th and take place every Wednesday evening through August 7th. Opening night on June 12th also includes a Resident Appreciation BBQ with food being provided free of charge to the first 500 attendees from the public. Full details for the upcoming Main Street Nights concert series can be found on the Village website at villageofparkforest.com

Resident Appreciation

The month of June will be Resident Appreciation Month. The schedule includes several different events across the month. All details can be found in the Document Center of the Village web site or by contacting Evelyn Sterling at Village Hall by calling 283-5621.

Campout @ Central Park

The 4th Annual Great American Campout in Central Park is on Friday night, June 21st to Noon on Saturday, June 22nd. Details can be found at the Village website or by contacting the Recreation & Parks Department at 748-2005.

Climate Change Forum

The Park Forest People of Faith are hosting a community forum with the topic of climate change on Sunday, June 23rd at St. Irenaeus Church.

WARNING: Door-to-Door Solicitors

Calls were received at Village Hall last Friday and again today regarding solicitors that came to a resident’s door. They asked to see the resident’s ComEd and Nicor bill to see if they could save some money. Residents are reminded that solicitors have to get a permit from the Village Hall. The permit process requires background checks for the individuals who will be going door-to-door.

The permit also requires that the solicitor have a name badge on them that is clearly visible to the public. Residents are reminded that they do not have to answer the door for a solicitor. Also, if a solicitor is rude or aggressive in any way, close the door and call the proper authorities.

In the case of the solicitor in question, the company goes by the name of Residents Energy or RPA Energy. No such company has been issued a permit from the Village to go door-to-door.

About Resident Appreciation Month: Community BBQ & Main Street Nights

This from Monica DeLord’s Park Forest eBulletin:

Join us as we celebrate you! Download flyer below for all the details of each event.

June 12 ~ Community BBQ with Main Street Nights
June 22 ~ Food & Wine Crawl
June 28 ~ Appetizers & Play at Theater 47
June 29 ~ Dancing Under the Stars with House Music

RSVP Today! All events are FREE, however, space is limited. From more information, call (708) 283-5621 or email [email protected]. These events are sponsored by the Village of Park Forest and Park Forest Library.

Flyer with details

The Community BBQ begins at 6 PM on the Village Green, 350 Victory Drive.

Free food! Plus, the first Main Street Nights.

Main Street Nights: Jesse White Tumblers, The Upbeat Orchestra

6:30 p.m. The Jesse White Tumblers

The Jesse White Tumblers were created in 1959 to provide a positive alternative for inner-city kids. The team consists of male and female participants as young as age 6. The team, with 7 units, gives more than 1,500 performances each year at major sporting events and community, business, and charity functions.

7:30 p.m. THE UPBEAT ORCHESTRA

The UPBEAT ORCHESTRA is one of the region’s most exciting and creative party bands – a dynamic and balanced mix of Swing/Classics, Motown/R&B, Party/Rock and Contemporary. UpBeat is comprised of Chicago’s top national level artists, and is known for packing the floor with dramatic momentum – UpBeat creates a non-stop, unforgettable dance party experience. UpBeat performs a variety program that musically connects with everyone – Chicago’s UpBeat Dance Band!