 Following the Wall of Renown reception, the celebration continued at the Village Council Meeting, where Mayor Rory Hoskins presented an official proclamation honoring the Forest Park Historical Society on its 50th Anniversary. The proclamation recognized the Society’s five decades of work preserving and sharing the unique history of Forest Park through education, outreach, and a variety of beloved community events.
Mayor Hoskins proclaimed 2025 as the “Year of the Forest Park Historical Society” in the Village of Forest Park, encouraging all residents to join in celebrating this milestone and to continue supporting the Society’s mission to preserve the stories that define the community for future generations.  The Historical Society of Forest Park is proud to announce the long-anticipated update to the Wall of Renown, located in the lower level of Forest Park Village Hall. This is the first time the wall has been updated since 1998. Established in 1984, the Wall of Renown recognizes Forest Park residents who have made lasting contributions to the community through public service, volunteerism, leadership, and cultural impact. Each inductee is honored with a photograph and brief biography, preserving their story for future generations. We are excited to welcome a new group of honorees whose work has shaped the spirit and success of Forest Park: 2025 Inductees to the Wall of Renown
Thank you to Public Works for their amazing job installing the new Wall of Renown and the Village of Forest Park for their support and giving us this space. Reception
The Wall of Renown reception was a wonderful evening with about 100 people in attendance. Four of our new inductees were able to join us, along with many of their family members, while those who could not attend or who have passed away were well-represented by friends and loved ones. Guests enjoyed cookies from Twisted Cookie and beverages provided by Smokey Joel. The Forest Park Public Works team did an outstanding job hanging the frames, and Mark Boroughf printed and installed the text Wall of Renown letter. It was a fitting celebration of this year’s inductees and their contributions to the community.
 Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Jewish Waldheim—Stories and Memories meet and greet! It was wonderful to see so many friends, both new and familiar, come together in person to connect, kibitz, and share stories. A heartfelt thank you to Abby Schmelling for bringing us together and Oak Park Temple B’nai Abraham Zion for so generously hosting us your hospitality made the event truly special. We are especially grateful to Amy Binns-Calvey for sharing her research on Waldheim Cemetery, which added so much meaning and insight to our gathering.  What a day! Our 7th Annual Garden Walk on July 12 was a huge success—one of our best yet! With 10 stunning gardens on the map and a surprise bonus garden added by a next-door neighbor inspired to join in, the day was full of beauty, creativity, and community spirit. We’re thrilled to share that we raised over $5,000 to support the work of the Historical Society of Forest Park! A big thank you to our amazing garden hosts, hardworking volunteers, and generous sponsors. Special thanks to Casa Humilde for throwing a fantastic after party, and to Michelle Melin-Rogovin for hosting our Host, Volunteer, and Member Pre-Party. We also thank the Village of Forest Park for opening up 7410 Madison to house our pop-up museum and booklet pop-up, it was the perfect addition to the day. Congratulations to Becca and Kevin Smorze, this year’s Outstanding Garden winners! And thank you to all our raffle donors for helping us end the day with fun and great prizes. We’re already looking forward to next year!
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Congratulations to our Outstanding Garden winners
Becca & Kevin Smorze
Thank you to our volunteers
Photobooth Photos
Thank you to our sponsors
Michelle Melin-Rogovin
AutoBarn
Kyra Pych Real Estate
The AutoBarn Import
Lauren Burjan Real Estate
Begat Genealogist Research Services
U3 Coffee
Cool Truck Treats
Davis Tree Care
Kiwanis of Forest Park
Mari Mortensen
Ferrara
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