Operation Rising Spirit Forest Park, a partnership with the Historical Society of Forest Park  and Commissioner Michelle Melin- Rogovin was a great success! Today our volunteers at the American Legion made and wrote 85 cards, bringing our Forest Park total to 257 cards for veterans in Illinois care homes.

We held a total of three events in the Forest Park community hosting 50 total people to educate our community about Forest Park’s veteran stories and our Navy torpedo factory in WW2, while we made holiday cards for veterans. Our free events created joy and community this season and will be delivered throughout the state.

Our events included involvement and participation from Forest Park businesses, groups and organizations: Forest Park Public Library American Legion Forest Park, Forest Park Boy Scouts Troop 107, The Brown Cow, the Dive Bar Letter Writers, Team Blonde Boutique, Spa, Salon, Explore Forest Park, Duffy's Tavern Forest Park Living Fresh Market, Forest Park

Thanks to everyone for your participation​

​Operation Rising Spirit at Duffy's Tavern was a tremendous success! Commissioner Michelle Melin-Rogovin organized a wonderful event. The Historical Society of Forest Park showcased the contributions of our village and honored our local service members. A group of 20-24 community members came together to craft 91 holiday cards for Illinois veterans residing in state care homes, including some homemade cards, with assistance from the Dive Bar Letter Writer. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable evening!

​The Historical Society of Forest Park and the Arts Alliance of Forest Park would like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s Invasion of the Scarecrows fundraiser. The creativity was once again amazing, and many folks have told us how hard it was to vote for just one winner in each category. All who participated are winners in a way, and should pat themselves on the back! The Historical Society and the Arts Alliance are winners also, because we were able to raise $1,500 to go toward programing and events. And, of course, there are four winners who each took first place in one category and whose announcement has been anxiously awaited. Drumroll please…… here it is!  
 
It was definitely the year of Barbie! Not just one Barbie, but two Barbie-themed scarecrows won prizes! Weird Barbie at 937 Circle took first place in the Most Artistic category, and the Barbie Photo Booth at 301 Elgin received most votes as People’s Choice. And while the Chicago Bears have not had a winning season so far this year, or maybe because of that, folks fondly remember the 1985 Bears and Da Coach Mike Ditka, since the scarecrow with his likeness at 7348 W. Madison won the Most Historical category. Last, but definitely not least, the winner of the Forest Park Pride category was the Forest Park El train conductor (who looks a little like John Candy) at 439 Hannah.

Congratulations to Zackary McDowell (937 Circle), Burhan Syed (301 Elgin), Hillary Mason (439 Hannah) and Forest Park Bank – Loan and Deposit Operations (7348 W. Madison).  Honorable mention should go to Ricky Poonsa at 537 Marengo whose Peanuts Great Pumpkin theme just barely missed a prize and landed in fifth place in the total number of votes. The prize for block with the highest participation went to the 900 block of Circle with scarecrows at four locations. Congratulations to Zackary McDowell (937 Circle), Colette Anderson (932 Circle), Meaghan Hunt (911 Circle) and Kimberly Adami-Hasegawa at 905 Circle who all contributed displays!
 
Winners have been notified and  will be honored at the Historical Society’s Membership Party on Sunday, November 12. As in previous years, prizes were donated by local businesses, and the Historical Society of Forest Park and the Arts Alliance of Forest Park would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for their contributions:
 
Arts Alliance of Forest Park
Ed's Way
Fat Duck
Historical Society of Forest Park
Jimmy's
Joel Albright
La Maison de Bonbon
Lin Beribak
Louie's Grill
Loyola Center for Fitness
Rick Wagner
Scratch Public House
Starship
Twisted Cookie

Click photo to  enlarge

From the words of Amy Binns-Calvey, the past came alive in Forest Home Cemetery. Thank you to the Forest Park Public Library for organizing and to our 35 friends who joined us on the 2 mile walk. 

The Historical Society of Forest Park's Garden Walk in 2023 was a tremendous success, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, volunteers, board members, and garden hosts. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors: the Gillian Baker Team, Grand Appliance, and Lauren Burjan @Property, whose contributions made this event possible.


With the help of 23 dedicated volunteers, our Garden Walk was organized seamlessly and efficiently. Their hard work and commitment to the cause were invaluable, and we are deeply appreciative of their efforts. Additionally, our board member played a crucial role in overseeing the event and ensuring its success.
We are incredibly grateful to the 10 garden hosts who opened their beautiful gardens to the public. Their enthusiasm and willingness to share their horticultural knowledge created an inspiring and educational experience for all attendees. The variety and splendor of the showcased gardens captivated visitors and contributed to the overall success of the event.  A huge thanks to Michelle Melin-Rogovin for hosting our first-ever pre-party for volunteers, host. and members.


Through the combined efforts of our sponsors, volunteers, board member, and garden hosts, we were able to exceed our fundraising goal for the Garden Walk. The funds raised will enable the Historical Society of Forest Park to continue preserving and promoting our community's rich history and heritage.
Once again, we extend our sincerest thanks to the Gillian Baker Team, Grand Appliance, Lauren Burjan @Property, the 23 volunteers, the board member, and the 10 garden hosts. Your support and dedication have made the Garden Walk of 2023 an unforgettable and impactful event. We look forward to your continued partnership in our future endeavors.