Evergreen Park mayor hails recent arrests by police

By Joe Boyle

Evergreen Park Mayor Kelly Burke said the recent efforts of the police department continues to keep residents safe.

“Two officers were called to a scene where there was a suspicious vehicle,” Burke said during the Evergreen Park Village Board meeting on Monday night. “They were able to secure a shotgun from a suspect in the car.”

Burke went on to say that the offender had previous felony charges and was currently on parole.

“I want to say thanks to the officers for their fine work,” Burke said.

The two members of the Evergreen Park Police Department received commendations at the suggestion of Chief Michael Saunders.

“I want to also thank Chief Saunders. We also got the shotgun off the street,” Burke added.

The mayor also wanted to laud the efforts of members of the Evergreen Park Library for hosting the first Micro-Marathon fundraiser on Saturday.

“Everything went well and a lot of people attended the event,” Burke said.

The Evergreen Park Community High School Homecoming Parade will take place beginning at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, starting at the high school, 9901 S. Kedzie Ave.

Burke will be marching in the parade along with some of the trustees.

Oktoberfest will be held from 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Evergreen Park Recreation Center, 3450 W. 97th St. Activities will also take place at Klein Park, which is adjacent to the Recreation Center.

Kids activities will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Events for youths include pony rides, a petting zoo, jumpies, touch-a-truck and face painting.

A beer garden will be available for adults. A taco truck will be on the premises. Food will include brats, hot dogs and popcorn.

“There will be tons to do and will be great fun for adults and kids,” the mayor said.

The third annual Santa Sci Event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Evergreen Park Senior Center, 9547 S. Homan Ave.

Admission to the Sci Fest is free. Vendors will be on hand. Visitors can view comic books, Dungeons and Dragons and play board games. Refreshments will be available.

“This gets bigger and bigger every year,” Burke said. “This is a lot of fun.”

The annual Evergreen Park Fire Department Open House will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 15 at the station, 9000 S. Kedzie Ave.

Free smoke alarms are available to residents while the supply lasts. Car seat installations are available by calling the station, 708-422-2148, to make an appointment.

A business certificate was approved for Shelton Solutions, 9730 S. Western Ave., Suite 304. Kelly Shelton is the owner of the energy consulting firm. Shelton has been doing consulting work since 2004 and is moving to Evergreen Park from Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood.

Burke proclaimed Monday, Oct. 31, to be celebrated as “Halloween in the Village of Evergreen Park.” The board was unanimous in approving the trick-or-treat hours from 3:30 to 7 p.m. on Halloween, Monday, October 31.

The mayor also proclaimed that October will be Down Syndrome Awareness Month for Evergreen Park.

The Evergreen Park Farmers Market will continue each Thursday through Oct. 29 at the Yukich Field parking lot, 8900 S. Kedzie Ave. The farmers market is held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fall mums, pumpkins, corn stalks and other fall favorites will be arriving soon at the farmers market.

The Evergreen Park Village Hall, 9418 S. Kedzie Ave., will be closed Monday, Oct. 10, for Columbus Day. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, Oct. 11.