St. Gianna Fest (formerly Queen of Martyrs Fest) kicks off fall activities

By Joe Boyle

Fall begins this week but there is no shortage of activities occurring this month and next in Evergreen Park.

Mayor Kelly Burke reminded residents during the Evergreen Park Village Board meeting Monday night that the St. Gianna Fest (formerly Queen of Martyrs Fest) Family Carnival will take place Friday, Sept. 22, through Sunday, Sept. 24, on the grounds of the parish, 10233 S. Central Park.

The festival will take place from 5 p.m. to midnight Sept. 22, noon to midnight Sept. 23, and noon to 9 p.m. Sept. 24. The fest will feature carnival rides, food from a variety of vendors, and entertainment.

Burke also said the annual village-wide garage sale “Memories to Go” at Yukich Field was another success. She added that the farmers market will continue from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Thursday at Yukich Field, 8900 S. Kedzie Ave., through October.

“Yoga in the Park” will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 and Sept. 30, at the pergola at Sexton Park, 9100 S. Rockwell. Burke also mentioned that the community blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Community Center, 3450 W. 97th St.

The annual fire department open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 at the fire house, 9000 S. Kedzie Ave. Octoberfest will be held from 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 at the Community Center and Klein Park, 9700 S. Homan Ave.

Police commendations

Police Chief Michael Saunders requested commendations for officers who responded to three crime incidents. In the first incident, Evergreen Park police were notified by the Oak Lawn police of a vehicle fleeing that village at a high rate of speed on July 24.

After many attempts to elude the Evergreen Park police, the driver exited the vehicle and a foot chase ensued, according to reports. A coordinated effort led to the arrest of the offender, who police described as extremely dangerous.

Charges included aggravated possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a firearm with a revoked DOIA, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, and aggravated fleeing and eluding of a police officer.

Commended for outstanding performance of duty were Evergreen Park officers O’Connor, Keller, Duffin, Wantroba, Sarno, Garcia, and Sgt. Salazar and Lt. Guevera.

Another incident took place Aug. 29 involving a non-compliant driver who refused to exit his vehicle for over 40 minutes. The offender was a convicted felon and was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, obstructing a peace officer, resisting arrest, and possession of adult use cannabis in a motor vehicle, police said.

Receiving commendations for the arrest were officers Duffin, Hansen, Foran, and Sgt. Salazar and Lt. Guevera.

The third incident took place on Sept. 2 in which a speeding vehicle was stopped and during the course of the stop, the driver exited and fled on foot, police said. Three occupants were detained on the scene.

The driver was arrested and police discovered he was a convicted felon who has been arrested for robbery, armed robbery and weapon offenses. Charges against the driver included aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

Receiving commendations were officers Sarno, Kurschner and Foran for outstanding performance of duty.

A finance committee meeting was held Sept. 5 and chaired by Trustee Mark Marzullo. Board members were considering a new scavenger services contract with the Flood Brothers. Mike Flood, Bob Flood and Bill Flood were in attendance.

A transition process was discussed in which pick up days could be rearranged. Mike Flood stated that they have done this transition previously in other communities with some cans being replaced.

Burke said that electronic waste will remain the same with at least 24 hours notice. Mike Flood added that residents can call or use the website portal for service.

Mike Flood said they will work with the village to make a smooth transition. Board members tentatively approved a seven-year contract with an option to renew in five years with the Flood Brothers.

“This will be a tremendous savings for the taxpayers,” Marzullo said. “I want to thank the mayor for all her help on this matter.”

The board will officially vote on a contract with the Flood Brothers at the next board meeting. If approved, the Flood Brothers begin working in January.

The board unanimously approved a business certificate for the Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago Child and Family Connections, 9730 S. Western Ave, Suite 101. The not-for-profit will provide family services for children with developmental issues.

The Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing at the Village Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, to discuss a possible auto detail shop at 9121 S. Kedzie Ave.

Burke also noted that the annual Halloween Parade will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at Sexton Park. The mayor said the event is always well received.

“It is about having a great time,” Burke said.