Worth Polar Plunge raises record amount

By Joe Boyle

The FOP Worth Polar Plunge has been deemed a major success and local officials said the amount raised has set a new record.

The annual event, sponsored by the Worth Police Department, took place in a large swimming pool that was put up in the parking lot of the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991 on March 9.

Over 16 participants took part in the plunge with special rec athletes representing Garden Center Services also joining in. The majority of the participants were police officers and members of Worth School District 127, Trustee Brad Urban and post finance officer Steve Werner.

“The Polar Plunge was a huge success,” Trustee Pete Kats said during the Worth Village Board meeting on March 20. “I just want to thank all the volunteers who took part. I especially want to thank Trustee Urban for everything he did that day and Steve Werner.”

Kats said that the participants raised over $19,000, a record amount for the Worth Polar Plunge that completed its eighth year in the village.

Police Chief Tim Denton mentioned that the amount raised will only increase when the “Cop on a Rooftop” will take place from 5 a.m. to noon Friday, May 17, at the local Dunkin’ shop at 6707 W. 111th St. The event will be held at various Dunkin’ facilities throughout Chicago and suburban communities.

Police officers will be at the local Dunkin’ that morning to collect donations for Illinois Special Olympics.

Mayor Mary Werner also thanked all the volunteers and members of the police department and the school district for their participation in the polar plunge.

“Emily Urban with the school district raised $1,500 by herself,” Werner said. “I thank everyone who took part.”

Village Clerk Bonnie Price said an expenditure was approved for pollution insurance for the Water’s Edge Golf Club, effective May 10 through May 10, 2025. The fee amount is $11,610.

Sphere Technology will utilize a service to access payment through a smartphone for parking at the Metra lot at 110th and Depot and the boat launch near 115th and Beloit.

Kats, who serves as the chair for the public safety committee, said that police made 53 arrests last month. He was astounded that 15 offenders were arrested for having no driver’s license. And 14 other offenders were apprehended while driving with a suspended or revoked license.

Urban, the chair of the public works committee, said the department had seven water main breaks last month that were quickly repaired. The department also responded to six sanitary calls. One sewer main line replacement in the 10700 block of Plahm Court took place, Urban said.

National Pipe Line has completed replacing gas mains. Services work is being done from 111th to 115th streets from Harlem to Oak Park avenues, Urban added.

“Rodger Weaver submitted his resignation,” Urban said about the department employee. “His final day was March 6. Luke Sals has been hired as his replacement.”

Bacteriological samples last month were taken and tested. All samples passed and are IEPA compliant, Urban said.

An ordinance for the second amendment to the purchase sale agreement with Garden Center Services concerning the property located southeast of the intersection of Crandall Avenue and Depot Street was approved.

Garden Center Services was established in 1956 as a grassroots effort to support children with developmental disabilities and their families. The organization has now developed into a multi-program agency to provide services to adults with disabilities.

The Garden Center Services apartment complex to be built at Crandall Avenue and Depot Street will have as many as 16 units. The residents have disabilities but are functioning adults who desire to live on their own. Construction is expected to begin this year.

An ordinance was approved reappointing Kelly Zabinski as finance director and an agreement with Zabinski Consulting Services will continue for the village.

A business license was tentatively approved for Prestige Rides Finance Inc., 7179 W. 111th St. Owner Mohammed Ahmed said the business will also offer online sales.

Mighty Halal Inc., 7026 W. 111th St., has received a business license. Owner Adham Almanci assured the board that ample parking will be available.

Trustee Laura Packwood, chair of the golf committee, said that remodeling is continuing at the clubhouse, including the bathrooms and showers,

The video poker machines will be moved from the restaurant area to another location in the clubhouse to allow more room for dining seating, Packwood said.

Werner also said that Worth Scout Troop 668 and Pack 3668 will hold their 67th annual “All-You-Can-Eat” Pancake Breakfast and Bale Sale from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 6, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 11007 S. 76th Ave. Tickets are available through the scouts or at the door.

The Spring Arts, Crafts and Vendor Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 20, in the Shepard High School gym and cafeteria, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave., Palos Heights. Entrance is in the rear of building door 12.

Over 150 crafters and vendors will be at the show. Admission is $2 and parking is free.