Half week | August 8th: Nice people cycling, thousands looking for jobs in the casino, tree walk, centenary house walk
NEWS
People want jobs. The Wind Creek Casino Southland Career Fest drew a crowd at Prairie State College on Wednesday, August 7. At 9 a.m., there were 100 people in line, according to a casino spokesperson. When the doors opened at 10 a.m., the line was several times longer. In a day or two, we will publish an article with news on the career fest and the expected opening of the casino at East Hazel Crest.
Tree walk on Saturday with green thumb. Master Gardener Tony Greep will lead a tour of the park’s trees on Saturday, August 10, at 9:30 a.m. Meet in the parking lot of the Willow School, 1804 Willow Road in Homewood.
Cycle through the nature reserve. Officials of the Izaak Walton Preserve posted a message on Facebook Remind cyclists to be careful on nature reserves as the space must be shared by pedestrians, dogs, cyclists and occasionally ducks.
“Much of the preserve is NOT a safe area for intensive cycling. Please use caution when riding. Slow down and alert pedestrians as you approach, and slow down when you do not have a clear line of sight. We do not want to regulate bicycle use and count on all cyclists to use safe judgment when riding their bikes.”
And one more thing: Izaak Walton is beautiful. If you drive too fast, you won’t be able to enjoy the peaceful scenery.
The Izaak Walton Extension Trail, which follows the route of the new water line to the pump station, is not as commonly used by hikers and is mostly straight. That’s a better place to run. The post also points out that there are wider forest preserve trails in the area that are better for fast running. The Thorn Creek Trail from Main Street in Glenwood to Joe Orr Road is straight, wide and not a popular trail. Go there and let it fly.
Cycle paths in the viaduct. The bike lanes on the Dixie Highway Viaduct in Homewood were recently re-marked. I don’t think they’re new, but I noticed them only recently. I tried it out. I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite route (I still feel safer on the sidewalk), but it was less scary than I thought it would be. I ask village officials about the history and future of biking across the viaduct. This was something that was outlined in the village’s Downtown Transit Oriented Development Plan, released earlier this year.
Flossmoor Book Club moves. The Flossmoor Book Club will be meeting in a new location this fall. Beginning with the meeting on Friday, September 13, the club will meet in the fellowship hall of the Flossmoor Community Church, 2218 Hutchison Road in Flossmoor. Meetings begin at 1 p.m. and are held the second Friday of every month during the fall, winter, and spring.
Membership dues are $30 per year. The club has a membership cap of 125 members. Visit the club’s website for more information.
Walk to Centennial House in Flossmoor Park. The Village of Flossmoor is celebrating the centennial of the Flossmoor Park neighborhood with a self-guided tour of nine 100-year-old homes that begins with a street party at the FCC Community House, 847 Hutchison Road. The 2-4 p.m. event also includes a cookie-baking contest. Donations to the Foundation for the Preservation of Flossmoor History will help the organization reach its goal of raising $500,000 in its capital campaign.
