Hazel Crest celebrates Black History Month

Talented young people, artists and dancers entertained an audience of over 100 residents during the Village’s 2010 Black History Month celebration on February 24 at the Senior Center.

Among those giving amazing performances were the Thornridge Jazz Band, the Hillcrest High School Chorus Ensemble, the Pink Panthers Double Dutch Team, the Thornridge SAVE Drill team, and the extraordinary Minianka African dance and Drum Ensemble.

Hazel Crest student Jordan Culpepper, a young entrepreneur who sells political and inspirational buttons, gave a rousing motivational speech

In addition, students from Robert Frost Middle School and Prairie Hills Junior High School read original poetry celebrating Black History. On display at the Senior Center was beautiful artwork created by students at Mae Jemison School, Nob Hill School, and Prairie Hills Elementary School. Professional artists Alan and Aaron Hicks also displayed their stunning artwork at the Senior Center and in the lobby of the Municipal center. The Civil Air Patrol, which meets on Wednesdays in Hazel Crest, also participate din the event.

The Village hosts a Black History Month every year. Watch HCTV-4 for the 2011 celebration’s date and time.  If you are an artist, performer or organization who would like to take part in the 2011 celebration, please call 335-9600, Ext. 106 and leave your name and number.

Hazelnut Fest set for Saturday, Aug. 21

The 2010 Hazelnut Festival is scheduled for Saturday, August 21 on the Village Grounds, located directly across from the Municipal Center.

The day will begin with the Hazelnut Parade at 11 a.m. This year’s parade will kick off at 183rd St. and Fountainbleau Drive and proceed north on Fountainbleau to Kedzie. Then north on Kedzie to Stonebridge, to Oakwood, then to 175th St. From there, the parade will proceed north on California, then to the Festival Grounds across from the Municipal Center.

Featured in the parade will be high school marching bands, a fleet of Corvettes, the Hazel Crest fire engine, majorettes, pom-pom girls, the Pink Panthers Double Dutch Team, the Moo & Oink mascots, candy for the children, our state representatives, Village Homeowners Associations, and more. The parade will end at the Municipal Center at noon, and the festival will begin directly thereafter.

Live entertainment includes the world-renowned John Wright Jazz Quartet plus Vocalist, the hot pop/R&B group 4 AM, the Golden Knights Drill Team and the Dolton Park District Power Tumblers. The Hazelnut Committee is in the process of booking more talent for the festival.

This year’s event will also feature lots of Wii games, many giant inflatable slides and jumpers for the kids, a DJ, a face-painter, a clown, karaoke, and line dancing. There will also be lots of great festival food, like Maxwell Street Polish Sausages, Super Dogs, jerk chicken, hamburgers, nachos, cotton candy, popcorn, funnel cakes, and more! Vendors will also be on hand to sell unique jewelry, scarves, clothing, hats, bath and beauty products, and much more.

In addition, an Aunt Martha’s Health Van will be on site—complete with a doctor and a dentist—to provide FREE HEALTH SERVICES to residents! Yes, that’s FREE, FREE, FREE. Advocate South Suburban Hospital will also be available to offer free health screenings at the festival. Don’t miss this great opportunity to get free health screenings for every member of your family—both adults and children! This is a rare opportunity that Aunt Martha’s and Advocate is making available to our residents, so reserve the date!

More information about the festival can be obtained by calling the Hazelnut Hotline at 335-9600, Ext. 106. Leave a message and we will get back to you asap! Also watch HCTV-4 for Festival updates.

Hazel Crest Park District

The Hazel Crest Park District and the Village of Hazel Crest are separate governmental taxing bodies. The Park District has its own five-member Board of Commissioners elected at-large during regular elections. The Park District operates more than 200 acres of parks and provides recreational programming for the District's residents. The Park District celebrated its 50-year anniversary in 2007.

Walking & Bike Path

Bike path complete
In keeping with the national “Let’s Move” anti-obesity campaign led by first lady Michele Obama, residents now have a convenient place to exercise right here in Hazel Crest. The Village’s 1.5-mile pedestrian/bike path runs partly through the beautiful Open Lands woodland area, so walkers can enjoy a bit of nature, which has a healing effect on the body, according to recent studies.

Residents are encouraged to put on their walking shoes and regularly visit the new path, which starts on Kedzie Avenue at Laurel Lane. It continues to 170th Street, then runs through the Open Lands in front of the Municipal Center campus, to California. Then it travels along 170th Street to the Western Avenue overpass, and finally to the Metra Station.
It’s the perfect way to drop pounds locally and get a healing dose of Mother Nature at the same time!