South Cook News

City of Oak Forest Veterans Commission met April 20

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Chairman: (X) Joe Pilch 

Liaison to the city: (X) Paul Selman 

Committee Members 11: () Chris Adams, (X) Ralph Chichester, (X) Dennis Mitzner, () Dave Moore, (X) John Perales, (X) Jim Pioth, (X) Don Snedden, (X) Tom O’Neill, ( ) Jim Watson, (X) Rich Wojotowicz 

Honorary Member: 

Guest: Mayor Hank Kuspa, Maureen Kuspa & Joe Koce. 

1. Pledge of allegiance 

2. Roll Call 

3. Approval of Minutes 

• Approval of the March minutes by Don Snedden 2nd by Jim Pioth. 

• All members present approved, no nays. 

4. Liaison to the City Report Paul Selman: 

• Discussed at council meeting Home Town hero banners are available. 

5. OLD BUSINESS: 

• Flag receptacle is full again. Need to plan an empting out day when warmer. 
• Planning for FOURTH OF July 2024 concert at the old Oak-Fest grounds. Possibly have  fireworks too.

• Ralph, Joe, Dennis and Paul will research bands for concert July 4th. 

• One of our members could use a little yard clean-up assistance. Weather is getting better so  we need to pick a date. 
• Operation Gratitude, says thank you to all who served which include Veterans, active duty,  and first Responders. Do we make a donation or start a fundraiser? 
• Veterans Birthday yard signs are in city hall. Need to decide how we distribute and do we  restrict to certain age or not. Need a decision. 
• Are there any restrictions for putting names on picture when they are transitioned to the  TV? 
• Veterans’ picture board in hallway was removed. We will ask Communication Director to  advertise on social media asking families if they want pictures returned. The family member could pick up at City Hall.
• The board the pictures were mounted we can advertise, to other Veterans Commissions, if  they could use it with name change of course. 

6. NEW BUSINESS: 

• Mayor Kuspa to attend our meeting to discuss July 4th event for 2024. 
• Veterans Facebook page will be coming down. All Veterans information and pictures will be on the City of Oak Forest web page under Veterans Commission. All information/pictures  needs to be given to Chrissy Maher for posting. 
• Discussion on 4th of July event with Hank.

• Fireworks may cost around $35,000 
• Park District pavilion would be an option for band. 
• Have salute to Veterans. 
• Raiders could open their concession stand if they wanted to. 
• Port-A-Johns (and Janes) needed.

• Parking could be in the soccer fields at 157 & Long 
• Memorial Flag placing around the city needs to be done weekend of May 20 need  assistance.

7. Once around the Table. 

Each member shares any information for Veterans. 

Too much to discuss this month so no more information needed to be shared. 

8. ADJOURNMENT: Adjourned at 21:23 by Dennis Mitzner 2nd by Tom O’Neill. 

All members present approved. 

http://www.oak-forest.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04202023-1712