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Tinley Park officials organize baseball clinic featuring Frank Thomas to buoy more donations for local lemonade stand’s charitable efforts
Also: Frankfort Police warn of unemployment benefits scam
By Jon DePaolis
TINLEY PARK, Ill. – In an effort to spur additional donations to a child’s charitable efforts, Tinley Park officials are bringing in the Big Hurt.
A baseball clinic – organized by Village of Tinley Park trustees Michael Glotz, Bill Brennan, Michael Mueller and William Brady, as well as Village Clerk Kristin Thirion and Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady – is scheduled for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, at McCarthy Park, located at 16801 S. 80th Ave. in Tinley Park.
Former White Sox first baseman Frank Thomas is scheduled to be in attendance for the clinic.
The event is for Tinley Park teenagers, ages 15 to 17. While the event itself is free, organizers are asking those who are there to make a donation to Kiera and Friends Annual Lemonade Stand for Charity.
“Every summer, she does a one-day lemonade fundraiser and donates the money,” Glotz said of Kiera’s lemonade stand.
This year’s lemonade stand event is scheduled to take place from 5-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at 16906 Sandy Lane in Tinley Park. The funds raised will go to Tinley Wish.
But with the challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, Glotz wanted to put together an event that could bolster donations for Kiera’s lemonade stand.
“To me, it was important to see how I could help Kiera raise money for Tinley Wish,” Glotz said.
Through his connections to O’Grady and other local officials, Glotz was able to get some big names – including Thomas and former White Sox outfielder John Cangelosi. Other guest instructors who are scheduled to be at the clinic are Andrew High School varsity baseball coach Dave DeHaan, former Andrew pitching coach Bob Gillund and Tinley Park High School varsity baseball coach Josh O’Shea
“All these kids have been cooped up all summer,” Glotz said. “They should have been ending their varsity baseball season [earlier this summer]. But they’ve had nothing. I figure this is a way for the kids to get out and – more importantly – help Kiera raise money for Tinley Wish.”
The clinic will be capped at 75 participants. Those interested must register by July 31 by emailing info@onetinleypark.com. Information required includes teenager’s name, home contact number, mailing address and email address.
Participants are being asked to bring their own bats and equipment. Lunch will be provided by The Lucky Hot Dog, 8020 W. 171st St. in Tinley Park.
Frankfort Police warn of unemployment benefits scam
By Jon DePaolis
Frankfort residents are being warned about a scam involving fake debit cards mailed to homes to be used for unemployment benefits.
According to an alert posted by the Frankfort Police Department on Sunday, July 19, police have received several reports about the unemployment benefits scam.
“The scam involves victims receiving a debit card for unemployment benefits, although they have not filed an unemployment claim or requested a card,” the police department alert stated. “The debit cards bear the Illinois State insignia and are used to load unemployment benefit payments after a claim has been approved.
“If you or a family member receive a letter and a debit card from the Illinois Department of Employment Security, please contact the Frankfort Police Department as you may be the target of fraud.”
The Illinois Department of Employment Security also can be contacted at 800-814-0513.
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