New Photo Exhibit Celebrates 25 Stories of Lake Katherine

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — A new photo exhibit at Lake Katherine’s Nature Center features 25 photos and stories to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the south suburban park.

Photos and words on display range from Palos Heights’ mayor Robert Straz talking about the park’s virtues as ‘an escape from the day-to-day grind’ to reflections from artists who love to paint the scenery and volunteers and children who benefit from time spent amid nature.

Romantic Michael Adamski recalls the story of how he persuaded his eight-month pregnant girlfriend (and now wife) to take a walk through the snow so he could propose to her in January this year.

“I coaxed her over to a lakeside spot where we’d spent time on our first date,” Adamski reveals. “There on the bench was a special dedication asking her to marry me. She was moved to tears and suddenly understood why I had made her trek through the snow! Our son Jacob was born in February and we married in April. Lake Katherine will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

Children’s author and former science teacher Jean Gnap tells how her new book, Little Turtle Gets Lost, was inspired by ‘all the creatures of Lake Katherine.’

In another story Lake Katherine environmental educator and naturalist Marian Sinkus describes how she sees the children in her care nurtured by nature.

“When I set a turtle in a hesitant child’s hand it is always a joy to see their face change from an expression of apprehension to amazement,” she says. “I see shoulders lower and eyes light up as they think ‘I’m doing it!’ That to me is what it is all about—moving kids past fear and helping them to realize how wonderful the natural world is.”

Lake Katherine will mark its silver jubilee year with Picnic at the Lake, a special one-of-a-kind event and fundraiser between 5 and 10 p.m. on Saturday, August 13.

The money raised from the event will go towards the continuing development of the park’s Festival Grounds into an open-air community gathering space. The Festival Grounds will be used to expand Lake Katherine's nature programming, and host cultural events and festivals.

Highlights at Picnic at the Lake include dinner, dancing, live entertainment and fabulous prizes. Each $40 per person ticket includes a hearty meal, live music from a 10-piece band and the chance to participate in a raffle and silent auction.

Tickets are on sale now at Lake Katherine's Nature Center, Palos Heights City Hall and Mona Lisa Boutique in Palos Heights.

Sponsors for the event include Schmaedeke Funeral Home, Pop’s Italian Beef, Possibility Place Nursery, Horton Real Estate, Golden Shoes and Catering By Diane.

PHOTO: Michael and Dina Adamski are photographed at the bench he had inscribed to propose to her. (by Katie Ryan Photography)