LANSING, Ill. (May 30, 2020) – Toward the end of this tenth week in quarantine, hope began to stir. The week began with a holiday, and included a virtual graduation ceremony that resonated with traditional pomp and circumstance. By Friday, Illinois had moved into Phase 3 of re-opening, and signs of community began to reappear.On Sunday morning, a thick row of whirlybirds in a front lawn on Oakwood Avenue marks the reach of Saturday evening’s flash flooding. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)A non-specific sign along Thorn Creek Trail encourages obedience as the state begins to slowly reopen. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Though traditional Memorial Day events were cancelled, residents marked the holiday on their own. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Sasha Patlak carefully observes IDPH guidelines for staying healthy and keeping others healthy. (Photo: Pam Patlak)Gabriel Webb smiles for a photo outside the Patti Leach Youth Center during Wednesday’s drive-thru graduation parade. Read the full story here. (Photo: Carrie Steinweg)On Thursday evening, Dr. Keli Ross addresses constituents during the virtual commencement ceremony for Memorial Junior High’s Class of 2020. Hundreds watched the Facebook Live event, and thousands viewed the video later. Read the full story here.On Friday, per information posted on the Lan-Oak Park District website, Lansing parks reopened, including the dog park on Chicago Avenue. “Playgrounds, park shelters, water fountains remain CLOSED,” reads the notice. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Kris O’Connor’s appointment book filled up almost immediately. She was finally allowed to open Classy Cuts Salon (3365 Ridge Road) on Friday, May 29. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Dave and Janice Schurman enjoy beautiful weather on Friday evening as they dine outside at JJ Kelley’s Restaurant and Pub (2455 Bernice Road). “She couldn’t wait to eat out,” wrote Dave on Facebook. “…guess she was tired of my cooking. Glad JJ Kelley’s was open.” (Photo: Dave Schurman)Virgil Bell is part of a group of tennis players who play in Lansing on Saturday mornings. With tennis restrictions lifted in Lansing on Friday, Bell and seven other members of the group played doubles Saturday morning. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Anton Gbur (left) and Kenny Welch took advantage of Saturday’s sunshine to roll their lawn mowers from house to house and offer their services. Kenny handles the scheduling—call 708-631-4833 for information about pricing and availability. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
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Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.
