Plainfield to Mark 25 Years Since Tornado with Ceremony

Submitted by Plainfield School District 202

The tornado that has come to define the Plainfield area hit on August 28, 1990 — nearly 25 years ago — yet its fallout continues to this day.

Now, the community is invited to attend a special event on Friday, August 28 to mark the occasion and reflect on how the storm impacted the town, its people, the media, even the weather business itself, and ultimately helped forge a new identity for the community.

The Plainfield Historical Society, Village Trustees, Public Library District, St. Mary Immaculate Church and School District 202 are working together to present the special program.

A commemoration ceremony will start at 3 p.m. at the tornado memorial on Ft. Beggs Street across from Plainfield High School – Central Campus, 24120 W. Ft. Beggs Street.

The commemoration ceremony will feature remarks from Plainfield Mayor Mike Collins and State Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant; a Scripture reading from current St. Mary’s Pastor, The Rev. David Medow; a special message from The Rev. Kristen Larsen, former pastor at the Plainfield United Methodist Church; and music from the PHSCC band and choir

Then, at 3:28 p.m. – when the storm actually hit Plainfield – former Plainfield Mayor Mary Latta will read the names of the 29 tornado victims as several area churches toll their bells.

Please note: Tornado victims’ family members are invited and encouraged to attend the commemoration ceremony as special guests. Please call District 202 Director of Community Relations Tom Hernandez at 815-577-4008 to reserve seating.

The event will then move to the PHSCC auditorium for a special program from 4:45-6 p.m. featuring well-known WBBM television meteorologist Steve Baskerville and College of DuPage Professor of Meteorology Paul Sirvatka.

Plainfield Police Chief John Konopek will introduce Baskerville and Sirvatka, who both worked during and reported on the 1990 storm. As well, WGN television meteorologist Tom Skilling is expected to broadcast live from the event between 4-6 p.m.

Baskerville and Sirvatka will discuss storm chasing, the 1990 tornado’s impact on meteorology and on their careers specifically and storm preparedness and safety tips. A Q&A with audience members will follow.

The indoor program is open and free of charge. Light evening refreshments will also be served. Doors will open at 4 p.m.

As well, St. Mary Immaculate Church will host a special Tornado Commemoration Exhibit featuring storm-related pictures and artifacts in the gym at the church school on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23, 2015.

Community members can visit the exhibit after the 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday, and after the 7:30 a.m. Mass through the 12:15 p.m. Mass on Sunday. St. Mary’s is located at 15629 S. Route 59, Plainfield.

Finally, The Plainfield Historical Society’s Main Street Museum will host a special exhibit about the 1990 tornado from 1-6 p.m. Saturday, August 29, 2015. The Museum is located at 23836 W Main St, Plainfield.

SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND PARKING NOTES:

• Ft. Beggs will be closed to through-traffic between 2:30-4 p.m. Police will direct high school student and staff traffic when school dismisses at 2:10 p.m.
• Media will park in a specially-designated lot behind the District 202 Technology Center on Ft. Beggs Street.
• General parking will be available in the west parking lot across from the tennis courts, and in the north lot behind PHSCC closest to Door G (near the football stadium)
• Handicapped accessible parking will be available along Pratt Lane.
• Please use Door G to access the school auditorium for the special panel discussion. Doors will open at 4 p.m.