Estelle Carol from WebTrax Studio submitted this proposal for a mini-mural honoring Sally Stovall along the Union Pacific Rail line.
By Laurie Casey
A month after losing Sally Stovall (co-founder of Green Community Connections), we are so very thankful for the hundreds of people who reached out to share memories of her, attend a memorial service and even help to continue her work. If you feel inspired to do so, please contact us to help with or attend any of these initiatives.
Sally Stovall Memorial Plastic-Free/Low Plastic Summer Challenge. Plastic-free living was a cause Sally was working on shortly before she passed away. Reduce your plastic waste and compete for a prize and bragging rights. We’re also looking for additional judges with a background in sustainability. Contact Laurie@oneearthfilmfest.org.
Written Memories of Sally. Share a short story or remembrance about Sally here.
Girl Scout Mural in Oak Park. Christina Dorsey’s multi-age Girl Scout Troop #46041 (with students from Longfellow, Julian, and home schools) hopes to paint a horizontal, underpass mural to honor Sally. Their plan must be approved by the Oak Park Area Arts Council as well as Union Pacific Rail. If all goes well, their target date to start painting is summer 2020.
Mini-Mural in Oak Park. Estelle Carol of Webtrax Studio has also applied to the OPAAC for permission to paint a vertical, mini-mural (above) honoring Sally on the retaining wall of the Union Pacific Rail line in Oak Park. Estelle hopes to hear soon whether her plan is one of the final 10 chosen.
Memorial Tree Planting. We are currently investigating potential locations, one of which may be Euclid United Methodist Church in Oak Park.
Young Filmmakers Contest ‘Planet Warrior’ Award. The contest will designate a new $1,000 prize to a young filmmaker for creativity. A $1,000 matching grant will go into a fund to support projects in Sally's high-passion topic areas: youth, climate change, waste, and pollinators/natives/monarchs. Learn more about the Young Filmmakers Contest here.
Humphrey Memorial Parkway Pollinator Garden. Sally helped her block plant a parkway pollinator garden through Green Block Parties (one of Sally's biggest efforts) along with Deep Roots Project. It is growing in nicely for its first year, and her partner Dick Alton and their neighbors will dedicate that garden in her name during their upcoming block party. Contact Dick Alton for details.
Adopt-a-Block Party and Alley Cleanup. In memory of Sally, Our Planet Automotive is sponsoring a cleanup of 500 S. blocks of Elmwood and Gunderson and the alley between them, including Adams St. This event will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 20, when the Village of Oak Park will explain best practices for disposing of waste and provide gloves, bags, and containers. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be music, food, and soft drinks. It’s time to kick back and party with your neighbors.
Sally Stovall Memorial Garden. Estelle Carol will dedicate her edible garden to Sally at a special potluck dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at 323 S. East Ave., in Oak Park. Bring a dish and/or beverage to share. No RSVP needed. Contact Estelle for details.
Summer 2019 Garden Walk. During the West Cook Wild Ones 2019 Garden Walk, Euclid United Methodist Church will create a display commemorating Sally's sustainability work.
Memorial Services, Resolutions & Articles
River Forest Village Board of Trustees Resolution honoring Sally Stovall. See it read here.
Oak Park Village Board of Trustees Resolution honoring Sally Stovall. Read it here and See it read here, beginning at 8 minutes, 51 seconds. Plus, 5 of Sally's friends and colleagues read remarks. Read Ana Garcia Doyle's remarks and Lisa Files’ remarks.
Sally Stovall Obituary in the Chicago Tribune.
Remembering Sally Stovall obituary in Green Community Connections enewsletter.
IN MEMORIAM: Rest in peace, Sally Stovall, 70, eco-advocate. Obituary in the Wednesday Journal.
Remembering Sally Stovall: 'Any green initiative, she's got her fingerprints all over it.' Obituary in Oak Leaves.