Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—December 6, 2015. Sunday, December 6 is the first night of Hanukkah, the annual Jewish Festival of Lights. The holiday which lasts for eight days, will run this year through December 14. The key ceremony at the center of Hanukkah is the lighting a menorah each night. The eight nights of lighting the branched candelabrum represent the eight nights a one-day supply of oil miraculously lasted for a small band of Jewish people in 165 B.C. fighting to defeat the Greek army. Wishing all our Jewish friends a joyous Hanukkah.
If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in our community during the upcoming week, please send an e-mail to RJPiserLPH@aol.com with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.
Village of Park Forest
Village Board Meeting – Tuesday, December 8
Due to Hanukkah, the Board of Trustees will meet on Tuesday, December 8 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend. Board meetings air live on cable access channels (Channel 4 for Comcast subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T subscribers) as well as.
To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site here and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.
Village Commissions & Advisory Boards
The following Park Forest Commissions are scheduled to meet the week of December 6:
Tuesday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m. – Commission on Human Relations
Tuesday, December 8 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission
Wednesday, December 9 at 7 p.m. – Economic Development Advisory Group
The meetings will be held at Park Forest Village Hall and residents are encouraged to attend.
Arts & Entertainment
DePaul University Art Museum, 935 West Fullerton, Chicago
‘Idol Structures’ – Through December 20
Advertisements permeate public landscapes with billboards, signs and different forms of mass media. ‘Idol Structures,’ an exhibition of sculpture and photography by Chicago artist Matt Siber will run through December 20 at the DePaul Art Museum. This new body of work emphasizes the physical structures that are meant to stay invisible and passive while helping to relay the image, text, or graphic to the consumer. The sculptures and photographs featured in the exhibition are designed to make you more aware of your environment as you go about your daily life. Siber, who teaches advanced digital imaging at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, has been working on this type of artwork since he was a graduate student. The sculptures are modeled after the photographs by using fine craftsmanship to reconstruct the signs out of wood and florescent tubes. Some of the sculptures are almost to scale, with the largest one measuring 14 feet tall. ‘Idol Structures’ is supported by a grant from the David C. and Sarajean Ruttenberg Arts Foundation. More about Matt Siber at http://siberart.com/projects/structures. The DePaul Art Museum is located just east of the CTA’s Fullerton ‘L’ stop, is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information, call 773-325-7506 or visit http://museums.depaul.edu.
The Drama Group, 330 West 202nd Street, Chicago Heights
‘Heaven Can Wait’ – Through December 12
The Drama Group is pleased to present the entertaining comedy/fantasy, ‘Heaven Can Wait’ directed by Chuck Kaffka. ‘Heaven Can Wait’ tells the story of boxer, Joe Pendleton, who crashes on the way to his next fight and is sent to the Hereafter….sixty years too soon! To make matters worse, before the matter can be rectified by heavenly supervisor Mr. Jordan, his body is cremated. Instead, Joe is given the body of the very wealthy Jonathan Farnsworth, who is about to be murdered by his wife. Joe, living as Farnsworth, tries to remake Farnsworth’s unworthy life and avoid his murderous wife, while resurrecting his boxing career and falling in love. The 1978 remake, ‘Heaven Can Wait,’ with Warren Beatty, James Mason, Julie Christie and Dyan Cannon was nominated for Academy Awards. Performances will be held at the Drama Group Studio Theatre on December 10, 11 & 12 at 7:30 p.m. and matinees on December 13 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults; $19 for seniors and $15 for students with ID. Group discount rates are also available. Good seats are still available. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 708-755-3444 or online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/profile/242073. For directions and other information regarding Drama Group activities, please visit our Web site at www.dramagroup.org.
National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago
‘Tactical Formations: Collective Practice in the Veteran Art Movement’ – Through January 30
The NVAM will feature its newest exhibit, Tactical Formations: Collective Practice in the Veteran Art Movement through January 30. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Tactical Formations takes the basic military strategy of organizing troops into units to carry out tactical missions during combat and applies it to the practice of forming and operating art collectives in order to achieve socially grounded goals through artistic production. The exhibit explores three art collectives: The Vietnam Veterans Arts Group (VVAG), The Dirty Canteen, and the NVAM Teen Council. The VVAG first formed in 1981 when a group of Vietnam veterans began making artwork as an artistic response to their experiences of war. The VVAG was unique in launching the first exhibition composed exclusively of artwork made by combat veterans. The Dirty Canteen collective formed in 2013, and includes veterans from the Gulf War, Kosovo, and the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, who strive to create and maintain open dialogues about past and current military engagements. Finally, the NVAM Teen Council represents a growing group of high school students who create artwork while developing skills in leadership and museum practices in collaboration with veteran artists. These three groups represent NVAM’s foundation, its growing population of post-Gulf War veterans, and its future leaders and artists. For additional information, call 312-326-0270 or visit: www.nvam.org.
Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard
The following events are scheduled the week of December 6:
Monday, December 7 at 11 a.m. – Sunrise Story Time — Jump start your morning with a series of stories that are sure to get you moving. Ages 12 and under.
Monday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m. – Family Movie Night ‘Max’ — A dog that helped US Marines in Afghanistan returns to the U.S. and is adopted by his handler’s family after suffering a traumatic experience.
Tuesday, December 8 at 7 p.m. –Pajama Story Time — Share special moments with your child through stories, crafts, and more. Wear your pj’s and wind down from a busy day. Ages 12 and under.
Wednesday, December 9 at 11 a.m. – Baby Time — Story time for infants to 35 months of age with an adult. This story time is designed to engage children through movement, music, stories, and more.
Wednesday, December 9 at 3 p.m. — Lego Junior Makerspace — We’re excited to add Lego Junior Maker Space to our kids’ zone activities. With Lego Maker Space you’ll have the opportunity to build cars, planes and more! Enjoy scavenging through a wide collection of blocks, gears and wheels. Stop by kids’ zone and build with us. Ages 12 and under.
Wednesday, December 9 at 6:30 p.m. — Movie Night for Adults: ‘Jurassic World’
Thursday, December 10 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art — Bring your imagination, creativity, and throw on some old clothes to bring out your inner Picasso through art projects and more… Some projects may involve paint. Ages 3-5.
Friday, December 11 at 10:30 a.m. — Fiber Arts Circle — Meet and mingle with local fiber arts enthusiasts! Share stories, swap yarns, and more.
Friday, December 11 at 1:30 p.m. — Holiday Service Project — It’s the season of giving! Come make holiday ornaments for the Kids who Care Organization! Make a difference by doing something special for someone else. All completed projects will be delivered to Horizon Hospice in Olympia Fields on December 14th.
Saturday, December 12 at 1 p.m. – Celebrating a Green Holiday — Come make a tasty treat for the birds outside your window! Decorate the trees around your home with a delightful apple and peanut butter ornament to welcome our feathered friend!
Sunday, December 12 at 1:30 p.m. — Holiday Service Project — It’s the season of giving! Come make holiday ornaments for the Kids who Care Organization! Make a difference by doing something special for someone else. All completed projects will be delivered to Horizon Hospice in Olympia Fields on December 14th.
For additional information or to register for an event call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.
Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, December 10
The Potpourri of Lectures will be held on Thursday, December 10 at 10:30 a.m. in the Library’s Ringering Room. This week’s event will feature Traditional Holiday Music with the South Suburban Dulcimer and Folk Music Society.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights
Spring Semester Open House – Tuesday, December 15
PSC is holding an Open House for those interested in attending classes this spring. The event is scheduled from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, December 15, in the atrium of the college’s main campus in Chicago Heights. Representatives will be on hand to discuss how to apply for the spring semester, financial aid, scholarships, student life, testing, tutoring, academic programs and more. Any attendee not currently enrolled at PSC has the opportunity to be entered into a drawing to win a free three credit-hour class. Registration for the spring 2016 semester is now open at PSC. Hundreds of courses are offered days, evenings, weekends, and online to accommodate busy schedules. For more information, visit www.prairiestate.edu/start or call 708-709-3500.
Representative Tammy Duckworth, 1701 East Woodfield Road, Schaumburg
8th Congressional App Competition for High School Students – Submission Deadline January 15
Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) announced that Eighth District students can now enter the 2015 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) for a chance to have their work featured in the U.S. Capitol. The App Challenge was created in 2013 to help students around the nation develop skills in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields by encouraging them to learn new skills and develop their own computer software. Additional information about the CAC and the submission process is available here. Students may enter their Congressional App Challenge individually or in teams of up to four students before the submission deadline of January 15, 2016. All submissions from the Eight District will be reviewed by a panel of local judges and winning submission will be highlighted on the U.S. House of Representatives’ website as well as featured in an exhibit in the U.S. Capitol building.
Representative Robin Kelly, 600 Holiday Plaza Drive, Matteson
2nd Congressional App Competition for High School Students – Submission Deadline January 15
Representative Robin Kelly announced a Congressional App Challenge for high school students in the 2nd Congressional District. The competition is aimed at encouraging and recognizing young programming talent and highlighting the importance of computer science in the Digital Age. The competition is open to students of all skill levels. Winners of the App Challenge will be recognized and honored by Congresswoman Kelly. The winning apps will be displayed on the Congressional App Challenge website, and winners will have their apps exhibited on a digital display in the Capital Building for a year. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2016. For more information and to register for the App Challenge, go to https://www.challenge.gov/challenge/congressional-app-challenge-il-02-rep-kelly/ or call Rep. Kelly’s Matteson Office at 708-679-0078.
Online Educational Resources
Online college programs are a great way for today’s busy people to complete or earn a degree. To find an online college program in Illinois, visit http://www.onlineschools.org/guides/Illinois/ where you will find a compilation of every college program offered online in Illinois offered on a full or part-time basis.
Top U.S. Universities
Choosing what college or university to attend can be a very daunting experience. With educational costs continually increasing, it’s more important than ever to choose a university that meets your specific educational needs. At http://www.topschools.com/, you will find a comprehensive resource that ranks each university throughout the nation by size, degrees offered, tuition costs, admission, graduation and retention rates.
Green Events
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
Wednesday Morning Walkers – December 9
Wednesday Morning Walkers can enjoy the early morning and late summer’s floral delights on these leisurely (or brisk – take your choice) trail walks. The group walks on Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Trails can be wet or muddy, so please wear sturdy shoes. Age 13 through adult are invited. Registration is required two days before you walk the first time. For additional information or to register, call 815-727-8700.
Become a ‘Friend of Thorn Creek’
Friends of Thorn Creek Woods is the citizen activist group responsible in very large part for preserving and securing the dedication of the Thorn Creek Woods as an Illinois Nature Preserve. Friends’ volunteers continue to provide support in so many ways: staff the nature center on weekends; trail work; displays; leading hikes; special events; cleaning; pruning; artwork; music; research; and so on. Friends is a voice for the Woods and preservation values, donates funds for equipment and sponsors an annual meeting, Garlic Fest and Earth Day. Members receive a quarterly newsletter. Annual membership in Friends is $10. For additional information, call 708-747-6320 or visit www.tcwoods.org.
Experience the Thorn Creek Nature Center
Thorn Creek Nature Center is housed in a historic building, originally Immanuel Lutheran Church of Matteson, Illinois built in 1862, and later Village Bible Church of Park Forest. A gothic frame country church, its notable architectural features include curved ceiling, tongue-and-groove paneling and a raised pulpit. Its current attractions are displays of the preserve’s flora and fauna, a bird feeder viewing area, Eugene E. Schwartz reference library and an expanded children’s section. The Nature Center is open Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Trails are open daily year-round, dawn to dusk. For additional information, call 708-747-6320 or visit www.tcwoods.org.
Healthy Living
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Free Psychotherapy Available from GSU’s Psychology Program
GSU’s Psychology Department is offering free psychotherapy services to members of the community. Conversations with a psychotherapist can help people cope with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, and life transition problems. Confidential, one-on-one sessions are held with a GSU graduate student in psychology under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Individuals and couples, 18 years and older, are eligible. All sessions are conducted in Matteson, IL. The number of sessions is determined by the client’s needs. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-235-2841.
Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip
Free Community Education and Prevention Programs about Mental Health
Sertoma Centre’s Mental Health Services facility is offering community mental health seminars, free of charge to community groups, schools, law enforcement agencies, religious organizations, and other community groups at their location in Matteson or facility. Education Programs will include: Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) which increases public awareness of suicide and improves one’s ability to identify and refer those at risk for suicide. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a public education course that helps participants identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance disorders. Also included is Mental Health First Aid for Youth and Anxiety/Depression Screenings. Thanks to a grant, these educational opportunities are available at no cost to you or your organization. To arrange a free educational opportunity for your club, group, workplace, organization, or church, call Gia Washington at 708-748-1951, Ext. 418 or email at gwashington@sertomacentre.org.
Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard, Park Forest
CPR Classes
CPR classes are available at the Park Forest Fire Department. Click on the following link for more details: http://pffd.vopf.com/cpr-classes.html
Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)
Assistance With Medications & Health Services
If you, or someone you know, are struggling to pay for medications every month, they may be able to get the medicines they need for free or almost free through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. If you live in Illinois, you can get access to more than 475 public and private program available to help you pay for your medicines. Simply visit http://www.pparx.org/en/click_illinois to find out if you can apply to any of these great programs and to get connected with 10,000 free clinics and doctors.
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest
Yoga Classes by Karen Nielsen – Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays
Yoga classes by Karen Nielsen are available at UUCC on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Wednesday evenings from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. No reservations needed. Drop-in fee is $10 per class and the 6th one is free. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
Qigong with Jim Kobus – Most Thursdays
UUCC will host Qigong with Jim Kobus on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the church. This class will usually meet on Thursdays but there may be exceptions, so if you are interested in attending, please send an email to Jim Kobus at emiton1@gmail.com so he can notify you when class will NOT be held. There is a suggested donation of $5 per class. Please bring your own water. It is recommended that you eat dinner after class, not before. For additional information, please call 708-799-1925 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
Buddhist Meditation – Saturdays
Learn to enjoy the simple and straight-forward practice of meditation. Please join us for sitting and walking meditation in the Zen and Theravadan Buddhist traditions. This is an on-going event led by Steve McCabe and Beverly Feldt will be held on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at UUCC. There is no cost but a free will offering is most appreciated (proceeds go to UUCC). For additional information contact Steve McCabe at 708-465-3116 or Beverly Feldt at bevfeldt@gmail.com.
Holiday Events & Activities
Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
‘An Evening with Take 6’ – Saturday, December 12
Tickets are now on sale for ‘An Evening with Take 6’ taking place on Saturday, December 12 at 8 p.m. As winners of 10 Grammy Awards and 10 Dove Awards, the multi-platinum selling a cappella group, Take 6, is beloved throughout the musical universe. These six virtuosic voices unite in crystal clear harmony for an intoxicating brew of gospel, jazz, R&B, and pop. With praise from such luminaries as Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Brian Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald and Whitney Houston, the multi-platinum selling sextet is recognized as the preeminent a capella group in the world. Join Take 6 for an evening of holiday favorites including “White Christmas,” “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Christmas Time is Here,” “Jingle Bells,” “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch,” and man more! Tickets are priced at $48, $43 and $38. Come early for a pre-show holiday cocktail party, and get your SIX SIP PASS of tasting wine! $20 for pass. BUY TICKETS
Grande Prairie Singers, 266 Somonauk, Park Forest
‘Winterlude 2015’ – Sunday, December 13
The Grande Prairie Singers will present ‘Winterlude 2015’ – a family tradition holiday concert on Sunday, December 13 at 4 p.m. at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church, 4101 St. Lawrence Avenue, Matteson. Tickets are $15 in advance; $10 for students with ID; $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased by mail, 266 Somonauk, Park Forest, IL 60466; by phone at 708-481-8684; or online at www.grandeprairiechoral.org.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
‘A Very Merry Holiday Spectacular’ – Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets are now on sale for the IPO’s ‘A Very Merry Holiday Spectacular’ taking place on Saturday, December 19 at 8 p.m. at the Lincolnway North Performing Art Center, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort. Celebrate the season with your favorite holiday classics, including the familiar strains of Waltz of the Flowers and other jewels from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, along with Humperdinck’s charming Hansel and Gretel and the festive Sleigh Ride. Tickets are priced at $55, $45, and $35 for adults. Special pricing for students and with the IPO’s new ‘We Pick the Seats’ program. For additional ticket information, visit: www.ipomusic.org/index.php/concerts.html.
Park Forest Historical Society, 227 Monee Road
1950s Park Forest House Christmas Exhibit – Through January 2
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum now located in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, invites you to “Step Back into a 1950s Christmas!” exhibit which will run through January 2, 2016. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of 21st Century preparations to spend quality time getting a dose of Holiday Nostalgia. Vintage decorations are in every room. The museum features a musical, Black Forest green, aluminum, rotating tree–a Brilliant Noble Fir, made by the C. Sincere Company in Chicago, decorated with Mid-century modern ornaments. Gurley Candles and Rosbro plastic figurines, dolls, toys, and games will bring back memories to share. The museum will also have some Hanukkah decorations on display. The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and by appointment, when possible. Call to confirm open hours for Saturday, December 26. Admission/donation is $5 for adults and free for those 12 and under. One adult is free with the purchase of a Marshall Field’s Brick. Parking is in the small lot by the flagpole. Knock on the door next to the museum sign to be admitted. Call Jane Nicoll, Museum Director, at 708-481-4252 to confirm opening in the case of extreme weather. The museum is operated by the Park Forest Historical Society. Questions on the museum and exhibits should be sent to Director, Jane Nicoll through the email on the website. “Like” the 1950s Park Forest House Museum and the Park Forest Historical Society at their pages on Facebook! Follow @1950smuseum on Twitter.
Bricks from Marshall Field’s Park Forest Store For Sale – Makes Unique Holiday Gift
The Park Forest Historical Society is selling bricks from the Marshall Field’s Park Forest Store to support the 1950s House Museum and the mission of preserving and sharing Park Forest history. The Marshall Field’s Park Forest Store was the first to be in a shopping center, beginning the long association between Philip M. Klutznick and the Field’s company which led up to Water Tower Place. Bricks are $15 each; 2 for $25, and come with a Certificate of Authenticity and a history of the Marshall Field’s Park Forest Store. Shipping and handling for bricks is $12. For information on Marshall Field’s Bricks, contact the Society’s Business Manager, Mike Gans, at 708-305-3308. Bricks may also be purchased during open hours at the Recreation and Parks desk at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.
Watercolor of Park Forest Plaza and Holiday Theatre For Sale
Prints of Annabelle Gould’s vibrant watercolor showing the Park Forest Plaza and Holiday Theatre are on sale for $15—quantities of the print may be limited. Books and other items on Park Forest are also available at the 1950s House Museum and in the online store, at www.parkforesthistory.org. Shipping and handling for prints is $6. Prints may also be purchased during open hours at the Recreation and Parks desk at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.
Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard
Holiday Events at the Park Forest Library – Week of December 6
Friday, December 11 at 1:30 p.m. — Holiday Service Project — It’s the season of giving! Come make holiday ornaments for the Kids who Care Organization! Make a difference by doing something special for someone else. All completed projects will be delivered to Horizon Hospice in Olympia Fields on December 14th.
Saturday, December 12 at 1 p.m. – Celebrating a Green Holiday — Come make a tasty treat for the birds outside your window! Decorate the trees around your home with a delightful apple and peanut butter ornament to welcome our feathered friend!
Sunday, December 12 at 1:30 p.m. — Holiday Service Project — It’s the season of giving! Come make holiday ornaments for the Kids who Care Organization! Make a difference by doing something special for someone else. All completed projects will be delivered to Horizon Hospice in Olympia Fields on December 14th.
Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, December 10
The Potpourri of Lectures will be held on Thursday, December 10 at 10:30 a.m. in the Library’s Ringering Room. This week’s event will feature Traditional Holiday Music with the South Suburban Dulcimer and Folk Music Society.
Holiday Pecans on Sale – Library Fundraiser
The Park Forest Public Library will once again be selling delicious holiday pecans for $10 per bag while quantities last. The sale is a fundraiser for the Library.
Park Forest Police Department, 200 Lakewood Boulevard
Toys for Tots Charity Drive – Through Monday, December 21
The Park Forest Police Department is proud to again be taking part in a toy drive to benefit needy children this holiday season through the Toys for Tots charity. Interested residents should drop off their unwrapped gifts at the Park Forest Police Department before December 21.
Tall Grass Art Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
Tall Grass Art Association’s Annual Holiday Show and Sale – Through Saturday, January 9
Tall Grass Art Association’s Annual Holiday Show and Sale will run through Saturday, January 9. The show is free and open to the public. The show will feature affordable art for the holidays by Tall Grass Gallery Artists including drawings, paintings, mixed media works, prints, photographs, fiber works, ceramics, jewelry, ornaments, cards and many other handmade art and craft items perfect for gift-giving. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.
Woodland Carols – Registration Required by Thursday, December 10
Woodland Carols will be held on Saturday, December 12 from noon to 2 p.m. marking the end of the food drive (see information below). Savor homemade soups while listening to a selection of cheerful holiday tunes provided by students at Homewood Suzuki Strings, seasonal favorites by beloved folksinger Anna Stange, and eclectic and improve pieces by cellist Ingrid Krizan. The afternoon concludes with our annual sing-along. Cost for the program is $10 per person, or one bag of groceries per person. Registration is required by Thursday December 10. Help a local family enjoy the December holidays by making a food donation today. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
Annual Food Drive for Rich Township Food Pantry – Donations Accepted Through December 12
Thorn Creek Nature Center is hosting its annual holiday food drive for the Rich Township Food Pantry. Beginning now through Saturday, December 11, donation items can be dropped off at the Nature Center during open hours (Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.). Acceptable items are: non-perishable food items (including boxed, canned and dry foods) especially cereals and peanut butter; personal care items for men and women, especially toothpaste, deodorants and razors; ziplock quart and gallon size bags, baby formula, and disposable diapers (adult and infant). For additional information, call 708-747-6320.
Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights
2015 ‘Twelfth Month’ Handmade & Artisanal Market – Through December 23
USG will host its 2015 ‘Twelfth Month’ Handmade and Artisanal Market will run through December 23. Formally known as ‘Twelfth Month,’ USG’s Handmade and Artisanal Market will showcase beautiful art from USG affiliated artists and friends. As in the past, there will also be boutique items that are perfect for your holiday shopping. Please come in and browse all the wonderful work available in the gallery this holiday season! There will also be special events featured during the Market. The schedule includes:
Friday, December 11– Matt Bailey (mgbaley.com/onemandband) Bring your friends and enjoy music from Matt Bailey from 7 p.m.to 10 p.m.
Saturday, — December 12– Blade & Bloom — Come check out Blade & Bloom’s (bladandbloom.com) simple, elegant, high quality beauty products at USG.
Coffee & Conversations — Join us on Saturday for a cup of coffee while viewing the art. Strike up a conversation with someone else visiting the gallery, our volunteers, or staff.
Saturday, December 19 – Coffee & Conversations — Join us on Saturday for a cup of coffee while viewing the art. Strike up a conversation with someone else visiting the gallery, our volunteers, or staff.
Wednesday, December 23 — Closes!
Gallery hours are Wednesday & Thursday noon to 5 p.m.; Friday noon to 6 p.m.; and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest
Dave Rudolf’s Completely Cracked Christmas Show – Friday, December 18
UUCC will host ‘Dave Rudolf’s Completely Cracked Christmas Show’ on Friday, December 18 at 8 p.m. The show will feature Special Guests: The 3 Wise Guys, Ryan Rudolf and more! Grammy nominated, Gold Record winner, Dave Rudolf’s Completely Cracked Christmas Show features hilarious parodies from his past Christmas CDs as well as songs from his new CD, ‘Tropical Christmas.’ You can listen to some of Dave’s Christmas tunes at: http://www.daverudolf1.com/Dave_Rudolf2/Rudolfs_Christmas_Shows/Rudolfs_Christmas_Shows.html. Tickets are $12. Donations of canned goods for Respond Now are appreciated. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
Winter Solstice Candlelight Labyrinth — Saturday, December 19th
The Winter Solstice Candlelight Labyrinth will be held at UUCC on Saturday, December 19 from 6 p.m. until the candle light fades. Come celebrate the New Year at our candle Labyrinth. Enjoy a calming, yet invigorating meditation. Peacefully walk the Labyrinth to reconnect with your Spiritual Center. Sit and pray for peace in the warmth and serenity of our Labyrinth. A $10 donation is requested from non-UUCC members. Safety note: Please do not wear long, loose, draping or dragging clothing. We use open topped glass candle holders, but we want to be extra careful. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
This & That
Park Forest Historical Society, 227 Monee Road
Nominations Being Accepted for 2016 Park Forest Hall of Fame Class – Through December 30
The Park Forest Historical Society will be accepting nominations for the Park Forest Hall of Fame until December 30, 2015. The official form, which must accompany the nomination, is available at the 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 227 Monee Road on Wednesday and Saturday from 1-3:30 p.m., or at the Archive Office, 227 Monee Road on Friday 10-12, in the lobby of Village Hall or on the society’s website at www.parkforesthistory.org. Nominations may be mailed to the historical society or delivered to the museum or archive in person. To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, persons nominated must have made substantial, beneficial, and consistent contributions to the life and well-being of Park Forest over a considerable span of time. Nominees may now live elsewhere, or be deceased. Individuals or couples may be nominated. The person making the nomination does not have to live in Park Forest, and does not have to be a member of the society. Persons may only make one nomination each year. The official nomination form is required along with separate sheets indicating why the person is being nominated, and in convincing and thorough detail, describing the nominee’s qualifications and contributions which fit the criteria. A list of those already in the Hall of Fame is on their website. Inductees will be chosen from among the eligible nominees by the Park Forest Historical Society, and announced early in 2016. The induction ceremony will be held at Freedom Hall on April 10, 2016. For information, call society president Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252, or email the society via the website, www.parkforesthistory.org. Visit the Park Forest Historical Society’s webs