Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—January 17, 2016. If you are the parent of a teenager that is thinking about a future career, the Village of Park Forest Careers in Focus is hosting an event on Saturday, January 23 that will explore the many opportunities available in health care. This free event will be held at the Prairie State College Conference Center in Chicago Heights. There will be information and activities for both teens and their parents. Registration is required. You’ll find additional information in the ‘Educational Lectures & Opportunities’ section.
If you are “feeling the Bern” or just want to learn more about Bernie Sanders, plan to join the Chicago Southland for Bernie Sanders on Tuesday, January 19th, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Flossmoor Station Restaurant and Brewery, 1035 Sterling Avenue, for networking, campaign updates, to learn about Bernie action options, and for good food and drink. You’ll find additional information about the event in the ‘This & That’ section.
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 Hall Closure – Monday, January 18
Park Forest Village Hall will be closed on Monday, January 18 in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.
Village Board Meeting – Tuesday, January 19
The Board of Trustees will meet on Tuesday, January 19 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 January 17:
Tuesday, January 19 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission
Tuesday, January 19 at 7 p.m. – Recreation & Parks Advisory Board
The meetings will be held at Park Forest Village Hall and residents are encouraged to attend.
Arts & Entertainment
Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Opera Up Close ‘Seasons of Song’ – Sunday, January 24
The Center for Performing Arts will present Opera Up Close ‘Seasons of Song’ which will take place on Sunday, January 24 at 4 p.m. Spring flowers, the vibrant colors of fall, sultry summer night and romantic winter snowfall. The change of seasons has inspired composer for centuries. Explore the connection between music and nature, set against the spectrum of the four seasons. Tickets are $38. BUY TICKETS For additional information, visit: http://www.govst.edu/About/Center_for_Performing_Arts/All_Events_by_Date/ or call 708-235-2222.
Ain’t Misbehavin’ — Tickets Now on Sale
The Porchlight Music Theatre will perform ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’ on Saturday, January 30 at 8 p.m. at the Center for Performing Arts. Winner of the 2014 Joseph Jefferson Award for “Best Production – Revue,” Best Direction – Revue” for Brenda Didier, “Artistic Speculation” for conductor/pianist Austin Cook and one of Porchlight’s biggest hits ever returns with the original cast. Set in the jazz age when nightspots like the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom were the playgrounds of high society, this tribute to the Harlem Renaissance is a rowdy, raunchy and humorous evening of fun that reflects an era of social change and Fats Waller’s view of life as a journey of pleasure and joy. Click here for preview. Tickets are $38 and $28. BUY TICKETS For additional information, visit: http://www.govst.edu/About/Center_for_Performing_Arts/All_Events_by_Date/ or call 708-235-2222.
DePaul University Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 East Balbo Avenue, Chicago
‘Prospero’s Storm’ – Through February 20
DePaul University’s Merle Reskin Theatre will present ‘Prospero’s Storm’ through February 20th. ‘Prospero’s Storm’ has been adapted from William Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ and recommended for those ages 8 and up. Wizard Prospero wields crashing sea-storms, airy spirits, savage ghost hounds, and terrifying creatures to exact revenge on his enemies—trapping them on his magical island. Will he learn mercy from his teenage daughter, or sink everyone into the sea? This vaudeville adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ uses puppets, singing, slapstick, and magic to weave an enchanting tale of fatherhood and forgiveness. Performances will take place on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10 a.m. and on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Please check the DePaul calendar (www.theatre.depaul.edu) for specific performance dates. Tickets are $10. College students with ID can purchase tickets for $5. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 312-922-1999.
DePaul Art Museum, 935 W. Fullerton, Chicago
‘Split Complementary’ Exhibition – Opens January 28
With refined appreciation for materials, but very different approaches, the art of Dianna Frid and Richard Rezac meets on complementary grounds at DePaul Art Museum’s “Split Complementary” exhibition. Opening January 28, the exhibition will feature installations, sculptures, books and wall art by the artists, as well as rare books from the Special Collections Department of DePaul’s John T. Richard Library, and a variety of objects from the DePaul Art Museum’s permanent collection. The items from the museum’s collection include a red hat from South Africa, a Turkish Ottoman miniature painting covered with written notations, South American photographs from the 1930s and other objects and images. ‘Split Contemporary’ will be on display at the DePaul Art Museum through April 24. The DePaul Art Museum at 935 W. Fullerton, just east of the CTA’s Fullerton ‘L’ stop, is open Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is free. For more on the DePaul Art Museum’s upcoming exhibitions and events, call 773-325-7506 or visit http://bit.ly/DPAM15.
‘Nexo/Nexus: Latin American Connections in the Midwest’ – Opens January 28
‘Nexo / Nexus: Latin American Connections in the Midwest’ will be on display at the DePaul Art Museum beginning January 28. Drawn from museum’s permanent collection, alongside loans from private collections, the exhibition features Latin American artists in the region and explores their influences, connections and unique reflections of the people, culture and place. This exhibition is presented in conjunction with the 2016 Latino Art Now! Conference taking place this April. The DePaul Art Museum at 935 W. Fullerton, just east of the CTA’s Fullerton ‘L’ stop, is open Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is free. For more on the DePaul Art Museum’s upcoming exhibitions and events, call 773-325-7506 or visit http://bit.ly/DPAM15.
DePaul University Sondra & Denis Healy Theatre, 2350 North Racine Avenue, Chicago
‘In the Blood’ – Previews Begin Wednesday, January 20
The Sondra & Denis Healy Theatre at DePaul University will present ‘In the Blood.’ Previews will be held on January 20 and 21 with performance on January 22 through January 31. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. In this modern day riff off on Hawthorne’s ‘The Scarlet Letter,’ Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks asks who has the right to the American Dream, directed by Nathan Singh, MFA Directing Class of 2017. Is poverty inescapable for individuals already in the cycle? Hester la Negrita is a homeless single mother of five who dreams of finding beauty and love for her family despite her poverty-stricken life. As she struggles to defy the odds, she runs into a series of harsh and unexpected obstacles. Tickets are $15 and $5 for college students with ID. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 773-325 7900 or visit www.theatre.depaul.edu.
Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
Blues Great Shemekia Copeland to Perform at Nathan Manilow Theatre – Friday, January 22
Shemekia Copeland will perform at Freedom Hall’s Nathan Manilow Theatre on January 22 at 7:30 p.m. Shemekia Copeland’s passion for the blues gives her music power and a heart-pounding urgency. This young singer, dubbed as the new “Queen of the Blues,” has opened for the Rolling Stones, headlined at the Chicago Blues Festival, scored Critics Choice Awards, shared the stage with Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton, and has performed at the White House for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. “Copeland embodies the blues with her powerful vocal chops.” — National Public Radio. View a video of Shemekia Copeland. Tickets are $30 ($26 for Season Subscribers). For additional information or to purchase tickets visit: www.freedomhall.org or call 708-747-0580.
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
Library Closure – Sunday & Monday, January 17 & 18
The Park Forest Library will be closed on Sunday, January 17 and Monday, January 18 in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.
The following events are scheduled the week of January 17:
Tuesday, January 19 at 7 p.m. – Pajama Storytime — 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, January 20 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, January 20 at 3 p.m. – Healthy Living — Learn how to be healthier with Ms. Cari! Registration is required. Ages 12 and under. Registration is required.
Thursday, January 21 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.
Thursday, January 21 at 3 p.m. – Art in the Afternoon — Unleash your inner artist! Drop in to create an amazing project of your own. Ages 12 and under.
Friday, January 22 at 3:30 p.m. – Comic Creations — Drop in and make a cool comic with your own super hero!
Saturday, January 23 at 1 p.m. — Practical Application Circle — “Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person” by Shonda Rhimes.
Saturday, January 23 at 2:30 p.m. – Local Authors Circle — Network with local authors from Park Forest and surrounding areas. What is their writing process? What inspires them? How did the author want their work portrayed? Come and find out! Books available for purchase.
Sunday, January 24 at 2 p.m. — Kids’ Healthy Living Workshop — Drop in for an afternoon of healthy eating habits. We will demonstrate how to prepare healthy snacks. Ages 12 and under. Registration Required.
For additional information or to register for an event call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.
Digital Services Coordinator Position – Applications Now Being Accepted
The Park Forest Public Library is looking for an energetic, tech-savvy information professional to fill the full-time position of Digital Services Coordinator. To view the job posting, which explains duties, requirements, and how to apply, click here.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights
‘Gigs Graphics!’ Exhibition – Through January 21
PSC is hosting ‘Gigs Graphics!’ an exhibition of posters of music events from acclaimed Chicago area illustrators, designers and printers will be shown through January 28 the Christopher Art Gallery located on the college’s main campus in Chicago Heights. An artists’ reception is being held in the gallery from 4:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, January 21. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The Christopher Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Visits also can be made by appointment. The college and gallery will be closed on Monday, January 18, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. For more information about the exhibit or to make an appointment for a visit, call 708- 709-7738.
Tall Grass Art Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
‘Getting There’ Exhibit – Opens Saturday, January 23
Tall Grass Arts Association’s first exhibit of 2016 is ‘Getting There’ which open with an artist’ reception on Saturday, January 23 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The exhibit will run through February 27. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. ‘Getting There’ is an exhibit of sixty-seven works which present a broad range of images to interpret the idea of moving, traveling seeking the curious and beautiful, and enjoying the adventure of moving down the highways, across the water, over the rails and through the skies. The works in ‘Getting There’ include evocative, highly detailed black and white and color photographs; digitally manipulated images; drawings; oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings; woodcut and silkscreen prints; mixed media, collage and assemblage works; and sculpture pieces in metal, wood, and ceramic. Ranging from small 8″ squares to a large installation sculpture piece that measures 10′ by 10′ by 7′, the exhibit provides realistic looks at historic train engines, police cars, and three-mast tall ships. Also on view will be abstract, inventive, whimsical, and mysterious compositions based on the blur of Marathon racers, the geometry of bicycle tracks, the overlapping fractions of images we experience speeding down the Interstate, and many other aspects of travel, time passing, and dreams of flight, the unknown, and freedom. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.to 4 p.m. For additional information, visit www.tallgrassarts.org or call 708-748-3377.
Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights
‘Not Serious’ – Opens Wednesday, January 27
USG will feature the exhibit ‘Not Serious,’ a sculptural and installation-based work that is functional insofar as it provokes, allows, or promotes play. The exhibit will open on Wednesday, January 27. A closing reception will be held on Saturday, February 6 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Gallery. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. ‘Not Serious’ features six artists interested in the complex and at times contradictory experiences of art and play. And by play, we mean literal rather than some kind of diffuse metaphorical sense of play. This is going to be a fun, high-energy show. Featured artists include: Cecilia Iwata, George Larson, Paula Pinho Martins Nacif, Alexander DeGraaf/Pastel Fractal, Kaleigh Moynihan and Lane Preston. Gallery hours are Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 5 p.m., Friday from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, call 708-748-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.
Chicago Printmakers Collaborative Exhibit – Opens Friday, January 29
USG’s first floor is currently featuring an exhibit highlighting members of Chicago Printmakers Collaborative. The exhibit will open on Friday, January 29 and run through February 6. A reception for the show will be held on Friday, January 29 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Gallery. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The Chicago Printmakers Collaborative exhibit features work from: Chris Blume, Matt Bodett, Gabriella Boros, Jeff Lassahn, Kim Laurel, Andrea Schumacher, Megan Sterling, and Deborah Maris Lader. Gallery hours are Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 5 p.m., Friday from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, call 708-748-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest
‘Merchants of Doubt’ – Saturday, January 23
UUCC will screen the documentary film ‘Merchants of Doubt’ on Saturday, January 23 at 7 p.m. A lively discussion will follow the movie. ‘Merchants of Doubt,’ a film by Robert Kenner, exposes a concerted strategy to create doubt about the facts of climate change through the use of pundits-for-hire who present themselves as scientific authorities. This film interviews industry representatives, global warming deniers, environmentalists, and climate scientist to create a riveting behind-the-scenes look at how the fossil fuel industry has been so successful in blocking government action on climate. This film is furnished by Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Free coffee, tea and popcorn will be provided. Optional donations appreciated. UUCC is located just east of Western Avenue and south of Steger Road. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
Village Leadership Academy, 800 Wells Street, Chicago
Comedy Night Fundraiser – Saturday, January 23
The Parent Leadership Council of the Village Leadership Academy (VLA) is hosting a Comedy Night Fundraiser on Saturday, January 23 at the VLA Theater – Upper Campus, 1001 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago. Please join us as host Young Wanye keeps the laughter rolling with comedians Marlon Mitchell, KP, Buckwild, and Mike Samp. Tickets can be purchase in advance for $30 by clicking by clicking HERE or at the door for $35. All proceeds for this 21 and older event (the comedy is grown and so are the drinks) will benefit the students of VLA. For each ticket you purchase, $15 will go towards the fundraising obligation of a student at VLA. Be sure to join us for a night full of laughs, food, and cocktails while fundraising for our students! For additional information, call 312-675-0056.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Freshman Friday Program – Friday, January 29
The Freshman Friday Program will take place on January 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission to a four-year university for highly qualified students has been streamlined at GSU with a program called Freshman Fridays. Attending the session, providing the appropriate documentation and meeting the qualifications enables graduating seniors to apply to GSU and receive an instant admissions decision on-the-spot. The future GSU students can meet with academic and financial aid advisors, take a tour of the university and see what residence hall life is like. To qualify for direct admissions on Freshman Fridays, graduating seniors must meet the following criteria: have an unweighted GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale, have a minimum composite ACT score of 20 with at least a 20 in the English and math components and provide their official high school transcripts and official ACT scores (scores may be posted on the official transcript). Additionally, GSU will waive the application fee for qualified applicants attending Freshman Fridays. For more information, visit www.govst.edu/freshmanfridays or call 708-534-4490.
South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 South State Street, South Holland
Information Session on Sports Careers – Registration Now in Progress
SSC’s Department of Continuing Education is presenting information sessions for those interested in developing their Leadership Skills, or Athletes interested in a career in the Coaching profession and Concussions in Sports Education. The sessions are led by Hall of Fame Football Player Michael Jennings and the schedule is as follows:
Lobby – Oak Forest Center
Monday, January 25, 2016 – Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Conference Room #5190 – Oak Forest Center
Monday, February 1, 2016 – Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
SSC Athletics Facility
Monday, February 8, 2016 – Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 11, 2016 – Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Information Sessions are offered free of charge. For more information or to RSVP contact the South Suburban College Department of Continuing Education at 708-596-2000, ext. 2231.
3rd Annual Public Speaking Symposium – Thursday, January 28
The Chicagoland Speakers Network would like to help area residents and professionals meet their self-improvement goals in 2016 through a Public Speaking Symposium. The Chicagoland Speakers Network has planned this half-day of educational workshops on various topics related to effective professional speaking at South Suburban College’s Oak Forest Center on Thursday, January 28, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Public speaking is a highly valued and sought-after communication skill in all industries. Some people thrive in front of an audience and for others, it can cause apprehension. If your skills need tweaking and your confidence needs boosting, the Chicagoland Speakers Network would like to help. The 3rd Annual Public Speaking Symposium topics include:
Four Keys to Unlock Your Speaking Abilities, by Sabrina Schottenhamel.
What NOT to WEAR and What NOT to DO When Speaking, by Lori Klinka and Felicia Houston.
Before you Speak: Tips on Preparing for a Speech, by Mary Erlain.
Feedback: How to Ask for It, How to Give It, and What To Do With It, by Colleen Klimczak.
Panel Discussion Q & A, with the presenters.
Advanced registration is $39 through January 15th, or $49 from January 16th through the day of the Speaking Symposium. To register or for more information, copy and paste this address to your browser: https://csn-pss2016.eventbrite.com or contact event coordinator Takeisha Gary at tag@integrity1stcpa.com. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois.
Adult-Child Baseball Camps – Registration Now in Progress
SSC’s Baseball Program and Head Coach Steve Ruzich will be conducting Adult-Child Baseball Camps in February for boys and girls ages 6 thru 14. The camps will feature sessions for pitching, catching, hitting and fielding while providing adults and children the opportunity to improve their knowledge of baseball skills and techniques. Kids will be given expert instruction and time to practice and improve their skills through a variety of station drills. Adults will be taught how to use effective teaching methods, provide instruction using proper skill techniques, and utilize effective drills. The campers will work together, have fun, and develop talents in a wholesome, supportive environment. Ruzich has coached the SSC Baseball Program for the past 29 years with a winning record of 1045-607. Not only has he enjoyed success as a college coach and player, he has also established himself as a reputable youth baseball camp director around the state. In addition to Ruzich’s instruction, SSC baseball players will be on hand to help the campers develop and improve their skills. The players’ enthusiasm and expertise always adds to the camp’s success. The cost is $45 for one adult and one child per camp, and $40 per camp if enrolled in more than one. The cost is $30 for each additional child. The camp schedule is as follows:
PITCHING:
Friday, February 12: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 20: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
HITTING:
Saturday, February 13: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, February 14: 12 noon – 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 21: 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
ADVANCED HITTING:
Sunday, February 21: 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
FIELDING:
Sunday, February 14: 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, February 19: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Checks should be made payable to:
South Suburban College Baseball
15800 South State Street
South Holland, IL 60473
The camps are located at Bulldog Field on SSC’s Main Campus in South Holland. For more information or to register, contact Coach Ruzich at 708-225-5843, or email sruzich@ssc.edu.
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.
Village of Park Forest Careers in Focus, 350 Victory Drive
Teen-centered Event on Healthcare Careers – Saturday, January 23
The Village of Park Forest Careers in Focus will host a teen-centered event on January 23 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Prairie State College Conference Center, 202 South Halsted Street in Chicago Heights. The event is free and open to teens ages 13-19 and their parents. There will be a separate parent track at the event. Snacks will be provided. Careers in Focus is a teen-centered event featuring industry professionals and hands-on experiences. Network with professionals in the field, explore college programs connected to the career you want, and discover programs and opportunities you can access now to start your path toward your passions. Teens will have the opportunity to visit at least two of four labs. Labs include Nursing, EMT & First Responders, Surgical Technology and Dental Hygiene. Throughout the day there will be opportunities to participate in Yoga, Zumba, Line Dancing, Karate, cooking demos, and medical drawing. Active clothing is recommended (gym shoes and comfortable clothing).
Schedule:
2:00 – 2:30 p.m. — Doors Open/Check-in/Register
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. — Expo Space (Yoga, Zumba, Line Dancing, Karate, Medical Drawing & More!)
3:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Hands-on Workshop: Session 1 (Attend 1 of 4 labs)
Nursing • EMT & First Responders • Surgical Technology • Dental Hygiene
4:00 – 4:30 p.m. — Hands-on Workshop: Session 2 (Attend 1 of 4 labs)
Nursing • EMT & First Responders • Surgical Technology • Dental Hygiene
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. — Expo Space (Yoga, Zumba, Line Dancing, Karate, Medical Drawing & More!)
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. — Healthy Eating Demo/Snacks (Provided) – Camille Wright
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. — Professional Panel Discussions
Lab descriptions
Nursing:
The Nursing Program is a rigorous academic and professional education program preparing men and women for careers in nursing. As a graduate of the program, you will function as a practitioner of nursing in a variety of health care settings, providing and managing direct care through well-defined nursing practices. Our graduates have been praised as being caring, competent and dedicated to their profession.
EMT & First Responders:
The EMT program provides students with the knowledge and skill needed to handle the critically ill and injured in a pre-hospital care environment. Areas covered include cardiac arrests, fractures, injuries, and childbirth. Students are prepared for the certification exam, which requires them to be at least 18 years of age.
Surgical Technology:
This program prepares students to work as surgical technologists in the operating room, labor and delivery, ambulatory surgical care centers, cardiac catheterization laboratories, physician’s offices or central supply units. Surgical technologists work under medical supervision to facilitate safe and effective performance of invasive surgical procedures aimed at optimizing patient safety.
Dental Hygiene:
This program prepares students to work as surgical technologists in the operating room, labor and delivery, ambulatory surgical care centers, cardiac catheterization laboratories, physician’s offices or central supply units. Surgical technologists work under medical supervision to facilitate safe and effective performance of invasive surgical procedures aimed at optimizing patient safety.
Parents: Sessions on financial aid and college admission tips will be offered during the fair at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Registration is required. For additional information or to register, please contact Adina McCollough at 708-701-3841 or email amccollough@vopf.com.
Green Events
Green Community Connections, 166 North Humphrey Avenue, Oak Park
Green Guides Kickoff – January 28 & February 2
The Green Guides program is being developed by PlanItGreen, and River Forest and Oak Park sustainability organizations in response to a need to share, at the neighborhood level, the many sustainability resources available to our communities. Green Guides are not expected to be experts, just to have a willingness to connect neighbors to already existing opportunities and resources. Have you thought about energy efficiency but not known what you can do to get the biggest savings? Not sure what to do with an item that may or may not be recyclable? Seen those nice lawn signs celebrating your neighbors for having pesticide free lawns and wondered where you can get one? How can you find out if your house has leaks that can be fixed to reduce your water usage? Green Guides help to point their neighbors to the right place to find these answers and many more. PlanItGreen will provide a quarterly newsletter, materials, resources, talking points, and more for Green Guides to use in getting the word out to your neighbors. Residents who wish to serve as a Green Guide choose the block(s) or building that you would like to cover. You decide how best to connect to your neighbors (email, phone, in-person). Make a big impact with little effort! We will have kickoff events in late January and early February to formally introduce the program, provide resources, share ideas and get to know each other. Please plan to attend one of the following events at the Oak Park Main Library, 834 Lake St., 2nd floor small meeting room. 10 a.m. Thursday, January 28 — OR — 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 2. RSVP here to let us know you’re coming or that you want to be kept in the loop. Small changes can make a big impact when we act together! The Green Guides Network is part of the PlanItGreen sustainability initiative. Organizers include Seven Generations Ahead, Green Community Connections, Interfaith Green Network and more. RSVP below to let us know you’re coming or that you want to be kept in the loop. See you at the Kickoff Event for refreshments, idea-sharing and conversation! Learn more
South Metropolitan Higher Education Consortium (SMHEC), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Link and Leverage Forum – Thursday, January 21
SMHEC will host a Link and Leverage Forum on Thursday, January 21 from 7:30 – 11:00 a.m., at Moraine Valley Community College, “M” Building, Room 2, 9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills. This is the fourth event of the series. SMHEC, along with their constituents, are working in collaboration with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to align environmental issues, resources and actions at the local and regional levels to help municipalities achieve meaningful and measurable environmental sustainability. The goal for the next meeting is to showcase assets in the surrounding communities and begin to leverage them to make the region sustainable and resilient. Participants will continue to explore opportunities and collaborate on developing solutions to make the south and southwest suburbs of Chicago the Greenest Region. Event participants will be a part of local conversations and regional solutions to make our communities more resilient. Join the conversation on January 21 to hear Link and Leverage success stories, learn about available tools in the GRC2, share and discover resources, discuss ways to move local communities forward and plan what’s next. To register, please visit: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=tqmg6dtab&oeidk=a07ebzo71196b9c0a3e.
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
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.
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.
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.
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.
This & That
Center for Multicultural Communities, 1126 Country Club Lane, Rantoul
‘Speak Up – Speak Out Fostering Cultural and Racial Harmony Part 3 – Finding Solutions’ – Thursday, January 21
The Center for Multicultural Communities will present ‘Speak Up – Speak Out Fostering Cultural and Racial Harmony Part 3 – Finding Solutions’ on January 21. The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the Heritage Room of the Conference Center at Prairie State College, 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 708-709-3797 or cmcdirect@gmail.com Eugene Dumas, Executive Director of the Center for Multicultural Communities.
Chicago Southland for Bernie Sanders, Matteson
Meeting – Tuesday, January 19
Please plan to join the Chicago Southland for Bernie Sanders on Tuesday, January 19th, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Flossmoor Station Restaurant and Brewery, 1035 Sterling Avenue, for networking, campaign updates, to learn about Bernie action options, and for good food and drink. Bernie Sanders has surged in recent days and could be poised to take both the Iowa Caucuses, as well as the New Hampshire primary. A win of one and a close finish in another puts Bernie in a good position going into Nevada and beyond; a sweep of both contests will put Hillary Clinton on the ropes! The “mainstream” is suddenly waking up and paying attention to the senator from Vermont. If he overtakes Hillary, all the news will be on him. Please RSVP at: https://go.berniesanders.com/page/event/detail/volunteeractivityormeetings/4rldb. For additional information, please contact Darlene Obejda at 708-212-4452 or Tom Shepherd at 773-370-3305.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Secretary of State Services – Wednesday, January 20
The Secretary of State’s Mobile Service Unit will be at GSU’s Hall of Governors on Wednesday, January 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Services available at the mobile service unit include driver’s license and State ID renewal, replacement, and corrections; vehicle sticker sales; passenger and b-truck license plates; vehicle title and registration; parking placards for persons with disabilities; and organ/tissue donor information. In addition, vision tests and the written driver’s license exam can be taken. No driving tests will be given. The services provided are available to all qualified Illinois residents. State law allows driver’s license renewal up to one year in advance. Proper identification is required for new and duplicate driver’s licenses and state ID cards. Acceptable forms of payment include personal checks, cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit and debit cards. Governors State University is located at 1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois. For additional information, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
League of Women Voters – Park Forest Area (LWVPFA)
Planning Meeting – Sunday, January 24
The LWVPFA will plan its programs for the next two years. The event will take place on Sunday, January 24 at 2 p.m. at the Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard. Mary Lubertozzi will lead the discussion as well as share the LWVPFA program list for audience input. This is the opportunity for our members to decide on programs and suggest studies for our local league and, as 2016 is a national convention year, programs and/or studies at the national level. The event is open to the public and anyone interested in the LWVPFA is encouraged to attend. For additional information you may contact Diane Hodges at diane-hodges@comcast.net or Barbara Moore at 708-481-5251. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization which encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters encourages citizens to register to vote and provides public education for voters on election issues. The League does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Anyone interested in promoting responsible government is invited to be a member. For more information visit lwvpfa.org
Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive
Park Forest Business Connection Meeting – Wednesday, January 20
The Park Forest Business Connection will meet on Wednesday, January 20 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Dining on the Green Banquet Hall, 349 Main Street, Park Forest. (View Map). NaDonya Jackson, CPA, MBA from Account One Tax & Accounting Services, Inc. will discuss the importance of proper bookkeeping. Bookkeeping is an essential part of any small business as well as the core of your success. Ms. Jackson will discuss some of the common errors made by the small business owner and how to avoid them. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. Start 2016 on the right path by planning to attend this informative session. The event is open to small business owners and their associates. A $50 VISA gift card will be awarded to the person who brings in the most guests. A complimentary full breakfast will be served. For additional information or to register:
Phone: Monica DeLord at 708-283-5617
Email: mdelord@vopf.com
Online: www.pfjanbusinessconnection.eventbrite.com