Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—June 19, 2016. The Park Forest Fire Department is raffling off four tickets to the Sunday, July 31st Cubs vs. Mariners game. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and are available for purchase at the Fire Department during normal business hours (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) The raffle drawing will be held on Friday, July 22. Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Park Forest Police Officer Tim Jones and his family to support his recovery from injuries sustained in a shooting incident in March. Additional information about the raffle can be found in the ‘This and That’ section.
Did you know that the Park Forest Aqua Center first opened in 1952? On Sunday, June 26 the Park Forest Historical Society invites you to come and share your memories, photographs and mementos of the Park Forest Aqua Center. Additional information about this event can be found in the ‘Arts and Entertainment’ section.
The Village of Park Forest will host the National Wildlife Federation Great American Campout Event at Central Park on Friday, July 1 at Central Park, 410 Lakewood Boulevard. The cost is $5 per person and includes food and activities. Families must provide their own tent and personal camping gear. A maximum of six families may participate in this first-year event, which, if successful, could grow to accommodate more families in future years. Additional information about the Campout can be found in the ‘Green Events’ section.
If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in the community, please send an e-mail to RJPiserLPH@aol.com with the details no later than Friday of each week. Thank you.
Village of Park Forest
Village Board Meeting
The Village of Park Forest Board is scheduled to meet on Monday, June 20 at 7 p.m. The Board is scheduled to meet in Executive Session on for purposes of discussing collective bargaining matters.
The Village Board meets 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).
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 Commission is currently scheduled to meet the week of June 19:
Tuesday, June 21 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission –
The meeting will be held at Park Forest Village Hall and residents are encouraged to attend.
Arts & Entertainment
AARP Rich Township Chapter #4576
Spring Fling – Monday, June 20
AARP Rich Township Chapter #4576 invite you to attend the annual Spring Fling at the Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, in DownTown Park Forest, on Monday, June 20, at 1 p.m. Come out and enjoy fellowship, fun, food, and live entertainment celebrating Motown. Tickets are $10. For tickets, or for questions, call 708-748-5454.
All Chicago, 651 West Washington, Suite 504, Chicago
Handbags for Homes Event – Thursday, June 23
Handbags for Homes is a signature event for Chicago’s professional women to network, enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and have fun while helping to end homelessness in Chicago. Handbags for Homes will showcase a fabulous collection of designer purses, which guests can win by buying raffle tickets. Check out this year’s purses here. The Handbags for Homes event will be held on Thursday, June 23 at 6 p.m. at the Women’s Athletic Club, 626 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago. Tickets are $75. Groups of 5 or more can purchase tickets for $350. Buy your tickets now! Proceeds for this event go directly to support our work to prevent and end homelessness. To join our Host Committee or learn about sponsorship opportunities: Please contact Stefanie Skaggs via phone at 312 379-0301 x26 or email at sskaggs@allchicago.org. About All Chicago: On any given night, more than 6,700 Chicagoans don’t have a place to call home. Tens of thousands more are just one unexpected setback away from joining them. All Chicago effectively combines immediate resources with long term strategies to address the complex issue of homelessness. Our Emergency Fund program provides critical financial assistance to people experiencing an emergency that could lead to homelessness or other crises. Our Chicago Alliance program analyzes, recommends, and collaboratively implements sustainable housing solutions for Chicago. Our Learning Center program researches leading practices and offers educational opportunities for all those working to end homelessness. To learn more about All Chicago, visit: http://www.allchicago.org/
DePaul Art Museum, 935 W. Fullerton, Chicago
‘Barbara Rossi’s: Poor Traits’ and ‘Eye Owe You!’ Art Exhibit – Through August 21
Chicago artist Barbara Rossi’s enigmatic drawings and meticulous Plexiglas paintings will be featured at the DePaul Art Museum through Aug. 21. ‘Barbara Rossi: Poor Traits’ is organized by Natalie Bell at the New Museum in New York and marks the most significant presentation of the artist’s work in 25 years. A companion exhibition, ‘Eye Owe You!’ will highlight Rossi’s photographs and artistic process. DePaul Art Museum has organized a companion exhibition, “Eye Owe You!” in close collaboration with Rossi as a way to illuminate her working process. The exhibition features 124 of Rossi’s photographs that have never been exhibited before. This personal archive of visual culture has informed her work for 40 years and also captures an important bygone era in Chicago’s visual urban landscape. Rossi earned her MFA from the School of the Art Institute, where she has taught drawing and painting since 1971. The images from 1971 to 1975 included in the exhibition are from Rossi’s vast collection of 35mm slides and align with the dates of the paintings in “Poor Traits.” Arranged by the artist in a specific sequence to correlate one image to the next, they document hand-painted outdoor signs and window displays in Chicago and cities around the world. A limited edition artist’s book of these images will be published by DePaul Art Museum. The DePaul Art Museum is located just east of the CTA’s Fullerton ‘L’ stop. The museum hours are 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. The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. For more on the DePaul Art Museum’s upcoming exhibitions and events, call 773-325-7506 or visit http://museums.depaul.edu/.
‘The Secret Birds’ – Through August 21
Chicago artist Tony Fitzpatrick will bring his signature brand of witty visual repartee to the DePaul Art Museum this spring with a display of his collage series ‘The Secret Birds.’ The exhibition will run through August 21, and is the largest presentation of his work to date with more than 50 of his intricately layered collages as well as 40 prints from the DePaul Art Museum collection that span more than two decades of the artist’s career. In his ongoing series ‘The Secret Birds,’ Fitzpatrick meticulously draws and layers images, poetry and found materials onto the page. He combines inspiration from his working class roots in Chicago and influences from folk art, comic book characters and tattoo imagery. Each drawn collage depicts a specific species of bird, ranging from the peregrine falcon to the common starling. Several of the works are commentaries on gun violence, drug abuse and other inequities and injustices found in Chicago and beyond. The event is free and open to the public. The DePaul Art Museum is located at 935 W. Fullerton, just east of the CTA’s Fullerton ‘L’ stop. The museum hours are 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. The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. For more on the DePaul Art Museum’s upcoming exhibitions and events, call 773-325-7506 or visit http://museums.depaul.edu/.
National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM), 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago
‘Operation Mom’s Couch’ – Through August 27
The NVAM announces the opening of its solo exhibition ‘Operation Mom’s Couch’ —the newest exploration of the veteran experience through the lens of an Airman and his cultural consumption of war stemming back to early childhood memories, juxtaposed with his lived authentic enlisted experience. The way in which war is broadcast to the public and consumed on couches all across the world—becoming a daily part of the home environment—is a phenomenon explored by retired Air Force veteran, and award-winning artist: Eric J. Garcia. The exhibit will run through August 27. Known for mixing history and culture with contemporary themes, Eric J. Garcia creates art that expands the genre beyond aesthetics. Garcia has shown in numerous national and international exhibitions, has received many awards such as the prestigious Jacob Javits Fellowship and is currently an artist in residence at the Hyde Park Art Center. Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Garcia came to Chicago in 2007, to study at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where he earned his Masters of Fine Arts degree. A versatile artist working in an assortment of media, from hand-printed posters, to published political cartoons, to sculptural installations, they all have a common goal of educating and challenging. While the NVAM is one of the only museums in the world to collect and exhibit artwork exclusively created by veterans in a permanent exhibition, it also provides important programming for veterans, their families, and the community. For more information about the National Veterans Art Museum, visit www.nvam.org, or call 312-326-0270.
Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 162
6th Annual Teeing offFORE Education Golf Outing – Tickets Now on Sale
Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163 will hold its 6th Annual Teeing off FORE Education golf outing on Monday, July 11, at Lincolnshire Country Club, 390 East Ridge Road, Crete. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Lunch will be available at the turn and dinner will follow golf. The outing will feature a putting contest, fun activities at the holes and prizes. The cost for individual golf is $100; $150 for individual golf and dinner; and $500 for a foursome (includes dinner). The proceeds from the District’s golf outings benefit the District’s arts programs, field trips, technology, enrichment programs, and the District-wide annual Spring Musical. Questions regarding registration, sponsorships or donations should be directed to Sandi Gordon, 708-668-9425.
Park Forest Historical Society, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest
Sharing Park Forest Aqua Center Memories – Sunday, June 26
On Sunday, June 26, join the Park Forest Historical Society and share your memories, photographs or mementos of the Park Forest Aqua Center. The event will take place at 2:30 p.m. in Ryan Hall at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 227 Monee Road in Park Forest. For additional information, call Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252.
Step Back into the 1950s at the Park Forest House Museum
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum at 227 Monee Road, (inside St. Mary’s Catholic Church) in Park Forest, will give you a nostalgic look of what a Park Forest home and classroom once looked like. The Museum is open Wednesday and Saturday 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and can also be open at other times by appointment for group tours. Donation is Adults $5; 12 & under free with an adult. Scout and school tours are priced individually. For details, to arrange a special group tour, or to volunteer, visit the Park Forest Historical Society website, www.parkforesthistory.org, or call Jane Nicoll, 708-481-4252.
Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard
The following events are scheduled for the week of June 19:
Monday, June 20 at 11 a.m. – Rise and Shine Story Time — Jump start your morning with a series of stories that are sure to get you moving. Ages 12 and under.
Monday, June 20 at 3:30 p.m. – Color, Create, Escape! — Travel to a world of relaxation for kids. Lose yourself in patterns, curved flowers or even runaway stems. Color yourself Happy in our kids’ coloring circle. Ages: 12 and Under.
Monday, June 20 at 4 p.m. – DIY: Sports Keychains — Drop by Teen Tech Zone and represent your favorite sport in a fun, creative way! There will be two days to try different techniques. Stop by June 29th, too!
Tuesday, June 21 at 11 a.m. – Olympic Circle — We’re Racing Through Time! Join us each week as we learn about the USA Olympics, its history, the different athletes, sports and more. Ages: 12 and under. Materials Provided. While Supplies last.
Tuesday, June 21 at 2 p.m. – Art Studio — It’s time to create! Materials will be provided. Ages 12 and under.
Tuesday, June 21 at 4 p.m. — Color-Rama! Coloring Circle — Are you a teen looking to take a break after school with a fun, fresh activity? Come relieve stress and show your creativity with other teens in our coloring circle!
Tuesday, June 21 at 7 p.m. – PajamaRama — 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, June 22 at 11 a.m. – Movement and Me — On Your Mark, Get Set, Move! to the Rhythm of storytelling. This story time is designed to engage children through movement, music, stories and more. Open to children ages 1 month to 12 years old.
Wednesday, June 22 at 2 p.m. – Art Extreme! — We’re taking art to the EXTREME! Explore a wide range of art through painting, drawing, building and more! Art has never been this fun. You don’t want to miss out. Ages 12 and under.
Wednesday, June 22 at 4 p.m. — Color Me Happy Circle — Our coloring circle is the perfect way to step back from the stress of everyday life and enjoy some relaxation! All supplies will be provided.
Wednesday, June 22 at 4:30 p.m. – Teen Advisory Board — We want YOU to join our new Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and help plan and design this new space for PF/OF teens. Ask for an application in patron services.
Wednesday, June 22 at 6:30 p.m. – Writer’s Workshop — Want to improve your skills as a writer? Interested in sharing your ideas or written work with others? Come to the Park Forest Library and join other creators in our bi-monthly writers’ group, led by James Pressler, for all your writing wishes. Writers of all skill levels are welcomed.
Thursday, June 23 at 11 a.m. – Creative Play with Art — Bring your imagination and creativity to bring out your inner Picasso. Some projects may involve paint. Ages 12 and under.
Thursday, June 23 at 1 p.m. – Secrets of the Lemon — Discover fun facts about lemons and take home a fun gift. Registration is Required.
Thursday, June 23 at 1 p.m. — Throwback Thursday Movie: ‘Go for the Gold! Miracle’ — Miracle tells the true story of Herb Brooks, the player-turned-coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the seemingly invincible Russian squad.
Thursday, June 23 at 2 p.m. – Comic Creations — Be inspired to become a graphic novelist/comic creator! Each week explore ways to create comic strips, books, graphic and more. Open to ages 7-12yrs old
Thursday, June 23 at 4 p.m. — 90’s Sports Edition Teen Movie: ‘Angels in the Outfield’ — Foster kid Roger (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) loves the Anaheim Angels, even though they’re the worst team in the major leagues. His estranged dad promises to reunite the family if the Angels make it to the World Series, so Roger decides to ask for some divine help and prays that his favorite team will turn things around. Soon, a real angel named Al (Christopher Lloyd) shows up in response to Roger’s prayers, and Anaheim’s hopeless coach (Danny Glover) is shocked to see his team on a winning streak.
Friday, June 24 at 10 a.m. — Color Me Calm: Adult Coloring Circle — Drop in and enjoy the hottest coloring trend. All materials are provided.
Friday, June 24 at 10:30 a.m. – Butterfly Club — The Butterfly Club will track Monarch Butterflies in our backyard! We will collect and raise caterpillars, so we may release butterflies in the library gardens! Registration is Required. Children under 6 must have a chaperone.
Shoes, socks, water bottle, and sunscreen are recommended.
Friday, June 24 at 11 a.m. – ‘Read for the Gold’ Book Club — Join our Summer Reading Book Club for kids! We’re featuring books from our graphic novel/comic book collection. Featuring two NEW books from the BIG NATE collection.
Friday, June 24 at 3 p.m. – Fun Friday with Wii — GAME ON! Test your skills on the Wii U! Play with friends, our meet new ones. Ages 12yrs-under.
Saturday, June 25 ALL DAY – Drop-In Create Zone — Stop in kids’ zone and create something special today.
For additional information call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights
‘Aspects of Realism’ – Through July 14
PSC’s Christopher Art Gallery is currently exhibiting ‘Aspects of Realism’ through July 14. The exhibit features works by Jacqueline Moses, Winifred Godfrey, Roland Kulla, Armin Mersmann, and Victoria Fuller. The Gallery will host an Artist’s Reception on July 14th from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The Christopher Art Gallery Regular Hours: are Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. or by appointment. For additional information, or to schedule an appointment, call 708-709-3636 or visit www.prairiestate.edu.
Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest
Trip to Arlington Park Racetrack – Reservations Now Being Taken
The Senior Center’s July Trip will be to Arlington Park Racetrack on Thursday, July 14. You will enjoy a beautiful day at Arlington including admission to the park, daily racing guides, a two hour buffet and three hours of soft drinks all in the air-conditioned International Room. The trip leaves from the Rich Township Senior Center at 1 a.m. and return at approximately 7 p.m. The cost of the trip is $72. Reservations are now being taken by phone only by calling 708-748-5454. Please remember that Arlington enforces a strict dress code, which does not allow shorts or tennis shoes.
Thursday Game Days
Come join us at the Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, in DownTown Park Forest every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. to play games with old friends and new friends. We have a few games on hand, Trivial Pursuit, Racko, Pente, Chess, Pictionary, High Hand and Rummikub. If none of these suit your taste, feel free to bring in your favorites. Come join in the fun. This is a new program, so please help to spread the word.
August Monthly Trip to Isle of Capri – Reservations Now Being Taken
The August Monthly Trip will be to the Isle of Capri on August 21 through 23. We will leave at 1 p.m. from the Rich Township Senor Center on Sunday, August 21 and return at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23. The price for a single room is $210, a double is $145 and a triple is $135. The trip includes $15 Isle Play on Sunday and Monday, 2 breakfast buffets at the Isle and $5 free play and 1 lunch buffet at the ‘new’ Rhythm City Casino on Tuesday, Reservations are now being taken by phone by calling 708-748-5454.
Roosevelt University, 430 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Discussion on Early Black Chicago – Sunday, June 26
A national research project led by noted Black Chicago historian Christopher R. Reed at Roosevelt University is turning back the hands of time on the rise of arts, culture and intellectualism in Chicago’s African American community. While historians have long assumed Chicago’s Black Renaissance began with novelist Richard Wright and poet Gwendolyn Brooks around the time of the Great Depression, Reed and a team of National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) researchers have traced the rise in Black Chicago’s arts and cultural scene to the late 19th century. Findings from the NEH project “Root, Branch and Blossom: Social Origins of Chicago’s New Negro Artists and Intellectualism,” which began in January 2014, will be presented at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 26 in Roosevelt’s 10th floor library, located at 430 S. Michigan Ave. in Chicago. Among groundbreaking discoveries, research shows African Americans in Chicago were patrons of the arts prior to Chicago’s Black Renaissance, which historians have dated from 1932-1950. Featuring the stories of African Americans engaged in art, music and literature in Chicago from 1890 to 1930, the project presentation at Roosevelt is the culmination of many hours of interviews as well as research in archives all over the nation. Free and open to the public, the event is sponsored by Roosevelt’s College of Arts and Sciences and the region’s Black Chicago History Forum. The final public forum being held in conjunction with the NEH project, the event includes presentations by Reed and team researchers Richard A. Courage and Claudia Jacques. Wrapping up in 2017, the NEH project also will include a written report, a book to be published by University of Illinois Press on the roots of African American culture in Chicago during the early 20th century and a public web site about the period’s African American intellectual and artistic figures and their work.
Annual Golf Outing – Registration Now in Progress
Golfers of all skill levels are invited to show what they can do on the links at Roosevelt University’s 23rd Annual Scholarship Golf Outing being held August 1 at the Schaumburg Golf Club & Academy, 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg. The outing begins with registration and buffet lunch at 11 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Cocktails, a delicious dinner and awards are at 5:45 p.m. There are a number of sponsorship opportunities still available, including event sponsor, hole sponsors, prize sponsors as well as foursomes and program book ads. For information about becoming a sponsor, contact Sara Lee Powell at 312-341-2309 or spowell08@roosevelt.edu. For golf outing information, contact Juliana Nelligan at 312-341-2252 or jnelligan@roosevelt.edu. To register for the Roosevelt Scholarship Golf Outing, please visit www.roosevelt.edu/golf.
Solstice Stained Glass, 2010 West Fulton Street, Chicago
Solstice Celebration – Thursday, June 23
Solstice Stained Glass in Chicago is announcing a design competition for window displays in the winning entry of the recent Tiny Home Design competition. Solstice Stained Glass, founded by Emily Carlson 25 years ago, will host a free solstice celebration Thursday, June 23, 2010 W. Fulton St., 6-8 p.m., in Chicago’s West Loop. Competition entries will be showcased at the event, and winners will be announced by Carlson’s team of judges. There are five window positions available for designs of the tiny home. Three are east-facing, and two are west-facing. The dimensions are available by emailing info@solsticestainedglass.com, and appointments are encouraged to see the actual windows. Entrants can either bring the actual stained glass to the solstice event June 23, or they can bring actual-size, colored-in designs. Winning entrants will have to be ready for mounting by June 30. The winning entry of the tiny home design competition was on display at April’s Tiny Home Summit hosted by Pride Action Tank and Polk Bros. Foundation at the University of Illinois-Chicago. The model, built by Price Construction, will be re-built on a lot donated by The Resurrection Project in Back of the Yards on Chicago’s Southwest Side. The model, approximately 330 square feet, will be on display and available for tours starting in July. The annual Chicago Stained Glass Invitational Exhibit will be July 5-7 at the Hotel Orrington in Evanston, and the American Glass Guild holds its conference at the Logan Center in Hyde Park from July 9-11. The day in between, on July 8, Solstice is working with them both as we host two bus tours that will feature local stained glass; Edgar Miller will be the focus of one, and Tiffany and the Gilded Age will be the focus of the other.” For tickets see http://americanglassguild.org/bus-tour/. For information on Solstice Stained Glass, see www.SolsticeStainedGlass.com or call 847-561-4048.
Tall Grass Art Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
‘Neutral Ground: Somewhere Between Black and White’ – Through July 23
Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery, 367 Artists Walk in DownTown Park Forest, will host the exhibition ‘Neutral Ground: Somewhere Between Black and White’ which will run through July 23. The exhibit is free and open to the public. This invitational show of artwork is created predominantly in black & white media. The nine exhibiting artists are Carol Weber, Mike Wasnowski, Joanne Venheizer, Sara Schleicher, Jennifer Moore, Corey Hagelberg, Jennifer Cronin, Michael Barnes, and Joanne Aono. Curated by Mary Bookwalter. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m., to 4 p.m. The Gallery is closed on Sunday and Monday. For additional information, please call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.
Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights
12th Annual Garden Walk – Tickets Now on Sale
USC will be hosting its 12th Annual Garden Walk on Saturday, July 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine. Participants will be able to view 10 summer gardens with an artist’s eye. Be inspired! by the Gardeners’ Craft and the Visual Artists who will paint their visions in each of 10 creative gardens in Homewood, Flossmoor, Chicago Heights, South Chicago Heights and Park Forest. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. Tickets are available online through PayPal or by cash or check at the Gallery. For more information, click here.
Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive
2016 Main Street Nights – Wednesday, June 22
Grab a blanket and position yourself in the Park Forest DownTown Village Green (Cunningham and Main Streets) for some free nights of entertainment, rain or shine. Vendors on hand selling food and drinks. The evening starts at 6:30 p.m. with an opening act followed by the showcased entertainment. In case of rain, performances will be oved to Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street. For weather related changes or cancellations, please call 708-283-5647. For general inquiries, call 708-748-2005.
Popeye & Sailor – 6:30 p.m.
Alex ‘Popeye’ Rothacker and his amazing dog act have performed throughout the continent for more than 20 years making numerous TV appearances.
Semple – 7:15 p.m.
Fronted by Keith Sample as seen on Season 9 of NBC’s Emmy award winning show “The Voice,” you will be treated to a nonstop great time.
2016 Independence Day Celebration
Independence Day in Park Forest has been one of the most popular community celebrations for years. This year’s fun begins on July 4 at 6 p.m. with the annual parade. The parade begins at the corner of Main Street and Orchard Drive and proceeds north to Westwood Drive, then continues westbound on Westwood Drive to Lakewood Boulevard, making its final turn at Lakewood Boulevard and ending just past Central Park. Community groups interested in participating in the parade should contact Officer Todd Beilke at 708-748-4701. The deadline is June 24. Following the parade, a LIVE concert by BBI takes place DownTown from 7p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Then enjoy a 15-minute fireworks display, viewable from Central Park and the Village Green DownTown, beginning at dusk.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights
Fall 2016 Registration Open at PSC
Registration for fall 2016 is open at PSC. Credit courses begin Monday, Aug. 22. Non-credit courses include a variety of single-day and multiple-session offerings that begin throughout the fall. PSC offers convenient, flexible scheduling options. Students can choose their schedule, their class and their time. Hundreds of courses are offered days, evenings, weekends and online to accommodate busy schedules. The 16-week courses begin Monday, Aug. 22. On Tuesday, Sept. 6, 14-week courses begin. The 12-week courses begin Friday, Sept. 16. All of these courses — 16-week, 14-week, and 12-week – end on Thursday, Dec. 8, and offer the same course material with the same credit hours. The shorter the number of weeks, the longer the class period. PSC also offers two different eight-week course sessions. First eight-week courses start Monday, Aug. 22, and end Friday, Oct. 14. Second eight-week courses start Monday, Oct. 17, and end on Thursday, Dec. 8. The eight-week courses typically offer fewer credit hours. Many of the college certificate programs offer eight-week courses, allowing students to fit two courses in a semester and to make progress towards that certificate. Both credit and non-credit courses are listed in the fall class schedule, available on the PSC main campus, located at 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. The schedule also is available at area public libraries and online at prairiestate.edu. To register for credit courses, new students must complete an enrollment application in person at the college or online. Current students can register for credit courses in person or online at prairiestate.edu/start. Through Friday, Aug. 12, Enrollment Services is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the college is closed on Fridays. Beginning Monday, Aug. 15, Enrollment Services will resume regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The college also will be closed on Monday, May 30, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Students can register for non-credit courses online or in person. To register online via Instant Enrollment, go to prairiestate.edu and select “How to Register for Non-Credit Courses” from the A-Z Index. Another option is to complete the registration form available online at prairiestate.edu/noncredit or in the back of the printed course schedule. Students also can register for non-credit courses in person at the Matteson Area Center (MAC), located at 4821 Southwick Drive in Matteson, or in the Enrollment Services Office on the PSC main campus. Through Friday Aug. 12, the MAC is open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Beginning Monday, Aug. 15, the MAC will resume regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. For more information about registering for courses, visit prairiestate.edu or call 708-709-3500.
South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 State Street, South Holland
Free Highway Construction Careers Training Program – Classes begin July 25
SSC be offering a Free Highway Construction Careers Training Program this summer at their Oak Forest Campus. Orientation and Assessment Testing will be June 28-30 at the Oak Forest Center, with the program set to begin on July 25, 2016. The Highway Construction Careers Training Program has been implemented to increase the number of minorities, women, and disadvantaged individuals working on IDOT highway construction projects. The training consists of an intensive 12-week program to learn the skills necessary for acceptance into the highway construction trades and gives the opportunity for a career with high wage potential.
Career Opportunities Include:
Cement Mason
Electrician
Pipefitter
Carpenter
Laborer
Equipment Operator
Requirements:
Valid driver’s license
18 years or older
High School diploma/GED
Interest working in the Construction Trades
Construction will always be needed for new buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures. Some of the more skilled construction careers such as engineer require higher education while others such as cement masonry can be learned as an on-the-job apprentice. For more information, please visit our website at www.ssc.edu/hcctp, or call 708-225-6042, or email hcctp@ssc.edu. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue in Oak Forest.
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
Park Forest Environment Commission
Saturday Morning Gardening Series – June 25
Park Forest’s Saturday Morning Gardening Series will continue on June 25 with a lecture on Container Gardening Secrets. This free event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Wetlands Discovery Center located at the Park Forest Aqua Center, 30 North Orchard Drive.
Thorn Creek Audubon Society, Park Forest
Nature Education Programs at Thorn Creek Nature Center
Calling all schools, home school groups, day cares, preschools, youth, adult and family groups! Nature Education Programs are offered at Thorn Creek Nature Center throughout the year where your group can discover the plants and animals of Thorn Creek Woods. These Nature Education Programs are sponsored by the Thorn Creek Audubon Society. The Audubon Society and the Thorn Creek Nature Center announce their new Partnership for Programming to further the Society’s environmental education mission and give valuable assistance to Thorn Creek Nature Center in providing nature programming for groups of area children and adults. Some of the nature education programs offered this year include Birding by Sight and Sound, Creek Walk (the world of aquatic insects and metamorphosis), Trees Big and Small (identification by leaves and bark), Insects (what makes an insect unique), the Web of Life (interdependence of producers, consumers, predators and decomposers), Soils Hike (how soil fuels and supports life), and Night Hikes. On the Fall Color Hike learn why leaves change colors and what trees do to prepare for the long months of winter. Discover clues to wild animals’ identities and behavior by trails and trails in Wild Animal Tracks. Make your own track replica. On Vixen’s Trek you are the fox following your daily routines on Thorn Creek trails. Or visit the Historic Farm in the woods to explore an early 1900’s woodland farm. Groups can also arrange for a naturalist to come to your location for programs such as Wild Animal Tracks, Web of Life, Woodland Wildflowers, Soils, History of Thorn Creek Woods, and the like. The new partnership has already collaborated in sponsoring three programs: the Learn 70 Birds by Spring class, which runs from January through March; the Great Backyard Bird Count Open House that was held in February; and the Build a Gourd Birdhouse sessions to be held in March. For information about Thorn Creek Audubon Society membership, events and projects: Thorn Creek Audubon Society, P. O. Box 895, Park Forest, Il 60466, or www.thorncreekaudubonsociety.org.
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
Wednesday Morning Walkers
Discover the wonders of spring in a weekly morning walk. Wednesday Morning Walkers meet every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and is free for ages 13 years to adult. Walkers new to the program must register two days before they first hike. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6360.
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.
Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive
National Wildlife Federation Great American Campout Event at Central Park – Registration Now in Progress
Be one of a handful of families to take part in the Great American Campout at Central Park, 410 Lakewood Boulevard in Park Forest on Friday, July 1. The cost is $5 per person and includes food and activities. Families must provide their own tent and personal camping gear. A maximum of six families may participate in this first-year event, which, if successful, could grow to accommodate more families in future years. To sign-up, or for questions, contact Recreation and Parks at 708-748-2005. Click on the link below for more details. Click to view the flyer with complete details!
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
Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive
Park Forest Aqua Center Open — Now Open
Since 1952, the Park Forest Aqua Center, 30 North Orchard Street, has been one of Chicagoland’s premier outdoor pool experiences. The Park Forest Aqua Center is three pools in one, providing a quality summer experience for whatever your age:
Toddlers enjoy a beach pool, plenty of sand area, and superb instructors who have taught thousands the techniques of swimming.
Kids enjoy a 160-foot water slide, two drop slides, and a 15-foot-high aquatic climbing wall!
East Pool Lap Swim – great for lap or casual swimming. Adults love it!
At the Park Forest Aqua Center, you feel the comfort and community of home and the fun, relaxation, and excitement of vacation all at the same time! Ask about how to become a member today! Learn more about the Park Forest Aqua Center!
Park Forest Farmers’ Market – Through October 29
Since 1974, the Park Forest Farmers’ Market has been connecting area residents with local farmers, food vendors and businesses. The Market hosts 22 full spaces with a variety of fresh flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables, bakery goods, herbs and dairy products. Local businesses are also on hand at the Market selling artwork, garden ornaments, jewelry and more. The Park Forest Farmers’ Market accepts EBT/Link, WIC, and Senior Nutrition Coupons. The Market is open Saturdays, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. through October, for shopping, food, and entertainment. Learn more about the Park Forest Farmer’s Market at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com/Index.aspx?NID=98.
Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard
Raffle for Chicago Cubs Tickets – Now on Sale
The Park Forest Fire Department is raffling off four tickets to the Cubs vs. Mariners game on Sunday, July 31 at 1:20 p.m. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and are available for purchase at the Fire Department during normal business hours (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Tickets will be on sale until 4 p.m. on Friday, July 22 when the winner will be drawn. Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Park Forest Police Officer Tim Jones and his family to support his recovery from injuries sustained in a shooting incident in March. For additional information, please contact the Fire Department at 708-748-5605.