Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF) — Park Forest entrepreneurs at GKC Wheel of Crafts will host a pancreatic cancer awareness charity event and block party to benefit Sherry Floyd-Radanovich on Saturday, September 10. Sherry, a 15-year Park Forest resident, is a breast cancer survivor and is now battling pancreatic cancer. Both she and her husband are veterans of the U.S. Army. There will be food, crafts, vendors, music, corn hole tournament, bingo, raffle items and much more. Everyone is welcome. Bring your family, friends and neighbors along to join the fun. You’ll find additional information about the event in the ‘This & That’ section.
Rehoboth Ministries will host the Bridging the Gap Benefit Concert honoring Park Forest Police Officer Timothy Jones who was seriously injured in the line of duty. The event will take place on Saturday, September 10 at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard in Park Forest. Featured artists will include Tiff Joy, Kinsmen, New Direction, Evangelist Chrisyann Moore, and Kenny Lewis and One Voice. You can find additional information about the concert in the ‘Arts & Entertainment’ section.
On a personal note, I’ll be taking some time off from through September 26 to deal with some medical issues. This column presents the activities and events I was made aware of through this period.
If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in the community that you would like published after September 25, please send an e-mail to RJPiserLPH@aol.com with the details no later than Friday, September 23. Thank you.
Village of Park Forest
Village Hall Closure – Monday, September 6
Park Forest Village Hall will be closed on Monday, September 6 in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.
September Village Board Meetings
The Park Forest Board of Trustees are scheduled to meet on:
Tuesday, September 6 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 10 at 10 a.m.
Monday, September 19 at 7 p.m.
Monday, September 26 at 7 p.m.
All meeting will be held at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive in DownTown Park Forest. 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.
September Park Forest Boards & Commissions Scheduled Meetings
The following Park Forest Advisory Boards and Commissions are scheduled to meet in September:
Tuesday, September 6 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission
Tuesday, September 13 at 6:30 p.m. – Commission on Human Relations
Tuesday, September 13 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission
Wednesday, September 14 at 7 p.m. – Economic Development Advisory Group
Tuesday, September 20 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission
The meetings will be held at Park Forest Village Hall and residents are encouraged to attend.
Water Main Replacement Project – Now in Progress
Construction is now underway in Park Forest as part of a year-long four-mile water main replacement project. Impacted areas include:
Chase (Homan to Gettysburg)
• Homan (Indiana to Douglas)
• Hamlin (Homan to Illinois)
• Sherman (Douglas to Springfield)
• Thomas (Rockwell to Sandburg)
• Ash (complete road)
• Winslow (Westwood to Forest)
• Fir (Forest to Western)
• Waverly (Lakewood to Windsor)
• Waverly Ct.
• Suwanee (Miami to Blackhawk)
• Minocqua (Blackhawk to Shabbona)
• Mohawk (Miami to Shabbona)
• Seneca (Central Park to Shabbona)
• Seminole (Central Park to Shabbona)
• Central Park (Sauganash to Seminole)
• Sangamon Court
• Somonauk Court
• Oakwood (S. Orchard to Sauk Trail)
• Oswego (S. Orchard to Sauk Trail)
• S. Orchard (Blackhawk to Monee)
• Nauvoo (Niagara to Shabbona)
Residents should be aware that parking is not permitted on streets with JULIE/utility paint markings and flags. For questions, contact Public Works at 708-503-7702.
Arts & Entertainment
Artists Walk Theatre, Flossmoor
‘The Fantasticks’ – Through September 18
Artists Walk Theatre is now presenting ‘The Fantasticks’ at the Flossmoor Community House, 847 Hutchison Road. Performances will be held on: September 9, 10, 16 & 17 at 7:30 p.m.; August 28, September 11 & 18 at 2 p.m. ‘The Fantasticks’ is a 1960 musical that tells the story of two neighboring fathers who trick their children into falling in love by pretending to feud. When the children discover the deception, they reject the arranged love match and separate. Each then gains disillusioning experiences of the real world, seen in parallel fantasy sequences. They return to each other bruised but enlightened, and they renew their vows with more maturity. Tickets are $25. For tickets call 815-277-1083 or visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2583213
Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
A Musical & Culinary Trip Around the World – Sunday, September 18
Food and music go way back. From The Supremes’ Buttered Popcorn and The Beatles’ Strawberry Fields Forever to ZZ Top’s lyrics about TV dinners, food has inspired musicians throughout the decades and made for some great metaphors. Mozart, Rossini and Verdi all composed drinking songs with gastronomical references—Opera and food are like a fine duet. The Center for Performing Arts celebrates this perfect pairing on September 18 at 4 p.m. with a globally inspired operatic program Music and Food Around the World, hosted by Southland favorite Michael Cavalieri. The repertoire includes music and a sampling of food from Germany, Finland, Romania, Spain, Wales, Norway, Czech Republic, Russia, France, Ireland and Italy—a true trip around the world in 90 minutes. One of many on stage experiences the Center now offers, patrons are seated on the stage with the artists, right in the midst of the action. The ensemble of singers will include John Concepcion, Desirée Hassler, Dan Richardson and Pamela Williams.
Tickets and Information
Tickets: $53 includes a sampling of food and wine
Online: CenterTickets.net
By Phone: 708-235-2222
In Person at the Box Office: 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL
Box Office Hours: Monday- Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (open to 6 p.m. on Thursdays) & 2 hours prior to all performances
Parking is free. For best GPS directions always use the location search term “Governors State University” only.
This performance is part of the Center’s “Opera Up Close” programming, which brings local artists from the Lyric Opera to the southland for intimate performances. A portion of the funding is provided by The Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. For a complete list of the Season’s events, and information about purchasing tickets, visit: http://www.govst.edu/About/Center_for_Performing_Arts/All_Events_by_Date/.
DePaul Art Museum, 935 W. Fullerton, Chicago
International Art Exhibition ‘On Space and Place’ – Opens September 15
For the first time, viewers of the ART21 or “Art in the Twenty-First Century” television series will be able to see work by artists featured in the new season at the DePaul Art Museum on the Lincoln Park Campus of DePaul University. The exhibition will provide a multi-layered opportunity to learn about the artists on PBS stations, including Chicago’s WTTW-Channel 11, then experience the work in person. The DePaul Art Museum collaborated with the Peabody Award-winning documentary series ART21 to exhibit the 16 artists featured in the show’s eighth season. The exhibition, “On Space and Place: Contemporary Art from Chicago, Los Angeles, Mexico City and Vancouver,” curated by Widholm, will open at the DePaul Art Museum on September 15 and run until December 18. A public opening reception will be held at the museum from 5-8 p.m. September 15. The four-part series will premiere Sept. 16 on PBS. The featured artists, chosen by ART21 curator Wesley Miller, are grouped by their unique and revealing relationships to the places where they live, Chicago, Los Angeles, Mexico City and Vancouver, to showcase their cities as vibrant and diverse centers for art.
16 innovative artists from 4 dynamic cities:
Chicago artists: Nick Cave, Theaster Gates, Barbara Kasten, Chris Ware
Mexico City artists: Natalia Almada, Minerva Cuevas, Damián Ortega, Pedro Reyes
Los Angeles artists: Edgar Arceneaux, Liz Larner, Tala Madani, Diana Thater
Vancouver artists: Stan Douglas, Brian Jungen, Liz Magor, Jeff Wall
To view a trailer and learn more about ART21 and television dates visit http://www.pbs.org/art21/. 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/.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Carts & Cocktails – Saturday, September 10
The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at GSU is once again hosting its premier annual fundraising event that offers an afternoon of fun, food, and fine art. Carts & Cocktails, an experience unparalleled in the Chicago region, will be held on September 10, from 2 – 5 p.m. on the patio and in E-Lounge at Governors State University, and will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, sweets, and a park tour. This year’s event will be hosted by Marley Kayden of NBC5 Chicago and honors special guest Tony Tasset, the sculptor of Paul in the park collection. The Chicago Tribune’s Lori Waxman recently wrote, “Tasset … is the Midwest art world’s chief satirist, a conceptual artist who lives to level hierarchies as much as he loves to enjoy their luster.” Paul accomplishes both goals. To purchase tickets for the event online, visit govst.edu/nmspdonation. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, purchasing seats, or the event in general, contact Gina Ragland at 708-235-7559.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
IPO 2016-17 Season – Tickets Now on Sale
Who will be the IPO’s next Music Director? During IPO’s 2016-17 season, you will have the opportunity to see and hear all five finalists.
Beethoven 3 and the Search for Greatness – Saturday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m.
The IPO’s 39th season debuts on Saturday, October 15th with New Zealand-born Maestra Holly Mathieson, who currently serves as the Resident Conductor of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland Junior Orchestra. Ms. Mathieson will be leading a program that guarantees to pluck at your heartstrings beginning with Ives’ haunting and poignant work. Next, guest violinist Stefan Milenkovich joins the IPO for Sibelius’ thrilling violin concerto, a signature work by the Finnish master. The second half of the program is dedicated to Beethoven’s revolutionary third symphony (the “Heroic”), one of the greatest symphonies in the entire repertoire.
A Little Night Music – Saturday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m.
November brings conductor candidate finalist Alastair Willis to the IPO stage. Grammy-nominated Willis opens the program on Saturday, November 19 with vivid musical pictures from Borodin’s 1880 work representing the Russian troops and the people of the steppe. American pianist William Wolfram then joins the orchestra for Tchaikovsky’s famous first piano concerto, among the all-time favorites with audiences around the world. The evening continues with Bartok’s dramatic Concerto for Orchestra, a dazzling orchestral showpiece that will display the IPO’s virtuosity.
Winter Wonderland and Holiday Concert – Saturday, December 17 at 3 p.m.
Guest Conductor Francesco Milioto makes his debut with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra for our very family-friendly Winter Wonderland Holiday Concert returning to its 3PM Saturday matinee time. Maestro will lead the orchestra in familiar favorites from The Nutcracker, featuring dancers from Ballet 5:8 and Vivaldi’s “Winter” from The Four Seasons along with other winter-theme classics. Special guests include the Grande Prairie Singers and the Grande Prairie Children’s Chorus. In the second half, the orchestra will bring the music from the beloved children’s book and movie, The Polar Express, to life. The afternoon is sure to fill all kids and kids at heart with plenty of holiday spirit. (And children’s tickets are just $5 each!)
Slavic Soul – Saturday, January 21 at 7:30 p.m.
The IPO rings in the New Year with conductor candidate Stilian Kirov, Music Director of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra and Symphony in C, with an exciting program of Eastern European works. Kodaly, like his peer Bartok, was a master of incorporating Hungarian folk melodies into his compositions, and the Dances of Galanta are no exception. Written as recruiting songs to show a soldier’s life as endless “fun,” these dances will delight. Similarly, Ligeti’s work draws on his Transylvanian heritage with tuneful folk melodies. Closing the evening is Rachmaninoff’s demanding Piano Concerto No. 3, featuring guest pianist Sean Chen. This work was featured in the movie Shine, the true story of Australian concert pianist David Helfgott. Rachmaninoff’s piece is one of the most challenging of all Romantic-era concertos…and the most exhilarating. Truly, this concert will set your soul on fire!
Opposites Attract – Saturday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Maestro Darko Butorac takes the stage to deliver a program of considerable contrasts. He is currently Music Director of the Missoula Symphony Association and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. Excerpted from Verdi’s tangled tale, La forza del destino, the overture introduces multiple melodies from the charming Italian opera. Soloists Jasmine Lin and Matthew Lipman, who both hail from the Chicago Southland, appear together on Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante, which is considered one of his early masterpieces. This work features unusually rich symphonic texture and is a study in contrasts with the viola tuned a semi-tone higher than normal. On the program’s second half, Maestro Butorac says of Prokofiev’s fifth symphony, “This is a work of incredible positive energy written during one of the darkest periods of human history, deeply affected by the Second World War.” Even while knowing its dark roots, your spirit cannot help but soar as you listen to “A hymn to the free and happy man.”
Season Finale: American Perspectives – Saturday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m.
In the Season Finale, Maestro Sean Newhouse, former Assistant Conductor of Boston and Associate Conductor of Indianapolis Symphony Orchestras, leads the IPO in a captivating musical journey from “sea to shining sea.” All three of these works were written in America, but by composers of diverse backgrounds. The American-born Copland’s Buckaroo Holiday instantly conjures up images of the historical American West, while virtuoso double bassist Edgar Meyer’s captivating and touching Violin Concerto marries an earthy, folk-like feel with toe-tapping contemporary rhythms. Dvorak’s Ninth Symphony, written during his American sojourn, embodies the inspiration he found in African-American spirituals and American Indian legends, as well as the musical heritage of his Czech homeland and the German symphonic tradition. Kentucky-born Tessa Lark joins the IPO for Meyer’s Concerto.
Subscriptions are now on sale, including a Music Lovers All-6-Concert option and an introductory “You-Pick-3” offering for first time subscribers. Details are online at www.ipomusic.org or call 708.481.7774. A Season Preview flyer and subscription form can be downloaded at: http://ipomusic.org/index.php/id-2016-17-season.html.
National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM), 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago
Exhibit of Work by Chicago Veteran Artist George Klauba – Through October 29
NVAM announces the opening of its newest solo exhibition featuring the work of Chicago veteran artist, George Klauba. The exhibition comprises two series of paintings: ‘Nerves on Fire: Reflections on WWII’ and ‘Cuba: Rebels, Orishas & 26 Julio.’ Klauba’s first exhibition at NVAM will run through Saturday, October 29. This exhibit is open to the public. Klauba’s work recalls the impact of witnessing the homecoming of WWII veterans and making the daily sacrifices to support the war effort on his childhood. He remembers the reverence he felt for the objects brought back from war, and the curiosity invoked by the exotic names of locations in the Pacific. These objects and stories from his childhood eventually merged with an adult understanding of the sorrow and loss experienced by both sides. Klauba masterfully illustrates these vignettes and empathetically weaves them throughout his paintings which he describes as memorials. Nerves on Fire is dedicated to the men and women who were deeply affected by the Second World War. ‘Cuba: Rebels, Orishas & 26 Julio’ is inspired by the indelible experiences Klauba had as a young sailor stationed in Cuba during the revolution. Klauba enlisted in the U.S. Navy and spent a month in Guantanamo Bay during one of his deployments. His personal accounts and first-hand understanding of the political atmosphere of the time lays the contextual foundation for the unique mix of factual and fantastical imagery found in this series. Side by side these two series of paintings offer a glimpse into the way in which military service has both defined the artist’s life and driven decades of contemplation about the impact that war has had on his and others’ lives. For more information about the National Veterans Art Museum, visit www.nvam.org, or call 312-326-0270.
Park Forest Historical Society, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest
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
Library Closure – Monday, September 6
The Park Forest Public Library will be closed on Monday, September 6 in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.
September Programs
The program events for the month of September can be found at: http://il.evanced.info/pfpl/lib/eventcalendar.asp
For additional information call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.
Friends of the Library Meeting – Tuesday, September 6
The Friends of the Library will meet on Tuesday, September 6 at 7 p.m. at the Park Forest Public Library. Support our mission to open doors to a world of information, education, and recreation. The event is open to the public. For additional information, contact Barbara Osuch at 708-748-3731, extension 16 or email Barbara.Osuch@pfpl.org.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights
Annual Photographer of the Year and Student Exhibition – Through Thursday, September 15
PSC’s Christopher Art Gallery will host the Annual Photographer of the Year and Student Exhibition through Thursday, September 15. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The Christopher Art Gallery regular hours are Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibit can also be seen by appointment. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-709-3636.
Rehoboth Ministries, 300 Westgate Drive, Park Forest
Bridging the Gap Benefit Concert Honoring Officer Timothy Jones – Saturday, September 10
Pastor Osmond Jones and Rehoboth Ministries will host the Bridging the Gap Benefit Concert honoring Park Forest Police Officer Timothy Jones who was seriously injured in the line of duty. The event will take place on Saturday, September 10 at 7 p.m. at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard in Park Forest. Featured artists will include Tiff Joy, Kinsmen, New Direction, Evangelist Chrisyann Moore, and Kenny Lewis and One Voice. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com. For additional information, call 708-679-0100.
Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest
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.
Adult Coloring
On the 2nd and 4th Tuesday morning of each month at 10 a.m., come to the Senior Center to participate in the new Adult Coloring Group. The Center has supplies and several types of mediums to color with. For additional information, call 708-748-5454.
South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 State Street, South Holland
11th Annual Bulldog Baseball Golf Outing – Friday, September 16
The 2016-17 SSC Baseball Team is hosting their 11th Annual Bulldog Baseball Golf Outing to raise funds for athletic equipment and travel costs for nationwide tournaments. The Bulldog Golf Outing will take place on Friday, September 16, 2016, at Lincolnshire Country Club, 390 E. Richton Road in Crete. Registration begins at 12 noon with a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. The cost is $100.00 per golfer which includes golf (four‐man scramble) with dinner and door prizes to follow. Hole sponsorships are also available for $100.00. For more information please contact Head Coach Steve Ruzich at 708-596‐2000, ext. 5843, or email sruzich@ssc.edu. Checks should be made payable to “South Suburban College Baseball” and delivered to 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473. Hole sponsors should indicate what to display on the sponsorship when sending in the check, and must be returned by September 14th.
‘Amorous Ambassador’ – September 16, 27 & 23
The PAC Rats Theatre Company of SSC will present Michael Parker’s randy romp, ‘The Amorous Ambassador.’ Performances will take place in the Kindig Performing Arts Center on the main campus in South Holland on September 16, 17 and 23 at 8pm, September 24 at 2pm and 8pm and September 25 at 2:00 p.m. In the tradition of true British bedroom farce, Parker weaves a web of circumstance laced with quick exits and entrances, visual humor and clever one-liners. Perkins (Pat Nevins of Homewood), a very dignified English butler, exercises extreme discretion as each of the members of the Douglas family confide their weekend plans. They each plot to have the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain’s estate to themselves for a romantic rendezvous. Harry (Julian Hall of South Holland) announces that he will be playing golf in Scotland, while his wife Lois (Diamond Sanders of Sauk Village) and daughter Debbie (Catherine Hundt of Thornton) mention plans of their own. Thinking the house is empty, they each arrive back at the estate with their paramour. Their predicament is further complicated when a bomb threat sends Harry’s secretary, Faye (Amy Pniewski of Thornton), and Marine Captain South (Kevin Hathaway of Park Forest) to fulfill security measures. The cast is completed by Harry’s sexy neighbor and current lover, Marian (Ashley Orendorff of Thornton) and Debbie’s boyfriend, Joe (Charlie Furtek of Lansing). The play is directed by Midlothian resident Angela Martin. Set design is by Dean Scalzitti of Hegewisch. The costume designer is Joanna Tassin of Park Forest. Sandra Wagner is the stage manager and Laura Tiemens is the lighting designer. Both are from Lansing. Heather Young of Chicago is designing the props for the production and Jordan Swierczyna of Robbins is the sound designer. Tickets are just $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 55 or better, $6 for students. South Suburban College staff and students will enjoy a buy one, get one offer with an I.D. Call the 24/7 box office voicemail line at 708-210-5741. You may also reserve tickets by e-mail at boxoffice@ssc.edu. Group rates are also available. SSC is located at 15800 S. State Street in South Holland, between Sibley Boulevard and 159th Street. The campus is convenient to Routes 94, 80, 57, and 294. Free, ample, well-lit parking is available.
‘Beastly’ Casting Call – September 29 & 30
The Children’s Theatre Company of SSC will hold open auditions for Michele L. Vacca’s unique adaptation of the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. The auditions will take place on September 29 and 30, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Readings will be held in the Kindig Performing Arts Center on the main campus in South Holland. Director Ellie Shunko of Lansing is looking for an ensemble of eight actors, ranging in age from 18 to 70 plus, who are capable of playing a variety of characters. Being fairly physically fit, a willingness to try anything, a sense of fun and loads of energy are big bonuses. Performances are scheduled for January 14 & 17-21, 2017 and will be held during the day for local grammar school aged children. Auditioners must be willing and able to take off work or classes for dress rehearsals and performances. Auditions are open to all community members as well as SSC students. Appointments and prepared audition materials are not necessary. Auditioners will read from scenes, which will be available at the time of auditions. Copies of the script are on reserve in the SSC library. Everyone is welcome to attend both auditions. Be prepared to list all conflicts with the rehearsal schedule. For character descriptions, rehearsal schedule and more information, visit the Kindig Performing Arts Center’s website at http://learn.ssc.edu/theatre/ or email ssctheatre@ssc.edu.
‘Graffiti aHEAD: A Documentation of the Midwest Graffiti Writers’ Exhibit – Through October 13
The Art & Design Department of SSC is pleased to announce a special guest artist exhibition titled “Graffiti aHEAD: A Documentation of Midwest Graffiti Writers,” by East Chicago artist Felix “Flex” Maldonado Jr. in the Dorothea Thiel Gallery through October 13th. There will also be a closing reception for the artist at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 8th. The Dorothea Thiel Gallery is located on the 4th Floor of SSC’s Main Campus. A proud native of East Chicago, Felix is a self-taught artist with 25+ years’ experience in painting, murals and graffiti art. In 1995, he received his BFA in Advertising from the American Academy of Art in Chicago. His work has landed him at several ad agencies in Chicago directing and producing award-winning spots for companies like Culligan Water, Peoples Energy, Roto-Rooter, Head Tennis and ATA Airlines. Felix Maldonado is an artist in every sense of the word. His passion and enthusiasm for this subject is evident in everything he makes. One particular body of work, that demonstrates many of his abilities and could quite possibly be his strongest work, is a series of portraits of graffiti artists entitled “Graffiti aHead.” Felix has chosen these people to paint because of his admiration and respect for them as graffiti artists. This comes across in the work in various ways, first and foremost the size of the works. SSC Galleries are open at minimum Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. The public is welcome to visit art exhibitions and receptions at no charge. For more information, please call 708-596-2000, ext. 2445 or visit www.ssc.edu/art.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
‘Festival of Art’ Exhibit – Through September 18
The ‘Festival of Art’ exhibit runs through September 18. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The ‘Festival of Art’ will feature drawings, paintings, mixed media works, watercolors, acrylics, oils, photography, digital images, sculpture, and more. Exhibiting artists include: Marjorie Anderson, CouSandra Armstrong, Mary Bookwalter, James Bowden, Terry Boykin, Susan Brauer, Carole Joy Brejcha, Joan Bulf, Javier Chavira, Claudia Craemer, Maureen Cribbs, Linda Curl, Michelle Detering, Bronwyn Elkuss, June Finnegan, Val Fischer, Anitra Frazier, Ann Goldsmith, Margi Hafer, Cedric Hampton, Fran Hollander, Nikkole Huss, Pat Coffman Huss, Alice Jacobs, Dennis Jennings, Robert Johnson, Jack Kapost, Michael Kucinski, Jean Lewis, Selma Lisit, Paula Mattson, Claudia McCarthy, Mike McCarthy, Tim McCue, Pam McDonald, Janice Meister, Jennifer Meyer, Robert Mongeau, Patricia Moore, Charles ‘Will’ Mull, Dennis B. O’Malley, Gail Otterson, Michele P. Owens, Kate Patterson, Gisele Perreault, Janice Pratt, John Ray, Antonia Ruppert, Dorothy Sandlin, Richard Schmidt, Mary Ann Trzyna, Jennifer Weigel, Bill Wild, Patricia Wiseman, and Faye Zalecki. The exhibit curator is Janice Pratt. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult and student groups are welcome to tour the exhibit by appointment. For additional information or to arrange for a tour, please call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.
61st Annual Park Forest Art Fair – Volunteers Needed
The 61st Annual Park Forest Art Fair takes place, September 17 and 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in DownTown Park Forest. Boasting a rich history and wealth of gifted artists, the Park Forest Art Fair, sponsored by the Tall Grass Arts Association, is one of the most popular art fairs in Chicago’s southland. Artists taking part in the art fair hail from all over the country, including many local artists. If you love art, jewelry, music, food and fun, the Park Forest Art Fair has something for you! Organizers of the Park Forest Art Fair are in need of volunteers. Volunteer positions available need:
Gallery greeter
• Artist assistant
• Food and beverage
• Children’s activities
• Clean up and break down
The Tall Grass Arts Association is a volunteer-run arts association. Volunteers manage the gallery exhibits, art fair and staff the gallery daily. If you would like to volunteer at this year’s Art Fair, please call 708-748-3377.
Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights
Two New Exhibits at USG – Through September 10
Two new exhibits are currently featured at USG on through Saturday, September 10. ‘The Structure’ features work about, made with, and inspired by architecture and architectural materials. The wide variety of work was selected by jurors, Mike Bonhart and Carole Joy Brejcha. Exhibiting Artists: are Cousandra Armstrong, Fermin Barbosa, Rachelle Barmann, Carol Brockman, Alexander Gregory, Eric Hazeltine, Peter Jablokow, Kim Sae Jun, Kellie Lachata, Jess Lassahn, Dawn Leader-Peloso, David Levenson, Steven Lockwood, Sandra Marchetti, Liz Mares, and Taylor Mazer.
‘Project Onward at Union Street Gallery’ is a studio and gallery for professional artists with mental and developmental disabilities. Many of their artists find inspiration in architecture, which pairs perfectly with the Gallery’s regional juried exhibit, ‘The Structure.’ Exhibiting Artists: are James Allen, Franklin Armstrong, Pedro Basantes, John Behnke, Kareem Davis, Louis DeMarco, Andrew Hall, Jason Hines, Adam Hines, David Holt, Brandon Jackson, RJ Juguilon, Sabieon Lavinder, Ray Michalski, Ryan Tepich, Richard Willis, and George Zuniga .
The exhibits are free and open to the public. 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 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest
UUCC Annual Corn Roast – Saturday, September 10
UUCC will host its annual corn roast on Saturday, September 10 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Burgers, Brats, Hot Dogs, Veggie Burgers and of course sweet corn will be served. Please bring a side dish or a dessert to share if you wish. There will be games for all ages! Seating on deck, weather permitting. Tickets are $7 in advance, $10 at the door. Children under 3 eat for free. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
‘PlantPure Nation’ Documentary Screening – Saturday, September 24
UUCC will screen the documentary film ‘PlantPure Nation’ on Saturday, September 24 at 7 p.m. ‘PlantPure Nation’ tells the story of three people on a quest to spread the message of one of the most important health breakthroughs of all time: the health benefits of plant-based diet. Plant-based nutrition has been shown to prevent and can even reverse some of the biggest diseases and illnesses we face today including heart disease, type II diabetes, obesity and cancer. A discussion will follow the film. Coffee, tea and popcorn will be provided. Bring a vegan snack to share if you wish. The event is free and open to the public but optional donations will be gratefully accepted. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Graduate & Undergraduate Program Open House – Registration Required by Monday, September 12
GSU is hosting a graduate and undergraduate program open house on Saturday, September 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in E-Lounge. The open house will showcase the many bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degree programs offered at GSU and provide information on financial aid, admission requirements, housing, and much more. Prospective students who attend the open house will receive a waiver code for their application fee. Programs requiring application through Centralized Application Services are excluded. For more information, contact Julie Anderson at 708-534-4086 or email janderson13@govst.edu. To register for the open house, visit www.govst.edu/GSU-openhouse/ by Monday, September 12.
Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
American Dream Reconsidered Conference – September 12 – 15
What does the American Dream mean today? That’s the topic of a major conference Roosevelt University will be hosting September 12-15 in Chicago. The conference is free and open to the public. At more than a dozen lectures and discussions, leading American scholars, activists and entrepreneurs will analyze the American Dream and how it affects millennials, education, health care, real estate, immigration, politics and more. The conference, sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, McDonald’s Corporation and other organizations, also celebrates Malekzadeh’s first year in office. It is being held in lieu of formal and expensive presidential installation ceremonies commonly held on university campuses. Instead, President Malekzadeh has led an effort to discuss the future of the American Dream and initiate a new scholarship program for six outstanding Roosevelt students. Among the highlights of the first annual American Dream Reconsidered Conference are:
A conversation with PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel on “The American Dream — Globalization, Technology and Progress.” (Sept. 13, 12:30-1:45 p.m.)
A lecture by Pedro Noguera, distinguished professor of Education at UCLA, on “The Five Principles of Courageous Leadership to Guide Achievement of Every Student.” (Sept. 12 , 6:00-7:30 p.m., Roosevelt’s Goodman Center)
A panel discussion on “The Current State of the American Dream” featuring John W. Rogers Jr., founder and CEO of Ariel Investments; Melissa Bean, Midwest chair of JP Morgan Chase and former member of the U.S. Congress; Rabbi Abie Ingber, executive director of the Center for Interfaith Community Engagement at Xavier University and Ali Malekzadeh, Roosevelt president . (Sept. 14, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.)
“A Conversation on Justice, Race and the American Dream” with Martha C. Nussbaum, the Ernst Freund distinguished service professor of law and ethics at the University of Chicago and Jelani Cobb, professor of journalism at Columbia University and staff writer at the New Yorker magazine. (3:30 to 5 p.m., Sept. 13)
“A Conversation on Community Leadership and Social Justice,” moderated by Samuel Betances, and including Tom Burrell, founder of Burrell Communications; Gloria Castillo, president and CEO of Chicago United; Father Michael Pfleger, St. Sabina’s Church; Dana Suskind, University of Chicago Medicine and founder of the Thirty Million Words Initiative and Omar Yamini, activist and author (Sept. 12, 1:30 to 3 p.m.)
Other panel discussions during the week focus on: immigration (Sept. 14, 2 to 3:15); the Affordable Care Act, (Sept. 13, 9:30 to 11 a.m.); the 2016 presidential election (Sept. 14, 4:15 to 5:45 p.m.); real estate (Sept. 13, 9:30 to 11 a.m.; and corporate America (Sept. 14, 4:15 to 5:45 p.m.) There is also a film on millennials created by undergraduate students. On the last day of the conference, Thursday, Sept. 15, Roosevelt will award BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois American Dream Scholarships to outstanding Roosevelt students. The University community will also participate in the American Dream Service Day, when students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the University will volunteer at 30 nonprofit organizations throughout the Chicago area. Roosevelt University, home of the American Dream Reconsidered Conference, was founded in 1945 to protest discriminatory racial and religious college admission quotas, and remains dedicated to providing access to higher education for all qualified students. The American Dream Reconsidered Conference is free and open to the public, however reservations are requested. For more details and to register, visit: www.Roosevelt.edu/americandream.
South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 State Street, South Holland
Free ISO-9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 Workshops – Registration Now in Progress
The Business & Career Institute (BCI) of SSC will offer another course in their Hot Topics on the Go sequence, geared to provide information regarding the key changes organizations will have to consider with ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015. The workshop will also focus on developing a balanced approach and timeline for organizations’ transition to it, focusing on changes to requirements and tips for implementation. Our expert will present information quickly and clearly followed by question and answer sessions. The upcoming topic on the calendar for Tuesday, September 20 is as follows:
Topic: ISO-9001:2015 Workshop
Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Topic: ISO 14001:2015 Workshop
Time: 10:15 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Location: SSC’s Oak Forest Center
16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois
Each of the two sessions will include: A review of design specification and scope of revisions; Keys to understanding the revisions; In-depth review of requirements with biggest impact; Tips for implementation; Transition from ISO 9001:2008 to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2004 to ISO 14001:2015; and Commentary on what the new requirements really mean. The presenter, Chuck Jenrich brings a rich and varied background in manufacturing and service sectors, including government, education and healthcare. Jenrich has been lead auditor qualified for over 20 years, with qualifications and certifications that span the alphabet and numerical system: AAR M-1003 a standard for companies needing railroad certification, the ISO series including 9000, 14000 through 22000, TS16949, AS9100, Safe Quality Food and AIB. He has been a Black Belt since 2000, trained with ASQ/Six Sigma Academy and was recertified in 2010 by Caterpillar. He has worked in the Toyota Production System and with most major automakers. He is certified to teach the MSSC CPT curriculum and has been teaching it at SSC and other community colleges in Illinois. Learn how the Business & Career Institute of SSC can help ease your company’s transition and implementation of these standards through its customized approach to your company’s needs. Hot Topics on the Go sessions are free of charge, but reservations are required. To RSVP or for further ISO consultation and training information, please contact Nancy Burrows at 708-596-2000, ext. 3258 or NBurrows@ssc.edu.
Blueprint Reading for Production Operators, Supervisory & Managers – Registration Now in Progress
The SSC Business & Career Institute (BCI) presents a Workshop titled Blueprint Reading for Production Operators, Supervisors and Managers on Thursday, September 29 and again on Friday, November 18 from 8:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. This workshop will be held at the South Suburban College Oak Forest Center in Room 5230, and will be presented by Albert Lettman, who has extensive experience as a Problem Solver. If you’re searching for training that helps you implement solutions to frequent issues you have, but you face time and cost restraints that prevent you from implementing big training projects, these trainings will narrow down the issues and then provide solutions to your most basic problems. Come to this workshop or schedule with us to customize the training for your company! This Blueprint Reading workshop is for individuals in need of very basic skill development in dimensioning, tolerances, types of lines, auxiliary views, section views, title block, and symbols. Individual class exercises will provide some practice for participants. This workshop will enable participants to interpret manufacturing drawings. Albert Lettman is a facilitator with extensive experience as a Problem Solver. He has over 20 years of experience in Lean principles, ISO 9000/Malcolm Baldridge assessment, Six Sigma and Shainin. He is a certified Shainin journeyman, a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, as well as a Certified Lean facilitator. Together, BCI and Lettman will work with you to find the best operational approach for your company, from the planning stage through implementation stages, using Lean principles that will be best aligned with the strategic direction of your company. In October, the Business & Career Institute will be offering workshops in Lean Problem Solving and Statistical Process Control for Operators, Supervisor and Managers. This workshop will be held at South Suburban College’s Oak Forest Center, 16333 S. Kilbourn Ave. in Oak Forest in Room 5230. The cost of the workshop with lunch is $195 per person. Send three people and the third person is free. To register: Call Nancy Burrows 708- 596-2000, ext. 3258 or by email to nburrows@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.
Green Events
Park Forest Environment Commission, 350 Victory Drive
Saturday Morning Gardening Class – September 17
Park Forest’s Saturday Morning Gardening Series continues on September 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Wetlands Discovery Center located at the Park Forest Aq1ua Center, 30 North Orchard Drive. This month’s lecture will be on canning. The event is free and open to the public.
Free Rain Barrels for Park Forest Residents Residing in Cook County
Free rain barrels are available to Village residents in the Cook County section of Park Forest through the end of 2016. The rain barrel program is a cooperative effort by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and the Village of Park Forest. Rain barrels are large containers that capture rainwater from your roof, typically via downspouts, for you to use when you need it. The most common use for rain barrel water is for the watering of lawns or gardens, and for washing cars.
How the program works:
Park Forest residents may request up to four rain barrels by visiting the Public Works Department at Village Hall and filling out a short form. Rain barrels are available in four colors: terra cotta, blue, black, and warm gray.
The rain barrels will be scheduled for drop-off at your home by representatives from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District estimates a three to four month waiting period from the time of order to the delivery of rain barrels.
Installing a rain barrel is easy and only requires a few tools. A connecting elbow and detailed instructions are provided with all rain barrels. Place your rain barrel under a downspout, wait for rain, and go!
Please note that boundaries for this program were determined by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. Will County residents are not eligible. For questions about the program, contact Public Works at 708-503-7702.
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.
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.
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 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.
Medical Cannabis Education Association Meeting – Sunday, September 4
The Medical Cannabis Education Association will meet on Sunday, September 4 at 12 noon. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive
Zumba Classes – Begin Tuesday, September 13
Zumba classes will be held at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive in DownTown Park Forest beginning September 13. Zumba fitness fuses Latin rhythms with easy to follow dance moves to create a fun, fat-burning workout! Classes will be held on Tuesdays, September 13 through October 11 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Please bring a towel and a water bottle. Deaneen Merritt will instruct the class. The program is for those 18 and older. The fee for the 5-week program is $55 or a drop-in fee of $12 per class. For additional information or to register, call 708-748-5000. Registration can also be made online at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com/index.aspx?nid=617.
PiYo Classes – Begin Thursday, September 8
Get sexy, flexy and strong with PiYo (Pilates/ Yoga) at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd in Park Forest. PiYO is a mixture of Pilates and Yoga that gives you hard core definition, intense calorie burn, and all over strength, without weights, without jumps and without destroying the body. Deaneen Merritt will instruct the class. Classes are held on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. beginning September 8 through October 6. There will be no class November 24 due to the Thanksgiving Holiday. Classes are for those 18 and older. Fee for the 5-week program is $55 or a drop-in fee of $12 per class. For additional information or to register, call 708-748-5000. Registration can also be made online at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com/index.aspx?nid=617
This & That
Chicago City of Learning
Back to School Jam – Saturday, September 10
The Chicago City of Learning’s Back to School Jam will be held on Saturday, September 10 from noon to 4 p.m. at Jones College Prep, 700 State Street in Chicago. Free to all, Chicago City of Learning’s Back to School Jam is where youth and teens can do what they like and learn what they want. Hands-on activities hosted by 20 organizations citywide will meet interests in space, robotics, music, building, coding, cooking, writing, nature, art and more. Participants of this festival of doing and making will earn digital badges and chances to win prizes, including iPad Minis! To RSVP for your family and enter the special pre-registration raffle, visit http://CCOL.io/BTSJ.
GKC Wheel of Crafts, Park Forest
Sherry Floyd-Radonovich Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Charity Event and Block Party — Saturday, September 10
GKC Wheel of Crafts will host a pancreatic cancer awareness charity event and block party to benefit Sherry Floyd-Radanovich. The event will take place on Saturday, September 10 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 127 Shabbona Drive in Park Forest. NOTE: Shabbona will be blocked off beginning at 9 a.m. between Niagara and Nauvoo. Sherry is a 15-year Park Forest resident. Both she and her husband are veterans of the U.S. Army. Sherry is a breast cancer survivor and is now battling pancreatic cancer. Since Sherry is weak from treatment, in order for her to enjoy the benefit, we are hosting it on Shabbona so Sherry can be a part of the event and rest in her home as necessary. This will be a block party with a twist. There will be food, crafts, vendors, music, corn hole tournament, bingo, raffle items and much more. Everyone is welcome. Bring your family, friends and neighbors along to join the fun.
Corn Hole Tournament at Noon and 5 p.m. — $20 entry fee per team
Bingo at 3 p.m. with another the possibility of another session in the evening
Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5
Face painting — $3
‘No One Fights Alone’ key changes — $3 each
Food for sale including hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, walking tacos– Noon until it is gone
Baked sale items – 11 a.m. until gone – Donated items to sell at the bake sale appreciated
For additional information on the event, or how to be a vendor, please contact Kim Schaefer at 708-283-4190, email gkcwheelofcrafts@yahoo.com or see Facebook event at: Sherry Floyd-Radonovich Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Charity Event and Block Party https://www.facebook.com/events/1827339994164517/
League of Women Voters – Park Forest Area
Fall Potluck Supper Meeting – Wednesday, September 14
As the days of summer are quickly dwindling, it is a sure sign that it is time for the League of Women Voters – Park Forest Area fall potluck supper meeting. This year the potluck meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 14 at 6 p.m. at Leonard Robinson Building, Rich Township Complex, 22013 Governors Highway in Richton Park. Members are asked to bring a dish and a guest. After the supper, our informational meeting will begin at 7:15 pm. Our speaker for the evening is Colleen Gleason, Candidates Services Manager from the Office of the Cook County Clerk. She will provide information on the following ballot topics:
Illinois Independent Redistricting Amendment
Illinois Transportation Funds Amendment
Any additional constitutional amendments that will be on the ballot
A review of a sample ballot and the dates for early voting
In addition, member Doug Price will share information on the status of the redistricting initiative. New members are encouraged to attend. This meeting should be a wonderful mix of food, camaraderie, information and an excellent energizer for the election season. For more information you may contact Diane Hodges at 708-720-5954, email diane-hodges@comcast.net or call Barbara Moore at 708-481-5251. The program is open to the public and anyone interested in the topic is encouraged to attend to learn more about this important issue. 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
Senior Program on Planning for the Future – Thursday, September 15
The Village of Park Forest will host a program aimed to educate seniors on planning for the future will be held on Thursday, September 15, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Village Hall. Speakers from the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago will be on hand to