Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF) — The Village of Park Forest in partnership with the City of Chicago Heights and Prairie State College will be honoring Vietnam veterans on November 10 as part of the nation’s ongoing 50th Vietnam War Commemoration. The Park Forest Veteran’s Commission is seeking Vietnam veterans interested in being recognized at the November 10th Vietnam Veterans Recognition Ceremony. Veterans who served between 1955 and 1975 are eligible to be recognized. Qualified veterans will receive a service certificate and a Vietnam veteran service pin. Interested veterans are encouraged to contact Park Forest Village Manager/Veterans Commission Staff Liaison Tom Mick at 708-748-1129 or by email at tmick@vopf.com. Veterans will need to provide their name, service branch, military rank and tour of service dates.
One cannot underestimate the importance of the 2016 elections. With talks of voter suppression, computer hacking, and administrative issues, it’s extremely important to determine if you are registered to vote. If you have already registered to vote, click on the link below to make certain that you are registered to vote in the upcoming election. Are you registered to vote? Click here to make sure. #KnowYourStatus If you have recently turned 18, or have never registered to vote, take a few minutes to register online now. It only take a few minutes to complete the voter registration form so you can vote in November. Remember, you can’t vote unless you’re registered. Register to vote here
If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in the community that you would like published, please send an e-mail to RJPiserLPH@aol.com with the details no later than 5 p.m. on Friday. Thank you.
Village of Park Forest
Village Commissions & Advisory Boards
The following Park Forest Commissions are scheduled to meet the week of October 9:
Tuesday, October 11 at 6:30 p.m. – Commission on Human Relations
Tuesday, October 11 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission
Wednesday, October 12 at 7 p.m. – Economic Development Advisory Group
The meetings will be held at Park Forest Village Hall and residents are encouraged to attend.
Water Main Replacement Project – Now in Progress
Construction continues in Park Forest as part of a year-long four-mile water main replacement project.
Residents should be aware that parking is not permitted on streets with JULIE/utility paint markings and flags. For questions about the project, contact Public Works at 708-503-7702.
Arts & Entertainment
Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Out of Bounds (Public Version) – Tuesday, October 18
This public version of Out of Bounds accompanies our Arts in Education show Out of Bounds (Youth Version) which will take place at 11 a.m. at the Center for Performing Arts on Tuesday, October 18 for school groups. This version is a full-length show appropriate for all ages – families are encouraged to see it together so they can talk about the play afterwards. This play is based on the same story as the youth version, however it also includes the perspectives of Amy’s mother and adults at her school. The play has a running time of 1 hour, 20 minutes. A National Theatre Project Award Winner, the public performance of Out of Bounds confronts the effects of cyber-bullying from a school parent’s point of view. Allison is a single mother who spends a whole school year trying to fight her daughter’s bullies while being haunted by memories of her own experiences growing up. Humorous, thoughtful and honest, Out of Bounds weaves together video, comic books and interviews to tell the stories of kids stuck on the outside and the adults who feel powerless to help them. This show is free and open to the public but reservations are required. Reservations can be made here.
Chicago Dance Crash – Tickets Now on Sale
Audiences in Chicago’s Southland will be the first to experience a contemporary take on the classic struggle between right and wrong, this time depicted in the form of hip hop or street dance. GSU’s Center for Performing Arts will welcome Chicago Dance Crash back to its stage to perform the dance theatre piece Evil and Good on October 22 at 8 p.m. Lead by artistic director Jessica Deahr, Chicago Dance Crash has emerged as the premier fusion-style contemporary dance company in the Midwest. Emphasizing a unique mission of both athleticism and accessibility, the Crash aesthetic is most notably recognized by its combination of concert and hip hop techniques in works ranging from full length productions to repertory pieces and freestyles. The seven company dancers include David Ingram, KC Bevis, Brian Humpherys, Kaitlin Webster (Rehearsal Director), Kelsey Reiter, Zac McMahon, and Porsha Spells.
Ticket Information
Tickets: $28, students $10, high school students $5 (I.D. required, discounts valid only at the box office)
Online: www.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) and 2 hours prior to all performances Parking is free. For best GPS directions always use the location search term “Governors State University” only.
DePaul Art Museum, 935 W. Fullerton, Chicago
International Art Exhibition ‘On Space and Place’ – Through December 18
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 run through December 18 at the DePaul Art Museum. 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/.
Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
Shemekia Copeland – Tickets Now on Sale
Back by popular demand, Queen of the Blues Shemekia Copeland will perform at Freedom Hall on Friday, October 21, at 7:30 p.m. Shemika will rock the house, pounding out the Rhythm and Blues. Shemekia Copeland’s passion for the blues gives her music power and a heart-pounding urgency. Dubbed as the new “Queen of the Blues,” she has headlined at the Chicago Blues Festival, shared the stage with Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton, and has performed at the White House for President Barack Obama. “Copeland embodies the blues with her powerful vocal chops.” says National Public Radio. Tickets are $30, or $26 for season subscribers. For additional information or to purchase tickets, phone 708-747-0580 or visit www.freedomhall.org.
Masters of Soul at Freedom Hall — December 2
Back by popular demand, Masters of Soul will perform 2 shows at Freedom Hall on Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3, (SOLD OUT) at 7:30 p.m. This encore performance for Masters of Soul with a holiday twist is always a sell out at Freedom Hall! Masters of Soul is a celebration of the Motown era featuring hits from the Temptations, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Aretha Franklin, the Four Tops, Diana Ross & the Supremes and many more. The show features stylishly costumes, fully choreographed performances of both male and female groups backed by a live Motown band. Tickets are $30 or $26 for season subscribers. Tickets can be purchased in-person at the box office or online at: https://tickets.ticketforce.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1492 Get your tickets today before they are sold out. For additional information, phone 708-747-0580 or visit www.freedomhall.org.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
IPO Debuts 39th Season – Saturday, October 15
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. The IPO’s 39th season debuts on Saturday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. with ‘Beethoven 3 and the Search for Greatness.’ The concert will take place at the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway in University Park. Leading the program will be New Zealand-born Maestra Holly Mathieson who currently serves as the Resident Conductor of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland Junior Orchestra. The program is guaranteed 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. For additional information or to purchase tickets online visit: www.ipomusic.org or call 708.481.7774.
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 Garden Club
Falling Leaves Festival – Tuesday, October 11
The Garden Club of Park Forest invite you to the annual Falling Leaves Festival on Tuesday, October 11 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 227 Monee Road in Park Forest. The Festival is open to the public and will feature a program presented by U. of I. Extension Master Gardener Linda Anderson on beekeeping. Tickets are $8 at the door. Door prizes, sandwiches and desserts are included. For additional information, call 708-748-6333 or 708-747-3847.
Park Forest Historical Society, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest
Step Back into a1950s Halloween – Through November 9
It’s Halloween at the 1950s Park Forest House Museum. Halloween decorations will be on display through November 9. The Museum, located at 227 Monee Road in Park Forest (inside St. Mary’s Catholic Church), is open Wednesday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. or by appointment. Donation is Adults $5; 12 & under free with an adult. Scout and school tours are priced individually. For additional information or to schedule an appointment for a tour, call Mike Gans at 708-305-3308 or Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252 or visit the Website.
Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard
The following events are scheduled at the Park Forest Library the week of October 9:
Monday, October 10 at 11 a.m. – Sunrise Story Time — Jump start your morning with a series of stories that are sure to get you moving. Ages 12 and under.
Monday, October 10 at 3:30 p.m. — kids’ zone Science Club- Science of Toy Making! — Join us as we explore the science behind how some of our favorite toys are made and function! Participants will make toys that spin and fly, build pop-up books and more! For Grades: 3rd-5th… Courtesy of our Partnership with: The Museum of Science and Industry Chicago. Registration Required.
Monday, October 10 at 6 p.m. – Mindfulness Mondays — Each week we will aspire to achieve calmness by focusing our attention on the practice of a different craft. We will explore crafts that will include yarn mandalas, stone mandalas, and zentangle-inspired drawings. Materials will be provided.
Monday, October 10 at 6:30 p.m. — Family Movie Night: Ratchet & Clank — Based on the popular video game franchise, Ratchet & Clank follows two unlikely heroes as they struggle to stop a vile alien from destroying every planet in the Solana Galaxy. Ratchet is the last of his kind who has grown up alone on a backwater planet with no family of his own. Rated: PG
Tuesday, October 11 at 2 p.m. – Art Studio — It’s time to create! Materials will be provided. For ages 12 and under.
Tuesday, October 11 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, October 11 at 7 p.m. — Pajama Story Time — It’s FIRE PREVENTION WEEK! Join us for stories and crafts all about fire safety! Ages 12 and under.
Wednesday, October 12 at 11 a.m. – Lap Sit Story Time — Babies and their parents or caregivers are invited to read, sing and grow in this weekly story time. This program is geared toward babies 0 – 36 months with an accompanying adult. This is the perfect time for families to bond with their child/children.
Wednesday, October 12 at 3:30 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. For ages 12 and under.
Wednesday, October 12 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, October 12 at 4 p.m. – Teen Project Picks — You picked them, so let’s try them! Check out requested projects from our teens and take home something new!
Wednesday, October 12 at 6:30 p.m. – Movie Night for Adults — ‘The Legend of Tarzan’– It has been years since the man once known as Tarzan left the jungles of Africa behind for a gentrified life as John Clayton III, Lord Greystoke, with his beloved wife, Jane at his side. Now, he has been invited back to the Congo to serve as a trade emissary of Parliament, unaware that he is a pawn in a deadly convergence of greed and revenge, masterminded by the Belgian, Captain Leon Rom. But those behind the murderous plot have no idea what they are about to unleash.
Wednesday, October 12 at 6:30 p.m. – Writers’ 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, October 13 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art — Bring your imagination, creativity, and throw on some old clothes to bring out your inner Picasso through art projects and more… Some projects may involve paint.
Friday, October 14 at 12 p.m. – Express Yourself — Explore a variety of arts & craft materials and express your inner artist. We’ll provide the materials, you provide the creativity! So let go, have fun, and Express Yourself!
Friday, October 14 at p.m. – Teen Game Day — Show off your competitive side with your friends! From board games to video games, there will be plenty of fun! Are you up for the challenge?
Friday, October 14 at 3:30 p.m. — Color me Happy (for kids) — 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. For ages: 12 and under.
Saturday, October 15 at 2 p.m. — Fall Frenzy! — Come one, Come All! Spend an afternoon creating a variety of fall themed crafts the entire family will enjoy! All materials provided. While supplies last. All ages Welcome!
For additional information, or to register for an event call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.
Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, October 13
The Potpourri of Lecture for Thursday, October 13 is “Behind the Page: A look at Comic Book (and Graphic Novel) Creation and Creators’ with author and editor Mort Castle. The Lecture will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Library’s Ringering Room.
Park Forest Rotary Club
Paint & Sip – Saturday, October 15
The Park Forest Rotary Club will host a Paint & Sip event on Saturday, October 15 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Tall Grass Art Association, 367 Artist Walk in DownTown Park Forest. The event is a fundraiser that will benefit local music programs. The instructor is Javier Chavira. B.Y.O.B. – snacks will be provided. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call Sharon Newman at 708-64105846 or Tiffani Graham at 708-275-4009.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 South Halsted, Chicago Heights
Fossil, Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show – Saturday, October 15
Exhibits featuring fossils, crystals, jewelry, and fluorescent stones will be on display for the two-day Fossil, Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show on Saturday, Oct. 15, and Sunday, Oct. 16. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day in the Prairie Center Gym, located on the PSC main campus in Chicago Heights. This family-friendly event is free and offers educational opportunities for all ages, including special presentations by NASA Ambassador, Joel Knapper. Knapper will present about Pluto and NASA programs on both days. There also are opportunities for gem and fossil enthusiasts to meet the experts, get a close look at the latest finds, and learn about the geological history of the area. Exhibits will include fossils from Mazon Creek and Thornton Quarry, minerals, jewelry, lapidary, crystals, artifacts and Illinois meteorites. Handmade jewelry, precious stones, fossils, crystals and more will be available for purchase. Scouts also will have the opportunity to earn their geology badges. The show is co-hosted by PSC’s Department of Natural Sciences and the South Suburban Earth Science Club. For more information, contact Burrough at Lburrough@prairiestate.edu or Jan Podbielski at jan@janskidesigns.com.
‘Odwindifuor Expressions: Works from Ghana, West Africa’ – Through October 27
‘Odwindifuor Expressions: Works from Ghana, West Africa,’ is the current exhibit at the PSC’s Christopher Art Gallery through October 27. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The exhibition features works in various media by artists and artisans from Aburi, in Ghana, West Africa, offered in partnership with the Chicago Heights Sister Cities Program. Works include wood carvings, masks, textiles and beaded jewelry. Additional information about the exhibit can be found in the Gallery Guide. The Christopher Art Gallery Regular Hours are Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. and by appointment. For additional information or to schedule an appointment to view the exhibit phone 708-709-3636 or visit http://prairiestate.edu/christopher-art-gallery.
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.
Roosevelt University Gage Gallery, 18 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago
‘Not Forgotten: Chicago Street Memorials’ – Through December 3
‘Not Forgotten: Chicago Street Memorials,’ a new exhibit featuring photos and interviews about Chicago street memorials will be exhibited at Roosevelt University’s Gage Gallery through December 3. A joint project by Roosevelt University journalism professor Anne-Marie Cusac and Wisconsin photographer Thomas Ferrella, ‘Not Forgotten: Chicago Street Memorials’ explores the story behind 35 organic and largely obscure memorials that remember primarily those killed in Chicago neighborhoods. Cusac and Ferrella spent more than a year traveling some of Chicago’s most violence-prone streets in order to gain an understanding of the kind of grieving that goes on in communities long after the violence is over. Gage Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, visit www.roosevelt.edu/gagegallery or call 312-341-6458
South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 State Street, South Holland
‘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. The 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.
‘Magnetic Line of Force’ – Through Thursday, October 20
The Art & Design Department of SSC is pleased to present a new exhibition located in the Dulgar Gallery on SSC’s Main Campus in South Holland. This exhibition of art works by Jeff Stevenson titled ‘Magnetic Line of Force’ is on display through October 20. ‘Magnetic Line of Force,’ a title taken from one of the pieces in the show, is “an imaginary concept that provides a very useful way to not only represent but also to define the properties of the magnetic field being evaluated, says Stevenson. “Using imaginary concepts to explore things that are unseen could describe my art making process and also much of our interactions as humans in this magical world.” This exhibition features my “Exquisite Corpse” inspired large scale scroll works on paper from 2012, other works on canvas and paper from 2014, and two from my most recent series of cut and combined paintings of found selfies from 2016. Jeff Stevenson is an award winning artist who has been honored with an Artist’s Residency at Ragdale, a solo exhibition at the Union League Club of Chicago, the “Patron Award” by artist Philip Pearlstein at the Northern National Competition, the “Curator’s Choice Award” at the Chicago Art Open, the “Figurative Award” at the Beverly Arts Center and others. The public is welcome to visit the art exhibition at no charge. The Dulgar Gallery is on the first floor. 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. For more information, please call 708-596-2000, ext. 2445 or ext. 2316, or visit www.ssc.edu/art.
The Drama Group, 330 West 202nd Street, Chicago Heights
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ – Tickets Now on Sale
The Drama Group is excited to present the gleefully gruesome musical, ‘Little Shop of Horrors,’ directed by Mary Ellen Fawk and Andy Leahy. Performances will be held at The Drama Group Studio Theatre on October 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 at 7:30 p.m. and matinees on October 23, 29 and 30 at 2:00 p.m. Seymour is a poor florist assistant who has acquired a plant he has named Audrey II, after the love of his life, Audrey. However, his plant is no normal plant, having come from outer space and requiring a diet of fresh blood. Seymour’s craving for love, fame and fortune lures him into nurturing a horticultural horror with a carnivorious appetite. A fun spoof of ’60’s sci-fi movies, full of rock and roll, doo-wop and Motown. Tickets are $21 for adults; $20 for seniors and $15 for students with ID. Group discount rates are also available. Good seats are still available. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 708-755-3444 or online at:http://www.brownpapertickets.com. For directions and other information regarding Drama Group activities, please visit www.dramagroup.org.
Roosevelt University, 430 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago
‘Gone But Not Forgotten’ Quilting Project – Opens Monday, October 17
‘Gone But Not Forgotten,’ a quilting project memorializing people killed by the Chicago Police department, opens Monday, October 17th in the Murray-Green Library at Roosevelt University. Accompanied by Present Absence, a video installation featuring interviews with families and friends of some of the victims, the quilting project records the names, ages, and dates of death of 144 individuals killed by Chicago police since 2006. The six ‘Gone But Not Forgotten’ quilts stretch nearly forty feet in length and were created in a series of community quilting circles and conversations across Chicago in 2015 and 2016. In total, more than 200 people participated in the sewing of the quilts; photos of the quilting process will be part of the installation. The project was a collaboration between artist Rachel Wallis and the grassroots organizing group We Charge Genocide. The Roosevelt University exhibit will be the first time all six panels of the quilt will be shown in public. Present Absence, the video installation by Salome Chasnoff and Meredith Zielke, captures the lives of five of the victims as shared by people who loved them. The exhibit will be open to the public October 17-27 and will feature a series of public events including:
Opening Reception – October 17, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Featuring remarks from the artists, and a panel discussion by family members of Chicagoans killed by the police.
Roosevelt University
Murray-Green Library
430 South Michigan Avenue
Quilting Circle – October 25th, 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Roosevelt University,
location TBA
Day-long Symposium – October 27th – 9am to 5pm
Featuring panels and workshops on the movement against police violence.
Roosevelt University
Congress Lounge
430 South Michigan Avenue
Closing Reception – October 27th 6pm to 8pm
Roosevelt University
Murray-Green Library
430 South Michigan Avenue
The exhibition is co-sponsored by the Mansfield Institute for Social Justice and Transformation and is a part of Media Literacy Week. ‘Gone But Not Forgotten’ is a collaboration between We Charge Genocide and Rachel Wallis. This project is partially supported by an Individual Artist Program Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, as well as a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Roosevelt University Gage Building, 18 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Book Reading by Novelist Daniel Saldaña París – Thursday, October 13
Daniel Saldaña París, an essayist, poet and novelist whose work includes the widely acclaimed novel Among Strange Victims will read from his latest work beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday, October 13 in Roosevelt University’s Gage Building, Room 700 in Chicago. A native of Mexico City, Saldaña París is a writer whose work has been translated into English, French and Swedish, and his recent novel Among Strange Victims has been praised by Mid-Year 2016: The Year’s Best Fiction (So Far) Vol. 1 Brooklyn as a work that “sneaks up on you in the best possible way.” Free and open to the public, the reading is part of MAKE Literary Magazine’s annual Lit & Luz Festival and is sponsored by Roosevelt University’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program, Roosevelt’s literary magazine, Oyez Review, and the University’s Department of Literature and Languages. Held each fall in Chicago and in February in Mexico City, the festival includes readings, discussions and performances by renowned writers from the United States and Mexico. New translations and artistic collaborations promoting contemporary literature from both countries are among highlights of the festival, which began in 2014, growing out of MAKE magazine’s Intercambio portfolio. This Spanish-language cultural exchange has appeared in every issue since its debut in 2012 and has featured over 40 writers to date, many in English translation for the first time. For more information on the Roosevelt reading, contact Kyle Beachy, Interim Director of the MFA Program at kbeachy@roosevelt.edu or 312-341-2221.
St. Irenaeus Parish, 207 South Orchard Street, Park Forest
35th Annual Spaghetti Dinner – Sunday, October 23
St. Irenaeus Parish in Park Forest will host its 35th Annual Spaghetti Dinner (all you can eat) on Sunday, October 23. Food will be served from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will be held in the school’s gym. Menu includes: spaghetti & meat sauce, marinara or meat sauce available, bread and butter, salad, dessert table. Pop and water will be available for purchase. Tickets for the dinner are $10 for adults and $3 for children 10 and under. Raffle tickets will also be available to purchase. Prizes include: a handmade queen-size quilt, LG 32” television, olive wood nativity set, Schwinn 21 speed girls’ hybrid bicycle (donated by Meijer’s Grocery in Flossmoor), and 2 Kindle Fire (2 prizes). Tickets can be purchased at the door, after Mass, and at the Rectory. For additional information, please call 708-748-6891.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
College Art Faculty Show – Through November 5
The College Art Faculty Show will be exhibited at Tall Grass Arts Association through Saturday, November 5. The exhibit is free and open to the public. This invitational show features the work by art faculty from seven area colleges. All full time and part time art faculty from the seven schools were invited to show their two and three dimensional artwork. Governors State University, Joliet Junior College, Kankakee Community College, Moraine Valley Community College, Olivet Nazarene University, Prairie State College, and South Suburban College are represented. Curated by Gail Otterson and Mary Bookwalter. 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.
Seeking Artists for ‘Wings’ Exhibition – Entry Deadline Saturday, November 12
Tall Grass Arts Association invites artists to submit entries for ‘Wings,’ an exhibition of images inspired by the flight of winged creatures. The deadline for entries is Saturday, November 12th. Exhibit dates are January 20 through February 25, 2017. ‘Wings’ is a juried show of 2D and 3D visual artwork (excluding video). Applications will be accepted online through www.EntryThingy.com. Artists may submit up to three (3) entries for jurying. Apply through the EntryThingy site using this code –http://www.entrythingy.com/d=tallgrassarts.org#show=3097 For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit http://www.tallgrassarts.com/Wings.html.
Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights
‘Politics Now: the Art of Sausage Making’ – Through Saturday, October 29
USG’s national juried exhibition, ‘Politics Now: the Art of Sausage Making,’ will run through Saturday, October 29. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Exhibiting Artists: Scott Anderson, George Larsen, Jeff Lassahn, Dawn Leader-Peloso, Laura Lein-Svencner, David Levenson, Michael Pohlman, Jenna Rothstein, Gary Schirmer, Brian Spies, Kelly Witte, Yuanqing Zhao, and Regina Ziemann. Gallery hours are: Wednesday noon to 4 p.m., Thursday noon to 7 p.m., Friday noon to 4 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit Website.
‘A Little Garden Art’ – Through Saturday, October 29
Enjoy the Garden Walk experience all over again! This year’s Garden Artists share first impressions, insights into their creative process, methods & materials, sketches & photos, and of course their finished artwork in “A Little Garden Art”. It is an exhibition of art created during the 12th Annual Union Street Gallery Garden Walk. The work can be viewed in the 2nd Floor Classroom Exhibit Space through October 29. Exhibiting artists include: Carole Brejcha, Maureen Cribbs, Pam Eberlin, Margi Hafer, Karen Leader, Christine Leone, Bill Marquardsen, Elaine Martin, Renee Klyczek Nordstrom, Lynn Ruedger, Dorothy Sandlin, Leon Sarantos, and Mary Ann Trzyna. For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit Website.
Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive
Haunted House – October 28, 29, 30 & 31
The Village of Park Forest and Haunts Against Hunger will present a 4-day Haunted House on October 28, 29, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and October 30 & 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest. Pre-Ticket sales are available at Village of Park Forest, Recreation & Parks counter, 350 Victory Drive, starting October 1 or visit their website. Tickets are $5 per person with a canned good donation or $8 per person without a canned good donation. Proceeds from the event will help support the Rich Township and Monee Township Food Pantries. For additional information, call 708-748-2005 or 708-283-5621.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
DePaul University Schmitt Academic Center, 2320 North Kenmore Avenue
China Town Hall: Local Connections, National Reflections – Tuesday, October 18
Relations between the U.S. and China have been a frequent topic of debate in the presidential campaigns. Experts will discuss the history and future of the relationship between the two countries at “China Town Hall: Local Connections, National Reflections.” A nationwide day of programming, DePaul University will host Chicago’s event October 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Schmitt Academic Center, 2320 N. Kenmore Ave., Room 161. Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger will appear via live webcast to share how China’s rapid economic development has a direct impact on the lives of Americans. William Hurst, a faculty member at Northwestern University, will continue the conversation in Chicago with a presentation: “China: Rising Power, Responsible Stakeholder, or Something Else?” The event is co-organized by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations. Kissinger played an integral role in arranging former President Richard Nixon’s visit to China in 1972, which was a turning point in U.S.-China relations. He continues to be an advocate for collaboration between the two nations, and his 2011 book “On China” delves into the inner workings of Chinese diplomacy. Hurst is an expert on labor politics, contentious politics, political economy, and the politics of law and legal institutions, principally in China and Indonesia. He is writing a book on the comparative politics of law and legal institutions in China and Indonesia since 1949. Admission to the event is free and open to the public. RSVP at http://bit.ly/2dC6vry. To learn more about DePaul’s Chinese studies program, visit http://bit.ly/2dydsbQ.
League of Women Voters – Park Forest Area
Local School Superintendents’ Forum – Thursday, October 20
Please join The League of Women Voters – Park Forest Area for a Local School Superintendents’ Forum. The League of Women Voters recognizes that quality schools providing excellent education are an essential building block of strong communities. On Thursday, October 20th at 7:00 p.m. our informational meeting will present a forum of local school superintendents who will provide updates on such topics as new initiatives & programs and the challenges they face related to the state budget impasse. After the forum, there will be a question and answer period. The Michelle Obama School of Technology and the Arts is located at 530 Lakewood Boulevard in Park Forest — the corner of Wilson and Lakewood Boulevard. Please use the Lakewood Boulevard entrance. We hope that you will join us on October 20th to hear the most current information about our schools. For more information, please contact Anne Marie Leofanti at 708-481-1795. 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 League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area at www.lwvpfa.org.
Prairie State College (PSC). 202 South Halsted, Chicago Heights
Illinois Regional College Fair – Tuesday, October 11
PSC is hosting the Illinois Regional College Fair from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Tuesday, October 11, in the Atrium on the PSC main campus in Chicago Heights. Community members, high school students and their families, PSC students and anyone else interested in learning about opportunities to earn their bachelor’s degree are welcome to attend. More than 100 representatives from in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities will be on hand to answer questions about programs, campus activities, and admission requirements. There will be two financial aid seminars about applying for federal financial aid at 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. in the Barnes & Noble College Auditorium in the college’s Conference Center. The annual event is organized by the South Suburban Counselors Fair Committee, which includes counselors from PSC, Bloom High School, Bloom Trail High School, Crete-Monee High School, Marian Catholic High School, Peotone High School, Rich Central High School, Rich East High School, and Rich South High School. The event is sponsored by Country House and Illinois Student Assistance Commission. The fair is free and open to the public. For a complete listing of colleges and universities attending the fair, visit www.prairiestate.edu/collegefairs. For more information call PSC’s Counseling and Academic Advising Center at 708-709-3506.
South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 State Street, South Holland
Women Inspiring Success Event – Thursday, October 13
The Chicagoland Speakers Network (CSN) will hold its Women Inspiring Success Event, WISE 2016, on Thursday, October 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Oak Forest campus of South Suburban College, located at 16333 Kilbourn Avenue in Oak Forest. The six scheduled featured presentations are: “Cultivating Radiance Inside & Out,” presented by Licensed Dietician Erin Dubich; Professional Organizer Colleen Klimczak on “Strategies for Clarity and Focus;” the “Fundamentals of Financial Management” by Attorney Sonia Coleman; Professional Speaking Coach Lori Klinka, with “Snapshots to Success: Living One Frame at a Time; “Creativity is a Choice,” presented by Artist Starla Snead; and Licensed Massage Therapist Sabrina Schottenhamel will present “Mindful Self-Care: Me TLC.” The Conference fee, which includes a light breakfast and lunch, is $59 until September 30, and $69 thereafter, or at the door. Registration is available on EventBrite.com and through the CSN website at www.chicagolandspeakersnetwork.com. Individuals preferring to pay by check, made payable to Chicagoland Speakers Network, are encouraged to contact Erin Dubich, CSN President, via email at eldubich@gmail.com.
Elevation Leadership Summit – Monday, October 17
SSC’s Business & Career Institute (BCI) presents an Elevation Leadership Summit Taking Faith-Based and Non-Profit Leadership to Loftier Heights will be held on Monday, October 17th from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This conference will be held in the South Suburban College Performing Arts Center with the keynote address by Roy Worley, Missionary & Pastor, and includes a Special Appearance by Atmosphere of Heaven. In today’s uncertain and ever-changing times, serving in a leadership role for a faith-based or non-profit organization can be tumultuous and challenging. It is not uncommon for these trials and tribulations to take a toll on one’s energy, confidence and conviction, On the other hand, challenging times can also re-energize and increase our passion to spread the word of faith and hope. Regardless of where you are on the spectrum, please join us for a day of fellowship, inspiration and knowledge. We have a fantastic keynote speaker, wonderful presenters and panelists who plan to share their best practices designed to take your leadership to loftier heights.
Who Should Attend:
Faith-based organization administrators, leaders
Non-profit organization administrators, leaders
Anyone who holds a position of responsibility in a faith-based or non-profit organization
Anyone passionate about leadership
Reasons to Attend:
Pastor Roy will help you better understand the “real battle” and provide you with the tools to fight it
Pastor Troy O’Quin will share his insights and experience that will unlock your team’s potential
Mary Erlain, prominent coach and author, will help bridge the generational gap to create a stronger team
Access to other leadership experts sharing knowledge designed to strengthen skillsets
Door prizes and networking opportunities galore!
We are offering two options regarding booths at the Elevation Leadership Summit. The first is a sponsorship option for $250 and the other option is $100. Please use the contact information below to obtain further information if you are interested in either opportunity. The cost is $50 per person (early bird fee until September 30th) and $65 thereafter; $75 at the door. The cost includes a continental breakfast and lunch. For more information, please visit www.elevation2016.com or to register, please call 708-596-2000, ext. 3254 or email AGlumac@ssc.edu.
Adult Volunteer Literacy Program – Volunteers Needed
SSC is seeking tutors and participants for the Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program. The program is structured to train volunteers to become one-on-one tutors for adults in need of basic literacy skills. Instruction in basic literacy includes the development of phonetic reading skills combined with communication skills. SSC is encouraging residents to take this opportunity to volunteer as a tutor or encourage someone you know to take advantage of the free program. New tutor training sessions will take place at the Main Campus in South Holland on October 25th & 27th and November 1st & 3rd. The tutor training is an 18-hour program that culminates with literacy training certification. We also offer online training as well. Once certified, the tutors will go out to visit their adult learners at locations in or near their neighborhoods. Tutoring sites have already been established at the following locations: Acorn Public Library, Oak Forest; Glenwood-Lynwood Library; Harvey Public Library; Phoenix Library; Calumet City Public Library; Grande Prairie Library, Hazel Crest; Homewood Public Library; South Holland Public Library; South Suburban College Library, Main Campus; Oak Forest Center Library, Oak Forest; Lansing Public Library; Dolton Public Library; Riverdale Public Library; Markham Public Library and Midlothian Public Library. Tutoring is scheduled by the availability of the tutors and the learners, and the availability of space and hours of the tutoring sites. Illiteracy is an issue that can be debilitating in so many ways for adults who never received the proper instruction. Adults who are unable to read have a much more difficult time with many daily activities that others may take for granted, along with a clear disadvantage in today’s competitive job market. SSC’s Office of Adult Education administers the Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program in addition to High School Equivalency (HSE), English as a Second Language (ESL), and Adult Basic Education (ABE). Tutors will receive free professional development services throughout this program. Successful tutors are also eligible for letters of support or recommendation for jobs, scholarships, educational opportunities, and more. These opportunities are made possible by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a division of the Office of Secretary of State, using state funds designated for literacy. If you would like to register for the upcoming volunteer tutor training class please register, or if you know someone who could benefit from tutoring services, please contact Raylynn Stokes, Literacy Coach of the Adult Volunteer Literacy Program, at 708-596-2000, ext. 2558, or email rstokes@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
DePaul University, 2400 North Sheffield Avenue, Chicago
Chicago Climate Festival – Through Monday, October 31
Chicago artists, academics and community groups will gather at DePaul University, Columbia College and other Chicago locations throughout October to address issues of climate change. Inspired by the United Nations’ annual climate talks, the Chicago Climate Festival seeks to use art to change the conversation about global warming and environmental destruction. Events will be held at DePaul University’s Lincoln Park Campus, Colombia College Chicago, and other locations throughout the city. All events are open to the public and most have free admission. Events at DePaul University include:
Alisa Singer: Environmental Graphiti
Through Oct. 31
McGowan South, 1110 W. Belden Ave.
John T. Richardson Library, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave.
Lincoln Park Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Ave.
Arts and Letters Hall, 2315 N. Kenmore Ave.
Pop-up exhibits showcasing artist Alisa Singer’s work will be displayed at several DePaul University locations. Singer uses elements of scientific charts and graphs to dramatic effect and created Environmental Graphiti to draw public attention to the critical science of climate change.
Judy Natal: Another Storm is Coming
Oct. 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
McGowan South, 1110 W. Belden Ave., Room 108
Acclaimed photographer Judy Natal showcases her recent work, “Another Storm is Coming,” which highlights the devastating effects of extreme weather on residents living along the Gulf Coast. She will also screen two new videos, “Breathed on the Waters” and “Storm Redux,” which were commissioned by the Center for Energy and Environmental Research in the Human Sciences at Rice University.
Soham Dance and Randall Honold
Oct. 12 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Arts and Letters Hall, 2315 N. Kenmore Ave., Room 413
Young students from Soham Dance Space will perform children’s classical Indian dance on an environmental theme. The evening will include student essays on climate change and photography by Randall Honold, a faculty member and India study abroad instructor at DePaul.
Values Project
Oct. 19, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
McGowan South, 1110 W. Belden Ave., Room 104
Widely recognized ecological restoration leader Bill Jordan will give a presentation on ecology, ritual, and the arts where he discusses the theory of values for environmental thinking and practice for the future of our planet. The event will also feature a short performance.
‘GROUNDSWELL’ reading
Oct. 25 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
The Theatre School at DePaul University, 2350 N. Racine Ave., Room 442
The festival will host a staged reading and discussion of the play “GROUNDSWELL” by Karen Fort. The play tells the story of a farming family struggling through a heat wave and emphasizes how climate change can dramatically impact relationships and lifestyles.
The WrapZone/Fieldworks Studios
Oct. 26 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
McGowan South, 1110 W. Belden Ave., Room 104
Artists Amanda Speer from The Wrap Zone and Joshua Mason from Fieldworks Studios will showcase their immersive art which includes paintings, sculptures, photography and sounds in natural environments.
For a complete list of events, visit http://chicagoclimate.org.
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
Thorn Creek Woos at Night – Registration Required by Wednesday, October 12
Come join us to share the smells, sounds and sights of Thorn Creek Woods at night on Friday, October 14 at 7 p.m. Our naturalist will guide you in a “quiet time” experience to take in the nocturnal activities occurring in the preserve before winter sets in. No flashlights, please. This hike is free for adults and children age 16 and older. Registration is required by Wednesday, October 12. For more information or to register for the program, contact Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd, Park Forest, 708-747-6320, email thorn_creek@att.net, tcwoods.org or stop in the nature center between noon and 4 p.m. on Friday and Sunday.
Magical Moon Night Hike – Limited Seating; Registration Required by Friday, October 14
Come walk the boundary between the natural and magical night time worlds of Thorn Creek Woods at the Magical Moon Night Hike on Sunday, October 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The music and magic of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts will help you use your senses to unlock the woodland’s magical messages—rustlings, hootings, whispering water, scent of loamy soil and flittering shadows in the forest. Join us for a spell. Magical Moon Night Hike is free and for those age 16 years and younger. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Register early for this program; limited space is available. Registration required by Friday, October 14. For more information or to register for the program, contact Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd, Park Forest, 708-747-6320, email thorn_creek@att.net, tcwoods.org or stop in the nature center between noon and 4 p.m. on Friday and Sunday.
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