2017-03-05





One of the featured art pieces at Tall Grass Arts Association ‘Flight of Obscurity X’ exhibit.

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF) — Park Forest’s Tall Grass Arts Association will host a very different kind of exhibit in its Gallery beginning Saturday, March 11. ‘Flight of Obscurity X’ is an imposing solo show of sculptures and various installation elements created by Ohio artist Nathaniel Foley and presented in a significantly transformed space. Nathaniel’s sculpture focuses primarily on the aviation process, materials and language. He creates forms with his own hands, and has mastered construction techniques and processes such as riveting and sheet metal fabrication that have been used throughout aviation history. The exhibition will kick-off on Saturday with Nathaniel leading a workshop and demonstration followed by an Artist’s Reception. Complete details are in the ‘Art & Entertainment’ section.

The Park Forest Health Department is once again asking for the community’s support by making food donations as part of the annual United Way April Food Day. Suggested items to donate include canned fruits and vegetables, dried goods, and personal care items. No glass items or expired items can be accepted. Items can be dropped off at the Park Forest Health Department between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, through March 31. You can find additional information about the food drive in the ‘Healthy Living’ section.

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 Board Meetings – Monday, March 6

The Village of Park Forest Board is scheduled to meet on Monday, March 6 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.  Residents are encouraged to attend. Board meetings air live on cable access channels (Channel 4 for Comcast subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T subscribers).

To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site here and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.

Village Commissions & Advisory Boards

The following Park Forest Commissions are scheduled to meet the week of March 5:

Tuesday, March 7 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission

Tuesday, March 7 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission

Wednesday, March 8 at 7 p.m. – Economic Development Advisory Group

The meetings will be held at Park Forest Village Hall and residents are encouraged to attend.

Arts & Entertainment

Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park

‘The Scottsboro Boys’ – Tickets Now on Sale – Pre-Show Forum on March 21

It was the legal case that could be considered the fuel that ignited the modern civil rights movement. A train ride to Scottsboro, a tiny town in Alabama, not only changed the course of nine lives but the entire nation. See the true-life story come to life as Porchlight Music Theatre presents its Chicago Premiere production, ‘The Scottsboro Boys’ at Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University on March 25 at 8 p.m. The thrilling, final collaboration by the creators of Cabaret and Chicago,’ The Scottsboro ‘Boys has been hailed as one of the most visionary and controversial musicals to grace the stages of Broadway and London. Nominated for 12 Tony Awards, and presented in the style of the notorious “minstrel show,” this is the true-life story of nine African American teenagers accused and put on trial for a crime they did not commit. The use of minstrelsy is to demonstrate the dehumanizing effect this kind of gesture had in this old form of show business and how the race relations of the era looked to erase the individuality of certain groups. Based on the book by David Thompson, and music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb. In addition, four days before the presentation of ‘Scottsboro Boys,’ a pre-show public forum, ‘Convicted,’ will be open to the community. ‘Convicted’ looks at American Justice from the Scottsboro Boys Trial to the Black Lives Matter Movement.  ‘Convicted’ takes place Tuesday, March 21 at 5 p.m. in GSU’s Sherman Hall.

Tickets and Other Information

Tickets: $38/$28 (depending on seating location) $23 Seniors, $10 Students

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 through 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.

Clarence Darrow Commemorative Committee, Chicago

Annual commemoration of Clarence Darrow– Monday, March 13

Famed attorney Clarence Darrow, inspired by his defense of Patrick Prendergast in Chicago in the 1890s, became attracted to a burgeoning populist movement. The Debs Rebellion, named for labor organizer Eugene Debs, was in full force, and Darrow began to see how judges were under the control of corporations. What Darrow said in the late 1800s could easily be said of 2017 in the U.S. Darrow joined the Cook County central committee of the Populist Party in 1892. Flash forward 125 years, and you have a redefined populism of a billionaire as president, staking his claim as the leader of working people. How does this take on populism compare to the populism of Darrow? Come hear author Farrell’s take on this interesting series of events at the annual Clarence Darrow symposium on the seventy-ninth anniversary of Darrow’s death, Monday, March 13.The title of the program is, “Robber Barons & Populists: Would Clarence Darrow recognize today’s Populism?” The day begins with a brief ceremony and wreath-tossing near the Darrow Bridge in Jackson Park at 10 a.m., where Darrow’s ashes were scattered after his death and where, as a bet, he once agreed his spirit would return if it turned out communication was possible from the afterworld. The bridge is closed due to construction, so the ceremony will be just to the east of the Darrow tribute marker. For the past 60 years, through the annual commemoration ceremony and lecture, Darrow’s spirit has returned—usually to remind us that his work is not yet done. Special guest speakers at the Darrow Bridge include Ald. Leslie Hairston, activist Bernardine Dohrn, ACLU of Illinois Associate Legislative Director Khadine Bennett and Gene Winkler, adjunct faculty at the Divinity School, University of Chicago. After the ritual outdoor wreath-tossing, guests will move inside to the Museum of Science and Industry’s Rosenwald Room (formerly the Columbian Room) for light refreshments and presentations at 10:45 a.m. by author Farrell. Darrow, who died March 13, 1938, is remembered for his crusading role as “attorney for the damned” in such controversial cases as the Scopes Monkey Trial, the Leopold and Loeb murder case, and the pardoning of the Haymarket anarchists.

DIRECTIONS: The Clarence Darrow Bridge is behind the Museum of Science and Industry. Since it is currently under constructions, the wreath-tossing ceremony will take place just east of the bridge. Driving south on Lake Shore Drive, pass the light at 57th Drive and turn right at the next light [Science Drive]. You will come almost immediately to Columbia Drive. If you turn left and follow Columbia Drive there is metered parking near the bridge. You may park at meters near the OmniMax Theater and walk south to the bridge. For more details see www.darrowbridge.org.

DePaul Art Museum, 935 W. Fullerton, Chicago

‘One Day This Kid Will Get Larger’ – Through April 2

For a rising generation of young, contemporary artists, the AIDS crisis has always been part of their lives. This winter, DePaul Art Museum will present “One Day This Kid Will Get Larger,” a group exhibition that examines HIV and AIDS through the lenses of childhood, youth culture and marginalized communities. It runs through April 2. Curated by Danny Orendorff, the exhibition complements the Alphawood Foundation’s presentation of “Art AIDS America,” now on display down the street from DePaul University’s Lincoln Park Campus. Admission is free at DePaul Art Museum, located at 935 W. Fullerton, just east of the CTA’s Fullerton ‘L’ stop. 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 DePaul Art Museum’s upcoming exhibitions and events, call 773-325-7506 or visit http://museums.depaul.edu/.

‘Four Saints in Three Acts’ – Through April 2

Art and the representation of saints have been intertwined for centuries. An upcoming winter exhibition at the DePaul Art Museum, “Four Saints in Three Acts,” will feature works by contemporary artists who use religious imagery to consider their own relationship to religion, belief and faith. A complementary show, “The Many Faces of Vincent de Paul: Nineteenth-Century French Romanticism and the Sacred,” will examine how artists depicted DePaul University’s patron saint in material culture and decorative arts. Both exhibitions run through April 2. DePaul University holds the world’s largest collection of material culture related to St. Vincent de Paul. Artifacts on display from the university’s collection reflect the varying quality and artistry of devotional items from the period. Admission is free at DePaul Art Museum, located at 935 W. Fullerton, just east of the CTA’s Fullerton ‘L’ stop. 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 DePaul Art Museum’s upcoming exhibitions and events, call 773-325-7506 or visit http://museums.depaul.edu/.

Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

Tom Sharpe Ensemble – Friday, March 10

The Tom Sharpe Ensemble will perform at Freedom Hall on Friday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tom Sharpe is the drummer for the Grammy Award winning group Mannheim Steamroller and an internationally recognized, critically acclaimed composer and the creator of his own group, the Tom Sharpe Ensemble. His original music is a percussive symphony – a sonic and visual feast for the senses. Weaving together powerful elements of sound and rhythm, Tom is equally proficient on a vast array of percussion and keyboard instruments. Seamlessly blending genres from Middle Eastern, African, orchestral, and rock music. Tom’s high energy, passion, and emotion, combined with superb musicality, leave audiences amazed and inspired! Tickets are $25 or $21 for season subscribers. Tickets can be purchased online at: tickets@freedomhall.org. For additional information, call 708-747-0580 or visit www.freedomhall.org.

Irish Music Band Caladh Nua Performance – Tickets Now on Sale

The traditional Irish music band, Caladh Nua, will perform at Freedom Hall on Tuesday, March 14 at 11 a.m. Throughout history, Ireland has been embraced as a land of song and singers, of music and musicians; men and women who for centuries have been inspired and nurtured by the sounds and swells of her windblown nature. It is from the traditional heart of this musical island that Caladh Nua have been born, raised and released into the world. Collectively, the band is a tightly-knit, vibrant, and staggeringly talented group of musicians with their origins deeply rooted in the Southern counties of Ireland. Comprising of five versatile musicians and singers playing a wide selection of instruments – from banjo to fiddle, guitar to bodhran and tin whistle to button accordion – the band has captured the essential qualities of traditional Irish music and balanced them finely with an innovative contemporary flair. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the Freedom Hall box office or by the phone at 708-747-0580 or visit www.freedomhall.org.

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park

‘Obsession+Improvisation+Collaboration’ Exhibit Inspired by Jazz Music – Opens Friday, March 10

You might think it difficult to find ways to relate jazz music to the visual arts, but really there are many connections—obsession, improvisation and collaboration. Explore these principles in artmaking at Governors State University’s Visual Arts Gallery on March 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the opening of ‘Obsession+Improvisation+Collaboration,’ an exhibit inspired by the traditions and practices of Jazz music. The exhibit is free of charge and features the work of six Chicago-based artists: Victoria Bradford, Jan Meister & Jaime Foster, Dutes Miller & Stan Shellabarger and Michael K. Paxton. As part of the Southland Arts Municipalities and Business Alliance (S.A.M.B.A.), the Visual Arts Gallery at GSU is taking part in the Chicago Southland’s “Let Them Eat Jazz” festival, a multi-month celebration of jazz commemorating the 100-year birthday of many jazz icons. S.A.M.B.A. is a newly formed arts and business collaboration, designed to showcase the power of the arts to drive people to the Southland region. Artists were chosen specifically to showcase obsessive qualities in their art making practices, improvisation that pushes the boundaries of their work, and collaboration as a significant part of their primary art making practices. The exhibit runs through March 31. For more information, contact Jeff Stevenson, Director, GSU Art Gallery at jstevenson@govst.edu or visit the web site at www.govst.edu/gallery. For a complete schedule of jazz-inspired events, visit http://CSJazzFestival.org. Thank you to our sponsors BMO Harris Bank, Standard Bank and Providence Bank & Trust.

Grande Prairie Singers, 266 Somonauk, Park Forest

‘Hoorah for Handel’ – Sunday, March 12

The Grande Prairie Singers, directed by Jo Rodenburg, salute the genius of George Frederic Handel with its ‘Hoorah for Handel’ concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 12 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 6850 West 159th Street in Tinley Park. This performance is part of the Singers gala 40th anniversary season and is a celebration of all things Handel including portions of his first great composition “Dixit Dominus,” written when the composer was 22. The Grande Prairie Singers, the oldest musical group in the south suburbs, will be joined by the delightful and talented Grande Prairie Children’s Choir, directed by Oksana Rodak. Single concert tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at the door or $10 for students with an ID. Tickets may be ordered online at www.grandeprairiechoral.org or by phone at 708-481-8684.

National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM), 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago

Vonnegut’s Odyssey’ – Through May 6

The NVAM’s exhibit, ‘Vonnegut’s Odyssey,’ explores connections between the timeless and universal story of veterans’ return from combat through the artwork of World War II veteran and famed author Kurt Vonnegut Jr. Vonnegut’s selected artwork will be on view at NVAM through May 6, 2017. Exhibit curator and Iraq veteran Ash Kyrie notes, “The experience of returning home and processing the effects of war is something that is shared by all veterans, from the time of Homer’s The Odyssey, through Vonnegut’s experiences in Dresden, and continuing on today. Exhibiting the artwork of Vonnegut as an illustration of the post-war experience and as a creative processing tool for the artist highlights the process of the return and the complexity of the veteran experience.” Vonnegut enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and was deployed to fight overseas in Europe during WWII. He was later captured at the Battle of the Bulge and served as a Prisoner of War until 1945 when he returned to the U.S. and was awarded the Purple Heart. These experiences largely shaped his creative endeavors including his well-known published literature and his body of artwork. From WWII through Vietnam and beyond, Vonnegut was an active voice in American culture and society—openly discussing war and its effects publicly. After establishing himself as an important American author during the late 1960’s with the publication of Slaughterhouse-Five (1969), Vonnegut later became recognized for his drawings that often accompanied his writings. These drawings vary in subject matter from his Purple Heart to his illustrious Asterisk. Building on these drawings, Vonnegut worked with printer Joe Petro III to create a prolific catalog of artwork. Presented together, these artworks reflect the connections between Vonnegut’s return home from World War II and Homer’s epic of Odysseus’s return home after the Trojan War. For additional information about the National Veterans Art Museum or the exhibit, visit www.nvam.org, or call 312-326-0270.

Park Forest Historical Society

Park Forest House Museum Lets You ‘Step Back into the 1950s’

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, at 227 Monee Road (inside St. Mary’s Catholic Church), Park Forest, Illinois, invites you to “Step Back into a 1950s.” The Museum is open Wednesday and Saturday, 1 to 3:30 p.m.; other times by appointment. One room represents a classroom in Forest Boulevard School, which was set up in a row of townhomes. Admission is Adults $5; children 12 and under free.  Park in the small lot by the flagpole and knock on the classroom door next to the museum sign. A guide will tell village history, and social and fashion trends of the era. Special tours can be arranged by calling Jane Nicoll, 708-481-4252, or Michael Gans, 708-305-3308.  Information on the society and museum, and email contact is at www.parkforesthistory.org.

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

The following events are scheduled at the Park Forest Library the week of March 5:

Sunday, March 5 at 1 p.m. — St. Patrick’s Day Service Project — Join us for another service project with Journey Care. We’re making bookmarks, shamrock door hangers, and much more!

Monday, March 6 at 11 a.m. – Sunrise Story Time — Jump start your morning with a series of stories that are sure to get you moving. For ages 12 and under.

Monday, March 6 at 3:30 p.m. – St. Patrick’s Day Service Project — Join us for another service project with Journey Care. We’re making bookmarks, shamrock door hangers, and much more!

Monday, March 6 at 7 p.m. – Mindfulness Mondays — Come join us as we begin each Mindfulness Monday with a relaxing breathing technique followed by a short guided meditation. Then center yourself through the practice of mindfulness (being present in the moment) by participating in one of our creative art-form projects.

Tuesday, March 7 at 3:30 p.m. – Art Studio — It’s time to BE CREATIVE! Each week we will explore different concepts of art. Materials will be provided. While supplies last. For ages 12 and under.

Tuesday, March 7 at 3:30 p.m. – St. Patrick’s Day Service Project — Join us for another service project with Journey Care. We’re making bookmarks, shamrock door hangers, and much more!

Tuesday, March 7 at 4 p.m. — Color-Rama! Coloring Circle — Relax a bit and take a load off before starting your homework. Learn different media of art and share your creativity with other teens!

Wednesday, March 8 at 11 a.m. – Lap Sit Story Time — Its 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, March 8 at 3:30 p.m. – Color Me Happy Circle (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.

Wednesday, March 8 at 3:30 p.m. – St. Patrick’s Day Service Project — Join us for another service project with Journey Care. We’re making bookmarks, shamrock door hangers, and much more!

Wednesday, March 8 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, March 8 at 4 p.m. – Teen DIY– Create, learn, and engage in new activities with teens!

Wednesday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. – Movie Night for Adults – Featuring ‘Dr. Strange’

Wednesday, March 8 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, March 9 at 10 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. For ages 3-5.

Thursday, March 9 at 3:30 p.m. – Drawing Theory — Do you enjoy Drawing and Sketching? Learn how to draw your favorite animations and more. For ages 12 and under.

Thursday, March 9 at 3:30 p.m. – St. Patrick’s Day Service Project — Join us for another service project with Journey Care. We’re making bookmarks, shamrock door hangers, and much more!

Friday, March 3 at 12:30 p.m. – Drop-In Art Project — We’re Celebrating: Youth Art Month! We’re getting crafty and creative!

Friday, March 3 at 3 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, March 3 at 3:30 p.m. — “Center Stage” Readers Theater — Join our kids ‘zone Theater Group! Learn how to put on skits, musicals and more! Bring your energy. We’ll provide the rest! Hosted by: kids’ zone staff, Ms. Maranda. For ages 12 and under.

Friday, March 10 at 3:30 p.m. – St. Patrick’s Day Service Project — Join us for another service project with Journey Care. We’re making bookmarks, shamrock door hangers, and much more!

Saturday, March 11 at – 1 p.m. — St. Patrick’s Day Service Project — Join us for another service project with Journey Care. We’re making bookmarks, shamrock door hangers, and much more!

Sunday, March 12 at – 1 p.m. — St. Patrick’s Day Service Project — Join us for another service project with Journey Care. We’re making bookmarks, shamrock door hangers, and much more!

Sunday, March 12 at 2 p.m. – DIY Project — Join us for a special “do it yourself” project! All material provided. While supplies last. For ages 12 and under.

For additional information, or to register for an event call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.

Friends of the Park Forest Library Meeting – Tuesday, March 7

The monthly meeting of the Friends of the Library will take place on Tuesday, March 7 at 7 p.m. The Friends of the Park Forest Library enhance and support the operations of the library. In order for the Friends to operate, we need you involved. You can sign up for membership by asking at the Patron Services or Info Zone desk. For additional information, call 708-748-3731.

Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, March 9

The Potpourri of Lectures Winter 2017 series continues on Thursday, March 9 at 10:30 p.m. in the Library’s Ringering Room.  This week’s lecture is: “Veterans Support Native Americans in Pipeline Fight.”

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 South Halsted, Chicago Heights

2017 Skyway Juried Art Exhibition – Opens Monday, March 6

PSC’s Christopher Art Gallery will host the 2017 Skyway Juried Art Exhibition. Each year, students from various community colleges submit for this juried competition, and works chosen are exhibited at one of the colleges. This year, it is hosted at PSC. The exhibit will run through Saturday, April 8.  The exhibit will feature: ceramics, drawing, design, electronic imagery, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. Participating Colleges include: College of Lake County, Elgin Community College, McHenry County College, Moraine Valle Community College, Morton College, Oakton Community College, Prairie State College, and Waubonsee Community College. There will be a closing reception on Saturday, April 8 beginning at 11 a.m.  Awards will be given at noon. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The Christopher Art Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and by appointment.  For additional information or to schedule an appointment to view the exhibit, call 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’s Gage Gallery, 18 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

‘Rooftop: Second Nature’ Photo Exhibit – Through May 6

The public will get a rare look at green roofs in Chicago and beyond when photographer Brad Temkin’s Rooftop: Second Nature runs through May 6 at Roosevelt University’s Gage Gallery in Chicago. Approximately 20 large-scale images of green rooftops in Chicago and other major cities around the world are the focus of the exhibit by Temkin, a Chicago-based artist whose photos taken between 2009 and 2016 tell a story of architecture and sustainability in the making. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Sponsored by Roosevelt’s Sustainability Studies Program, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Office of Physical Resources, the exhibit provides a look at green roofs atop Chicago’s City Hall, Roosevelt’s Wabash Building, the new Lurie Children’s Memorial Hospital and the Chicago Cultural Center, to name just a few Chicago locations. Green rooftops at Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn, Mich., Millennium Hall at Drexel University in Philadelphia and atop buildings in Switzerland, Germany, Ireland and Moscow are among other sites visited and photographed by Temkin, and are included in his new book Rooftop, which was published in 2015. Rooftop: Second Nature will run through May 6 at the Gage Gallery. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, call 312-341-6458 or visit www.roosevelt.edu/gagegallery

South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 South State Street, South Holland

‘Salt of the Earth’ Exhibit—Opens Monday, March 6

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Art & Design Department of South Suburban College is pleased to present a solo exhibition entitled ‘Salt of the Earth’ by Margie Glass Sula. The exhibition will be on display in the Dorothea Thiel Gallery March 6 – March 28th with an artist reception on March 7th from noon-1:30. Margie Glass Sula creates artworks that reintroduce the curious world of nature through her visual interpretation of simple forms, and exploration of art making materials. Her works range from drawing, painting, to abstract sculptures, which often change venues from indoor to outdoor. Glass Sula’s works all convey the same strange, quiet, and intriguing world that often lurks in nature that we fail to see, and have led to her becoming an award-winning visual artist; exhibiting work at the national level, along with landing works in public, as well as numerous private collections. Currently, she is an Adjunct Professor of Fine Art at Joliet Junior College in Joliet, IL, a WSSC Artist in Batavia, IL, a Juried artist showing works at Tall Grass Arts Association, Park Forest, IL, and member of the National Women’s Caucus for Art, who have published her works in numerous exhibition catalogues. To view a gallery of her work, please visit margieglasssula.com. The public is welcome to visit art exhibitions and receptions at no charge. The Dorothea Thiel Gallery is located on the fourth floor and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. The galleries are supported in part by the SSC Foundation. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. Contact 708-596-2000 ext. 2316.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

60th Annual Beaux Arts Ball & Fundraiser ‘A Night with Marie Antoinette: Let Them Eat Cake’ – Saturday, March 11

Tall Grass Arts Association will host its 60th Annual Beaux Arts Ball and fundraiser ‘A Night with Marie Antoinette: Let Them Eat Cake’ on Saturday, March 11 at Ravisloe Country Club 18231 Park Avenue in Homewood. Proceeds will benefit the Tall Grass Gallery and School. The event’s activities will include a silent auction, live auction with dinner and dancing.  Guests will have the opportunity to support Tall Grass’ mission: to cultivate and promote artists and the arts. The event will feature electronic bidding for auction items.  All bidding will be done through your cell phone or computer.  You can bid from anywhere, anytime before the close of the auction on March 11th 2 9:30 p.m. CST from your own device.  You can event get an update if you are outbid.  Register for the event at www.tallgrass.gesture.com to view the auction items and begin bidding.  No cell phone? No problem. Volunteers will be available at the Ball to act as your personal shopper. This year, Tall Grass is inviting its guest to stay at the luxurious La Banque Hotel in Homewood.  By mentioning you are attending the Tall Grass Arts Ball at Ravisloe, special pricing will be available and you will receive free complementary shuttle service to and from the event.  To reserve a room, please call 708-708-6000 as soon as possible as there are a limited number of rooms that will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

Program for the Evening

6:00 p.m. – Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction

7:00 p.m. – Tribute to Honoree Janet Muchnik

7:15 p.m. – Invocation and Dinner followed by music and dancing.

This year’s Honoree, Janet Muchnik is a well-known champion of the arts and culture.  Janet is a long-time supporter and promoter of artists, art exhibits, Tall Grass Arts Association, the Tall Grass Gallery and School, the Park Forest Art Fair, and various other arts events and groups.  She has made significant contributions to several regional communities through her service, volunteerism, and leadership. Individual tickets are $125 each.  You can also sponsor a table for 10 for $1,250.  Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.  Please make your reservation no later than Friday, February 24. Reservations can be made online here or by calling 708-748-3377.  Reservations can be paid by cash, check or charge on Visa, Mastercard or Discover Card. For additional information call the Gallery at 708-748-3377 or email tallgrass367@sbcglobal.net.

‘Flight of Obscurity X’ Exhibit — Opens Saturday, March 11

Tall Grass Arts Association will host a very different kind of exhibit in its Gallery from March 11 through April 15. ‘Flight of Obscurity X’ is an imposing solo show of sculptures and various installation elements created by Ohio artist Nathaniel Foley and presented in a significantly transformed space. A Workshop and Demonstration will be held in connection with the Flight of Obscurity X Exhibit on Saturday, March 11 at 2:30 p.m., following the Artist’s Reception at 2 p.m. Nathaniel’s sculpture focuses primarily on aviation process, materials and language. He creates forms with his own hands, and has mastered construction techniques and processes such as riveting and sheet metal fabrication that have been used throughout aviation history. Nathaniel will lead the workshop following the Opening Reception for the exhibit that runs from 12 – 2 p.m. He plans to introduce the history of the field rivet, talk about his process, and show examples to the participants. He will demonstrate a key chain project and give everyone an opportunity to plan, drill, rivet and stamp two pieces of aluminum, resulting in a key chain they can take with them. The participants will be able to choose between hand squeezing or bucking the rivets, moving through several stations during the process. All abilities are welcome, and no experience with power tools is necessary. The workshop should run about an hour to an hour and a half. There will be space for 15 participants in the workshop, with a small fee of $10 requested for supplies.  Those wishing to learn about and try their hands at riveting and other techniques used in the construction of Nathaniel Foley’s sculptures are asked to pre-register with Cody Ziebell, Tall Grass Executive Director, at 708-748-3377 before March 11. You can also register for the workshop on the Tall Grass Web Site at www.tallgrassarts.org. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrass.org.

Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest

Edgar’s Place Coffee House Presents Kristin Lems – Saturday, March 11

Edgar’s Place Coffee House proudly presents Kristin Lems on Saturday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m.  Edgar’s Place is located at the UUCC in Park Forest. Kristin Lems is a versatile composer, songwriter, folksinger and performing artist from Evanston, Illinois. As a teenager, Kristin picked up the guitar and wholeheartedly raised her voice as part of the movement to make a better world. Kristin brought her upbeat musical stage presence to nationwide events for the ERA and women’s rights, safe energy, peace, racial equality, and other pressing causes. Kristin Lems has shared the stage with two First Ladies, Maya Angelou, Captain Jacques Cousteau, Gloria Steinem, Helen Caldicott and Alan Alda, and performed a full song on Nightline. Musicians include Pete Seeger, Malvina Reynolds, Holly Near, Dana Fogelber, Koko Taylor, Peter, Paul and Mary, the BoDeans, and many others. Gloria Steinem named Kristin “a one-woman argument against the notion that the women’s movement doesn’t have a sense of humor.” A recipient of numerous awards, Kristin most recently was the first recipient of the Kristin Lems Social Change through Music Award, created by the Women in the Arts Foundation for the 40th National Women’s Music Festival.  For more information about Kristin or to sneak a peek at a performance click here.  There is a $15 cover charge at the door.  For additional information, call 708- 481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

DePaul University, 1 East Jackson Boulevard, Chicago

International Catholic Scholars to Address the Reformation, Marriage, Democracy – Through April 30

A diverse group of Catholic scholars from around the world are slated to speak at DePaul University’s Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology in the coming months about issues ranging from democracy to peace and marriage. Events include a panel on Pope Francis’s Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love), a discussion of the legacy of the Berrigan brothers, and an international conference reflecting on the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and its lingering impact on Asia, Latin America and Africa. Events are free and open to the public.

Democracy, Culture, Catholicism: Voices from Four Continents

March 8, John T. Richardson Library, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave., Room 300

Book discussion 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Editors and theologians Michael Schuck and John Crowley-Buck will discuss the three years of research in Indonesia, Lithuania, Peru and the U.S. that culminated in the publication of a book of essays. Democracy, Culture, Catholicism: Voices from Four Continents explores how each of these nations have experienced times of political, social and religious oppression, oscillating between periods of liberation, tolerance and religious freedom. Schuck is associate professor of theology at Loyola University Chicago and co-director of the International Jesuit Ecology Project; Crowley-Buck is a doctoral candidate in theology at Loyola.

Love, Joy and Sex: Reflections on Pope Francis’ Amoris Laetitia in a Divided Church

March 30,  Lincoln Park Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Ave., Room 314B

Panel discussion 5:30-8 p.m.

Love, joy and sex all play a part in Amoris Laetitia, the apostolic exhortation on love in the family that Pope Francis released in 2016. On its one-year anniversary, this roundtable will explore what it all means, especially for lay and clergy Catholics in the global South Asia, Africa and Latin America. Panelists are:

Carolyn Chau, associate director of the Center for Advanced Research on Catholic Thought at King’s University College at Western University.

Nicholaus Segeja, head of the pastoral theology department at Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

Teresa Delgado, associate professor and chair of the religious studies department at Iona College.

The Berrigan Brothers and the World Church April 5, Lincoln Park Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Ave., Room 314B

Lecture 6-8 p.m.

Daniel Berrigan, an American Jesuit, and his brother Philip were lifelong Catholic pacifists, committed to the abolition of war, nuclear weapons and all forms of violence. No strangers to jail time, they led the anti-war and anti-draft movements in U.S. during the Vietnam War.  In this talk, Michael Baxter, former national secretary of the Catholic Peace Fellowship and former visiting associate professor of Catholic Studies at DePaul University, will discuss the worldwide reach of the Berrigan brothers legacy of radical peace activism.

World Catholicism Week 2017

Gathered in My Name: Ecumenism and the World Church

April 28-30, Lincoln Park Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Ave., Room 314B

In 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, sparking the Reformation. Now, 500 years later, Stan Chu Ilo, an assistant professor of Catholic Studies at DePaul, will join speakers from India, Nigeria, Brazil, Chile and Sri Lanka to address the Reformation’s lingering repercussions in the global South and efforts there to bridge ecclesial divides. Keynote speakers will be Paul D. Murray, a member of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission and editor of Receptive Ecumenism and the Call to Catholic Learning; Sister Teresa Okure, SHJC, the sole representative of Catholic Africa on the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission; and the Rev. Felix Wilfred, president of Concilium: International Journal of Theology and chief editor of the International Journal of Asian Christianity.

The Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology seeks to be at the forefront of the discussion about the relationship between globalization and the Catholic Church’s future as a truly worldwide Church. For more information visit: http://las.depaul.edu/cwcit.

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.

Prairie State College, 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights

Veterans Resources Fair – Thursday, March 9

PSC is hosting a Veterans Resources Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, March 9, in the Prairie Center on the college’s main campus in Chicago Heights. Admission to the event is free. Attendees will be able to talk with representatives from various organizations that provide services to veterans, including benefits counseling and legal assistance. Information about employment and volunteer opportunities and other community resources also will be available. Among the organizations participating are VFW Post 311, VFW, National Able, Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs, Com Ed, Cook County Recorder of Deeds, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Illinois State Treasurer, TCF Bank, Illinois Office of the Attorney General, and Will County Veterans Commission. Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital HUD VASH Program and Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital Medical Team, Social Security Administration, American Heart Association, Catholic Charities, CEDA, Prince Home in Manteno, Respond Now, Chicago Botanic Gardens, Thresholds (Veterans Project), Illinois National Guard, Chicagoland Regional College Program, UPS, Combined Insurance, Governors State University, Illinois Warrior 2 Warrior, Volunteers of America, Road Home Program at Rush, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Pipe Fitters Training Center, Honor Flight Chicago, Veterans Garage, National Women Veterans United, Park Forest Veterans Commission, Western & Southern Life. For information, contact Georges Sanon, PSC student veterans’ center coordinator, at gsanon@prairiestate.edu or 708-709-3567. PSC is committed to serving veterans. Veterans receive one-on-one advising throughout the admissions process and continued support throughout their academic career at PSC. Veterans are eligible for early registration. Services extend to all service members regardless of when they served or whether it was in the active, reserve, or National Guard component. For more information on services for student veterans at PSC, visit prairiestate.edu/veterans.

PSC Trustee Candidacy Petitions – Now Available

Candidacy petitions for three, six-year, non-compensated terms and one, two-year unexpired, non-compensated term on the Prairie State College (PSC) Board of Trustees are now available. The petition packages can be picked up from the President’s Office, located in room 2270 on PSC’s main campus at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights. The election will be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. The vacant positions are for those of Christopher Baikauskas, Brunetta Hill-Corley, Wendell Mosby and Marc Wiley, whose terms expire in April 2017. In order to qualify, a candidate must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of the United States, have resided in Illinois Community College District 515 for at least one year, be a registered voter, and have petition signatures from a minimum of 50 registered voters who live in the district. Petitions with the required number of signatures will be accepted in the PSC President’s Office by the secretary of Community College District 515, or a designated representative, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 12, 2016 through Friday, Dec. 16, 2016. Petitions also will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. A Statement of Candidacy and optional Loyalty Oath also must be filed at that time. Additionally, a Statement of Economic Interests must be filed with the county clerk of the candidate’s residence. The resulting receipt must then be filed with the secretary of Community College District 515 or a designated representative no later than Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. Persons elected on April 4 will be seated at the April Board of Trustees meeting. For more information, contact Patricia Trost, administrative director, president’s office and board of trustees at 708-709-3637.

South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 South State Street, South Holland

Online Summer Registration Begins – Monday, March 6

Summer is a great time to take a few classes and our schedule will be available online at www.ssc.edu beginning Monday, March 6 at 8 a.m. with registration opening on Monday, March 20, 2017. Summer classes begin Monday, June 6th at the college’s Main Campus and Oak Forest Center. Don’t wait; classes fill quickly. The summer session allows students to begin or continue their college experience with SSC, or to come home from their four-year institution to take additional credits conveniently and at a more affordable rate. SSC is also offering a special 50% discount for summer classes at the Oak Forest Center. The discount is only applicable at the Oak Forest Center in order to promote expanded offerings at this location, and is good for all credit classes on a first come, first served basis. Current and prospective students are encouraged to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) now to increase opportunities for funding assistance, enroll early and create their preferred schedule at SSC. Visit www.fafsa.gov to apply for financial aid using institution code 001769. Additionally, the SSC Foundation 2017 Scholarship Books and Applications are available online at www.ssc.edu/foundation. The primary SSC scholarship application deadline is Friday, March 31st, however, graduating high school seniors can continue to apply for high school graduate scholarships throughout the spring and summer months. Students who wish to use financial aid as payment for summer classes must have an official high school or GED transcript on file. Official transcripts must have a school seal and graduation date on them. Transcripts can be hand-delivered to the Admissions Office or mailed to: Office of Admissions (15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473). If a transcript is hand-delivered it must be in the original sealed, unopened envelope. Prospective students should complete the Online Application Form at www.ssc.edu to begin the enrollment process. New students will receive an SSC email account and a “My SSC” Username & Password via email which will allow access to the online schedule and class registration. The My SSC portal also allows students 24-hour access during college closed periods. You will also want to register early for fall to get the courses you want when you want them. Our fall schedule will be available online beginning Monday, April 3, 2017 with registration opening on Monday, April 17, 2017. Contact the Office of Admissions at 708-210-5718 for enrollment and waiver information, or email the Foundation Office at foundation@ssc.edu with questions about scholarship opportunities. SSC’s Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.

StoryCorps, Chicago

‘Dismantling Barriers to Life: A Speak Out on Mass Incarceration’ – Saturday, March 11

StoryCorps in Chicago is partnering with several Chicago community-based organizations for an upcoming event on March 11th, “Dismantling Barriers to Life: A speak out on mass incarceration,” to explore the impacts of mass incarceration within the Chicago community. The event will take place at the First Baptist Congregational Church, 1613 West Washington Boulevard in Chicago.  Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. with the program beginning at 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Co-hosts for the event include Cabrini Green Legal Aid, Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, Community Renewal Society, Growing Home, and Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois. These organizations are among those in Illinois providing direct services to individuals and families impacted by mass incarceration. They have also partnered with StoryCorps in Chicago to record first-person accounts so that these experiences are preserved in this nation’s historical record. Some of these interviews have aired on WBEZ and are archived at StoryCorps, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Museum. The StoryCorps Justice Project is a grant recipient of the Safety + Justice Challenge Network, an initiative of John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. To RSVP, please visit our eventbrite, dismantlingbarriers.eventbrite.com. SOCIAL MEDIA:  #dismantlingbarriers #storycorps. Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1427167563961663/. Playlist of stories: https://soundcloud.com/storycorpschicago/sets/dismantling-barriers-to-life

For accessibility needs please contact Chicago@StoryCorps.org.

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

Beans & Greens Fresh Market, 1941 Ridge Road, Homewood

‘Starting Seedlings for Organic Farming’ — Thursday, March 9

Beans & Greens Fresh Market will be hosting a workshop on Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m. at the Homewood location. The topic will be ‘Starting Seedlings for Organic Farming.’  The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-647-1737.

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

The Wednesday Morning Walkers takes place each Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. This free activity is for those ages 13 and older.  Follow the forest’s seasonal changes, enjoy light exercise and experience nature first-hand on 2 miles of Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve’s winding trails.  Trails can be wet or muddy, so please wear sturdy shoes.  Hiking is on natural surface trails across uneven terrain.  Registration is required two days before your first walk.  For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.

Become a ‘Friend of Thorn Creek’

Friends of Thorn Creek Woods is the citizen activist group responsible in very large part for preserving and securing the dedication of the Thorn Creek Woods as an Illinois Nature Preserve.  Friends’ volunteers continue to provide support in so many ways: staff the nature center on weekends; trail work; displays; leading hikes; special events; cleaning; pruning; artwork; music; research; and so on.  Friends is a voice for the Woods and preservation values, donates funds for equipment and sponsors an annual meeting, Garlic Fest and Earth Day.  Members receive a quarterly newsletter.  Annual membership in Friends is $10.  For additional information, call 708-747-6320 or visit www.tcwoods.org.

Experience the Thorn Creek Nature Center

Thorn Creek Nature Center is housed in a historic building, originally Immanuel Lutheran Church of Matteson, Illinois built in 1862, and later Village Bible Church of Park Forest. A gothic frame country church, its notable architectural features include curved ceiling, tongue-and-groove paneling and a raised pulpit. Its current attractions are displays of the preserve’s flora and fauna, a bird feeder viewing area, Eugene E. Schwartz reference library and an expanded children’s section. The Nature Center is open Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Trails are open daily year-round, dawn to dusk. For additional information, call 708-747-6320 or visit www.tcwoods.org.

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Free Rain Barrels for Park Forest Will County Residents – While Supplies Last

Free rain barrels are available to Village residents in the Will County section of Park Forest. Last year, a free rain barrel program was offered for Cook County residents. Now, Will County residents can get in on the free rain barrels. 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. The free rain barrels are available while supplies last. For questions about the program, contact Public Works at 708-503-7702 or visit: http://villageofparkforest.com.

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

Park Forest Health Department Nurses’ Plus, 350 Victory Drive

April Food Day Drive – Donations Now Being Accepted Through March 31

The Park Forest Health Department is asking for the community’s support in an annual effort sponsored by the United Way. The United Way’s April Food Day is a push to promote awareness of food pantries by bringing the community together to participate in a local food drive. Suggested items to donate include canned fruits and vegetables, dried goods, and personal care items. No glass items or expired items can be accepted. Items can be dropped off at the Park Forest Health Department between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, through March 31. This year is the Park Forest Health Department’s third year serving as a drop-off location for April Food Day. The Park Forest Health Department is located in the lower level of Park Forest’s Village Hall.

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 708-755-3577 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 <a href="mailto

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