Local

In and Around Park Forest for the Week of April 22, 2018


Spring flowers
Spring Crocus (Crocus vernus) Source: Wikipedia

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—Attention all Park Forest procrastinators. Just a reminder that your 2018-19 Village of Park Forest vehicle stickers must be purchased and properly displayed on all vehicles registered in the Village of Park Forest by the end of the business day on April 30, 2018 to avoid late fees and fines. Vehicle stickers must be displayed on every vehicle registered in the Village of Park Forest prior to May 1, even if that vehicle is not located in the Village. Vehicles not displaying the correct vehicle sticker prior to May 1 are subject to late fees and fines. Vehicle stickers can be purchased at Park Forest Village Hall or the Park Forest Currency Exchange. In addition to its regular hours, Park Forest Village Hall will be open Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to noon to accommodate all you last minute folks. When I was living in Park Forest, I included myself as a member of the ‘Last Minute Club’ so I know how busy things get. Do yourself a big favor and get to Village Hall early in the week to avoid the last minute chaos. You’ll find additional information about Park Forest vehicle stickers and pet registration in the ‘Administration – Park Forest’ section.

Attention all bike riding enthusiasts. The Folks on Spokes Bicycle Club’s 37h Annual Easter Ride will be held on Sunday, April 29. You’ll find complete details about the event in the ‘This & That’ section.

Be sure to check out all the other events and activities taking place In & Around Park Forest. Have a great week!

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Events and activities featured in ‘In and Around Park Forest’ take place in Park Forest, the surrounding suburbs and locations that are just a short drive or train ride away. You’ll find that many of these events are free or of a nominal charge.

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 [email protected] with the details no later than 5 p.m. on Friday.  Thank you.

Administration — Village of Park Forest

Village Board Meeting – Monday, April 23

The Village of Park Forest Board will meet on Monday, April 23 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 Commission is scheduled to meet the week of April 22:

  • Wednesday, April 25 at 7 p.m. – Cable Communications Commission

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

Park Forest Vehicle Stickers and Animal Tags – MUST Be Displayed by End of Business, April 30

The 2018-19 Village of Park Forest vehicle stickers went on sale beginning March 1. Just a reminder that vehicle stickers must be purchased and properly displayed on all vehicles registered in the Village of Park Forest by the end of the business day on April 30, 2018 to avoid late fees and fines. Vehicle stickes must be displayed on every vehicle registered in the Village of Park Forest prior to May 1, even if that vehicle is not located in the Village. Vehicles not displaying the correct vehicle sticker prior to May 1 are subject to late fees and fines.

Vehicles must display a current Village of Park Forest sticker:

  • Within 30 days of a new resident moving into the Village
  • Within 30 days of purchasing a vehicle (as soon as you receive the plates)
  • If the vehicle is registered with the State of Illinois with a Park Forest address

Late Fees

A late fee of $25 will be assessed to all vehicle sticker purchases made on or after May 1. A late fee of $50 will be assessed to all vehicle sticker purchases made on or after August 1. Vehicle stickers may be purchased at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, the Park Forest Currency Exchange, 98 South Orchard Drive or online here. Scroll down to Park Forest and follow the instructions. Please note that a convenience fee will be added to your transaction. Your sticker will be mailed to you. Please also note that if you are eligible for a discount, you will need to visit Village Hall to purchase your sticker.

Village Hall Hours

Monday – 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tuesday through Friday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Special Hours on Saturday, April 28, 2018 – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Fill out the application available at the Customer Service window on the first floor. Submit your payment and receive your sticker immediately. To expedite the process, be sure to avoid waiting until the final days leading up to the April 30 deadline due to increased wait time from longer than normal lines. To further reduce your wait, download the application and bring the completed application in to Village Hall with you.

Animal Registrations

Animal tags are also due by April 30. There is a fee of $10 per tag, per animal. Animal registration requires that you provide a current rabies vaccination certificate.

View full details including rates for vehicle stickers and animal registration.

Hydrant Flushing Continues – Through May 9

Park Forest’s Department of Public Works will conduct hydrant flushing through May 9, beginning at 9 a.m., weekdays only. No flushing will be done on the weekends. Hydrants are flushed to ensure that water does not stagnate in the system. During flushing, your water may become discolored from iron (rust) in the pipes. There are no known health risks associated with consuming discolored water caused from iron (rust) in the pipes, but Public Works recommends that you refrain from using discolored water until it runs clear. It is also recommended that you not wash clothes when your area is being flushed. If your laundry becomes discolored, keep the items wet and pick-up a free bottle of Red-B-Gone at Village Hall. Flushing signs will be placed throughout neighborhoods to alert you of when an area is to be flushed. Flushing begins in the north part of town (near the intersection of Route 30 and Orchard Drive) and proceeds south. Keep up with the progress of crews at www.villageofparkforest.com/hydrantflushing to best determine when your area will be flushed, or call 708-503-7702 for any additional questions or water quality concerns.

Arts & Entertainment

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

Shining Star, Hollywood Swinging, and Comedy by B Cole – Tickets Now on Sale

A Pre Mother’s Day Celebration featuring old school music and comedy will take place on Saturday, May 12 at 7 p.m. The event features the number one Earth, Wind, & Fire Tribute Band Shining Star and Kool and the Gang Tribute Band Hollywood Swinging. Also enjoy the sounds of Smokey Robinson by Warren Julian. With live performance from BET’s own B Cole. Tickets are $25 and $50. A portion of the proceeds will go to Christopher R. Gregoire Scholarship and Memorial. This is a rental event and not eligible for flex pass pricing or regular discounts. Buy tickets here.  For additional information, call 708-534-5000.

Crete Public Library District, 1177 North Main Street

The following events are scheduled at the Crete Public Library District the week of April 22:

  • Monday, April 23 at 7 p.m. – Knot Just for Knitters – Share camaraderie while working on knitting, crocheting or any other type of needlework project. For adults.
  • Monday, April 23 at 7 p.m. – Organizing a Downsizing Move – Topics include preparing your home for sale, the actual moving and downsizing, and organizing your new smaller space. For adults. Register.
  • Tuesday, April 24 at 6:15 p.m. – Film Club – Showing Dark City with a brief discussion afterwards. For adults.
  • Wednesday, April 25 at 10 a.m. – Toddler Time Stations – Parents and children will explore thematic stations together. For ages 2-3. Register.
  • Wednesday, April 25 at 4:45 p.m. – Art by Design – Learn the elements of design using a variety of art techniques. For ages 6-8. Register.
  • Wednesday, April 25 from 6-8 p.m. – Adult Drop-In Coloring – Relax and create. Bring your own supplies or use ours.
  • Thursday, April 26 at 10 a.m. – Toddler Time Stations – Parents and children will explore thematic stations together. For ages 2-3. Register.

For more information or to register for a program, please call the Crete Public Library at 708-672-8017 or visit www.cretelibrary.org.

DePaul University Theatre School, 2350 North Racine Avenue, Chicago

Anton Chekov’s ‘Three Sisters’ – Through April 22

The Theatre School at DePaul University will present Anton Chekhov’s “Three Sisters” directed by graduate student Jacob Janssen. The production runs through April 22 on the Fullerton Stage at 2350 N. Racine Ave. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. “Three Sisters” chronicles the Prozorov siblings over several years and their interactions with Russian military members who enter their lives. Olga, Masha, Irina and their brother, Andrey, search for meaning in Chekhov’s tragicomic masterpiece about broken dreams, inertia and missed opportunities. The April 22 performance will include audio description services and a pre-performance touch tour. Tickets are $15, preview tickets are $10 and student tickets are $5. Active military and their families can receive discounted tickets with valid ID. All tickets are reserved seating. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 773-325-7900 or visiting http://theatre.depaul.edu.

F.A.M.E., 1017 West Washington Boulevard, Suite 2C, Chicago

‘A Dinner Dance Gala’ – Saturday, April 28

F.A.M.E. will host its seventh annual fundraiser “A Dinner Dance Gala” to support Chicagoland aspiring artists. The gala will be held on Saturday, April 28 at the Chicago Yacht Club Belmont, 300 West Belmont Avenue in Chicago. This night of dinner and dancing will be the finale of F.A.M.E.’s 2018 Annual Talent Competition. One dancer and one singer will be awarded $1200 each. The Gala will also have multiple raffles valued more than $5,000. This year, the audience will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite dancer and singer!  Celebrity judges include:

  • Candace Jordan, Celebrity media contributor
  • Michael McStraw, Executive Director of Nan Giordano,
  • David O’Connor, Owner/Director of O’Connor Casting Company, and
  • Denise Tomasello, known as the Queen of Chicago’s Cabaret.

Notorious comedian Kelsie Huff will be the MC for the night.  Invite your family (ages 18 and up) and friends for a night filled with excitement, thrills and entertainment. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online here or at the door (Cash only). Ticket price includes dinner, entertainment and one complimentary drink ticket. For more information visit F.A.M.E.’s website. Since 2010, the diverse F.A.M.E. team of experienced professionals has been dedicated to mentoring artists all while hosting multiple fundraising events each year. F.A.M.E.’s mission is to provide young, deserving Chicagoland performers with funding and mentorship to advance their artistic careers.

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

‘Vietnam – The Defining Moment’ – Through April 28

The latest exhibit at the NVAM is ‘Vietnam –The Defining Moment.’ This exhibit is part of NVAM’s decade-long anniversary marking 50 years since the Vietnam War, The exhibit features artwork created by over 30 Vietnam veterans exploring the specific moments that transformed and shaped the lives of the military veterans and those close to them. The exhibit will run through April 28 and is free and open to the public. The defining moment in life is the point when internal and external forces combine to make fundamental changes in who we are. This transformation reveals our true character and determines the course of our future. Each man and woman touched by the Vietnam War had a defining moment and came home a different person than the one that left. For some it came suddenly, with hot searing pain. For others, it came slowly, with the soul wearying grind of war. Artists featured in ‘Vietnam – The Defining Moment’ have captured the nature of these transformations, portraying both their own changes and those they witnessed. The artwork was created over a period of fifty years, some in the heat of battle and some only after years of reflection. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. For additional information, call 3121-326, 0270, email [email protected] or visit www.nvam.org.

Park Forest Historical Society, 227 Monee Road

‘Step Back into a 1950s Easter’ – Wednesdays & Saturdays

Visit the 1950’s Park Forest House Museum through April 28th to experience a 1950s Easter. Check out photos of past Easter exhibits. The Park Forest House Museum is decorated to reflect what the town looked like when it first began. 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. The Museum is open Wednesday and Saturday, 1 to 3:30 p.m. and by appointment. For additional information or to schedule a tour, please call Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252, or Michael Gans at 708-305-3308 or visit: www.parkforesthistory.org.

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

The following events are scheduled at the Park Forest Library the week of April 22:

  • Sunday, April 22 at 1:30 p.m. – Earth Day: Make and Take — Join us for an earth friendly project in honor of Earth Day! All materials provided. While supplies last. For ages 12 and under.
  • Sunday, April 22 at Morning Pages Book Circle — Join us as we read and discuss “Journal Sparks” by Emily K. Newburger.
  • Monday, April 23 at 11 a.m. –Story Time Stars — Rise and Shine Little Movers. Parents, jump start your day with stories and a craft.
  • Monday, April 23 at 12 p.m. — Friends of the Library Book Discussion — Discussion of the book “A Piece of the World” by Christina Baker Kline”
  • Monday, April 23 at 1 p.m. – Drop In Days — Join us for a spur-of-the-moment activity in Teen Tech Zone.
  • Tuesday, April 24 at 12:30 p.m. – Avoiding Online Scams — Learn to stay safe on the internet by avoiding these common online scams. Registration Required.
  • Tuesday, April 24 at 12:30 p.m. – Drop In Craft — Get creative with a variety of crafts and projects on hand. No sign up or registration needed. Just bring your creativity. We’ll do the rest. For ages 12 and under.
  • Tuesday, April 24 at 3:30 p.m. – Kids Art Studio — Drop in and discover your inner artist with one of our guided projects. For ages 12 and under.
  • Tuesday, April 24 at 4 p.m. – Color-Rama! Coloring Circle — Take a load off before starting your homework! Learn different media of art and show your creativity with other teens.
  • Tuesday, April 24 at 5 p.m. – Earth Wise Movie Night: “Seasons” a film by Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzard — Seasons is a 2015 French-German nature documentary film directed, produced, co-written, and narrated by Jacques Perrin, with Jacques Cluzaud as co-director.
  • Wednesday, April 25 at 11 a.m. – Baby 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, April 25 at 3:30 p.m. – Art Palooza — We’re EXPLODING with Creativity! Join us each week as we explore/craft different elements of Art. For ages 12 and under.
  • Wednesday, April 25 at 4 p.m. – Adult Coloring — Join us as we spend some time unwinding and relaxing with adult coloring books.
  • Wednesday, April 25 at 4 p.m. — Teen Movie: “The Dark Tower” — Come and watch popular films with other teens! Crafts and games will be available during the film, too!
  • Wednesday, April 25 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, April 26 at 11 p.m. – Toddler Art — Bring your imagination and creativity to bring out your inner Picasso through art projects and more. Some projects may involve paint. Ages 3-5.
  • Thursday, April 26 at 4:30 p.m. – Book Busters Book Club – Break Away with a good book! Join our monthly kids book club for ages 8-12 years old. Free Book with every session.
  • Thursday, April 26 at 5:30 p.m. – Avoiding Online Scams — Learn to stay safe on the internet by avoiding these common online scams. Registration Required.
  • Thursday, April 26 at 6 p.m. – PJ Storytime — Share special moments with your child through stories, crafts, and more. For ages 12 and under.
  • Friday, April 27 at 3 p.m. – Fun Friday Movie Matinee — Drop in to see what film we’re showing today. All are Welcome. Films Ratings Range: G, PG or PG-13
  • Friday, April 27 at 1 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.
  • Saturday, April 28 at 1 p.m. – Create Zone Craft — Stop in kids’ zone and create something special today.
  • Saturday, April 28 at 1 p.m. — Earth Wise Book Circle: “Gathering Moss,” by Robin Wall-Kimmerer — Come and join our book circle as we discuss the book “Gathering Moss.” Free copies of the book are available at Patron Services.
  • Saturday, April 28 at 1 p.m. — Live Arts: Acrylic Painting with Sandra Evers of the Salon Artists Gallery — Watch a masterpiece unfold before your eyes.

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

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

‘Expressions: 2018 Exhibition of Student Art’ – Opens Monday, April 30

‘Expressions: 2018 Exhibition of Student Art’ will open at the Christopher Art Gallery on Monday, April 30 and run through Thursday, May 17. An Artists’ Reception will be held on Wednesday, May 2 from noon to 2 p.m. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The exhibit features works in all media, highlighting the best of PSC student art. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 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, phone 708- 709-3636 or visit www.prairiestate.edu/christopher-art-gallery.

Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest

Lunch at the Senior Center – Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

The Rich Township Senior Center will be serving lunch at 12 Noon, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Rich Township School District 227 is preparing delicious meals for a cost of $3.00. You MUST make your reservation two days in advance by stopping in, or calling 708-748-5454. Lunch Menu examples: Chicken, Hamburger, Turkey Sandwich, all served with Soup & Chips.  Also we have Pasta dishes, side salads, desserts. Optional: Chef Salad. All served with Lemonade.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Heartland: Images of Small Town and Rural Midwest’ – Opens Friday, April 27

Tall Grass’ exhibit ‘Heartland: Images of Small Town and Rural Midwest’ opens on Friday, April 27 and will run through June 2. The exhibit is free and open to the public. ‘Heartland’ is a display of images of and about life in and around small towns, farms, and rural areas. Images might represent historic buildings, railway stations, gas stations, grain elevators, stores, farms, barns, landscapes, wide open spaces and skies, fields, crops, machines, animals, fairs, parades, people working, celebrations, special events.  Gallery hours are 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. For additional information or to schedule an appointment to view the exhibit, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.

The Drama Group, 330 West 202nd Street, Chicago Heights

‘Vanya & Sonya & Masha & Spike’ – Tickets Now on Sale

The Drama Group is will present ‘Vanya & Sonya & Masha & Spike,’ a zany comedy by Christopher Durang and directed by Mary Ellen Fawk. Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia share a home in Bucks County, PA, where they bicker and complain about the circumstances of their lives.  Suddenly, their movie-star sister, Masha, swoops in with her new boy toy, Spike.  Old resentments flare up, eventually leading to threats to sell the house.  Also on the scene are sassy maid Cassandra, who can predict the future, and a lovely young aspiring actress named Nina, whose prettiness somewhat worries the imperious Masha. Some of the show’s elements were derived from works of Anton Chekov, including several character names, the play’s setting in a cherry orchard and the theme of the possible loss of an ancestral home. Performances will be held at The Drama Group’s Milord Studio Theatre on May 4, 5, 10, 11 & 12 at 7:30 p.m. and matinees on May 6 & 13 at 2:00 p.m.  Tickets are $20 for adults; $19 for seniors and $15 for students with ID. Group discount rates are also available. Good seats are available. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 708-755-3444 or online here. For additional information, call 708-755-3444 or visit: www.dramagroup.org.

Union Street Gallery (USC), 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights

‘Pantone: Little Boy Blue’ Exhibit – Through May 4

USG’s exhibit ‘Pantone: Little Boy Blue’ will run through Friday, May 4. The exhibit is open to the public. ‘Pantone: Little Boy Blue’ features works of art that are predominantly the color, Little Boy Blue. The works are created by artists of all levels and mediums. For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org. Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Rare Color Photographs of King, Jr. in Chicago on Display — Through April 30

When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. moved to Chicago in 1966 to further the Civic Rights Movement, a priest from Wheaton – also an amateur photographer – captured rare color images of King in the Windy City which now are on display at Park Forest’s Village Hall. Bernard Kleina took the color photographs some 53 years ago when black and white photography was the standard. The photographs, which capture the King-led Chicago Freedom Movement rally in August of 1966, Kleina later explained, were taken to document that the demonstrators were peaceful and not the ones provoking the riots.
Kleina would eventually leave the priesthood for a career as a fair housing advocate. He also became a professional photographer. Kleina’s photographs will be on display at Village Hall through the end of the month. For additional information, visit www.villageofparkforest.com.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

DePaul University Student Center, 2250 North Sheffield Avenue, Room 120, Chicago

Perception vs. Reality Programs – Through May 17

Identity, perception and illness round out the discussions of the DePaul Humanities Center’s Spring 2018 programs as the center continues to dissect its “fake” theme. Events are free and open to the public. Each program will be held in the DePaul Student Center at 2250 N. Sheffield Ave., Room 120.

 Fake 5: Who Am I Now? The Art of the Con
April 25 — 7-9 p.m.

The late Andy Kaufman was an actor, comic and professional wrestler who portrayed characters Latka Grava in the TV sitcom “Taxi,” the lounge singer Tony Clifton and Foreign Man on stage. He also claimed Andy Kaufman was a character. His life underscores this program, which examines how identity is not always stable. The evening will feature a live performance by “Luciano Pavarotti,” and a keynote speech by Alan Abel, a writer considered America’s greatest hoaxster of the 20th century. Other speakers include:

  • Carol Kaufman Kerman, Kaufman’s sister, on what it was like to be part of the family as he was exploring his identity.
  • Zachary Ostrowski, associate professor of art, media and design in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, talks about his alter-egos Beverly Fresh and Mr. MDWST.

Fake 6: Truly Sick? Truly Well?
May 7 — 5:30-7 p.m. Screening of “Mommy Dead and Dearest”
7-8:30 p.m. Discussion and performances

What does it mean to be sick, healthy, disabled, or ill? This program starts with a screening of Erin Lee Car’s documentary “Mommy Dead and Dearest” about the murder of Dee Blanchard by her daughter Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who suffered from Munchausen by proxy syndrome inflicted by her mother. Speakers include:

  • Cicely Boggan, an advocate for young, deaf children, will perform poetry in American Sign Language and argue that deafness is not a disability.
  • Allen J. Frances, psychiatrist and chair of the task force that produced the fourth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental illness, will address the politics of medical diagnosis.

Annual Humanities Laureate Award
May 17 — 7-8:30 p.m.

The DePaul Humanities Center each year presents its annual Humanities Laureate Award to an individual or individuals or community that best represents the heart of the humanities. Previous recipients include artist John Currin, London stop motion filmmakers Stephen and Timothy Quay and the Natives at Standing Rock. The 2017-18 award will be announced in coming weeks.

DePaul University Humanities Center aims to create visibility of the work in the arts and humanities, and foster discussion among the greater community. Learn more about the center and upcoming events at http://bit.ly/DPUHmCtr.

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 (PSC), 202 South Halsted, Chicago Heights

Sexual Harassment Workshop to Support #MeToo and #Time’sUp Movements – Tuesday, April 24

Sexual harassment and discrimination prevention in the workplace has been on the training delivery agenda of many employers for years. Supporting the efforts of #MeToo and #Time’sUp movements, PSC, in collaboration with Favaro & Gorman, Ltd., an employment law firm in Chicago, is presenting “It’s a New Day,” a highly informative workshop designed to equip participants with the ability to identify sexual harassment and understand reporting responsibilities and rights, as well as assist in establishing the basis for creating a worry-free working environment. The workshop will provide training and discussion platforms on recognizing harassment and discrimination, reporting responsibilities for victims and witnesses, support resources for survivors, helpful information on confronting and managing workplace harassment and more. The workshop will be held in the PSC Conference Center on Tuesday, April 24. The morning opens at 7:30 a.m. with registration and breakfast, and the day’s activities will end at noon. The fee to attend is $49 per registrant. A keynote address at 8 a.m. will be presented by Dennis R. Favaro, employment law attorney, and will feature an overview of sexual harassment. The keynote will be followed by two, hour-long breakout sessions and a final wrap up and question and answer panel. Professional Development or Continuing Education Units are available for an additional fee. To register or for more information, visit prairiestate.edu/new-day.

Summer 2018 Registration – Now in Progress

Summer registration is now open at PSC. Students looking to start, continue or complete their degree or certificate, or for those who want to get ahead or take classes to enhance their skills, can now register for five- or eight- week credit sessions or select from a number of non-credit courses this summer. To accommodate busy schedules, PSC offers daytime, evening and online courses, with flexible start times. The eight-week credit session runs from May 29 through July 19.  The first five-week credit courses begin May 29 and end June 28.The second five-week credit summer session runs from July 2 through Aug. 2. To register for credit courses, new students must complete an enrollment application in person at the college, located at 202 S. Halsted St., in Chicago Heights, or online at www.prairiestate.edu by selecting Apply, Register, Pay. Current students can register for credit courses in person or online on WebAdvisor. Guest students who are seeking credit courses are encouraged to enroll in summer courses at PSC. This gives students the opportunity to fulfill general education requirements at a fraction of the cost, and they can transfer the credits back to their home college. Available courses include English, speech, biology, chemistry, history, math and more. For more information, visit www.prairiestate.edu/summeronly.  High school students who plan to go away in the fall can get ahead by taking classes this summer and then transferring the credits to their college or university. PSC also offers non-credit courses that begin throughout the summer. Students can register for non-credit courses online or in person. To register online via Instant Enrollment, go to prairiestate.edu, select Apply, Register, Pay, and then choose How to Enroll. Another option is to complete the registration form available online or in the back of the printed non-credit course schedule. Students also can register for non-credit courses in person at the Matteson Area Center (MAC), located at 4821 Southwick Drive in Matteson, or in the Enrollment Services Office on the PSC main campus. The MAC is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All available summer courses are listed online at www.prairiestate.edu/courseschedule. Print copies are available by completing the request form online. Non-credit courses also are listed in the 2018 non-credit course schedule. Copies can be found on the main campus and at the MAC or online at www.prairiestate.edu/noncredit.

Kids@College Summer Program – Registration Now in Progress

Are you looking for fun activities to keep your kids busy this summer? Let learning and fun continue year round at Prairie State College (PSC). The Kids@College Summer Program at PSC is designed to enhance the problem solving skills of children ages 5 through 10. Participants will use fun, hands-on, iSTEAM based activities that encourage creativity in the areas of inventions, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The program will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, from June 25 through Aug. 9, at the college’s Matteson Area Center, located at 4821 Southwick Drive in Matteson. There will be no programming during the week of July 2. Kids@College at PSC offers six weeks of fun-filled learning opportunities including an engaging curriculum taught by certified teachers. Each week is tailored to intrigue students and provide them with a chance to explore, build and learn. Half- and full- day options are available. Cost per child for full day is $138 a week, half day is $75 a week, and a 6-week, full-day deal is offered for $725. Payment plan options and before and after care are available.  For more information about the Kids@College program, visit www.prairiestate.edu/kids, call 708- 709-3750 or email [email protected].

Top U.S. Universities

Choosing what college or university to attend can be a very daunting experience. With educational costs continually increasing, it’s more important than ever to choose a university that meets your specific educational needs. At http://www.topschools.com/, you will find a comprehensive resource that ranks each university throughout the nation by size, degrees offered, tuition costs, admission, graduation and retention rates.

Green Events

Park Forest Environment Commission, 350 Victory Drive

Earth Week 2018 Events – Through April 22

The Park Forest Environment Commission will hold its Earth Day Closing Ceremony on Sunday, April 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest. Refreshments will be provided. For additional information, visit www.villageofparkforest.com.

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 Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Become a ‘Friend of Thorn Creek’

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

Experience the Thorn Creek Nature Center

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

Will County Green, 58 East Clinton Street, Joliet

Recycling in the South Suburbs — Ongoing

Have old electronics, TVs or computer monitors sitting around your house gathering dust? Want to get rid of them for free? There are places in Will County where you can properly dispose of them. Each recycling location will accept only 2 televisions per vehicle. ID will be required to prove that you are a Will County resident. However, Park Forest residents residing in either Will OR Cook Counties may participate.

Recycling Locations

Richton Park Donation Drop Spot Peotone Police Department New Lenox Township
Richton Park Village Hall 208 E. Main Street 1100 S. Cedar Road
4455 Sauk Trail (Located along Latonia Lane) 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 2nd & 4th Wednesdays
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (lines will be cut off at 7 p.m.) 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (lines will be cut off at 7 p.m.
7 days a week Closed on Holidays Closed on Holidays

For additional information, visit www.countygreen.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

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 [email protected].

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.

This & That

Chicago Cares, 2 North Riverside Plaza, Suite 1800, Chicago

25th Annual Serve-a-thon, the City’s Largest Day of Service – Registration Now in Progress

Chicago Cares, the city’s largest volunteer organization, is celebrating a milestone in 2018 as it kicks-off registration for its 25th Annual Serve-a-thon (SAT). Those looking to make an impact in communities throughout Chicago can sign up to fill one of 5,000 volunteer spots for the June 23rd SAT activities. The Chicago Cares volunteer experience is a powerful tool for bringing people together from all walks of life to build empathy and understanding for one another and their communities. More than 5,000 volunteers will work together in unity to serve communities in need throughout the city as part of the annual SAT They will be painting, planting, cleaning, doing light construction and other hands-on work at dozens of elementary and public high schools in the Chicago Public School system. By choosing to volunteer during the Chicago Cares 25th Annual Serve-a-thon, volunteers will have the chance to come together across lines of difference and create opportunities to build goodwill and better communities. Those looking to volunteer should head to event.ChicagoCares.org where they can register. Volunteers will start their morning on the 23rd at Daley Plaza before heading out on school buses to their volunteer destination for the day. After their activities have come to an end, they will head back to Daley Plaza for a volunteer appreciation party. For more than 25 years, Chicago Cares has engaged with over 600,000 volunteers through 200 monthly programs, corporate programming and annual events. Chicago Cares has been making an impact on communities in need thanks to the generous support of volunteers and corporate sponsors, including this year’s SAT sponsors – PepsiCo, GCM Grosvenor, Winston & Strawn LLP, Discover Financial Services, IRI, and Epsilon Conversant.

Folks on Spokes Bicycle Club

37th Annual Easter Ride – Sunday, April 29

The Folks on Spokes Bicycle Club’s 37h Annual Easter Ride will be held on Sunday, April 29, leaving from the Park Forest Village Hall on 350 Victory Drive.  Riders will start between 7:30 and 10:00 a.m. his year’s ride will feature two new routes, of 17 and 27 miles that are almost all on bike trails.  These routes will use the Old Plank Road Trail and Thorn Creek Trail with a rest stop at the Glenwood Oaks Rib & Chop House.  Longer routes of 36, 45, 58 and 79 miles will head south on lightly traveled, paved roads over gently rolling countryside. Rest stops along the route provide riders with fruit, drinks, sandwiches, and homemade cookies.  After the ride, participants are invited to stop in at Village Hall for music, a massage (for a fee) and more refreshments, including traditional Easter egg salad sandwiches. The fee for the ride is $20 for pre-registrants before April 16 and $25 thereafter.  The fee entitles riders to a map of the routes, access to all rest stops, SAG support, and parking.  Short and long sleeve t-shirts with this year’s Easter Ride logo may be ordered for an additional fee with pre-registration before April 15.  A registration form is available at local bike shops or may be downloaded from http://www.folksonspokes.com.  Click on Easter ride, then on Download the FOS Easter Ride Brochure. Folks on Spokes encourages riders to obey all traffic laws, practice courtesy, communicate with fellow riders, ride single file when vehicles are approaching from either direction – and complete the adult or child bike safety quiz at www.bikesafetyquiz.com.  Proceeds from the ride help fund the club’s activities throughout the year and support bicycle advocacy and other organizations.  Donations made possible by past rides were given to the League of American Bicyclists, Ride Illinois, the Active Transportation Alliance, Trails for Illinois, Bicycle Indiana, Friends of the Cal Sag Trail, Working Bikes Co-op and Slow roll Chicago. Folks on Spokes members live across the south suburbs and northeastern Indiana.  Group rides start in a variety of location www.norml.orgs.

Marian Catholic High School, 700 South Ashland, Chicago Heights

Warrior Wrestling – Tickets Now on Sale

Marian Catholic will welcome professional wrestling stars from around the world for Warrior Wrestling on Friday, May 11th. The wrestling event will serve as a fundraiser for scholarships for students as well as a “fun-raiser” for the school community and surrounding area of the South Suburbs and Northwest Indiana, the school said in a release. The event will be family-friendly in content, and fans of all ages are welcome. Former WWE World Champions Alberto El Patron (Del Rio) and Jack Swagger will headline the evening’s card, which will also feature several other former-WWE stars including Matt Sydal (Evan Bourne), James Ellsworth, Hornswoggle, and Ricardo Rodriguez. Current stars of North America’s second most popular wrestling program – Impact Wrestling on PopTV –will also feature into the night’s action when Moose, oVe, DJZ, and Chelsea Green (Laurel Van Ness) take the ring in various matches. Several famed masked luchadores are traveling to Chicago Heights from Mexico specifically for this event. Among them are El Hijo de Dos Caras, El Hijo del Fantasma, Rey Fenix, and Penta El Cero Miedo. Top female competitors will also be in action, including third generation wrestler Tessa Blanchard, daughter of famed grappler Tully Blanchard, and Impact Wrestling Champion Chelsea Green (Laurel Van Ness). National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) champion Nick Aldis will also compete in the ring. Card subject to change. Tickets for the event can be purchased online at www.warriorwrestling.net. Prices range from $25 for general admission bleacher seats to $75 for first row ringside seats. Bell time is 7:30 on May 11th with doors opening to the public at 6:30. A VIP Fan Fest will take place before the show from 5:45 to 7:15. The VIP Fan Fest will allow attendees to meet the wrestlers as well as take pictures and receive autographs. All autographs and pictures are free in the Fan Fest, and $20 admission tickets to the Fest are also available through the Warrior Wrestling website. Food and concessions will be available for purchase, and for those fans over 21, several local breweries will have their craft beer on tap. All proceeds from the event go to benefit scholarships for local students to attend Marian Catholic High School. For additional information, visit www.marianchs.com.

NASA, Washington, DC

You’re Invited to Come Aboard NASA’s First Mission to Touch the Sun – Submissions Due by April 27

Want to get the hottest ticket this summer without standing in line? NASA is inviting people around the world to submit their names online to be placed on a microchip aboard NASA’s historic Parker Solar Probe mission launching in summer 2018. The mission will travel through the Sun’s atmosphere, facing brutal heat and radiation conditions — and your name will go along for the ride. “This probe will journey to a region humanity has never explored before,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, the associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “This mission will answer questions scientists have sought to uncover for more than six decades.” Understanding the Sun has always been a top priority for space scientists. Studying how the Sun affects space and the space environment of planets is the field known as heliophysics. The field is not only vital to understanding Earth’s most important and life-sustaining star, it supports exploration in the solar system and beyond. Submissions will be accepted until April 27. Learn more and add your name to the mission here. You can learn more about NASA’s Park Solar Probe mission here  or Follow the mission on Facebook and Twitter at: www.facebook.com/NASASunScience and www.twitter.com/NASASun.

Park Forest Economic Development and Planning Department

Water Bill Buck Buster – Through December 28

Park Forest Economic Development and Planning Department ‘Water Bill Buck Buster’ contest will continue through December 28. Spend $150 or more each quarter at local Park Forest businesses and you can enter a raffle for a $100 water bill credit. You can also win Village swag with the first $50 in receipts in each quarter. Submit receipts from local Park Forest businesses totaling $150 or more dated within each quarter.  Limit of one entry per household per quarter. Three drawings will be held in 2018:

  • June 29
  • September 28
  • December 28

Receipts are due the day before each drawing. Locate Park Forest businesses in the Park Forest Shopping & Service Guide found here. Email your receipts and include your name, address and phone number to [email protected] or drop off the information at Park Forest Village Hall 2nd Floor, 350 Victory Drive. For additional information, call 708-283-5617 or check your April water bill statement.

Park Forest Toastmasters Club

Meeting – Tuesday, April 24

The Park Forest Toastmasters Club will meet on Tuesday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 N. Orchard Drive in Park Forest. The meeting is open to the public. The Park Forest Toastmasters Club meets on the 1st and 4th Tuesdays of each month. Members develop speaking and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. For additional information, visit: www.parkforesttoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org.

Park Forest Youth Baseball

2018 Park Forest Baseball Registration – In Progress

Registration is now open for the 2018 baseball season for Park Forest Youth Baseball. Families with kids ages 4 to 14 who might be interested can visit Park Forest Baseball online to learn more details about the upcoming season. Their web site is www.pf-baseball.club or calls can be directed to 708-627-0586.

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Park Forest Aqua Center Early Registration – Now in Progress

The Park Forest Aqua Center wants residents to know that they are now offering early bird registrations for the 2018 Swim Season. For more details, call visit the Village website www.villageofparkforest.com or call the Recreation and Parks Department at 708-748-2005.


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