In and Around Park Forest for the Week of June 12, 2016

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—June 12, 2016.  Looking for some activities for your children now that school is out?  Summer Reading kicks off at the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, on Monday, June 13th at 7 p.m. with a magical performance by Mr. Kipley.  You’ll find additional information about this and other events at the Library in the ‘Arts & Entertainment’ section.

Don’t forget that Sunday, June 19 is Father’s Day an occasion to mark and celebrate the contribution that your father, or father figure, has made to your life.  Be sure to do something special for your father next Sunday.

If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in the community, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with the details no later than Friday of each week.  Thank you.

Village of Park Forest

Village Commissions & Advisory Boards

The following Park Forest Commissions are currently scheduled to meet the week of June 12:

• Tuesday, June14 at 6:30 p.m. – Commission on Human Relations
• Tuesday, June 14 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission
• Thursday, June 15 at 7 p.m. – Housing Authority

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

Arts & Entertainment

AARP Rich Township Chapter #4576

Spring Fling – Monday, June 20

AARP Rich Township Chapter #4576 invite you to attend the annual Spring Fling at the Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, in DownTown Park Forest, on Monday, June 20, at 1 p.m. Come out and enjoy fellowship, fun, food, and live entertainment celebrating Motown. Tickets are $10. For tickets, or for questions, call 708-748-5454.

All Chicago, 651 West Washington, Suite 504, Chicago

Handbags for Homes Event – Thursday, June 23

Handbags for Homes is a signature event for Chicago’s professional women to network, enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and have fun while helping to end homelessness in Chicago. Handbags for Homes will showcase a fabulous collection of designer purses, which guests can win by buying raffle tickets.  Check out this year’s purses here. The Handbags for Homes event will be held on Thursday, June 23 at 6 p.m. at the Women’s Athletic Club, 626 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago. Tickets are $75. Groups of 5 or more can purchase tickets for $350. Buy your tickets now!  Proceeds for this event go directly to support our work to prevent and end homelessness. To join our Host Committee or learn about sponsorship opportunities: Please contact Stefanie Skaggs via phone at 312 379-0301 x26 or email at [email protected]. About All Chicago: On any given night, more than 6,700 Chicagoans don’t have a place to call home. Tens of thousands more are just one unexpected setback away from joining them. All Chicago effectively combines immediate resources with long term strategies to address the complex issue of homelessness. Our Emergency Fund program provides critical financial assistance to people experiencing an emergency that could lead to homelessness or other crises. Our Chicago Alliance program analyzes, recommends, and collaboratively implements sustainable housing solutions for Chicago. Our Learning Center program researches leading practices and offers educational opportunities for all those working to end homelessness. To learn more about All Chicago, visit: http://www.allchicago.org/

DePaul Art Museum, 935 W. Fullerton, Chicago

‘Barbara Rossi’s: Poor Traits’ and ‘Eye Owe You!’ Art Exhibit – Through August 21

Chicago artist Barbara Rossi’s enigmatic drawings and meticulous Plexiglas paintings will be featured at the DePaul Art Museum through Aug. 21. ‘Barbara Rossi: Poor Traits’ is organized by Natalie Bell at the New Museum in New York and marks the most significant presentation of the artist’s work in 25 years. A companion exhibition, ‘Eye Owe You!’ will highlight Rossi’s photographs and artistic process.  DePaul Art Museum has organized a companion exhibition, “Eye Owe You!” in close collaboration with Rossi as a way to illuminate her working process. The exhibition features 124 of Rossi’s photographs that have never been exhibited before. This personal archive of visual culture has informed her work for 40 years and also captures an important bygone era in Chicago’s visual urban landscape. Rossi earned her MFA from the School of the Art Institute, where she has taught drawing and painting since 1971. The images from 1971 to 1975 included in the exhibition are from Rossi’s vast collection of 35mm slides and align with the dates of the paintings in “Poor Traits.” Arranged by the artist in a specific sequence to correlate one image to the next, they document hand-painted outdoor signs and window displays in Chicago and cities around the world. A limited edition artist’s book of these images will be published by DePaul Art Museum. The DePaul Art Museum is located just east of the CTA’s Fullerton ‘L’ stop. The museum hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. For more on the DePaul Art Museum’s upcoming exhibitions and events, call 773-325-7506 or visit http://museums.depaul.edu/.

‘The Secret Birds’ – Through August 21

Chicago artist Tony Fitzpatrick will bring his signature brand of witty visual repartee to the DePaul Art Museum this spring with a display of his collage series ‘The Secret Birds.’ The exhibition will run through August 21, and is the largest presentation of his work to date with more than 50 of his intricately layered collages as well as 40 prints from the DePaul Art Museum collection that span more than two decades of the artist’s career. In his ongoing series ‘The Secret Birds,’ Fitzpatrick meticulously draws and layers images, poetry and found materials onto the page. He combines inspiration from his working class roots in Chicago and influences from folk art, comic book characters and tattoo imagery. Each drawn collage depicts a specific species of bird, ranging from the peregrine falcon to the common starling. Several of the works are commentaries on gun violence, drug abuse and other inequities and injustices found in Chicago and beyond.  The event is free and open to the public. The DePaul Art Museum is located at 935 W. Fullerton, just east of the CTA’s Fullerton ‘L’ stop. The museum hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. For more on the DePaul Art Museum’s upcoming exhibitions and events, call 773-325-7506 or visit http://museums.depaul.edu/.

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

‘Murder on the Nile – Through June 19

The Drama Group is thrilled to present Agatha Christie’s suspenseful murder mystery, ‘Murder on the Nile’ directed by Warren Sampson.  Performances will be held at the Drama Group Studio Theatre on June 16, 17 & 18 at 7:30 p.m. and matinees on June 12 & 19 at 2:00 p.m. ‘Murder on the Nile’ is based on Agatha Christie’s 1937 novel Death on the Nile; one of the few in which Hercules Poirot is not involved. Fatal circumstances await a newlywed couple as they embark on a honeymoon voyage down the Nile. Simon Mostyn has recently married Kay Ridgeway, a rich woman, having thrown over his former lover Jacqueline; they are on a paddle steamer on the Nile, accompanied by a bevy of memorable characters – Canon Pennefather, Kay’s guardian, and Jacqueline, who has been dogging their footsteps all through the honeymoon. During the voyage Jacqueline works herself into a state of hysteria and shoots at Simon, wounding him in the knee. A few moments later Kay is found shot in her bunk. By the time the boat reaches its destination, Canon Pennefather has laid bare an audacious conspiracy and has made sure the criminals shall not go free. Tickets are $20 for adults; $19 for seniors and $15 for students with ID. Group discount rates are also available.  Good seats are still available.  Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 708-755-3444 or online  http://www.brownpapertickets.com/profile/242073. The Drama Group Studio Theatre is located at 330 W. 202nd Street in Chicago Heights. For directions and other information regarding Drama Group activities, please visit our Web site at: www.dramagroup.org.

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

‘Operation Mom’s Couch’ – Through August 27

The NVAM announces the opening of its solo exhibition ‘Operation Mom’s Couch’ —the newest exploration of the veteran experience through the lens of an Airman and his cultural consumption of war stemming back to early childhood memories, juxtaposed with his lived authentic enlisted experience. The way in which war is broadcast to the public and consumed on couches all across the world—becoming a daily part of the home environment—is a phenomenon explored by retired Air Force veteran, and award-winning artist: Eric J. Garcia. The exhibit will run through August 27.  Known for mixing history and culture with contemporary themes, Eric J. Garcia creates art that expands the genre beyond aesthetics.  Garcia has shown in numerous national and international exhibitions, has received many awards such as the prestigious Jacob Javits Fellowship and is currently an artist in residence at the Hyde Park Art Center.  Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Garcia came to Chicago in 2007, to study at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where he earned his Masters of Fine Arts degree.  A versatile artist working in an assortment of media, from hand-printed posters, to published political cartoons, to sculptural installations, they all have a common goal of educating and challenging. While the NVAM is one of the only museums in the world to collect and exhibit artwork exclusively created by veterans in a permanent exhibition, it also provides important programming for veterans, their families, and the community. For more information about the National Veterans Art Museum, visit www.nvam.org, or call 312-326-0270.

Park Forest Historical Society, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest

Step Back into the 1950s at the Park Forest House Museum

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum at 227 Monee Road, (inside St. Mary’s Catholic Church) in Park Forest, will give you a nostalgic look of what a Park Forest home and classroom once looked like.  The Museum is open Wednesday and Saturday 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and can also be open at other times by appointment for group tours. Donation is Adults $5; 12 & under free with an adult. Scout and school tours are priced individually.  For details, to arrange a special group tour, or to volunteer, visit the Park Forest Historical Society website, www.parkforesthistory.org, or call Jane Nicoll, 708-481-4252.

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

The following events are scheduled for the week of June 12:

• Monday, June 13 at 7 p.m. — Summer Reading Kick-Off — Get READY, SET, READ! Its Summer Reading time at the Park Forest Library! Join us as we “READ FOR THE WIN”! You’ll leap for a chance to participate in a wide range of engaging and interactive fun for the entire family. Performance by Mr. Kipley Magic and Puppeteer. Sign up for Summer Reading, prizes and more.
• Tuesday, June 14 at 11 a.m. – Olympic Circle — We’re Racing Through Time! Join us each week as we learn about the USA Olympics, its history, the different athletes, sports and more.
  Ages: 12 and under. Materials Provided. While Supplies last.
• Tuesday, June 14 at 1 p.m. – Summer Safety — Get Ready for Summer with the PFPD. Join Corporal Todd Beilke as he shares important and helpful tips on how to keep kids safe and healthy while enjoying the outdoors. Stories and crafts to follow. Ages: 12 and Under
• Tuesday, June 14 at 2 p.m. – Art Studio — It’s time to create! Materials will be provided. Ages 12 and under.
• Tuesday, June 14 at 4 p.m. — Color-Rama! Coloring Circle — Are you a teen looking to take a break after school with a fun, fresh activity? Come relieve stress and show your creativity with other teens in our coloring circle!
• Tuesday, June 14 at 7 p.m. – PajamaRama — Share special moments with your child through stories, crafts, and more. Wear your pj’s and wind down from a busy day. Ages 12 and under.
• Wednesday, June 15 at 11 a.m. – Movement and Me — On Your Mark, Get Set, Move! to the Rhythm of storytelling. This story time is designed to engage children through movement, music, stories and more. Open to children ages 1 month to 12 years old.
• Wednesday, June 15 at 4 p.m. — Color Me Happy Circle — Our coloring circle is the perfect way to step back from the stress of everyday life and enjoy some relaxation! All supplies will be provided.
• Wednesday, June 15 at 4 p.m. — DIY: Father’s Day Craft — Not sure how to surprise your father on Father’s Day? Drop by and create a special gift personalized just for him!
• Wednesday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m. — Movie Night for Adults: ‘Finest Hours’ — The Coast Guard makes a daring rescue attempt off the coast of Cape Cod after a pair of oil tankers are destroyed during a blizzard in 1952.
• Wednesday, June 15 at 8:30 p.m. — Ravinia Concert — The Singers — Come to the Info Zone desk to inquire about tickets to today’s Ravinia show taking place at the Martin Theatre. First come, first serve basis. Location: Ravinia in Highland Park, IL
• Thursday, June 16 at 11 a.m. – Creative Play with Art — Bring your imagination and creativity to bring out your inner Picasso. Some projects may involve paint.
  Ages 12 and under.
• Thursday, June 16 at 2 p.m. – Comic Creations — Be inspired to become a graphic novelist/comic creator! Each week explore ways to create comic strips, books, graphic and more. Open to ages 7-12yrs old
• Thursday, June 16 at 4 p.m. — 90’s Sports Edition Teen Movie: “Cool Runnings” — Four Jamaican bobsledders dream of competing in the Winter Olympics, despite never having seen snow. With the help of a disgraced former champion desperate to redeem himself, the Jamaicans set out to become worthy of Olympic selection, and go all out for glory.
• Friday, June 17 at 10 a.m. — Color Me Calm: Adult Coloring Circle — Drop in and enjoy the hottest coloring trend. All materials are provided.
• Friday, June 17 at 1 p.m. – Family Movie Matinee — Enjoy an afternoon Movie the entire family will enjoy!
• Friday, June 17 at 3 p.m. — “Gold Medal” 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 to the challenge?
• Saturday, June 18 at 1 p.m. – My Dad, My Hero — Join in as we create something awesome for dads, stepdads, grandpas, uncles or older brothers. Stories, crafts, and more! Ages 12 and under. Material Provided. While supplies last.
• Saturday, June 18 at 1 p.m. – Practical Application Circle — Join us as we discuss Joshua Becker’s new book, The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own.

For additional information call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.

Park Forest Public Library Now Hiring: Part Time Library Assistant

The Park Forest Public Library is seeking an enthusiastic, customer focused individual familiar with technology and popular culture. Duties include processing new materials for circulation, facilitating hands-on programs, checking in and out materials, answering patron questions, assisting patrons with research and computer usage, assisting in Library programs for both adults and children, shelving materials, and performing readers’ advisory. To apply and view the entire job listing, click here or check the Employment Opportunities tab on the left side of the Library’s home page, www.pfpl.org.

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

‘Aspects of Realism’ – Through July 14

PSC’s Christopher Art Gallery is currently exhibiting ‘Aspects of Realism’ through July 14. The exhibit features works by Jacqueline Moses, Winifred Godfrey, Roland Kulla, Armin Mersmann, and Victoria Fuller. The Gallery will host an Artist’s Reception on July 14th from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The Christopher Art Gallery Regular Hours: are Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. or by appointment. For additional information, or to schedule an appointment, call 708-709-3636 or visit www.prairiestate.edu.

Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest

Trip to Arlington Park Racetrack – Reservations Taken on Monday, June 13

The Senior Center’s July Trip will be to Arlington Park Racetrack on Thursday, July 14.  You will enjoy a beautiful day at Arlington including admission to the park, daily racing guides, a two hour buffet and three hours of soft drinks all in the air-conditioned International Room.  The trip leaves from the Rich Township Senior Center at 1 a.m. and return at approximately 7 p.m.  The cost of the trip is $72.  Reservations are taken by phone only starting Monday, June 13 by calling 708-748-5454.  Please remember that Arlington enforces a strict dress code, which does not allow shorts or tennis shoes.

Adult Coloring – Tuesday, June 14

A new Adult Coloring program will be held on Tuesday, June 14 at 10 a.m. at the Senior Center.  We will provide mandalas and pictures to color.  The mandala has the power to promote relaxation, balance the body’s energies, enhance your creativity and support healing.  The great news is you can achieve all of these benefits while having fun with your mandala coloring pages.  There are no rules.  Use any colors you want. Color at your own pace.  We will have colored pencils and markers available for our use. This ongoing program will be held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the money.

Thursday Game Days

Come join us at the Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, in DownTown Park Forest every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. to play games with old friends and new friends.  We have a few games on hand, Trivial Pursuit, Racko, Pente, Chess, Pictionary, High Hand and Rummikub.  If none of these suit your taste, feel free to bring in your favorites.  Come join in the fun.  This is a new program, so please help to spread the word.

August Monthly Trip to Isle of Capri – Reservations Now Being Taken

The August Monthly Trip will be to the Isle of Capri on August 21 through 23.  We will leave at 1 p.m. from the Rich Township Senor Center on Sunday, August 21 and return at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23.  The price for a single room is $210, a double is $145 and a triple is $135. The trip includes $15 Isle Play on Sunday and Monday, 2 breakfast buffets at the Isle and $5 free play and 1 lunch buffet at the ‘new’ Rhythm City Casino on Tuesday, Reservations are now being taken by phone by calling 708-748-5454.

Roosevelt University, 430 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Annual Golf Outing – Registration Now in Progress

Golfers of all skill levels are invited to show what they can do on the links at Roosevelt University’s 23rd Annual Scholarship Golf Outing being held August 1 at the Schaumburg Golf Club & Academy, 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg.  The outing begins with registration and buffet lunch at 11 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m.  Cocktails, a delicious dinner and awards are at 5:45 p.m. There are a number of sponsorship opportunities still available, including event sponsor, hole sponsors, prize sponsors as well as foursomes and program book ads.  For information about becoming a sponsor, contact Sara Lee Powell at 312-341-2309 or [email protected]. For golf outing information, contact Juliana Nelligan at 312-341-2252 or [email protected].  To register for the Roosevelt Scholarship Golf Outing, please visit www.roosevelt.edu/golf.

Solstice Stained Glass, 2010 West Fulton Street, Chicago

Stained Design Competition for Tiny Home Display

Solstice Stained Glass in Chicago is announcing a design competition for window displays in the winning entry of the recent Tiny Home Design competition. Solstice Stained Glass, founded by Emily Carlson 25 years ago, will host a free solstice celebration Thursday, June 23, 2010 W. Fulton St., 6-8 p.m., in Chicago’s West Loop. Competition entries will be showcased at the event, and winners will be announced by Carlson’s team of judges. There are five window positions available for designs of the tiny home. Three are east-facing, and two are west-facing. The dimensions are available by emailing [email protected], and appointments are encouraged to see the actual windows. Entrants can either bring the actual stained glass to the solstice event June 23, or they can bring actual-size, colored-in designs. Winning entrants will have to be ready for mounting by June 30. The winning entry of the tiny home design competition was on display at April’s Tiny Home Summit hosted by Pride Action Tank and Polk Bros. Foundation at the University of Illinois-Chicago. The model, built by Price Construction, will be re-built on a lot donated by The Resurrection Project in Back of the Yards on Chicago’s Southwest Side. The model, approximately 330 square feet, will be on display and available for tours starting in July. The annual Chicago Stained Glass Invitational Exhibit will be July 5-7 at the Hotel Orrington in Evanston, and the American Glass Guild holds its conference at the Logan Center in Hyde Park from July 9-11. The day in between, on July 8, Solstice is working with them both as we host two bus tours that will feature local stained glass; Edgar Miller will be the focus of one, and Tiffany and the Gilded Age will be the focus of the other.” For tickets see http://americanglassguild.org/bus-tour/. For information on Solstice Stained Glass, see www.SolsticeStainedGlass.com or call 847-561-4048.

Tall Grass Art Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Neutral Ground: Somewhere Between Black and White’ – Opens Friday, June 17

Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery, 367 Artists Walk in DownTown Park Forest, will host the exhibition ‘Neutral Ground: Somewhere Between Black and White’ which will open on June 17 and run through July 23.  An opening night reception will be held on Friday, June 17 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with an Artist’s Talk on Saturday, June 18. The exhibit, reception and artist’s talk are free and open to the public. This invitational show of artwork is created predominantly in black & white media. The nine exhibiting artists are Carol Weber, Mike Wasnowski, Joanne Venheizer, Sara Schleicher, Jennifer Moore, Corey Hagelberg, Jennifer Cronin, Michael Barnes, and Joanne Aono. Curated by Mary Bookwalter. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m., to 4 p.m. The Gallery is closed on Sunday and Monday. For additional information, please call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.

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

12th Annual Garden Walk – Tickets Now on Sale

USC will be hosting its 12th Annual Garden Walk on Saturday, July 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine. Participants will be able to view 10 summer gardens with an artist’s eye. Be inspired! by the Gardeners’ Craft and the Visual Artists who will paint their visions in each of 10 creative gardens in Homewood, Flossmoor, Chicago Heights, South Chicago Heights and Park Forest. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. Tickets are available online through PayPal or by cash or check at the Gallery. For more information, click here.

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

Rainbow Café – Friday, June 17

The Rainbow Café will meet at UUCC on Friday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m.  The movie ‘Big Eden’ will be screened.  Henry Hart is a successful gay artist from New York City who returns to his rural hometown in Montana to care for his ailing grandfather.  Henry is welcomed back by the townsfolk, all of whom are aware of his sexuality and are highly accepting and even supportive towards him.  However, during the months he stays in the town, Henry is forced to confront his unresolved feelings for his high school friend, Dean Stewart, while simultaneously being oblivious to the feelings of Pike Dexter, the shy Native American owner of the town’s general store. The Rainbow Café is a social event that provides a safe and welcoming environment for single or partnered gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender adults and their allies, by creating a space where they are able to socialize outside of the usual bars. The Café is open every 3rd Friday of the month from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.  For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

Summer Solstice Celebration – Saturday, June 18

Join us for a family friendly ritual and drum circle to welcome High Summer on Saturday, June 18 at 5:30 p.m. The ritual will begin at 6 p.m. with a Community Potluck to follow.  Please bring a dish to share.  Drums of all types welcome.  A $5 donation is requested.  The event is presented by the Four Winds Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans.  .  For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

2016 Main Street Nights – Wednesday, June 15

Grab a blanket and position yourself in the Park Forest DownTown Village Green (Cunningham and Main Streets) for some free nights of entertainment, rain or shine.  Vendors on hand selling food and drinks.  The evening starts at 6:30 p.m. with an opening act followed by the showcased entertainment.  In case of rain, performances will be oved to Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street.  For weather related changes or cancellations, please call 708-283-5647.  For general inquiries, call 708-748-2005.

Istvan and His Imaginary Band – 6:30 p.m.

When Istvan starts rocking, kids can’t help but join in to an irresistible mix of interactive rock and roll, country, pop punk and sing-along that gets heads bogging.

American English – 7:15 p.m.

American English is simply the best Beatle tribute band of our time.  Voted ‘number one’ as winners of sound-alike contest at Beatlefest for three consecutive years.

Resident Appreciation Month Events

June is Resident Appreciation Month where you are invited to attend the following FREE events:

Friday, June 17 – 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Steppers Set & Lessons | LUX223 located at 22315 Central Park Avenue in Park Forest

Calling all new and experience Steppers to the floor. Enjoy a night of dancing and entertainment. Wear your dancing shoes and be ready to have a blast! Learn the basics of stepping and then put it to work.

Saturday, June 18 – 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Dancing Under The Stars With House Music

Calling all “House Heads.” Mike Love from 106.3 will be on the ones and twos and international DJ Jonathan Newman will also spin it up for you. Wear your dancing shoes and be ready to have a blast!

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

Fall 2016 Registration Open at PSC

Registration for fall 2016 is open at PSC. Credit courses begin Monday, Aug. 22. Non-credit courses include a variety of single-day and multiple-session offerings that begin throughout the fall. PSC offers convenient, flexible scheduling options. Students can choose their schedule, their class and their time. Hundreds of courses are offered days, evenings, weekends and online to accommodate busy schedules. The 16-week courses begin Monday, Aug. 22. On Tuesday, Sept. 6, 14-week courses begin. The 12-week courses begin Friday, Sept. 16. All of these courses — 16-week, 14-week, and 12-week – end on Thursday, Dec. 8, and offer the same course material with the same credit hours. The shorter the number of weeks, the longer the class period. PSC also offers two different eight-week course sessions. First eight-week courses start Monday, Aug. 22, and end Friday, Oct. 14. Second eight-week courses start Monday, Oct. 17, and end on Thursday, Dec. 8. The eight-week courses typically offer fewer credit hours. Many of the college certificate programs offer eight-week courses, allowing students to fit two courses in a semester and to make progress towards that certificate. Both credit and non-credit courses are listed in the fall class schedule, available on the PSC main campus, located at 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. The schedule also is available at area public libraries and online at prairiestate.edu. To register for credit courses, new students must complete an enrollment application in person at the college or online. Current students can register for credit courses in person or online at prairiestate.edu/start. Through Friday, Aug. 12, Enrollment Services is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the college is closed on Fridays. Beginning Monday, Aug. 15, Enrollment Services will resume regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The college also will be closed on Monday, May 30, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Students can register for non-credit courses online or in person. To register online via Instant Enrollment, go to prairiestate.edu and select “How to Register for Non-Credit Courses” from the A-Z Index. Another option is to complete the registration form available online at prairiestate.edu/noncredit or in the back of the printed course schedule. Students also can register for non-credit courses in person at the Matteson Area Center (MAC), located at 4821 Southwick Drive in Matteson, or in the Enrollment Services Office on the PSC main campus. Through Friday Aug. 12, the MAC is open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Beginning Monday, Aug. 15, the MAC will resume regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. For more information about registering for courses, visit prairiestate.edu or call 708-709-3500.

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

College for Kids – Begins Monday, June 13

SSC’s Continuing Education Department is offering courses to help fill the summer days with activities that will entertain and challenge children and young adults. The majority of the College for Kids classes scheduled for this summer will begin the week of June 13nd at SSC’s Main Campus in South Holland and Oak Forest Center. In addition, SSC will offer a Jam Session Day Camp for $329, beginning on June 20, 2016. This four-week summer school program is less than $5 per hour for academics and fun enrichment programs three days a week. Math will consist of review and instruction of the basic arithmetic skills. In addition to Reading and Math, students will enjoy a variety of other stimulating activities, such as Spanish.

The following Learning Enrichment Classes will be offered for preschoolers and kindergartners at a cost of $49 each:

Jump Start on Reading

• Reading Readiness
• ABC’s and 123’s
• Seuss and Mother Goose
• Jump Start on Kindergarten

The following classes will be offered for elementary school kids for $69 each:

• Well Written Essays
• Study Skills
• Fun with Phonics
• Grammar No Problem
• Reading, Accelerated or Refresher
• Math Refresher
• Pre-Algebra
• Spanish

The following high school classes will be offered for $69 each:

• Written Essays
• Study Skills
• Introduction to Algebra
• Pre-Algebra/Geometry
• Conversational Spanish

Students with classes totaling $100 or more may be eligible for the FACTS deferred tuition payment plan. For more information about FACTS please contact the Business and Accounting Services Office at 708-596-2000 ext. 5720. Access class schedule online from www.ssc.edu  to search the Summer Continuing Education Schedule, or call 708-596-2000, ext. 2231.

Free Highway Construction Careers Training Program

SSC be offering a Free Highway Construction Careers Training Program this summer at their Oak Forest Campus. Orientation and Assessment Testing will be June 28-30 at the Oak Forest Center, with the program set to begin on July 25, 2016.

The Highway Construction Careers Training Program has been implemented to increase the number of minorities, women, and disadvantaged individuals working on IDOT highway construction projects. The training consists of an intensive 12-week program to learn the skills necessary for acceptance into the highway construction trades and gives the opportunity for a career with high wage potential.

Career Opportunities Include:

• Cement Mason
• Electrician
• Pipefitter
• Carpenter
• Laborer
• Equipment Operator

Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license
• 18 years or older
• High School diploma/GED
• Interest working in the Construction Trades

Construction will always be needed for new buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures.  Some of the more skilled construction careers such as engineer require higher education while others such as cement masonry can be learned as an on-the-job apprentice. For more information, please visit our website at www.ssc.edu/hcctp, or call 708-225-6042, or email [email protected]. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue in Oak Forest.

Online Educational Resources

Online college programs are a great way for today’s busy people to complete or earn a degree. To find an online college program in Illinois, visit http://www.onlineschools.org/guides/Illinois/ where you will find a compilation of every college program offered online in Illinois offered on a full or part-time basis.

Top U.S. Universities

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

Green Events

Thorn Creek Audubon Society, Park Forest

Nature Education Programs at Thorn Creek Nature Center

Calling all schools, home school groups, day cares, preschools, youth, adult and family groups! Nature Education Programs are offered at Thorn Creek Nature Center throughout the year where your group can discover the plants and animals of Thorn Creek Woods. These Nature Education Programs are sponsored by the Thorn Creek Audubon Society. The Audubon Society and the Thorn Creek Nature Center announce their new Partnership for Programming to further the Society’s environmental education mission and give valuable assistance to Thorn Creek Nature Center in providing nature programming for groups of area children and adults. Some of the nature education programs offered this year include Birding by Sight and Sound, Creek Walk (the world of aquatic insects and metamorphosis), Trees Big and Small (identification by leaves and bark), Insects (what makes an insect unique), the Web of Life (interdependence of producers, consumers, predators and decomposers), Soils Hike (how soil fuels and supports life), and Night Hikes. On the Fall Color Hike learn why leaves change colors and what trees do to prepare for the long months of winter. Discover clues to wild animals’ identities and behavior by trails and trails in Wild Animal Tracks. Make your own track replica. On Vixen’s Trek you are the fox following your daily routines on Thorn Creek trails. Or visit the Historic Farm in the woods to explore an early 1900’s woodland farm. Groups can also arrange for a naturalist to come to your location for programs such as Wild Animal Tracks, Web of Life, Woodland Wildflowers, Soils, History of Thorn Creek Woods, and the like. The new partnership has already collaborated in sponsoring three programs: the Learn 70 Birds by Spring class, which runs from January through March; the Great Backyard Bird Count Open House that was held in February; and the Build a Gourd Birdhouse sessions to be held in March.  For information about Thorn Creek Audubon Society membership, events and projects: Thorn Creek Audubon Society, P. O. Box 895, Park Forest, Il 60466, or www.thorncreekaudubonsociety.org.

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Wednesday Morning Walkers

Discover the wonders of spring in a weekly morning walk.  Wednesday Morning Walkers meet every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and is free for ages 13 years to adult.  Walkers new to the program must register two days before they first hike. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6360.

Prairie Sampler and Trail Workdays — Registration Required by Saturday, June 18

Get down and dirty and help Master Gardeners from the University of Illinois Extension Service care for our Prairie Sampler.  Located in front of the Nature Center, the Prairie Sampler and a butterfly garden need your help with weeding, pulling tall goldenrod, trimming out woody plants and caring for newly acquired plants. Prairie Sampler Workday will be Monday June 20 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Registration is required by Saturday, June 18. Bring your own gloves, hand clippers, kneelers if you like.  Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots. Refreshments will be provided. The Workday is for ages 18 and older. The Prairie Sampler was created in the 1970’s with transplanted native prairie plants and large soil plugs from local prairies before they were destroyed by development. The late Jim Marzuki nurtured the prairie in the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s.  Over the last two years, naturalist April Richards, Master Gardeners and volunteers have again been caring for the prairie, weeding, clearing out woody vegetation and planting and caring for new plants.  They have also been identifying, and labeling the native species, and are impressed with the number of native plants that are flourishing. Today the Thorn Creek Prairie Sampler is a lush, rich prairie community. Join the Thorn Creek Trail Work crew in building and repairing boardwalks and maintaining the 3.5 miles of trails through the preserve. Trail Workday is for ages 15 through adult. Bring a lunch and gloves and dress for the weather.  Wear sturdy shoes or boots.  Refreshments will be provided. Outdoor work is on natural surface trails across uneven terrain. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320, email [email protected] or visit www.tcwoods.org.

Become a ‘Friend of Thorn Creek’

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

Experience the Thorn Creek Nature Center

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

Healthy Living

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

Free Psychotherapy Available from GSU’s Psychology Program

GSU’s Psychology Department is offering free psychotherapy services to members of the community. Conversations with a psychotherapist can help people cope with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, and life transition problems. Confidential, one-on-one sessions are held with a GSU graduate student in psychology under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Individuals and couples, 18 years and older, are eligible. All sessions are conducted in Matteson, IL. The number of sessions is determined by the client’s needs. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-235-2841.

Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard, Park Forest

CPR Classes

CPR classes are available at the Park Forest Fire Department. Click on the following link for more details: http://pffd.vopf.com/cpr-classes.html

Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)

Assistance With Medications & Health Services

If you, or someone you know, are struggling to pay for medications every month, they may be able to get the medicines they need for free or almost free through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. If you live in Illinois, you can get access to more than 475 public and private program available to help you pay for your medicines. Simply visit http://www.pparx.org/en/click_illinois to find out if you can apply to any of these great programs and to get connected with 10,000 free clinics and doctors.

Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip

Free Community Education and Prevention Programs about Mental Health

Sertoma Centre’s Mental Health Services facility is offering community mental health seminars, free of charge to community groups, schools, law enforcement agencies, religious organizations, and other community groups at their location in Matteson or facility. Education Programs will include: Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) which increases public awareness of suicide and improves one’s ability to identify and refer those at risk for suicide. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a public education course that helps participants identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance disorders. Also included is Mental Health First Aid for Youth and Anxiety/Depression Screenings. Thanks to a grant, these educational opportunities are available at no cost to you or your organization. To arrange a free educational opportunity for your club, group, workplace, organization, or church, call Gia Washington at 708-748-1951, Ext. 418 or email at [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 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

Qigong with Jim Kobus – Most Thursdays

UUCC will host Qigong with Jim Kobus on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the church. This class will usually meet on Thursdays but there may be exceptions, so if you are interested in attending, please send an email to Jim Kobus at [email protected] so he can notify you when class will NOT be held. There is a suggested donation of $5 per class. Please bring your own water. It is recommended that you eat dinner after class, not before. For additional information, please call 708-799-1925 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

Buddhist Meditation – Saturdays

Learn to enjoy the simple and straight-forward practice of meditation.  Please join us for sitting and walking meditation in the Zen and Theravadan Buddhist traditions.  This is an on-going event led by Steve McCabe and Beverly Feldt will be held on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at UUCC.  There is no cost but a free will offering is most appreciated (proceeds go to UUCC).  For additional information contact Steve McCabe at 708-465-3116 or Beverly Feldt at [email protected].

This & That

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Park Forest Aqua Center Open — Passes Now on Sale

Since 1952, the Park Forest Aqua Center, 30 North Orchard Street, has been one of Chicagoland’s premier outdoor pool experiences. The Park Forest Aqua Center is three pools in one, providing a quality summer experience for whatever your age:

• Toddlers enjoy a beach pool, plenty of sand area, and superb instructors who have taught thousands the techniques of swimming.
• Kids enjoy a 160-foot water slide, two drop slides, and a 15-foot-high aquatic climbing wall!
• East Pool Lap Swim – great for lap or casual swimming. Adults love it!

At the Park Forest Aqua Center, you feel the comfort and community of home and the fun, relaxation, and excitement of vacation all at the same time!  Ask about how to become a member today!  Learn more about the Park Forest Aqua Center!

Park Forest Farmers’ Market – Through October 29

Since 1974, the Park Forest Farmers’ Market has been connecting area residents with local farmers, food vendors and businesses.  The Market hosts 22 full spaces with a variety of fresh flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables, bakery goods, herbs and dairy products.  Local businesses are also on hand at the Market selling artwork, garden ornaments, jewelry and more. The Park Forest Farmers’ Market accepts EBT/Link, WIC, and Senior Nutrition Coupons.  The Market is open Saturdays, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. through October, for shopping, food, and entertainment.  Learn more about the Park Forest Farmer’s Market at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com/Index.aspx?NID=98.