In and Around Park Forest for the Week of April 29, 2018

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF) — Two new art exhibits are being featured at the Tall Grass Arts Association and Prairie State College’s Christopher Art Gallery. Tall Grass Arts Association’s latest exhibit is ‘Heartland: Images of Small Town and Rural Midwest.’ The exhibit is a display of images of and about life in and around small towns, farms and rural areas. The exhibit will run through June 2.

Prairie State College’s Christopher Art Gallery’s exhibit ‘Expressions: 2018 Exhibition of Student Art’ will run through May 17. An Artists’ Reception will be held on Wednesday, May 2 from noon to 2 p.m.

You can find additional information about both exhibits, which are free and open to the public, in the ‘Arts & Entertainment’ section.

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

###

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 – Saturday, May 5

The Village of Park Forest Board will hold a Saturday Morning Rules meeting on May 5 at 10 .m. The meeting will be held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.  Residents are encouraged to attend. Board meetings air live on cable access channels (Channel 4 for Comcast subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T subscribers). To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site here and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.

Village Commissions & Advisory Boards

The following Park Forest Commissions are scheduled to meet the week of April 29:

• Tuesday, May 1 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission
• Thursday, May 3 at 1 p.m. – Senior Citizens Advisory Board
• Thursday, May 3 at 7 p.m. – Environment Commission

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

Street Sweeping – Begins Monday, April 30

Street sweeping in Park Forest begins Monday, April 30, and lasts approximately 10 days. The street sweeper normally begins in the north part of Park Forest and continues south. The number of streets cleaned each day depends on the amount of leaves and/or debris needing removal as well as contractor work force that day and weather conditions. Residents are asked to remove their cars from the streets during the week of street sweeping in order for the most effective cleaning of the streets to take place. Residents are also reminded that raking or blowing leaves, grass, or debris into the street is strictly prohibited. Leaves clog Village storm sewers resulting in flooded streets. Fines will be issued for any individual witnessed raking or blowing leaves, grass, or debris into the street. Click for more on street sweeping in Park Forest

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 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.

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.

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

Crete Public Library District, 1177 N. Main St.
The following events are scheduled at the Crete Public Library District the week of April 29:

• Monday, April 30 at 6 p.m. – T(w)een Writers Group –  A writing group where tweens and teens can build writing skills and provide feedback to one another.
• Tuesday, May 1 at 10 a.m. – Knot Just for Knitters at Benton St. Bakery – Get together to share camaraderie while working on knitting, crocheting, or any other type of needlework project. For adults.
• Wednesday, May 2 at 3:30 p.m. – Library Teen Council (LTC) Meeting – Bring suggestions for books to order or programming you want to attend. New members welcome.
• Thursday, May 3 from 3-5 p.m. – T(w)een Board Game Afternoon – Drop in for board games, card games, or tabletop RPG games. Feel free to bring your own games. For ages 11+.
• Thursday, May 3 at 7 p.m. – T(w)een Open Mic Night – Perform music, tell jokes, make art, read your writings, or just hang out with friends. For ages 11+.
• Friday, May 4 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Adult Drop-in Coloring – Come relax and create. Bring your own supplies or use ours.

For more information or to register for a program, please call the Crete Public Library at 708-672-8017 or visit www.cretelibrary.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 29:

• Monday, April 30 at 11 a.m. –Story Time Stars — Rise and Shine Little Movers. Parents, jump start your day with stories and a craft.
• Monday, April 30 at 1 p.m. – Drop In Days — Join us for a spur-of-the-moment activity in Teen Tech Zone.
• Tuesday, May 1 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, May 1 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, May 1 at 6 p.m. – Night Time Story Time – Jam Out in your PJ’s with stories, crafts, music and more! For ages 12 and under.
• Tuesday, May 1 at 7 p.m. – Friends of the Library Social — Please join the Friends of the Library for a social on May 1st in the Commons. Learn about what’s New & Next @ the Library and how you can become involved!
• Wednesday, May 2 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, May 2 at 3:30 p.m. – Kids Color Me Happy — Travel to a world of relaxation for kids. Lose yourself in patterns, curved flowers or even runaway stems. Color yourself Happy in our kids’ coloring circle. For ages 12 and under.
• Wednesday, May 2 at 4 p.m. – Adult Coloring — Join us as we spend some time unwinding and relaxing with adult coloring books.
• Wednesday, May 2 at 4 p.m. – All Day Teen Drop Ins — Join us for a spur-of-the-moment activity in Teen Tech Zone!
• Thursday, May 3 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, May 3 at 3:30 p.m. – Drawing Theory — Do you enjoy Drawing and Sketching? Learn how to draw your favorite animations and more. For ages 12 and under.
• Thursday, May 3 at 4 p.m. – All Day Teen Drop Ins — Join us for a spur-of-the-moment activity in Teen Tech Zone!
• Thursday, May 3 at 6 p.m. – PJ Storytime — Share special moments with your child through stories, crafts, and more. For ages 12 and under.
• Friday, May 4 at 10:30 a.m. – Butterfly Club — Join us to track butterflies in our own backyard. come out for fun outdoor adventures and activities. Children under 7 years old must have a chaperone. For ages 12 and under. Registration Required.
• Friday, May 4 at 3:30 p.m. – Drop In Art Day — Drop in to kids’ zone and see what we are creating today!
• Friday, May 4 at 3:30 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, May 5 at 1 p.m. – Drop In Art Day — Drop in to kids’ zone and see what we are creating today!
• Saturday, May 5 at 1 p.m. – Mindful Eating Circle — Join us as we read and discuss “Bright Line Eating, The Science of Living Happy, Thin and Free” by Susan Peirce Thompson.
• Sunday, May 6 at 2 p.m. – Drop In Art Day — Drop in to kids’ zone and see what we are creating today!

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

Friends of the Park Forest Library Meeting – Tuesday, May 1

The Friends of the Park Forest Library will meet on Tuesday, May 1 at 7 p.m.  The meeting is open to the public. For additional information, 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.

Monthly Sing-a-long – Wednesday, May 4

Join your neighbors at a monthly sing-a-long taking place on Wednesday, May 4 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rich Township Senior Center. Songs will include everything from Broadway songs to old favorites. This group meets on the first Wednesday of each month. For additional information, call Phyllis Matthews at 708-704-9199 or Faye Predny at 708-828-9985.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Heartland: Images of Small Town and Rural Midwest’ – Through June 2

Tall Grass’ exhibit ‘Heartland: Images of Small Town and Rural Midwest’ 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’ – Opens Friday, May 4

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 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

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].

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

Live First District Court Oral Arguments at 5th Annual Law Day – Tuesday, May 1st

SSC Legal Studies Department will host their fifth annual Law Day on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. This year’s event will feature a special live court case. Oral arguments for a real criminal First District Appellate Court case will be heard in the Performing Arts Center in South Holland. This is a rare opportunity for the community to observe the First District at work at an off-site location. The general public–especially educators and students–is encouraged to attend this unique opportunity to witness some of the area’s most talented, professional litigators in action. Opening remarks will begin at 10:00 a.m. with doors opening at 9:30. Following the arguments, the audience will have an opportunity to ask questions of the Appellate Prosecutor and Appellate Defender. The justices will return to the PAC for another question and answer session at approximately 11:30 a.m. Attendees are welcome to stay for a Mock Crime Scene Demonstration from 12 noon–2:00 p.m. in the Atrium of the Main Campus, as well as a Court Reporting Demonstration from 12 noon–2:00 p.m., in the Heritage Room. This event also provides guests with an opportunity to find out more about educational and career opportunities in the judicial field, and to learn about SSC’s Paralegal, Court Reporting and Criminal Justice programs. For more information about Law Day, or to RSVP for the day’s events, please email [email protected] or contact Jason M. Cieslik, J.D., Paralegal Coordinator, at 708-596-2000, ext. 2579.

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

Prairie State College (PSC) Matteson Area Center, 4821 Southwick Drive, Matteson

Earth Day Celebration for Kids – Registration Now in Progress

In recognition of Earth Day 2018, PSC is hosting a free community event designed for children ages four to 13. The Saturday, May 12 event is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. at the college’s Matteson Area Center (MAC) in Matteson. Attendees will get the opportunity to participate in activities and experiments centered around environmental education, as well as science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). Children also will be able to use their imaginations with crafts and art projects to take home. If weather permits, several of the day’s activities will be held outdoors. Healthy snacks will be provided. The event will highlight the themes from the Kids@College iSTEAM summer program, which is scheduled at the MAC from June 25 through Aug. 9. The Earth Day celebration represents PSC’s commitment to improve and protect the environment while promoting fiscal and social responsibility. To register for the Earth Day event, call 708-709-3750 or email [email protected], and include the child’s name and age. Multiple children can be registered in one email. For more information about the PSC Kids@College summer program, visit www.prairiestate.edu/previewpsc.

Sauk-Calumet Sierra Club Group, Matteson

Discussion of Will County Truck Traffic – Monday, May 14

The next meeting of the Sauk-Calumet Sierra Club Group will be on Monday, May 14th, at the Frankfort Public Library, 21119 Pfeiffer Rd. in Frankfort at 7:15 pm.  This will be our last meeting until we meet again in September. Sierra Club’s Will County Conservation Organizer Ann Baskerville will address the impact of the expanding profusion of huge warehouses in Will County and the resulting freight traffic, noise and smog, pollution and road congestion. All meetings are open to members and the general public.  For additional information or for questions about the Club and its activities email Patrick Coffey at [email protected].

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.

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.

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, May 1

The Park Forest Toastmasters Club will meet on Tuesday, May 1 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.

St. Irenaeus Church, 78 Cherry Street, Park Forest

Prayers for Peace – Wednesday, May 2

Park Forest People of Faith will gather for peace prayers at St. Irenaeus Church on Wednesday, May 2 at 7 p.m.  All are invited to attend.

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.