In and Around Park Forest Week of September 8, 2014

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—September 8, 2014. The final date to bring your old clothing and/or shoes to the Park Forest Farmers’ Market for recycling is Saturday, September 13. USAgain, a green, for-profit company committed to protecting the environment, conserving resources, and creating green sector jobs through the collection of textiles for reuse and recycling, has agreed to collect residents’ old shoes and clothing at the Market. Items dropped off will be diverted from landfills to be re-worn, reused or recycled – reducing the carbon footprint of residents. A list of the items being accepted can be found in the ‘Green Events’ section.

After you attend the Farmers’ Market on September 13, stop by the Church of the Holy Family for their Second Annual House and Health Fair. The Church is inviting the community out for free food, fun and fellowship! Parents are encouraged to bring their children for free school supplies, pony rides and the Game Truck, a mobile arcade. There will also be massages from Health on Earth Wellness Centers and activities like Bingo and arts and crafts. You’ll find additional information about the event in the ‘This & That’ section.

If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in our community during the upcoming week, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.

Village of Park Forest

Village Commission & Advisory Boards

The following Park Forest Commissions and Advisory Boards are scheduled to meet the week of September 8:

• Tuesday, September 9 at 6:30 p.m. – Commission on Human Relations
• Tuesday, September 9 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission
• Wednesday, September 10 at 7 p.m. – Economic Development Advisory Group

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

Arts & Entertainment

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

Lyric Opera Preview – Tickets Now on Sale

A Lyric Opera Preview will take place on Sunday, September 21 at 4 p.m. This event is part of the ‘Opera Up Close’ series where you can sample a café-style opera from the unique vantage point of your table on the stage where you’ll be looking out into the theater at as the stories unfold. The event will be hosted by John Concepcion. Tickets are $35. The box office is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and two hours prior to performances. For more information, contact the box office at www.centertickets.net or call 708-235-2222.

DePaul University Art Museum, 935 West Fullerton, Chicago

‘Ink, Paper, Politics: WPA-era Printmaking from the Needles Collection’ – Opens September 11

The exhibition ‘Ink, Paper, Politics: WPA-era Printmaking from the Needles Collection’ featuring images of city life, labor and the workplace, and protests against social injustice will be among the fine-art prints which opens on September 11 and runs through December 21. The 56 prints in the exhibition were produced during the Depression, when the federal government was providing financial support to a wide range of artistic projects, from fiction to fine art, through the Works Progress Administration-Federal Arts Project (WPA-FAP). Many works addressed the nation’s economic inequality, leading some politicians to denounce the WPA as subversive, according to Lincoln. A congressional committee investigated the program as a Communist threat, and a 1938 story in the Chicago Tribune called it “a vampire political machine.” The exhibition includes works by such well-known artists as Stuart Davis and Rockwell Kent, and is drawn from a donation of 100 prints to the museum from the collection of Belverd Needles Jr. and Marian Powers Needles. Belverd Needles is the EY Distinguished Professor of Accountancy at the Driehaus College of Business at DePaul University; Marian Needles is an adjunct professor of executive education at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. As part of the September 11 opening, a lecture on how prints were viewed by audiences in the 1930s will be presented by Helen Langa, an associate professor of art history at American University in Washington, D.C. The lecture begins at 5:30 p.m. and a public reception will follow. On October 15, a lecture on the controversies over political content in the prints will be presented by Liz Seaton, curator at Kansas State University’s Beach Museum of Art. The lecture begins at 5:30 p.m. All events are free and open to the public. The DePaul Art Museum is located just east of the CTA Fullerton ‘L’ stop, is open Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information, call 773-325-7506 or visit www.depaul.edu/museum.

‘Fires Will Burn’ Politically Engaged Art from the Permanent Collection – Through December 21

‘Fires Will Burn’ will be exhibited through December 21 at DePaul University Art Museum. Drawing on DePaul’s own collection, this exhibition surveys a wide range of political expression, touching on racial prejudice, immigration issues and opposition to war. It includes Diego Rivera’s painting of the Mexican Revolution; John Wilson’s searing “Down by the Riverside,” a suite of etchings about slavery; and Gerda Meyer Bernstein’s powerful installation of “The Justice Chair.” Also included in this exhibition is a seldom-seen portfolio of prints by Chicago artists protesting the Vietnam War. Although the works vary widely in subject, scale and medium, the artists share the conviction that visual images can help to bring about social change. The DePaul Art Museum is located just east of the CTA’s Fullerton ‘L’ stop, is open this summer on Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. It will be closed Monday and Tuesday. For more information, call 773-325-7506 or visit http://museums.depaul.edu.

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park

2014 Carts & Cocktails Event – Saturday, September 13

GSU celebrates several new additions at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park as well as the 45th anniversary of one of its signature works at Carts & Cocktails 2014, which will be held Saturday, September 13, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. The event will be hosted by NBC 5 Chicago News Anchor Stefan Holt and will feature cocktails and a tour of the sculpture park in golf carts. BMO Harris Bank is pleased to support this annual benefit fundraiser as a Platinum-level sponsor. Carts and Cocktails celebrates the 45th anniversary of “Yes! for Lady Day” by Mark diSuvero, which the tour will visit. Mr. diSuvero spent two summers at GSU and crafted a number of sculptures during that period, including “Yes! for Lady Day.” It was purchased by Lewis Manilow and donated to the University in 1971. It has been noted as one of diSuvero’s most significant artworks. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts for his achievement in the field of sculpture by President Barack Obama in 2010. The tour will also visit elements of the exhibition “Don’t Tread on Me: Sculpture by Chakaia Booker” and view “Butte,” a recent addition to the permanent collection by Barry Tinsley. Ms. Booker will attend the event as a Visiting Artist. She has exhibited widely including several solo exhibitions at Marlborough Gallery, New York, N.Y., National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C. and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City, Mo. She is the recipient of numerous awards and grants and lives in New York City and Allentown, Pa. Tickets for the event are $125. To purchase tickets, inquire about sponsorship opportunities or get more information, contact NMSP at www.govst.edu/sculpture or call 708-235-0559. Carts & Cocktails is sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, Bimba Manufacturing, Franciscan St. James Health and other local companies. The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park is located at GSU’s main campus in University Park. The park is free of charge and open from dawn to dusk 365 days a year.

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

Surrealism and War – Through November 1

Surrealism and War, an exhibition of veterans’ artwork that explores the relationship between surrealism and the experience of war will be on display at the NVAM through November 1. Surrealism and War includes the seminal work “The Earth Lies Screaming” by Jim Leedy, a Korean War veteran who was one of only two Americans invited to participate in the largest Surrealist exhibition ever assembled at the Retretti Art Center, Finland, an exhibition that began with Miro, Dali, and DuChamp, and culminated with several works by Mr. Leedy. Surrealism is an attempt to revolt against the inherent contradictions of a society ruled by rational thought while dominated by war and oppression. Surrealism seeks expression of thought in the absence of all control exercised by reason and free of aesthetic and moral preoccupation. It is this same absence of control exercised by reason that many combat veterans seek to explore and express after their experiences in war. Surrealism and War features the artwork of nine veteran artists that intentionally and unintentionally use and explore Surrealist processes and concepts.  Featured artists include Korean War veteran Jim Leedy, Vietnam War veterans William Dugan, Stan Gillett, Michael Helbing, and Richard Yohnka, Gulf War veteran Ehren Tool, Kosovo veteran Giuseppe Pellicano, and Iraq War veterans David Keefe and Robynn Murray. The National Veterans Art Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. For group admission reservations, call the Museum at 312/326-0270 or visit www.nvam.org. Patrons of the museum can access art from the permanent collection and biographical information on the artists through the NVAM Collection Online, a recently launched online and high-resolution archive of every piece of art in the museum’s permanent collection. The NVAM Collection Online can be found at www.nvam.org.

Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest

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

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum at 141 Forest Blvd, Park Forest, is open Wednesday and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The museum can also be open for groups by appointment, at other times. Donation is Adults $5; Children 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 at 708-481-4252.

Park Forest Plaza Print for Sale

Annabelle Gould’s print of the Park Forest Plaza is available for sale at the Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard. The vibrant print is from an original watercolor, showing kids and their moms in the Park Forest Plaza, in front of the old Holiday Theatre and Golden Hanger Shop. The print can be purchased at the House Museum during normal hours of operation on Wednesdays and Saturdays or through the Society’s online store on their website at www.parkforesthistory.org. Prints are $15 each. Online purchases also required an additional $6 fee for postage and handling. For additional information on other items for sale by the Society, visit www.parkforesthistory.org.

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:

• Monday, September 8 at 3 p.m. — Introduction to Computers Class — Provides an introduction to the computer and its basic uses. Registration Required.
• Monday, September 8 at 6:30 p.m. — Jazz on Monday Nights — The sounds of Ron Carter & Art Farmer.
• Tuesday, September 9 at 6:30 p.m. — Blues on Tuesdays — Michael Bloomfield documentary.
• Saturday, September 13 at 11 a.m. — Microsoft Word 2013 — An introduction to using the word processing program Microsoft Word. Registration Required.

For additional information or to register for a program, call 708-748-3731 or visit http://www.pfpl.org/.

Library Board Vacancy

A position on the Park Forest Library Board of Trustees is now vacant until the next election, which will be held in April 2015. The vacancy can be filled until that time by appointment by the Park Forest Library Board. Click here for more information.

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

Photographer of the Year & Annual Student Work Exhibition – Through September 18

A selection of works from PSC Photographer of the Year honoree Carole Rose will be on display through Thursday, September 18, in the Christopher Art Gallery on the college’s main campus in Chicago Heights. The Photographer of the Year award is given annually to an outstanding PSC photography student. In addition to being the featured artist in the student show, Rose also will receive a $1,500 scholarship. Rose is an active member of the college’s Photo Society, and is currently serving as vice president. The club sponsors the Photographer of the Year scholarship award. Additional PSC students who will have their work highlighted during the show include Demarkus Nelson, Dominique Tolbert and Raymond Thompson of Park Forest; Robert Walker, William Billingsly and Diante Mitchell of Matteson; Daniel Lagor, Melinda Arce-Gudino, Asha Brumfield, Luke Rhodes and Ian Brockman of Homewood; Jamie Jenkins and Carol Bruns of Beecher; Syd Sanchez and Amy Roesch of Chicago Heights; Carly Harnisch of Chicago; and Robert Villarreal of Flossmoor. The Christopher Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. The gallery will be closed on Labor Day, Sept. 1. Visits also can be made by appointment. For more information about the exhibit or to make an appointment for a visit, call 708-709-3636.

Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest

‘Noir’ Exhibit – Through October 1

‘Noir,’ an exhibit by Colorado artist, and former Park Forest resident, Leslie Aguillard, will run through October 1 at the Gallery. Aguillard’s exhibit brings her interpretations of segments of old films and their characters. A reception will be held on Friday, September 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Gallery featuring refreshments and music. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.  For additional information and Gallery hours, call 708-833-5108.

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

‘Moon Over Buffalo’ – Opens September 19

The PAC Rats Theatre Company of SSC will present ‘Moon Over Buffalo,’ Ken Ludwig’s madcap backstage comedy. Performances will take place in the Kindig Performing Arts Center on the Main Campus on September 19, 20 and 26 at 8:00 p.m., September 27 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and September 28 at 2:00 p.m. It’s 1953 and fading stars George and Charlotte Hay (Paul Braun of Lansing and Heather Young of Burnham) are on tour in Buffalo, NY with a repertory consisting of ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’ and Noel Coward’s ‘Private Lives.’ On the brink of a disastrous split-up caused by George’s dalliance with a young ingénue (Ashley Orendorff of Thornton), they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee, and if likes what he sees, he might cast them in his movie remake of ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel.‘ Unfortunately for George and Charlotte, everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Enabled by Charlotte’s deaf old stage manager mother, who hates every bone in George’s body (Betty Owens of Glenwood), a case of mistaken identity causes hilarious uncertainty about which play they’re actually performing. Richard (Martell Jefferson of South Holland), Charlotte’s would-be suitor, makes an appearance and tries to woo her away from George. Meanwhile, the Hays’ temperamental daughter Rosalind (Cathy Hundt of Thornton) splits time between fiancé Howard (Kevin Hathaway of Park Forest) and ex-fiancé Paul (Charlie Furtek of Lansing), who works as the company’s stage manager. The hopeful actors sprint through the tangle of confusion to produce a woefully misbegotten mixture of two different plays in their hoped-for presentation piece, and in the play’s climactic scene, manage to set everything right by still more series of coincidences and mishaps. The play is directed by Lansing resident Sandra Wagner. Set design is by Dean Scalzitti of Hegewisch. Lighting design and fight choreography are by Laura Tiemens of South Holland. The costume designer is JoAnna Tassin of Park Forest, with Melody Jones of Calumet City as her assistant. Angela Martin of Midlothian is the stage manager. June Wagner of Lansing is designing the props for the production and Jordan Swierczyna of Robbins is the sound designer. Tickets are just $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 55 or better, $6 for students. Call the 24/7 box office voicemail line at 708-210-5741. You may also reserve tickets by e-mail at [email protected]. South Suburban College student and employee discounts, as well as group rates are also available. SSC is located between Sibley Boulevard and 159th Street. The campus is convenient to Routes 94, 80, 57, and 294. Free, ample, well-lit parking is available.

‘Welcome to Earth’ Art Exhibition – Through September 17

SSC’s Art & Design Department will to present a new exhibition titled ‘Welcome to Earth,’ a select body of ceramic sculptures from Chicago based artist Matthew Groves will be on display in the Dorothea Thiel Gallery at the South Holland Campus through September 17. A closing reception for the artist will be held on September 17 at 11 a.m. Figurative and narrative, the work reflects Groves’ unique point of view, demonstrates his passion for craft and traditional forms, and recognizes ceramics as a vital cultural medium. Both the exhibit and closing reception are free and open to the public. The Thiel Gallery is on the 4th floor in the Art & Design hallway. SSC Galleries are open at minimum Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. For more information, please call 708-596-2000, ext. 2445 or visit www.ssc.edu/art.

‘Trail to Arcadia’ – Through September 17

The Art & Design Department of SSC is pleased to present a new exhibition titled ‘Trail to Arcadia’ on display through September 17th at the Dulgar Gallery. A closing reception for the artist will be held on September 17, 2014 at 12 noon. ‘Trail to Arcadia’ is an exhibition of watercolor paintings from Chicago-based artist Anna Zanic. In this body of work, the abstracted notion of atmospheric landscape is a metaphorical expression of life’s mysterious and elusive path. Works are built with layers of watercolor washes, intermixed with dynamic lines, scribbles and marks of ink drawing. There is a quiet tension between the watercolor’s fluidity, softness and calm, vs. the dynamic, rhythm and energy of drawing. The public is welcome to visit art exhibitions and reception at no charge. The Dulgar Gallery is located on the 1st Floor near the Atrium and the Thiel Gallery is on the 4th floor in the Art & Design hallway. SSC Galleries are open at minimum Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. For more information, please call 708-596-2000, ext. 2445 or visit www.ssc.edu/art

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Annual Gallery Artists Exhibit – Through September 21

Tall Grass Arts Association’s annual Gallery Artists Exhibit will run through September 21. The exhibit features a varied collection of work created by Tall Grass Juried Artists including works that have never been exhibited in the Gallery before. This exhibit also features several newly juried artists exhibiting in Tall Grass for the first time. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information please visit the Tall Grass website www.tallgrassarts.org or call the Gallery at 708-748-3377.

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

‘Connections’ Exhibit – Opens September 11

‘Connections,’ an exhibit of work by Union Street Gallery Studio and Guild Artists opens on September 11 and runs through September 28. This exhibit will be on display on USG’s Pop-Up Gallery located at 305 Main Street, Park Forest. Pop-Up Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 noon to 5 p.m. For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

Juan Gonzalez to Deliver Keynote Address – Friday, September 26

He’s sat down with Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, Bolivia’s Evo Morales and Iran’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad; authored three books and spent his more than 30-year career as a crusader for racial equality in journalism. GSU is pleased to welcome the co-host of “Democracy Now” and “New York Daily News” columnist, Juan Gonzalez, to deliver the keynote address at the Midwest History Association Conference on September 26, 2014 at 7 p.m. This event, though part of the conference, is free and open to the public. Gonzalez, one of the founding members of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and UNITY: Journalists of Color contributes his vast knowledge on labor relations, the environment, race relations, urban policy and media from years of acclaimed investigative reporting, co-hosting and writing on some of the most prolific figures of our time. He has authored three books: the critically acclaimed “Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America;” “Roll Down Your Window: Stories from a Forgotten America;” and “Fallout: The Environmental Consequences of the World Trade Center Collapse.” The community is welcome to attend his address in Sherman Hall at 7 p.m. RSVP’s are requested to reserve space by emailing [email protected]. Attendees are also welcomed at a themed Art Gallery Exhibit before the keynote event from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Visual Arts Gallery entitled I AMerican, curated by Sergio Gomez. This multi-media exhibition explores what it means to be an "American" from the perspective of bi-cultural artists living in the United States. Heavy appetizers will be served. This event is free and no RSVP is required. For more information on the Midwest History Association, visit http://www.mwwha.org.

Job Search Assistance Every Tuesday at GSU

The Mobile Workforce Center’s mobile unit will be at GSU every Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., parked near the university’s front entrance. Center services include resume development, access to online job boards and websites, instruction in how to conduct an online job search and improve keyboarding skills, and assistance of staff. The center is equipped with 11 computer stations with Internet access, printer, and copy machines, and is wheelchair accessible. Services are free and available to residents in all counties. For additional information, contact the Workforce Services Division of Will County at 815-727-4980.

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights

HR Management Continuing Professional Education Course – Registration Now in Progress

Human Resources (HR) impacts every aspect of your business organization. Understanding the role HR plays and implementing effective HR policies and practices can keep your organization out of the courtroom, avoid needless litigation and create a more satisfying work environment for your employees and staff. PSC, in partnership with Northern Illinois University (NIU), will host the two-day “SHRM’s Essentials® of HR Management” course from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., on Wednesday, Sept. 17 and Thursday, Sept. 18, in the Conference Center of the PSC main campus in Chicago Heights. The course is a perfect fit for new and junior HR professionals, business owners and office managers, managers and supervisors with employee management responsibilities, job seekers wanting to transition in a career in HR and HR professionals seeking to update their current HR knowledge. Attendees will learn about the complex, real-world and legal issues HR professionals face. Topics include employment law, selecting qualified employees, compensation basics, orientation and training of employees and performance management. John Newton SPHR, president of John Newton and Associates, will be the instructor for this course. Newton brings a wealth of real-world practical HR experience to the classroom through his entertaining and engaging presentation style. The cost to attend is $650, or $600 for SHRM members or NIU alumni for registrations completed at least 14 days in advance of the course start date. A $100 late fee applies to registrations within 14 days. The course fee includes course materials and online access to resources you can use in the workplace and catering services. To register, visitwww.hrcourses.niu.edu or call 800-345-9472. Make certain to enter the promo code PSC914 when registering. For more information about this and other NIU HR Programs, contact Donna Mann, director, credentialing programs at NIU, at (815) 732-6249 or[email protected].

‘Doing Business with Canada’ – Registration Required – Seating Limited

If you are interested in doing business with Canada or increasing the business you currently do with Canada, then don’t miss this important event, “Doing Business with Canada,” being held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 3, at the Prairie State College (PSC) Conference Center. In this 20th year anniversary of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Consul General of Canada, Dr. Roy Norton, and trade and investment staff of the Canadian Consulate General in Chicago, are presenting information for Illinois businesses on how to increase their business with Canada. The presentation will describe Illinois’ current economic relationship with Canada, discuss the business climate in Canada, and review some of the considerations that companies not currently involved in the Canadian market should know about. Consul General Norton is based in Chicago and represents Canada in Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin. Under his direction, the Canadian Consulate General promotes Canadian interests, including trade, investment, the environment, culture and academic relations. Canada is Illinois’ largest trading and business partner. The presentation will be helpful to exporters, importers and investors. Consul General Norton and his colleagues will be available to answer participants’ questions.
Reservations are requested for the event as seating is limited. The cost is $25. To register online visit http://prairiestate.edu/webAdvisor/ and click on the continuing education tab. The course number is PILIF 038 C1. Or you can contact Michelle Guiliani, at [email protected] or call 708-709-7957.

Rich Township Free Basic Computer Classes for Adults

Rich Township is offering free basic computer skill classes for adults every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Leonard Robinson Family Services Center, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park. Participants will learn Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet skills, résumé building skills, and more. Classes are open only to residents of Rich Township. For additional information, call Mark Mason or Joe Moran at 708-748-6722.

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

Women’s Empowerment Event at the Oak Forest Center – Friday, September 12

The Chicagoland Speakers Network is hosting a Women’s Empowerment Event at South Suburban College’s Oak Forest Center Friday, September 12, 2014, from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Check-in will take place starting at 8:00 a.m. with five, hour-long seminars to follow:
8:30 a.m. How Great Women Inspire Action
9:30 a.m. Do You Have What It Takes? Busting 11 Myths about Alternative Career Paths
10:30 a.m. Women’s Worth: Finding Your Financial Confidence
11:30 a.m. People Don’t Come with Warning Labels
12:30 p.m. Yes, You Can: Practical Advice for Big Nutrition & Health Changes
Advanced registration is $25 for all seminars and continental breakfast; walks-ups will pay $30 at the door. Early registration is encouraged at csn-wee.eventbrite.com. For more information, please call 724-344-5958. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.

25th Annual College & Career Expo – Wednesday, September 24

SSC is hosting Career Development System’s (CDS) 25th Annual College & Career Expo on Wednesday, September 24, 2014, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., in the Physical Fitness Athletic Center. This year’s Expo is an hour longer to allow more parents and students to attend. The Expo is an excellent opportunity for 8th grade, high school and SSC students, along with their parents, to explore a wide range of college and career options at one time, in one location. Admission and parking are FREE and the event is conveniently located at SSC’s Main Campus in South Holland. This cooperative venture is designed to provide the most current information available regarding post-secondary educational opportunities across the country. More than 120 universities, colleges, technical school, armed forces, and construction trades will be featured. Career programs available at SSC will be highlighted along with the "Parents’ Place" resources. Three prizes will be raffled for students attending to include the grand prize of an IPAD Mini, second prize a $100 VISA gift card, and third prize a $50 VISA gift card. The 25th Annual College & Career Expo 2014 is open to all residents of the area who are interested in furthering their education. For more information regarding the College & Career Expo 2014, visit the CDS website at: www.CareerDevelopmentSystem.org.

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.

Healthy Living

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

3rd Annual Walk for Recovery – Saturday, September 20

In celebration of National Recovery Month, the GSU’s Addictions Studies Alumni Club will sponsor their third annual Walk for Recovery on Saturday, September 20, 2014, at the University. The Walk for Recovery is designed to honor individuals in recovery or who are seeking recovery. The event also celebrates the treatment and support service providers who are committed to helping them, and to increasing awareness surrounding addiction issues. This free event begins with registration from 8 to 9 a.m., followed by a program at 9 a.m. The two or three-mile walk will commence at 10 a.m. In addition, a resource fair will be open from 8 a.m. to noon. Featured at the 9 a.m. program will be the following speakers: Peter Palanca, Executive Vice President and COO of Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC, Inc.), who will serve as Master of Ceremonies; Mark Sanders, CEO, On the Mark Consulting; and Comedian Jay Washington. The event will also feature door prizes, refreshments, music and entertainment. This event is generously sponsored by, Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC, Inc.), the South Suburban Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, the Illinois Certification Board (IAODAPCA); Handwritten Greetings, Inc., Aurelio’s Pizza Crete, Chicago Dough Company, Starbucks Homewood and Sunrise Greenhouses. Those who register online at www.govst.edu/alumniwalk will be entered for a special door prize. Additional information may be obtained by calling GSU Alumni Relations at 708-534-7892.

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.

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].

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

Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest

Senior Citizen Weekday Lunch at the Senior Café

Senior citizens of all income levels are invited to lunch weekdays at the Rich Township Senior Café located inside the Rich Township’s Shirley J. Green Senior Center. The CNN site is open to all south suburban residents, including those living outside of Rich Township. Participants must be 60 years of age or older. The suggested donation for lunch is $2.50. Lunch is served Monday through Friday at noon. Bingo begins at 10 a.m. For additional information or to make a reservation for lunch, call 708-747-2700.

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.

Roosevelt University, 430 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

‘Night of Hope’ – Wednesday, September 10

Roosevelt University will mark World Suicide Prevention Day on Wednesday, Sept. 10 with A Night of Hope, an awareness program on suicide prevention that is open to all college students, as well as the public, in Chicago’s busy South Loop college corridor. The program, being held at 7 p.m. in Roosevelt’s 2nd floor Congress Lounge is led by a Roosevelt University student, Brandon Rohlwing, whose personal experiences with suicide have spurred him to help troubled young people. According to the Center for Disease Control, suicide is the second leading cause of death among traditional-aged college students ages 18 to 24. Marking World Suicide Prevention Day and national Suicide Prevention Week, A Night of Hope begins at 6:30 p.m. with a pre-event social. Presentations and a panel discussion follow at 7 p.m.

Speakers will include: Nicola Survanshi, director of programs and operations for ReachOut.com/Inspire USA Foundation, an international not-for-profit whose mission is to help youth strengthen mental wellness through technology-driven resources and peer support; Brandon Rohlwing, one of 10 nationwide youth counselors/mentors for ReachOut.com, and the only one from Chicago who gives college students tips and advice electronically for handling a variety of day-to-day stresses and problems; and Matthew Hoffman, creator of Chicago’s “You are Beautiful” sticker campaign.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information or to register for Night of Hope visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/718200094883983.

South Suburban Food Co-op, 208 Forest Boulevard, Park Forest

‘Do You Really Have the GUTS to be Healthy’ Presentation – Wednesday, September 17

The South Suburban Food Co-op will host a special presentation by Nancy Lee Bently, holistic health expert entitled ‘Do You Really Have the GUTS to be Health.’ The event will take place on Wednesday, September 17 at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. With her unique trademark wit and wisdom, innovative food and health pioneer, Nancy Lee Bentley, author ‘Truly Cultured’ and ‘Dr. Mercola’s Total Health Program,’ calls-it-like-it-is about the state of our food and health and what it takes to be healthy today. We are facing some hefty challenges yet it is not hopeless if we get together and get real with our food and selves. Get back to basics, love your guts, reduce your stress, allergies, waistline and even your grocery bill. Key points include: digestion and gut health are 70% 0 89% of immunity; all chronic diseases stem from poor digestion; and friendly bacteria are keys to good digestion, health, and more. In the face of busy lives, GMOs and politically-motivated food laws, it takes courage to be healthy There will be $1 raffle tickets sold to win a copy of Ms. Bentley’s book. Co-op members that bring a friend, will receive a free raffle ticket. Copies of Ms. Bentley’s book will also be available for purchase at the event for $20.
For additional information, please call 708-747-2256.

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

‘A Short Guide to a Long Life’ – Thursday, September 11
UUCC will host a Healthy Living Group event on Thursday, September 11 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Kris Cirn, ORT/L, occupational therapist, will summarize Dr. David Agus’ book ‘A Short Guide to a Long Life’ and lead a discussion of good habits for health and longevity. According to Dr. Agus, most people could delay or totally prevent a vast majority of illnesses if they just adopt a few healthy habits and avoid the ones that lead to illness. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org. UUCC is located just east of Western Avenue and south of Steger Road.

Green Events

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Wednesday Morning Walkers – September 10

On Wednesday, September 10 at 9 a.m., enjoy light exercise and experience nature firsthand on Thorn Creek’s winding trails. Trails can be wet or muddy, so please wear sturdy shoes. Terrain is moderator. The Wednesday morning walks will continue each week and walkers new to the program must register two days before they first hike.

September Prairie Sampler Work Day – Registration Required by Saturday, September 13

On Monday, September 15 from 9:30 a.m. to noon, those of all ages can get down and dirty and help Master Gardeners from the University of Illinois Extension Service care for our Prairie Sampler. Bring your own gloves, hand clippers, kneelers if you like. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots. Refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to everyone however, children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required Saturday, September 13. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.

Know Your Oaks Hike – Registration Required by Thursday, September 18

The Know Your Oaks Hike will take place on Saturday, September 20 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Oak trees are common in Thorn Creek Woods, but are they all the same? Find out which oaks are found in our region and how you can tell them apart even when the leaves are gone. Discover tips and tricks that will help you identify some of the different species of oak trees. The event is free and open to everyone of all ages. Registration required by Thursday, September 18. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.

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.

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Clothing, Shoe Recycling at Park Forest Farmers’ Market – Final Recycling Date is Saturday, September 13

The Park Forest Farmers’ Market will now offer clothing and shoe recycling services from 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday through September. Saturday, September 13 is the final date when accepted items may be dropped off. USAgain, a green, for-profit company committed to protecting the environment, conserving resources, and creating green sector jobs through the collection of textiles for reuse and recycling, has agreed to collect residents’ old shoes and clothing at the Market. Items dropped off will be diverted from landfills to be re-worn, reused or recycled – reducing the carbon footprint of residents. Accepted items include men’s, women’s and kids’ shoes, boots and clothing as well as gloves, hats, bags, purses and belts. Sheets, blankets, drapes and towels are also welcome. The Park Forest Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays through October, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is located at 271 Lakewood Blvd, just across from the Park Forest Police Department. To learn more, call 708-748-1118.

Park Forest 41st Annual Farmers’ Market – Every Saturday through October 25

Park Forest’s 41st Annual Farmers’ Market will take place every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 25. The Market is located across the street from the Park Forest Police Station, 271 Lakewood Boulevard. The Market offers fresh vegetables, fruits, organic breads, salsa, specialty produce, garden bedding plants, perennials, garden ornaments, Amish butter, cheese and pies. A variety of food vendors, jewelry and oils will also be available for purchase. The Market accepts SNAP/Link cards, Senior Nutrition coupons and WIC. For additional information about the Farmers’ Market, call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118, email [email protected] or visit www.villageofparkforest.com.

This & That

Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 South Orchard Drive, Park Forest

Annual Good Neighbor Day – Saturday, September 20

Calvary United Protestant Church will be having their Annual Good Neighbor Day on Saturday, September 20th, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature games for the kids, free food, community information, CEDA, DHS information and more! The event is free and open to the public. Calvary United Protestant Church is located on the corner of Orchard and Route 30.

Church of the Holy Family, 102 Marquette Street, Park Forest

Second Annual Open House & Health Fair – Saturday, September 13

The Church of the Holy Family will host its Second Annual Open House and Health Fair on Saturday, September 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Church is inviting the community out for free food, fun and fellowship! Parents are encouraged to bring their children for free school supplies, pony rides and the Game Truck, a mobile arcade. Attendees can unwind with massages from Health on Earth Wellness Centers, and seniors can enjoy activities like Bingo and arts and crafts. The open house includes registration of youth ministry programs like the Girls Scouts and upcoming Cubs Scouts program. Vendors will be on site with giveaways and health literature. The health fair will include dental exams for children and blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetic screenings for adults. Walgreens will also provide flu shots. All wellness screenings are free. Please bring Medicaid or dental insurance cards for children’s dental screenings offered by Smile Illinois. For more information on Church of the Holy Family and for a complete list of vendors and services, visit our Facebook page at tinyurl.com/holy-family-pf. If you have any questions about this event, please call 708-748-1100 or email [email protected].

Park Forest American Legion, 1631 Western Avenue, Chicago Heights

Blood Drive – Appointments Now Being Scheduled

The Sons of the American Legion will host a blood drive on Sunday, October 12, 2014, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The drive will take place at the Park Forest American Legion in Chicago Heights. A free breakfast will be served to all donors. To schedule an appointment, please call Life Source at 1-877-543-3768.

Park Forest Commission on Human Relations

Nominations Sought for 2014 Good Egg Award – Nominations Due by September 11

Do you know someone who’s gone beyond the call of duty — possibly a neighbor, a local baseball coach, a business owner — and you feel they deserve to be recognized? Nominate them for the Good Egg Award by September 11. Click below to download the nomination form. Download the nomination form!

Park Forest Area League of Women Voters

Fall Meeting – Tuesday, September 16

The League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area will host their opening meeting for the fall on Tuesday, September 16, at 6:30 PM with a potluck dinner at the home of Mary Lubertozzi, 3434 Attica Rd, Olympia Fields. The guest speaker will be Mary Lou Aagaard, Election Laws Issue Specialist for the League of Women Voters of Illinois. The topic will be Election 2014: Ballot Issues and Election Law Revisions. Ms. Aargaard will review the various referenda issues that will be on the November 4 election ballot, including proposed changes to the Illinois Constitution, and several advisory referenda. She will also update the group on recent revisions made in Illinois election laws.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization which encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters encourages citizens to register to vote and provides public education for voters on election issues. The League does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Anyone interested in promoting responsible government is invited to be a member. The public is invited to attend the meeting. For more information about the program or membership in the League, please contact Mary Lubertozzi, 708-747-1359.

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Document Destruction Event – Saturday, September 13

The Village of Park Forest, in partnership with the Will County Land Use Department, will hold a document destruction event on Saturday, September 13, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., in DownTown Park Forest at the corner of Main Street and Cunningham Drive. Residents may bring personal documents, old check stubs, bank statements, old files, IRS tax forms, and other miscellaneous paper documents for destruction. Documents will be shredded on site by Shark Shredding Inc. Items not accepted include newspapers, school assignments, metal items, corrosives, hazardous waste, food waste and wet documents. The event is restricted to residents only. Residents may bring two file boxes maximum per vehicle. Businesses may not take part in this event. Residents must be in line by 11 a.m. for any documents to be accepted. This event is sponsored by the Will County Land Use Department, Resource Recovery and the Village of Park Forest.

Village-wide Garage Sale – September 19 – 21

Do you have items in your home you no longer need that could become someone else’s treasures? Do you love a good deal and enjoy a great garage sale or flea market? Park Forest’s village-wide garage sale, being held September 19 – 21, brings together buyers from near and far for one large garage sale, and the entire community is the garage. Set-up your garage sale during one of Park Forest’s busiest weekends and capitalize on thousands of out-of-towners visiting for the Park Forest Art Fair on September 20 and 21. Register by September 15 to boost awareness of your sale. Seller registration is not required but encouraged to increase awareness of where sales are located. Once registered, a map/listing of all registered addresses will be created for the convenience of the public thereby increasing traffic at seller locations. A map of registered locations will be available on the Village webpage (http://www.villageofparkforest.com), as well as at Park Forest’s Village Hall, beginning September 17. Registration is free.