African Print from African Fabric House. Source: Prairie State College’s Christopher Art Gallery exhibit ‘Odwindifuor Expressions: Works from Ghana, West Africa’
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF) — Updated September 26, 2016. The Park Forest Police Department will host a program ‘Unity Day: Strengthening the Ties Between the Community and the Police’ from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Central Park, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, on Saturday, October 1st. The event will feature food, games, raffles, police emergency vehicles and more. A safe Park Forest relies on more than just a professional, well-trained police force, it also relies on a strong partnership with residents. Meet the officers who serve you, show your support, and enjoy lots of fun with the Park Forest Police Department on October 1 at Central Park!
On a personal note, thanks for all your good thoughts following my recent surgery. Good to back to work.
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.
Village of Park Forest
Village Board Meetings – Monday, September 26 & Saturday, October 1
The Village of Park Forest Board is scheduled to meet on Monday, September 26 at 7 p.m. In addition, the Board will hold a Saturday Morning Rules meeting on October 1 at 10 a.m. Both meetings 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.
Water Main Replacement Project – Now in Progress
Construction continues in Park Forest as part of a year-long four-mile water main replacement project. Residents should be aware that parking is not permitted on streets with JULIE/utility paint markings and flags. For questions about the project, contact Public Works at 708-503-7702.
Arts & Entertainment
Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Out of Bounds (Public Version) – Tuesday, October 18
This public version of Out of Bounds accompanies our Arts in Education show Out of Bounds (Youth Version) which will take place at 11 a.m. at the Center for Performing Arts on Tuesday, October 18 for school groups. This version is a full-length show appropriate for all ages – families are encouraged to see it together so they can talk about the play afterwards. This play is based on the same story as the youth version, however it also includes the perspectives of Amy’s mother and adults at her school. The play has a running time of 1 hour, 20 minutes. A National Theatre Project Award Winner, the public performance of Out of Bounds confronts the effects of cyber-bullying from a school parent’s point of view. Allison is a single mother who spends a whole school year trying to fight her daughter’s bullies while being haunted by memories of her own experiences growing up. Humorous, thoughtful and honest, Out of Bounds weaves together video, comic books and interviews to tell the stories of kids stuck on the outside and the adults who feel powerless to help them. This show is free and open to the public but reservations are required. Reservations can be made at: Reservations
DePaul Art Museum, 935 W. Fullerton, Chicago
International Art Exhibition ‘On Space and Place’ – Through December 18
For the first time, viewers of the ART21 or “Art in the Twenty-First Century” television series will be able to see work by artists featured in the new season at the DePaul Art Museum on the Lincoln Park Campus of DePaul University. The exhibition will provide a multi-layered opportunity to learn about the artists on PBS stations, including Chicago’s WTTW-Channel 11, then experience the work in person. The DePaul Art Museum collaborated with the Peabody Award-winning documentary series ART21 to exhibit the 16 artists featured in the show’s eighth season. The exhibition, “On Space and Place: Contemporary Art from Chicago, Los Angeles, Mexico City and Vancouver,” curated by Widholm, will run through December 18 at the DePaul Art Museum. The featured artists, chosen by ART21 curator Wesley Miller, are grouped by their unique and revealing relationships to the places where they live, Chicago, Los Angeles, Mexico City and Vancouver, to showcase their cities as vibrant and diverse centers for art.
16 innovative artists from 4 dynamic cities:
- Chicago artists: Nick Cave, Theaster Gates, Barbara Kasten, Chris Ware
- Mexico City artists: Natalia Almada, Minerva Cuevas, Damián Ortega, Pedro Reyes
- Los Angeles artists: Edgar Arceneaux, Liz Larner, Tala Madani, Diana Thater
- Vancouver artists: Stan Douglas, Brian Jungen, Liz Magor, Jeff Wall
To view a trailer and learn more about ART21 and television dates visit http://www.pbs.org/art21/. The DePaul Art Museum is located just east of the CTA’s Fullerton ‘L’ stop. The museum hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. For more on the DePaul Art Museum’s upcoming exhibitions and events, call 773-325-7506 or visit http://museums.depaul.edu/.
Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
Shemekia Copeland – Tickets Now on Sale
Back by popular demand, Queen of the Blues Shemekia Copeland will perform at Freedom Hall on Friday, October 21, at 7:30 p.m. Shemika will rock the house, pounding out the Rhythm and Blues. Shemekia Copeland’s passion for the blues gives her music power and a heart-pounding urgency. Dubbed as the new “Queen of the Blues,” she has headlined at the Chicago Blues Festival, shared the stage with Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton, and has performed at the White House for President Barack Obama. “Copeland embodies the blues with her powerful vocal chops.” says National Public Radio. Tickets are $30, or $26 for season subscribers. For additional information or to purchase tickets, phone 708-747-0580 or visit www.freedomhall.org.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
IPO Debuts 39th Season – Saturday, October 15
Who will be the IPO’s next Music Director? During IPO’s 2016-17 season, you will have the opportunity to see and hear all five finalists. The IPO’s 39th season debuts on Saturday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. with
‘Beethoven 3 and the Search for Greatness.’ The concert will take place at the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway in University Park. Leading the program will be New Zealand-born Maestra Holly Mathieson who currently serves as the Resident Conductor of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland Junior Orchestra. The program is guaranteed to pluck at your heartstrings beginning with Ives’ haunting and poignant work. Next, guest violinist Stefan Milenkovich joins the IPO for Sibelius’ thrilling violin concerto, a signature work by the Finnish master. The second half of the program is dedicated to Beethoven’s revolutionary third symphony (the “Heroic”), one of the greatest symphonies in the entire repertoire. For additional information or to purchase tickets online visit: www.ipomusic.org or call 708.481.7774.
Kiwanis Club of Park Forest
65th Annual Pancake Day – Saturday, October 1
The Kiwanis Club of Park Forest’s 65th Annual Pancake Day takes place on Saturday, October 1, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rich East High School, 300 Sauk Trail. Pancake Day has been a proud community tradition for decades. Attendees enjoy all-you-can-eat golden brown pancakes and sizzling sausage. Connect with neighbors, reconnect with old friends, and celebrate community while taking part in a fantastic breakfast benefiting an even better cause. Proceeds from Pancake go toward community engagement activities throughout the year in addition to $1 from each adult ticket benefiting Park Forest Police Officer Tim Jones. Jones was shot in the line of duty earlier this year and continues to rehabilitate from his injuries. Advance tickets are $3 for kids 12 and under and $7 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at Village Hall. Costs increase by $1 for tickets purchased at the door.
National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM), 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago
Exhibit of Work by Chicago Veteran Artist George Klauba – Through October 29
NVAM announces the opening of its newest solo exhibition featuring the work of Chicago veteran artist, George Klauba. The exhibition comprises two series of paintings: ‘Nerves on Fire: Reflections on WWII’ and ‘Cuba: Rebels, Orishas & 26 Julio.’ Klauba’s first exhibition at NVAM will run through Saturday, October 29. This exhibit is open to the public. Klauba’s work recalls the impact of witnessing the homecoming of WWII veterans and making the daily sacrifices to support the war effort on his childhood. He remembers the reverence he felt for the objects brought back from war, and the curiosity invoked by the exotic names of locations in the Pacific. These objects and stories from his childhood eventually merged with an adult understanding of the sorrow and loss experienced by both sides. Klauba masterfully illustrates these vignettes and empathetically weaves them throughout his paintings which he describes as memorials. Nerves on Fire is dedicated to the men and women who were deeply affected by the Second World War. ‘Cuba: Rebels, Orishas & 26 Julio’ is inspired by the indelible experiences Klauba had as a young sailor stationed in Cuba during the revolution. Klauba enlisted in the U.S. Navy and spent a month in Guantanamo Bay during one of his deployments. His personal accounts and first-hand understanding of the political atmosphere of the time lays the contextual foundation for the unique mix of factual and fantastical imagery found in this series. Side by side these two series of paintings offer a glimpse into the way in which military service has both defined the artist’s life and driven decades of contemplation about the impact that war has had on his and others’ lives. For more information about the National Veterans Art Museum, visit www.nvam.org, or call 312-326-0270.
Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163
Celebration of Learning Parade – Tuesday, October 4
Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163 will mount a Celebration of Learning Parade for its students and for the community on Tuesday, October 4, at 9:45 a.m. The parade will feature students and the floats they built from all six District 163 schools, kindergarten through eighth grade. Students will be dressed in costumes representing book characters. Floats will indicate the educational goals in the District. This event is a Celebration of Learning that involves parents and the community. The parade steps off from Michelle Obama School of Technology and the Arts, 530 Lakewood, Park Forest, and winds through Village streets. The parade will be preceded by a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. for the community to introduce Michelle Obama’s new addition, which features classrooms, commons area and gymnasium. Organizers says the parade is a unique way of kicking off the school year and involving community members in their children’s education and activities. The sixth through eighth grades students in the District’s Communication Media Arts class at Barack Obama School of Leadership and STEM, who produce a weekly podcast at their school, will broadcast from along the parade route and provide commentary. For questions, contact Denise Faris at [email protected].
Park Forest Garden Club
Falling Leaves Festival – Tuesday, October 11
The Garden Club of Park Forest invite you to the annual Falling Leaves Festival on Tuesday, October 11 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 227 Monee Road in Park Forest. The Festival is open to the public and will feature a program presented by U. of I. Extension Master Gardener Linda Anderson on beekeeping. Tickets are $8 at the door. Door prizes, sandwiches and desserts are included. For additional information, call 708-748-6333 or 708-747-3847.
Park Forest Historical Society, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest
Step Back into the 1950s at the Park Forest House Museum
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum at 227 Monee Road, (inside St. Mary’s Catholic Church) in Park Forest, will give you a nostalgic look of what a Park Forest home and classroom once looked like. The Museum is open Wednesday and Saturday 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and can also be open at other times by appointment for group tours. Donation is Adults $5; 12 & under free with an adult. Scout and school tours are priced individually. For details, to arrange a special group tour, or to volunteer, visit the Park Forest Historical Society website, www.parkforesthistory.org, or call Jane Nicoll, 708-481-4252.
Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard
The following events are scheduled at the Park Forest Library the week of September 25:
- Monday, September 26 at 11 a.m. – Sunrise Story Time — Jump start your morning with a series of stories that are sure to get you moving. Ages 12 and under.
- Monday, September 26 at 2 p.m. — Fun with Science! — Join us each week for exciting hands-on experiments. You will be inspired through an interactive environment of discovery that will ignite your imagination. For ages 12 and under, however some experiments are not suitable for children under 8 years old.
- Monday, September 26 at 4 p.m. – Teen DIYs — Finding it difficult to stay organized? Create cool projects to keep your materials creatively in order!
- Tuesday, September 27 at 2 p.m. – Art Studio — It’s time to create! Materials will be provided. For ages 12 and under.
- Tuesday, September 27 at 4 p.m. — Color-Rama! Coloring Circle — Are you a teen looking to take a break after school with a fun, fresh activity? Come relieve stress and show your creativity with other teens in our coloring circle!
- Tuesday, September 27 at 7 p.m. — Pajama Story Time — Share special moments with your child through stories, crafts, and more. Wear your pj’s and wind down from a busy day. Ages 12 and under.
- Wednesday, September 28 at 11 a.m. – Lap Sit Story Time — Babies and their parents or caregivers are invited to read, sing and grow in this weekly story time. This program is geared toward babies 0 – 36 months with an accompanying adult. This is the perfect time for families to bond with their child/children.
- Wednesday, September 28 at 3 p.m. — Art Extreme — We’re taking art to the EXTREME! Explore a wide range of art through painting, drawing, building and more! Art has never been this fun. You don’t want to miss out. For ages 12 and under.
- Wednesday, September 28 at 4 p.m. — Color Me Happy Circle — Our coloring circle is the perfect way to step back from the stress of everyday life and enjoy some relaxation! All supplies will be provided.
- Wednesday, September 28 at 4:30 p.m. – Teen Advisory Board Meeting — We want YOU to join our new Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and help plan and design this new space for PF/OF teens. Ask for an application in Teen Tech Zone.
- Wednesday, September 28 at 6:30 p.m. – Writers’ Workshop — Want to improve your skills as a writer? Interested in sharing your ideas or written work with others? Come to the Park Forest Library and join other creators in our bi-monthly writers’ group, led by James Pressler, for all your writing wishes. Writers of all skill levels are welcomed.
- Thursday, September 29 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art — Bring your imagination, creativity, and throw on some old clothes to bring out your inner Picasso through art projects and more… Some projects may involve paint.
- Thursday, September 29 at 3 p.m. – Comic Creations — Be inspired to become a graphic novelist/comic creator! Each week explore ways to create comic strips, books, graphic and more.
- Thursday, September 29 at 4 p.m. — “Center Stage” Readers Theater — Do you love dancing, acting, and singing? Would you like to put on a show for your friends and family to see? Join us for Reader’s Theater, where we will bring out the artist in you!
- Friday, September 30 at 12 p.m. – Express Yourself — Explore a variety of arts & craft materials and express your inner artist. We’ll provide the materials, you provide the creativity! So let go, have fun, and Express Yourself!
- Friday, September 30 at 1 p.m. — Senior Travelogue — Cruising the Rhine and Danube Rivers.
- Friday, September 30 at 3 p.m. – Color Me Happy (for kids) — Travel to a world of relaxation for kids. Lose yourself in patterns, curved flowers or even runaway stems. Color yourself Happy in our kids’ coloring circle. For ages 12 and under.
For additional information call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.
Park Forest Rotary Club
Paint & Sip – Tickets Now on Sale
The Park Forest Rotary Club will host a Paint & Sip event on Saturday, October 15 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Tall Grass Art Association, 367 Artist Walk in DownTown Park Forest. The event is a fundraiser that will benefit local music programs. The instructor is Javier Chavira. B.Y.O.B. – snacks will be provided. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call Sharon Newman at 708-64105846 or Tiffani Graham at 708-275-4009.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 South Halsted, Chicago Heights
Christopher Art Gallery 20th Anniversary Celebration – Thursday, September 29
PSC is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Christopher Art Gallery and unveiling of the E. Timothy Lightfield Hall of Honor during a special event from 4:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, September 29, in the Conference Center of the college’s main campus at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights. The afternoon begins with a brief presentation in the Conference Center, followed by refreshments outside the gallery. Attendees can enjoy the month’s exhibit, “Odwindifuor Expressions: Works from Ghana, West Africa,” an exhibition of works in various media by artists and artisans from Aburi, in Ghana, West Africa, offered in partnership with the Chicago Heights Sister Cities Program. The Christopher Art Gallery at PSC was dedicated on October 11, 1996. Named for its generous donors, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Christopher, the gallery hosts six to eight shows per year, featuring local, regional and national artists, as well as student works. For more information or to register for the event, visit prairiestate.edu/artgallery.
‘Odwindifuor Expressions: Works from Ghana, West Africa’ – Through October 27
‘Odwindifuor Expressions: Works from Ghana, West Africa,’ is the current exhibit at the PSC’s Christopher Art Gallery through October 27. A reception will be held on Thursday, September 29 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Gallery. The exhibition features works in various media by artists and artisans from Aburi, in Ghana, West Africa, offered in partnership with the Chicago Heights Sister Cities Program. Works include wood carvings, masks, textiles and beaded jewelry. Additional information about the exhibit can be found in the Gallery Guide. The Christopher Art Gallery Regular Hours are Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. and by appointment. For additional information or to schedule an appointment to view the exhibit phone 708-709-3636 or visit http://prairiestate.edu/christopher-art-gallery.
Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest
Thursday Game Days
Come join us at the Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, in DownTown Park Forest every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. to play games with old friends and new friends. We have a few games on hand, Trivial Pursuit, Racko, Pente, Chess, Pictionary, High Hand and Rummikub. If none of these suit your taste, feel free to bring in your favorites. Come join in the fun. This is a new program, so please help to spread the word.
Adult Coloring
On the 2nd and 4th Tuesday morning of each month at 10 a.m., come to the Senior Center to participate in the new Adult Coloring Group. The Center has supplies and several types of mediums to color with. For additional information, call 708-748-5454.
South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 State Street, South Holland
‘Beastly’ Casting Call – September 29 & 30
The Children’s Theatre Company of SSC will hold open auditions for Michele L. Vacca’s unique adaptation of the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. The auditions will take place on September 29 and 30, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Readings will be held in the Kindig Performing Arts Center on the main campus in South Holland. Director Ellie Shunko of Lansing is looking for an ensemble of eight actors, ranging in age from 18 to 70 plus, who are capable of playing a variety of characters. Being fairly physically fit, a willingness to try anything, a sense of fun and loads of energy are big bonuses. Performances are scheduled for January 14 & 17-21, 2017 and will be held during the day for local grammar school aged children. Auditioners must be willing and able to take off work or classes for dress rehearsals and performances. Auditions are open to all community members as well as SSC students. Appointments and prepared audition materials are not necessary. Auditioners will read from scenes, which will be available at the time of auditions. Copies of the script are on reserve in the SSC library. Everyone is welcome to attend both auditions. Be prepared to list all conflicts with the rehearsal schedule. For character descriptions, rehearsal schedule and more information, visit the Kindig Performing Arts Center’s website at http://learn.ssc.edu/theatre/ or email [email protected].
‘Graffiti aHEAD: A Documentation of the Midwest Graffiti Writers’ Exhibit – Through October 13
The Art & Design Department of SSC is pleased to announce a special guest artist exhibition titled “Graffiti aHEAD: A Documentation of Midwest Graffiti Writers,” by East Chicago artist Felix “Flex” Maldonado Jr. in the Dorothea Thiel Gallery through October 13th. The Gallery is located on the 4th Floor of SSC’s Main Campus. A proud native of East Chicago, Felix is a self-taught artist with 25+ years’ experience in painting, murals and graffiti art. In 1995, he received his BFA in Advertising from the American Academy of Art in Chicago. His work has landed him at several ad agencies in Chicago directing and producing award-winning spots for companies like Culligan Water, Peoples Energy, Roto-Rooter, Head Tennis and ATA Airlines. Felix Maldonado is an artist in every sense of the word. His passion and enthusiasm for this subject is evident in everything he makes. One particular body of work, that demonstrates many of his abilities and could quite possibly be his strongest work, is a series of portraits of graffiti artists entitled “Graffiti aHead.” Felix has chosen these people to paint because of his admiration and respect for them as graffiti artists. This comes across in the work in various ways, first and foremost the size of the works. 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. The public is welcome to visit art exhibitions and receptions at no charge. 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
College Art Faculty Show – Opens Friday, September 30
The College Art Faculty Show will be exhibited at Tall Grass Arts Association from Friday, September 30 through Saturday, November 5. An Opening Reception will be held on Friday, September 30 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. In addition, an Artists’ Talk will take place on Saturday, October 8 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The exhibit, reception and Artists’ Talk are free and open to the public. This invitational show features the work by art faculty from seven area colleges. All full time and part time art faculty from the seven schools were invited to show their two and three dimensional artwork. Governors State University, Joliet Junior College, Kankakee Community College, Moraine Valley Community College, Olivet Nazarene University, Prairie State College, and South Suburban College are represented. Curated by Gail Otterson and Mary Bookwalter. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult and student groups are welcome to tour the exhibit by appointment. For additional information or to arrange for a tour, please call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.
University of Chicago, 5801 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago
Ear Taxi Festival – October 5 – 10
The inaugural Ear Taxi Festival, which will celebrate and premiere contemporary classical music, has announced its complete lineup. The Chicago-centric concert series is set to feature more than 300 musicians, 53 world premieres and a two-day “New Music Marathon,” which feature work in part by composer Shulamit Ran, the Andrew MacLeish Distinguished Service Professor of Music. The festival will run October 5 to 10 at multiple venues throughout Chicago, including the Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Chicago Cultural Center, Constellation and Rockefeller Chapel at the University of Chicago. Performances will be presented at more than 30 festival events, scheduled in 30- to 90-minute sets. Augusta Read Thomas, University Professor of Composition in Music and the College, had a central role envisioning and leading Ear Taxi Festival, which was co-curated by conductor Stephen Burns as well as a curatorial committee of Chicago’s leading new music artists and intellectuals. Along with Patricia Barber, International Contemporary Ensemble and members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the roster of Chicago’s new music performers includes Spektral Quartet, Third Coast Percussion, Ensemble Dal Niente, Chicago Harp Quartet, Arcomusical and Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music Contemporary Ensemble. University Carillonneur Joey Brink will perform the world premiere of a piece by composer Tomas Gueglio-Saccone on October 6 at Rockefeller Chapel. In addition to concert programming, the festival will include five unique sound art installations around the city; community partnerships, including public micro-performances; a series of “Meet the Artists” events, featuring moderated panel discussions and cocktails; and a “NewMusicBox LIVE!” event focused on Chicago-based composers and streamed online. Events held at the Chicago Cultural Center, Rockefeller Chapel and Curtiss Hall are free. For other events, passes and tickets are available at http://www.eartaxifestival.com/tickets.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Prairie State College (PSC). 202 South Halsted, Chicago Heights
Third Annual Mental Health Conference – Thursday, September 29
PSC is hosting its Third Annual Mental Health Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Thursday September 29, in the Conference Center of the PSC main campus in Chicago Heights. Illinois Senator Michael E. Hastings of the 19th Legislative District will, for the third year in a row, greet participants. As a strong supporter of mental health services, he is passionate about this topic. In 2015, he was recognized as a “local champion of mental health” by Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart and Mental Health America of Illinois. Hastings will discuss how mental health issues are shaping up in the state of Illinois. This year’s keynote presenter is Orland Park Police Chief Timothy J. McCarthy. Since 2012, the Orland Park Police Department has had a unit of officers that forms the Mental Health Crisis Intervention Team. In addition to their standard responsibilities, these patrol officers have been trained on recognizing the signs of mental health related situations and ways to provide assistance. During his keynote presentation, Chief McCarthy will describe the team’s purpose and function, as well as the positive impact it has made for both the community members and police officers involved. Attendees will have the opportunity to select from a number of breakout sessions. Topics include “Suicide and the Media: How Reporting and News Coverage Affects Viewers,” presented by Alyssa Relyea of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention; “From Mania to Recovery,” presented by Judy Sturm of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance; “Cultural Barriers to the Counseling Relationship,” presented by Rachael Moore and Andrew LaBerge of Sertoma Centre; “Ethics of Self-Care for the Mental Health Professional,” presented by Dr. Cynthia Cornejo, professor of psychology at PSC; “Social Media Bullying and Links to Traumatic Stress,” presented by Dr. Ashley Kuhl Piwowarski of Hartgrove Behavioral Health Systems; and “Understanding Anxiety and Depression Associated with Teen Pregnancy,” presented by Shavon Parker, of the Roseland, Altgeld/Riverdale and Maywood Adolescent Programs, Catholic Charities of Chicago. Additionally, a panel discussion, “The Impacts of Suicide,” will feature emergency responders, healthcare professionals and individuals’ first-hand accounts involving to suicide. The Mental Health Conference at PSC was established in 2014, and is intended to increase awareness of the complexities of mental illness and ways to reduce the stigmas associated with it. Attendees can choose from a variety of educational sessions and hear from experts in the mental health field as well as those who have been personally impacted by mental disorders. Attendees also can attend the exhibitor fair throughout the day. The fee to attend is $79, which includes a continental breakfast, exhibitor fair, and a networking lunch. For an additional $20, CEU credits are available for social workers, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical professional counselors, nursing home administrators, nurses and speech pathologists, EMTs and Illinois certified domestic violence professionals. Teachers also can earn professional development credits. More information is available at prairiestate.edu/ced. For more information or to register for the conference, visit prairiestate.edu/mentalhealthconference.
South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 State Street, South Holland
Blueprint Reading for Production Operators, Supervisory & Managers – Registration Now in Progress
The SSC Business & Career Institute (BCI) presents a Workshop titled Blueprint Reading for Production Operators, Supervisors and Managers on Thursday, September 29 and again on Friday, November 18 from 8:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. This workshop will be held at the South Suburban College Oak Forest Center in Room 5230, and will be presented by Albert Lettman, who has extensive experience as a Problem Solver. If you’re searching for training that helps you implement solutions to frequent issues you have, but you face time and cost restraints that prevent you from implementing big training projects, these trainings will narrow down the issues and then provide solutions to your most basic problems. Come to this workshop or schedule with us to customize the training for your company! This Blueprint Reading workshop is for individuals in need of very basic skill development in dimensioning, tolerances, types of lines, auxiliary views, section views, title block, and symbols. Individual class exercises will provide some practice for participants. This workshop will enable participants to interpret manufacturing drawings. Albert Lettman is a facilitator with extensive experience as a Problem Solver. He has over 20 years of experience in Lean principles, ISO 9000/Malcolm Baldridge assessment, Six Sigma and Shainin. He is a certified Shainin journeyman, a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, as well as a Certified Lean facilitator. Together, BCI and Lettman will work with you to find the best operational approach for your company, from the planning stage through implementation stages, using Lean principles that will be best aligned with the strategic direction of your company. In October, the Business & Career Institute will be offering workshops in Lean Problem Solving and Statistical Process Control for Operators, Supervisor and Managers. This workshop will be held at South Suburban College’s Oak Forest Center, 16333 S. Kilbourn Ave. in Oak Forest in Room 5230. The cost of the workshop with lunch is $195 per person. Send three people and the third person is free. To register: Call Nancy Burrows 708- 596-2000, ext. 3258 or by email to [email protected].
Online Educational Resources
Online college programs are a great way for today’s busy people to complete or earn a degree. To find an online college program in Illinois, visit http://www.onlineschools.org/guides/Illinois/ where you will find a compilation of every college program offered online in Illinois offered on a full or part-time basis.
Top U.S. Universities
Choosing what college or university to attend can be a very daunting experience. With educational costs continually increasing, it’s more important than ever to choose a university that meets your specific educational needs. At http://www.topschools.com/, you will find a comprehensive resource that ranks each university throughout the nation by size, degrees offered, tuition costs, admission, graduation and retention rates.
Green Events
Thorn Creek Audubon Society, Park Forest
Nature Education Programs at Thorn Creek Nature Center
Calling all schools, home school groups, day cares, preschools, youth, adult and family groups! Nature Education Programs are offered at Thorn Creek Nature Center throughout the year where your group can discover the plants and animals of Thorn Creek Woods. These Nature Education Programs are sponsored by the Thorn Creek Audubon Society. The Audubon Society and the Thorn Creek Nature Center announce their new Partnership for Programming to further the Society’s environmental education mission and give valuable assistance to Thorn Creek Nature Center in providing nature programming for groups of area children and adults. Some of the nature education programs offered this year include Birding by Sight and Sound, Creek Walk (the world of aquatic insects and metamorphosis), Trees Big and Small (identification by leaves and bark), Insects (what makes an insect unique), the Web of Life (interdependence of producers, consumers, predators and decomposers), Soils Hike (how soil fuels and supports life), and Night Hikes. On the Fall Color Hike learn why leaves change colors and what trees do to prepare for the long months of winter. Discover clues to wild animals’ identities and behavior by trails and trails in Wild Animal Tracks. Make your own track replica. On Vixen’s Trek you are the fox following your daily routines on Thorn Creek trails. Or visit the Historic Farm in the woods to explore an early 1900’s woodland farm. Groups can also arrange for a naturalist to come to your location for programs such as Wild Animal Tracks, Web of Life, Woodland Wildflowers, Soils, History of Thorn Creek Woods, and the like. The new partnership has already collaborated in sponsoring three programs: the Learn 70 Birds by Spring class, which runs from January through March; the Great Backyard Bird Count Open House that was held in February; and the Build a Gourd Birdhouse sessions to be held in March. For information about Thorn Creek Audubon Society membership, events and projects: Thorn Creek Audubon Society, P. O. Box 895, Park Forest, Il 60466, or www.thorncreekaudubonsociety.org.
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
Know Your Oaks Hike – Registration Required by Thursday, September 29
Oak trees are common in area woodlands, 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. Join our naturalist on Saturday, October 1 from 1-3 p.m. for the Know Your Oaks Hike through Thorn Creek Woods. This program is free and for all ages, and will take place on natural surface trails across uneven terrain. Registration is required for this program by Thursday September 29. For more information or to register for the program, contact Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd, Park Forest, 708-747-6320, email [email protected], tcwoods.org or stop in the nature center between noon and 4 p.m. on Friday and Sunday.
Thorn Creek Chamber Players Concert – Limited Seating; Registration Required by Wednesday, October 5
Join cellist Ingrid Krizan and pianist Daniel Surma with a foray into the world of beginnings and endings at Thorn Creek Chamber Players Concert on Friday, October 7 at 7 p.m. at Thorn Creek Nature Center. Celebrate the cycle of Life. Begin with Shostakovich’s lyrical and youthful Sonata, Op.40. Then “End” with Elgar’s last major work, the poignant e minor Cello Concerto—and continue to other realms! Pianist Daniel Surma is an accompanist and adjunct professor of piano at St. Xavier University, music director at St. Peter’s UCC in Skokie, IL, and a freelance accompanist throughout the Chicagoland area. Ingrid is a classically trained professional cellist who weaves seasonal nature narratives into her music. She is a naturalist at Thorn Creek Nature Center. All proceeds will directly benefit Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve and Nature Center. Refreshments will be provided. Seating is limited and registration is required by Wednesday, October 5. Cost is $10 per person. Program is for those older than 12 years. Parking is at the nature center and at New Community Church just north of the nature center. For more information or to register for the program, contact Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd, Park Forest, 708-747-6320, email [email protected], tcwoods.org or stop in the nature center between noon and 4 p.m. on Friday and Sunday.
Wednesday Morning Walkers
Discover the wonders of spring in a weekly morning walk. Wednesday Morning Walkers meet every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and is free for ages 13 years to adult. Walkers new to the program must register two days before they first hike. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6360.
Become a ‘Friend of Thorn Creek’
Friends of Thorn Creek Woods is the citizen activist group responsible in very large part for preserving and securing the dedication of the Thorn Creek Woods as an Illinois Nature Preserve. Friends’ volunteers continue to provide support in so many ways: staff the nature center on weekends; trail work; displays; leading hikes; special events; cleaning; pruning; artwork; music; research; and so on. Friends is a voice for the Woods and preservation values, donates funds for equipment and sponsors an annual meeting, Garlic Fest and Earth Day. Members receive a quarterly newsletter. Annual membership in Friends is $10. For additional information, call 708-747-6320 or visit www.tcwoods.org.
Experience the Thorn Creek Nature Center
Thorn Creek Nature Center is housed in a historic building, originally Immanuel Lutheran Church of Matteson, Illinois built in 1862, and later Village Bible Church of Park Forest. A gothic frame country church, its notable architectural features include curved ceiling, tongue-and-groove paneling and a raised pulpit. Its current attractions are displays of the preserve’s flora and fauna, a bird feeder viewing area, Eugene E. Schwartz reference library and an expanded children’s section. The Nature Center is open Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Trails are open daily year-round, dawn to dusk. For additional information, call 708-747-6320 or visit www.tcwoods.org.
Healthy Living
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Free Psychotherapy Available from GSU’s Psychology Program
GSU’s Psychology Department is offering free psychotherapy services to members of the community. Conversations with a psychotherapist can help people cope with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, and life transition problems. Confidential, one-on-one sessions are held with a GSU graduate student in psychology under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Individuals and couples, 18 years and older, are eligible. All sessions are conducted in Matteson, IL. The number of sessions is determined by the client’s needs. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-235-2841.
Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard, Park Forest
CPR Classes
CPR classes are available at the Park Forest Fire Department. Click on the following link for more details: http://pffd.vopf.com/cpr-classes.html
Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)
Assistance With Medications & Health Services
If you, or someone you know, are struggling to pay for medications every month, they may be able to get the medicines they need for free or almost free through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. If you live in Illinois, you can get access to more than 475 public and private program available to help you pay for your medicines. Simply visit http://www.pparx.org/en/click_illinois to find out if you can apply to any of these great programs and to get connected with 10,000 free clinics and doctors.
Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip
Free Community Education and Prevention Programs about Mental Health
Sertoma Centre’s Mental Health Services facility is offering community mental health seminars, free of charge to community groups, schools, law enforcement agencies, religious organizations, and other community groups at their location in Matteson or facility. Education Programs will include: Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) which increases public awareness of suicide and improves one’s ability to identify and refer those at risk for suicide. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a public education course that helps participants identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance disorders. Also included is Mental Health First Aid for Youth and Anxiety/Depression Screenings. Thanks to a grant, these educational opportunities are available at no cost to you or your organization. To arrange a free educational opportunity for your club, group, workplace, organization, or church, call Gia Washington at 708-748-1951, Ext. 418 or email at [email protected].
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest
Yoga Classes by Karen Nielsen – Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays
Yoga classes by Karen Nielsen are available at UUCC on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Wednesday evenings from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. No reservations needed. Drop-in fee is $10 per class and the 6th one is free. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
Buddhist Meditation – Saturdays
Learn to enjoy the simple and straight-forward practice of meditation. Please join us for sitting and walking meditation in the Zen and Theravadan Buddhist traditions. This is an on-going event led by Steve McCabe and Beverly Feldt will be held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at UUCC. There is no cost but a free will offering is most appreciated (proceeds go to UUCC). For additional information contact Steve McCabe at 708-465-3116 or Beverly Feldt at [email protected].
Medical Cannabis Education Association Meeting – Sunday, October 2
The Medical Cannabis Education Association will meet on Sunday, October 2 at 12 noon. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
This & That
Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard
36th Annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Parade – Thursday, October 13
The Park Forest Fire Department is readying for this year’s celebration of Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 9 through October 15. The PFFD will host the 36th Annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Parade on Thursday, October 13. This parade of silent, lights-only fire equipment and ambulances is dedicated to those who have lost their lives protecting ours, or those who have become seriously injured in their service. A short memorial service will be held at St. Irenaeus Church (located at the corner of Indianwood Blvd. & Orchard Drive) beginning at 6:30 p.m. The parade should step off at approximately 7:00 p.m. The parade route will be as follows: Leave the Village Hall parking lot and turn left to travel east on Indianwood Boulevard and proceed to Forest Boulevard. Turn left onto Forest Boulevard and continue north on Forest. The parade will then veer onto Park Street (passing Garden House), turn left onto Westwood Drive and then proceed to N. Orchard Drive. Turn right onto N. Orchard Drive and follow to Indiana Street. Turn right onto Indiana Street and then left on Illinois Street. Follow Illinois Street back around to Indiana Street and turn right onto N. Orchard Drive. Continue south on N. Orchard Drive to Westwood Drive and follow to Sauk Trail where the parade will veer to the left and then right on to Shabbona Drive. The parade will then follow Shabbona Drive to S. Orchard Drive, where it will turn left and proceed on S. Orchard Drive to Indianwood Boulevard. Turn right onto Indianwood Boulevard and complete at the Village Hall parking lot where the parade began. After the parade, there will be a brief reception inside the Park Forest Fire Department. Members of the public are welcome to stop by, chat with firefighters and paramedics. Be sure to thank them for their service.
Open House at the Fire Station – Saturday, October 15
On Saturday, October 15, the Park Forest Fire Department will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Activities for the day include a live fire/sprinkler demonstration at 11:00 am as well as station tours, fire safety presentations with the PFFD’s Fire Hazard House, and car seat checks, to name a few. Representatives from the Park Forest Police Department, Nurses Plus, Park Forest Library, SouthCom Dispatch, NiCor, ComEd, CN Railroad, Habitat for Humanity and ServPro will also be in attendance handing out helpful safety information. Please gather up your family and come out to join us for a fun-filled day at the fire station. You’ll be glad you did.
Park Forest Police Department, 200 Lakewood Boulevard
‘Unity Day: Strengthening the Ties Between the Community and Police’ – Saturday, October 1
The Park Forest Police Department will host a program ‘Unity Day: Strengthening the Ties Between the Community and the Police’ from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Central Park, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, on Saturday, October 1st. The event will feature food, games, raffles and much more. For additional information, contact Park Forest Police Corporal Todd Beilke at 708-748-4701.
Park Forest Toastmasters Club
Meeting Cancellation – Tuesday, October 4
The Park Forest Toastmasters Club meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard in Park Forest has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 25. Toastmaster members develop speaking and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The Club meets on the 1st and 4th Tuesday of each month.
Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive
Park Forest Farmers’ Market – Through October 29
Since 1974, the Park Forest Farmers’ Market has been connecting area residents with local farmers, food vendors and businesses. The Market hosts 22 full spaces with a variety of fresh flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables, bakery goods, herbs and dairy products. Local businesses are also on hand at the Market selling artwork, garden ornaments, jewelry and more. The Park Forest Farmers’ Market accepts EBT/Link, WIC, and Senior Nutrition Coupons. The Market is open Saturdays, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. through October, for shopping, food, and entertainment. Learn more about the Park Forest Farmer’s Market at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com/Index.aspx?NID=98.
