Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of March 23, 2015


Snow on Ash Street, March 23, 2015
Park Foresters woke up to more than a dusting of snow Monday morning. Forecasts call for the white stuff to possibly melt in the afternoon. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—March 23, 2015. Early voting for the April 7 consolidated general election begins on Monday, March 23. You can begin voting early at Park Forest Village Hall or any of Cook County’s 20 early voting sites. A complete list of voting sites can be found at www.cookcountyclerk.com. You’ll also find additional information about early voting in the ‘This & That’ section.

Park Forest Health Department Nurses Plus has pledged to donate 300 pounds of food by April 1st as part of the United Way’s April Food Day initiative. You can drop off your donation at the Park Forest Health Department (located in the lower level of Park Forest Village Hall) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through March 31. Additional information about the food drive can be found in the ‘Healthy Living’ 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 Board Meetings – Monday, March 23

The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, March 23 at 7 p.m. 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) as well as on the Village web site here.

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.

Arts & Entertainment

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

‘The Cotton Mouth Club’ – Friday, March 27

On Friday, March 27 at 8 p.m., the Center for Performing Arts will present ‘The Cotton Mouth Club’ by Chicago Dance Crash. Featuring the music of OutKast and Michael Jackson, this production unleashes its fusion of styles on prohibition-era Chicago and the 1980s, converting the stage into a full-blown speakeasy. Using hip-hop, ballet, jazz, swing, acrobatics, breakdance, and contemporary dance styles, this time-traveling fable of romance, street violence and personal redemption offers a timeless story. This production is part of the Art Rising project, engaging the community in response to violence. Pre-show: Visual Arts Panel Exhibition, featuring artwork by area students responding to violence.
Post-show: Panel Discussion with community members, leaders, activists and students. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here: Buy Tickets. For additional information, call 708-235-2222.

DePaul University Art Museum, 935 West Fullerton, Chicago

‘Rooted in Soil’ – Through April 26

Beneath the grass and pavement that cover Chicago lies a vital, under-valued ecosystem that gives rise to a new art exhibition — ‘Rooted in Soil’ — is now running at the DePaul Art Museum through April 26. The event is free and open to the public. Curators Laura Fatemi, interim director of the DePaul Art Museum, and her daughter Farrah Fatemi, an environmental scientist and assistant professor at Saint Michael’s College, combined their knowledge of art and science to explore the underappreciated role of soil in human life. ‘Rooted in Soil’ offers viewers a unique way to engage with environmental issues through the arts. Upon entering the museum, visitors will encounter a hanging terrarium built by artist Vaughn Bell, whose work challenges city dwellers to reconnect with nature. Bell invites viewers to enter the biosphere of the terrarium and peer out across the surface of the soil. For more information on events related to ‘Rooted in Soil,’ visit http://museums.depaul.edu/. The DePaul Art Museum at 935 W. Fullerton, just east of the CTA’s Fullerton ‘L’ stop, is open 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. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information, call 773-325-7506 or visit http://museums.depaul.edu/. Photos from the exhibit can be viewed at: http://newsroom.depaul.edu/NewsReleases/showImage.aspx?NID=2845.

DePaul University Theatre School, 60 Balbo Drive, Chicago

‘The Day John Henry Came to School’ – Tickets Now on Sale

The Theatre School at DePaul University will present ‘The Day John Henry Came to School’ by Eric Pfeffinger, directed by Ernie Nolan, as the final production of the 2014-15 Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences season. This production opens April 7 and runs through May 16 at DePaul’s historic Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago. Performances are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. Special Friday performances will be held April 24 and May 1 at 10 a.m. A Sunday performance will be held April 12 at 2 p.m. About the play: John Henry loves technology, but doesn’t love doing his homework. If buttons and gadgets are not involved, he’s not interested. When his teacher, Mr. Gellert, is replaced by a mega-computer, Johnny couldn’t be happier. Then his steel-driving great-great-grandfather arrives for show-and-tell, and Johnny must take on the challenge of his life. This contemporary tale focuses on the value of hard work and the strength of the human spirit. Recommended for ages 8 and older, themes include: ancestry; confidence; diligence; folklore and tall tales; motivation; technology and humanity. Information about pre- and post-show educational activities and highlighted curriculum connections is online at http://theatre.depaul.edu. Free Teacher Guides also are available online or by calling the box office at 312-922-1999. The May 1 and May 2 performances will be interpreted in American Sign Language. Call TTY: 773-325-7975. April 18 is USO of Illinois Day, when U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families, with a valid military ID, can attend the performance for free. Visit http://www.tixfortroops.org to reserve tickets, or call 312-922-1999 for more information. Join the cast for a post-performance autograph session April 18. The April 30 and May 9 performances will be followed by a post-show discussion. Visit the website or call the box office for additional details. Tickets are $10. Subscriptions and group rates (15 or more people) are available. DePaul employees, alumni, and college students receive a discount (with ID). Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at 312-922-1999.

Drama Group, 330 202nd Street, Chicago Heights

‘Hairspray’ – Tickets Now on Sale

The Drama Group is very pleased to present the fun musical ‘Hairspray’ directed by Charlie Misovye, with set design by Russ Hoganson. Performances will be held at the Bloom Auditorium Theatre, 10th Street and Dixie Highway in Chicago Heights, on May 2 & 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday May 4 at 2:00 p.m. ‘Hairspray’ is the story of a teen girl who longs to appear on a 1960s TV dance show and win the heart of the boy of her dreams – without denting her ‘do! ‘Hairspray’ inspired a major motion picture and won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. “You Can’t Stop the Beat” of this great show set in the ‘60s. Tickets are $21 for adults and $20 for seniors and $15 for students with ID. Group discount rates are also available. Good seats are still available. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 708-755-3444, online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/profile/242073 or see at www.dramagroup.org

Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

Dana Leong Trio – Friday, March 27

The Dana Leong Trio will take the stage at Freedom Hall on Friday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. Composer/cellist/trombonist Dana Leong blends jazz, classical and pop to create a signature sound. Dana’s pioneering collage of musical styles has garnered critical acclaim and wowed audiences around the world. In 2012 he was part of the cast of Paquito D’Rivera’s 2x Grammy Winning album “The Panamercana Orchestra” and has collaborated, performed, and produced for renowned artists such as Christian McBride, Dafnis Prieto, Henry Threadgill, Ray Charles, Barry White, Kanye West, Wynton Marsalis, Bjork, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Yoko Ono, and Lila Downs. The Dana Leong Trio, featuring Dana (cello, synthesizers, vocals), Lex Sadler (bass, electronics) and Val-Inc (turntables), is the latest incarnation of Leong’s ever-expansive compositions, bringing together an exciting blend of instrumental melodies and driving musical grooves. “Hands down excellent! –New York Magazine. Read more about Dana Leong. Tickets are $24 and can be purchased online at: http://tickets.ticketforce.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1314 or by phone at 708-747-0580.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Festival 2015: The Power of Music’ – Tickets Now on Sale

‘Festival 2015: The Power of Music’ will take place April 10 through 12 at the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 S. Harlem Frankfort, Join us for our first weekend-long festival celebrating the transformative power of music in our lives. The festival opens at 8 p.m. each night with the screening of an engaging new film documenting the use of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony as a constant reminder of our human potential for peace, tolerance and love and concern for our fellow citizens. From Tianamen Square to Chilean prisons, the Ninth has inspired, challenged and repaired people for over 180 years. Day two starts with an afternoon lecture by renowned musicologist Dr. Jason Geary on the power of music to persuade and its uses in mass media and finishes with an evening recital by the incredible Lisa Smirnova, who captivated the IPO audience on Opening Night 2014. The festival concludes on Sunday with a showcase of local talent, demonstrating the power of music to enrich and enhance the lives of young area musicians and the community in which they live. The schedule is:

  • Friday, April 10, 8pm Film Screening: Following the Ninth: In the Footsteps of Beethoven’s Final Symphony ($5 without pass)
  • Saturday, April 11, 4pm Lecture: Music and Mass Media by Dr. Jason Geary, professor of Musicology, University of Michigan (Free or use pass)
    Saturday, April 11, 8pm — Recital by Lisa Smirnova, Piano (Included in pass or seats from $35)
  • Sunday, April 12, 4pm — Rising Stars Showcase sponsored by the Friends of the IPO and featuring the best and the brightest of our Chicago Southland young musicians (held at Prairie State College Auditorium; included in pass or $10 without pass)

Festival Passes are $50 each and will admit you to all events. Individual pricing available. Student passes available for $5 each (ID required).
Tickets can be purchased online at: https://secure.ticketsage.net/websales.aspx?u=ipo&pid=255892. For additional information, call 708-481-7774.

Marian Catholic High School, 700 Ashland Ave, Chicago Heights

Marian Madness NCAA Final Four Basketball Fundraising Event – Saturday, March 28

The excitement of March Madness will be palpable at Marian Catholic High School’s annual Marian Madness NCAA Tournament celebration on Saturday, March 28, in the Sr. M. Paul McCaughey, O.P. Leadership Center. The event will feature the Men’s NCAA contests broadcast live on four 60-inch plasma screens and a 12 feet by 12 feet mega screen. The $30 ticket price includes food catered by Aurelio’s of Homewood, along with beverages and desserts. The 21-and older event will also feature a raffle with a $3,000 grand prize cash raffle, games of chance and several exciting silent auction packages will add to the fun. Marian Madness is co-sponsored by Marian Athletics and the MCHS Alumni. Association. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for those 21-and older. For ticket information, call Pat Trebe, Director of Annual Programs, at 708-756-9405 or refer to the Marian Catholic website, www.marianchs.com.

National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago

‘The Things They Carried’ – Permanent Exhibit

The National Veterans Art Museum reopened its permanent exhibit ‘The Things They Carried’ in a brand new gallery space meant to be more immersive for viewers. Inspired by Tim O’Brien’s book ‘The Things They Carried,’ this exhibit serves as a visual companion that illustrates the narrative with fine art and photography from veterans that lived the stories in the novel. Much like the book, the exhibit explores the concept of storytelling and questions how one might share the story of the Vietnam experience. The exhibit takes as its central question “how to tell a true war story” and prompts viewers to consider their personal stories and contemplate how they might share their own narratives. By literally incorporating the essential elements of storytelling: Who, Where, When, and What, ‘The Things They Carried’ begins by chronicling the Vietnam conflict through first-hand visual accounts and descriptions. The exhibit culminates in the re-creation of an authentic Vietnam-era tented shelter to bring viewers into the intimate physical experience of sleeping, living and working in the field during that time. With artworks and objects created and collected by over twenty Vietnam veteran artists, ‘The Things They Carried’ also provides visual interpretations to viewers, illustrating the war by those who were there. This form of pictorial storytelling offers insights into the individual personalities of those who served, where they were in Vietnam both geographically and environmentally, and what the cultural climate of the time looked like. Representations and artifacts come together in ‘The Things They Carried’ to offer an individuated and holistic presentation of the social and historical context of the Vietnam War. With didactic guides and lesson plans that accompany the artwork and artifacts, visitors of all ages can gain a better understanding of “how to tell a true war story” as explored in Tim O’Brien’s book, as well as explore possibilities and benefits of personal storytelling. Featured artists include László Kondor, Dean Sharp, Charles Shobe, William Myles, James McJunkin, John Hosier, Michael Harac, and Arthur Jacobs. The Museum is open Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers free admission year-round. For additional information, call 312-326-0270 or visit: www.nwam.org

Park Forest Historical Society, 141 Forest Boulevard

Step Back Into the 1950s House Museum

Step back to see Park Forest when it first began in the 1950s during a visit to the Park Forest House Museum. The Museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., or by appointment, if possible. Period decorations are on display in every room. Call Jane Nicoll, Museum Director, at 708-481-4252 to confirm opening in case of extreme bad weather. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of 21st Century to revisit your past in this gem of a museum, just down the street. Several Park Forest-related gift ideas are available at the museum and in the online store at www.parkforesthistory.org. Convenient street parking is available in front of the museum!

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

The following events are scheduled the week of March 23:

  • Monday, March 23 at 11 a.m. – Storypalooza — A fun story time for all kids through the age of 6 with an adult. Siblings are welcome.
  • Monday, March 23 at 3 p.m. — Internet Basics — Learn to the basics of using the internet, including safe browsing and getting driving directions. Registration Required.
  • Tuesday, March 24 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime — Wear your PJs out on the town! Bring along a fuzzy friend and your blanket too! Stories, activities, and more. Ages 12 and under.
  • Tuesday, March 24 at 7 p.m. — Microsoft Excel 2013 — An introduction to using the spreadsheet program Microsoft Excel. Registration Required.
  • Wednesday, March 25 at 11 a.m. – Baby Time — Story time for infants to 35 months of age with an adult. This story time is designed to engage children through movement, music, stories, and more.
  • Thursday, March 26 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art — Ages 3-5. Bring your little artist to create their very own masterpiece! We may get a little messy so wear play clothes.
  • Friday, March 27 at 1 p.m. — Senior Travelogue – The topic will be Scotland.
  • Saturday, March 28 at 2 p.m. — A Visit with Mrs. Lincoln — Mary Lincoln comes to life as presented by Valerie Gugala. She sets the historical record straight as she takes listeners through her life as a young woman born into a wealthy Lexington, KY family, and the transformations she made from that life to become the wife of a young man whose background was just the opposite. Mrs. Lincoln takes the audience through the Lincoln family’s life in Springfield, Abraham’s political career and election to the presidency, and their life in the White House during the Civil War.

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

Spring Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, March 26

The spring Potpourri of Lectures series continues on Thursday, March 26 with “Follow The Path That’s Coming To You” with Dr. Karen O’Donnell. The lecture will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the Library’s Ringering Room. For additional information, call 708-7480-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org

Roosevelt University Alumni Chorus, 220 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Performance of ‘Carmina Burana’ – Final Performance March 23

More than 100 singers from the Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) Conservatory Chorus and Chorale and Roosevelt University’s new Alumni Chorus will join Chicago Sinfonietta for the performance of Carl Orff’s ‘Carmina Burana’ in March. The Chicago Sinfonietta and Roosevelt University singers will perform the popular and emotionally charged ‘Carmina Burana’ at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 23 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Inspired by medieval poetry texts. Orff’s ‘Carmina Burana’ explores the fickleness of fortune and wealth, the ephemeral nature of life, the joy of the return of Spring and the pleasures and perils of drinking, gluttony, gambling and lust and fortune. During the shows, the Chicago Sinfonietta also will be performing selections from Georges Bizet’s Carmen, Suites No. 1 and No. 2 and Emilio Solla’s A Galician Voyage: Concerto for Bagpipes, Piano and Orchestra. Tickets for the performances are $10 to $58 each and are available at www.chicagosinfonietta.org or by calling 312-248-1553.

Roosevelt University, 430 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Photographer Matthew Freeman Lecture – Thursday, March 26

Carlos Javier Ortiz, an award-winning and critically acclaimed documentary photographer, will discuss the importance of art as activism, including his most recent series, We All We Got, at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 26 in the second-floor Sullivan Room at Roosevelt University. A Chicago native and winner in 2009 of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights Photography award, Ortiz spent years collecting photos and essays for We All We Got, which tells the story of families and individuals in contemporary America whose lives have been devastated by youth violence. Committed to addressing social problems by using photography as a call to action for change, Ortiz will deliver the 2015 Matthew Freeman Lecture. An annual event, the lecture highlights transformational social justice initiatives as well as the exemplary work of Roosevelt students who are living the University’s social justice mission. Documenting for more than a decade what life is like in society’s most vulnerable communities in Chicago as well as the United States, Mexico and Guatemala, Ortiz will discuss how his work raises awareness, particularly on the impact of violence on individuals, families and communities. Two Roosevelt students will receive the Matthew Freeman Social Justice Award, which is one of the University’s highest honors for student achievement in social justice. This year’s recipients are Danielle Cooperstock, a Social Justice Studies major, and Richard Wallace, a Sociology major. Sponsored by Roosevelt’s Mansfield Institute for Social Justice and Transformation, the event is free and open to the public. To register, visit www.roosevelt.edu/misjt or contact [email protected] or 312-341-2150.

Roosevelt University Chicago College of Performing Arts, 420 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

‘The Wild Party’ – Tickets Now on Sale

‘The Wild Party,’ a musical by Andrew Lippa and based on a poem by Joseph Moncure will be performed on Thursday, April 15 0- Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 18 – Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m. at the O’Malley Theatre, 430 South Michigan, 7th Floor, Chicago. A steamy prohibition tale steamrolling and roaring its way across the stage in which lovers Queenie and Burrs decide to throw the party to end all parties in their Manhattan apartment. After the colorful arrival of a slew of guests living life on the edge, Queenie’s wandering eyes land on a striking man named Black. Drama Desk Awards winner for Outstanding Music with 12 additional nominations including Outstanding New Musical. Please call 312-341-3831 for reservations. Government photo I.D. may be required for entrance to building.

Roosevelt University Gage Gallery, 18 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Local Artist to Read from Debut Story Collection – Monday, March 23

Alexai Galaviz-Budziszewski, a native of Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, will read from his debut story collection, Painted Cities, at 5 p.m. Monday, March 23 in Room 700 of Roosevelt University’s Gage Building, 18 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Published in 2014, Painted Cities captures Galviz-Budziszewski’s recollections of life growing up in Pilsen, including memories of gangs, violence, poverty and intense family relationships. A resident of Berwyn, Ill., and a counselor to high school students in Chicago’s western suburbs, Galaviz-Budziszewski has been called “a young writer with genuine voice” by well-known Chicago writer Stuart Dybek and the Chicago Reader has described his work as “a moving, nuanced portrayal of how a neighborhood shapes people.” Free and open to the public, the reading is part of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program’s Spring Reading Series and is co-sponsored by Roosevelt’s literary magazine, Oyez Review, and the University’s Department of Literature and Languages. A reception for Galaviz-Budziszewski will be held immediately preceding the reading at 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact [email protected] or 312-341-2417.

‘Crime Then and Now’ – Through April 11

Compelling photos related to crime in Chicago since the 1920s will be on display for the first time as Roosevelt University’s Gage Gallery, continues the Above the Fold: 10 Decades of Chicago Photojournalism series. Running through April 11, “Crime Then and Now: Through the Lens of the Chicago Tribune” tells the story of crime photography and how it has changed over the decades through 65 Tribune photos from the early 1920s through the present. Co-curated by Chicago Tribune Picture Editor Michael Zajakowski and Gage Gallery’s Tyra Robertson, the exhibit features vintage photographs as well as contemporary photos taken by photographers assigned to the Tribune’s crime beat. The exhibit features historic shots of such well-known figures as Al Capone, John Dillinger and Clarence Darrow arguing in 1924 against the death penalty for Nathan Leopold and Robert Loeb, who were sentenced to life in prison in one of Chicago’s most notorious murder cases. Contemporary crime photography of gang shootings and communities in distress over escalating violence also are featured prominently in the exhibit. Free and open to the public, the ongoing Gage series is sponsored by Roosevelt’s College of Arts and Sciences and is made possible by the generosity of donor Susan Rubnitz. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call 312-341-6458 or visit www.roosevelt.edu/gagegallery.

South Suburban College, 15800 South State Street, South Holland

SSC Annual Spring Gala – Tickets Now on Sale

Each year the South Suburban College Foundation (SSCF) has an annual spring gala from which all proceeds benefit scholarship programs. The SSCF is now seeking support from local residents, friends and partners for Showcase 2015: Lighting the Path to Lifelong Learning, to be held on April 24 at Glenwoodie Golf Club, 19301 S. State Street, Glenwood. All proceeds from this year’s event will benefit college scholarships for returning adult students through the Foundation’s new Jane Ellen Stocker Adult Education Fund. With the cost of higher education on the rise and the level of state funding on the decline, students are finding it more and more difficult to afford a full-time college education. The SSC Foundation’s support is often critical for students to begin or continue their college education. Individuals and local businesses can support this mission while marketing themselves to approximately 300 guests through tax-deductible sponsorships and auction gifts. Tickets are also available for $125 each. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and features an open bar and plated dinner, silent auction, dancing, and the outstanding music of The Connexion. Sponsorship levels are as follows:

  • $2,000 Platinum: Establish Scholarship, Top Sponsor Signage and Announced at event
  • $1,000 Gold: Top Sponsor Signage and Announced at event
  • $500 Silver: Sponsor Signage
  • $300 Bronze: Sponsor Signage

Donations for this cause are fully tax deductible, and are an investment in the economic development of the south suburban region and a better future for thousands of residents who depend on SSC for their education and training. Checks can be made payable to “SSC Foundation” at 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, IL 60473. Registrations and sponsorships via credit card can also be made online from www.ssc.edu/foundation or through PayPal transfers to [email protected]. The Foundation Staff will pick up donations for auction. For more information, please call 708-596-2000, extension 2463 or email [email protected]. The SSC Foundation is a philanthropic, not-for-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors composed of 27 of the south suburban area’s finest business, civic and community leaders. The SSCF has now awarded over $1,600,000 in scholarships since 1989. In 2014, over $100,000 in scholarship funds were awarded to SSC students.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘A Sense of PLACE‘ – Through April 18

Tall Grass Arts Association proudly presents ‘A Sense of PLACE,’ an extraordinary exhibit by Jay Boersma and Mary Bookwalter of large-scale, high-intensity color photographs paired with intimate, multi-media visions of real and imagined travels. The exhibit runs through April 18. Mary Bookwalter and Jay Boersma work in different mediums, but they share a strong sense of color and are masters of traditional concepts of composition and balance. More importantly, the bulk of their work is married to a keen awareness of place. The photos and multi-media pieces included are both visually exciting and calming, inspiring close-up attention and a sense of discovery and wonder about travel, adventure, man’s structures, the places we live, work, preserve, leave, and return to. Adult and Student groups are welcome to tour the exhibit. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. For additional information call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.

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

‘You Art What You Eat’ – Through March 28

‘You Art What You Eat,’ a National juried exhibit will run through March 28. A reception will be held on Friday, February 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Gallery. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

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

‘In Organic We Trust’ – Friday, March 27

UUCC will screen the documentary film ‘In Organic We Trust’ on Friday, March 27 at 7 p.m. A discussion will follow the screening. ‘In Organic We Trust’ is an eye-opening food documentary that follows Director/Producer Kip Pastor on a personal journey to answer commonly asked questions about organic food: What exactly is organic? Is it really better, or just a marketing scam? Read "More on ‘In Organic We Trust’" by Director/Producer Kip Pastor… The event is free and open to the public. Complimentary coffee, tea and popcorn will be provided. Donations gratefully appreciated. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

Congresswoman Robin Kelly, 600 Holiday Plaza Drive, Suite 505, Matteson

College Savings Night – Registration Now in Progress

Congresswoman Robin Kelly will host a College Savings Night on Thursday, April 2, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Matteson Public Library, 801 School Avenue, Matteson. Participants will learn about College Illinois and Bright Start, two college savings programs offered by the State of Illinois. Parents and children of all ages are encouraged to attend. For more information, call Tony Presta at 708-679-0078, or register online at www.reprobinkelly.eventbrite.com. Early registration is advised, as space is limited.

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

Doing Business in Latin America Workshop – Registration Now in Progress

A free workshop on Doing Business in Latin America will be held Friday, March 27, 2015 from 9 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Governors State University. Business and trade leaders from Brazil, Colombia and Panama will help you understand the opportunities and challenges in these markets and discuss best practices leading to success. Registration is required at: http://bit.ly/govstsbdc. The workshop is sponsored by: Governors State University, Indiana University Center for International Business Education and Research, Illinois SBDC and International Trade Center, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and the U.S. Department of Commerce. For more information, contact: Dr. Jun Zhao at: [email protected], 708-534-4953, or Mary Ma [email protected], 708-534-6976.

Freshman Fridays – Next Session – April 3

Freshman Fridays will be held at GSU on April 3 and May 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission to a four-year university for highly qualified students has been streamlined at Governors State University with a new program called Freshman Fridays. Attending the session, providing the appropriate documentation and meeting the qualifications enables graduating seniors to apply to GSU and receive an instant admissions decision on-the-spot. The future GSU students can meet with academic and financial aid advisors, take a tour of the university and see what residence hall life is like. To qualify for direct admissions on Freshman Fridays, graduating seniors must meet the following criteria: have an unweighted GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale, have a minimum composite ACT score of 20 with at least a 20 in the English and math components and provide their official high school transcripts and official ACT scores (scores may be posted on the official transcript). Additionally, GSU will waive the application fee for qualified applicants attending Freshman Fridays. For more information, visit www.govst.edu/freshmanfridays or call 708-534-4490

Spring Career and Internship Fair – Thursday, April 16

The Spring Career and Internship Fair at GSU is a chance for job seekers to meet with potential employers and discover job and internship opportunities. The Spring Career and Internship Fair will be held Thursday, April 16, from 2-5 p.m., in Center for Performing Arts Lobby, Hall of Governors and Engbretson Hall on the university’s main campus. The Office of Career Services at GSU is sponsoring the fair for people interested in jobs and internship opportunities in communications, technology, business and public administration, criminal justice, addiction studies, community health, and related fields. Current students, alumni, and community members are invited to attend. Potential employers are also invited to register as participants. This is an opportunity to match jobs and internships positions with qualified personnel. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 708-235-3974.

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 South Halsted, Chicago Heights

Free Financial Aid Workshops – Every Tuesday & Wednesday Through March 25

Submitting a completed and accurate Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first and most important step in obtaining financial aid. In order to help students and their parents file the FAFSA online, PSC is hosting several workshops throughout February and March. Staff members of the Financial Aid office will be on hand during the workshops to answer questions. The workshops are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m., every Tuesday and Wednesday through March 25. There will be no workshops on March 17 or 18 due to Spring Break. Spanish translations are available during the Feb. 3 morning and evening workshops and the Feb. 4 and 18 morning workshops. All workshops will be held in the Learning Achievement Center on the college’s main campus at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights. The workshops are free and open to the public, and advanced registration is requested at (708) 709-3735 or [email protected]. In order to complete the FAFSA, students will need to provide completed or estimated 2014 tax information (parent’s and student’s 1040, 1040A, and/or 1040EZ federal tax applications and W-2 forms); the student’s driver’s license and social security number; the parent’s social security number and date of birth; records of untaxed income (welfare, social security, AFDC/ADC, or veterans benefits); current bank statements; current mortgage information for properties other than the family’s principal residence; and records of businesses, farm (if not the family’s principal residence), and assets (stocks, bonds, and other investments). For more information on the FAFSA workshops at PSC, contact the college’s Office of Financial Aid at (708) 709-3735 or email [email protected].

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

Adult Volunteer Literacy Program Seeking Volunteer Tutors – Training Begins March 24

SSC is seeking tutors and participants for the Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program. The program is structured to train volunteers to become one-on-one tutors for adults in need of basic literacy skills. Instruction in basic literacy includes the development of phonetic reading skills combined with communication skills. SSC is encouraging residents to take this opportunity to volunteer as a tutor or encourage someone you know to take advantage of the free program. New tutor training sessions will take place on the Main Campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. from March 24th 2015through April 9th 2015 in Room 1243c. The tutor training is an 18-hour program that culminates with literacy training certification. Once certified, the tutors will go out to visit their adult learners at locations in or near their neighborhoods. Tutoring sites have already been established at the following locations: Acorn Public Library, Oak Forest; Calumet City Public Library; Grande Prairie Library, Hazel Crest; Homewood Public Library; South Holland Public Library; South Suburban College Library, Main Campus; Oak Forest Center Library, Oak Forest; Lansing Public Library; Dolton Public Library; Riverdale Public Library; Markham Public Library and Midlothian Public Library. Tutoring is scheduled by the availability of the tutors and the learners, and the availability of space and hours of the tutoring sites. Illiteracy is an issue that can be debilitating in so many ways for adults who never received the proper instruction. Adults who are unable to read have a much more difficult time with many daily activities that others may take for granted, along with a clear disadvantage in today’s competitive job market. SSC’s Office of Adult Education administers the Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program in addition to High School Equivalency (HSE), English as a Second Language (ESL), and Adult Basic Education (ABE). Tutors will receive free professional development services throughout this program. Successful tutors are also eligible for letters of support or recommendation for jobs, scholarships, educational opportunities, and more. These opportunities are made possible by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a division of the Office of Secretary of State, using state funds designated for literacy. If you would like to register for the volunteer tutor training class please register by March 23rd, 2015 or if you know someone who would benefit from tutoring services, please contact LaKisha Hillard, M. Ed, Coordinator of the Adult Volunteer Literacy Program, at 708-596-2000, ext. 2558, or email [email protected].

‘How to Really Start Your Own Business’ – Wednesday, March 25

SSC’s Business & Career Institute and SCORE have once again partnered to bring a free business workshop geared for small business developers and owners. The upcoming workshop– ‘How to Really Start Your Own Business’–will be offered Wednesday, March 25h at the college’s Oak Forest Center from 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. The cost is free of charge. This workshop will help entrepreneurs to assess prospects, gain direction, and inspire them to move forward to realize their dream. ‘How to Really Start Your Own Business’ topics include:

  • Myths about Business
  • Business Opportunities
  • Assessing Your Journey
  • Organization, Insurance, Regulations
  • Funding and Cash Management
  • Business and Marketing Plans

About the Presenter: Jeff Nicholson has over 30 years of commercial and investment banking experience, including over 26 years at Harris Bank/Bank of Montreal. He was responsible for client coverage activities of diversified companies in the Central U.S., including Illinois, aimed at developing multi-product, lead relationships with middle market companies. Jeff has worked with managers and owners across a wide range of industries. He has taught management and finance at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The workshop will be held at the college’s Oak Forest Center, 16333 S. Kilbourn Ave., Oak Forest, Illinois. To register, call 708-596-2000 extension 3267. The cost is free. For more information, email [email protected].

Free Adult Basic Education Classes – Begin April 6

SSC’s Division of Adult Education is offering a wide range of opportunities for adults to build the basic skills required for success. Adult Basic Education (ABE) helps men and women whose skill levels are below the ninth grade. ABE students improve their skills in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Many adults choose to further build on these skills and pursue a high school education through the High School Equivalency (HSE) program. The HSE program will develop the skills required to pass the GED exams. Studies will include Reasoning through Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, and the US and Illinois Constitutions. Additionally, English as a Second Language (ESL) allows non-native students to improve their English skills from beginning to advanced levels. Most of the Adult Education programs are offered both full and part-time at the Main Campus in South Holland or the Oak Forest Center. At the time of registration, all students will take a Placement Test. The registration and testing days are starting up the second week of April. The complete schedule of registrations and classes at the Main Campus are as follows:

  • Part Time ABE/ASE/HSE, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, April 13 – June 17

Register: Monday, April 6, Tuesday, April 7 or Wednesday, April 8 in Lecture Hall A at 6:00 pm
Classes Begin: Monday, April 13 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm in Room L233

  • Part Time ABE/ASE/HSE, Monday through Friday, April 13 – June 18

Register: Monday, April 6, Tuesday, April 7, or Wednesday, April 8 in Room 1243 at 9:00 am
Classes Begin: Monday, April 13 from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon in Room 1243B

  • Online High School Equivalency Preparation I-Pathways, April 13 – June 18

Register: Monday, April 6, Tuesday, April 7, or Wednesday, April 8 in Lecture Hall A at 9:00 am or 6:00 pm
Classes Begin: Monday, April 13
High School Equivalency (GED) for ESL Students

  • Full Time ABE/ASE/HSE, Monday through Friday, April 13 – June 18

Register: Monday, April 6, Tuesday, April 7, or Wednesday, April 8 in Room 2452 at 9:00 am
Classes Begin: Monday, April 13 from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm in Room 2452

  • Full Time ESL, Monday through Friday, April 13 – June 18

Register: Monday, April 6, Tuesday, April 7, or Wednesday, April 8 in Room L233 at 9:00 am
Classes Begin: Monday, April 13 from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm in Room L233

  • Part Time ESL, Monday through Friday, April 13 – June 18

Register: Monday, April 6, Tuesday, April 7, or Wednesday, April 8 in Room L233 at 9:00 am
Classes Begin: Monday, April 13 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am in Room L233
The complete schedule of registrations and classes at the Oak Forest Center, Shekinah Chapel and Sandridge Community Center are as follows:

  • Oak Forest ESL: Part Time ESL, Monday through Friday, April 13 – June 18

Register: Monday, April 6, Tuesday, April 7, or Wednesday, April 8 in Room 5320 at 9:00 am
Classes Begin: Monday, April 13 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am in Room 5320
Oak Forest ABE/ASE/GED Program:

  • Full Time ABE/ASE/HSE, April 13 – June 18

Monday through Friday
Register: Monday, April 6, Tuesday, April 7, or Wednesday, April 8 at 10:00 am in Room 5240
Classes Begin: Monday, April 13 from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Shekinah Chapel ABE/ASE/GED/HSE Program:

  • Part Time ABE/ASE/HSE, Monday thru Thursday April 13 – June 18

Register: Monday, April 6, Tuesday, April 7 or Wednesday, April 8 at Shekinah Chapel 13800 Wabash, Riverdale, IL 60827
Classes Begin: Monday, April 13 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sandridge Community Center ABE/ASE/GED/HSE Program:

  • Part Time ABE/ASE/HSE, Monday, Tuesday & Thursday April 13 – June 18

Register: Monday, April 6, Tuesday, April 7 or Wednesday, April 8 at Sandridge Community Center, 600 Oglesby Ave, Calumet City, IL 60409
Classes Begin: Monday, April 13 from 5:45 pm – 8:45 pm
Please Note: An Adult education student enrolling for the first time at an SSC Adult Education Center must have:

  • CURRENT STATE I.D. or DRIVERS LICENSE INDICATING ILLINOIS RESIDENCE (MUST BE AN ILLINOIS RESIDENT)
  • UNDER AGE 18–WITHDRAWAL FORM FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL OF CURRENT RESIDENCE

All courses are offered free of charge. For the purpose of compliance with Section 511 of Public Law 101-166 (the Stevens Amendment) Federal funds of $307,398 provides approximately 36% of the support of these programs. For enrollment and class information, please call 708-596-2000, ext. 2385 or ext. 2240, or visit www.ssc.edu under “Non-Credit Offerings, Adult Education.” The Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois.

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.

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Scholarship Applications for Park Forest Students – Due March 31

Scholarship applications for Park Forest students are available now. Four students will receive scholarship awards from the Village of Park Forest — three students will receive the Park Forest Scholarship in the amount of $500 and one student will receive the Dr. Kenneth W. Kramer Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. The Park Forest Youth Commission also has two scholarship awards available. To learn more about the Village of Park Forest Scholarship Awards visit www.villageofparkforest.com/scholarship. To learn more about the Park Forest Youth Commission Scholarship Awards visit www.villageofparkforest.com/youthcommission. Applications for both scholarship programs are due March 31.

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.

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

Park Forest Health Department Nurses Plus, 350 Victory Drive

Food Donations for United Way’s April Food Day Initiative – Through March 31

Last year, the Park Forest Health Department Nurses Plus served as one of several drop-off locations for food donations as part of the United Way’s April Food Day initiative. April Food Day is an event to promote awareness of food pantries by bringing the community together to participate in a local food drive. The Park Forest Health Department is again participating in the April Food Day effort. This year, the Department hopes to surpass last year’s 200 pounds of donated food mark and reach 300 pounds. Suggested items to donate include canned fruits and vegetables, dried goods, and personal care items. No glass items or expired items can be accepted. Items can be dropped off at the Park Forest Health Department between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, through March 31. The Park Forest Health Department is located in the lower level of Park Forest’s Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Watch a video on donating food at the Health Dept!

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.

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.

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

Qigong with Jim Kobus – Most Thursdays

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

Green Events

Thorn Creek Audubon Society (TCAS), Park Forest

Bat Program – Wednesday, April 1

Come to the Thorn Creek Audubon Society’s special presentation for an up-close look at one of the world’s most misunderstood animals – the bat. The Organization for Bat Conservation will bring several species of bats. Included will be an insect-eating bat of North America, a South American leaf-nosed bat and flying fox bats from Africa. The program will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1 at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest. Refreshments will be served. A $5 donation per family is suggested to help defray the cost of this special program.

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Wednesday Morning Walkers

Come walk the trails with Wednesday Morning Walkers every Wednesday at 9 a.m. Follow the forest’s seasonal changes, enjoy light exercise and experience nature firsthand on two miles of Thorn Creek’s winding trails. Trails can be wet or icy or muddy, so please wear sturdy shoes. This weekly program is free and open to those 13 years of age and older. Registration is required two days before your first walk. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.

Thorn Creek’s Woods Music Songfest – Tickets Now on Sale

As spring begins, come celebrate the wood with music at Thorn Creek’s Woods Music Songfest which will be held on Friday, March 27 at 7 p.m. With the generous donation of the musicians’ time and expertise all proceeds will benefit Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve. Woods Music tickets are $10. The program is for those older than 12 years of age. Seating is limited and it is recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-747-6320.

‘March Into Spring Hike’ – Registration Required by Friday, March 27

Shed off winter and enjoy a march into the woods to look for signs of springtime on the ‘March into Spring Hike’ Sunday, March 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve. We’ll search for vernal indicators like early wildflowers re-sprouting, tree buds unfurling, returning migrant birds or animals emerging from hibernation, choruses of frogs and tender green shoots peeking through last year’s dead leaves. This program will be off trail for a portion of the hike. The trail may be muddy or icy; sturdy boots are recommended. Registration is required by Friday, March 27, and the program is free for all ages. Participants should be able to walk 2 miles outdoors on natural surface trails across uneven and possibly wet/muddy terrain. For more information or to register, please contact Thorn Creek Nature Center at 708-747-6320 or [email protected].

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.

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.

This & That

Park Forest Nonpartisan Committee

Non-Partisan Committee’s Candidate Forums – Links to Previously Held Forums

The Non-Partisan Local Government Committee, begun 60 years ago, is here to help you learn more about the candidates so that you are well-prepared to make important decisions on who to give your vote to on April 7. Three Village Trustee positions as well as the Village Mayor and candidates for three Library Board Trustees will be on the April 7, 2015 ballot. If you were unable to attend the previous Forums, you can view the January 25th event at https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=fNYJBwnqVsk and February 8th at https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gzEDJ7Llczc&feature=youtube.

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Early Voting for April 7 Consolidated General Election — Begins Monday, March 23

Early voting for the April 7, 2015 consolidate general election begins Monday, March 23. Cook County residents may cast an early ballot at Park Forest Village Hall from Monday, March 23 thru Saturday, April 4, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Cook County residents can vote early at any of the County’s 20 early voting sites. For the complete list, visit the county’s website at www.cookcountyclerk.com. Residents of Will County/Crete Township, can cast a ballot at the Crete Township Office, 1367 Wood Street in Crete, from March 23 thru April 2, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Residents of Will County, Monee Township, can cast a ballot at the Monee Village Hall, 5130 W. Court St. in Monee, from March 23 through April 2, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Any Will County resident can go to the Will County Clerk’s office 302 N, Chicago Street, Joliet on:

  • March 23 – March 26, Monday – Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Friday, March 27 from 8:30 – 6:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 28 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 29, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Monday-Thursday March 30- April 3, 8:30 – 4:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 4, 4, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Monday, April 6, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 pm

Check the Will County Clerk’s office at www.willcountyclerk.com for details. For more information, please call Sandi Black at 708-283-5605.

Park Forest Vehicle Stickers for 2015 – 2016 Year – New Stickers to be Displayed by May 1

Park Forest vehicle stickers for the 2015-2016 year are now on sale at Park Forest Village Hall. Vehicle stickers must be displayed prior to May 1 on all vehicles registered with the State of Illinois with a Park Forest address, even if that vehicle is not located in Park Forest. View full details on vehicle sticker sales by clicking on this link: Click for complete vehicle sticker information!

18th Annual Diversity Dinners – Registration Now in Progress

On Thursday, April 23, 2015, the 18th Annual Diversity Dinners will be held across the south suburbs. On this evening, residents will open their homes to celebrate our rich diversity in small gatherings by sharing a meal and lively discussion, which can lead to greater understanding and some new friendships. The Diversity Dinners bring people of different races, religions, ethnicities, lifestyles and age together to enjoy a delicious dinner, discuss their common goals, understand differences, address misconceptions and offer solutions to strengthen our communities. This experience can open doors to enhanced appreciation for the unique mosaic of people, who live in the south suburbs. The event, funded by contributions from individuals, businesses and local organizations, is coordinated by the villages of Flossmoor, Park Forest, Homewood, Richton Park and Olympia Fields; Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233, Rich Township High School District 227, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, League of Women Voters Homewood-Flossmoor Area, League of Women Voters Park Forest Area, Center for Multicultural Communities and the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI). The dinners are free for both the dinner hosts and guests. Although there is no charge for the dinner, each guest and host must register to participate. All guests must be at least 14 years old and the guests should be willing to go to the home assigned. Please plan to join other area residents on April 23th at the Diversity Dinners for a meaningful evening, as we celebrate one of the priceless assets of our community. For additional information, please visit the website at www.diversitydinners.com or contact Hildy Kingma, Village of Park Forest at 708-283-5622 or e-mail: [email protected].


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