Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of August 31, 2015


http://www.ssc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Illusion-of-the-outside_2014_500.jpg?0cdeca
“Illusion of the Outside,” artwork from Chicago Artist Ruben Aguirre is now being displayed as part of his larger exhibition ‘Linements’ at South Suburban College this month. Source: www.ssc.edu

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—August 31, 2015. As part of its Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, the Art & Design Department of South Suburban College is hosting a special exhibition titled ‘Linements,’ by Chicago artist Ruben Aguirre in the college’s Dorothea Thiel Gallery through September 14th. Ruben Aguirre is a Chicago based painter who has transitioned from graffiti writing to abstract painter/contemporary muralist. He has produced a number of murals in the Chicagoland area, and recently exhibited in “Living Like Kings: The Unexpected Collision of Chess and Hip Hop Culture” at The World Chess Hall of Fame, St. Louis, Missouri; “Paint, Paste, Sticker: Chicago Street Art” at the Chicago Cultural Center; and The National Museum of Mexican Art exhibit “Outside In: The Mexican-American Street Art Movement in Chicago.” Additional information about the exhibit can be found in the ‘Arts & Entertainment’ 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 Hall Closure – Monday, September 7

Park Forest Village Hall will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.

Village Commissions & Advisory Boards

The following Park Forest Commissions are scheduled to meet the week of August 31:

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

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

Arts & Entertainment

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

‘Opera Up Close — Viva Italia!’ –Tickets Now on Sale

The Center for Performing Arts at GSU will kick-off its 20th season with ‘Opera Up Close – Viva Italia!’ on Sunday, September 20 at 4 p.m. Travel with us to Italy, the birthplace of opera, as we celebrate the wide array of Italian operatic music. Our program will feature five singers performing Act 3 of La Boehme, Puccini’s timeless love story, as well as Neapolitan songs, arias, duets and ensembles from operas by Verdi, Donizetti and Rossini. Featuring sopranos Desiree Hassler and Carla Jenzen, mezzo soprano Pamela Williams, tenor John Concepcion and baritone, Michael Cavalieri. The Opera Up Close experience will allow you to view the performance from the unique vantage point of your table on the stage where you’ll watch the stories unfold in the midst of the show! Tickets are $53 which includes a sampling of Italian favorites and wine. BUY TICKETS

DePaul University Art Museum, 935 West Fullerton, Chicago

‘Idol Structures’ – Opens September 10

Advertisements permeate public landscapes with billboards, signs and different forms of mass media. ‘Idol Structures,’ an exhibition of sculpture and photography by Chicago artist Matt Siber opens September 10 at the DePaul Art Museum. The exhibit will run through December 20. This new body of work emphasizes the physical structures that are meant to stay invisible and passive while helping to relay the image, text, or graphic to the consumer. The sculptures and photographs featured in the exhibition are designed to make you more aware of your environment as you go about your daily life. Siber, who teaches advanced digital imaging at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, has been working on this type of artwork since he was a graduate student. The sculptures are modeled after the photographs by using fine craftsmanship to reconstruct the signs out of wood and florescent tubes. Some of the sculptures are almost to scale, with the largest one measuring 14 feet tall. ‘Idol Structures’ is supported by a grant from the David C. and Sarajean Ruttenberg Arts Foundation. More about Matt Siber at http://siberart.com/projects/structures. The DePaul Art Museum is located 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 Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information, call 773-325-7506 or visit http://museums.depaul.edu.

National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago

‘Tactical Formations: Collective Practice in the Veteran Art Movement’ – Opens Friday, September 4

On Friday, September 4, 2015, the NVAM will open its newest exhibit, Tactical Formations: Collective Practice in the Veteran Art Movement. The exhibit will run through January 30. A reception will take place on September 4, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with the keynote by Michael Duffy commencing at 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be available. Both the reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. Tactical Formations takes the basic military strategy of organizing troops into units to carry out tactical missions during combat and applies it to the practice of forming and operating art collectives in order to achieve socially grounded goals through artistic production. The exhibit explores three art collectives: The Vietnam Veterans Arts Group (VVAG), The Dirty Canteen, and the NVAM Teen Council. The VVAG first formed in 1981 when a group of Vietnam veterans began making artwork as an artistic response to their experiences of war. The VVAG was unique in launching the first exhibition composed exclusively of artwork made by combat veterans. The Dirty Canteen collective formed in 2013, and includes veterans from the Gulf War, Kosovo, and the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, who strive to create and maintain open dialogues about past and current military engagements. Finally, the NVAM Teen Council represents a growing group of high school students who create artwork while developing skills in leadership and museum practices in collaboration with veteran artists. These three groups represent NVAM’s foundation, its growing population of post-Gulf War veterans, and its future leaders and artists. For additional information, call 312-326-0270 or visit: www.nvam.org.

‘The Things They Carried’ – Permanent Exhibit

The NVAM 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.nvam.org.

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

The following event is scheduled the week of August 31:

  • Monday, August 31 at 11 a.m. — Sunrise Story Adventure — Jump start your morning with a series of stories that are sure to get you moving. Ages 12 and under.
  • Monday, August 31 at 3:30 p.m. — Art in the Afternoon — Unleash your inner artist. Drop in to create an amazing project of your own. Ages 12 and under.
  • Tuesday, September 1 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 2 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, September 3 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. Ages 3-5.
  • Thursday, September 3 at 6 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 patron services.
  • Friday, September 4 at 3:30 p.m. — Unplugged Game Day! — It’s game day! Find out how much fun board games can be. Come and test your skills on our “Unplugged” games.

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

Library Closure – Monday, September 7

The Park Forest Library will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Friends of the Park Forest Public Library Organizational Meeting – Tuesday, September 8

The Friends of the Park Forest Public Library, which also serves Olympia Fields, will hold an organizational meeting on Tuesday, September 8 at 6 p.m. in the Library’s Ringering Room. Annual dues are $10 for an individual, $15 for a family and $5 for seniors and students. If you are unable to attend the meeting but would like to become a Friend of the Library, please submit the form found here: join the friends of the library.pdf. For additional information, contact Barbara Osuch at 708-748-3731 extension 16 or email at [email protected].

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

Photographer of the Year & Annual Student Work Exhibition – Through September 10

A selection of works from PSC Photographer of the Year honoree Annabelle Mullennix of Matteson will be on display through Thursday, September 10, during the Annual Photographer of the Year and Student Exhibition in the Christopher Art Gallery on the college’s main campus in Chicago Heights. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The annual student exhibition also will include works from various classes during the 2014-2015 academic year, and have been chosen by the fine art faculty members. Works include photographs, paintings, drawings and three dimensional works. Additional PSC students who will have their work highlighted during the show include Carl Kenneth Sago of Sauk Village; Kenya Moffett Garner of Glenwood; Carol Bruns and Tyler Kelly of Beecher; Dean Coy, Caitlin Gerritsen, Amy Roesch and Alex Rosales of Chicago Heights; Diamond Jones, Melinda Arce Gudino and Robert Villarreal of Homewood; Ryan Bennett, Vanessa Marie Guzman, Stephan Johnson and Anthony Manson of Park Forest; Lawrence Davis III of University Park; Nickyle Edwards of Flossmoor; Alexandria Reed of Calumet City; and William Billingsley of Matteson. The Christopher Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. The gallery will be closed on Labor Day, Monday, September 7. Visits also can be made by appointment. For more information about the exhibit or to make an appointment for a visit, call 708-709-7738.

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

‘Linements’ Solo Exhibition by Chicago Artist Ruben Arguirre – Through September 14

The Art & Design Department of SSC is pleased to announce a special guest artist exhibition titled ‘Linements,’ by Chicago artist Ruben Aguirre in the Dorothea Thiel Gallery through September 14th. There will also be a closing reception for the artist at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14th. The Dorothea Thiel Gallery is located on the 4th Floor of SSC’s Main Campus. The exhibition is part of the college’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. Both the reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. Ruben Aguirre is a Chicago based painter who has transitioned from graffiti writing to abstract painter/contemporary muralist. He has produced a number of murals in the Chicagoland area, and recently exhibited in “Living Like Kings: The Unexpected Collision of Chess and Hip Hop Culture” at The World Chess Hall of Fame, St. Louis, MO; “Paint, Paste, Sticker: Chicago Street Art” at the Chicago Cultural Center; and The National Museum of Mexican Art exhibit “Outside In: The Mexican-American Street Art Movement in Chicago.” His public work has been commissioned for schools, co-working spaces, residential spaces, private businesses, neighborhood development organizations, as well as various corporate clients. 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.

Play On! – Tickets Now on Sale

The PAC Rats Theatre Company of SSC will present Play On!, the hilarious Rick Abbot comedy. Performances will take place in the Kindig Performing Arts Center on the college’s Main Campus on September 18, 19 and 25 at 8 p.m., September 26 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and September 27 at 2 p.m. Amateur dramatics takes a good-natured ribbing in this behind-the-scenes comedy about the perils of community theatre. A theatre troupe is mounting a local playwright’s original murder mystery. With no royalty fees to pay, the company thinks it got a great deal until the playwright continues to interrupt the rehearsal process with constant rewrites and changes. To add to the problems, the cast and crew are starting to get on each other’s nerves. Act I is a rehearsal of the dreadful show with bickering actors, bumbling crew and backstage romances in full swing. Act II is the near disastrous dress rehearsal, and the final act is opening night where anything that can go wrong, does. Tickets are just $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 55 or better, and $6 for students. Group rates are also available. Ticket reservations can be made through the 24/7 box office voicemail line at 708-210-5741, or email [email protected].

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Autumn’s Soft Breezes’ – Annual Gallery Artists Exhibit – Through September 20

‘Autumn’s Soft Breezes,’ Tall Grass Artists Gallery’s annual artists’ exhibit will run through Sunday, September 20. All juried Tall Grass Artists are invited, annually, to participate in an exhibit that, although it has a name, does not require adherence to a theme or specific material. It does require, however, that artists exhibit a work not previously exhibited in the gallery. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org

Park Forest Art Fair – September 19 & 20

Boasting a rich history and wealth of gifted artists, along with status as one of the Southland’s most valued annual treasures, the Park Forest Art Fair, sponsored by Tall Grass Arts Association, celebrates its 60th year in 2015. The event takes place Sept. 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in DownTown Park Forest on the Village Green. The Park Forest Art Fair was named as one of the “Best Overall Art Fairs” by ArtFairCalendar.com. The Park Forest Art Fair features ceramics, etchings, sculpture, photographs, paintings in many media, digital art works, jewelry featuring original elements, and hand-blown glass. The event also includes a children’s art contest, tie dyeing, mural painting and face painting. A musical potpourri, sponsored by the Village, fills Saturday’s fair hours and fest favorite Patchouli, a popular Chicagoland folk duo, performs Sunday. Food vendors will also be at the art fair. The Park Forest Art Fair is free to attend.

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

‘The Urban Box Project’ – Through September 5

USG will host ‘The Urban Box Project’ which will run through September 5 at the Gallery. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Luis Sahagun, a Chicago Heights based artist along with two Bloom Township high school students will be creating street interventions, paintings, and sculptures entirely made out of materials excavated from Chicago Heights. In addition, a site-specific installation will be created with debris and objects collected from the city. The community is encouraged to visit and experience this LIVE process every THURSDAY in August. The final exhibition will contain a collection of Luis’ artwork, visual documentations of the street interventions performed by the TUBP and independent sculptures created from the collected rubble. You may find in-progress pictures of this project on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter under #theurbanboxproject. For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

‘Art as Artifact’ Exhibit – Through September 5

USG will present ‘Art as Artifact’ through September 5 at the Gallery. The exhibit is free and open to the public. This vibrant exhibit will present contemporary art within a visual context that enables the audience to examine the work through an ethnographic lens. Paintings, Sculptures, and Installations in the exhibit are made from both organic materials that derive from nature and inorganic modern-day materials such as plexi-glass, plastics, and metals. The exhibition consists of 17 visual artists that represent the states of Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

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

2nd Annual Mental Health Conference – Registration Now in Progress

Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart will be the keynote presenter during the PSC Second Annual Mental Health Conference, “Changing Perspectives and Altering Perceptions: Understanding Mental Health.” The event is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday, September 17, in the Conference Center of the college’s main campus in Chicago Heights. The annual conference is focused on reducing the stigma of mental health disorders, and includes Dart’s keynote presentation, a general session, and choice of 10 breakout sessions, a panel discussion and an exhibitor expo. Dart’s presentation will be “From Washington to Chicago Heights: Root, Effects, and Solutions for the Criminalization of Mental Illness.” Breakout sessions will include topics “Understanding Mental Illness and Homelessness;” “Empowering the African American Client: Demystifying Mental Health;” “Transgender Health and Wellness: Providing Quality, Informed, Compassionate Care;” “Working with Soldiers and Veterans: Getting Soldiers to Talk About Their Pain;” “Foundations for Mental Health: Social and Emotional Learning in the Schools;” and “Care of the Mind, Body and Spirit.” During the panel discussion, “Journey Part 2: Supporting My Family Member,” attendees will hear personal experiences from parents who are assisting a loved one with managing their mental illness and recovery process. There is a $99 registration fee. Continuing Education Units (CEU) are available for an additional $20. For more information, call 708-709-7957. Conference and registration details also are available at www.prairiestate.edu/mentalhealthconference. The registration deadline is Thursday, September 10. Event partners include The Catholic Charities, Ingalls Behavioral Health Services, Grand Prairie Services, National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) South Suburbs of Chicago, and Sertoma Center. Exhibitor opportunities still are available. For more information, call 708-709-7799.

Three-part Leadership Series Featuring Renowned Expert Lee Ann Piano – Registration Now in Progress

PSC’s Corporate and Continuing Education Department is hosting a three-part leadership series to provide attendees with the tools necessary to be a successful leader. The three main topics covered include “Making Managers Stronger Leaders,” “Handling Hard to Handle People” and “Becoming Great in the Workplace.” Each topic includes two parts, spread over two half-day sessions, and features Lee Ann Piano, a John Maxwell certified speaker, trainer, coach and empowerment expert. All sessions are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and are being held in the Conference Center on the PSC main campus in Chicago Heights. During Making Managers Stronger Leaders Part 1, scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, Piano will address “Character, Credibility, & Integrity,” and “Coaching & Delegating.” During Part 2, on Tuesday, September 29, Piano will discuss “Assertiveness” and “Motivating Teams.” Handling Hard to Handle People Part 1 is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13. Piano will address “Managing Emotions” and “Neutralizing Negativity.” During Part 2, scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, she will discuss “Responding to Conflict” and “Stop Stressing!” On Tuesday, November 10, Piano will present Becoming Great in the Workplace Part 1, which will focus on “GREAT Principles for Workplace Success” and “Pin Pointing Personality Styles.” During part 2 on November 24, Piano will address “Breaking Bad Communication Habits” and “Getting It All Done.” Piano is a former top seminar leader with Fred Pryor/Career Track and now is owner of Fine Tuning for Success. She has helped thousands rise higher and achieve more personally and professionally. As an experienced executive trainer and leadership coach, she has delivered more than 600 seminars nationally and internationally. Her specialty is creating customized training resulting in stronger leaders and a more engaged workforce. Piano’s focus includes dynamic content delivery, aligning human behaviors with organizational values and objectives as well as providing clear communication, both written and oral. There is a registration fee of $299 for each two-part session, or $849 to attend the entire series. For more information or to register call Michelle Guiliani at 708-709-7957 or email [email protected].

Roosevelt University, 430 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Requesting Public Comments – Due by September 12

In preparation for an upcoming comprehensive accreditation evaluation from its regional accrediting agency, the Higher Learning Commission, Roosevelt University seeks comments from the public on substantive matters related to its quality as an institution and its academic programs. Roosevelt will host a visit team from the Higher Learning Commission on October 12 and 13, 2015. The visit team will review Roosevelt’s ongoing ability to meet the Commission’s Criteria for Accreditation in addition to comments from the public. The public is invited to submit comments regarding Roosevelt to:

Public Comment on Roosevelt University
The Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1411

Comments can also be sent to the Commission’s web site at: http://www.ncahlc.org/HLC-Institutions/third-party-comment.html. Comments must be in writing, signed and received by the Higher Learning Commission by September 12, 2015.

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

Free Adult Registration Days – Begin September 14

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 complete schedule of locations for registrations and classes is as follows:

Part Time ABE/ASE/HSE, Main CAMPUS

Address: 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473
Register: September 14, 15 and 16, 2015, 6:00 p.m., Room L233

Classes Start/End: September 21–December 18, 2015, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays,
6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Part Time ABE/ASE/HSE, Main CAMPUS

Address: 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473
Register: September 14, 15 and 16, 2015, 9:00 a.m., Room 1243B

Classes Start/End: September 21–December 18, 2015, Mondays through Fridays
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

HSE for ESL STUDENTS, Main CAMPUS

Address: 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473
Register: September 14, 15 and 16, 2015, 9:00 a.m., Room 2452

Classes Start/End: September 21–December 18, 2015, Mondays through Fridays
9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Room 2452

FULL TIME ABE/ASE/HSE, Oak Forest Center

Address: 16333 s. Kilbourn Ave., Oak Forest, IL 60452
Register: September 14, 15 and 16, 2015, 9:00 a.m., Room 5240

Classes Start/End: September 21–December 18, 2015, Mondays through Fridays
9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Room 5240

Part-Time ABE/ASE/HSE, Sandridge Community Center

Address: 600 Oglesby Ave., Calumet City, IL 60409
Register: September 14, 15 and 17, 2015, 5:45 p.m.

Classes Start/End: September 21–December 17, 2015, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays,
5:45 p.m.–8:45 p.m.

Part-Time ABE/ASE/HSE, THORNTON TOWNSHIP CENTER

Address: 14323 S. Halsted, Riverdale, IL 60827

Register: September 14, 15 and 16, 2015, 10:00 a.m.

Classes Start/End: September 21–December 17, 2015, Mondays through Thursdays,
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

FULL TIME ESL, MAIN CAMPUS

Address: 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473
Register: September 14, 15 and 16, 2015, 9:00 a.m., Room L233

Classes Start/End: September 21–December 18, 2015, Mondays through Fridays,
9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Room L233

PART TIME ESL, MAIN CAMPUS

Address: 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473
Register: September 14, 15 and 16, 2015, 9:00 a.m., Room L233

Classes Start/End: September 21–December 18, 2015, Mondays through Fridays,
9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Room L233

PART TIME ESL, MAIN CAMPUS

Address: 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473
Register: September 14, 15 and 16, 2015, 6:00 p.m., Room 1243B

Classes Start/End: September 21–December 18, 2015, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays,
6:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Room 1243B

PART TIME ESL, Oak Forest Center

Address: 16333 S. Kilbourn Ave., Oak Forest, IL 60452
Register: September 14, 15 and 16, 2015, 9:00 a.m., Room 5320

Classes Start/End: September 21–December 18, 2015, Mondays through Fridays
9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Room 5320

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 $306,398 provides approximately 36% of the support of these programs. Indiana residents are not eligible to participate in the Adult Education programs. For enrollment and class information, please call 708-596-2000, ext. 2385 or ext. 2240, or visit www.ssc.edu under “Adult & Continuing Education.”

Online Educational Resources

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

Top U.S. Universities

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

Healthy Living

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

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

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

Yoga Classes by Karen Nielsen – Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays

Yoga classes by Karen Nielsen are available at UUCC on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Wednesday evenings from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. No reservations needed. Drop-in fee is $10 per class and the 6th one is free. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

Qigong with Jim Kobus – Most Thursdays

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

Buddhist Meditation – Saturdays

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

Green Events

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Become a ‘Friend of Thorn Creek’

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

Experience the Thorn Creek Nature Center

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

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Park Forest Famers’ Market – Every Saturday Through October

The Park Forest Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October. The Market hosts 22 full spaces with a variety of fresh flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables, bakery goods, herbs and dairy products, food and entertainment. 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 Park Forest Farmers’ Market is located in the parking lot closest to 271 Lakewood Blvd, at the corner of Lakewood Boulevard and Cunningham Drive, just across from the Park Forest Police Department.

This & That

Park Forest Area League of Women Voters

Fall Kick-off Pot Luck Dinner – Wednesday, September 9

The Park Forest Area League of Women Voters will hold its Fall Kick-Off Pot Luck Dinner on Wednesday, September 9. The dinner will be followed by a Panel Discussion: “Is There Really Crime In Our Area?” Police Chiefs from University Park, Park Forest, Richton Park and Matteson have been invited to speak about crime statistics in their communities. The discussion will focus on burglaries, robberies, domestic violence, gang activity and general risks to personal safety. The Pot Luck will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Panel Discussion starts at 7:15 p.m. with questions and answers from the audience at 8:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Richton Park Community Center, 4445 Sauk Trail (enter through the eastern most door of the Municipal Center Complex). The program is open to the public and anyone interested in the topic is encouraged to attend to learn more about this important issue. For more information please contact Diane Hodges at [email protected] or Barbara Moore at 708-481-5251.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization which encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters encourages citizens to register to vote and provides public education for voters on election issues. The League does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Anyone interested in promoting responsible government is invited to be a member. For more information visit lwvpfa.org.

St. Irenaeus Church, 78 Cherry Street, Park Forest

A Faith Response to Homicide: Vigil for Peace – Wednesday, September 2

The distant echo of gun fire has roared its thunderous blast in our community. The weeping of Rachel for her children is now our weeping. As an expression of solidarity and peace-seeking, the faith communities of Park Forest are gathering to pray for peace in our village, our nation and our world. The event will take place at St. Irenaeus Church on Wednesday, September 2, at 7 p.m. for a vigil, and as an ongoing commitment, the first Wednesday of each month to join our hearts, our hands, and our voices for peace. See you there!

State Representative Anthony DeLuca – 195 W. Joe Orr Road, Suite 201, Chicago Heights

Document Shredding Event – Saturday, September 19

State Representative Anthony DeLuca will host a free document shredding event on Saturday, September 19 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Bloom Plaza, 1020 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights. Help protect yourself from identity theft. Bring documents that contain your personally identifiable information to be safely shredded, such as old bank statements, tax returns, bills, receipts, credit card applications and outdated medical records. Please remember to remove all paper clips, staples and other bindings. This event is free and open to the public. There is a limit of two boxes per car. Cardboard boxes cannot be left at the event. Residential shredding only (no commercial shredding). Shredding accepted until shred trucks reach capacity. For additional information, please contact Representative DeLuca’s constituent service office at 708-754-7900.

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Village-wide Garage Sale – Registration Now in Progress

Do you have items in your home you no longer need that could become someone else’s treasures? Do you love a good deal and enjoy a great garage sale or flea market? Park Forest’s Village-wide Garage Sale brings together buyers from near and far for one large garage sale, and the entire community is the garage! Over 145 homes participated in 2014. This year’s Garage Sale will be held on September 18 through 20. Set-up your garage sale at your home during one of Park Forest’s busiest weekends and capitalize on thousands of out-of- towners visiting for the Park Forest Art Fair on September 19 and 20. Registration is now in progress. Additional information is available at www.villageofparkforest.com/garagesale or by calling Village Hall at 708–748-1112.


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