Local

In and Around Park Forest for the Week of January 28, 2018


Evan Tyrone Martin
(Source: Freedom Hall)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)— Do you enjoy going to the theater, but hate paying exorbitant prices for tickets and parking? One of Park Forest’s finest entertainment venues, Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, has some upcoming events that offer something for everyone with very reasonable ticket prices and free parking. On Friday, night, February 2 Chicago leading man Evan Tyrone Martin (‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ Side Show,’ ‘Dreamgirls’) will warmly resonate the velvety vocal style of musical legend Nat King Cole. Martin intimately relates Cole’s musical journey: from his upbringing in the Chicago church, to shuffling along the jazz scene, to his emergence as a popular musical icon. Classic tunes include “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” “L-O-V-E,” and “Smile.” Tickets are $30.

Freedom Hall’s Matinee Series will present “The Life and Laughs of Carol Burnett’ on Tuesday, February 13 at 11 a.m. The world has enjoyed a love affair with Carol Burnett for years. Her peerless, fearless character acting and delightful, self-effacing personality made her Lucille Ball’s rightful successor as the red-headed Queen of Television Comedy. Carol can do it all — sing, dance, act, make you laugh [insert Tarzan yell here], and break your heart. You’ll take a stroll with Hilary Ann Feldman as she guides you on a tour of Carol Burnett’s life and laughs. Tickets are priced at $10.

You can find additional information about both events in the ‘Arts & Entertainment’ Section.

Looking for a new career with high wage potential? South Suburban College’s Oak Forest Campus will be offering a Free Highway Construction Careers Training Program. Orientation and Assessment Testing will be January 30 through February 1 at the Oak Forest Center, with the program set to begin on February 26. The Highway Construction Careers Training Program has been implemented to increase the number of minorities, women, and disadvantaged individuals working on IDOT highway construction projects. The intensive 12-week training program will teach you the skills necessary for acceptance into the highway construction trades. You can find additional information about the program in the ‘Educational Lectures & Opportunities’ Section.

Events and activities featured in ‘In and Around Park Forest’ take place in Park Forest, the surrounding suburbs and locations that are just a short drive or train ride away. You’ll find that many of these events are free or of a nominal charge.

If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in the community that you would like published, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with the details no later than 5 p.m. on Friday.  Thank you.

Village of Park Forest Administration

Village Board Meeting – Saturday, February 3

The Village of Park Forest Board will hold a Saturday Morning Rules Meeting on February 3 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.  Residents are encouraged to attend. Board meetings air live on cable access channels (Channel 4 for Comcast subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T subscribers).

To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site here and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.

Arts & Entertainment

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

Ground-breaking Musical ‘Caroline, or Change’ – Tickets Now on Sale

A range of musical styles fills the score—from blues to Motown, and spirituals to klezmer. This story of a divorced African American maid will fill your heart. ‘Caroline, or Change,’ presented by The Southland Area Theatre Ensemble (SLATE), is a ground-breaking work that tells a story of political change, social change, and plain old pocket change. See it live at the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University on Friday, February 2 at 8 p.m., Saturday, February 3 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, February 4 at 2 p.m. Set in 1963 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the civil rights movement is underway, and change is brewing everywhere. The assassination of John F. Kennedy is about to happen, and the Vietnam War is intensifying. Caroline Thibodeaux, is doing laundry in the basement of the Gellman’s home, a Southern Jewish family. Caroline and eight year-old son, Noah, are wary of the social changes around them. Having lost his wife to cancer, the man of the house is remarried to a woman who tries to engage Noah and Caroline in the momentous times. With a plan to teach his son the value of money and a goal of bettering Caroline’s situation, he leaves change in his clothes to be laundered and encourages Caroline to keep it. Torn between her pride and the chance to improve the lives of her children, Caroline must face the moment, the movement, and her life through new eyes. The production comes to life through vivid, unique characters, such as The Washing Machine and The Radio. ‘Caroline, or Change’ has collected nearly every award attainable for a theatrical production, including the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress and six nominations including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score, and Best Director.), The virtuosic score by Jeanine Tesori (whose work you’ll recognize in Shrek The Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Fun Home) earned her The Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical (2007), The Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music (2004), and an Obie Award (2004). ‘Caroline, or Change’ has the power to change the way audiences think about musical theatre.

Tickets & Additional Information

Tickets: $28

Online: www.CenterTickets.net

By Phone: 708-235-2222

In Person at the Box Office: 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL

Box Office Hours: Monday- Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (open to 6p.m. on Thursdays) and 2 hours prior to all performances.

Parking is free.

For best GPS directions always use the location search term “Governors State University” only. This performance is partially supported by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Chicago Design Museum, 108 North State Street, Chicago

‘Hey! Play! Games in Modern Culture’ — Through February 17

An interactive exhibition that encourages play and offers guests a look at the world of games beyond what’s found on Xbox or Steam is now open at the Chicago Design Museum. Co-curators Brian Schrank and LeAnne Wagner, both School of Design faculty members, created “Hey! Play! Games in Modern Culture,” with all ages and experience levels in mind. The exhibition features nine games that range across three big areas in gaming: high art, outsider art and indie games, said Schrank. High art games can help connect history and art and incorporate elements of graphic art, music or story. Outsider art involves individuals who aren’t necessarily trained in the arts and won’t be in the elite art galleries or museums, but involve art done out of obsessiveness. Small studios or independent artists who are blending art and commercialization make indie games. A few of the games on display and available to play at the exhibition include Robin Arnott’s “Sound-Self,” Feng Mengbo’s “Long March: Restart,” and Champlain College Emergent Media Center’s “Spacebox.”  The other games on display include “SuperBetter” by Jane McGonigal, “Slapsie” and “Parachute Game” by Bernie DeKoven, “Videoball” by Tim Rogers, “Untitled Game” by JODI, a collection of games by Anna Anthropy, and Terry Davis’s TempleOS operating system ready for play on a desktop computer. Founded in 2012, the Chicago Design Museum is located on the third floor of the Block Thirty-Seven mall at 108 N. State St. It’s open from noon to 7p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. “Hey! Play! Games in Modern Culture” runs through Feb. 17, 2018. Admission to the museum is free, but donations are encouraged. For additional information on the Chicago Design Museum is at https://chidm.com/.

Crete Public Library District, 1177 North Main Street

The following events are scheduled at the Crete Public Library District the week of January 28:

  • Monday, January 29 at 10 a.m. – Come and Play – Drop in for dancing, singing, and rhythm.  For ages 0-5.
  • Monday, January 29 at 3:30 p.m. – T(w)een Writers Group – A writing group where tweens and teens can build writing skills and provide feedback to one another.
  • Monday, January 29 at 6 p.m. – Pokemon Club – Pokemon themed activities for ages 6+. Register.
  • Tuesday, January 30 at 1 p.m. – Preschool Storytime – Number recognition, alphabet, books, music, and craft projects for learning early literacy skills. For ages 4-5. Register.
  • Wednesday, January 31 at 10 a.m. – Toddler Time Stations – Parents and children will explore thematic stations together. For ages 2-3. Register.
  • Wednesday, January 31 at 3 p.m. – Microsoft Excel Basics – Topics include cells, rows, columns, formulas, and functions. For adults. Register.
  • Wednesday, January 31 from 6-8 p.m. – Adult Drop-in Coloring –  Bring your own supplies or use ours. For adults.
  • Thursday, February 1 at 10 a.m. – Writing a Resume: Part 2 – Learn how to write a resume that impresses hiring managers and speaks to your personal and professional strengths. Content provided through a Lynda.com video. For adults.
  • Thursday, February 1 at 1 p.m. – Preschool Storytime – Number recognition, alphabet, books, music, and craft projects for learning early literacy skills. For ages 4-5. Register.
  • Thursday, February 1 at 3 p.m. – T(w)een Board Game Afternoon – Drop in for board games, card games, or tabletop RPG games. Feel free to bring your own games. For ages 11+.
  • Thursday, February 1 at 6:30 p.m. – CRAVE (CRete Area Voracious Eaters) Club – Prepare and bring a dish based on the month’s theme of Valentine’s eats, then share samples and recipes with club members. For adults.
  • Thursday, February 1 at 7 p.m. – T(w)een Trivia Thursdays – Theme is Name That Dessert. Compete in teams of two-four people. The first place team will win a prize. For tweens and teens in grades 6-12. Register.
  • Friday, February 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Adult Drop-in Coloring – Bring your own supplies or use ours. For adults.
  • Friday, February 2 at 10 a.m. – Babies & Books – Storytime for ages birth-24 months. Register.
  • Saturday, February 3 at 11 a.m. – LEGO WeDo Robotics – Build LEGO creations and program them with a computer. For ages 6+. Register.
  • Saturday, February 3 at 1:30 p.m. – Super SCRATCH Saturdays – Create animations, video games, stories and art through a fun and simple programming language using the software Scratch. For ages 8+. Register.

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

DePaul University Art Museum, 935 West Fullerton Avenue, Chicago

3 Winter Exhibitions – Through Sunday, March 25

Printed works from various artists will be on display at DePaul Art Museum this winter. Three exhibitions will include works by lithographers Clinton Adams and June Wayne of the Tamarind Institute, as well as by Chicago artists Barbara Jones-Hogu and Jose Guerrero, from the city’s South Side and Pilsen neighborhood, respectively. The exhibitions run through March 25.

Rock, Paper, Image: Lithographs by Clinton Adams and June Wayne from the Belverd and Marian Needles Collection

Clinton Adams and June Wayne are widely credited with reviving interest in lithography in the mid-20th century. As co-founders of the Tamarind Institute, a center for lithography based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, they instructed artists and shared innovative techniques while simultaneously pursuing their own independent practices. This exhibition presents a selection of both artists’ work from the 1950s through the 1990s, showcasing how their approaches to subjects, ranging from landscapes and color to literature and politics, evolved over time. Adams is best known for his work in modernist abstraction, with an emphasis on the Southwestern landscape. Wayne’s work shows an interest in science, natural phenomena, the cosmos, genes and social justice. She was feminist and a strong advocate for women artists.

Barbara Jones-Hogu: Resist, Relate, Unite 1968-1975

The first solo museum exhibition by Barbara Jones-Hogu, who died Nov. 14, 2017, features works on paper including woodcuts, etchings, lithographs and screen prints. Jones-Hogu, a founding member of the African Commune of Bad Relevant Artists (AfriCOBRA) and a central figure of the Black Arts Movement, was a Chicago-based artist, filmmaker and educator. She was a contributor to Chicago’s “Wall of Respect” mural, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017. The exhibition boasts over 20 pieces and includes Jones-Hogu’s print work from 1968-75 as well as screen prints and sketches, ranging from black-and-white images to colorful works. One of Jones-Hogu’s most famous works of art is a screen print on paper titled “Unite.” The work was made in 1971 and features several African-American persons holding their clinched fists in the air with the word unite written out repeatedly.

Jose Guerrero, Presente: A Memorial Print Portfolio

Jose Guerrero, who died in 2015, was an artist and leader who influenced his community through printmaking, mural painting and activism. He is best known for his work in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, where his studio and workshop was a hub for art classes, mural tours and political organizing. The exhibition “Jose Guerrero, Presente” features a portfolio of prints made in his memory by 25 Chicago artists, as well as some of his own works on paper. Artists include: Monserrat Alsina, Rene Arceo, Cathy Cajandig, Viky Cervantes, Héctor Duarte, Nicolas De Jesus, Roberto Ferreyra, Eric Garcia, José L Gutierrez, Salvador Jimenes, Alexy Lanza, Edgar Lopez, Alfredo Martinez, Dolores Mercado, Luis Montenegro, José L Pina Morales, Oscar Moya, Art Olson, Antonio Pazaran, Kate Perryman, Eufemio Pulido, Erik Salgado, Diana Solis, Benjamin Varela, Gabriel Villa and John Pitman Weber. A native of San Antonio, Texas, Guerrero moved to Chicago in 1964. He was a popular artist who infused activism and political organizing into community art making by opening his own print studio and leading mural tours in the Pilsen neighborhood, teaching people about the symbols and meaning behind cultural imagery, explained Lopez. Included in the 26-piece portfolio by Guerrero’s students, colleagues and friends are screen prints, woodcuts and linocuts. Themes that were central to Guerrero’s artistic practice and life’s work, including labor rights, displacement and gentrification, immigrant’s rights and social equality, are expressed in the collection. An iconic image in the exhibition is a linocut titled “Migrant” by Weber, founder of the Chicago Public Art Group. “Migrant” illustrates a man raising his arms over his head in a moment of strife.

Hours for the DePaul University Library are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The museum is closed Monday and Tuesday. Admission is free. Additional information at http://museums.depaul.edu​ or 773-325-7506.

DePaul University Theatre School, 2350 North Racine Avenue, Chicago

‘Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play’ – Through February 4

The Theatre School at DePaul University presents “Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play” written by American playwright Anne Washburn and directed by graduate student Jeremy Aluma, with music by American composer Michael Friedman. The production runs through February 4. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The January 28 and February 1 performances will be followed by a post-show discussion. In three acts, “Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play” is the story of survival and reinvention in a post-apocalyptic world. What starts as a group of friends casually recounting an episode of the animated sitcom “The Simpson’s” morphs — over the course of more than 80 years — into a completely new form of story-telling. Tickets are $15, preview tickets are $10 and student tickets are $5. Tickets are available by calling the box office or visiting http://theatre.depaul.edu. Members of the active military and their families can receive a discount with a valid ID. Patrons with impaired vision or who require wheelchair accessible or companion seating are asked to call the box office at 773-325-7917 for more information. For additional information, visit www.depaul.edu

Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

‘Unforgettable: Falling In Love With Nat King Cole Starring Evan Tyrone Martin’ – Friday, February 2

Could we ever forget the incandescent voice of Nat King Cole? Soon, at Park Forest’s Freedom Hall, you will have the opportunity to experience the “liquid, soothing” voice of a Chicago original, via the presentation of Evan Tyrone Martin. On Friday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m., the 2018 Freedom Hall Series will present ‘Unforgettable: Falling In Love With Nat King Cole Starring Evan Tyrone Martin.’ Chicago leading man Evan Tyrone Martin (‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ Side Show,’ ‘Dreamgirls’) warmly resonates the velvety vocal style of musical legend Nat King Cole. Chicago Tribune calls the Award-nominated Martin “Destined for Stardom: One of the Hot New Faces of Chicago Theatre,” and BCR News praises, “Martin’s vocal ease would have done Nat King Cole proud.” Martin intimately relates Cole’s musical journey: from his upbringing in the Chicago church, to shuffling along the jazz scene, to his emergence as a popular music icon. Classic tunes include “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” “L-O-V-E,” and “Smile.” Tickets for the show are $30 and can be purchased at Freedom Hall, by phone at 708-747-0580 or online at www.freedomhall.org

‘The Life and Laughs of Carol Burnett’ – Tickets Now on Sale

Freedom Hall’s Matinee Series will present ‘The Life and Laughs of Carol Burnett’ on Tuesday, February 13 at 11 a.m. The world has enjoyed a love affair with Carol Burnett for years. Her peerless, fearless character acting and delightful, self-effacing personality made her Lucille Ball’s rightful successor as the red-headed Queen of Television Comedy. Carol can do it all — sing, dance, act, make you laugh [insert Tarzan yell here], and break your heart. But it was the laughs that led her from hardship and poverty to becoming the shining star that audiences fell head over heels for (often while Carol was doing just that!). Take a stroll with Hilary Ann Feldman (“…a tour de force of cabaret, opera and jazz” – Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune) into that famous little circle of light, as she guides your tour of Carol Burnett’s life and laughs. Oh, and laughter is better shared (just ask Tim and Harvey), so bring a friend! You’ll be so glad you had this time together. Tickets for the show are $10 and can be purchased at Freedom Hall, by phone at 708-747-0580 or online at www.freedomhall.org

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

Expect the Unexpected – All Beethoven Show – Tickets Now On Sale

You can expect the unexpected at the IPO’s All Beethoven Show taking place on Saturday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Ozinga Chapel at Trinity Christian College, 6601 West College Drive in Palos Heights. Currently Chief Conductor of the Münster Symphony Orchestra in Germany, Stefan Veselka will lead the orchestra in an all Beethoven program, beginning with the dramatic Coriolan Overture. Chicago based pianist Winston Choi joins IPO for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1, a repertoire favorite of Bernstein, as he both conducted and performed the solo piano part. On the second half, IPO presents Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony with its distinctive use of rhythm and harmony that surprised audiences of Beethoven’s time. This visionary masterwork was also the last piece that Bernstein ever conducted (with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood). Tickets are priced at $10 through $57 and can be purchased online here. For additional information, call 708-481-7774 or visit www.ipomusic.org.

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

The following events are scheduled at the Park Forest Library the week of January 28:

  • Sunday, January 28 at 2 p.m. – Morning Pages Circle — Join us as we read and discuss ‘Bored and Brilliant’ by Monoush Zomorodi.
  • Monday, January 29 at 11 a.m. – Sunrise Story Time — Join us for a delightful morning of stories!
  • Monday, January 29 at 3:30 p.m. – kids Art in the Afternoon — Unleash your inner artist. Drop in to create a seasonal masterpiece that will be displayed on the wall in kids’ zone. For ages 12 and under.
  • Monday, January 29 at 4 p.m. – Drop In Days — Join us for a spur-of-the-moment activity in Teen Tech Zone.
  • Monday, January 29 at 6:30 p.m. – Armchair Astronomer — Join us as we chart the stars and planets in the winter night sky. Bring hats and gloves – we’ll be outside stargazing if the skies are clear.
  • Tuesday, January 30 at 12:30 p.m. – Lego Builders — Drop in and see if you have what it takes to make the best Lego creation.
  • Tuesday, January 23 at 3:30 p.m. – kids Art in the Afternoon — Drop in and discover your inner artist with one of our guided projects. For ages 12 and under.
  • Tuesday, January 30 at 4 p.m. — Color-Rama! Coloring Circle — Take a load off before starting your homework! Learn different media of art and show your creativity with other teens.
  • Tuesday, January 30 at 6 p.m. – Night Time Storytime — JAM OUT in your PJ’s with stories, crafts, music and more.
  • Wednesday, January 31 at 11 a.m. – Baby Time — Babies and their parents or caregivers are invited to read, sing and grow in this weekly story time. This program is geared toward babies 0 – 36 months with an accompanying adult. This is the perfect time for families to bond with their child/children.
  • Wednesday, January 13 at 1 p.m. – Explore a World of Wonder — Drop by the new PFPL Explore Space to discover and engage with interactive materials on display.
  • Wednesday, January 13 at 3:30 p.m. — kids Color Me Happy — Travel to a world of relaxation for kids. Lose yourself in patterns, curved flowers or even runaway stems. Color yourself Happy in our kids’ coloring circle. For ages 12 and under.
  • Wednesday, January 13 at 4 p.m. – Adult Coloring — Join us as we spend some time unwinding and relaxing with adult coloring books.
  • Wednesday, January 31 at 4 p.m. – Teen DIY: Marbling 101 — Use common household items to create cool effects on materials.
  • Thursday, February 1 at 11 p.m. – Toddler Art — Bring your imagination and creativity to bring out your inner Picasso through art projects and more. Some projects may involve paint. Ages 3-5.
  • Thursday, February 1 at 3 p.m. – Throwback Thursday Movie Matinee — Join us for movies from various generations. Some movies will be Rated: PG 13
  • Thursday, February 1 at 4:30 p.m. – Season’s Readings Book Club – Chill out with a good book. Join our NEW kids book club for ages 9-12 years old. Free Book with every session.
  • Thursday, February 1 at 6 p.m. – PJ Storytime — Pajama Story Time is Back on a New Day and Time! Share special moments with your child through stories, crafts, and more. For ages 12 and under.
  • Friday, February 2 at 3 p.m. – Explore a World of Wonder — Drop by the new PFPL Explore Space to discover and engage in interactive materials on display. Bring your questions with you. Impromptu exploration is welcome.
  • Friday, February 2 at 3 p.m. – Flashback Friday Movie Matinee — We’re going back in time! Drop in to see what film we’re showing from the past. Some films are rated: PG 13
  • Saturday, February 3 at 12:30 p.m. – Zentangle Art Workshop — Join certified Zentangle teacher, Valerie Reilly for an easy to learn, relaxing and fund way to create beautiful art. Registration Required.
  • Saturday, February 3 at 1 p.m. – Mindful Eating Circle — Join us as we read Thich Nhat Hahn’s “Savor Mindful Eating and Mindful Living.”

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

Potpourri of Lectures Series – Thursday, February 1

The Potpourri of Lectures series will take place on Thursday, February at 10:30 a.m.  This week’s lecture is “Robbins: The Most Historic Black Town in America” presented by Tyrone Haymore. The Lecture will be held in the Library’s Ringering Room. For additional information, call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.

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

‘Medley’ – Through Thursday, February 1

PSC’s Christopher Art Gallery kicks off 2018 with an exhibit entitled ‘Medley.’ The exhibit runs through Thursday, February 1. A reception will be held on Tuesday, January 23 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. ‘Medley’ features works by David Gremp, George Kassal, Gail Otterson, Paul Rinaldi, Beth Shadur, Lou Shields, Rebecca Slagle, and Valerie Taglieri. The works are in varied media by the artists that are both full-time and adjunct faculty in the PSC’s liberal arts departments. The Christopher Art Gallery Regular Hours are: Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday: Evening 5 – 7 p.m.; and by appointment. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-709-3636 or visit: http://prairiestate.edu/artgallery.

30th Annual Jazz Fest – Tickets Now on Sale

PSC is celebrating its 30th Annual Jazz Fest in 2018. Some of the nation’s top jazz artists will perform during the special concert event at 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 16, in the Barnes & Noble College Auditorium in the Conference Center located on the PSC main campus in Chicago Heights.  Featured musicians include Chicago trumpeter Orbert Davis, drummer Ernie Adams, percussionist Rubén P. Alvarez, bassist Larry Gray and saxophonist Ed Petersen, as well PSC’s Professor of Music Valerie Nicholson on piano. Ticket prices are $15 for general admission. Student and senior citizen tickets are $10 each. Tickets are available in advance online at https://give.classy.org/prairiestatejazzfest, or by visiting the PSC Foundation Office in room 2266 of the main campus. Tickets also can be purchased at the door on the evening of the concert. Those who attend the evening concert also are invited to join the Jazz Fest musicians for a pre-concert VIP reception at 6 p.m. A $30 VIP and Concert Package ticket can be purchased in advance or on the night of the event. VIP guests will enjoy heavy hors d’ oeuvres, refreshments and entertainment, as well as the opportunity to meet the jazz fest masters. The reception is sponsored by the PSC Foundation. For more information, email [email protected]. The Friday performance is part of the annual festival hosted by PSC, which also includes instrumental clinics led by the featured artists. The clinics are for local junior high and high school jazz musicians. It is an opportunity for students to receive instruction in technique and performance from the jazz masters. Select students from the instrumental clinics also will be invited to perform with the guest artists during the concert. For more information on the Jazz Festival, or to purchase tickets to the concert, call 708-709-3631.

Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest

Lunch at the Senior Center – Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

The Rich Township Senior Center will be serving lunch at 12 Noon, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Rich Township School District 227 is preparing delicious meals for a cost of $3.00. You MUST make your reservation two days in advance by stopping in, or calling 708-748-5454. Lunch Menu examples: Chicken, Hamburger, Turkey Sandwich, all served with Soup & Chips.  Also we have Pasta dishes, side salads, desserts. Optional: Chef Salad. All served with Lemonade.

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

Open Auditions for Comedy “Happy Birthday, Henry Snikrep!” – February 1 & 3

The SSC Playhouse announces open auditions for its 2018 world-premiere of the hilarious down-home comedy, “Happy Birthday, Henry Snikrep!” written by Markham native, Wesley Perkins, on Thursday, February 1st from 4 – 8 p.m. and Saturday, February 3rd from 12 – 3 p.m. in the Kindig Performing Arts Center of SSC in South Holland. No experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome. You will be asked to read from the script, but you do not need to prepare a song. “Happy Birthday, Henry Snikrep” is Wesley Perkins’ first full-length comedy. The play is based upon Perkins’ own experiences, but as he himself admits, his work was greatly influenced by Mr. Tyler Perry. Some will argue that Perkins’ play lacks distinction for the black community or that there is compliance in the playwright’s voice. But if a playwright’s voice is his own, then in that capacity his work is revolutionary and highly entertaining. Mr. Perkins agrees. In this wild comedy, the title character, crabby old Henry Snikrep, is about to have a surprise party, but don’t tell him the news. He hates his family and a party would kill him, which it does. Now just about every crazy relative is coming to his funeral. The question is: will any one of them survive the mess? Actors are needed to fill 16 roles that vary in age from 16 to 60 and every age in between. Rehearsals will be held Monday through Thursday evenings and middays on Saturdays, with a first read-through on Saturday, February 17. Not all performers will be required to be at all rehearsals. Performances will run April 25 to April 29, 2018 with Wednesday through Saturday shows at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Since talent doesn’t discriminate, actors of all colors, ages, shapes, and sizes are encouraged to audition. Scenes from the play will be available for review at auditions. The production will be staged by Mr. Perkins under the direction of Bobbie Saltzman. For more audition information, you may contact Bobbie Saltzman at [email protected] or call the South Suburban College box office at 708-210-5741 to leave a message. Phone calls will be returned. The SSC Playhouse: Because Talent Doesn’t Discriminate. For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at 708-210-5718.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Water, Fire, Ice, Earth and Air’ – Through February 24

Tall Grass Arts Association’s exhibit ‘Water, Fire, Ice, Earth and Air’ will run through Saturday, February 24. This exhibit is free and open to the public. This invitational show features artists Elizabeth Busey, Lorna Filippini, Cheryl Holz, Beth Shadur and Valerie Taglieri and includes drawings, paintings and prints inspired by natural forms and forces, concern for the environment, and unexpected methods and materials to represent nature’s elements. Curated by Claudia Craemer.  Gallery Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday. The Gallery is closed on Sunday and Monday. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.

The Drama Group, 339 West 202nd Street, Chicago Heights

‘Little Red Riding Hood’ – Tickets Now on Sale

The Drama Group is always pleased to present quality live theatre for children, schools and daycare. This season The Drama Groups’ Children’s Theater brings you the beloved classic, ‘Little Red Riding Hood,’ directed by Charlie Misovye. Performances will be held on March 21, 22 & 23 at 9:30 a.m. and noon; Saturday, March 24 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, March 25 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $6 in advance; $5 for groups of 25+ and $7 at the door. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 708-755-3444. For directions and other information regarding Drama Group activities, please visit www.dramagroup.org.

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

‘Recollection’ Exhibit – Through Saturday, February 10

USG begins 2018 with an exhibition entitled ‘Recollection.’ The exhibit will run through Saturday, February 10. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Memories, dreams, déjà vu, nightmares…. What’s your recollection? This USG exhibit features works that depict the scene, person, item, emotion, or essence of the artists’ recollection. Gallery hours are Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please note that the Gallery is open by appointment only through Thursday, January 4. For addition information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

University of Chicago Oriental Institute, 1155 East 58th Street, Chicago

Book of the Dead: Becoming God in Ancient Egypt – Through March 31, 2018

In ancient Egypt, you did not go to the afterlife empty-handed. The Book of the Dead, a collection of spells and charms, was there to guide you. Now through March 31, 2018, visitors to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago will have a unique opportunity to peruse copies of the Book of the Dead: Two 2,200-year-old papyri, each more than 30 feet long and beautifully illustrated with texts and images. They are on display in their entirety for the first time at a museum, accompanied by the mummy of a woman who lived over 2,000 years ago, as well as statues, stelae, scarabs, magic bricks, ushabtis (small funerary figurines) and other artifacts. The exhibit presents 76 artifacts that demonstrate how religious beliefs shaped the lives and material culture in Egypt over a period of more than 2,000 years (from 2500 B.C. to 100 A.D). Most are from the permanent collection of the Oriental Institute, whose museum holds the Chicago area’s largest collection of Egyptian art and artifacts, as well as galleries devoted to the other cultures of the ancient Middle East. A central feature of the exhibit is an enclosure featuring the mummy of an ancient Egyptian woman from the city of Akhmim. In the display, she is surrounded by mortuary objects inscribed with Book of the Dead spells—typical for an Egyptian burial chamber, where multiple copies of the same spells could be found. Long strips of linen inscribed with Book of the Dead spells reveal how ancient Egyptian priests wrapped the Book of the Dead around the body to protect it within an amuletic cocoon of powerful religious texts. The two Book of the Dead papyri on display, from two different regions of Egypt, were painstakingly hand-produced by a team of skilled scribes and illustrators. Seeing the papyri laid out end-to-end makes their compilation starkly apparent, the curators said; each Book of the Dead papyrus is not a single book at all, but a collection of shorter spells compiled together in a single manuscript. The Field Museum of Natural History has loaned several rarely displayed objects, including several limestone blocks inscribed with large Book of the Dead spells from the tomb of a man named Bakenrenef, as well as a papyrus inscribed with a composition known as the First Book of Breathing. Over the course of the second and first centuries B.C., the Book of the Dead was largely abandoned in favor of the Books of Breathing; they represent the last documents in a tradition of funerary literature stretching back more than 2,500 years. A companion catalog contains essays by 13 prominent scholars with expertise in religion and the use of funerary literature in ancient Egypt. It includes complete photographic documentation of the two Book of the Dead papyri from the Oriental Institute in color for the first time. “Book of the Dead: Becoming God in Ancient Egypt” runs  through March 31, 2018 at the museum. Admission to the Oriental Institute is free, however, there is a suggested donation: $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children under 12. For groups of 8 or more people visiting the museum, please register by completing and submitting the following form: Tour Reservation Form. Learn more about the Oriental Institute here. https://oi.uchicago.edu/

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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.

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

Free Highway Construction Careers Training Program – Orientation & Assessment Testing Begins January 30

SSC will be offering a Free Highway Construction Careers Training Program this spring at their Oak Forest Campus. Orientation and Assessment Testing will be January 30 through February 1 at the Oak Forest Center, with the program set to begin on February 26. SSC’s Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue in Oak Forest. The Highway Construction Careers Training Program has been implemented to increase the number of minorities, women, and disadvantaged individuals working on IDOT highway construction projects. The training consists of an intensive 12-week program to learn the skills necessary for acceptance into the highway construction trades and gives the opportunity for a career with high wage potential.

Career Opportunities Include:

  • Cement Mason
  • Electrician
  • Pipefitter
  • Carpenter
  • Laborer
  • Equipment Operator

Requirements:

  • Valid driver’s license
  • 18 years or older
  • High School diploma/GED
  • Interest working in the Construction Trades

Construction will always be needed for new buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures. Some of the more skilled construction careers such as engineer require higher education while others such as cement masonry can be learned as an on-the-job apprentice. For more information, please visit our website at www.ssc.edu/hcctp, or call 708-225-6042, or email [email protected]. Para Información En Español Llame: 708-210-5740.

Top U.S. Universities

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

Green Events

Thorn Creek Audubon Society, Park Forest

Audubon 2018 Photo Awards Contest – Entries Accepted Through April 9

The National Audubon Society, in association with Nature’s Best Photography, announces its annual bird photography contest: the 2018 Audubon Photography Awards. Judges include birding legend Kenn Kaufman and 2015 Grand Prize winner Melissa Groo, as well as Allen Murabayashi, chairman and cofounder of PhotoShelter. Winning photographs will be published in Audubon magazine and Nature’s Best Photography magazine, and they will also be displayed within the 2018 Nature’s Best Photography Exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.  More information on the contest, prizes, and submission guidelines can be at www.audubon.org/photoawards.

Categories:

  • Professional (individuals currently earning $5,000 or more per year selling photography)
  • Amateur (individuals currently earning less than $5,000 per year selling photography)
  • Youth (individuals aged 13 to 17 who are making less than $5,000 a year selling photography; children 12 years old or younger are not eligible)

Entry Period:

January 8 – April 9, 2018.

Entry Fees:

  • $15 per image from 12:00 p.m. EST on January 8 through 11:59 a.m. EST on April 2
  • $20 per image from 12:00 p.m. EST on April 2 through 11:59 p.m. EST on April 9
  • No fee for Youth category entries or entries submitted via the mail
  • No limit to number of images submitted

Contest Prizes:

  • Grand Prize: $5,000 USD
  • Professional Prize: $2,500 USD
  • Amateur Prize: $2,500 USD
  • Youth Prize: Six days at Audubon’s Hog Island Audubon Camp (Arts and Birding/Photography Track) on July 8–13, 2018 for the winner and one parent/legal guardian.

How to Enter:

Judges will score eligible photographs using the following criteria: a) Technical Quality (30 percent); b) Originality (30 percent); and c) Artistic Merit (40 percent). Judges include:

  • Kevin Fisher, creative director, National Audubon Society
  • Steve Freligh, publisher, Nature’s Best Photography
  • Melissa Groo, wildlife photographer and 2015 grand prize winner
  • Kenn Kaufman, bird expert and Audubon field editor
  • Sabine Meyer, photography director, National Audubon Society
  • Allen Murabayashi, chairman and cofounder, PhotoShelter

For more information on the Audubon Photography Awards, please read the contest rules and Frequently Asked Questions. Last year’s winners can be found here. Contest begins January 8, 2018 and ends April 9, 2018. Must be at least 13 years of age and a legal resident of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, or Canada (excluding Quebec) to enter. Entrants under the age of majority must get permission from their parent or legal guardian to enter. Subject to Official Rules, which will be posted 1/8/2018. Void where prohibited.

Nature Education Programs at Thorn Creek Nature Center

Calling all schools, home school groups, day cares, preschools, youth, adult and family groups! Nature Education Programs are offered at Thorn Creek Nature Center throughout the year where your group can discover the plants and animals of Thorn Creek Woods. These Nature Education Programs are sponsored by the Thorn Creek Audubon Society. The Audubon Society and the Thorn Creek Nature Center announce their new Partnership for Programming to further the Society’s environmental education mission and give valuable assistance to Thorn Creek Nature Center in providing nature programming for groups of area children and adults. Some of the nature education programs offered this year include Birding by Sight and Sound, Creek Walk (the world of aquatic insects and metamorphosis), Trees Big and Small (identification by leaves and bark), Insects (what makes an insect unique), the Web of Life (interdependence of producers, consumers, predators and decomposers), Soils Hike (how soil fuels and supports life), and Night Hikes. On the Fall Color Hike learn why leaves change colors and what trees do to prepare for the long months of winter. Discover clues to wild animals’ identities and behavior by trails and trails in Wild Animal Tracks. Make your own track replica. On Vixen’s Trek you are the fox following your daily routines on Thorn Creek trails. Or visit the Historic Farm in the woods to explore an early 1900’s woodland farm. Groups can also arrange for a naturalist to come to your location for programs such as Wild Animal Tracks, Web of Life, Woodland Wildflowers, Soils, History of Thorn Creek Woods, and the like. The new partnership has already collaborated in sponsoring three programs: the Learn 70 Birds by Spring class, which runs from January through March; the Great Backyard Bird Count Open House that was held in February; and the Build a Gourd Birdhouse sessions to be held in March.  For information about Thorn Creek Audubon Society membership, events and projects: Thorn Creek Audubon Society, P. O. Box 895, Park Forest, Il 60466, or www.thorncreekaudubonsociety.org.

Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Become a ‘Friend of Thorn Creek’

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

Experience the Thorn Creek Nature Center

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

Will County Green, 58 East Clinton Street, Joliet

Recycling in the South Suburbs — Ongoing

Have old electronics, TVs or computer monitors sitting around your house gathering dust? Want to get rid of them for free? There are places in Will County where you can properly dispose of them. Each recycling location will accept only 2 televisions per vehicle. ID will be required to prove that you are a Will County resident. However, Park Forest residents residing in either Will OR Cook Counties may participate.

Recycling Locations

Richton Park Donation Drop Spot Peotone Police Department New Lenox Township
Richton Park Village Hall 208 E. Main Street 1100 S. Cedar Road
4455 Sauk Trail (Located along Latonia Lane) 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 2nd & 4th Wednesdays
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (lines will be cut off at 7 p.m.) 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (lines will be cut off at 7 p.m.
7 days a week Closed on Holidays Closed on Holidays

For additional information, visit www.countygreen.com.

Healthy Living

ACLU of Illinois

Tele-Town Hall on Reproductive Rights — Thursday, March 1

January 2018 marks the 45th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Roe v. Wade – a decision that freed women across the United States to make the most important decision in life: if and when to become a parent. In the four-plus decades since the court issued its decision, we have seen two things happen. Women have advanced in our society – in business and industry, education, and in a host of other spheres. And, we have seen anti-abortion advocates conspire and scheme to undermine this fundamental right. What have we learned during the past 45 years, and what is the current state of reproductive freedom in the United States and here in Illinois? Get answers to these and other questions by joining me for a phone conversation on Thursday, February 1 with my colleague, Lorie Chaiten, director of the ACLU of Illinois Women and Reproductive Rights Project. RSVP today! Participants will receive a call from Stones Phones, our communication technology partner at the start of the event. When you answer the call, you will be connected to the tele-town hall. Participants will have the opportunity to submit questions to a moderator during the call by using the touchtone keypad on your phone. We hope you are able to join us for this celebration of 45 years under Roe and a look at our work ahead. For additional information, visit: ACLU of Illinois.

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

Free Psychotherapy Available from GSU’s Psychology Program

GSU’s Psychology Department is offering free psychotherapy services to members of the community. Conversations with a psychotherapist can help people cope with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, and life transition problems. Confidential, one-on-one sessions are held with a GSU graduate student in psychology under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Individuals and couples, 18 years and older, are eligible. All sessions are conducted in Matteson, IL. The number of sessions is determined by the client’s needs. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-235-2841.

Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard, Park Forest

CPR Classes

CPR classes are available at the Park Forest Fire Department. Click on the following link for more details: http://pffd.vopf.com/cpr-classes.html

Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive

Flu Shots Now Available

Flu shots are available now at the Park Forest Health Department Nurses Plus. The cost is $30 for those ages 19 through 64, $20 for those 18 years and under, and free for Medicare Part B recipients (must bring copy of card).  No appointment is necessary. Shots are available Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Park Forest Health Department Nurses Plus, located in the lower level of Village Hall. For additional information, call 708-748-1118.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)

Assistance With Medications & Health Services

If you, or someone you know, are struggling to pay for medications every month, they may be able to get the medicines they need for free or almost free through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. If you live in Illinois, you can get access to more than 475 public and private program available to help you pay for your medicines. Simply visit http://www.pparx.org/en/click_illinois to find out if you can apply to any of these great programs and to get connected with 10,000 free clinics and doctors.

Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip

Free Community Education and Prevention Programs about Mental Health

Sertoma Centre’s Mental Health Services facility is offering community mental health seminars, free of charge to community groups, schools, law enforcement agencies, religious organizations, and other community groups at their location in Matteson or facility. Education Programs will include: Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) which increases public awareness of suicide and improves one’s ability to identify and refer those at risk for suicide. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a public education course that helps participants identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance disorders. Also included is Mental Health First Aid for Youth and Anxiety/Depression Screenings. Thanks to a grant, these educational opportunities are available at no cost to you or your organization. To arrange a free educational opportunity for your club, group, workplace, organization, or church, call Gia Washington at 708-748-1951, Ext. 418 or email at [email protected].

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

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

Yoga classes by Karen Nielsen are available at UUCC on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Wednesday evenings from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  No reservations needed.  Drop-in fee is $10 per class and the 6th one is free.  For additional information, call 708-755-3577 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

Medical Cannabis Education Association – Sunday, February 4

The Medical Cannabis Education Association will meet at UUCC on Sunday, February 4 at 12 noon. The group meets on the first Sunday of each month. For additional information, call 708-755-3577 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

This & That

Park Forest Police Department, 200 Lakewood Boulevard

Park Forest Team Participating in Special Olympics Polar Plunge Seeking Support – Team Racing in Honor of Officer Tim Jones

The Law Enforcement Torch Run and GEICO’s 2018 Polar Plunge provides a unique opportunity to support Special Olympics athletes by taking a flying leap into the frigid waters of Manteno Lake located in Kankakee County. Each participant must raise $100 in donations from friends, family, neighbors and co-workers in exchange for jumping into the icy waters. The Park Forest Team will be taking the plunge in honor of Officer Tim Jones who suffered gunshot wounds in the line of duty in March of 2016 and is still recovering. The 2018 Polar Plunge is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 3 at the Manteno Sportsmen’s Club, 851 North Main Street in Manteno. Registration will take place at noon with the plunge at 2 p.m. Join the team by donating to a great cause and come out on March 3 and support Special Olympics Illinois!  Make a donation or register for the 2018 Polar Plunge here.

Park Forest Toastmasters Club

Meeting – Tuesday, February 6

The Park Forest Toastmasters Club will meet on Tuesday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 N. Orchard Drive in Park Forest. The meeting is open to the public. The Park Forest Toastmasters Club meets on the 1st and 4th Tuesdays of each month. Members develop speaking and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. For additional information, visit: www.parkforesttoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org.

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

SSC Bulldogs Baseball Program to Host Adult-Child Baseball Camps – Camps Begin on Friday, February 9

The SSC Baseball Program and Head Coach Steve Ruzich will be conducting Adult-Child Baseball Camps February 9, 10, 16, 17 and 18 for boys and girls ages 6 thru 14. The camps will feature sessions for pitching, catching, hitting and fielding while providing adults and children the opportunity to improve their knowledge of baseball skills and techniques. Kids will be given expert instruction and time to practice and improve their skills through a variety of station drills. Adults will be taught how to use effective teaching methods, provide instruction using proper skill techniques, and utilize effective drills. The campers will work together, have fun, and develop talents in a wholesome, supportive environment. Ruzich has coached the SSC Baseball Program for the past 31 years with a winning record of 1112-654. Not only has he enjoyed success as a college coach and player, he has also established himself as a reputable youth baseball camp director around the state. In addition to Ruzich’s instruction, SSC baseball players will be on hand to help the campers develop and improve their skills. The players’ enthusiasm and expertise always adds to the camp’s success. The cost is $45 for one adult and one child per camp, and $40 per camp if enrolled in more than one. The cost is $30 for each additional child. Checks should be made payable to South Suburban College Baseball.

CAMP SELECTION

  • Pitching — Friday, Feb. 9 • 6:30 pm-9:00 pm & Saturday, Feb. 17 • 9:00 am-11:30 am
  • Hitting — Saturday, Feb. 10 • 9:00 am-11:30 am & Sunday, Feb. 18 • 11:00 am-1:30 pm
  • Fielding — Friday, Feb. 16 • 6:30 pm-9:00 pm

The camps are located at Bulldog Field on SSC’s Main Campus in South Holland. For more information or to register, contact Coach Ruzich at 708-225-5843, or email [email protected].

Village of Park Forest’s Economic Development & Planning Dept.

Presentation on Impact of Tax Reform on Business’ Bottom Line – Registration Now in Progress

The Village of Park Forest’ Economic Development & Planning Department will host a presentation on ‘What Tax Reform on Your Bottom Line’ on Thursday, February 15. The event will be held at Dining on The Green Banquet Hall, 349 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest. This free event is open for community businesspersons and their associates. NeDonya Jackson, CPA, MBA of Accurate One Tax & Accounting Services, Inc. Will discuss the new business tax rate and best practices of record management. A complimentary full breakfast and networking is scheduled from 7:45 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. The presentation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. To register, visit www.pfjanbustax.eventbrite.com, or call Monica DeLord at 708-284-5617 or email [email protected].

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Business Attire Wanted – Collection Now in Progress

The Village of Park Forest is collecting gently used or new men and women business attire. Clean out your closet and contribute to a good cause.  This project will provide business attire for any constituent looking to dress professional for work or interviews. Donations may include:

  • Suits for men and women
  • Ties, belts and shoes
  • Blazers,
  • Dress pants,
  • Dress shirts
  • Blouses,
  • Dresses and skirts, and
  • Clothing Racks and Hangers

Drop off is by appointment only. For additional information or to schedule a drop-off appointment, call or email Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or [email protected].

 


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