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In and Around Park Forest Week of October 19, 2015


Image result for spaghetti dinner images

Meet your friends, or make new ones, at St. Irenaeus’ 35th Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday, October 25.

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—October 19, 2015. On Tuesday, October 20 at 7 p.m. at the Park Forest Library, the League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area will host a panel discussion on the effect that the Illinois budget impasse is having on our local social service agencies and municipalities. Speakers will include: Diane Bedrosian, Executive Director, South Suburban Family Shelter; Warren Wood, Senior Vice President of Development, Aunt Martha’s Youth Service Center; and Mary Dankowski, Director of Finance & Deputy Village Manager, Village of Park Forest. All are encouraged to attend this very informative event. Additional information can be found in the ‘This & That’ section.

Attention all lovers of great Italian food. St. Irenaeus Parish will be hosting its 35th Annual Spaghetti Dinner (all you can eat) on Sunday, October 25 in the Church’s gym. Serving will take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The delicious menu includes spaghetti and meat balls — marinara or meat sauce available; salad; bread & butter; and a scrumptious dessert table. Tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for children 10 and under. If you haven’t experienced St. Irenaeus’ spaghetti dinner in the past, I would encourage you to put on your stretch pants and check it out! Additional information about the event is in the ‘This & That’ section.

Halloween is right around the corner so you’ll find a special section letting you know about the local events taking place. If your club or organization is hosting a special Halloween event, please be sure to e-mail the information at [email protected] by noon on Friday, October 23 so it can be published in next week’s column.

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

Village of Park Forest

Village Board Meetings – Monday, October 19

The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, October 19 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend. Board meetings air live on cable access channels (Channel 4 for Comcast subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T subscribers).

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.

Village Commissions & Advisory Boards

The following Park Forest Commission is scheduled to meet the week of October 19:

  • Tuesday, October 20 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission

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

2015 Halloween Events

Park Forest House Museum, 227 Monee Road

Step Into a 1950s Halloween – Through November 7

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum is now decorated with vintage Halloween decorations which will be on display through November 7. The House Museum is now located at 227 Monee Road (in St. Mary’s Catholic Church). Display items include a collection of Gurley Halloween candles, die-cut decorations, and a boxed costume with mask. The Museum is open Wednesday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Group tours can be given by appointment. Admission donation is $5 for adults. Children 12 and under are free with an adult. For additional information or to schedule a group tour call Mike Gans at 708-305-3308 or Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252 or visit www.parkforesthistory.org.

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

Annual Halloween Family Fun Fest – Friday, October 30

The PSC Police Department, along with PSC students, faculty, and staff, is hosting its annual Halloween Family Fun Fest from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, October 30, in the Prairie Center gym, located on the PSC main campus in Chicago Heights. The event features games, hayrides, balloons, popcorn, prizes, and other surprises. Members of Chicago Heights Police and Fire Departments also will be available to educate children about personal and fire safety. The event is free and open to children through age 12, accompanied by a parent, and costumes for children are encouraged. For more information, contact Gilbert Vargas at [email protected].

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Park Forest Safe Halloween Events – Friday & Saturday, October 30 & 31

Park Forest’s popular Safe Halloween is back! Several events are planned over a two-day period, including a haunted house, a costume contest, and more! Click on the link below for the full schedule of events happening in DownTown Park Forest. Trick-or-treating hours in Park Forest this year are from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Click to view the Safe Halloween activities!

Arts & Entertainment

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

PHILADANCO! – Tickets Now on Sale

You know their music. It’s the kind that interrupts a moment with the immediate urge to move. How perfect then to celebrate their work in a contemporary dance performance. GSU’s Center for Performing Arts welcomes PHILADANCO! at 45, The Philadelphia Dance Company, for their 45th anniversary tour on October 24th at 8 p.m. The program honors the contributions of Joan Myers Brown and the legendary James Brown, pioneers in dance and music. The Center is also celebrating its 20th anniversary, and is pleased to welcome this iconic tribute to the stage. PHILADANCO is premiering three new programs for the 2015-16 touring season. Brown, founder of PHILADANCO and recipient of the 2012 National Medal of Arts for her phenomenal contributions to contemporary African-American dance, couldn’t be more proud of her company. The company will perform its signature work “Enemy Behind the Gates,” by the explosive dance stylist and former Ailey dancer Christopher Huggins. This is a work that was inspired by enemies that live within our midst. They look like you…They act like you…They live like you, but they are not one of you. The program will also include the musical genius of Nina Simone in Matthew. Rushing’s new work “Moan” for PHILADANCO. Known as the ‘High Priestess of Soul,’ Simone’s seductive and hypnotic style will be reflected in the dance. The second half of the show includes excerpts from the Apollo Theater’s 2013 production honoring the “king of funk” James Brown. It is fun, it is funky, and when the tunes get rolling, we dare you to stay in your seat. Includes remixes of hits “Think (About It)”, “Get on the Good Foot”, and “Down and Out in New York City”. Choreography from Ronald K. Brown, Thang Dao, Abdel Salaam and more! Tickets start at $33, up to $38 for the best seats. Box seats are additional upon request. Tickets can be purchased at:

Online: 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) & 2 hours prior to all performances

Groups of 10 or more, students, seniors and patrons who purchase a flex package of four or more shows are eligible for discounts. Conveniently located off of I57 (Sauk Trail exit), the Center for Performing Arts is easily accessible from all neighboring south suburban communities. Parking is free. For best GPS directions always use the location search term “Governors State University” only.

DePaul University Art Museum, 935 West Fullerton, Chicago

‘Idol Structures’ – Through December 20

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 will run through December 20 at the DePaul Art Museum. 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.

DePaul University Health Theatre, 2350 North Racine Avenue, Chicago

‘The Lady from the Sea’ – Previews Begin Wednesday, October 21

The Lady from the Sea’ by Henrik Ibsen will begin the 2015 season in the Healy Theatre. Previews will take place on October 21 and 22 with the opening taking place on October 23. The play will run through November 1. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Ellida Wangel has a secret. Her marriage is on the rocks, and a former flame haunts her. When a mysterious stranger arrives, Ellida’s fears and desires come to the surface. She must decide once and for all where she belongs—should she embrace her connections on land or succumb to the siren song of the sea? Tickets are $15. For additional information, call 312-922-1999 or visit www.theatre.depaul.edu.

DePaul University Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 East Balbo Drive, Chicago

‘Esperanza Rising’ – Through November 14

The Theatre School at DePaul University will open the 2015-16 Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences series with ‘Esperanza Rising’ by Lynne Alvarez, based on the book by Pam Muñoz Ryan, music by Victor Zupanc, directed by Lisa Portes and with musical direction by Mark Elliott. Based on the award-winning book, ‘Esperanza Rising’ is recommended for ages 8 and up. Esperanza loves fancy dresses, pretty dolls and birthday parties, but when tragedy hits her home in beautiful Mexico, she is forced to flee to the United States where things are very different for her. Facing new challenges, Esperanza learns to take care of herself and her family. In the process, she discovers her own power to create a new home. Complimentary teacher guides for ‘Esperanza Rising’ are available online for educators and interested audience members. These include activities and discussions for before and after the performance, which highlight core learning goals. Themes from this production include: culture, customs and traditions, home, hopes and dreams, immigration, justice, perseverance, prejudice, principles, social studies, society and class. The production will run through November 14 at DePaul’s historic Merle Reskin Theatre. Performances are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. Special Friday performances will occur at 10 a.m. on October 23 and November 6.  A Sunday performance will be held on November 1 at 2 p.m. There will be no Saturday performance on October 31. The performances on October 29 and November 1 will be interpreted in American Sign Language. Call TTY at 773-325-7975 for more information. October 10 is United Service Organization Day in Illinois. U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families can attend the performance for free with a valid military ID. Visit www.tixfortroops.org to reserve tickets, or call 312-922-1999 for more information. Join the cast for a post-performance autograph session on Oct. 10. The performances on October 22 and November 7 will be followed by a post-show discussion. Visit the website or call the box office for additional details. Tickets are $10. Subscriptions and group rates (15 or more people) are available. DePaul employees, alumni and college students receive a discount (with ID). Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at 312-922-1999. If patrons require wheelchair accessible and/or companion seating or have any other hearing or vision needs, please let the box office agent know when reserving tickets, so that the theatre staff can ensure an excellent visit to the theatre. DePaul’s Merle Reskin Theatre is located at 60 E. Balbo Dr., in Chicago. For information about parking, please contact the box office. The theatre is accessible via CTA busses (3-King Drive, 29-State Street, 146-Michigan/Museums and others), and CTA ‘L’ stops (Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Purple and Pink).

The Drama Group, 330 West 202nd Street, Chicago Heights

‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ – Through October 25

The Drama Group is very excited to open its 85th Season with the Tony Award-winning campy musical, ‘The Drowsy Chaperone,’ directed by Mary Ellen Fawk, Choreography by Joe Clair and Musical Direction by Lisa Kristina. ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ is a musical parody of American musical comedy of the 1920s. When a die-hard theatre fan plays his favorite cast album, the characters come to life in this hilarious musical farce. Winner of 5 Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving send-up of the Jazz age musical featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another. With the houselights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record, the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life and The Drowsy Chaperone begins as the man in the chair looks on. Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not so bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and an intoxicated chaperone and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight. Book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar and music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison. Performances will be held at the Drama Group Studio Theatre on October 22, 23 & 24 at 7:30 p.m. and matinees on October 24 & 25 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $21 for adults; $20 for seniors and $15 for students with ID. Group discount rates are also available.  Good seats are still available.  Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 708-755-3444 or online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/profile/242073. For directions and other information regarding Drama Group activities, please visit our Web site at:www.dramagroup.org.

Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

Ava Logan with the Southland Jazz Ensemble – Tickets Now on Sale

Ava Logan with the Southland Jazz Ensemble will perform at Freedom Hall on Sunday, November 8 at 4:00 p.m. Join us for an evening of jazz standards, the music of Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, George and Ira Gershwin, and more! This concert features jazz vocalist Ava Logan backed by the big band sound of the Southland Jazz Ensemble! Ava Logan is an award winning singer-actress. A graduate of Yale and the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Logan is a veterinarian by day and a jazz singer at night. The classically trained vocalist has performed jazz, pop, and rhythm and blues in the U.S. and abroad including portraying two of her idols, Ella Fitzgerald and Nancy Wilson, at the Black Ensemble Theater. Veteran jazz critic and radio voice Neil Tesser wrote that “Ava Logan offers a fresh breath of old-school glamour, bringing sass and swing to the classic jazz singer’s repertoire while retaining the swanky class that this material deserves. Throw in her superb intonation, and her willingness to always serve the song, and you get a most impressive performance.” View a video of Ava Logan with the Southland Jazz Ensemble. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the Freedom Hall box office, by phone at 708-747-0580 or visit www.freedomhall.org.

Franc D’Ambrosio ‘I’ll Be Seeing YOUZ’ – Tickets Now on Sale

On Tuesday, November 3 at 11 a.m., Franc D’Ambrosio will bring his world renowned singing voice to Freedom Hall in a tribute to Veterans titled “I’ll Be Seeing YOUZ.”  This show features the lovely and lively tunes made popular during WWII. Franc takes his audience on a nostalgic walk through the popular music of WWII with his rich tenor voice and a patter that is utterly natural and charming.  Franc D’Ambrosio is best known as the “Phantom” in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award winning Musical, “The Phantom of the Opera.” Affectionately known as “The Iron Man of The Mask,” Franc was awarded the distinction as the “World’s Longest Running Phantom,” with over 2,300 performances of the lead role, a title he held for nearly a decade. This accomplishment was immortalized in a cemented hand ceremony. He also portrayed Al Pacino’s opera singing son, Anthony Corleone, in The Godfather Part III. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the Freedom Hall box office, by phone at 708-747-0580 or visit www.freedomhall.org.

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

Russian Masters – Tickets Now on Sale

The IPO will perform selections from Russian Masters on Saturday, November 21 at 8 p.m. at the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 South Harlem Avenue, Frankfort. Performances will include: Lera Auerbach ‘Icarus’; Rachmaninoff ‘Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini – Di Wu, Piano’; Tchaikovsky Suite from ‘Swan Lake’; and Stravinsky ‘Firebird Suite.’Tickets are priced at $55, $45, and $35. In addition, IPO has and introductory offer where “we pick the seats” and will seat you in the best seats available and hold your tickets at will call for pick up before the concert. These tickets are priced at $25. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-481-7774 or visit www.ipomusic.org.

National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago

‘Tactical Formations: Collective Practice in the Veteran Art Movement’ – Through January 30

The NVAM will feature its newest exhibit, Tactical Formations: Collective Practice in the Veteran Art Movement through January 30. The exhibit is 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.  

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

The following event is scheduled the week of October 19:

  • Monday, October 19 at 11 a.m. – Sunrise Story Time — Jump start your morning with a series of stories that are sure to get you moving. Ages 12 and under.
  • Monday, October 19 at 4:30 p.m. – Art for ALL Ages —  Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of Art for ALL ages. Explore the vast realm of your own creativity while having fun! Each week we explore different forms of art, from painting, oil pastels, making collages and anything else we can get our hands on. All ages welcome.
  • Tuesday, October 20 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, October 21 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.
  • Wednesday, October 21 at 4 p.m. – Color Me Happy Circle — Our new circle is the perfect way to step back from the stress of everyday life and enjoy some relaxation! All supplies will be provided.
  • Wednesday, October 21 at 6 p.m. — Movie Night for Adults – ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ — When Tony Stark and Bruce Banner try to jump-start a dormant peacekeeping program called Ultron, things go horribly wrong and it’s up to Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plans.
  • Thursday, October 22 at 22 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, October 22 at 3:30 p.m. – Art in the Afternoon — Unleash your inner artist. Drop in to create an amazing project using different tools and techniques with oil pastels. Ages 12 and under.
  • Friday, October 23 at 3:30 p.m. – DIY (Do it Yourself) Special Friends of The Library Project — It’s the Friends of the Library Week! Join us as we celebrate and give thanks to the Friends for their help and support of the library. Design book marks and Thank You cards to show your appreciation. We will present your projects to the Friends of the Library Board at their next meeting. Ages 12 and under.
  • Saturday, October 24 at 1 p.m. — Practical Application Circle: ‘The Gratitude Diaries’ — Join our practical application circle and trade stories, be inspired, and transform your life for the better. This session’s book is ‘The Gratitude Diaries’ by Janice Kaplan. Books are available for checkout.

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

Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, October 22

The Potpourri of Lectures will be held on Thursday, October 22 at 10:30 p.m. in the Library’s Ringering Room. This week’s topic is “The Illinois State Budget” with Danielle Stanley and Deborah Olaleye of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability.For additional information call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.

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

‘Public/Private’ Exhibition – Through Thursday, October 22

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, PSC is hosting “Public/Private,” an exhibition of Hispanic mural artists showing studio work through Thursday, October 22. The exhibit is being held in the Christopher Art Gallery, located on the PSC main campus in Chicago Heights. The exhibit features artists Hector Duarte, José Guerrero and José L. Piña Morales. All three are widely known in Chicago for their community mural work, found primarily in Pilsen. 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. 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.

Roosevelt University Gage Gallery, 18 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Photo Exhibit Sheds Light on Chicago Protest Movements – Through December 19

A groundbreaking documentary photo exhibit that sheds new light on protest movements in Chicago between the late 1940s and early 1970s will be presented this fall from through December 19 at Roosevelt University’s Gage Gallery. The event is free and open to the public. The exhibit features the work of Art Shay, one of the world’s great living photographers. Shay opened his mammoth archive in Deerfield, Ill., to Roosevelt University historian Erik Gellman, whose research focuses on 20th Century protest movements in America. The unusually organized show is centered on a 12-inch-high strip, comprised of hundreds of Shay’s most telling protest images. The photo strip traverses around Gage Gallery’s spaces. Above and below it are larger break-out shots by Shay of history-making street activism. A photographer for Life magazine, Time, Sports Illustrated and many other national publications, Shay has photographed seven U.S. Presidents and also is well-known for his long friendship and collaboration in documenting Chicago with the late writer Nelson Algren. Now entering its 15th year, Roosevelt’s Gage Gallery has been cited as one of the top photo galleries in Chicago by Chicago Magazine, New City and the Chicago Reader.  Free and open to the public, Gage Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.  For information, call 312-341-6458 or visit www.roosevelt.edu/gagegallery.

Roosevelt University O’Malley Theatre, 430 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

‘The Plough and the Stars’ – October 23 – 25

In recognition of the 100th anniversary of Ireland’s Easter Rising rebellion, Roosevelt University’s Theatre Conservatory will stage Sean O’Casey’s ‘The Plough and the Stars’ on October 23-25 at Roosevelt University in Chicago. A play about the people involved in one of Ireland’s most famous freedom uprisings, Roosevelt’s anniversary production of The Plough and the Stars recognizes the lengths the Irish have gone in order to obtain freedom, examining the rebellion through the character of the people who were affected. Featuring humor and heartbreak, The Plough and the Stars explores the events leading to the deadly uprising as experienced by working-class occupants of a Dublin tenement house at the end of 1915 through the Rising during Easter week of April 1916.  Frequently regarded as controversial, particularly in its brutally honest depiction of its characters, The Plough and the Stars sparked a riot when it first premiered in Dublin in 1926. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, October 23 and 24 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 25 in Roosevelt’s seventh-floor O’Malley Theatre in Chicago. Tickets are $10 each and are available by calling 312-341-3831.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Stillness’ — Six Contemporary Artists of Still Life – Through November 7

‘Stillness’ featuring the still life work of six contemporary artists will run through November 7. The exhibit is free and open to the public. This large exhibit of more than 70 works by regional artists Maureen Andrews, Michael Chelich, RexAnne Coad, Julie Dekker, Kathleen Farrell, and Mary Ann Trzyna illustrates their dedication to portraying objects in a representational style, from extremely realistic to expressive interpretations.  All six artists have made long-term commitments to creating still life images, and have had their work exhibited and awarded honors in numerous regional, national and international shows. They also have been commissioned for many projects in the worlds of business, science, health, education, and government. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org

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

‘Re-Picturing Photography’ National Juried Exhibit – Through October 24

‘Re-Picturing Photography,’ a National Juried Exhibit will run through October 24. The exhibit is free and open to the public. In a fast moving world where current events are fed to us digitally and instantly, photography has gained massive exposure in our contemporary climate.  Union Street Gallery believes a still image has power that resonates beyond a domestic and digital platform and seeks to address a renaissance of visual narratives.  We are looking to exhibit a diverse range of photographic processes and techniques, which effectively documents stories and/or intensify unobserved or ignored realities. Participating art works may include: documentary photography, conceptual photography, candid portraiture, photojournalism, time-lapse photography, environmental portraits or landscapes among others. For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

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

‘Shadows of Liberty’ Screening – Friday, October 23

The film ‘Shadows of Liberty’ will be shown at UUCC on Friday, October 23rd at 7 p.m. A discussion will follow the movie. ‘Shadows of Liberty’ reveals the extraordinary truth behind the news media: censorship, cover-ups and corporate control. The film by Jean-Philippe Tremblay, features Amy Goodman, Julian Assange, Danny Glover, David Simon, Janine Jackson, Jeff Cohen, Robert McChesney, Chris Hedges, John R. MacArthur, Dan Rather, Dick Gregory, Daniel Ellsberg, Kristina Borjesson, Bob Baer, Norman Solomon, John Nichols, Roberta Baskin. View the trailer for the film at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SAUborWbPw. The event is free and open to the public. Tea, coffee and snacks will be provided. Bring a snack to share if you wish. For additional information, call 708-471-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

Community Health Information Sessions – Thursday, October 22

Individuals interested in pursuing a degree in Community Health are invited to attend a free information session offered by the College of Health and Human Services at GSU. The information sessions will be held Thursday, October 22, from 10-11:30 a.m. in the university’s Hall of Honors, and again from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Engbretson Hall. A panel discussion among faculty, alumni, and current students enrolled in the Community Health program will be held. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Dr. Joseph Day at [email protected], or 708-235-7389.

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 educationalcosts 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.

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

Wednesday Morning Walkers – October 21

Wednesday Morning Walkers can enjoy the early morning and late summer’s floral delights on these leisurely (or brisk – take your choice) trail walks. The group walks on Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Trails can be wet or muddy, so please wear sturdy shoes. Age 13 through adult are invited. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.

Magical Moon Night Hike – Registration Required by Thursday, October 22

Come walk the boundary between the natural and magical night time worlds of Thorn Creek Woods on Saturday, October 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The music and magic of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts will help you use your senses to unlock the woodland’s magical messages—rustlings, hootings, whispering water, scent of loamy soil and flittering shadows in the forest. The event is free and suggested for those ages 16 years and younger. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required by Thursday, October 22. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.

Creepy Bugs – Registration Required by Friday, October 23

Kids of all ages come express your knowledge of insects, arthropods and creepy crawlies. Local artist Patricia Moore will guide you in creating a bug “sculpture” out of twigs and other objects- feathers, tubes, cardboard and much more. Then draw your creature on paper with watercolors or markers. Photos and models of the insects of Thorn Creek Woods—ladybugs, dragonflies, beetles, bees and more—will be on display for aspiring artists to examine and inspire. Each participant will leave the session with an artwork suitable for framing or display. All materials will be provided and refreshments will be served. Sun., October 25.  Two sessions: from 1 to 2 pm and from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. RSVP by Friday, October 23. All ages. $5 per person per session. Children under age 6 should be accompanied by an adult. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.

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

Forgotten Chicago

Exclusive Bus Tour – Chicago and the Rise of Barack Obama – Tickets Now on Sale

One year to the day before the 2016 election that will mark the final chapter of President Barack Obama’s unprecedented political career, Forgotten Chicago and Pullman-area native Tom Shepherd are proud to present an exclusive tour of sites crucial to the rise of Barack Obama in Chicago in the years before his first election to the White House. Join us on Sunday, November 8 for what promises to be a unique and enlightening bus tour highlighting many Chicago sites that helped shape Obama and his historic rise to the presidency between 1985 and 2008, including his early role as a community organizer. The tour will include a rare opportunity to hear from those who worked with Obama during his early career in Chicago. The tour will take place on Sunday November 8 at 10 a.m. Rain or shine. Check-in by 10 a.m.; bus leaves at 10:30 sharp. The tour will begin and end in front of the Chicago Cultural Center, Randolph at Michigan (77 E. Randolph). Check-in will take place in the inner Randolph Street Lobby. The bus tour will last approximately 5 1/2 hours (including a couple blocks of walking in Hyde Park), returning to the Cultural Center by 4 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person and includes cafeteria lunch at Valois. Advance purchase is required. To purchase tickets click here. No walk-ups. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. If severe weather cancels the tour, credit will be issued for use on a tour of equal value. For additional information, visit: www.forgottenchicago.com.

The League of Women Voters – Park Forest Area

Effect of the Illinois Budget Impasse – Tuesday, October 20

The League of Women Voters – Park Forest Area invites you to a panel discussion on the effect that the budget impasse is having on our local social service agencies and municipalities. They are delivering services despite the challenges this budget crisis is imposing on them. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 20 at 7 p.m. at the Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard. The event is free and open to the public. Speakers will include:

  • Diane Bedrosian, Executive Director, South Suburban Family Shelter
  • Warren Wood, Senior Vice President of Development, Aunt Martha’s Youth Service Center
  • Mary Dankowski, Director of Finance & Deputy Village Manager, Village of Park Forest

For more information you may contact Diane Hodges at [email protected] or Barbara Moore at 708-481-5251.

St. Irenaeus Church, 207 South Orchard, Park Forest

35th Annual Spaghetti Dinner – Sunday, October 25

St. Irenaeus Parish will host its 35th Annual Spaghetti Dinner (all you can eat) on Sunday, October 25 in the Church’s gym. Serving will take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The delicious menu includes spaghetti and meat balls — marinara or meat sauce available; salad; bread & butter; and a scrumptious dessert table. Pop and water will be available for purchase. There will also be a raffle with great prizes and lots of fun for everyone. Tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for children 10 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at the rectory. For additional information, call 708-748-2015.

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Homebuyer’s Workshop – Wednesday, October 21

The South Suburban Housing Center and the Village of Park Forest will hold a Homebuyer’s Workshop on Wednesday, October 21, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Park Forest’s Village Hall. Learn the steps to becoming a homeowner. To pre-register, call 708-957-HOME (4663). This event is free to attend and open to all. Click to download the flier!

 

 

 

 


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