In and Around Park Forest for the Week of May 13, 2018

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF) — Wishing all our Moms a very Happy Mother’s Day. If you or your Mom are gardeners, or want to learn more about gardening, there are several events especially for you this week.

On Saturday, May 19 at 10:30 a.m., the Park Forest Environment Commission’s 2018 Gardening Series will continue with a discussion on spring bulbs. Learn more about this event in the ‘Green Events’ section.

The Park Forest Library has several gardening events also taking place on Saturday, May 19. A discussion on Pollinator Gardening will take place at 11 a.m. Also on Saturday, there will be a Seed Library Social beginning at 11:30 a.m. where you can receive free seeds and exchange your gardening tips with fellow gardeners. You can learn more about these gardening events, as well as all additional Library programs being held this week in the ‘Arts & Entertainment’ section.

A sure sign of summer in Park Forest is the weekly Farmers’ Market which has been renamed the Park Forest Main Street Market. With its new name, the market also has a new location at 152 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest. The Market will be open every Saturday, rain or shine from 7 a.m. to noon through October 27 for shopping, food and entertainment. Be sure to check it out soon.

Be sure to check out all the other events and activities taking place In & Around Park Forest. Have a great week!

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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.

Administration — Village of Park Forest

Village Board Meeting – Monday, May 21

The Village of Park Forest Board will meet on Monday, May 21 at 7 p.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.

Village Commissions & Advisory Boards

The following Park Forest Commissions are scheduled to meet the week of May 13:

• Tuesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission
• Tuesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. – Recreation & Parks Advisory Board

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

Park Forest Budget Review Sessions — May and June Schedule

The Village of Park Forest has approved the budget review schedule for the proposed 2018-19 budget. Residents are welcome to attend any or all of the upcoming budget review sessions at Village Hall. The schedule is as follows:

Monday, May 14 at 6 p.m.

• Introduction and Overview
• Financial Summary & Challenges
• Fire Department — Vehicle Service
• Police Department — Vehicle Services

Tuesday, May 15 6 p.m.

Public Works Department

• MFT
• Water
• Sewer
• Municipal Parking
• Refuse
• Vehicle Services

Wednesday, May 16 at 6 p.m.

Recreation & Parks

• Building & Grounds
• Aqua Center
• Tennis & Health Club
• Community Health
• Capital Projects
• Vehicle Services

Community Development

Housing

Thursday, May 24 at 6 p.m.

Economic Development

• DownTown
• Capital Projects
• Sustainability
• TIF

Administration/Finance

• Manager’s Office
• Boards and Commissions
• Legal
• Finance
• Bond Retirement
• Retirement Funds
• Other

Monday, June 4 at 7 p.m.

Public Hearing/Public Presentation/First Reading

Monday, June 18 at 7 p.m.

Budget Adoption

Arts & Entertainment

Crete Public Library District, 1177 North Main Street

The following events are scheduled at the Crete Public Library District the week of May 13:

• Monday, May 14 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – SNAP Help – Drop-in assistance with applying for Food Stamps and Link.
• Monday, May 14 at 7 p.m. – Book Club – Discussion of A Tree Grows in Brooklynby Betty Smith. For adults.
• Monday, May 14 at 7 p.m. – Knot Just for Knitters – Share camaraderie while working on knitting, crocheting or any other type of needlework project. For adults.
• Tuesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. – Illinois at 200: The Storytelling and Trivia Game Show – Mix one part history, one part storytelling, and one part trivia game, add prizes and what do you get? A once in 200 years chance to celebrate the bicentennial of Illinois. This fun and informative program will be presented by William Pack. For adults. Register.
• Thursday, May 17 at 1 p.m. – John Measner Magic Show – A family oriented magic show that includes live animals in the illusions. Registration is not required.
• Thursday, May 17 at 6 p.m. – Tween Craft Night – The project is clay planters.
• Thursday, May 17 at 6:15 p.m. – Film Club – Contact the library for the film title. There will be a brief discussion afterwards. For adults.
• Saturday, May 19 at 10 a.m. – The Young Adult (for Adults) Book Club – Get laughs, tears, and angst without ever having to step inside a high school. Group meets at Benton St. Bakery, 1375 Benton St., Crete.

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 Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 East Balbo Drive, Chicago

Dr. Seuss’ ‘The Cat in the Hat’ – Through Saturday, May 26

Dr. Seuss’ “The Cat in the Hat” is currently running at the Merle Reskin Theatre in Chicago’s South Loop. Performances of the play run through May 26. Performances are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m., and Saturdays at 2 p.m. The show is recommended for ages 4 and older. The May 10 performance will be audio described. A post-show discussion will follow the May 19 performance. Details are available at http://bit.ly/DPUcatinhat. Tickets are $10. Subscriptions and group rates for 15 or more people are available. DePaul employees, alumni and college students receive a discount (with ID). Active military and their families receive a discount (with ID). Tickets are available at http://theatre.depaul.edu or by calling the box office at 312-922-1999.

DePaul University Theatre School, 2350 North Racine Avenue, Chicago

‘Growing Up Blue’ – Opens Friday, May 18

When North Carolina defined gender access to public bathrooms in 2016, people protested, corporations yanked expansion plans in the state, sports organizations canceled tournaments and celebrities boycotted. Chloë Orlando, a student in The Theatre School at DePaul University, wrote a play.
What began as a one-act class assignment for Orlando is now “Growing Up Blue,” a play having its world premiere at The Theatre School on May 18. Orlando, who graduates this year with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in playwriting and a bachelor’s degree in English, learned her play was one of three selected as part of the school’s New Playwrights Series just months after North Carolina repealed its controversial law in 2017. “Growing Up Blue” tells the story of Blue Johnson, a 13-year-old assigned male, who inadvertently disrupts the peace of Hometown by announcing at a school assembly that he wants to be a mother. Blue’s family, at the center of a reality show, also struggles with identity issues. “Growing Up Blue” opens May 18 and runs through May 26. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. A post-show discussion will take place following the May 20 and 24 performances. In addition, the May 24 performance will be interpreted in American Sign Language. The May 26 performance will offer an audio description. Tickets are $15 with discounts for DePaul students and employees. Tickets are available online at https://bit.ly/2rfHZlS or by calling the box office at 773-325-7900.

Park Forest Historical Society, 227 Monee Road

‘Are You Still Here Party and Ice Cream Social’ – Sunday, May 20

The Park Forest and Matteson Historical Societies will host its ‘Are You Still Here Party and Ice Cream Social’ on Sunday, May 20 beginning at 2:30 p.m. at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive in DownTown Park Forest. Park Forest’s own Neil Whitham will perform his ‘Back to the Past’ musical program covering 1890 through 1960. This event is a “thank you” to members, friends and especially Star Volunteers who all help keep both groups going. The event is free and open to the public but registration is required in order to ensure that there are enough supplies on hand for the celebration. For additional information or to register, call Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252 or Lois Blume at 708-748-7914.

Park Forest House Museum ‘Boomer Toys & Dolls’ Exhibit – Through Mid-July

The Park Forest House Museum’s “Boomer Toys & Dolls” Exhibit will be up through mid-July. Come see the wonderful selection of toys, games and dolls we have assembled for you to enjoy. Photographs, scrapbooks and sales brochures from the Park Forest Local History Collection and Archive are on display. Park Forest move-ins began 70 years ago in late August 2018. Admission is Adults $5; children 12 and under free.  Park in the small lot by the flagpole and knock on the classroom door next to the museum sign. A guide will tell village history, and social and fashion trends of the era. The Museum is open Wednesday and Saturday, 1 to 3:30 p.m. and by appointment. For additional information or to schedule a tour, please call Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252, or Michael Gans at 708-305-3308 or visit: www.parkforesthistory.org.

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

Library Closure – Sunday, May 13

The Park Forest Library will be closed on Sunday, May 13. For additional information, call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.

The following events are scheduled at the Park Forest Library the week of May 13:

• Monday, May 14 at 11 a.m. –Story Time Stars — Rise and Shine Little Movers. Parents, jump start your day with stories and a craft.
• Monday, May 14 at 3:30 p.m. – Art Palooza — We’re EXPLODING with Creativity! Join us each week as we explore/craft different elements of Art. For ages 12 and under.
• Monday, May 14 at 4 p.m. – All Day Teen Drop Ins — Join us for a spur-of-the-moment activity in Teen Tech Zone!
• Monday, May 14 at 4 p.m. – Explore This World of Wonder — Drop in to the Explore space and discover something new.
• Monday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. – Family Movie Night — Now Showing: 2017 Jumanji. Rated PG-13.
• Tuesday, May 15 at 12:30 p.m. – iPhone Basics —  Learn the basics of navigating iPhones. Registration Required.
• Tuesday, May 15 at 3:30 p.m. – Kids Art Studio — Drop in and discover your inner artist with one of our guided projects. For ages 12 and under.
• Tuesday, May 15 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, May 15 at 6 p.m. – Night Time Story Time – Jam Out in your PJ’s with stories, crafts, music and more! For ages 12 and under.
• Wednesday, May 16 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, May 16 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, May 16 at 4 p.m. – All Day Teen Drop Ins — Join us for a spur-of-the-moment activity in Teen Tech Zone!
• Wednesday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. – Movie Night for Adults — Join us as we watch “The Greatest Showman.”
• Thursday, May 17 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, May 17 at 3:30 p.m. – Drawing Theory — Do you enjoy Drawing and Sketching? Learn how to draw your favorite animations and more. For Ages 12 and under.
• Thursday, May 17 at 4 p.m. – All Day Teen Drop Ins — Join us for a spur-of-the-moment activity in Teen Tech Zone!
• Thursday, May 17 at 5 p.m. – iPhone Basics — Learn the basics of navigating iPhones. Registration Required.
• Thursday, May 17 at 6 p.m. – PJ Storytime — Share special moments with your child through stories, crafts, and more. For ages 12 and under.
• Friday, May 18 at 10:30 a.m. – Butterfly Club — Join us to track butterflies in our own backyard. Come out for fun outdoor adventures and activities. Children under 7 year old must have a chaperone. Registration Required. For ages 12 and under.
• Friday, May 18 at 3:30 p.m. – Fun Friday with Checkers — Join the fun with an old fashion game of checkers! Bring a friend or make a new one. For ages 12 and under.
• Friday, May 18 at 3:30 p.m. – Teen Game Day — Show off your competitive side with your friends! From board games to video games, there will be plenty of fun.
• Saturday, May 19 at 11 a.m. – Live Arts: Acrylic Painting with Sandra Evers — Join Sandra Evers of the Salon Artists Gallery while she paints and gives us tips and tricks on her craft!
• Saturday, May 19 at 11 a.m. – Pollinator Gardening — Learn great tips about how to sustain and create a pollinator garden. Enjoy fun crafts, raffles, and more. All ages are welcome.
• Saturday, May 19 at 11:30 a.m. – Seed Library Social — Come for free seeds and exchange your gardening tips with fellow gardeners.
• Saturday, May 19 at 12:30 p.m. – Practical Application Circle — Join us as we read Amy Tangerine’s “Craft a Life You Love.”
• Sunday, May 20 at 2 p.m. – Local Author Showcase — Discover local authors and more.

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

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

‘Expressions: 2018 Exhibition of Student Art’ – Through Thursday, May 17

‘Expressions: 2018 Exhibition of Student Art’ will run at the Christopher Art Gallery through Thursday, May 17. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The exhibit features works in all media, highlighting the best of PSC student art. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m.to 7 p.m. and by appointment. For additional information or to schedule an appointment to view the exhibit, phone 708- 709-3636 or visit www.prairiestate.edu/christopher-art-gallery.

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.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Heartland: Images of Small Town and Rural Midwest’ – Through June 2

Tall Grass’ exhibit ‘Heartland: Images of Small Town and Rural Midwest’ will run through June 2. The exhibit is free and open to the public. ‘Heartland’ is a display of images of and about life in and around small towns, farms, and rural areas. Images might represent historic buildings, railway stations, gas stations, grain elevators, stores, farms, barns, landscapes, wide open spaces and skies, fields, crops, machines, animals, fairs, parades, people working, celebrations, special events.  Gallery hours are 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. For additional information or to schedule an appointment to view the exhibit, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.

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

‘Vanya & Sonya & Masha & Spike’ – Through Sunday, May 13

The Drama Group is will present ‘Vanya & Sonya & Masha & Spike,’ a zany comedy by Christopher Durang and directed by Mary Ellen Fawk. Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia share a home in Bucks County, PA, where they bicker and complain about the circumstances of their lives.  Suddenly, their movie-star sister, Masha, swoops in with her new boy toy, Spike.  Old resentments flare up, eventually leading to threats to sell the house.  Also on the scene are sassy maid Cassandra, who can predict the future, and a lovely young aspiring actress named Nina, whose prettiness somewhat worries the imperious Masha. Some of the show’s elements were derived from works of Anton Chekov, including several character names, the play’s setting in a cherry orchard and the theme of the possible loss of an ancestral home. Performances will be held at The Drama Group’s Milord Studio Theatre on May 13 at 2:00 p.m.  Tickets are $20 for adults; $19 for seniors and $15 for students with ID. Group discount rates are also available. Good seats are available. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 708-755-3444 or online here. For additional information, call 708-755-3444 or visit: www.dramagroup.org.

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

Rainbow Café to Screen Movie ‘Call Me By Your Name’ – Friday, May 18th

The Rainbow Café will meet on Friday, May 18th at 6:30 p.m. Due to ongoing repairs being done at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), the event will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2901 Western Avenue in Park Forest. The movie ‘Call Me By Your Name’ will be screened. The movie tells the story of Elio, a precocious 17 year old, spends his days during the summer of 1983 in his family’s Italian villa transcribing and playing classical music, reading, and flirting with his friend Marzia. One day Oliver, a charming American scholar, arrives as the annual summer intern. Tasked with helping Elio’s father, an eminent professor. Slip and Oliver discover the heady beauty of awakening desire over the course of a summer that will alter their lives forever. Rainbow Café is a social gathering where LGBTQ adults and their partners and friends are able to socialize outside of the usual bars. The Café is open every 3rd Friday of the month from 6:30-10:30 pm. Doors will open at 6:30 pm. Film starts around 7 pm. Soft drinks and snacks are served. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org

Immigrant Prisons Film Series to be Screened – Friday, May 25

The ‘Immigrant Prisons series’ from Brave New Films will be screen on Friday, May 25 at 7 p.m. A discussion will follow the screening. Due to ongoing repairs being done at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), the event will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2901 Western Avenue in Park Forest. The film screening is free and open to the public. The short films look at the immigrant prison industry and how it profits off the detention and suffering of people and examines issues related to immigration in the US that impact undocumented and refugee communities, including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). Coffee, tea and popcorn will be provided. Bring a snack to share if desired. Donations appreciated. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

DePaul University Student Center, 2250 North Sheffield Avenue, Room 120, Chicago

Perception vs. Reality Programs – Through May 17

Identity, perception and illness round out the discussions of the DePaul Humanities Center’s Spring 2018 programs as the center continues to dissect its “fake” theme. Events are free and open to the public. Each program will be held in the DePaul Student Center at 2250 N. Sheffield Ave., Room 120.

Annual Humanities Laureate Award
May 17 — 7-8:30 p.m.

The DePaul Humanities Center each year presents its annual Humanities Laureate Award to an individual or individuals or community that best represents the heart of the humanities. Previous recipients include artist John Currin, London stop motion filmmakers Stephen and Timothy Quay and the Natives at Standing Rock. The 2017-18 award will be announced in coming weeks.

DePaul University Humanities Center aims to create visibility of the work in the arts and humanities, and foster discussion among the greater community. Learn more about the center and upcoming events at http://bit.ly/DPUHmCtr.

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.

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

Summer 2018 Registration – Now in Progress

Summer registration is now open at PSC. Students looking to start, continue or complete their degree or certificate, or for those who want to get ahead or take classes to enhance their skills, can now register for five- or eight- week credit sessions or select from a number of non-credit courses this summer. To accommodate busy schedules, PSC offers daytime, evening and online courses, with flexible start times. The eight-week credit session runs from May 29 through July 19.  The first five-week credit courses begin May 29 and end June 28.The second five-week credit summer session runs from July 2 through Aug. 2. To register for credit courses, new students must complete an enrollment application in person at the college, located at 202 S. Halsted St., in Chicago Heights, or online at www.prairiestate.edu by selecting Apply, Register, Pay. Current students can register for credit courses in person or online on WebAdvisor. Guest students who are seeking credit courses are encouraged to enroll in summer courses at PSC. This gives students the opportunity to fulfill general education requirements at a fraction of the cost, and they can transfer the credits back to their home college. Available courses include English, speech, biology, chemistry, history, math and more. For more information, visit www.prairiestate.edu/summeronly.  High school students who plan to go away in the fall can get ahead by taking classes this summer and then transferring the credits to their college or university. PSC also offers non-credit courses that begin throughout the summer. Students can register for non-credit courses online or in person. To register online via Instant Enrollment, go to prairiestate.edu, select Apply, Register, Pay, and then choose How to Enroll. Another option is to complete the registration form available online or in the back of the printed non-credit course schedule. Students also can register for non-credit courses in person at the Matteson Area Center (MAC), located at 4821 Southwick Drive in Matteson, or in the Enrollment Services Office on the PSC main campus. The MAC is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All available summer courses are listed online at www.prairiestate.edu/courseschedule. Print copies are available by completing the request form online. Non-credit courses also are listed in the 2018 non-credit course schedule. Copies can be found on the main campus and at the MAC or online at www.prairiestate.edu/noncredit.

Kids@College Summer Program – Registration Now in Progress

Are you looking for fun activities to keep your kids busy this summer? Let learning and fun continue year round at Prairie State College (PSC). The Kids@College Summer Program at PSC is designed to enhance the problem solving skills of children ages 5 through 10. Participants will use fun, hands-on, iSTEAM based activities that encourage creativity in the areas of inventions, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The program will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, from June 25 through Aug. 9, at the college’s Matteson Area Center, located at 4821 Southwick Drive in Matteson. There will be no programming during the week of July 2. Kids@College at PSC offers six weeks of fun-filled learning opportunities including an engaging curriculum taught by certified teachers. Each week is tailored to intrigue students and provide them with a chance to explore, build and learn. Half- and full- day options are available. Cost per child for full day is $138 a week, half day is $75 a week, and a 6-week, full-day deal is offered for $725. Payment plan options and before and after care are available.  For more information about the Kids@College program, visit www.prairiestate.edu/kids, call 708- 709-3750 or email [email protected].

20th Annual Summer Speech Camp for High School Students – Registration Now in Progress

PSC is hosting its 20th Annual Summer Speech Camp, July 9 through July 19, 2018. The camp meets from 1:15 to 5:15 p.m., Monday through Thursday, on PSC’s main campus in Chicago Heights. The camp is intended to prepare high school varsity and novice speech team members for fall competition. Participants will get the opportunity to enhance their skills through interactive learning with trained professionals during the summer. Week one will focus on interpretation, finding material, cutting material and discovering delivery advantages. Week two will cover public speaking, generating ideas, humor and citing sources. During week three, students will be practicing, polishing and performing. The camp will conclude with a performance showcase and awards presentation. Registration for the camp is underway. The cost is $300 per student. For more information or to apply, visit www.prairiestate.edu/speechcamp, or contact Assistant Professor Dana Trunnell at 708-709-3798 or email [email protected]; or Associate Professor Joshua Green at 708- 709-2958 or [email protected].

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

Community Job Fair – Tuesday, May 22

SSC and Thornton Township are partnering to offer a 2018 Community Job Fair on Tuesday, May 22 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This free event is open to the public and will be held in the South Suburban College Fitness Center at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. SSC and Thornton Township invite all job seekers to participate at this special event. For your convenience, free resume writing assistance will also be offered. The following employers/service organizations have committed to attend to date, and more are expected to confirm soon:

160 Driving Academy
ABF Freight
Advocate Health Care
Allied Universal Security
AMTRAK
Blommer Chocolate Company
Blue Cap
Bria of River Oaks
Childcare Careers
Command Center
Cook County Health & Hospital System
CTF Illinois
DeVry University
Dot Foods, Inc.
Ed Miniat LLC
Elite Staffing
Friends of the Forest
GCA
Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel
Illiana Financial Credit Union
Integrity Trade Services
JMJ Talent Solutions and Staffing
Manor Care Health Services
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District
Mi-Jack Products
Pace Suburban Bus
Positive Connections/ STA
Professional Transportation Inc.
Roseland Community Hospital
Safety Service Systems Inc.
Schillings
Schneider

The Communit Job Fair is an excellent opportunity for employers to recruit upcoming SSC graduates and alumni, current students, and community residents. For more information please call Diamond Wright at 708-210-5748 or email: [email protected]. Para Información En Español Llame: 708-210-5740.

Adult Volunteer Literacy Program Seeking Volunteer Tutors — Training Begins on Tuesday, May 22

SSC is seeking tutors and participants for the Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program. The program is structured to train volunteers to become one-on-one tutors for adults in need of basic literacy skills. Instruction in basic literacy includes the development of phonetic reading skills combined with communication skills. SSC is encouraging residents to take this opportunity to volunteer as a tutor or encourage someone you know to take advantage of the free program. New tutor training sessions will take place at the Main Campus in South Holland on May 22nd & 24th from 4pm until 6pm and May 29th & 31st from 4pm until 6pm. Come join our Literacy Program and help us start this summer off right! The tutor training is a 12-hour program that culminates with literacy training certification. We offer online training as well. Once certified, the tutors will go out to visit their adult learners at locations in or near their neighborhoods. Tutoring sites have already been established at the following locations: Acorn Public Library, Oak Forest; Glenwood-Lynwood Library; Harvey Public Library; Phoenix Library; Calumet City Public Library; Grande Prairie Library, Hazel Crest; Homewood Public Library; South Holland Public Library; South Suburban College Library, Main Campus; Oak Forest Center Library, Oak Forest; Lansing Public Library; Dolton Public Library; Riverdale Public Library; Markham Public Library and Midlothian Public Library. Tutoring is scheduled by the availability of the tutors and the learners, and the availability of space and hours of the tutoring sites. Illiteracy is an issue that can be debilitating in so many ways for adults who never received the proper instruction. Adults who are unable to read have a much more difficult time with many daily activities that others may take for granted, along with a clear disadvantage in today’s competitive job market. SSC’s Office of Adult Education administers the Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program in addition to High School Equivalency (HSE), English as a Second Language (ESL), and Adult Basic Education (ABE). Tutors will receive free professional development services throughout this program. Successful tutors are also eligible for letters of support or recommendation for jobs, scholarships, educational opportunities, and more. These opportunities are made possible by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a division of the Office of Secretary of State, using state funds designated for literacy. If you would like to register for the upcoming volunteer tutor training class please register, or if you know someone who could benefit from tutoring services, please contact Raylynn Stokes, Literacy Coach of the Adult Volunteer Literacy Program, at 708-596-2000, ext. 2558, or email [email protected].

STEM for Kids Summer Programs – Registration Now in Progress

SSC’s Office of Continuing Education and STEM Department are partnering to offer courses to help fill the summer days with activities that will inspire and challenge kids and young adults. Explore various areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) utilizing tools available in the SouthWorks Maker Lab. Topics will include: 2D and 3D Design, 3D printing, electronics, programming and raspberry pi technology. All of these areas will be used as students work to build their own electronic gaming device, which they will take home with them at the end of the camp. KFKSSC is pleased to offer several STEM for Kids classes at the Oak Forest Center in June for grade school and high school students:

KFK CO3 701-STEM CAMP
Cost: $300; includes lab materials
Students entering 4th-8th grade
June 18-21 MTh, 8:30am – 12:00pm
OFC RM 5160

KFK CO3 702-STEM CAMP
Cost: $300; includes lab materials
Students entering 9th-12th grade
June 18-21 MTh, 1:00pm – 4:30pm
OFC RM 5160

First time non-credit students should visit the Admissions Office, Room 2348, or call Continuing Education at 708-596-2000, ext. 2231 to get started. For questions about these classes or STEM programs at SSC, please contact Anna Helwig, STEM Dean, at 708-210-5706. 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.

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

Park Forest Environment Commission

Discussion on Spring Bulbs – Saturday, May 19

The 2018 Gardening Series will continue on Saturday, May 19 with a discussion on ‘Tubers, Bulbs, and Rhizomes, Oh My!’ at 10:30 a.m.  The event will be held at the Wetlands Discover Center 30 North Orchard. Learn how to take care, plant, dig up and save these amazing bulbs.

Sauk-Calumet Sierra Club Group, Matteson

Discussion of Will County Truck Traffic – Monday, May 14

The next meeting of the Sauk-Calumet Sierra Club Group will be on Monday, May 14th, at the Frankfort Public Library, 21119 Pfeiffer Rd. in Frankfort at 7:15 pm.  This will be our last meeting until we meet again in September. Sierra Club’s Will County Conservation Organizer Ann Baskerville will address the impact of the expanding profusion of huge warehouses in Will County and the resulting freight traffic, noise and smog, pollution and road congestion. All meetings are open to members and the general public.  For additional information or for questions about the Club and its activities email Patrick Coffey at [email protected].

Thorn Creek Audubon Society, Park Forest

Nature Education Programs at Thorn Creek Nature Center

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

Thorn Creek Nature 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

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

Free Psychotherapy Available from GSU’s Psychology Program

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

Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard, Park Forest

CPR Classes

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

Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)

Assistance With Medications & Health Services

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

Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip

Free Community Education and Prevention Programs about Mental Health

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

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

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

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

This & That

Chicago Cares, 2 North Riverside Plaza, Suite 1800, Chicago

25th Annual Serve-a-thon, the City’s Largest Day of Service – Registration Now in Progress

Chicago Cares, the city’s largest volunteer organization, is celebrating a milestone in 2018 as it kicks-off registration for its 25th Annual Serve-a-thon (SAT). Those looking to make an impact in communities throughout Chicago can sign up to fill one of 5,000 volunteer spots for the June 23rd SAT activities. The Chicago Cares volunteer experience is a powerful tool for bringing people together from all walks of life to build empathy and understanding for one another and their communities. More than 5,000 volunteers will work together in unity to serve communities in need throughout the city as part of the annual SAT They will be painting, planting, cleaning, doing light construction and other hands-on work at dozens of elementary and public high schools in the Chicago Public School system. By choosing to volunteer during the Chicago Cares 25th Annual Serve-a-thon, volunteers will have the chance to come together across lines of difference and create opportunities to build goodwill and better communities. Those looking to volunteer should head to event.ChicagoCares.org where they can register. Volunteers will start their morning on the 23rd at Daley Plaza before heading out on school buses to their volunteer destination for the day. After their activities have come to an end, they will head back to Daley Plaza for a volunteer appreciation party. For more than 25 years, Chicago Cares has engaged with over 600,000 volunteers through 200 monthly programs, corporate programming and annual events. Chicago Cares has been making an impact on communities in need thanks to the generous support of volunteers and corporate sponsors, including this year’s SAT sponsors – PepsiCo, GCM Grosvenor, Winston & Strawn LLP, Discover Financial Services, IRI, and Epsilon Conversant.

League of Women Voters of Park Forest Area

Annual Meeting — Wednesday, May 23

The League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area will convene its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 6 p.m. at Carlo’s Restaurant, 560 West Lincoln Highway/Route 30 in Chicago Heights.  The meeting will be followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The annual meeting is the time, when the League adopts the LWV-PFA budget and local programs and also elects officers and directors for the next year.  This gathering is the opportunity for our members to input their ideas for programs and initiatives for the coming year. This meeting is open to the public. Please respond by May 18, to reserve dinner by sending a check for $22 payable to the League of Women Voters of Park Forest Area to Judy Lohr Safcik, 313 Sangamon, Park Forest, IL 60466.  If you plan to attend the meeting only, please inform Judy Lohr Safcik by email at [email protected]. It is always a nice evening with delicious food and stimulating discussions.  Hope to see you there.  If you have questions, please contact Judy Lohr Safcik at [email protected]. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization which encourages informative and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The LWV encourages citizens to register to vote and provides public education for voters on election issues. The League does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Anyone interested in promoting responsible government is invited to be a member. For more information visit www.lwvpfa.org.

Park Forest – Chicago Heights School District 163

2018 Golf Outing ‘Teeing off FORE Education’ – Registration Now in Progress

Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163 will hold its 2018 golf fundraising event, ‘Teeing off FORE Education’ on held Monday, June 18, at Lincolnshire Country Club, 390 East Richton Road in Crete. Registration is at 8:00 a.m. “Shotgun Start” commences at 9:30 a.m. Registration and sponsorship information is with Sandi Gordon at 708-668-9425, or at [email protected]. The golf outing is a major fundraiser for the school district.

Park Forest Economic Development and Planning Department

Southland Small Business Networking Mix — Friday, May 18

The Village of Park Forest’s Economic Development and Planning Department will host the Southland Small Business Networking Mix on Friday, May 18 at Dining on the Green Banquet Hall, 349 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest (View Map). The event is open to all small business people. A complimentary full breakfast will be provided.

Agenda

Event takes place from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

• Free breakfast buffet and informal networking starts 7:45 a.m. to 8:25 a.m.
• Activities start at 8:25 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.

Dr. Johnnie Thomas, Superintendent of Rich Township High School District 227, will give a brief presentation on building relationships with employers and ways high school students can add value to your business. There will also be several interactive activities including speed networking.  Small giveaways will be handed out activity winners. In addition, the person who brings the most guests will win a $50 VISA card.  Register here today. For additional information, call Monica DeLord at 708-283-5634 or email [email protected].

Water Bill Buck Buster – Through December 28

Park Forest Economic Development and Planning Department ‘Water Bill Buck Buster’ contest will continue through December 28. Spend $150 or more each quarter at local Park Forest businesses and you can enter a raffle for a $100 water bill credit. You can also win Village swag with the first $50 in receipts in each quarter. Submit receipts from local Park Forest businesses totaling $150 or more dated within each quarter.  Limit of one entry per household per quarter. Three drawings will be held in 2018:

• June 29
• September 28
• December 28

Receipts are due the day before each drawing. Locate Park Forest businesses in the Park Forest Shopping & Service Guide found here. Email your receipts and include your name, address and phone number to [email protected] or drop off the information at Park Forest Village Hall 2nd Floor, 350 Victory Drive. For additional information, call 708-283-5617 or check your April water bill statement.

Park Forest Toastmasters Club

Meeting – Tuesday, May 22

The Park Forest Toastmasters Club will meet on Tuesday, May 22 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.

 

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Park Forest Main Street Market – Every Saturday through October 27

The Park Forest Main Street Market, previously known as the Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday, rain or shine from 7 a.m. to noon through October 27 for shopping, food and entertainment. Along with its new name, the Market has a new location at 152 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest. The Market accepts Link/SNAP & Senior Nutrition Coupons. For additional information about the Market, call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118, email [email protected] or the Market’s website.

Park Forest Aqua Center Early Registration – Now in Progress

The Park Forest Aqua Center wants residents to know that they are now offering early bird registrations for the 2018 Swim Season. For more details, call visit the Village website www.villageofparkforest.com or call the Recreation and Parks Department at 708-748-2005.