In and Around Park Forest Week of April 28, 2014

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—UPDATED April 28, 2014 at 4:28 p.m. CST. Recently, I learned about the the Angels on Assignment organization which works to help children by providing solutions for families with a seriously ill member. A fundraising event will be held on Saturday, May 3 at Balmoral Racetrack in Crete which includes dinner, complimentary clubhouse admission and a complimentary official racing program. In addition to having the opportunity to place a bet on the races, there will also be raffles and a silent auction. So if you’re looking for a fun evening, head out to Balmoral Saturday night and support this very worth-while organization. More information about this event can be found in the ‘Arts & Entertainment’ section.

If horseracing isn’t your thing, then be sure to check out the Sertoma Centre’s BIG Event on Saturday, May 3. Firehouse chefs from across the Chicago land area will be the stars of the Sertoma Centre’s BIG Event as they fiercely compete for the title of Best Firehouse Chef in the categories of ribs, poultry, chili, ethnic dishes, and the people’s choice award. This event will be held at 115 Bourbon Street. You’ll find additional information about the BIG Event in the ‘Arts & Entertainment’ section.

Attention all procrastinators…Park Forest vehicle stickers for the 2014 – 2015 year must be displayed on your vehicles by Thursday, May 1. Park Forest Village Hall will remain open until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30 to accommodate last minute sales.  Please anticipate long lines! To make your wait more enjoyable, the St. Irenaeus Community Garden Group will be holding a Bake Sale at Village Hall to raise funds for their activities this gardening season.

In addition, the deadline for Park Forest high school seniors to submit an application for a Park Forest Scholarship is Friday, May 2. Information on vehicle stickers and the college scholarships can be found in the ‘Village of Park Forest’ section below. Information about the St. Irenaeus Community Garden Group Bake Sale can be found in the ‘Green Events’ section.

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

Village of Park Forest

Park Forest 2014 – 2015 Vehicle Stickers – Must Be Displayed by May 1 — Village Hall to Remain Open Until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30

Park Forest vehicle stickers for 2014-2015 are now on sale. Park Forest vehicle stickers must be displayed on every vehicle registered in the Village or Park Forest before April 30, even if the vehicle is not located in the Village, to avoid late fees and fines. Vehicle stickers are available for purchase at Village Hall during normal business hours. Stickers are also available for online purchase. For additional information about purchasing a vehicle sticker, along with applicable fees, visit: http://www.villageofparkforest.com.

Park Forest Scholarships – Application Deadline is May 2

Attention all Park Forest graduating high school seniors: the deadline to apply for the Park Forest Scholarship is May 2. Four awards are available; three for $500 and one for $1000. Graduating high school seniors with a grade point average of at least 2.75, and living in the Village of Park Forest, are eligible. Learn more about the Park Forest Scholarship.

Village Board Meetings – Monday, April 28 & Saturday, May 3

The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, April 28 at 7 p.m. In addition, a Saturday Morning Rules meeting will be held on May 3 at 10 a.m. The meetings 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) as well as on the Village web site at www.villageofparkforest.com.

To watch the Village Board live, please go here.

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

Village Commission & Advisory Boards

The following Park Forest Commissions and Advisory Boards are scheduled to meet the week of April 28:

• Thursday, May 1 at 1 p.m. – Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
• Thursday, May 1 at 7 p.m. – Environment Commission

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

Arts & Entertainment

Angels on Assignment, 1370 Main Street, Suite 7, Crete

‘Angels Day at the Derby’ – Tickets Now on Sale

Angels on Assignment will host a fundraising event, ‘Angels Day at the Derby’ on Saturday, May 3 at Balmoral Race Track, 26435 S. Dixie Highway, Crete. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. in Balmoral’s 1st floor Grandstand. Upstairs the dining room opens at 6 p.m. The buffet runs from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. with deserts available until 9 p.m. The first race starts at 7:10 p.m. There will also be a Silent Auction and Raffle Prizes. The donation is $50 and includes dinner, complimentary clubhouse admission and a complimentary official racing program. There will be a race dedication to Angels on Assignment and a group photo in the Winner’s Circle. Tickets can be requested by calling the office at 708-367-1100 or go to www.angelsassigned.org for details.

About Angels on Assignment
The Angels on Assignment organization works to help children by providing solutions for families with a seriously ill member. The organization’s mission and efforts reflect the impact on individuals when a community works together to help families struggling with serious illnesses. In early 1999, Angels on Assignment was formed by residents and local business and community leaders following a fundraising event for a sick child. Energized by the fundraising event, this group recognized the ongoing need to support families and children dealing with serious illness. For additional information about Angels on Assignment, please visit www.angelsassigned.org.

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

‘Beauty & the Beast’ – Sunday, May 4

On Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m., ‘Beauty and the Beast’ will be performed at the Center for Performing Arts. American Family Theater’s award-winning musical tells of Beauty’s adventures at the castle of the Beast and leads to the magical moment when the Beast becomes a man. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on-line at: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy or call the Box Office at 708-235-2222. The box office is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and two hours prior to performances.

DePaul University Art Museum, 935 West Fullerton, Chicago

Quilt Show ‘From Heart to Hand’ – Through June 22

DePaul University’s Art Museum will unveil a new exhibition, “From Heart to Hand,” will run through June 22 featuring 23 quilts produced by African-American women. Originally organized by the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts in Alabama, the exhibition demonstrates that quilts are not just household goods, but are also a means of personal expression. While quilting has been around in various forms for centuries, Louise Lincoln, Museum Director, explains that it was approximately 15 years ago that the contemporary art world “discovered” the distinctive work of the women in the town of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, who created quilts with intricate patterns that resembled abstract paintings. As the Gee’s Bend artists have become famous, quilt exhibitions have grown in popularity and have been featured in major museums, including the Whitney Museum in New York. The collection on display at DePaul Art Museum will include examples from Gee’s Bend, as well as other styles and subjects from the region of western Alabama, giving viewers rich insight on tradition and community. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/PUx4cp. The DePaul Art Museum at 935 W. Fullerton, just east of the CTA’s Fullerton ‘L’ stop, is open Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information, call 773-325-7506 or visit www.depaul.edu/museum.

DePaul University Theatre School, 60 East Balbo, Chicago

‘Jackie & Me’ – Through May 10

The Theatre School at DePaul University will present ‘Jackie & Me,’ by Steven Dietz, adapted from the novel by Dan Gutman, and directed by John Jenkins, as the final production of the 2013-2014 Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences season. This production runs through May 10 at DePaul’s historic Merle Reskin Theatre. Performances are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. Friday performances will be held on May 2 and May 9 at 10 a.m. A special Sunday performance at 2 p.m. will be held on May 4. There will be no Saturday performance on May 3. Joey Stoshack has a talent that many kids dream of: the ability to travel through time. When Joey is assigned to write a report on an African American role model, he uses his powers to travel back to 1947 and meet Jackie Robinson, one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Through their adventures, Joey learns about real courage and what it feels like to walk in someone else’s shoes. This production is recommended for ages 8 and older. Educational themes include: baseball, courage, facing prejudice, family, history, thinking of others and overcoming adversity. For more information about pre-show and post-show educational activities and highlighted curriculum connections, please visit www.theatre.depaul.edu to download our free teacher guide. You can also request a teacher guide by calling the box office. For patrons who are blind or have low vision, the performance will be audio described on Saturday, April 19 at 2 p.m. with a pre-performance touch tour. Call 312-922-1999. The performances on May 2 at 10 a.m. and May 4 at 2 p.m. will be interpreted in American Sign Language. Call TTY: 773-325-7975. April 12 at 2 p.m. is USO of Illinois Day. U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families, with a valid military ID, can attend the performance for free. Visit www.tixfortroops.org to reserve tickets, or call 312-922-1999 for more information. In addition, a wide range of events will be held in conjunction with this production including community partner days, an ice cream social, opening day autographs, post show discussions and more. For details visit the website or call the box office. 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. DePaul’s Merle Reskin Theatre is located at 60 E. Balbo Drive at Michigan Avenue 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 Studio Theatre, 330 West 202nd Street, Chicago Heights

‘Ragtime’ – Opens Friday, May 2

Tickets are now on sale for the musical ‘Ragtime’ which will be presented on May 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. and May 4 at 2 p.m. The production will take place at Bloom Theatre, 101 West 10th Street, Chicago Heights. This musical tapestry depicts an African-American family, a Jewish immigrant family and a wealthy suburban White-Anglo Saxon Protestant family in turn-of-the-century America. Tickets are $20 for adults; $19 for Seniors age 65+; and $19 for students with Student ID. Group rates are also available.

For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-755-3444.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Literature in Music – Tickets Now on Sale

On Saturday, May 27 at 8 p.m. at the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 S. Harlem Avenue, Frankfort, two beloved works inspired by Shakespeare take center stage on the final concert of the season. Also, rising violin star, Anna Lee, makes her Chicago debut performing the beloved Glazunov Violin Concerto. David Danzmayr will conduct the orchestra. The concert will feature Symphonic Dances fromWest Side Story by Leonard Bernstein andSelections from Suites to the ballet, Romeo & Juliet by Sergei Prokofiev. Tickets are $55, $45 and $35 and can be purchased online at https://secure.ticketsage.net. For additional information, call 708-481-7774.

National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM), 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago

Espirit de Corps Exhibition – Through August 1, 2014

NVAM is celebrating its first anniversary in its Milwaukee Avenue location with its art exhibition, Esprit de Corps, an exhibition highlighting the spirit of creative resilience. Esprit de Corps features art by nine veterans of Vietnam, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terror. The NVAM will be free and open to the public through August 1, 2014. Esprit de Corps is sponsored by Omicron, Bank of America and Paratech Incorporated. Drawing on breakthroughs in using art to assist with reintegration of veterans and for therapeutic expression, Esprit de Corps traces the process and roles of therapeutic art from the act of initial perception through expression of experience to an ultimate communal sharing and understanding of the real impact of war. Featured artists include Joseph Fornelli, Jerry Frech, Jonathan Hancock, Peter Sullivan, Benjamin Suarez, Thomas Gilbertson, Theodore Gostas, Richard Williams and Erica Slone. High resolution images of work in the show are available through the NVAM’s Dropbox. For additional information and hours, visit the museum’s website at www.nvam.org. 

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

This Week’s Events at the Park Forest Public Library

The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Public Library:

• Monday, April 28 at 12 p.m. — Friends Book Discussion: “And the Mountains Echoed” — Discuss “And the Mountains Echoed” by Khaled Hosseini. Books will be available at Patron Services one month in advance. The club will continue to meet the fourth Monday of the month.
• Monday, April 28 at 4 p.m. – Ductigami — Learn to use duct tape to make crafts.
• Tuesday, April 29 at 10:30 a.m. – Music and Movement — Develop large motor skills, increase coordination and instill an appreciation for music of all genres in this weekly class designed for children ages 2-5 and their parents or caregivers.
• Tuesday, April 29 at 6 p.m. – Dreamscapes — During the month of April we will read a story and create a scene on the floor for the kids to pretend they are acting out a scene from the story in their dream! We will give each child a chance to be in the scene and take a picture that will be printed for the following week.
• Wednesday, April 30 at 10:30 a.m. – Masters of Art — Children will have the opportunity to listen to a story and complete an art project related to the story.
• Wednesday, April 30 at 7:15 p.m. – Create Your Own Resume — Learn how to create your own resume using templates in Microsoft Word. Registration required.
• Thursday, May 1 at 10:30 a.m. – Mother Goose Day Story Hour — Parents and children of all ages are invited to join us for Mother Goose songs and stories during this one hour program.

For additional information or to register for certain events, please call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org/

Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest

Step Back Into the 1950s Easter at the Park Forest House Museum – Through April 30

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum at 141 Forest Blvd, Park Forest, will have up its spring exhibit, “Step Back into a 1950s Easter,” from March 15 through April 30, 2014. Open Wednesday and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the museum can also be open for groups by appointment, at other times. Donation is Adults $5; Children12 & under free with an adult. Scout and school tours are priced individually. Decorations include Easter die cuts, honeycomb rabbits and baskets, plastic and tin decorations, children’s books and Easter baskets with candy available in the 1950s. There is a very special display of hand blown, hand-painted eggs brought back from World War II. For details, to arrange a special group tour, or to volunteer, visit the Park Forest Historical Society website, www.parkforesthistory.org, or call Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252.

Park Forest Plaza Print for Sale

Annabelle Gould’s print of the Park Forest Plaza is available for sale at the Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard. The vibrant print is from an original watercolor, showing kids and their moms in the Park Forest Plaza, in front of the old Holiday Theatre and Golden Hanger Shop. The print can be purchased at the House Museum during normal hours of operation on Wednesdays and Saturdays or through the Society’s online store on their website at www.parkforesthistory.org. Prints are $15 each. Online purchases also required an additional $6 fee for postage and handling. For additional information on other items for sale by the Society, visit www.parkforesthistory.org.

Roosevelt University’s Gage Gallery, 18 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago.

Photo Exhibit on Southeast Ohio’s Post-industrial Landscape – Through May 10

An exhibition by award-winning photo essayist Matt Eich, who tells the story through his photographs of an Ohio community abandoned by major industry, runs through May 10 in Roosevelt University’s Gage Gallery. Featuring images of southeastern Ohio from 2006-12, Carry Me Ohio is a catalog of working-class issues and people who were forced to adapt after industry, including mining for coal, salt and clay and the cutting of timber, left the region approximately 40 years ago. One of the nation’s most promising young documentary photographers, Eich began taking pictures in southeast Ohio while he was a photojournalism student at Ohio State University. He has worked as a freelancer for GQ, Esquire, Mother Jones, Time, Fader, Harper’s and National Geographic, among others. Free and open to the public, Roosevelt’s Gage Gallery has hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, visit www.roosevelt.edu/gagegallery or call 312-341-6458.

Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest

‘Mudd’—Through April 30

Join us at the Gallery for ‘Mudd’ which runs through the end of April. What do artists do with ‘Mudd’? Come take part in art fun on Friday, April 25 from 6 p.m. to 9 pm. where you can meet the artists and enjoy refreshments and music. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For additional information and Gallery hours, call 708-833-5108.

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

Art Exhibits at SSC

The Art & Design Department of SSC is pleased to announce two exhibitions coming to galleries on the college’s Main Campus in South Holland. First, a solo exhibition of paintings by guest artist Mark Riesterer is currently running through May 2nd in the Lee E. Dulgar Gallery. There will be a closing reception for the artist on Wednesday, April 30th at 12:30 p.m. Riesterer is an emerging, Chicago-based artist. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Lake Forest College in 2009. His work has been exhibited in Chicago, Colorado and India. His paintings reflect the artist’s interest in stained glass, illustration, the urban landscape and light. Additionally, the college’s Biannual Student Art Exhibit will be on display from April 29th through May 7th. More than 300 original artworks of Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Drawing, Jewelry, Photography, Digital Graphics and Animation created by SSC student artists will exhibit in the Dorothea Thiel, Photo Four, and the Lee E. Dulgar Galleries. A Pot Luck Reception will be held Wednesday May 7th at 12 noon in the Art & Design Department on the 4th Floor. Exhibits are viewable to the public at no charge Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The Thiel and Photo Four Galleries are on the 4th floor in the Art & Design hallway, while the Dulgar Gallery is located on the college’s 1st floor. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. For more information, please call 708-596-2000, ext. 2445 or ext. 2300, or visit www.ssc.edu/art.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Near and Far’ by Nikkole Huss & Richard Schmidt – Through May 10

Tall Grass Arts Association invites everyone to visit our newest exhibit, ‘Near and Far,’ consisting of nearly 70 works by Nikkole Huss and Richard Schmidt. The exhibit will run through May 10. In ‘Near and Far,’ Huss and Schmidt follow the centuries-old tradition of finding inspiration in nature – natural forms, organic growth and decay, light and weather, time and space. But their methods of discovery and interpretation have taken them on two very different paths. Richard Schmidt works from environments he actually visits in Illinois, New York, New Hampshire and Maine to gather information for his very literal, highly-detailed oil and watercolor paintings. Nikkole Huss studies landscape from a distance, documented through satellite images and telescope records from hundreds of miles above the earth. She redefines and recreates nature in encaustic, often viewing from great distances the same kinds of places Richard studies from a few yards away. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information and Gallery hours, please visit the Tall Grass website (www.tallgrassarts.org), or call the Gallery 708-748-3377.

Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights

Union Street Derby Day Social – Saturday, May 3

On Saturday, May 3 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Union Street Gallery will host its inaugural Kentucky Derby Party at Olympia Fields Country Club, 2800 Country Club Drive. The event will include a winning horse raffle, artist made derby hats, bourbon tasting, hand-rolled cigars and tons of fun. The event is a fundraiser for the Gallery with funds raised being used for much needed building repairs. Tickets are $60. In addition, it’s not a Kentucky Derby Party without over-the-top hats. Unique artist-made derby hats for men and women will be on sale at the event. If you purchase a hat, you receive a free photo with your hat against a green screen. For additional information or to purchase tickets call 708-754-2801.

‘Entrances & Exits’ – Through May 10

Union Street Gallery presents an exhibit of select photographs by members of Gallery 7 in Joliet, Illinois. The exhibit will run through May 10. ‘Entrances & Exits’ can be literal representations such as doors and windows or symbolic manifestations representing the entering or exiting of a place or time in our lives. Viewers will see a wide range of Entrances & Exits in this moving and beautiful photography exhibit. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-754-2601 or visit http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/.

Regional Juried Exhibit of Small Works – Through May 10

A regional juried exhibit of Small Works will run through May 10. Art does not have to be large to make a statement. Some of the most powerful pieces of art are the smallest. Small art is deliberate and intimate; it draws the viewer in closer, causes them linger. Small art can be playful and whimsical like a toy, familiar like everyday objects, or precious like a small altar. Minute Musings is an exhibit of art that is 12″ and smaller. The exhibit will include 69 works of art by 45 talented artists from the Midwest region. Art exhibiting includes painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics, digital art, collage, assemblage, mixed media and video. The exhibit free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-754-2601 or visit http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

Job Search Assistance Every Tuesday at GSU

The Mobile Workforce Center’s mobile unit will be at GSU every Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., parked near the university’s front entrance. Center services include resume development, access to online job boards and websites, instruction in how to conduct an online job search and improve keyboarding skills, and assistance of staff. The center is equipped with 11 computer stations with Internet access, printer, and copy machines, and is wheelchair accessible. Services are free and available to residents in all counties. For additional information, contact the Workforce Services Division of Will County at 815-727-4980.

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights

Summer STEM Programs at PSC – Registration Required

The STEM@PSC program is hosting two summer programs for area high school students and graduates interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines. The Science and Math Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Mondays through Thursdays, from July 7 through 31, and the deadline to apply is April 30. The Summer Bridge Program will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30, Mondays and Wednesdays, and 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from July 7 through 31. The deadline to apply for the Bridge Program is May 30. The Summer Science and Math Camp is a free four-week experience for students in the PSC district entering their senior year of high school in fall 2014 who are interested in pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) majors after graduation. The goal is to help them advance their understanding in science and math, learn about current science and math research areas, and research STEM career paths. Among the highlights for students who participate in the Science and Math Camp are Field trips to see professionals in different science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers, group projects, and college style lectures and labs. The Summer Bridge Program is a free program intended for incoming freshman students interested in STEM majors who are enrolled or enrolling at PSC, and whose COMPASS Placement Test math scores were lower than expected. The goal is to assist these students in preparing to retake the math section of the test and get placed into the correct course, thereby decreasing the amount of time it takes to graduate from PSC. Once they’ve received their new scores, students meet with their STEM advisors to work on a degree completion plan. Of the 25 students that participated in last summer’s program, half increased their COMPASS Placement Test math scores, with some jumping more than one course, saving $464 for each class skipped. Both the Summer Science and Math Camp and Summer Bridge Program are STEM@PSC programs made possible by funds from U.S. Department of Education grants. STEM@PSC is dedicated to student success by building a supportive learning community, beginning with first-year students and guiding them throughout degree completion and the transfer process. For more information, contact Paula Bulaon at 708-709-3798 or email [email protected].

Opt In to Technology at PSC

You can bridge the gap between technology and a new you at PSC’s new Opt In program that consists of two computer training centers and free classes to teach basic technological skills. One location is at the Adult Training and outreach Center in Room A145 at PSC’s main campus. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The other location is at the Matteson Area Center’s Computer Training Lab located at 4821 Southwick Dr., Matteson. Hours for this location are Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. No matter what skill level you have or want to have, Opt In can help. Both computer labs and on-site tutors are free and open to the public. For additional information, call Lisa Zeigler at 708-709-3548 or e-mail [email protected].

Rich Township Free Basic Computer Classes for Adults

Rich Township is offering free basic computer skill classes for adults every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Leonard Robinson Family Services Center, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park. Participants will learn Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet skills, résumé building skills, and more. Classes are open only to residents of Rich Township. For additional information, call Mark Mason or Joe Moran at 708-748-6722.

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

‘Law Day’ – Thursday, May 1

SSC’s Legal Studies Department will host their second annual ‘Law Day’ on Thursday, May 1, 2014. This year’s event will feature a special live court case. Oral arguments for a real criminal First District Appellate Court case will be heard in the Performing Arts Center. This is a rare opportunity for the community to observe the First District at work at an off-site location. The general public–especially educators and students–is encouraged to attend this unique opportunity to witness some of the area’s most talented, professional litigators in action. Opening remarks will begin at 10:30 a.m. Following the arguments, the audience will have an opportunity to ask questions of the Appellate Prosecutor and Appellate Defender. The justices will return to the PAC for another question and answer session at approximately 12 noon. This event also provides guests with an opportunity to find out more about educational and career opportunities in the judicial field, and to learn about SSC’s Paralegal, Court Reporting and Criminal Justice programs. For more information about Law Day or to RSVP for the day’s events, please email [email protected] or contact Jason M. Cieslik, J.D., Paralegal Coordinator, at 708-596-2000, extension 2579.

Job Fair – Seeking Employers & Job Seekers

SSC and Thornton Township are partnering to offer a 2014 Community Job Fair on Tuesday, May 20th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This free event is open to the public and will be held in SSC’s Fitness Center located on the South Holland campus. SSC and Thornton Township are currently seeking employers and hiring managers to participate at this special event. The Community Job Fair is an excellent opportunity for employers to recruit upcoming SSC graduates and alumni, current students, and community residents. An employer fee of $75 will include a skirted table, two chairs, and a light lunch for two representatives. There is a fee of $10 for each additional representative. It is important to the success of the Job Fair that company representatives remain at their tables from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (may arrive as early as 8:30 a.m. to set-up). A continental breakfast will begin at 9:00 a.m. and lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. In addition, SSC offers a FREE Employer Services web-based Job Posting Board. Participating employers can post their employment opportunities to SSC or to the entire 12 member community colleges in the consortium. Employers should respond by May 1st to reserve space by contacting Gerri Weatherspoon at 708-596-2000, extension 2391, or email [email protected].

Online Educational Resources

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

Top U.S. Universities

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

Healthy Living

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

Free Psychotherapy Available from GSU’s Psychology Program

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

Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip

Free Community Education and Prevention Programs about Mental Health

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

Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard, Park Forest

CPR Classes

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

Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest

Senior Citizen Weekday Lunch at the Senior Café

Senior citizens of all income levels are invited to lunch weekdays at the Rich Township Senior Café located inside the Rich Township’s Shirley J. Green Senior Center. The CNN site is open to all south suburban residents, including those living outside of Rich Township. Participants must be 60 years of age or older. The suggested donation for lunch is $2.50. Lunch is served Monday through Friday at noon. Bingo begins at 10 a.m. For additional information or to make a reservation for lunch, call 708-747-2700.

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.

Green Events

Marian Catholic High School, 700 Ashland Avenue, Chicago Heights

Generation Green Recycling Event – Saturday, May 10

Generation Green, a student-run recycling program at Marian Catholic High School, is sponsoring the 4th annual Community Electronics Recycling Drive on Saturday, May 10, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., in Marian Catholic High School’s parking lot. Generation Green, which oversees the recycling program at Marian Catholic, throughout the school year, includes roughly 12 Marian Catholic student volunteers who will assist with moving electronics from vehicles on the day of the event. If it plugs in the wall, Generation Green will take it. This free service recycles unwanted or broken electronics, including computers, monitors, printers, laptops, TV’s, stereo equipment, microwaves, or large household appliances. For more information about the Community Electronic Recycling Drive, please contact Marian Catholic High School at 708-755-7565.

St. Irenaeus Community Garden Group, Park Forest

Bake Sale Fundraiser – Wednesday, April 30

The St. Irenaeus Community Garden Group will hold a bake sale on Wednesday, April 30 at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. The Bake Sale will begin at 9 a.m. and last until all the home-baked goodies are sold. Proceeds from the Bake Sale will be used to support the community garden’s activities this year.

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Wednesday Morning Walkers – April 30

On Wednesday, April 30 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., enjoy light exercise and experience nature firsthand on Thorn Creek’s winding trails. Trails can be wet or muddy, so please wear sturdy shoes. Terrain is moderator. The Wednesday morning walks will continue each week through April and walkers new to the program must register two days before they first hike. For additional information, please call 708-747-6320 or e-mail [email protected].

Junior Ecologist Club – Registration Required by Thursday, May 1

Calling all young people age 9 to 12. Thorn Creek’s Junior Ecologist Club offers fun-filled nature activities each month for young people. The Club will meet on Saturday, May 3 from noon to 3 p.m. to explore the woods and prepare for the May 10 Pageant. Registration is required by Thursday, May 1. For additional information or to register, please call 708-747-6320 or e-mail [email protected].

Experience the Thorn Creek Nature Center

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

This & That

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

Annual Spring Market – Thursday, May 1

Get ready for spring with a shopping trip to Governors State University. The GSU Civil Service Senate is hosting the Annual Spring Open Market on Thursday, May 1, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. in the Hall of Governors. More than 30 crafters and vendors will have unique items and gifts just in time for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays or just because. The market is free and open to the public. Interested vendors and crafters are encouraged to participate. Space is limited. For more information or to register, call 708-235-7559.

Park Forest American Legion Post 1198, 1631 Western Ave., Chicago Heights

Friday Fish Fry

Join Park Forest’s American Legion Post 1198 for fish, shrimp, wings, beef and appetizers on Friday, Mat 2 beginning at 6 p.m. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.

Rich Township Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest

South Suburban Senior Fair – Luncheon Reservations Must be Made No Later than Tuesday, May 1

The South Suburban Senior Fair 2014 will be held on Friday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Rich Township Shirley J. Green Senior Center. This event features more than 25 businesses, organizations and services that hold seniors as their main priority. Come out and gather information and talk with experts in the field of senior services. You may also win a raffle or a door prize. Coffee and refreshments will be served. Reservations are not required. Transportation for $1 (roundtrip) is available by calling 708-748-6727. At noon, lunch will be served in the Rich Township Senior Café for $2.50. If you would like lunch, please call 708-747-2700 by Thursday, May 1 to make your reservation. The only requirement to have lunch is that you or your spouse be age 60 or older. For additional information or questions, please call 708-748-5454. The Senior Fair is a joint venture between the Park Forest Rotary Club, Park Forest Health Department (Nurses Plus) and the Rich Township Senior Center.

Sertoma Centre, Inc., 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip

Sertoma Centre’s BIG Event – Saturday, May 3

Firehouse chefs from across the Chicago land area will be the stars of the Sertoma Centre’s BIG Event as they fiercely compete for the title of Best Firehouse Chef in the categories of ribs, poultry, chili, ethnic dishes, and the people’s choice award. Sharing the spotlight this year, several members of Sertoma United, Sertoma Centre’s Self-Advocacy group requested to participate in the cook-off competition. Firefighters from Lombard, Crestwood, Robbins, Blue Island, Lemont, Niles and two Chicago Firehouses plan to heat things up at 115 Bourbon Street, in Merrionette Park, IL. Four returning champs are ready to defend their titles or possibly take home a new trophy. Sponsored by local Sertoma Clubs, businesses and the Aileen S. Andrew Foundation, attendees can sample the food as celebrity judges select the best firefighter chefs in the competition. Dave Fleming, a magician and juggler will perform on stage at 6:30 pm and live music will be provided by Audiomatic. Pockets the Clown and Boomer from the Windy City Thunderbolts will also be part of the festivities. The designated kids area will feature games and crafts. There are raffles and fun for the entire family. Please mark your calendar and join us on Saturday May 3, from 5 – 9 p.m. at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, IL.

Admission: Adults $10 for entry fee donation/food sample tickets, children 12 & under $5, children under 3, free. Proceeds from the event benefit the almost 750 individuals with disabilities served by Sertoma Centre, Inc. For more information, call 708-730-6210 or go to www.sertomacentre.org. Sertoma Centre, Inc. is a nationally-accredited, not-for-profit agency that provides services to individuals with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, and/or mental illness.