Uncategorized

In and Around Park Forest Week of December 13, 2015


Toys For Tots

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—December 13, 2015. The Park Forest Police Department is proud to again be taking part in a toy drive to benefit needy children this holiday season through the Toys for Tots charity. Interested residents should drop off their unwrapped gifts at the Park Forest Police Department before December 21.

The Unitarian Universalist Community Church in Park Forest will host ‘Dave Rudolf’s Completely Cracked Christmas Show’ on Friday, December 18 at 8 p.m. The show features hilarious parodies from Dave’s past Christmas CDs as well as songs from his new CD, ‘Tropical Christmas.” Tickets are $12. Donations of canned goods for Respond Now are appreciated. Additional information about the event can be found in the ‘Holiday Events & Activities Section.’

And as you’re finalizing your holiday shopping, don’t forget to shop locally!

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 Meeting – Monday, December 14

Due to Hanukkah, the Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, December 14 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) as well as.

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 December 13:

  • Tuesday, December 15 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission
  • Thursday, December 17 at 6 p.m. – Housing Authority

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

Arts & Entertainment

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.

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 events are scheduled the week of December 13:

  • Monday, December 14 at 3:30 p.m. — Crazy 8’s Math Club — Crazy 8’s is an over-the-top after school club that’s designed to get you fired up about math! This is an 8 week program. Every week you’ll build stuff, run and jump, make music, make a mess, and make friendships at the same time. It’s time for math to become the cool thing to do after school. Sign up today! Registration is required.
  • Tuesday, December 15 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, December 16 at 10 a.m. — Star Wars Day — Are you a die-hard Star Wars fan? Join us for an ALL DAY tribute to Star Wars! You’ll make Star Wars crafts, design your own movie poster and more. Stop by and you might even catch a glimpse of your favorite Star Wars cartoons on the kids’ zone television.
  • Wednesday, December 16 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, December 16 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.
  • Thursday, December 17 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art — Bring your imagination, creativity, and throw on some old clothes to bring out your inner Picasso through art projects and more… Some projects may involve paint. Ages 3-5.
  • Friday, December 18 at 1 p.m. — Senior Travelogue: Kilimanjaro — This month’s Senior Travelogue takes us to the volcanic Mount Kilimanjaro.

For additional information or to register for an event call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org. Note: Holiday-related activities are listing in the ‘Holiday Events & Activities’ section below.

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

Rainbow Café – Friday, December 18

The Rainbow Café will be held on Friday, December 18 at 6:30 p.m. The Rainbow Café is an opportunity for single or partnered gays, lesbians, bisexuals or other sexual minorities, and their allies to meet one another and socialize in a safe and supportive atmosphere. The Rainbow Café is held on the third Friday of each month. For additional information, call 708-481-5339.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

Spring Semester Open House – Tuesday, December 15

PSC is holding an Open House for those interested in attending classes this spring. The event is scheduled from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, December 15, in the atrium of the college’s main campus in Chicago Heights. Representatives will be on hand to discuss how to apply for the spring semester, financial aid, scholarships, student life, testing, tutoring, academic programs and more. Any attendee not currently enrolled at PSC has the opportunity to be entered into a drawing to win a free three credit-hour class. Registration for the spring 2016 semester is now open at PSC. Hundreds of courses are offered days, evenings, weekends, and online to accommodate busy schedules. For more information, visit www.prairiestate.edu/start or call 708-709-3500.

Representative Tammy Duckworth, 1701 East Woodfield Road, Schaumburg

8th Congressional App Competition for High School Students – Submission Deadline January 15

Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) announced that Eighth District students can now enter the 2015 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) for a chance to have their work featured in the U.S. Capitol. The App Challenge was created in 2013 to help students around the nation develop skills in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields by encouraging them to learn new skills and develop their own computer software. Additional information about the CAC and the submission process is available here. Students may enter their Congressional App Challenge individually or in teams of up to four students before the submission deadline of January 15, 2016. All submissions from the Eight District will be reviewed by a panel of local judges and winning submission will be highlighted on the U.S. House of Representatives’ website as well as featured in an exhibit in the U.S. Capitol building.

Representative Robin Kelly, 600 Holiday Plaza Drive, Matteson

2nd Congressional App Competition for High School Students – Submission Deadline January 15

Representative Robin Kelly announced a Congressional App Challenge for high school students in the 2nd Congressional District. The competition is aimed at encouraging and recognizing young programming talent and highlighting the importance of computer science in the Digital Age. The competition is open to students of all skill levels. Winners of the App Challenge will be recognized and honored by Congresswoman Kelly. The winning apps will be displayed on the Congressional App Challenge website, and winners will have their apps exhibited on a digital display in the Capital Building for a year. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2016. For more information and to register for the App Challenge, go to https://www.challenge.gov/challenge/congressional-app-challenge-il-02-rep-kelly/ or call Rep. Kelly’s Matteson Office at 708-679-0078.

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

Spring 2016 Semester Registration in Progress

Open Registration for the Spring 2016 Semester at SSC is currently in progress. Spring classes begin Tuesday, January 19, 2016. SSC will be closed for Holiday Break from December 24, 2015, through January 3, 2016. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, January 4, 2016.Payment arrangements are due daily at the end of each business day beginning Friday, December 18, 2015. Students who plan to use financial aid as payment for classes that start on January 19th must complete their FAFSA by January 8th. Completion of Financial Aid includes an official high school or GED transcript on file at SSC. Official transcripts must have a school seal and graduation date on them. Transcripts can be hand-delivered to the Admissions Office or mailed to: Office of Admissions (15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473). If a transcript is hand-delivered it must be in the original sealed, unopened envelope. New students can submit an online application at www.ssc.edu. A current state issued ID is required to complete your enrollment process. New students will receive an SSC email account and a “My SSC” Username & Password via email which will allow access to the online schedule and class registration. The “MY SSC” portal also allows students 24-hour access during college closed periods. 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.

Paralegal Open House at Oak Forest Campus – January 12

SSC will be hosting an Open House for its Paralegal Program on Tuesday, January 12, 2016, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in Room 5190 at the Oak Forest Center, 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue. Attendees will learn about an exciting career that is expected to grow 18% through 2020 according to the US Department of Labor. Information will be provided about SSC’s Paralegal/Legal Assistant curriculum, including the Associate Degree and certificate programs. In addition, former students from the program, working as paralegals, will be present to answer questions. The curriculum prepares students to work in a variety of legal environments including civil and criminal litigation, insurance, banking, public and governmental agencies, law offices and corporate legal departments. Emphasis is placed on the development of core skills in legal research and writing techniques including compilation and analysis of data, understanding legal vocabulary, law office technology, and preparation of legal documents. SSC has the only American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program in the Chicago Southland region, giving graduates a huge advantage when entering the workforce. The college also requires that all of the instructors in the program are lawyers or judges to ensure the quality of instruction. While the majority of the paralegal classes are offered at the Oak Forest Center, some classes are offered online and some are offered at the Main Campus in South Holland. For more information, please contact Mr. Cieslik at 708-596-2000, ext. 2579 or email [email protected].

3rd Annual Public Speaking Symposium – January 28

The Chicagoland Speakers Network would like to help area residents and professionals meet their self-improvement goals in 2016 through a Public Speaking Symposium. The Chicagoland Speakers Network has planned this half-day of educational workshops on various topics related to effective professional speaking at South Suburban College’s Oak Forest Center on Thursday, January 28, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Public speaking is a highly valued and sought-after communication skill in all industries. Some people thrive in front of an audience and for others, it can cause apprehension. If your skills need tweaking and your confidence needs boosting, the Chicagoland Speakers Network would like to help. The 3rd Annual Public Speaking Symposium topics include:

  • Four Keys to Unlock Your Speaking Abilities, by Sabrina Schottenhamel.
  • What NOT to WEAR and What NOT to DO When Speaking, by Lori Klinka and Felicia Houston.
  • Before you Speak: Tips on Preparing for a Speech, by Mary Erlain.
  • Feedback: How to Ask for It, How to Give It, and What To Do With It, by Colleen Klimczak.
  • Panel Discussion Q & A, with the presenters.

Advanced registration is $39 through January 15th, or $49 from January 16th through the day of the Speaking Symposium. To register or for more information, copy and paste this address to your browser: https://csn-pss2016.eventbrite.com or contact event coordinator Takeisha Gary at [email protected]. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois.

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.

Green Events

Sauk-Calumet Group of the Illinois Sierra Club, Matteson

Discussion of Artic Ecosystems – Monday, December 14

The Sauk-Calumet Group of the Illinois Sierra Club has its next meeting on Monday, December 14th at 7:15 pm.  The meeting is at the Frankfort Public Library, 2119 Pfeiffer Road. The presenter for this program will be Christy Mazrimas-Ott, a polar bear keeper at the Brookfield Zoo.  Mazrimas-Ott will show photos and describe the environmental effects of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem from her many trips there. Monthly meetings usually start with announcements with the program following.  Programs are about nature or an environmental issue.  Meetings are free and open to the public.  For directions or more info about the Club and its activities, contact Patrick Coffey at [email protected]. The Frankfort Public Library is visible from Rt. 30/Lincoln Hwy. at the corner of Lincoln Hwy. and Pfeiffer Rd.  Pfeiffer Rd. is about a mile east of LaGrange Rd. on Rt. 30.

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Wednesday Morning Walkers – December 16

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. Registration is required two days before you walk the first time. For additional information or to register, call 815-727-8700.

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.

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].

Holiday Events & Activities

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

‘A Very Merry Holiday Spectacular’ – Saturday, December 19

Tickets are now on sale for the IPO’s ‘A Very Merry Holiday Spectacular’ taking place on Saturday, December 19 at 8 p.m. at the Lincolnway North Performing Art Center, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort. Celebrate the season with your favorite holiday classics, including the familiar strains of Waltz of the Flowers and other jewels from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, along with Humperdinck’s charming Hansel and Gretel and the festive Sleigh Ride. Tickets are priced at $55, $45, and $35 for adults. Special pricing for students and with the IPO’s new ‘We Pick the Seats’ program. For additional ticket information, visit: www.ipomusic.org/index.php/concerts.html.

Park Forest Historical Society, 227 Monee Road

1950s Park Forest House Christmas Exhibit – Through January 2

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum now located in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, invites you to “Step Back into a 1950s Christmas!” exhibit which will run through January 2, 2016. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of 21st Century preparations to spend quality time getting a dose of Holiday Nostalgia. Vintage decorations are in every room. The museum features a musical, Black Forest green, aluminum, rotating tree–a Brilliant Noble Fir, made by the C. Sincere Company in Chicago, decorated with Mid-century modern ornaments. Gurley Candles and Rosbro plastic figurines, dolls, toys, and games will bring back memories to share. The museum will also have some Hanukkah decorations on display. The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and by appointment, when possible. Call to confirm open hours for Saturday, December 26. Admission/donation is $5 for adults and free for those 12 and under. One adult is free with the purchase of a Marshall Field’s Brick. Parking is in the small lot by the flagpole. Knock on the door next to the museum sign to be admitted. Call Jane Nicoll, Museum Director, at 708-481-4252 to confirm opening in the case of extreme weather. The museum is operated by the Park Forest Historical Society. Questions on the museum and exhibits should be sent to Director, Jane Nicoll through the email on the website. “Like” the 1950s Park Forest House Museum and the Park Forest Historical Society at their pages on Facebook! Follow @1950smuseum on Twitter.

Bricks from Marshall Field’s Park Forest Store For Sale – Make Unique Holiday Gift

The Park Forest Historical Society is selling bricks from the Marshall Field’s Park Forest Store to support the 1950s House Museum and the mission of preserving and sharing Park Forest history. The Marshall Field’s Park Forest Store was the first to be in a shopping center, beginning the long association between Philip M. Klutznick and the Field’s company which led up to Water Tower Place. Bricks are $15 each; 2 for $25, and come with a Certificate of Authenticity and a history of the Marshall Field’s Park Forest Store. Shipping and handling for bricks is $12. For information on Marshall Field’s Bricks, contact the Society’s Business Manager, Mike Gans, at 708-305-3308. Bricks may also be purchased during open hours at the Recreation and Parks desk at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.

Watercolor of Park Forest Plaza and Holiday Theatre For Sale

Prints of Annabelle Gould’s vibrant watercolor showing the Park Forest Plaza and Holiday Theatre are on sale for $15—quantities of the print may be limited. Books and other items on Park Forest are also available at the 1950s House Museum and in the online store, at www.parkforesthistory.org. Shipping and handling for prints is $6. Prints may also be purchased during open hours at the Recreation and Parks desk at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

Holiday Events at the Park Forest Library – Week of December 13

  • Monday, December 14 at 11 a.m. — Holiday Story Time — Join us for Holiday-Themed Story Time!
  • Thursday, December 17 at 7 p.m. — DIY Holiday Gifts — Join us and learn about some fun DIY holiday gifts! We will be using sharpies to decorate mugs that will be taken home and baked in the oven. All ages welcome.
  • Friday, December 18 at 3:30 p.m. — Holiday Make and Take: Gratitude in a Jar — This season, start a new tradition by expressing your gratitude with overflowing words, messages, or even poems. Design a daily gratitude journal that will inspire you every day.

Holiday Pecans on Sale – Library Fundraiser

The Park Forest Public Library will once again be selling delicious holiday pecans for $10 per bag while quantities last. The sale is a fundraiser for the Library.

Park Forest Police Department, 200 Lakewood Boulevard

Toys for Tots Charity Drive – Through Monday, December 21

The Park Forest Police Department is proud to again be taking part in a toy drive to benefit needy children this holiday season through the Toys for Tots charity. Interested residents should drop off their unwrapped gifts at the Park Forest Police Department before December 21.

Tall Grass Art Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Tall Grass Art Association’s Annual Holiday Show and Sale – Through Saturday, January 9

Tall Grass Art Association’s Annual Holiday Show and Sale will run through Saturday, January 9. The show is free and open to the public. The show will feature affordable art for the holidays by Tall Grass Gallery Artists including drawings, paintings, mixed media works, prints, photographs, fiber works, ceramics, jewelry, ornaments, cards and many other handmade art and craft items perfect for gift-giving. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.

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

2015 ‘Twelfth Month’ Handmade & Artisanal Market – Through December 23

USG will host its 2015 ‘Twelfth Month’ Handmade and Artisanal Market will run through December 23. Formally known as ‘Twelfth Month,’ USG’s Handmade and Artisanal Market will showcase beautiful art from USG affiliated artists and friends. As in the past, there will also be boutique items that are perfect for your holiday shopping. Please come in and browse all the wonderful work available in the gallery this holiday season! There will also be special events featured during the Market. The schedule includes:

  • Saturday, December 19 – Coffee & Conversations — Join us on Saturday for a cup of coffee while viewing the art. Strike up a conversation with someone else visiting the gallery, our volunteers, or staff.
  • Wednesday, December 23 — Closes!

Gallery hours are Wednesday & Thursday noon to 5 p.m.; Friday noon to 6 p.m.; and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

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

Dave Rudolf’s Completely Cracked Christmas Show – Friday, December 18

UUCC will host ‘Dave Rudolf’s Completely Cracked Christmas Show’ on Friday, December 18 at 8 p.m. The show will feature Special Guests: The 3 Wise Guys, Ryan Rudolf and more! Grammy nominated, Gold Record winner, Dave Rudolf’s Completely Cracked Christmas Show features hilarious parodies from his past Christmas CDs as well as songs from his new CD, ‘Tropical Christmas.’ You can listen to some of Dave’s Christmas tunes at: http://www.daverudolf1.com/Dave_Rudolf2/Rudolfs_Christmas_Shows/Rudolfs_Christmas_Shows.html. Tickets are $12. Donations of canned goods for Respond Now are appreciated. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

Winter Solstice Candlelight Labyrinth — Saturday, December 19th

The Winter Solstice Candlelight Labyrinth will be held at UUCC on Saturday, December 19 from 6 p.m. until the candle light fades. Come celebrate the New Year at our candle Labyrinth. Enjoy a calming, yet invigorating meditation. Peacefully walk the Labyrinth to reconnect with your Spiritual Center. Sit and pray for peace in the warmth and serenity of our Labyrinth.  A $10 donation is requested from non-UUCC members. Safety note: Please do not wear long, loose, draping or dragging clothing. We use open topped glass candle holders, but we want to be extra careful. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

This & That

Chicago Southland for Bernie Sanders, Park Forest

Informal Meeting – Monday, December 14

The Chicago Southland for Bernie Sanders group will hold an informal meeting on Monday, December 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery, 1035 Sterling Avenue. Join us for some Holiday Spirit, politics, and discussion about what we can do in the New Year to help elect Bernie Sanders President and fix Washington.  Let’s share ideas and enjoy talking about how we can organize in 2016.  The March Primary is right around the corner.  Join the Bernie Sanders team. Ordering food and drinks is optional; however, much appreciated by the restaurant. Please RSVP by Saturday, December 12 so the restaurant will know the number of seats to reserve. For additional information, or to RSVP, contact Darlene Obejda by email at [email protected] or private message at: https://www.facebook.com/darlene.obejda?hc_location=ufi

Park Forest Historical Society, 227 Monee Road

Nominations Being Accepted for 2016 Park Forest Hall of Fame Class – Through December 30

The Park Forest Historical Society will be accepting nominations for the Park Forest Hall of Fame until December 30, 2015. The official form, which must accompany the nomination, is available at the 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 227 Monee Road on Wednesday and Saturday from 1-3:30 p.m., or at the Archive Office, 227 Monee Road on Friday 10-12, in the lobby of Village Hall or on the society’s website at www.parkforesthistory.org. Nominations may be mailed to the historical society or delivered to the museum or archive in person. To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, persons nominated must have made substantial, beneficial, and consistent contributions to the life and well-being of Park Forest over a considerable span of time. Nominees may now live elsewhere, or be deceased. Individuals or couples may be nominated. The person making the nomination does not have to live in Park Forest, and does not have to be a member of the society. Persons may only make one nomination each year. The official nomination form is required along with separate sheets indicating why the person is being nominated, and in convincing and thorough detail, describing the nominee’s qualifications and contributions which fit the criteria. A list of those already in the Hall of Fame is on their website. Inductees will be chosen from among the eligible nominees by the Park Forest Historical Society, and announced early in 2016. The induction ceremony will be held at Freedom Hall on April 10, 2016. For information, call society president Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252, or email the society via the website, www.parkforesthistory.org. Visit the Park Forest Historical Society’s webs

 


ARCHIVES