In and Around Park Forest Week of June 1, 2015

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—June 1, 2015. Park Forest staff are gearing up for another hot, busy summer at the Park Forest Aqua Center. Through Saturday, June 6, take advantage of early bird registration rates and save. Visit the Park Forest Aqua Center June 2 through June 6, between the hours of 12 p.m. and 7 p.m., to register for season passes and swim lessons. As a member at the Park Forest Aqua Center you’ll receive several great perks like access to the Members Only Night on June 6 – a night of fun before the pool opens to the general public. Opening day at the Park Forest Aqua Center is June 7. Additional information about membership in the Aqua Center can be found in the ‘This & That’ 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

Village Board Meetings – Monday, June 1 & Saturday, June 6

The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, June 1 at 7 p.m. In addition, the Board will hold a Saturday, Morning Rules meeting on June 6 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.

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 June 1:

• Tuesday, June 2 – Plan Commission
• Thursday, June 4 at 1 p.m. – Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
• Thursday, June 4 at 7 p.m. – Environment Commission

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

Arts & Entertainment

Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 North Orchard, Park Forest

Annual Health & Craft Show – Saturday, June 6

Calvary United Protestant Church will be hosting their annual Health & Craft Show on Saturday, June 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 50 vendors are expected to participate. For additional information, call 708-748-6261. Calvary United Protestant Church is located on the corner of Orchard Drive and Lincoln Highway.

DePaul University Art Museum, 935 West Fullerton, Chicago

‘Liminal Infrastructure’ – Through August 9

A massive shipping container rolled through Chicago last fall, but instead of carrying cargo, it was taking stunning photographs of the city and its surrounding waterways. The resulting images are part of the exhibition, ‘Liminal Infrastructure,’ that will be on display at the DePaul Art Museum through August 9. Organized in collaboration with the Chicago Humanities Festival, the photographs were created using one of the world’s largest pinhole cameras, the Liminal Camera, by artists Lauren Bon, Richard Nielsen and Tristan Duke during their exploration of the Great Lakes region last October. The exhibition will include large-scale photographs of the Chicago landscape, measuring up to 8 feet on the longest side, according to Harris. The dramatic proportions are uniquely suited for extreme horizontal and vertical photos. Perfect for the prairie city that gave birth to the skyscraper, he said. The photos on display are part of the latest chapter of the Liminal Camera’s expedition across the Great Lakes region. During the Chicago Humanities Festival last fall, the artists invited people inside the Liminal Camera to experience the camera obscura technique in action and to see how they perform the photographic process. On May 14 at 4:30 p.m., the artists will recount their experience and unveil the photographs they took with the Liminal Camera in and around Chicago last fall. A public reception will follow beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event is part of the Chicago Humanities Festival 2015 spring schedule and is free and open to the public. The DePaul Art Museum is located 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 on the DePaul Art Museum’s upcoming exhibitions and events, call 773-325-7506 or visit http://bit.ly/DPAM15.

‘Glowing Wavelengths In Between’ – Through August 9

The DePaul Art Museum will be artist Sonja Thomsen’s ‘Glowing Wavelengths In Between,’ through August 9. In her exhibition, Thomsen utilizes an array of materials that refract and reflect light as means to creative discovery. The resulting pieces are vibrant color photographs, immersive photographic murals and faceted metallic sculptures. Thomsen’s layered works create an interactive experience for the viewer that provokes an awareness of light, space and time. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The DePaul Art Museum is located 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 on the DePaul Art Museum’s upcoming exhibitions and events, call 773-325-7506 or visit http://bit.ly/DPAM15.

DePaul University, 2250 North Sheffield Avenue, Chicago

’24 Hour George Saunders’ – June 2 -3

Bestselling author and humorist George Saunders will headline a marathon celebration of his work at DePaul University this June. The DePaul Humanities Center will present ‘24 Hour George Saunders’ from June 2-3. The event is free and open to the public. For 23 consecutive hours, beginning at 8 p.m. June 2, DePaul will welcome guests to read Saunders’ work aloud. In the 24th hour, at 7 p.m. June 3, Saunders will arrive to deliver a lecture about the future of the humanities in higher education. The event will be held in the Student Center Room at DePaul University’s Lincoln Park Campus.  More information on George Saunders at http://bit.ly/15PE4OS. The program is sponsored by DePaul University Humanities Center. The DePaul University Humanities Center fosters discussion and research in the arts and humanities on campus and among the greater community. More about the center at http://bit.ly/18uWztK.

Drama Group Studio Theatre, 330 West 202nd Street, Chicago Heights

Performance of Pulitzer Prize Nominated Play ‘Other Desert Cities’ – Tickets Now on Sale

The Drama Group is pleased to present the Pulitzer Prize nominated play, ‘Other Desert Cities’, directed by Warren Sampson, with set design by Jane Nix. Performances will be held at the Drama Group Studio Theatre on June 12, 13, 18, 19 & 20 at 7:30 p.m. and June 14 & 21 at 2:00 p.m. Set in Palm Springs, California, this award-winning compact family drama addresses the notions of deception, trust, loyalty, privacy and integrity using a deliciously straightforward setup. ‘Other Desert Cities’ received five nominations for the 2012 Tony Awards, including for Best Play, Best Actress in a Play, Best Scenic Design, and Best Lighting Design. Tickets are $20 for adults and $19 for seniors and $15 for students with ID. Group discount rates are also available. Good seats are still available. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 708-755-3444 or online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com or see details at www.dramagroup.org. For directions and other information regarding Drama Group activities, please visit www.dramagroup.org.

Governors State University (GSU) Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, 1 University Parkway, University Park

Saturdays in the Park – Registration Required

GSU’s Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park welcomes visitors to summer Saturdays in the Park. Explore the nationally-recognized park on one of four FREE guided mini-tours, ideal for families, art or outdoor enthusiasts. Tours start at 10 a.m., and take about 90 minutes. All tours are subject to weather conditions and will be cancelled with inclement weather. The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park provides the Chicagoland region with a premier presentation of large-scale contemporary sculpture. Big, bold art is set amidst a natural prairie landscape for a truly different outdoor museum experience. Children and adults alike will appreciate the master works and the unique setting. The park is open dawn until dusk, year-round.
Saturdays Schedule
June 27 — South Side
Families will love this collection of six eccentric shapes and materials including rice paper, welded steel, limestone, wood and more. Level: Moderate activity.
July 25 — The Wild West
If you’re new to sculpture, this is the tour for you! With names of flying objects, a lumberjack and more, this collection of six is for the curious. Level: Moderate activity.
Aug 22 — Into the Prairie
Hiking deeper into the prairie, this tour is for the art lover who enjoys a good hike, and features works from Bruce Nauman, Mark DiSuvero and more. Level: Advanced, more walking.
Capacity is limited to 20 people per tour so reserve your spot early.
RSVP to 708-534-3084 or [email protected].

National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago

NVAM to Observe Memorial Day 2015 with New Exhibition – Through August 28

The National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM) will exhibit The Joe Bonham Project through August 28. The Joe Bonham Project aims to keep the dedication, sacrifices and indomitable spirit of our wounded warriors present and accounted for with more than a hundred drawings and illustrations created during the time spent patients at VA Hospitals throughout the United States. The Joe Bonham Project is named after the central character in Dalton Trumbo’s 1938 novel Johnny Got His Gun. Joe loses all his limbs and his face to an artillery explosion, yet survives only to be eventually ‘warehoused’ beyond human interaction. Featuring artwork created in a variety of media by fifteen combat and civilian artists, The Joe Bonham Project seeks to show the real face of war and its aftermath to the public with images that portray the realities and human consequences of combat. Several of the artists in The Joe Bonham Project are seasoned war artists including Michael Fay, Richard Johnson, Steve Mumford, Kristopher Battles, Victor Juhasz, Roman Genn, and Robert Bates. Other artists, such as Jeffery Fisher, Fred Harper, Jess Ruliffson, Ray Alma, Bill Harris, and Josh Korenblat, have friends and family who have, or are currently serving in the armed forces. Working primarily at in-patient surgical shock-trauma wards, these artists have spent significant amounts of time with some of the most physically battle damaged soldiers, sailors and Marines. Most have endured multiple traumatic amputation injuries and disfiguring facial wounds, and will endure months of operations and challenging physical therapy. With them on this journey back to wholeness are often equally traumatized family members. All have volunteered to be sketched. For additional information, call 312-326-0270 or visit: www.nvam.org. 

‘The Things They Carried’ – Permanent Exhibit

The National Veterans Art Museum reopened its permanent exhibit ‘The Things They Carried’ in a brand new gallery space meant to be more immersive for viewers. Inspired by Tim O’Brien’s book ‘The Things They Carried,’ this exhibit serves as a visual companion that illustrates the narrative with fine art and photography from veterans that lived the stories in the novel. Much like the book, the exhibit explores the concept of storytelling and questions how one might share the story of the Vietnam experience. The exhibit takes as its central question “how to tell a true war story” and prompts viewers to consider their personal stories and contemplate how they might share their own narratives. By literally incorporating the essential elements of storytelling: Who, Where, When, and What, ‘The Things They Carried’ begins by chronicling the Vietnam conflict through first-hand visual accounts and descriptions. The exhibit culminates in the re-creation of an authentic Vietnam-era tented shelter to bring viewers into the intimate physical experience of sleeping, living and working in the field during that time. With artworks and objects created and collected by over twenty Vietnam veteran artists, ‘The Things They Carried’ also provides visual interpretations to viewers, illustrating the war by those who were there. This form of pictorial storytelling offers insights into the individual personalities of those who served, where they were in Vietnam both geographically and environmentally, and what the cultural climate of the time looked like. Representations and artifacts come together in ‘The Things They Carried’ to offer an individuated and holistic presentation of the social and historical context of the Vietnam War. With didactic guides and lesson plans that accompany the artwork and artifacts, visitors of all ages can gain a better understanding of “how to tell a true war story” as explored in Tim O’Brien’s book, as well as explore possibilities and benefits of personal storytelling. Featured artists include László Kondor, Dean Sharp, Charles Shobe, William Myles, James McJunkin, John Hosier, Michael Harac, and Arthur Jacobs. The Museum is open Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers free admission year-round. For additional information, call 312-326-0270 or visit: www.nvam.org. 

Park Forest Historical Society, 141 Forest Boulevard

Park Forest House Museum – Moving to New Location

The Park Forest House Museum is now closed while moving from its current location at, 141 Forest Boulevard to 227 Monee Road. It is anticipated that the re-opening will take place in June and the specific date announced soon. For additional information, visit the Park Forest Historical Society website, www.parkforesthistory.org, or call Jane Nicoll, 708-481-4252.

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

The following event is scheduled the week of June 1:

• Monday, June 1 at 3:30 p.m. — Make & Take — Stop in and make a cool project of your very own. While supplies last. Ages 7-12.
• Tuesday, June 2 at 6 p.m. — Teen Advisory Board Meeting — We want YOU to join our new Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and help plan and design this new space for PF/OF teens. Ask for an application in patron services.

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

22nd Annual Scholarship Classic – Monday, June 1

The PSC Foundation is hosting the 22nd Annual Scholarship Classic on Monday, June 1, 2015, at Idlewild Country Club in Flossmoor. All proceeds from the event will benefit student scholarships at PSC. The cost for the golf outing is $200 per golfer, and includes an 11 a.m. grilled lunch in the clubhouse and driving range warm-ups, followed by a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start scramble that includes a cart, contests, and beverages. The scramble will be followed by a 5:30 p.m. cocktail half hour and 6 p.m. buffet dinner and awards presentation. Golfers also may purchase the Diploma Games Package for $50, which includes participation in a hole-in-one contest for $5,000 to the first successful contestant, three mulligans, Poker Run and more. All participants in the golf outing also have the opportunity to win a hole-in-one contest sponsored by Arnie Bauer Buick Cadillac GM in Matteson. The prize is a 2015 Buick LaCrosse. Sponsorship opportunities also are available, and will help raise extra scholarship funds. A full list of sponsorship opportunities is online at prairiestate.edu/foundation by visiting Scholarship Events. For more information or to register for the event, visit prairiestate.edu/foundation or email [email protected].

Roosevelt University Gage Gallery, 18 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Golden Age of Photography at the Chicago Reader – Opens June 4

For more than 30 years, the Chicago Reader was a trailblazer and signature example of the kind of creative freedom in both photography and design that alternative weekly newspapers all over the country came to embrace and showcase. Now, in a new exhibit that runs from June 4 through Aug. 28 at Roosevelt University’s Gage Gallery, the public can experience what the golden age of photography and design once was like at one of the nation’s leading alternative weeklies, the Chicago Reader. Featuring 80 black-and-white photographs taken between 1971 and 2004 by more than a dozen photographers who were freelancers for the Chicago Reader during its golden age, the exhibit is the largest group photo show ever presented at Gage. There will be an opening night reception for the show, which is expected to be a reunion of sorts for former Chicago Reader freelance photographers and others, beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 4 at the Gallery. More than just a photo exhibit, Chicago Reader in Black & White features famous layouts from the alternative weekly including “Faces of AIDS,” which was an in-depth, four-page look at AIDS hospice care in Chicago at the height of the AIDS crisis. A short documentary with the views of 14 former freelance Chicago Reader photographers also is part of the exhibit. The exhibit is the final installation in Gage Gallery’s yearlong Above the Fold: 10 Decades of Chicago Photojournalism series that is sponsored by Roosevelt’s College of Arts and Sciences and made possible by the generosity of donor Susan Rubnitz. Free and open to the public, Gage Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For information, call 312-341-6458 or visit www.roosevelt.edu/gagegallery.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Outlooks and Insights’ Exhibit – Through June 6

Works done by Union Street Studio and Guild Artists will be featured in the exhibit ‘Outlooks and Insights’ which runs through June 6 at the Tall Grass Arts Association. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The 65 paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, sculpture and mixed media works that are included in ‘Outlooks and Insights’ represent some of the current directions Union Street artists are pursuing – from very literal or expressive observations of nature, people, animals, and objects, to personal interpretations of memories, dreams, states of mind, conflicts, puzzles and solutions, the inner visions that inspire symbolic or purely abstract responses to media and intuition. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org

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

‘Insider Art’ – Opens June 17

USG’s Annual Studio and Guild Artists Exhibit ‘Insider Art’ will open on Wednesday, June 17 and run through July 18. A reception will be held on Friday, June 19 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Gallery. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit 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 South Halsted, Chicago Heights

Civic Leadership Academy Workshop – Registration Now in Progress

PSC is hosting a Civic Leadership Academy (CLA) workshops on campus offering specialization tracks for elected and appointed leaders and managers in government and nonprofit agencies. “Fundraising & Financial Management for Nonprofits,” is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, June 9. Attendees of this workshop will learn how nonprofit financial management is all about discipline to build a solid revenue base, well-supported budget, clear financial objectives and policies and the discipline to keep to the plan. The workshop is intended to help attendees evaluate where their organization is today. It is recommended to bring copies of the organization’s budget and most recent 990 form. The workshop will be held in the Conference Center room 1318 on the college’s main campus, located at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights. The registration fee is $90. The CLA is offered by the Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University. PSC has partnered with CLA in response to the demand for increased services and workshops throughout the region. Participants may take individual workshops or complete a series of courses towards the goal of earning a general or specialized Certificate of Achievement. For more information or to register, visit www.cgs.niu.edu/CLA.

Kids@College Program – Registration Now in Progress

Let learning and fun continue year round by enrolling your child in Kids@College this summer. The Kids@College Program at PSC is new and improved for 2015 with week-long classes, new times, and new topics. Students ages five to 13 will enjoy six weeks of innovative and creative, hands-on learning activities with weekly themes. The curriculum is focused on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) curriculum areas. Courses meet from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, June 22 through July 30, at the Matteson Area Center of the college, located at 4821 Southwick Dr. in Matteson. Week one’s theme is “Masterpieces,” where children can discover the masterpiece in themselves through discovery, curiosity and creativity. Week two features “The Big Idea,” where students can learn how to set goals, write their vision, and execute their plans. During week three, “Little Scientist,” students will discover the field of microbiology, examine the ocean and all the habitats, and examine the ecosystems. Week four’s theme is “Let’s Build It,” where students will discover the process of building from the ground up and the various jobs needed to complete a project. Week five will focus on “Super Heroes,” and will foster self-awareness and building self-esteem in each child. During the final week, “Mystery Madness,” children will use their critical thinking and problem solving skills to crack codes. Families have the option to choose individual weeks for $189 each per child, or all six weeks for $995 per child. Before and after care is available for $25 per child each week, or $150 per child for all six weeks. To register, visit www.prairiestate.edu/webadvisor and select Instant Enrollment, call 708-709-3750 or 708-709-3516, fax enrollment form to 708-709-7749, or visit the PSC Matteson Area Center in person. The enrollment form also is available online at www.prairiestate.edu/kids. For more information, email [email protected].

Summer Programs Scheduled at PSC – Registration Now in Progress

PSC will be full of activity this summer with several extracurricular programs for district high school students, including a STEM@PSC Summer Science and Math Camp for high school seniors in the PSC district, the STEM@PSC Summer Bridge Program for first-year students admitted to PSC for fall 2015 and a High School Fire Camp. A Music Tech Summer Boot Camp for Music Teachers also is scheduled.

• STEM@PSC also is holding a free four-week workshop for first-year students admitted to PSC for fall 2015 that have tested into pre-college math or English courses. Instead of spending the first semester or two working up to college-level courses, the Summer Bridge Program can accelerate college level readiness, saving students time and money. The Summer Bridge Program is scheduled 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, from July 6 to 30. The deadline to apply is June 12. For more information, visit prairiestate.edu/stem or email [email protected] or [email protected].

• The High School Fire Camp is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 6, at the Park Forest Training Site. The free camp provides an opportunity for high school students to explore public safety services, experience real-life skill building activities, and network with professionals in the field. Activities will include a burn demonstration, search and rescue stations, a smoke crawl, and a victim rescue. For more information, visit http://prairiestate.edu/Assets/Global/pdf/summer15-HSfirecamp.pdf. To register, email [email protected].

• The Music Tech Summer Boot Camp for Music Teachers is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, from Monday, June 15 through Tuesday, June 30. It is a two-credit hour college-level course that qualifies for PDs towards recertification. Students will learn the essentials of computer-based music production and composition using ProTools, and is taught by award-winning film and commercial music composer, Jonathan Pierre. The course is for certified K-12 music teachers only, and has a capacity of 12 students. For more information, email [email protected].

Additionally, the summer semester is starting soon at PSC, and registration is now open. Course offerings include credit and non-credit courses, courses for students from other colleges or universities that are home for the summer, and free courses for high school seniors. There are two eight-week sessions in the summer. The first begins on May 26 and ends July 17. The second begins on June 8 and ends on July 31. The college is closed on Fridays during the summer, beginning Friday, May 22. For more information or to register, visit prairiestate.edu.

Roosevelt University, 430 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Requesting Public Comments – Due by September 12

In preparation for an upcoming comprehensive accreditation evaluation from its regional accrediting agency, the Higher Learning Commission, Roosevelt University seeks comments from the public on substantive matters related to its quality as an institution and its academic programs. Roosevelt will host a visit team from the Higher Learning Commission on October 12 and 13, 2015. The visit team will review Roosevelt’s ongoing ability to meet the Commission’s Criteria for Accreditation in addition to comments from the public. The public is invited to submit comments regarding Roosevelt to:

Public Comment on Roosevelt University
The Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1411

Comments can also be sent to the Commission’s web site at: http://www.ncahlc.org/HLC-Institutions/third-party-comment.html. Comments must be in writing, signed and received by the Higher Learning Commission by September 12, 2015.

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

Seeking Tutors and Participants for Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program – Volunteers Must Register by Tuesday, June 2

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 on the Main Campus on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. from June 3rd through June 18th in Room 1243c. The tutor training is an 18-hour program that culminates with literacy training certification. 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 in Oak Forest, Glenwood-Lynwood Library, Harvey Public Library, Phoenix Library, Calumet City Public Library, Grande Prairie Library in Hazel Crest, Homewood Public Library, South Holland Public Library, South Suburban College Library in South Holland, Oak Forest Center Library, 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. 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. Volunteers must register for the volunteer tutor training class by June 2, 2015. If you would like to volunteer or if you know someone who would benefit from tutoring services, please contact LaKisha Hillard, M. Ed, Coordinator of the Adult Volunteer Literacy Program, at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2558, or email [email protected].

Stem-4-Kids – 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. SSC is pleased to offer several STEM for Kids classes at the Main Campus in South Holland in June and July for grade school and high school students.

• Graphic Design
  Cost: $75 includes materials; open to 9th-12th grade students
  Monday through Thursday, June 22-25, 12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m., Main Campus Room, 4431
  Graphic design is a class that teaches art, design and technology. In this class students will use design as a creative process in communication. Students will also explore various methods used to create and combine words, symbols, and images to create a visual representation of ideas and messages. Students will use the basic elements and principles of art and also learn how to use the basics of an Apple Macintosh (MAC) computer and computer programs: Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop CS6. This class teaches the basics of Graphic Design through an illustrative and corporate view.
• PC Repair and Home Wi-Fi Installation
  Cost: $50 includes materials; open to 9th-12th grade students
  Monday through Thursday, June 29-July 2, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Main Campus, Room 3348
  Students will be introduced to the major components of a computer, how to upgrade memory, test electrical voltage in the computer, and ensure their home wall voltage outlets meet electrical standards for computers use. The students will learn the importance of certified network/Internet cables and proper installation with certification testing equipment. Students will install a home Wi-Fi router, connect an iPad to a network, setup email, and communicate with their fellow students.
• 2-D and 3-D Design
  Cost: $75 includes materials; open to 5th-12th grade students
  Tuesday through Thursday, July 7-July 9, 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m., Main Campus, Room 2368
  Students will be introduced to the field of Computer-Aided Design and Drafting; including 2D and 3D prototyping. Students will use AutoCad AutoDesk 2013 software as well as other types of software available. Students will plan and create a mechanical or architectural design.
• Robotics and Electronics
  Cost: $75 includes materials; open to 5th-12th grade students
  Monday through Thursday, July 13-16, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Instructor will meet students inside Main Campus Student Entrance
  Students will be introduced to a variety of topics related to Robotics and Electronics such as design, programming, artificial intelligence (AI) and building. This class will teach students how to build a robot using the fundamentals from electrical and mechanical engineering and computers.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

Yoga classes by Karen Nielsen are available at UUCC on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Wednesday evenings from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. No reservations needed. Drop-in fee is $10 per class and the 6th one is free. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

Qigong with Jim Kobus – Most Thursdays

UUCC will host Qigong with Jim Kobus on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the church. This class will usually meet on Thursdays but there may be exceptions, so if you are interested in attending, please send an email to Jim Kobus at [email protected] so he can notify you when class will NOT be held. There is a suggested donation of $5 per class. Please bring your own water. It is recommended that you eat dinner after class, not before. For additional information, please call 708-799-1925 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

Buddhist Meditation – Saturdays

Learn to enjoy the simple and straight-forward practice of meditation. Please join us for sitting and walking meditation in the Zen and Theravadan Buddhist traditions. This is an on-going event led by Steve McCabe and Beverly Feldt will be held on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at UUCC. There is no cost but a free will offering is most appreciated (proceeds go to UUCC). For additional information contact Steve McCabe at 708-465-3116 or Beverly Feldt at [email protected].

Green Events

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Wednesday Morning Walkers

Come walk the trails with Wednesday Morning Walkers every Wednesday at 9 a.m. Follow the forest’s seasonal changes, enjoy light exercise and experience nature firsthand on two miles of Thorn Creek’s winding trails. Trails can be wet or icy or muddy, so please wear sturdy shoes. This weekly program is free and open to those 13 years of age and older. Registration is required two days before your first walk. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.

Junior Ecologists Club – Registration Required by Thursday, June 4

Thorn Creek’s Junior Ecologists Club offers fun-filled nature activities each month for young people ages 9 to 12. They explore the woods, track seasonal changes and discover woodland plants and animals. The next monthly meeting will be held on Saturday, June 6 from noon to 3 p.m. Young people should be prepared to get muddy, wear boots and long pants, and bring a water bottle and insect repellent. Junior Ecologists Club is a free program and registration required no later than Thursday, June 4. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320, email: [email protected] or visit www.tcwoods.org.

Historic Farm Walk – Registration Required by Friday, June 5

Nestled within Thorn Creek Nature Preserve is the historic Hornicek Farm where chickens roam freely and garlic grows by the thousands. Join us for the Historic Farm Walk on Sunday, June 7 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This fun program is for all ages and will take you on a walk through time as you wander the gardens and collect eggs from the hens. Participants will meet at Thorn Creek Nature Center and caravan to the farm. Registration is required by Friday, June 5. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320, email: [email protected] or visit www.tcwoods.org.

Become a ‘Friend of Thorn Creek’

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

Experience the Thorn Creek Nature Center

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

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Park Forest Famers’ Market – Every Saturday Through October

The Park Forest Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October.  The Market hosts 22 full spaces with a variety of fresh flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables, bakery goods, herbs and dairy products, food and entertainment. Local businesses are also on hand at the Market selling artwork, garden ornaments, jewelry and more. The Park Forest Farmers’ Market accepts EBT/Link, WIC, and Senior Nutrition Coupons. The Park Forest Farmers’ Market is located in the parking lot closest to 271 Lakewood Blvd, at the corner of Lakewood Boulevard and Cunningham Drive, just across from the Park Forest Police Department.

This & That

Park Forest Commission on Human Relations, 350 Victory Drive

2015 Good Egg Award – Nominations Due Friday, August 8

The Park Forest Commission on Human Relations is looking for people who have gone beyond the call of duty for the Good Egg Award. The award honors youth and adults who have made an extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of life in their communities through human relations and human rights advocacy. The deadline for nominations is Friday, August 8. To request a nomination form, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or email [email protected]

Park Forest Police Department, 200 Lakewood Boulevard

P.A.A.C. Summer Youth Program – Begins June 15

Park Forest parents looking for some activities for their children this summer may want to consider the summer youth program being offered in Park Forest by the Park Forest Police Athletics and Activities Center (P.A.A.C.).  The program is a summer youth program supervised by Park Forest Police and adult leaders from the community and provides area youth ages 10 to 15 with structured activities that build character, leadership, and sportsmanship. The program runs June 15 through July 23. Applications are available at the Police Department, 200 Lakewood Boulevard. The deadline to apply is June 5.

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

2015 Park Forest Aqua Center Passes – Discount Rates Through June 6

Passes are now on sale at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, for the 2015 Aqua Center season which begins on June 6. Since 1952, the Park Forest Aqua Center has been one of Chicagoland’s premiere outdoor pool experiences. The Park Forest Aqua Center is three pools in one, providing a quality summer experience for whatever your age: Toddlers enjoy a beach pool, plenty of sand area, and superb instructors who have taught thousands the techniques of swimming; Kids enjoy a 160-foot water slide, two drop slides, and a 15-foot-high aquatic climbing wall; and the East Pool Lap Swim – great for lap or casual swimming. Adults love it. At the Park Forest Aqua Center, you feel the comfort and community of home and the fun, relaxation, and excitement of vacation all at the same time! Additional Information:

• 2015 Aqua Center Membership/Day Party Brochure PDF Document
• 2015 Aqua Center Swim Lessons/Programs Brochure PDF Document
• 2015 Aqua Center Rules Brochure PDF Document

Park Clean-up Day –Saturday, June 6

The Park Forest Recreation and Parks Advisory Board asks for your participation in a parks clean-up day on Saturday, June 6. Spend the morning helping spruce up some of the Village’s parks, and then enjoy grilled hamburgers and hotdogs for lunch, courtesy of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board. To sign-up call 708-748-2005.