Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of May 12, 2014


tulips
Spring is in full bloom in Park Forest. (ENEWSPF)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—May 12, 2014. The 41st Annual Park Forest Farmers’ Market is now open every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 25. The Market’s weekly items for sale include fresh vegetables, fruits, organic breads, salsa, specialty produce and garden plants. There are also a variety of food vendors. Be sure to stop by on Saturday morning and check it out – you’ll be glad you did!

Grab the kids and head over to Park Forest’s Central Park on Saturday, May 17 for the Kids to Parks Day (KTP) events that will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. KTP is an annual nationwide day of play organized by National Park Trust (NPT). The goal is to engage kids across the country with parks and public lands to promote environmental stewardship and healthy outdoor living.

Additional information about the Park Forest Farmer’s Market and the KTP event 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

Village Commission & Advisory Boards

The following Park Forest Commissions and Advisory Boards are scheduled to meet the week of May 12:

  • Tuesday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m. – Commission on Human Relations
  • Tuesday, May 13 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission
  • Wednesday, May 14 at 7 p.m. – Economic Development Advisory Group

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

Arts & Entertainment

Church of St. Mary, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest

Murder Mystery Dinner – Saturday, May 17

"MURDER" — an Interactive Medical Murder Mystery Dinner will be held on Saturday, May 17, in St. Mary’s Ryan Hall. Presented by "Without A Net Entertainment" the evening includes dinner, dessert provided by Scrementi’s and lots of fun! Tickets are $35.00 per person. Seating is limited. For additional information or to purchase tickets, please call the church office at 708-748-6686 or email [email protected]

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, 2350 North Racine Avenue, Chicago

‘The Scavengers’ – Through May 18

‘The Scavengers,’ is now being performed at the Theatre School at DePaul University May 18. An urban play set in the present day, ‘The Scavengers’ asks what secrets live in the objects we collect. Seventeen-year-old Miles desperately clings to his adolescence as his world falls apart around him. His elder sister can’t find a job. His brother, newly returned from victory on a dubious reality show, won’t cash the check. Not to mention the vortex of garbage in the ocean that threatens to destroy everything. With the help of Kid, a neighborhood butcher, they seek out a hoarder who may have the key to helping his family survive. This production is recommended for mature audiences. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. General admissions tickets are $15, preview tickets are $10 and student tickets are $5. Subscriptions and group rates (six or more people) are available at 312-922-1999. All tickets are reserved seating. Tickets are available by calling 312- 922-1999 or by visiting the online box office at www.theatre.depaul.edu. The Fullerton Stage Theatre and the Sondra & Denis Healy Theatre are located within The Theatre School at DePaul University, 2350 N. Racine Ave. at Fullerton Avenue. The school is easily accessible via the Fullerton CTA Station and the Fullerton (74) bus. Call the box office for additional transit suggestions or visit the Chicago Transit Authority for specific routes from your location. Visitors and audience members can park in DePaul University’s Clifton Parking Deck, located at 2330 N. Clifton Ave. Please call the Box Office for more information.

‘What Happened in Pinkville? A Cubist Dialectic on the Massacre at My Lai’ – Previews May 14 & 15, Opens May 16

‘What Happened in Pinkville? A Cubist Dialectic on the Massacre at My Lai’ by Greg Allen (Founder, The Neo-Futurists) will open at the Theatre School of DePaul University on May 16 on the Fullerton Stage Theatre. It runs through May 25. Previews are May 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. This world-premiere play tells the true story of an American-military atrocity: the massacre of 500 civilians in a small village during the Vietnam War. By exploring the history, the murders, the cover-up and the trial of Lieutenant William Calley, playwright Greg Allen asks the question, “Who is responsible for soldiers’ actions during wartime?” A dramatic examination of war atrocities and their far-reaching implications, this production features the Class of 2014 Master of Fine Arts in Acting candidates and is directed by Remy Bumppo Founder, James Bohnen. This production is recommended for mature audiences.  For patrons who are blind or have low-vision, the performance of “What Happened in Pinkville? A Cubist Dialectic on the Massacre at My Lai” will open on Friday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. The performance will include audio description as well as a pre-performance touch tour. Call 312-922-1999. The performance on May 25 at 2 p.m. will be interpreted in American Sign Language. TTY: 773-325-7975. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. General admissions tickets are $15, preview tickets are $10 and student tickets are $5. Subscriptions and group rates (six or more people) are available at 312-922-1999. All tickets are reserved seating. Tickets are available by calling 312- 922-1999 or by visiting the online box office at www.theatre.depaul.edu. An Opening Night Reception will follow the May 16 performance of ‘What Happened in Pinkville? A Cubist Dialectic on the Massacre at My Lai.’ The Fullerton Stage Theatre and the Sondra & Denis Healy Theatre are located within The Theatre School at DePaul University, 2350 N. Racine Ave. at Fullerton Avenue. The school is easily accessible via the Fullerton CTA Station and the Fullerton (74) bus. Call the box office for additional transit suggestions or visit the Chicago Transit Authority for specific routes from your location. Visitors and audience members can park in DePaul University’s Clifton Parking Deck, located at 2330 N. Clifton Ave. Please call the Box Office for more information.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Literature in Music – Saturday, May 17

On Saturday, May 17 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

Surrealism and War – Opens Memorial Day, May 26

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2014, the National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM) will honor Memorial Day with the opening reception of, an exhibition of veterans’ artwork that explores the relationship between surrealism and the experience of war. Surrealism and War includes the seminal work “The Earth Lies Screaming” by Jim Leedy, a Korean War veteran who was one of only two Americans invited to participate in the largest Surrealist exhibition ever assembled at the Retretti Art Center, Finland, an exhibition that began with Miro, Dali, and DuChamp, and culminated with several works by Mr. Leedy. Surrealism is an attempt to revolt against the inherent contradictions of a society ruled by rational thought while dominated by war and oppression. Surrealism seeks expression of thought in the absence of all control exercised by reason and free of aesthetic and moral preoccupation. It is this same absence of control exercised by reason that many combat veterans seek to explore and express after their experiences in war. Surrealism and War features the artwork of nine veteran artists that intentionally and unintentionally use and explore Surrealist processes and concepts.  Featured artists include Korean War veteran Jim Leedy, Vietnam War veterans William Dugan, Stan Gillett, Michael Helbing, and Richard Yohnka, Gulf War veteran Ehren Tool, Kosovo veteran Giuseppe Pellicano, and Iraq War veterans David Keefe and Robynn Murray. The NVAM is pleased to welcome veterans, military family members, artists, and the general public to join the artists for the Memorial Day Opening, Monday May 26, 2014. Admission to the NVAM will be free from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. A Color Guard will take place at 11 a.m. and artist talks will commence at 2 p.m. will be on display from May 26, 2014 to November 1, 2014. The National Veterans Art Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. For group admission reservations, call the Museum at 312/326-0270 or visit www.nvam.org. Patrons of the museum can access art from the permanent collection and biographical information on the artists through the NVAM Collection Online, a recently launched online and high-resolution archive of every piece of art in the museum’s permanent collection. The NVAM Collection Online can be found at www.nvam.org.

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, May 12 at 3 p.m. – Gmail Basics — Learn to the basics of using Gmail Email. If you do not have a Gmail account, please sign up for one before attending the class. Registration Required.
  • Tuesday, May 13 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, May 13 at 3:30 p.m. — Teen Civic Art & Engagement — Create and participate in civic art projects. Dining on the Green is located in downtown Park Forest at 349 Main St.
  • Tuesday, May 13 at 6 p.m. – PJ Storytime — Wear your pajamas & come join us for stories, crafts & games.
  • Wednesday, May 14 at 3: 30 p.m. — Teen Zone at Forest Trail — Area youth are invited to participate in this popular drop-in program. Activities include ping pong, air hockey, pool and open gym. This program is open to all students 7th through 9th grade. NOTE: This program will be held at the Forest Trail Middle School, 215 Wilson Street, Park Forest.
  • Wednesday, May 14 at 6 p.m. – Teen Advisory Board — The Park Forest Public Library Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is for young adults who would like a more active role in decisions regarding book selection and programming for their age group. Young adults in grades 7 through 12 may participate, Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 15 at 3:30 p.m. – Teen Civic Art & Engagement — Create and participate in civic art projects. Dining on the Green is located in downtown Park Forest at 349 Main St.
  • Saturday, May 17 at 2 p.m. — Write Right, Right Now —  Park Forest Public Library presents Walter M. Perkins, author of Write Right, Right Now doing an exclusive presentation and signing. Visit the Write Right, Right Now Web Site

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 at the Park Forest House Museum

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum at 141 Forest Blvd, Park Forest, is 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; Children 12 & under free with an adult. Scout and school tours are priced individually. 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.

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

‘Graduate Exhibition +2’—Through May 21

PSC students is on display through Wednesday, May 21, in the Christopher Art Gallery, located on the PSC main campus. ‘Graduate Exhibition +2’ features works that include drawings, paintings, photography, and mixed-media pieces by the students, who are completing degrees in fine arts, graphic communications, and photography. Works by two additional artists, Irene Ganas and Annabelle Mullennix, also is featured. PSC student artists whose work will be featured in the exhibit are Joshua Joyce of Richton Park, Karalyne Murray of Beecher, Devyn Foster of Olympia Fields, Charles Beard of Chicago Heights, Annabelle Mullennix of Matteson, Irene Ganas of Crete, Brittany Ivy of Homewood, Keli Panega of Steger, Ashieka Daniels of Flossmoor, and Beatriz Romero of Sauk Village. The Christopher Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Visits also can be made by appointment. For more information about the exhibit or to make an appointment for a visit, call 708-709-3636.

Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest

‘Bob at Large’ –  Artists Reception on Friday, May 23

‘Bob at Large,’ an exhibit of work by Bob Gramberg will be shown through May 30. Come meet Mr. Gramberg and enjoy his new art during a reception that will be held on Friday, May 23 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with music and refreshments. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For additional information and Gallery hours, call 708-833-5108.

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

Rainbow Café – Saturday, May 17

On Saturday, May 17 beginning at 6:30 p.m., join us for a Rainbow Café. This is a social event that provides a safe and welcoming environment for single or partnered gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender adults and their allies by creating a space where they are able to socialize outside of the usual bars. This event is held on the third Saturday of every month. For additional information, call 708-481-5339.

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

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].

Summer Basketball Camp – Registration Now in Progress

The SSC Basketball Program is now accepting registrations for their summer camps in June. The Bulldogs will host two camps–a Championship Basketball Camp from June 16th through June 19th from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., and a Championship Shooting Camp from June 23rd through 26th from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the SSC Fitness Center/Fieldhouse. The camps are designed for Boys and Girls ages 7 – 17, and will be directed by Head Coach John Pigatti and players from the 2014 Bulldog Basketball Team. The cost of the Shooting Camp is $60 and the Basketball Camp is $105, with a special price of $140 for both camps. Campers will need shorts, basketball shoes, and a T-shirt or practice uniform. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase every day of the camps. The main goal of these camps is to provide each individual with an opportunity to become a better player and to have some fun along the way. In order to accomplish these goals, the emphasis will be on the fundamentals of basketball. The 2014 SSC Men’s Basketball Team finished 7th at the National Junior Conference Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Tournament with a final record of 31-6. Coach Pigatti brings over 20 years of college coaching experience from a well-rounded background. He was also the head coach of the Five Star Basketball Post Development Camp where he instructed several top 100 high school players in the country. Pigatti has received six Region IV-A Coach of the Year Awards and has been named IBCA Coach of the Year. For more information, or to register for the Basketball Camps, please contact Coach Pigatti at 708-596-2000, ext. 2524 or email [email protected]. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

Consumer Wellness Advocate Certification Training Workshop – Registration Required by June 1

SSC’s Business & Career Institute (BCI) is hosting Consumer Wellness Advocate (CWA) Certification Training for individuals who wish to gain the tools to promote wellness at home and in the workplace. This unique program will be facilitated by Alexandra Glumac, MS, NCC, LCPC, RDDP, CWA, BCI Client Solutions Specialist. The CWA Training will take place in the Heritage Room on the 1st Floor of SSC’s Main Campus, on Thursday, June 19th from 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon, with registration and continental breakfast starting at 8:15 a.m. The CWA certification training is available for anyone ages 18 or older (college degree not required) who work in the fields of health and fitness, human resources, corporate wellness or education, or simply anyone who has a desire to make a difference in the community. The program is composed of one half-day comprehensive workshop culminating with a certificate of completion and certification. Additional benefits include an interactive program workbook, an innovative personal well-being profile “The Rating of Perceived Wellness,” official status as a certified CWA on the Wellness Registry and membership in the online CWA Network. The cost is $299 with advance registration by June 1st, or $349 thereafter. Reservations and payments are required by 5:00 p.m. on June 18th. Checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted. Please call (708) 596-2000 ext. 2346 or email [email protected] for more information or to register. SSC’s Main Campus is located at 15800 S. State St., South Holland, IL. SSC’s Business & Career Institute serves as a regional headquarters for workforce preparation, employee training, business development and technology deployment. BCI provides training, consulting, and economic and business development resources for the Chicago Southland. For their efforts, BCI has been recognized as a High Performance Business & Industry Center by the Center for Adult and Experiential Learning, among other accolades. 

College for Kids & Day Camp Summer Programs at SSC – Registration Now in Progress

SSC’s Continuing Education Department is offering courses to help fill the summer days with activities that will entertain and challenge children and young adults. The majority of the College for Kids classes scheduled for this summer will begin the week of June 16th at SSC’s Main Campus in South Holland and Oak Forest Center. In addition, SSC will offer a Jam Session Day Camp for $329, beginning on June 30, 2014. This four-week summer school program is less than $5 per hour for academics and fun enrichment programs three days a week. Math will consist of review and instruction of the basic arithmetic skills. In addition to Reading and Math, students will enjoy a variety of other stimulating activities, such as Spanish and Art.

The following Learning Enrichment Classes will be offered for preschoolers at a cost of $39 each:

Jump Start on Reading            
Reading Readiness
ABC’s and 123’s
Dr. Seuss and Mother Goose
Jump Start on Kindergarten

The following classes will be offered for elementary school kids for $69 each:

Well Written Essays
Study Skills
Fun with Phonics
Grammar No Problem
Reading, Accelerated or Refresher
Math Refresher
Pre-Algebra
Spanish

The following high school classes will be offered for $69 each:

Written Essays
Study Skills
Introduction to Algebra
Pre-Algebra/Geometry
Conversational Spanish

Students with classes totaling $100 or more may be eligible for the FACTS deferred tuition payment plan. Visit “Continuing Education” online at www.ssc.edu for a complete listing of classes, or call 708- 596-2000, extension 2231.

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.

League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area

Implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Cook County & Health System Reform Initiatives – Wednesday, May 21

The League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area will host a meeting on Implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Cook County and Illinois and Health System Reform Initiatives on Wednesday, May 21, at 7:00 PM at the Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard. The speaker will be David Carvalho, who is a deputy director for the Illinois Department of Public Health, overseeing the Office of Policy, Planning and Statistics. He is also chair of the Board of the Cook County Health and Hospitals System. Carvalho will discuss the status of ACA implementation in Illinois, including CountyCare, Medicaid expansion and the Health Insurance Exchange, the "Alliance for Health" system reform initiative, the Section 1115 Waiver Application, and other Public Health initiatives. The meeting is open to the public and anyone interested in the topic is encouraged to attend to learn more about how the Affordable Care Act is being implemented in Illinois. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization which encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Anyone interested in promoting responsible government is invited to be a member. For more information about the program or membership in the League, please contact Mary Lubertozzi, 708-747-1359.

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

Sauk-Calumet Group of Illinois Sierra Club, Matteson

Galapagos Island Discussion – Monday, May 12

The Sauk-Calumet Group of the Illinois Sierra Club will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, May 12, at 7:15 p.m. at the Frankfort Public Library, 21119 Pfeiffer Rd. (just off Rt. 30). World traveler and naturalist, Rick Stuckey, will present his photos of the Galapagos Islands and its wildlife. These islands were a stop on Charles Darwin’s around the world voyage in 1831-1836 and may have been critical in the development of Darwin’s theory of evolution. Come and see the flora and fauna of these islands, so unique in all the world. Sierra Club meetings are free and open to the public. People who enjoy outdoor activities, who want to protect the environment, or who wish to preserve the world in which we live, are encouraged to attend. For additional information, contact Patrick Coffey, Publicity Chair, at [email protected].

Park Forest Environment Commission

Organic Pest Control Workshop – Saturday, May 17

On Saturday, May 17 from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, Organic Pest Control- James Theuri, U of I educator, Local Foods You can grow fresh wholesome food. Learn how to beat the weeds, and minimize pests. Tips for both beginners and avid gardeners from sources you can trust. Door prizes from the business community will be given at the workshop. The event is free and open to the public.

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Full Moon Hike – Registration Required by Tuesday, May 13

Experience Thorn Creek Woods after dark on the Full Moon Hike that will take place on Thursday, May 15 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Smell the pines, see moonlight through the trees and maybe even hear owls or frogs calling. There are lots of interesting things going on at night that you can’t experience in the daytime. This hike is free for all ages. Registration is required by Tuesday, May 13. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.

Wednesday Morning Walkers – May 14

On Wednesday, May 14 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].  

Prairie Sampler Work Day – Registration Required by Saturday, May 17

Get down and dirty and help Master Gardeners from the University of Illinois Extension Service care for Thorn reek’s Prairie Sampler every third Monday from May through September. Prairie Sampler Work Day will be Monday, May 19 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult, and registration is required by Saturday, May 17. Bring your own gloves, hand clippers, kneelers if you like. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots. Refreshments will be provided. For additional information, 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.

Village of Park Forest

Park Forest Kids to Parks Day – Saturday, May 17

Kids to Parks Day (KTP) will take place on Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Central Park, Lakewood & Orchard Drives in Park Forest. KTP is an annual nationwide day of play organized by National Park Trust (NPT). The goal is to engage kids across the country with parks and public lands to promote environmental stewardship and healthy outdoor living. At the heart of the initiative is Buddy Bison, NPT’s mascot whose message to children and their families is to “Explore outdoors, the parks are yours!” Equally important, the national grassroots initiative has been designed to help teachers, especially those in underserved communities, to introduce parks and public lands to their students and their families. KTP Day offers students from urban and rural communities the opportunity to participate in hands-on environmental education, while providing health and wellness through outdoor recreation. Come out and join the fun on Saturday.

Park Forest 41st Annual Farmers’ Market – Every Saturday through October 25

Park Forest’s 41st Annual Farmers’ Market will take place every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 25. The Market is located across the street from the Park Forest Police Station, 271 Lakewood Boulevard. The Market offers fresh vegetables, fruits, organic breads, salsa, specialty produce, garden bedding plants, perennials, garden ornaments, Amish butter, cheese and pies. A variety of food vendors, jewelry and oils will also be available for purchase. The Market accepts SNAP/Link cards, Senior Nutrition coupons and WIC. For additional information about the Farmers’ Market, call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118, email [email protected] or visit www.villageofparkforest.com.

This & That

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, May 16 beginning at 6 p.m. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.

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

PSC Foundation Annual Scholarship Classic Golf & Tennis Outing – June 2

The PSC Foundation is hosting the 21st Annual Scholarship Classic on Monday, June 2, 2014. All proceeds from the event will benefit student scholarships at PSC. Breaking tradition, participants of this year’s event have the opportunity to choose between a golf outing at Idlewild Country Club in Flossmoor or a tennis clinic and tournament at Olympia Fields County Club in Olympia Fields. 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 may also purchase the Diploma Games package for $50, which includes participation in a hole-in-one contest for $5,000 to the first successful contestant, a two-game scratch card, three mulligans (not on hole 3 or 12), 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 2014 Buick LaCrosse. The cost for the tennis clinic and tournament is $150 per person, and includes a 10 a.m. cardio clinic with Olympia Fields Country Club pro Wayne Muskievicz, an 11:30 a.m. lunch at Olympia Fields Country Club, a 1 p.m. round robin doubles tournament at Olympia Fields Country Club, and the 6 p.m. buffet dinner and awards presentation at Idlewild Country Club. Participants in the cardio clinic also have the option to skip the doubles tournament and join the golf scramble and lunch at Idlewild Country Club. If not available for golf or tennis, guests can pay $60 per person for the dinner and awards presentation at Idlewild Country Club. 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 www.prairiestate.edu/foundation or email [email protected].


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