Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—November 15, 2015. During the recent Presidential candidate debates, many have indicated the need to reform the way campaigns are financed. If you want to learn more about this topic, the League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area is hosting a program on Tuesday, November 17 at 7 p.m. about ‘Campaign Finance – The Good, the Bad & the Ugly.’ The discussion will take place at the Park Forest Public Library. Additional information about this timely event 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, November 16
The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, November 16 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend. Board meetings air live on cable access channels (Channel 4 for Comcast subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T subscribers) 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 November 15:
- Tuesday, November 17 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission
- Tuesday, November 17 at 7 p.m. – Recreation & Parks Advisory Board
The meetings will be held at Park Forest Village Hall and residents are encouraged to attend.
Arts & Entertainment
Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Chévere de Chicago – Saturday, November 21
On November 21 at 8 p.m., the Center for Performing Arts will be ‘en fuego’ when composer, virtuoso pianist and master harmonica player, Howard Levy, his long-time comrades in the Latin/jazz/funk/blues band, Chévere de Chicago for a night filled with Latin inspiration. The band will also welcome special guest Gammy-nominated Trumpeter, Victor Garcia (of CALJE, Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble). What does Chévere (SHEH-ver-ay) mean? It’s an expression that means everything’s OK. Everything’s fine, awesome, the best…Everything’s cool. And so they are. Chévere de Chicago is one of Chicago’s hottest bands. As Chicago’s leading Latin/Jazz/Funk/Blues Band, Chévere mixes Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Jazz, Blues, and just about everything else together into an exciting and unique collage of sound. Characterized by high voltage percussion and compelling original compositions, Chévere has performed in and around Chicago and the Midwest for more than 30 years. Tickets are just $28 and can be purchased:
Online: CenterTickets.net
By Phone: 708-235-2222
In Person at the Box Office: 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL
Box Office Hours: Monday- Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (open to 6p.m. on Thursdays) & 2 hours prior to all performances
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.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
Russian Masters – Saturday, November 21
The IPO will perform selections from Russian Masters on Saturday, November 21 at 8 p.m. at the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 South Harlem Avenue, Frankfort. Performances will include: Lera Auerbach ‘Icarus’; Rachmaninoff ‘Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini – Di Wu, Piano’; Tchaikovsky Suite from ‘Swan Lake’; and Stravinsky ‘Firebird Suite.’ Tickets are priced at $55, $45, and $35. In addition, IPO has and introductory offer where “we pick the seats” and will seat you in the best seats available and hold your tickets at will call for pick up before the concert. These tickets are priced at $25. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-481-7774 or visit www.ipomusic.org.
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 event is scheduled the week of November 15:
- Monday, November 16 at 11 a.m. – Sunrise Story Time — Jump start your morning with a series of stories that are sure to get you moving. Ages 12 and under.
- Monday, November 16 at 4:30 p.m. — kids’ zone Science Club: Game Your Way to Mars! — Game your way to Mars! Jois us as we explore ways to launch/land a rocket on Mars with experiments provided by the Museum of Science and Industry Chicago. We’ll also learn how to survive on Mars and even build a model rover that could explore Mars’ surface! Sign up Today! Registration is required, Grades 3rd-5th.
- Monday, November 16 at 6:30 p.m. — Kids’ Movie Night: ‘Inside Out’ – “After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness – conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school.”
- Tuesday, November 17 at 3 p.m. — Lego Maker Space — We’re excited to add Lego Junior Maker Space Kit to our kids’ zone activities. With Lego Maker Space, you’ll have the opportunity to build cars, planes and more! Enjoy scavenging through the wide collection of blocks, gears and wheels. Stop by kids’ zone and build with us.
- Tuesday, November 17 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, November 18 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, November 18 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.
- Wednesday, November 18 at 6:30 p.m. — Movie Night for Adults: ‘San Andreas’ — “In the aftermath of a massive earthquake in California, a rescue-chopper pilot makes a dangerous journey with his ex-wife across the state in order to rescue his daughter.”
- Thursday, November 19 at 22 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.
- Thursday, November 19 at 3:30 p.m. – Art in the Afternoon — Unleash your inner artist. Drop in to create an amazing project using different tools and techniques with oil pastels. Ages 12 and under.
- Friday, November 20 at 1 p.m. — Senior Travelogue: Trains of the American West — This month’s senior travelogue explores different locomotives used both in the past and modern day throughout the American West.
- Friday, November 20 at 3:30 p.m. — kids’ zone Science Club: Game Your Way to Mars! — Game your way to Mars! Jois us as we explore ways to launch/land a rocket on Mars with experiments provided by the Museum of Science and Industry Chicago. We’ll also learn how to survive on Mars and even build a model rover that could explore Mars’ surface! Sign up Today! Registration is required, Grades 3rd-5th.
- Saturday, November 21 at 1 p.m. — Practical Application Circle: Art of Grace — Practical Application Circle on Sarah L. Kaufman’s “Art of Grace.” Be changed; be inspired! Copies are available in the New Book area.
- Saturday, November 21 at 2 p.m. – Art for All Ages — Unleash your inner artist. Drop in to create an amazing project using different tools and techniques with oil pastels.
- Sunday, November 21 at 2 p.m. — Art for All Ages — Unleash your inner artist. Drop in to create an amazing project using different tools and techniques with oil pastels.
For additional information or to register for an event call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.
Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, November 19
The Potpourri of Lectures will be held on Thursday, November 12 at 10:30 p.m. in the Library’s Ringering Room. This week’s topic is “Contemporary Novelist: Cormac McCarthy” with Professor Christopher White. For additional information call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights
‘Action/Reaction’ Exhibit – Through December 3
PSC is hosting “Action/Reaction,” works by a collective of veteran artists who call themselves Dirty Canteen through Thursday, December 3, in the Christopher Art Gallery, located on the college’s main campus in Chicago Heights. An artists’ reception is scheduled from 4:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, November 12. Veteran musician Eugene Vineyard will perform. 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. The gallery will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 26. For more information about the exhibit or to make an appointment for a visit, call 708-709-7738.
Roosevelt University College of Performing Arts, 430 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Student Musician Concert – Wednesday, November 18
Student musicians from the Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) Orchestra at Roosevelt University and the Adlai Stevenson High School’s Patriot Orchestra will perform side-by-side in a free concert on Wednesday, November 18 at Chicago’s Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Led by Roosevelt conductor Emanuele Andrizzi, the high school and college musicians will perform Giuseppe Verdi’s Overture to Nabucco. The CCPA Orchestra also will be performing Giacomo Puccini’s Intermezzo from Manon Lescaut and César Franck’s Symphony in D Minor during the 7:30 p.m. concert at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago. The concert also will feature soloist Esther Nyberg (pictured above), a Roosevelt Master’s in Piano Performance student and a winner of CCPA’s 2015 solo competition. A resident of Chicago’s Northwest side Mayfair neighborhood, Nyberg will be performing Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major. For more information about the concert, call 312-341-2238 or visit www.roosevelt.edu/ccpa or http://www.harristheaterchicago.org/events/2015-2016-season/roosevelt-university
‘Hair’ the Rock Musical – Opens Thursday, November 19
‘Hair’ the rock musical with book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado will open on Thursday, November 19 at the Roosevelt University College of Performing Arts. Performance will be on Thursday, November 19 and Saturday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22 at 2 p.m. Explosive and game-changing, ‘Hair’ breaks through the dogma of older generations with rock music. The 1960s musical challenges the Vietnam War and embraces a new way of life, including drugs and the sexual revolution. Tickets are $12. The venue is accessible through the 425 South Wabash Avenue entrance. Photo ID may be required. For more information, call the Box Office at 312-341-3831 or visit www.roosevelt.edu/ccpa.
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest
Rainbow Café – Friday, November 20
On Friday, November 20 at 6:30 p.m., the Rainbow Café will screen the movie “I Think I Do.” The movie tells the story of the marriage of mutual friends who reunite with former college roommates Bob and Brendan who tried to ignore the sexual tension that always flowed between them. Brendan finally comes out to Bob at the reception but is it a case of too little, too late? The Rainbow Café 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. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Information Session on Undergraduate Degree Program in Criminal Justice – Monday, November 16
GSU’s undergraduate degree program in Criminal Justice plans to offer this program at Harper College starting spring 2016. An information session at Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL will take place on Monday, November 16, in the H building hallway near room H144 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Governors State University representatives will be present to answer questions about the program. For more information, contact Nancy Kaczmarczyk at 708-235-3983 or [email protected]. If you are interested in obtaining more information about the program, please visit: www.govst.edu/cas.
‘Start Something that Matters’ A Summit to Make a Difference – Friday, November 20
Making a difference can begin locally and result in broader positive results. GSU is celebrating the determination of local people to have a global impact at the ‘Start Something that Matters’ Summit on Friday, November 20, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., in Engbretson Hall. Presentations by local experts whose efforts have made a positive impact in the lives of others will be featured. The keynote address, “The Heart of the Matter,” will be given by Thea Polancic, founder and executive director of the Chicago Chapter of Conscious Capitalism, Inc., and advocate for the power of business as a force for good. Also at the event, Harry Rhodes, executive director and co-founder of Growing Home, Chicago’s leading organic agriculture social enterprise focused on empowering people and communities, will present “Sustainability and Social Justice: Social Enterprise, Transitional Jobs and Community Development.” Additional speakers include David Deeds of Governors State University presenting “Combating Human Trafficking” and Shaniqua Jones also of GSU presenting “Implementing Restorative Justice.” The summit is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For more information, go to http://opus.govst.edu/onebookone/2015/Fall. This event is held in conjunction with International Education Week and Restorative Justice Week and as part of Governors State University’s One Book One University activities centered on the book ‘Start Something that Matters’ by Blake Mycoskie. This event is sponsored by a grant from the GSU Intellectual Life Committee.
Representative Robin Kelly, 600 Holiday Plaza Drive, Matteson
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.
Online Educational Resources
Online college programs are a great way for today’s busy people to complete or earn a degree. To find an online college program in Illinois, visit http://www.onlineschools.org/guides/Illinois/ where you will find a compilation of every college program offered online in Illinois offered on a full or part-time basis.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights
Veterans Day Events – Through December 3
PSC has several events planned on campus in recognition of Veterans Day next month. Most events are taking place on the college’s main campus in Chicago Heights. The Missing Man Table will remain displayed in the college’s atrium through Wednesday, November 25. The November Christopher Art Gallery exhibit, “Action/Reaction,” features works from a collective of veteran artists who identify themselves as “Dirty Canteen.” The exhibit runs through Thursday, December 3. Tuesday, November 24, is Veterans Night at the PSC basketball games being held in the Pioneer Fieldhouse on Vollmer Rd. The women’s game starts at 5:30 p.m., and the men’s game starts at 7:30 p.m. The month’s events end on Wednesday, November 25, with a ceremony retiring the Missing Man Table at 2:30 p.m. in the atrium. For more information on any of the events, contact Georges Sanon, coordinator, Student Veterans Center at [email protected].
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
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
Wednesday Morning Walkers – November 18
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
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Annual Fall Shopping Extravaganza – Thursday, November 19
Get an early start on your holiday shopping at the Governors State University Annual Fall Vendor and Craft Fair. Shoppers can beat the Black Friday crowds and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, arts and crafts, and unique creations on Thursday, November 19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the Hall of Governors on the university’s main campus. The Fall Vendor Fair event is free and open to the public. Parking is free and refreshments are available for purchase. The fair is sponsored by the GSU Civil Service Senate. Interested vendors and crafters are encouraged to participate. Space is limited. For more information or to register, call 708-235-7559 or email [email protected].
Grande Prairie Singers, 266 Somonauk, Park Forest
‘Winterlude 2015’ – Tickets Now on Sale
The Grande Prairie Singers will present ‘Winterlude 2015’ – a family tradition holiday concert on Sunday, December 13 at 4 p.m. at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church, 4101 St. Lawrence Avenue, Matteson. Tickets are $15 in advance; $10 for students with ID; $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased by mail, 266 Somonauk, Park Forest, IL 60466; by phone at 708-481-8684; or online at www.grandeprairiechoral.org.
Tall Grass Art Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
Tall Grass Art Association’s Annual Holiday Show and Sale – Opens Tuesday, November 17
Tall Grass Art Association’s Annual Holiday Show and Sale will open on Tuesday, November 17 and run through Saturday, January 9. There will be an artists’ reception on Friday, November 20 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Both the show and reception are 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.
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
Annual Food Drive for Rich Township Food Pantry – Donations Accepted Through December 12
Thorn Creek Nature Center is hosting its annual holiday food drive for the Rich Township Food Pantry. Beginning now through Saturday, December 11, donation items can be dropped off at the Nature Center during open hours (Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.). Acceptable items are: non-perishable food items (including boxed, canned and dry foods) especially cereals and peanut butter; personal care items for men and women, especially toothpaste, deodorants and razors; ziplock quart and gallon size bags, baby formula, and disposable diapers (adult and infant). For additional information, call 708-747-6320.
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, November 21– Opening Reception & Fine Tuning — Join us for an opening reception from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Along with our usual refreshments, enjoy the music of Fine Tuning (finetuningmusic.com).
- Saturday, November 28– Homewood Kitchen Gardens (facebook.com/homewoodkitchengardens) — Freshly harvested, locally grown, chemical free produce and handcrafted personal care items – lip balm, body wash, lotion bars, and more! 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.
- Saturday, December 5 — 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.
- Friday, December 11– Matt Bailey (mgbaley.com/onemandband) Bring your friends and enjoy music from Matt Bailey from 7 p.m.to 10 p.m. Saturday, — December 12– Blade & Bloom — Come check out Blade & Bloom’s (bladandbloom.com) simple, elegant, high quality beauty products at USG. 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.
- 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.
United Service Organization (USO) of Illinois, 333 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago
Holiday Card Drive for the Military – Holiday Cards Accepted Through November 30
This year’s Holiday Card Drive for the Military will be done in partnership with the United Service Organizations (USO) of Illinois. Illinois citizens should send holiday cards for U.S. service members to the USO of Illinois as early as possible and thanked the USO of Illinois for helping to distribute the holiday cards to troops and for all the USO does to lift the morale and increase the well-being of our military members throughout the year. Holiday cards will be accepted through mail delivery only from now through November 30th to:
USO of Illinois
333 S. Wabash Ave., 16th Floor
Chicago, IL 60604
This & That
League of Women Voters – Park Forest Area
‘Campaign Finance – The Good, the Bad & the Ugly’ – Tuesday, November 17
The League of Women Voters – Park Forest Area will host a program on ‘Campaign Finance – The Good, the Bad & the Ugly’ on Tuesday, November 17 at 7 p.m. at the Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard. The speaker will be Doug Price, an experienced campaign coordinator, manager and consultant. He will explain the details and history of campaign finance along with the League position on this topic and take questions from the audience. The program is open to the public and anyone interested in the topic is encouraged to attend to learn more about this important issue. For more information you may contact Diane Hodges at [email protected] or Barbara Moore at 708-481-5251.
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
