In and Around Park Forest Week of October 6, 2014

Follow this link for photographs from Kiwanis of Park Forest Pancake Day at Rich East High School

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—October 6, 2014.  A Senior Information Fair will be held on Monday, October 6 at the Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest. Presentations will be given by the Park Forest Fire Department, Senior Health Insurance Program, Secretary of State’s Office, Social Security Administration, and Veterans’ Administration. In addition, there will be flu shots available and hearing screenings. Additional information about the Senior Information Fair can be found in the ‘This & That’ section.

Next Thursday, October 9 the Park Forest Fire Department will hold the 34th annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service and silent twilight parade. The service will take place starting at 6:30 p.m. at St. Irenaeus Church (Orchard and Indianwood). The parade will step off immediately afterwards.

Also in recognition of Fire Prevention Week, the Fire Department will host an Open House from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 11.

The Sons of the American Legion will be holding a blood drive on Sunday, October 12 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Park Forest American Legion in Chicago Heights. As someone who recently was in need of a blood transfusion, you never know when you, or someone you care about may be in need some day too. If you are able to donate, please call Life Source at 1-877-543-3768 to schedule an appointment.

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

Village of Park Forest

Village Board Meeting – Monday, October 6

The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, October 6 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend. Board meetings air live on cable access channels (Channel 4 for Comcast subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T subscribers) as well as on the Village web site here.

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

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

Village Commission & Advisory Boards

The following Park Forest Commissions and Advisory Boards are scheduled to meet the week of October 6:

• Tuesday, October 7 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission
• Wednesday, October 8 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

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

‘Raisin Cane’ Starring Jasmine Guy – Tickets Now on Sale

On Friday, October 17 at 7:30 p.m. ‘Raisin’ Cane: A Harlem Renaissance Odyssey’ will be performed at the Center. The play, starring the award-winning actress (A Different World), singer and former Alley dancer, Jasmine Guy and the acclaimed Avery Sharpe Jazz Trio, ‘Raisin’ Cane’ celebrates the legendary voices of the Harlem Renaissance through music, movement and stunning visual imagery. Tickets are priced at $55, $45, and $35. In addition, $100 VIP tickets are available that include a 6 p.m. Food & Cocktail Reception and Post-Show Meet and Greet with Jasmine Guy. The Center box office is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and two hours prior to performances. For more information, contact the box office at www.centertickets.net or call 708-235-2222.

Classic Albums Live Presents the Beatles ‘Abbey Road’ – Tickets Now on Sale

On Saturday, October 25 at 8 p.m., Classic Albums Live will present the Beatles ‘Abby Road’ at the Center. Anything but a cover band, Classic Albums Live forgoes the gimmickry of costumes and impersonations, recreating greatest albums live “note for note, cut for cut.” These world-class musicians tackle iconic music, concentrating solely on re-creating it as you remember it from the original recording. ‘Abby Road’ includes legendary songs such as “Come Together,” “Something,” “Octopus’ Garden,” “Here Comes the Sun” and many more. Tickets are priced at $30, $27 and $25. In addition, Golden Circle tickets are available for $35. The Center box office is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and two hours prior to performances. For more information, contact the box office at www.centertickets.net or call 708-235-2222.

DePaul University Art Museum, 935 West Fullerton, Chicago

Disquiet Music Ensemble – Saturday, October 18

On Saturday, October 18 at 3 p.m. the Disquiet Music ensemble in collaboration with the DePaul Art Museum will present a concert of rarely performed musical works of composers supported by the WPA, including Johanna Beyer. The concert will also feature world premieres by Chicago composers and performers exploring the texts and ideas of the WPA. In conjunction with the museum’s exhibit “Ink, Paper, Politics,” the Disquiet Music ensemble will delve into the role of the WPA in shaping the modern American music scene. The event is free and open to the public. For more information please visit: Disquiet Music Ensemble.

DePaul University Theatre School, Chicago

‘The Phantom Tollbooth’ – Through November 15

The Chicago Playworks opens its season with ‘The Phantom Tollbooth,’ by Susan Nanus based on the book by Norton Juster. Performances will take place through November 15 at the Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago. Milo is bored in his bedroom until a magical tollbooth appears and transports him to the Kingdom of Wisdom. Here he discovers the magic of words and numbers, travels to strange lands like Dictionopolis and Digitopolis and meets a Mathemagician, Spelling Bee, and other curious friends. Will they be able to save Princess Rhyme and Princess Reason if they work together? Based on the beloved book, this whimsical fairy tale proves that imagination and knowledge can change the world. The production is recommended for ages 7 and up. Educational themes include: discovery, fables, idioms, metaphor, and wordplay, imagination, literary adaption, mathematics, numbers, and patterns, perseverance, personification, and teamwork. ‘The Phantom Tollbooth’ runs through November 15 with performances on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and $5 for students and are available at www.theatre.depaul.edu or by phone at the box office at 312-922-1991.

Drama Group, 330 West 202 Street, Chicago Heights

Stephen Sondheim’s ‘A Little Night Music’ – Opens October 10

The Drama Group is very pleased to be presenting Stephen Sondheim’s delicious musical ‘A Little Night Music.’ Performances will be held at the Drama Group Studio Theatre on: October 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays October 12 and 19 at 2:00 p.m. Sondheim creates a stunning tour de force when he takes Ingmar Bergman’s comedy of manners, Smiles of a Summer Night, and turns it into a musical of masterful execution and elegance. Winner of four TONY Awards, this is a musical work that has forever entranced the world of theatre. Set in 1900 Sweden, ‘A Little Night Music’ explores the tangled web of affairs centered around actress Desirée Armfeldt and the men who love her. ‘A Little Night Music’ is full of hilariously witty and heartbreakingly moving moments of adoration, regret and desire. This dramatic musical celebration of love is perfect to showcase your highly-trained singers with its harmonically-advanced score and masterful orchestrations and contains Sondheim’s popular song, the haunting "Send in the Clowns." Tickets are $21 for adults and $20 for seniors and $15 for students with ID. Group discount rates are also available. Good seats are still available. There is limited handicap seating. Please call the Drama Group box office for details about ‘A Little Night Music.’ Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 708-755-3444 or online http://www.brownpapertickets.com/profile/242073 or see details at www.dramagroup.org

Freedom Hall, Nathan Manilow Theatre, 401 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago — Tickets Now on Sale

Freedom Hall kicks off its 2014 – 2015 Main Series with the Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago on Saturday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m. Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago celebrates its 42nd year with a highly anticipated return to Freedom Hall. By popular demand, the company will present a concert with its signature traditional African dance choreography. The performance will also include the piece “Yado”, which is a dance of the griots (oral historians), as well as “Kassa/Konkoba” of the Malinke people (Upper Guinea, West Africa) emphasizing the strength, patience, and cohesiveness needed for a collective community. Muntu will ignite and energize audience members with their speed, agility, and gravity defying movements! Seneke West African Percussion Ensemble will also be performing with the company. This is truly an experience you do not want to miss! Read more about Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago. Tickets are priced at $24. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-747-0580 or visit www.freedomhall.org.

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

Rebirth Brass Band to Raise Funds for GSU Scholarships – Saturday, October 11

From the streets of New Orleans to the stage– the sounds of funk, soul, hip hop, jazz and second line funeral marches will fill Governors State University’s Center for Performing Arts in a scholarship benefit concert on October 11 at 8 p.m. The GSU Foundation presents Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band; an internationally-known traditional brass band from New Orleans known, for their funk-laden sound. The event is part of GSU’s inaugural Family and Friends Weekend, which offers an exciting series of activities at GSU, and is open to the community, alumni, students and their families and friends. Ashley Floyd, Director of Development at Governors State University says, “Rebirth Brass Band is a New Orleans institution, upholding traditional jazz and creating a funky sound that is evolving daily. I am honored to share with Governors State University a true gem from my hometown of New Orleans to the inaugural celebration of Family and Friends Weekend 2014.” The family and friends weekend culminates with the Rebirth Brass Band event, which will benefit GSU student scholarships. Last year, the GSU foundation awarded approximately $100K in student scholarships. Donations for student scholarships and an array of other giving opportunities can be made year-round by visiting our website at www.govst.edu/donate. Tickets are $40 and $20 for seniors and students. A VIP ticket experience is available for $100, which includes a tax-deductible contribution; preferred seating; and a pre-performance reception featuring amazing cuisine by local restaurants, wine and beer. The event is sponsored by Wintrust Wealth Management, Country Financial, The Cottage on Dixie and Narski Music Productions, Inc. The box office is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and two hours prior to performances. For more information, contact the box office at www.CenterTickets.net or call 708-235-2222.

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

Surrealism and War – Through November 1

Surrealism and War, an exhibition of veterans’ artwork that explores the relationship between surrealism and the experience of war will be on display at the NVAM through November 1. 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 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.

Park Forest Historical Society, 141 Forest Boulevard, Park Forest

Celebrate a 1950s Halloween at the Park Forest House Museum

"It’s Halloween," 1950s vintage Halloween decorations, including die-cuts and Gurley Candles, will be on exhibit at the 1950s Park Forest House Museum from September 13 to November 8. Visit for a nostalgic look at Halloween in the 1950s. Open Wednesday and Saturday 10:30 to 3:30 p.m.; or by appointment. Adults $5; kids 12 and under free with adults. Additional information is with Jane Nicoll, 708-481-4252 or visit www.parkforesthistory.org.

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

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

• Monday, October 7 at 11 a.m. – Storypalooza — A fun story time for all kids through the age of 6 with an adult. Siblings are welcome.
• Monday, October 7 at 6:30 p.m. — Jazz on Monday Nights — Sounds of the Dave Holland Quartet.
• Tuesday, October 8 at 6:30 p.m. — Blues on Tuesdays — The Search for Robert Johnson.
• Tuesday, October 8 at 7 p.m. — PJ Story Time — Wear your PJs out on the town! Bring along a fuzzy friend and your blanket too! Stories, activities, and more… Ages 12 and under. Theme: Stupendous Back to School.
• Wednesday, October 9 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.
• Thursday, October 10 at 11 a.m. — Toddler Art — Bring your little artist ages 3 to 5 to create their very own masterpiece! We may get a little messy so wear play clothes.
• Saturday, October 11 at 11 a.m. — Online Job Search — Learn the basics of applying for and looking for a job online. Registration Required.
• Saturday, October 12 at 2:00 p.m. — Incredible Bats — Join bat experts Daniel and Sharon Peterson as we explore live and on stage Egyptian Fruit Bats. All ages.

For additional information or to register for a program, call 708-748-3731 or visit http://www.pfpl.org/.

Roosevelt University, 430 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago

‘You Can’t Take It With You’ – Tickets Now on Sale

‘You Can’t Take It With You,’ a comedy that features a hodgepodge of cheerful and delightfully batty bunglers by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, will be staged October 24 through October 25. Theater Conservatory instructor Steve Scott, associate producer at the Goodman Theatre, will direct the show. For ticket prices or additional information, call 312-341-3831 or visit www.roosevelt.edu/ccpa.

Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest

‘El Viejo’ Exhibit – Through October 31

‘El Viejo’ an exhibit by artist Wyll Mull will be on display through October 31. An artist’s reception will be held on Friday, October 17 at 6 p.m. with refreshments and music by Steve Lydell. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For additional information and Gallery hours, call 708-833-5108.

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

‘The Land Where It Doesn’t Snow’ Exhibit – Through October 16

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, a solo exhibition titled ‘The Land Where It Doesn’t Snow’ by Chicago Heights-based visual artist Luis Sahagun is now on display. Born, in Guadalajara, Mexico, Sahagun creates sculptures out of repurposed cardboard, concrete, metal, and wood. These materials are part of his childhood vernacular and at times are used as a metaphor for finding beauty in the discarded. Opting for power tools and saws over a paintbrush and canvas, He aims to utilize destruction and demolition as a vehicle to make his artistic mark. In his cardboard series, Sahagun collects cardboard found on the streets of his community. Once his studio is congested with material, he carefully glues the layers together before making cuts, tears, and slices on the surface. In addition to being featured in New American Paintings 2014 MFA Annual, Sahagun has been featured in Expo Chicago 2014, solo shows and juried exhibitions in Chicago and surrounding cities of Illinois. See his exhibition through the closing reception at 1:00 p.m. on October 16th –the Thiel Gallery is on the 4th floor in the Art & Design hallway. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. SSC Galleries are open at minimum Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. For more information, please call 708-596-2000, extension 2445 or visit www.ssc.edu/art.

‘Residue’ Exhibit by Samantha Haring – Through October 16

An exhibition entitled ‘Residue’ by artist Samantha Haring has opened in the Lee Dulgar Gallery. Thirteen oil-on-canvas paintings are featured in this exhibition. Her paintings are intimate meditations on humble objects and the detritus of studio life. Haring says that the process of methodically considering light and color is her way of understanding the world and her ever-evolving place in it. These studio interiors and still life’s are part of an ongoing series exploring self-portraiture through private space and personal objects. Haring will also be present for a closing reception on October 16th at 12:30 p.m. The Dulgar Gallery is located on the 1st Floor near the Atrium. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. SSC Galleries are open at minimum Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. For more information, please call 708-596-2000, extension 2445 or visit www.ssc.edu/art.

2014 PAC Rats Theatre Company Schedule

The PAC Rats Theatre Company of South Suburban College has announced its October 2014 performance schedule. Please note that this calendar is correct at the time of publication and subject to change.

Friday, October 10, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
The South Suburban College Voices and Jazz Ensemble perform in their first fall concert.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014, 12:00 p.m.
David L. Howard, SSC Violin Professor, lectures on works by Bach, Sarasate, and Paginini. Marilyn Bourgeois, SSC Piano Professor, will accompany in recital.

Friday, October 17, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
The SSC Symphonic Band will perform in concert.

All events are held in the Kindig Performing Arts Center on SSC’s Main Campus, 15800 South State Street. Admission is free at all events. Donations are appreciated to benefit the Music Scholarship Fund. For more information, call 708-596-2000, extension 2316.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Beautiful Writing’ the Art of Contemporary Calligraphy – Through November 8

‘Beautiful Writing’ an exhibit featuring the art of contemporary calligraphy will run at the Gallery through November 8. An artists’ reception will be held on Friday, October 10 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. In addition, an Open House with artists’ demonstrations will take place on Saturday, October 11 from 11 a.m. to p.m. The exhibit, reception and open house are free and open to the public. The exhibit includes the work of thirteen artists, many of them connected with the Chicago Calligraphy Collective. Whatever preconceptions about calligraphy visitors hold before they visit the show, the startling scale of the works, the highest level of technical skills on display and the wealth of ideas the artists investigate will provide many reasons to see this art form in a very different light. Ranging from pieces that are in the vein of very traditional, ornate and colorfully designed letter forms to huge, invented and handmade calligraphic objects that dance across an entire wall, the exhibit offers viewers opportunities to see the diverse directions artists now explore using actual alphabets; abstracted, hybrid, and mixed media letter images; and totally original and illegible works that celebrate the process of simply making written marks. Every artist included in the exhibit brings a unique interpretation to letters, words, texts, and the act of writing. Visually the show is both bold and subtle. Conceptually, the works are both reverential to the history of calligraphy and wildly and playfully stretching and blurring all of its traditional boundaries. For additional information, visit: www.tallgrassarts.org or call 708-748-3377.

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

‘Material Matters’ Exhibit – Through October 25

‘Material Matters,’ a national juried fiber art exhibit will be on display at the Gallery through October 25.  For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

Gallery Hop Bus Tour – Tickets Now on Sale

Join the South Suburban art scene on Saturday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the ‘Gallery Hop Bus Tour.’ The tour will visit exhibits at Prairie State College’s Christopher Gallery from 10:30 a.m. to 11: 15 a.m.; the Union Street Gallery from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.’ Tall Grass Arts Association from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.; and Governors State University’s Visual Arts Gallery from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Different brunch refreshments will be served at each gallery hop stop. You can ‘hop’ by taking the Metra Electric line, Flossmoor station for the 10:14 a.m. arrival from Chicago (SSAS bus leaves 10:20 a.m. for Prairie State College (PSC)) or drive to PSC and join the SSAS bus, or drive to locations on your. Bus will stop at University Park Metra Station for the 2:57 departure to Chicago, and then return to PSC. Tickets are $30. Purchase tickets on-line via link at www.unionstreetgallery.org, by credit card in-person at the Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest, or with cash/check at any of the other participating Galleries. For additional information, call Union Street Gallery at 708-754-2601.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

1st Annual Family and Friends Weeks – October 9 – 12

GSU is hosting its 1st Annual Family and Friends Weekend on October 9 -12, 2014. Students, their families, alumni and friends of the university are invited to attend a weekend filled with family-oriented events and entertainment. There is something for everyone. The weekend begins on Thursday, October 9 with the 6 p.m. tip-off of the first men’s basketball game (GSU vs Trinity International University). After a day of on-campus activities on Friday, October 10, everyone is invited to enjoy a performance by hypnotist Jim Wand at 7 p.m. in the GSU Center for Performing Arts. Saturday is filled with activities ranging from face painting and hay rides to open swim in the Recreation Center and receptions for alumni. Also on Saturday, there is the amazing performance by the national dance troupe Step Afrika. The weekend finishes on Sunday morning with the Jazz Brunch with the President of GSU, Dr. Elaine P. Maimon, and music by Legacy. Family and Friends Weekend is an opportunity to experience GSU’s campus life. For many students, this special event provides their first chance to visit with family and friends since the beginning of the semester and show off the GSU campus. This exciting October weekend also offers families and friends the opportunity to share firsthand in the GSU student experience. Alumni and community members are also invited to visit the campus, have some fun, and see all that is new at GSU. Registration is free for parents, family members, alumni and friends of GSU. Registration is required and participants must register for the overall weekend. Space is limited for some events, and there is a minimal cost for some activities. To see a list of activities and to register, visit www.govst.edu/weekend.

What It Takes to Serve on the School Board – Registration Now in Progress

If you are thinking of running for your local school board, and would like to know more about the role of the school board member in governing successful school districts, attend this this free workshop. Sponsored by the Governors State University Metropolitan Institute of Leadership in Education, the Prospective School Board Member Workshop will be held on Saturday, November 8, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the Eisenhower Cooperative Administrative Offices, 5318 135th Street, Crestwood. A panel of school law and school finance experts will discuss a variety of topics ranging from what to consider when standing for public office, ethics and school law including board member liabilities, conflicts of interest and nepotism, and school budgets and funding at the local, state, and federal levels. Attendees will learn how effective school leaders can enhance student growth, support financial stability, and contribute to the quality of life in a community. For information, call 708.534.4024. To register, go to http://schoolboard11-8.eventbrite.com.

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.

Marian Catholic High School, 700 Ashland, Chicago Heights

Accelerated Weekend Experience – Registration Now Taking Place

Marian Catholic is offering a unique learning opportunity for academically talented students in grades 5 through 8. In collaboration with Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development, the Accelerated Weekend Experience (AWE) program provides challenging, hands-on, in-depth exploration for those passionate about the subjects of (Materials Science & Engineering: Sports Materials and Forensic Science). The two-day AWE courses will be held at Marian Catholic on October 25 & 26, 2014, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., both Saturday and Sunday. (Materials Science & Engineering: Sports Materials) is for students in grades 5 and 6, and (Forensic Science) for grades 7 and 8.

Materials Design & Engineering: Sports Materials (Grades 5 & 6)

Engineering bridges the gap between imagination and the laws of nature. In this project-based course, students learn about the attributes and advantages of sports materials by engaging in scientific inquiry and a culminating design project. Activities include exploring ball design & materials, measuring the rebound of sports balls, investigating energy absorption of materials, comparing rolling friction on different surfaces, and researching sports materials to design new sports equipment or a mini-golf game. Topics in chemistry, physics, biology, engineering and materials science unite in the world of sports.
Subject area: Engineering

Forensic Science (Grades 7 & 8)

Forensic Scientists use skills and techniques that come from a variety of disciplines—logic, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and technology—to solve mysteries. This course covers observational skills, perceptual fallacies, codes and code breaking, osteology, chromatography, criminology and more. Students will extract DNA, take fingerprints, analyze blood spatters and discuss famous-and infamous-cases.

Subject area: Science

For complete information on the courses, eligibility and how to apply, visit www.ctd.northwestern.edu, send a message to Betsy at [email protected] or call 847-491-3782 ext. 4.

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

Conference on Understanding Mental Health – Registration Required by Tuesday, October 21

Mental illness is very prevalent today, impacting people of all ages. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one in five American adults faces a mental health issue, one in 10 young people has grappled with a period of major depression, and one in 20 Americans lives with a serious mental illness. PSC is hosting a full-day conference, “Changing Perspectives and Altering Perceptions: Understanding Mental Health,” to increase awareness of the complexities of mental illness and ways to reduce the stigmas associated with it. The event sponsors include PSC, The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Grand Prairie Services, the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Sertoma Centre, Inc. The conference will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 23, in the Conference Center on the PSC main campus in Chicago Heights. The day opens with registration, networking opportunities, and an exhibit expo. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., welcoming remarks will feature Craig D. Schmidt, PSC vice president, community and economic development, who will introduce special guest, Illinois Senator Michael E. Hastings. Hastings recently sponsored a bill in the Illinois Senate that would ensure that funds collected from the sale of the closed Tinley Mental Health Center stay in Tinley Park and the surrounding area. The bill passed the Senate unanimously. An 8:45 keynote address features Dr. Theodora Binion, acting director for mental health division and director of alcoholism and substance abuse for the Illinois Department of Human Services. The breakout sessions begin at 10:45 a.m. Attendees can choose from one of the sessions, which include “Hearing Voices,” featuring Derek Harris of Sertoma Centre; “Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR),” featuring Gia Washington of Sertoma Centre; “Stressed Or Depressed? How to Know the Difference,” featuring Felicia Houston of Ingalls Behavioral Health; “Trauma and Recovery,” featuring Dan Wasmer, director region services, IDHS, Division of Mental Health; “Misconceptions, Mental Illness and Culture,” featuring PSC Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Cynthia Cornejo; “Mental Health First Aid: Increasing Understanding and Reducing Stigmas,” featuring Claudia Kottwitz of Community Counseling Centers of Chicago; and “Restoring Hope After Suicide: Working with Bereaved Survivors,” featuring Jack Starkey, LOSS (Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide) Program facilitator and Deborah R. Major, director of the LOSS Program, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. An hour-long lunch and exhibit expo follows the breakout sessions. After lunch, the breakout sessions will be repeated, and attendees can choose a second session. The day will close with a 2 p.m. panel discussion, “My Journey with Mental Health,” featuring community members in recovery. The cost to attend the conference is $79 or $99 with CEU credits. The deadline to register is Tuesday, Oct. 21. Registration is available online at www.prairiestate.edu/personal-and-professional/news-and-events. For more information or registration assistance, contact Michelle Guiliani at 708-709-7957 or [email protected].

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

SCORE Small Business Workshops Coming to SSC – Registration Now in Progress

SSC’s Business & Career Institute and SCORE have once again partnered to bring free business workshops geared for small business developers and owners. Two new workshops will be offered this fall at the college’s Oak Forest Center. Attendees may choose to attend one or both of the workshops at no charge to help their business grow and take advantage of the networking opportunities. Registration and networking at the SCORE workshops begins at 8:45 a.m., with instruction and discussion to follow from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. The upcoming workshop schedule is as follows:

Starting a Family Business? — Wednesday, October 8, 8:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Family businesses are similar to any other business, but when you add the family dynamic to the equation, it gets complicated. This workshop examines advantages and disadvantages and takes a realistic look at safeguarding family relationships in a business environment. This session will guide attendees to assess first steps to journey through myths, opportunities, organizations, insurance/regulations, funding, cash management business plans and personal funding protections.

Taking Your Business Idea from Concept to Reality — Wednesdays, November 12 and 19, 8:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Coming up with ideas is the easy part; executing the idea is the hard part! Most entrepreneurs focus more on the ideas and less on how to organize for action. This two-part series workshop includes two sessions on consecutive weeks. The first session is intended to stimulate ideas into business actions. Attendees will learn to become a business thinker by examining and developing an action plan document. The second session the following week is an open panel discussion of selected summaries, also intended to stimulate business thinking. Attendees will learn to sell their ideas professionally, enthusiastically and concisely.

All workshops will be held at the 16333 S. Kilbourn Ave., Oak Forest, Illinois. To register by phone, please call Carmen Garcia at 708-596-2000, extension 2663. For more information, email [email protected].

Online Educational Resources

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

Top U.S. Universities

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

Healthy Living

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

Free Psychotherapy Available from GSU’s Psychology Program

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

Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip

Free Community Education and Prevention Programs about Mental Health

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

Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard, Park Forest

CPR Classes

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

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

Senior Citizen Weekday Lunch at the Senior Café

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

Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)

Assistance With Medications & Health Services

If you, or someone you know, are struggling to pay for medications every month, they may be able to get the medicines they need for free or almost free through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. If you live in Illinois, you can get access to more than 475 public and private program available to help you pay for your medicines. Simply visit http://www.pparx.org/en/click_illinois to find out if you can apply to any of these great programs and to get connected with 10,000 free clinics and doctors.

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

‘Rejuvenating Youth and Vitality Through Supporting Mindset, Life-style and Food Choices’ – Thursday, October 9

UUCC will host its Healthy Living Group on Thursday, October 9 at 1 p.m. Sue Vanags, Young Mind Young Body Health Coach, will lead a discussion entitled ‘Rejuvenating Youth and Vitality Through Supporting Mindset, Life-Style and Food Choices.’ Let’s explore ways in building health, youth and vitality, learning to be intimate with yourself and your body, possible reversing some of the early aging caused by unawareness and stress, and looking years younger. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org. UUCC is located east of Western Avenue and south of Steger Road.

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.

Green Events

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Wednesday Morning Walkers – October 8

Wednesday Morning Walkers can enjoy the early autumn delights on these leisurely (or bris) trail walks. The group walks on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Trails can be wet or muddy, so please wear sturdy shoes. This event is free and open to the public ages 13 through adult. Registration is required two days before your first walk. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.

Magical Moon Night Hike – Registration Required by October 8

Come walk the boundary between the natural and magical night time worlds of Thorn Creek Woods at the Magical Moon Night Hike on Friday, October 10 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The music and magic of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts will help you use your senses to unlock the woodland’s magical messages – rustlings, hooting, whispering water, scent of loamy soil and flittering shadows in the forest. Join us for a spell. Participants should be prepared to walk over 1 mile outdoors on natural surface trails across uneven terrain. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information or to register, call 708-74-6320.

Autumn Night Hike – Registration Required by October 9

Adults and children over 16 years old are invited to come experience the smells, sounds and sights of the changing season hiking Thorn Creek Woods night time trails on the Autumn Night Hike being held on Saturday, October 11 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required by Thursday, October 9. No flashlights, please. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.

Junior Ecologists Club – Registration Required by October 16

Thorn Creek’s Junior Ecologists Club offers monthly fun-filled nature activities for young people age 9 to 12. The next meeting will be held on Saturday, October 18 from noon to 3 p.m. Participants will explore the woods, track seasonal changes and discover woodland plants and animals. Young people should be prepared to get muddy, wear boots and long pants, and bring a water bottle and insect repellent. The Junior Ecologists Club is a free program. Registration is required no later than October 16. For additional information or to register 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 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

Congressman Anthony DeLuca

Senior Information Fair – Monday, October 6

State Representative Anthony DeLuca and his Senior Advisory Committee, along with the Rich Township Senior Center and State Representative Al Riley will host a Senior Information Fair on Monday, October 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest. Presentations will be given by: the Park Forest Fire Department, Senior Health Insurance Program, Secretary of State’s Office, Social Security Administration, and Veterans’ Administration. Additional services include flu shots for Medicare beneficiaries from the Park Forest Health Department (bring Medicare card); Illinois Treasurer’s Office I-Cash Program; Lions Club Hearing Screenings; and Jen Care. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. For additional information, please contact Representative DeLuca’s constituent service office at 708-754-7900 or e-mail [email protected].

Park Forest American Legion, 1631 Western Avenue, Chicago Heights

Blood Drive – Sunday, October 12

The Sons of the American Legion will host a blood drive on Sunday, October 12, 2014, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The drive will take place at the Park Forest American Legion in Chicago Heights. A free breakfast will be served to all donors. To schedule an appointment, please call Life Source at 1-877-543-3768.