SPECIAL PROJECT
The murder of George Floyd in 2020 seized the attention of the world. Like people around the world, H-F residents took to the streets to protest police violence. In Homewood, at least eight rallies, marches and vigils were held within a month of Floyd’s death.
Amid the social uprising several of our south suburban elected officials held a news conference to pledge action on the problem of racial violence. Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Illinois Rep. Debbie Meyers Martin, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller and Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers Currin spoke from Unity Bridge in Matteson about their commitment to enact change. They noted that as Black women in positions of power, they were uniquely situated and uniquely invested. Each is a mother (or grandmother). They have Black children out in the world.
The Chronicle invited the four to reconvene and discuss the results of their efforts. We weren’t able to connect with Chalmers Currin, but Kelly, Meyers-Martin and Miller met with us to provide an update on their work since that day in 2020 when they pledged to act.
The interview was recorded by Bionic Content of Flossmoor. We expect editing to be done this week, so watch for release of the first episode soon.
THE WEEK >
Meetings
Flossmoor Community Relations Commission will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, July 24, in village hall, 2800 Flossmoor Road.
- Find the agenda here.
Homewood Board of Trustees will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, at village hall, 2020 Chestnut Road.
- Find the agenda here.
- Attend virtually here. ID 980 4907 6232, passcode 830183 or call 312-626-6799.
- Write to the board by sending email to [email protected] or by placing written comments in the drop box outside village hall. Comments submitted before 4 p.m. on the meeting date will be distributed to all village board members prior to the meeting.
- Highlights: The board will consider entering into a letter of intent with HCF Homewood II LLC to redevelop a portion of the village hall parking lot at 2024 Chestnut Road into a five-story residential building. The board will also consider authorizing use of federal funds to expand the downtown speaker system and enter into an intergovernmental agreement to enable the consolidation of two emergency dispatch centers, ECom and SouthCom.
Stuff to do
Improv camp with Kate Wiersma
South of Chi Productions and the H-F Park District are offering a weeklong improv camp July 24 through July 28 at Goldberg Administrative Center, 3301 Flossmoor Road, with instructor Kate Wiersema for kids from first grade through high school. Participants will work in age-specific groups and will play games that work on teamwork, confidence, public speaking and creative thinking. No experience necessary. Call 708-957-7275 for registration information.
Blood drive at Edward Jones office
Edward Jones representative Patrick Zamkin will host a blood drive from 2:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, at 18735 Dixie Highway in Homewood. Appointments preferred but not required. Call 800-7TO-GIVE or visit tinyurl.com/yvjt4t88. All who donate or attempt to donate will receive four vouchers for 2023 Windy City Thunderbolts home games. The Thunderbolts are a professional baseball team based in Crestwood. Donations are urgently needed during summer months.
Prairie stroll at Coyote Run
Dave Ward will lead an evening stroll from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, at Coyote Run Golf Course, 800 Kedzie Ave. in Flossmoor. Ward is the retired golf superintendent and native plant expert who will introduce guests to landscaping with native species and other ways to go green at home. Meet in front of the clubhouse. Registration is required for this free event.
Last IPO summer concert
“Jazz @ OFCC” will be the last concert of the summer series for the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. There will be two shows at Olympia Fields Country Club, 2800 Country Club Drive, one at 6:15 p.m. and one at 7:45 p.m. Hear a performance by the Shout Section Big Band featuring vocalist Tatum Langley. Tickets are available online or by calling 708-481-7774.
The Great Improv Throwdown
South of Chi, 4th Wall Improv, Improductions LLC, and No Limit Laughs will face off to in an improv battle at 7:30 Saturday, July 29, at Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Highway. Tickets are $10 cash at the door.
Chicago White Sox H-F Day
Homewood and Flossmoor baseball fans can attend the White Sox-Guardians game at 1:10 p.m. Sunday, July 30, at Guaranteed Rate Field. Discounted tickets ($22-$42) are available at https://fevo.me/homewoodflossmoor2023.
<THE WEEK
Golfers flock to Coyote Run
Golf rounds have increased at the H-F Park District’s Coyote Run Golf Course from 2022. Tom Denklau reported year-to-date totals were 15,808 rounds played, up more than 2% over last year.
Lorenz Appliance moving out of Cherry Creek
Reporter Nick Ulanowski reported that the longtime Homewood appliance store will be leaving soon after a business shuffle in the Cherry Creek shopping center left the store with what owner Don Lorenz felt was inadequate space. The business will continue to operate at its Mokena store.
Flossmoor to add stop sign near Heather Hill Elementary
Jalyn Edwards reported on the Flossmoor Village Board’s decision to make safety improvements, including a new stop sign, at the intersection of Lawrence and Scott Crescent, which is near Heather Hill School. The village responded to a request for improvements from school crossing guard Sandy Byron.
H-F High soccer players compete on MLS-sponsored teams
Editor Marilyn Thomas reported on Chicago’s professional soccer team, Chicago Fire, joining with Special Olympics Illinois in hosting a Chicago Fire Unified team giving five special athletes and their six partners a chance to compete on Major League Soccer (MLS) fields across the country. The partnership has been going on the past dozen years, according to Jen Kelso of Special Olympics Illinois.
Fair Transit South Cook report
Cook County released the report on results from the second year of the three-year Fair Transit South Cook pilot program, which reduced fares up to 50% on the Metra Electric and Rock Island lines and increased Pace bus ridership along the Pace Route 352 Halsted corridor.