THE WEEK >

Your government

Flossmoor School District 161 Board of Education will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, in Normandy Villa, 41 E. Elmwood Drive, Chicago Heights. The agenda is available here. The livestream will be available here.

Homewood School District 153 Superintendent’s Search Forum. Residents of District 153 are invited to a forum at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, to offer input on the attributes you wish to see in the next superintendent. The meeting will be in the cafetorium at James Hart School, 18220 Morgan Ave., Homewood.

Flossmoor Public Art Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, in village hall, 2800 Flossmoor Road. The agenda is available here.

Homewood Board of Trustees will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, in village hall, 2020 Chestnut Road. The agenda is available here. The livestream will be available here. Meeting ID 980 4907 6232, passcode 830183.

Highlights:

• Consider implementing a 1% non-home rule sales tax.
• Consider amending the redevelopment agreement with CIG Homewood to provide TIF-eligible reimbursement for unforeseen sewer repairs.
• Consider endorsing a Cook County Class 8 property tax relief designation for Caton Commercial Real Estate Group’s property at 3003-3025 183rd St.  

Flossmoor Public Library Board of Trustees will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, in the library, 1000 Sterling Ave. The agenda will be available here.

Homewood School District 153 Board of Education Personnel Committee will meet at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, in the district conference room, 18205 Aberdeen St. The agenda is available here.

Homewood Planning and Zoning Commission will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, in village hall, 2020 Chestnut Road. The agenda is available here.

Notices

Flossmoor Streetscape Project Update: D Construction installed stamped concrete medians and Central Drive parking lot and traffic island aprons. Street light foundations were adjusted. In the coming week, work will continue on the street light foundations and excavation is expected in the curb planters and traffic island. Village officials ask visitors to respect the barrels, cones and caution tape around the new concrete. 

District 153 Superintendent Search Survey.  Through Wednesday, Sept. 10, District 153 has posted a link offering residents a chance to give their opinions through an online survey on what the district needs in its next superintendent. The survey will be available at hsd153.org. The search firm School Exec Connect will offer a summation of the responses to the school board as it works to find a replacement for Superintendent Scott McAlister who retires in 2026.

New Vital Records Appointment System. Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon announced a new  appointment system that started Sept. 2 for vital records services at the Markham Courthouse, 16501 Kedzie Ave. The system is intended to reduce wait times and improve convenience for residents seeking birth, death, marriage and other records. Book an appointment online at cookcountyclerk.com. 

Stuff to do

Monday, Sept. 8

Prime Time Fitness with Gigi. Low-impact aerobics for beginners or mature exercisers starts at 10:30 a.m. at the H-F Racquet and Fitness Club, 2920 W. 183rd St. in Homewood.

Art in S.T.E.A.M. Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave., will host from 4 to 5 p.m. a chance for tweens and teens to embrace their creative side while exploring the art aspect of STEAM. Other elements of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) will also be incorporated in some projects. Registration required.

Tuesday, Sept. 9

Aqua Zumba with Gigi. This class is a low-impact, high-energy aquatic exercise at the H-F Racquet & Fitness Club, 2920 W. 183rd St. starting at 9:30 a.m. Fee is $10 for club members, $20 for guests.

Bel Canto Trial Run. Aspiring singers in grades 3 through 5 can join the first rehearsal from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. and those in grades 6 through 8 can join from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. at the Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Highway in Homewood. The first rehearsal of the season is a chance to see if singing in a group is something that sparks interest and joy in your life. This event is free. Details on how to register for the rest of the season will be available.

Forest Bathing Experience. From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center, 20000 Western Ave., Jeni Gabrenya, certified forest therapy guide, will lead a session of forest bathing, a practice of surrounding yourself with the forest to build connections with the more than human world. Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese method of Shinrin Yoku, which translates to forest bath. The practice was popularized in Japan as an effort to counteract disconnection that resulted from the rise of large cities and increased use of technology. Interacting with nature during a forest therapy walk supports our mental health, helps to release stress and encourages the mind-body connection. The session is for anyone age 12 and up. Fee is $25 for H-F Park District residents, $35 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Homewood Stories. A relaxing, fun evening of storytelling will begin at 7:30 p.m. at FCC Community House, 847 Hutchison Road in Flossmoor. BYOFAB (Bring your own Food and Beverages). There is a $15 fee. Cash at the door. No credit cards. Tellers include Giggy Wagner, Megan Wells, Steve Coombs, Suzy Dritz and Tony Labriola.

Thursday, Sept. 11

Bel Canto Trial Run. Aspiring singers in grades kindergarten through 2 can join the first rehearsal from 4:15 to 5 p.m. and teens and adults can join from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Highway in Homewood. The first rehearsal of the season is a chance to see if singing in a group is something that sparks interest and joy in your life. This event is free. Details on how to register for the rest of the season will be available.

Books Without Borders. The first session of the Books Without Borders community book club will meet from 6:45 to 8 p.m. at The Rock Shop, 18109 Dixie Highway, to discuss “So You Want to Talk about Race” by Ijeoma Oluo.

Friday, Sept. 12

Blood Drive. Serendipity Yoga + Wellness Studio, 18300 Dixie Highway in Homewood, will host a blood drive from 3:15 to 7:45 p.m. Register here.

Saturday, Sept. 13

Bringing Film to the South Suburbs. Flossmoor Arts Council will present a session at 9:30 a.m. at FCC Community House, 847 Hutchison Road in Flossmoor, on bringing the film industry to south suburban communities. Presenters will be Christine Dudley,  executive director for the Illinois Production Alliance; Michael Scott Jr., vice president of the Government and Industry Relations U.S. for Cinespace Studios; Anthony Barracca, business manager/secretary-treasurer for IATSE Local 476 Chicago Studio Mechanics; and Peter Hawley,  deputy director for the Illinois Film Office. The presentation will be hosted by Flossmoor Arts Council founder Troy Holmes. Register here.

Gasshuku Day of Training. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chicago Minami Dojo, 1835 Dixie Highway, Building B, Suite 202 in Flossmoor, will host martial arts seminars. Cost is $50. Introduction to Sarong & Improvised Flexible Weapons led by Guro Ashlyn Johnson starts at 1 p.m. This workshop will introduce participants to the art of the sarong and other improvised flexible weapons. 10 Elbows of Defensive Destruction Seminar will be led by Grandmaster Gregg “Shogun” Brown at 1 p.m. Effective Combat Striking Seminar on how to use precision and timing to end a confrontation with one effective strike will be led by Jermaine Muhammad at 1 p.m. Seminars are open to participants at all skill levels.

Homewood Car Cruise. The Off the Grid Car Club & Dan’s Classics hosts its Homewood Car Cruise from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 18009 Harwood Ave. in Homewood. There is a $10 fee to benefit Anew domestic abuse treatment center.

Repair Cafe. Flossmoor will host at village hall, 2800 Flossmoor Road, a free community event where neighbors come together from 10 a.m. to noon to breathe new life into broken items. The Chicago Southland Green Committee is organizing the opportunity to repair wobbly chairs, flickering lamps, torn clothing, tired plants or other items in need of repair. Skilled volunteers will assist. Send questions to Stephanie Wright at [email protected].

Homewood TreeShare Program. Homewood will offer residents a low-cost way to add beauty, shade and wildlife to your lawn with the 2025 TreeShare Program from 8 a.m. to noon in the village hall parking lot, 2024 Chestnut Road. Native trees include pagoda dogwood ($60), forest pansy redbud ($60), shumard oak ($70), cucumber melon ($30), autumn brilliance serviceberry ($70), flame thrower redbud ($60), ohio buckeye ($70). For more information, please contact Homewood Public Works at 708-206-3470.

Roller Derby Minor League Bouts. Tusslers & Scrappers will face off at 5 p.m.  in Homewood Auditorium, 2010 Chestnut Road. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Adult tickets $12, youth tickets $8. Accessible seating available and reserved at no extra charge. Second meet between Punk Rock Punishers vs. Retro Rumblers is at 7:30 p.m.. Doors open at 7 p.m. Adult tickets $12, youth tickets $8.

Homewood Outdoor Farmers Market. The market will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Martin Square on Martin Avenue between Chestnut and Ridge Roads in downtown Homewood. Vendors will offer fresh produce, baked goods, handcrafted jewelry, skincare and more. Food trucks will be on hand and ready-to-eat meals will be available.

STEM Saturday. Science play and learning from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Highway.

Barb & Dan’s Road Ride. Riders of all experience levels can join the group which leaves at 8 a.m. from GoodSpeed Cycles, 2125 183rd St. in Homewood. There is a no-drop group that rides about 20 miles and stronger riders sometimes go farther. Helmets required, daytime lights strongly recommended.

Off-leash Ride. A leisurely just-riding-around nine-mile ride every Saturday. Route includes Butterfield Creek bike path, Rovers Run and Izaak Walton Preserve. Starts at GoodSpeed Cycles, 2125 183rd St., at 8:30 a.m. sharp, ends back at the shop 9:45ish for donuts.

Sunday, Sept. 14

Women’s Self Defense Seminar. Shihan Diane Wallander and Sidagoo Odette Russell will offer a women’s self defense seminar from 1 to 4 p.m. at Chicago Minami Dojo, 1835 Dixie Highway, Building B, Suite 202 in Flossmoor.

Plan ahead

Saturday, Sept. 20

Community Shred/Electronics Recycling. State Rep. Will Davis will host a paper shredding, electronics recycling and prescription drug takeback event at his office, 1912 W. 174th Street in East Hazel Crest, from 9 a.m. to noon. The event is for households only, not businesses.

Thursday, Sept. 25

Legislative Write-In. The League of Women Voters Homewood Flossmoor Area will host an opportunity from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for food, fellowship, fun, reuniting, recruiting and writing letters to legislators about important issues. The meeting will be at Irwin Park Community Center, 18120 Highland Ave. in Homewood. Tickets are $40 per person. RSVP here or email [email protected].

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• Hidden Gem 2025: Men’s record falls again; new champ for women’s class (Sept. 6).
• Hidden Gem 2025: Gatorade, water and Broadway at Mile 9 (Sept. 6).
• Franciscan Health offering virtual Diabetes Prevention Program (Sept. 6).
• Grant writing workshop Sept. 15 and 16 (Sept. 6).
• Safe to play: Gacsko plays key role in H-F playground safety (Sept. 5).
• Homewood couple builds new house on Dixie Highway (Sept. 4).
• Parker pollinator garden to grow with aid from grant (Sept. 4).
• Safe to play: 3 parks updated with new playground equipment (Sept. 3).
• H-F High’s Anderson Pries: Young railroading enthusiast implementing a big vision (Sept. 3).
• H-F High to review proposal for career, college skills program (Sept. 3).
• District 161 celebrates a new school year at Back-To-School Bash (Sept. 2).
• Homewood Board approves a collective bargaining agreement with the Metropolitan Alliance of Police (Sept. 2).
• Fights at H-F football game lead to new rules (Sept. 2).
• Homewood trustees might consider new 1% non-home rule local sales tax (Sept. 1).
• Column: Books Without Borders reading club starts Sept. 11, plus the benefits of meandering (Aug. 31).