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The Weeks | Dec. 7: More holiday events, more Jane Austen, infamous Flossmoor folks, Homewood property bids, A More Perfect Place film showing

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Your government

The meetings listed below are open to the public. Some of them can be viewed by livestream.

Monday, Dec. 8

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

Tuesday, Dec. 9

Homewood Board of Trustees will meet at 7 p.m. 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 approving three 2025 real estate tax ordinances with an increase of 3.4% over the previous year. The village will hold a Truth in Taxation hearing, although it’s not required for increases less than 5%, in the interest of transparency.
  • Receive a presentation on the proposals submitted for redeveloping village-owned properties at 2066 Ridge Road and the village hall parking lot, 2024 Chestnut Road.
  • Consider a non-TIF incentive request from the owner of Copper Still Martini Lounge at 1961 Ridge Road to add a kitchen. 
  • Consider a budget amendment to account for 2025-2026 capital projects. 
  • Consider awarding a construction bid for the first phase of lead service line replacement.

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

Thursday, Dec. 11

Homewood Planning and Zoning Commission will meet at 7 p.m. in village hall, 2020 Chestnut Road. The agenda is available here. The livestream will be available here. Meeting ID 991 8481 1606, passcode 573812.

Highlights:

Notices

Homewood Chevy Cares Car Giveaway. Chevrolet of Homewood will give away a car on Christmas Eve to the person whose essay is selected by staff. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, to submit an essay describing how a car would change your life. Essays can be submitted at HomewoodChevyCares.com or mailed to Chevrolet of Homewood at 18033 Halsted St. Homewood, IL 60430, attention: Homewood Chevy Cares Essay Contest. 

Family Meal Kits. Action for a Better Tomorrow, in partnership with local Homewood and Flossmoor schools, is hosting a Dollar Tree Family Meal Kits + Breakfast & Snack Drive. Through Dec. 16, volunteers will assemble meal kits and drop them at Homewood Library, 17917 Dixie Highway; Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave.; and The Rock Shop, 18109 Dixie Highway. Meal options available here. Donate breakfast and snack items, including oatmeal, granola bars, fruit cups, shelf-stable milk, crackers. For more information, text or call Leslie at 708-522-4204 or Jennifer at 312-909-6684. Donations will benefit school families at Willow, Churchill, James Hart, H-F High, Serena Hills and Parker.

Leave It for Love. New, unused gifts will be collected through January and then distributed among low-income, isolated older adults throughout the Chicagoland area. Gifts can be dropped at Beyond Borders Café, 1036 Sterling Ave. in Flossmoor and Loulou Belle, 2049 Ridge Road in Homewood. Suggested items include trinkets, tchotchkes, hostess gifts, personal care items, warm weather gear, household décor and non-perishable food. For more info visit www.leaveitforlove.com or follow Leave It for Love on Facebook @leaveitforlove.

Toys for Tots. Patrick Zamkin’s Edward Jones office is a drop-off location for Toys for Tots Illinois. Bring new, unwrapped toys or games to 18735 Dixie Highway in Homewood by Dec. 12. For more information, call 708-798-9066 or email nichole.o’[email protected].

Stuff to do

Monday, Dec. 8

A More Perfect Place Film Showing. The movie version of Tom Dobrez’s new Flossmoor history, “A More Perfect Place,” will be showing at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Highway in Homewood. Tickets will be $8 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at FlossmoorHistoryBook.com.

Serena Hills School Choir Concert. The choir, made up of approximately 20 third, fourth and fifth graders, will perform holiday carols and classics at 6 p.m. at the school, 255 Pleasant Dr. in Chicago Heights.

Tuesday, Dec. 9

Rising Readers. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will host story time from 10:30 to 11 a.m. in Rauch Reading Room for ages 0 to 6 years old with stories, songs, bubbles and more. Register here.

Senior Chair Yoga. Register here for the chair yoga session for seniors from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.

Heather Hill School Choir Concert. The choir’s 40-member fourth and fifth grade choir will entertain at 6 p.m. in the gym, 1439 Lawrence Crescent.

Jane Austen Trivia. Jane Austen was born 250 years ago! Come celebrate with some Jane Austen-themed trivia from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.

Homewood Stories. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. at Flossmoor Community Church Community House, 847 Hutchison Road in Flossmoor. Admission is $15 cash at the door. No credit cards. Story tellers will be Karen Genelly, Eunice Jarrett, Nestor Gomez, Sybyl Walker and host Steve Coombs. For information please email Giggy Wagner [email protected].

Santa Driveway Visits. Santa will stop by from 5 to 7 p.m. so kids can tell him what they want for Christmas or take a personal photo with him. For H-F residents only. Fee is $20 per house visit. Register here.

Wednesday, Dec. 10

Read, Rock, n’ Rhyme. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will host story time for kids age 0 to 7 years old. Kids will be able to dance, shake and wiggle as we share stories, songs, rhymes, and more from 10:30 to 11 a.m. in the Rauch Reading Room. Register here.

Flossmoor Hills School Choir Concert. The choir of 100 student voices performs in three sections at 6 p.m. at the Parker Junior High North Gym, 2810 School St.

Homewood Historical Society 45th Anniversary. Homewood Historical Society will celebrate its 45th anniversary at the regular meeting starting at 6 p.m. in Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway. Co-founder and longtime director Elaine Egdorf will retrace the organization’s history.

Santa Driveway Visits. Santa will stop by from 5 to 7 p.m. so kids can tell him what they want for Christmas or take a personal photo with him. For H-F residents only. Fee is $20 per house visit. Register here.

Jazz Showcase. Homewood-Flossmoor High School musicians present a jazz showcase at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium, 999 Kedzie Ave. in Flossmoor.

Thursday, Dec. 11

Baby Bloomers. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will host story time for children age 0 to 2.5 years old and their caregivers. There will be stories, songs, bubbles and free play in the Rauch Reading Room from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Register here.

KinderCamp. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will host the session from noon to 1 p.m. in the meeting room for kids as they prepare to start school. KinderCamp hopes to ease the transition with new topics each time through stories, video, crafts and simple lessons. Register here.

Winter Slime. Register here for a slime-making session from 4 to 5 p.m. at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway. For kids in kindergarten through sixth grade. The library will supply all the ingredients.

H-F Winter Orchestra Concert. Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s music department presents an orchestra Winter Concert at 7 p.m. in the auditorium, 999 Kedzie Ave. in Flossmoor. The orchestra is under the direction of teacher BJ Engrav.

Infamous Flossmoor. Tom Dobrez, author of the recently released Flossmoor history, “A More Perfect Place,” will tell some of the village’s little known stories, like the debacle that made the front page of the Wall Street Journal or the international scandal caused by a Flossmoor resident who was a Playboy centerfold. The presentation will be in the Flossmoor Library’s Helen Wilson Meeting Room from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

A Christmas Story. The Drama Group presents “A Christmas Story” as a musical adaptation of the beloved 1966 story by writer Jean Shepard. The show is being presented at 7:30 p.m. at The Drama Group, 330 W. 202nd St. in Chicago Heights. Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and members of the military, and $18 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at BookTix Ticketing, https://dg.booktix.com. There is a service fee for online ticketing. Tickets are also available through the Drama Group box office at 708-754-3444.

Professional Women’s Network Sip and Shop. From 5 to 8 p.m. at Gypsy Fix, 1056 Sterling Ave. in Flossmoor, the Professional Women’s Network will host its third annual Sip and Shop event, a fun way to catch up, support small, women-owned businesses, and share some holiday cheer. Light refreshments will be served.

Friday, Dec. 12

Senior Social Hour. Stop by Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, from 1 to 2 p.m. for an hour of pleasant conversation and light refreshments.

Tween Time. Register here for Tween Time, designed for 4th-6th graders. Come to Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. to play games, make crafts, watch a movie and have snacks. 

Parker Junior High Band Concert. The concert starts at 5:30 p.m.  with the fifth-grade band, presenting a demonstration concert followed by the 18-piece Blue Jazz Band performance. The sixth grade band will follow. The final performance will be the Gold Jazz Band at 7 p.m. followed by the 89-member seventh and eighth grade band.

Beyond the Nutcracker. Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra will partner with Ballet 5:8 to perform at 2 and 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Way North High School, 19900 S Harlem Ave. in Frankfort. Order tickets here.

Kayla and Mara’s Hot Chocolate Stand. Sisters Kayla and Mara Winfree will hold their 22nd annual hot chocolate sale to benefit Toys for Tots from 4 to 8 p.m. at 1323 Hillview Road in Homewood. Donations can be made in cash at the stand or by Venmo at
@winfreehotchocolate, by Zelle at 708-539-0514 or by PayPal at @winfreecocoa.

Christmas Movie Trivia Night. Lovers of Christmas movies can showcase their knowledge to use and win a “major award” at the Flossmoor Community Church’s annual Christmas Movie Trivia Night, starting at 7 p.m. at the Flossmoor Community Church Community House, 847 Hutchison Road in Flossmoor. Trivia will be hosted by Jamie O’Shea. Entry is $5 cash or check at the door. BYOB, or $5 Christmas cocktails available. Bring a team or compete as an individual.

A Christmas Story. The Drama Group presents “A Christmas Story” as a musical adaptation of the beloved 1966 story by writer Jean Shepard. The show is being presented at 7:30 p.m. at The Drama Group, 330 W. 202nd St. in Chicago Heights. Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and members of the military, and $18 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at BookTix Ticketing, https://dg.booktix.com. There is a service fee for online ticketing. Tickets are also available through the Drama Group box office at 708-754-3444.

Saturday, Dec. 13

Santa’s Senior Helpers. Homewood-Flossmoor High School seniors will partner with H-F Park District Senior VIPs at Wiley’s Grill, 800 Kedzie Ave. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help Santa respond to all the letters he receives. Co-sponsored by the park district and the villages of Homewood and Flossmoor.

H-F Winter Band Concert. The Homewood-Flossmoor High School Winter Band Concert is set for 2 p.m. in the auditorium, 999 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor. The band is under the direction of teacher Sarah Whitlock.

Beyond the Nutcracker. Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra will partner with Ballet 5:8 to perform at 2 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Way North High School, 19900 S Harlem Ave. in Frankfort. Order tickets here.

Viking Choir Winter Concert. Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s Viking Choir will perform a two-hour concert starting at 6 p.m. in the auditorium 999 Kedzie Ave. in Flossmoor. The concert will bring 150 singers to the stage as six ensembles performing traditional concert music, holiday tunes and jazz. The Inspirational Voices Gospel Choir under the direction of Isaac Roseborough, and the 72-member Viking Choir under the direction of Steve Sifner will carry on its traditions with selected pieces.

Gift Workshop. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will host in the meeting room a gift-making craft workshop from 1 to 3 p.m.

A Christmas Story. The Drama Group presents “A Christmas Story” as a musical adaptation of the beloved 1966 story by writer Jean Shepard. The show is being presented at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at The Drama Group, 330 W. 202nd St. in Chicago Heights. Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and members of the military, and $18 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at BookTixT, https://dg.booktix.com. There is a service fee for online ticketing. Tickets are also available through the Drama Group box office at 708-754-3444.

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Governors State University will produce the radio play version of Frank Capra’s classic Christmas movie at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at the Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway. Tickets are $10.60 to $26.50 and may be purchased by calling 708-235-2222 or visiting CenterTickets.net. Patrons may also make purchases at the box office.

Flossmoor Service League Candlelight Ball. The fundraising event will be held at Idlewild Country Club. This elegant event features a cocktail hour, dinner, live music, raffles, and both a live and silent auction with many unique items. Funds raised provide grants to several local charities. For details, email [email protected].

Sunday, Dec. 14

Skate With Santa. H-F Park District hosts a public skate time from 1 to 3 p.m. Enjoy free hot chocolate and pictures with Santa. Admission is $6. Skate rental is $4. Skate helper is $5.

SoCoMCM Holiday Gathering and Ornament Sale. From 2 to 4 p.m., Southland Collective of Midcentury Modern will hold a holiday gathering and ornament sale at 2506 Oakwood Drive in Olympia Fields. RSVP encouraged by Dec. 7 to [email protected].

A Christmas Story. The Drama Group presents “A Christmas Story” as a musical adaptation of the beloved 1966 story by writer Jean Shepard. The show is being presented at 2 p.m. at The Drama Group, 330 W. 202nd St. in Chicago Heights. Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and members of the military, and $18 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at BookTix Ticketing, https://dg.booktix.com. There is a service fee for online ticketing. Tickets are also available through the Drama Group box office at 708-754-3444.

Sunday, Dec. 14, through Sunday, Dec. 21

Community Menorah Lighting. Celebrate Hanukkah at 5 p.m. each night in front of Park Place in Flossmoor Park, Flossmoor Road and Braeburn Avenue. Local individuals or families will lead Hanukkah ceremonies. Anyone wishing to be a candle lighter can sign up at Flossmoor.org.

Plan ahead

Tuesday, Dec. 16

Churchill School Beginning Orchestra Concert. The orchestra, under the direction of Bryson Robinson-Levant, will perform at 7 p.m. in the James Hart School gym, 18220 Morgan Ave.

Parker Junior High Winter Concert. The combined performance by its winter choir and the orchestra at the school, 2810 School St. in Flossmoor. The program opens at 5:30 p.m.  with the 30 students in sixth-grade choir and 16 students in orchestra. At 7 p.m. seventh and eighth grade choir of 40 students and the 42 members in the orchestra will perform.

Pup Pics With St. Nick. H-F Park District will host a chance for local canines to get their photo taken with St. Nick from 5 from 7 p.m. in Park Place at Flossmoor Park, Flossmoor Road and Braeburn Avenue. Fee is $10 per resident dog.

Ho-Ho-Ho-Flo Holiday Lights Ride. GoodSpeed Cycle will host its annual slow-and-social  community bike tour of Homewood and Flossmoor’s holiday lights and decorations. The approximately seven-mile ride goes at a family-friendly pace from 6:30 to 8 p.m. starting at the shop, 2125 W. 183rd St. in Homewood. Pre-ride hot chocolate and cookies at 5 p.m. Ride fee is a minimum $5 donation per person to Homewood’s domestic violence prevention non-profit Anew. Donate online or just bring cash.

Thursday, Dec. 18

Churchill School Choir Concert. The choir, under the direction of Nicole Sawilchik, will perform a winter concert at 7 p.m. in the James Hart School gym, 18220 Morgan Ave.

Flossmoor Holiday Lights Parade. The annual parade of decorated police, fire and public works vehicles winds through the village starting at 4:30 p.m. The route map is available at flossmoor.org.

Thursday, Dec. 18, through Sunday, Dec. 21

Light Up Trail Walk. Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center will host from 6 to 8 p.m. a stroll through decorated nature trails. Hot chocolate and s’mores are included in the ticket price. Early bird fee is $4 until Dec. 12. After that, $5 cash only at the door. Register here.

Friday, Dec. 19

Western Avenue School Performances. The fourth and fifth grade choir will perform at local assisted living homes singing a mix of winter, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa songs.

Saturday, Dec. 20

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Festival. IPO, under the direction of maestro Stilian Kirov, presents “IPO Holiday Festival: A Celebration of Voice & Music” at 3 p.m. at Ozinga Chapel at Trinity Christian College, 6601 College Dr. in Palos Heights. This concert is a family friendly tradition with performances of favorite works of the season. The orchestra will be joined by the Chicago Community Chorus for several selections, including the “Hallelujah Chorus,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Sleighride” and “Still, Still Night.” There will also be a holiday sing-along. Before the concert, Voices of Plainfield will entertain in the grand lobby, and will join the IPO on stage for the audience’s sing-a-long selections. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at the door, online at IPOmusic.org or by calling the box office at 708-481-7774.

Friday, Dec. 26 through Thursday, Jan. 1

Community Kinara Lighting. Celebrate Kwanzaa at 5 p.m. in front of Park Place in Flossmoor Park, Flossmoor Road and Braeburn Avenue. Local individuals or families lead the Kwanzaa ceremony each night of the observance. Anyone wishing to serve as a candle lighter can sign up at flossmoor.org.

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Eric Crump started his first newspaper with his best friend when he was 9. It was four pages and folded after one issue. Possibly as many as two or three people read it. In 2014, about 46 years later, he started another paper, the H-F Chronicle, which is still going and has a few more readers.

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