THE WEEK >

Your government

The meetings listed below are open to the public. Some meetings are accessible via livestream. Attending meetings is an easy way to get engaged and better informed about your community.

Monday, Feb. 2

Flossmoor Board of Trustees will meet at 7 p.m. in village hall, 2800 Flossmoor Road. The agenda is available here. The meeting livestream will be available here. Meeting ID 852 1089 4513, passcode 60422.

Highlights:

• Consider an ordinance regulating the use of e-bikes and e-scooters. 
• Consider approving a planned unit development, special use permit and re-subdivision for the development of a Chipotle and 7 Brew restaurant at 3900 Vollmer Road.

Tuesday, Feb. 3

Homewood-Flossmoor District 233 Board of Education Finance Committee will meet at 7:45 a.m. in the Viking Room, South Building, 999 Kedzie Ave. in Flossmoor. The agenda is available here.

Homewood-Flossmoor Park District Board of Commissioners will meet at 6 p.m. in Irwin Center, 18120 Highland Ave. in Homewood. The agenda is available here.

Thursday, Feb. 5

Homewood Appearance Commission will meet at 6 p.m. in village hall, 2020 Chestnut Road. The agenda is available here. The meeting livestream will be available here. Meeting ID 844 1118 8079, passcode 170845.

Highlight:

• Consider the sign plan for Raising Cane’s at 17601 Halsted St.

Notices

Art & Garden Street Fair. The Village of Homewood is seeking niche, one-of-a-kind vendors for the annual Art & Garden Street Fair, June 5-6. The application deadline is March 1. Art & Garden Vendor Application.

Formal Dress Essentials Collection. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will be collecting new or gently-used prom or party dresses and menswear that will be used for the Teen Formal Dance Essentials Giveaway. Other items needed are dress shoes, clutch purses, jewelry and unopened makeup/nail polish. Donations will be accepted from Feb. 1-28. Bring donations to the Adult Library Services desk.

Souper Bowl Drive. Bring canned goods to the Homewood Public Library Services Desk, 17917 Dixie Highway, through Feb. 8. Items will be donated to local food pantries. For every three cans, donors will receive a coupon for the Friends of the Library Book Sale and a raffle ticket for a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card. Bring donations to the Library Services desk. No expired food will be accepted.

Stuff to do

Monday, Feb. 2

Daytime Documentaries. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will host a showing from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. of “Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project.”

Ask An Expert: Tech Help Class. Meet in the meeting room at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, from 6 to 6:30 p.m. to ask-an-expert class and learn the basics of computers, the internet, smartphones and more. Register here.

Songs of Resistance Auditions. Spotlight Performance Academy invites performers of all styles and backgrounds to audition from 7 to 9 p.m. at Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Highway, for Songs of Resistance, a benefit concert celebrating resilience, voice and the power of music to bring people together. Selected performers will be featured in a concert benefiting the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights on April 11. Guidelines: Prepare one song in any genre that showcases your style, artistry and vocal range. No accompaniment will be provided (a cappella or self-accompanied performances are welcome). Performers of all experience levels are encouraged to audition.

Teen Leadership Council. Teens meet from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. in the FORT at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway. Teens help with programming ideas, book suggestions or anything else that will help make the world around us a better place. Register here.

Tuesday, Feb. 3

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 newborn to 6 years old with stories, songs, bubbles and more. Register here.

Cookies & Comics. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will host an opportunity to discuss comics and enjoy treats from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Register here.

Youth Chess Club. Beyond the Book, 18063 Dixie Highway, will host its weekly chess club for youth of all ages from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Big Screen Rewatch: Downton Abbey. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will be showing “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the meeting room. 

Jeopardy at Flossmoor Station. Prizes for top teams in the Jeopardy trivia contest from 7 to 9 p.m. at Flossmoor Station, 1035 Sterling Ave. 

Wednesday, Feb. 4

Read, Rock, n’ Rhyme. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will host story time for kids aged birth 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.

Read, Play, & Grow!: A Storytime for Babies and Toddlers. Meet in the Helen Wilson Meeting Room at Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave., from 10:30 to 11 a.m. for fun activities that help develop early literacy skills for babies and toddlers. Register here.

Homeschoolers Study Group. Homeschool teens can meet in The Fort at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, for a study session from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register here.

Pokémon Club. Youngsters and teens are invited to the meeting room at the Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, from 5 to 6 p.m. to trade Pokémon cards and play games. Bring your battle decks, doubles, and extras to the library to battle and trade with other collectors. Register here.

Cozy Movie Night. Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave., will host a movie night for tweens and teens from 6 to 8 p.m. Bring your favorite blanket or stuffed animal and join us for a cozy movie night at the library. Popcorn and juice will be provided. Pajamas encouraged.

Thursday, Feb. 5

Baby Bloomers. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will host story time for children aged birth 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.

Chess Club for All. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will host chess club from 4 to 5 p.m. in the meeting room. Practice chess skills or learn the basics of playing the game. Open to all ages.

Thursday Murder Club. If you enjoy crime stories and discussing whodunit stories, stop by Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. New members are always welcome.

Friday, Feb. 6

Sunset Yoga. Meet Fridays from 6 to 7 p.m. through Feb. 27 at the H-F Racquet & Fitness Club, 2920 W. 183rd St. in Homewood. A class for anyone age 13 and up that combines physical poses and meditation to help release tension, de-stress and find peace as the sun sets. Fee is $40 for H-F Park District residents, $60 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Saturday, Feb. 7

Take Your Child to the Library Day. Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave., will host a special event all day for families to celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day. There will be opportunities for families to explore all the things the library has to offer — from books and storytimes to technology, games, and community programs.

LEGOS @ the Library. Love to build with Legos? Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will provide the bricks, you provide the creativity from 1 to 2 p.m. Free-build bricks and small kits are available. Register here.

Galentine’s Glow Ups. Celebrate friendship in style from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This special Galentine’s Day trip is all about glowing, growing and making memories together. Participants ages 12 to 15 will head out for a day of self-love with facials, skin and hair care tips and more. Meet at Irwin Center, 18120 Highland Ave. Fee is $60 for H-F Park District residents, $75 for non-residents. Click here to register.

St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Market. Thornton Distilling Co., 400 Margaret St. in Thornton will host from 3 to 9 p.m. an event where romance meets the macabre. Step into a bone chilling bazaar of creepy crafts, sinister sweets and gifts for the dark hearted and unorthodox. Enjoy tasty cocktails and devilishly delicious food. Strike a pose with some spooky photo ops. Dance the night away to a soundtrack of haunting love songs. Forget roses and chocolates, this is Valentine’s with a killer twist. This is more than a market, it’s an experience.

Texas Hold ‘Em. The 22nd annual Texas Hold ’em Tournament at Balagio Ristorante, 17500 Dixie Highway in Homewood, will benefit the Cancer Support Center. Registration is $175 in advance or $200 at the door. The fee covers tournament entry, food and open bar. Spectators are also welcome and can register for $50. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and play begins at 5:30 p.m. The center will award $5,000 or more in cash and prizes to the final eight players. For details on how to register, visit cancersupportcenter.org, or contact the Cancer Support Center at 708-798-9171 or Brent Bachus at 708-267-4660 or via email at [email protected].

The Curious Carnival: A Vintage Circus Murder Mystery. Whodunit? In this vintage circus-themed murder mystery, it’s up to you to solve the crime. Each guest will be given a part to play so come ready for treachery, deceit and tomfoolery from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway. Everyone is encouraged to dress up, but not required to. Register here.

Plan ahead

Monday, Feb. 9

In Pizza We Crust. H-F Park District will sponsor a trip from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to Billy Bricks Pizza in LaGrange. For anyone age 12 to 15. Meet at Irwin Center, 18120 Highland Ave. in Homewood. It will be a day of dough, sauce, cheese and making memories. Fee is $65 for park district residents, $80 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Wednesday, Feb. 11

Chicago Auto Show Trip. H-F Park District will sponsor a trip from 9 a.m. to 5  p.m. to see the 118th Chicago Auto Show. For anyone aged 55 and up. Meet at Irwin Center, 18120 Highland Ave. Fee for district residents is $40, for non-residents, $50. Click here to register.

Thursday, Feb. 12

Sweethearts and Spirits. Learn mixology basics and sip on 3 festive cocktails from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Irwin Center, 18120 Highland Ave. in Homewood. Enjoy delicious snacks and create your own signature holiday drink. Perfect for beginners and cocktails enthusiasts. For anyone age 21 and up. Fee is $64 for H-F Park District residents, $89 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Friday, Feb. 13

Senior Social Hour: Homewood’s Gottschalks and the Incorporation of Flossmoor. Did you know that Homewood’s Gottschalk family sold downtown Flossmoor to the Illinois Central Railroad? That sale led to the 1924 vote to incorporate Flossmoor, which was held in Louis Metz’s garage at 926 Sterling Ave. Stop by the Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, from 1 to 2 p.m. to learn more. More info here.

Candlelight Valentine’s Walk. Stroll through the serene woods of Irons Oaks, Western Avenue and Vollmer Road, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Whether you’re celebrating love or friendship, this tranquil evening offers a chance to connect and enjoy nature’s quiet beauty. With charming photo opportunities, complimentary adult beverages and a fireside you can cozy up to with roasted S’mores, it’s the perfect night to create sweet memories to last. For anyone age 21 and up. Fee is $25 for H-F Park District residents, $35 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Saturday, Feb. 14

Lunar New Year Celebration. From 10 a.m. to noon Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave., will host a Lunar New Year Celebration. There will be different stations around the Youth Services area where guests can learn about the celebration, make a fun craft and take a family picture. The celebration will end with a parade throughout the second floor with noise makers and masks.

Wednesday, Feb. 18

Project Sew. From 4:30 to 6 p.m. through March 11 at Irwin Center, 18120 Highland Ave. in Homewood, review the sewing basics and build more confidence learning a variety of stiches. Progress to advanced projects such as making your own stuffed toys, pillows and fobs. For anyone age 8 through 12. Fee for H-F Park District residents is $60, for non-residents, it’s $75. Click here to register.

Thursday, Feb. 26

Thornton Distillery Tour. Participants will meet at Irwin Center, 18120 Highland Ave. in Homewood, at 6 p.m. For anyone age 21 or older. This will be a chance to step inside Illinois’ oldest standing brewery. Trip will include distillery tour, a meal and transportation to and from Irwin Center. Fee is $60 for H-F Park District residents, $75 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Friday, May 22

Walk Through Our Mission. You Matter 2 will host an immersive evening at Flossmoor Community Church, that introduces the organization’s work with youth through storytelling, creativity and connection. Guests will journey through interactive stations led by students, alumni and volunteers, experiencing firsthand how You Matter 2 supports youth from middle school through career readiness. The evening will conclude with a Spotlight Program featuring student stories, a live auction, and a collective paddle raise to support our programs. Tickets go on sale Monday, Feb. 2. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, visit youmatter2.org.

< THE WEEK

Popular stories < 7 days

• Homewood’s Indoors Farmers Market coming back new and improved
  5k views
• Entrepreneur shares his wealth with H-F High
  3.3k views
• New Homewood police chief Thomas Johnson sworn in
  461 views
• Homewood board approves contract for rail fan platform renovations
  359 views
• Emotion-fueled H-F secures conference crown
  296 views

All the stories

• Community with a beat: Dance born of house music connects people across cultures (Feb. 1).
• Podcast ‘Flossmoor in Fifteen’ turns village history into 15-minute stories (Feb. 1).
• Homewood board approves special use permit for Hertz rental site (Feb. 1).
• Never too much: Flossmoor musician to be featured in Luther Vandross tribute concert on Valentine’s day (Jan. 31).
• 7th grader spells success ‘a-u-x-i-l-i-a-r-y’ (Jan. 31).
• District 161 board agrees to security updates (Jan. 31).
• 2025 communications report shows a successful year for Homewood socials (Jan. 30).
• District 161 approves $8.63 million construction work over summer (Jan. 30).
• Homewood board approves contract for rail fan platform renovations (Jan. 29).
• Horton selected next finance director for District 233 (Jan. 29).
• Emotion-fueled H-F secures conference crown (Jan. 28).
• New Homewood police chief Thomas Johnson sworn in (Jan. 28).
• Flossmoor Art Council program to help artists learn business side (Jan. 27).
• Homewood’s Indoors Farmers Market coming back new and improved (Jan. 27).
• Entrepreneur shares his wealth with H-F High (Jan. 26).
• Metra to hold awareness event promoting Human Trafficking Prevention Month (Jan. 26).