Local News

The Weeks | March 8: Homewood development decision, Meet the Candidates, Homewood police promotions, Beyond Borders liquor license request, Flossmoor maps architectural gems, learn to curl

by on

More in Local News:

THE WEEK >

Your government

The meetings listed here are open to the public. Some can be watched via livestream. 

Monday, March 9

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

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

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, ID 852 1089 4513, passcode 60422.

Highlights:

  • Consider an amended escrow agreement with the new entity responsible for the office complex property at 1835 Dixie Highway as part of the process of acquiring parcels from the Cook County Land Bank.
  • Consider a request from the owners of Beyond Borders Cafe, 1036 Sterling Ave., to upgrade the business’s liquor license from beer and wine sales to all alcoholic liquors for on-premises consumption and to sell packaged liquor for off-premises consumption and carryout.
  • Discuss the preliminary fiscal year 2027 village budget.

Tuesday, March 10

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

Highlights:

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

Notices

Mail Ballots Early. Cook County Clerk alerted voters recently that changes in postmarking policy could mean ballots mailed on or near Election Day might not count. She offered voters suggestions on how to safely vote by mail:

  • Do not wait until the final days – or Election Day – to mail your ballot.
  • If possible, bring your ballot directly to a local post office as far in advance as possible and request a postmark to help ensure timely processing.
  • Beginning March 2, when Early Voting begins, voters may drop their mail ballots at any of the 55 secure mail ballot drop box locations that will be available throughout suburban Cook County. The closest drop boxes to H-F are at Prairie State College, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights, and Markham Courthouse, 16501 S. Kedzie Ave., Markham.

Support Flossmoor Public Art. The village is preparing to place its next order of bricks for the downtown traffic circle with plans to install new bricks this spring. Click here to purchase bricks. Orders for the next installation are due by March 30. 

Benetti to Announce Sunday Night Baseball. Homewood-Flossmoor High School graduate Jason Benetti, former White Sox announcer, has been tapped to do play-by-play announcing for NBC/Peacock’s Sunday Night Baseball coverage. Benetti will remain as the play-by-play announcer for the Detroit Tigers. 

Stuff to do

Monday, March 9

Learn to Curl. H-F Park District will offer two sessions from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. Monday, March 9, and Monday, March 16, at the H-F Ice Arena, 777 Kedzie Ave. in Flossmoor. The class is designed for beginners and those looking to refine their skills. For anyone age 15 and up. Fee is $75. Click here to register.

Tuesday, March 10

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.

Make It Take It Tuesday. Come to The FORT at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, from 6 to 7 p.m. to learn a new craft you can make out of everyday supplies. Make the craft at the library, or take it home as a grab and go kit. Registration is not required. Supplies are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Homewood Stories. “A Wee Bit of Story Gold” at Flossmoor Community Church Community House, 847 Hutchison Road. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $15 cash at the door. No credit cards.

Lassen’s Tuesday Trivia. Test your knowledge from 8 to 11 p.m. at 2131 W. 183rd St. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 11

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

Homewood Historical Society Garden. At the Homewood Historical Society’s regular meeting at 6 p.m., in the meeting room at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, Elaine Egdorf, a co-founder, past president and current director of the society will present a comprehensive photographic tour of the original garden’s variety of plant life.

Miss Angela’s Book Club (3rd-5th Grade). Meet from 6 to 6:45 p.m. in the Rauch Reading Room at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Ave. to discuss “Inside the Park” by Andrea Williams. Register here.

Miss Angela’s Book Club (6th-8th Grade). Meet from 7 to 7:45 p.m. in the Rauch Reading Room at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Ave. to discuss “The Running Dream” by Wendelin Van Draanen. Register here.

Thursday, March 12

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.

Rainbow Sweets and Clover Treats. Kids age 8 to 12 will whip up magical St. Patrick’s Day-themed sweets and treats. Shamrocks, rainbows, gold and more. Bring your luck and sweet tooth to Irwin Community Center, 18120 Highland Ave. in Homewood from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be three types of goodies made. Fee is $40 for H-F Park District residents, $50 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Just For Fun: Board Games. Adults are invited to face off against friends and neighbors in all your favorite board games from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the meeting room at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.

Bedtime Snack & Story. Meet in The Attic at Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave., from 6:30 to 7 p.m. for a pajama story time. This event is for registrants age 6 and younger. Register here.

The Correspondent Wine & Words. Professional Women’s Network will host discussion of the novel “The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans at 7:30 p.m. at Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery, 1035 Sterling Ave. Feel free to attend even if you have not read the book. 

Friday, March 13

Senior Social Hour. Seniors are invited to visit the meeting room at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, from 1 to 2 p.m. for an hour of pleasant conversation and light refreshments.

Tween Time. Kids in grades fourth through sixth can spend time from 4:30 to 6 p.m. playing games, making crafts, and watching a movie in the meeting room at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.

Saturday, March 14

Flapjacks and Forest Games. Learn how maple syrup is made, including a tree-tapping demonstration, discover the secrets of our local trees, followed by a pancake breakfast. Then, channel your inner lumberjack with some forest-themed games and challenges. From 9 to 10 a.m. at Irons Oaks, 20000 Western Ave. All ages. Fee is $12 for H-F Park District residents, $15 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Teen Outdoor Adventure Series: Rock Climbing. Irons Oaks, 20000 Western Ave., will host rock climbing from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a great introduction to the high adventure activities we have in store for the season. All skill levels welcome. For kids age 11 to 15. Fee is $25 for H-F Park District residents, $30 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Move-Along Storytime. Toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy stories, movement and imagination from 11 to 11:30 a.m. in the meeting room at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.

Youth Opportunities Fair. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly will host an opportunities fair for area youth from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hillcrest High School, 7401 Pulaski Road, Country Club Hills. Click here for a list of businesses and organizations.

Flossmoor St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Gather at the FCC Community House, 847 Hutchison Road. The parade will begin at 1 p.m.

From the Olde Sod to the New Prairie: The Irish in America. Lee Murdock and Friends will present a musical celebration of Ireland from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Helen Wilson Meeting Room at Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave.

Plan ahead

Thursday, March 19

Spring Equinox Night Hike. From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Irons Oaks, 20000 Western Ave. will host a guided walk through the woods during the time when day and night are nearly balanced. All Ages. Fee is $6 for H-F Park District residents, $8 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Saturday, March 21

Prairie Jubilee. To kick off the spring season, volunteers at Gensburg Markham Prairie invite the public to join a volunteer-led effort to restore this historic prairie site from 9 a.m. to noon. The project will involve cutting back woody brush with hand-tools. No experience is necessary, and all supplies and tools will be provided. There will be snacks and opportunity to meet new people. Wear outdoorsy clothing and shoes that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty. Parking at 15900 California Ave. in Markham.

Wednesday, March 25

Green Drinks: Birding. Nick Paarlberg from Sand Ridge Nature Center in South Holland will be the presenter at the Chicago Southland Green Drinks meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. at Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery, 1035 Sterling Ave. Also, Sheetal Khedkar Roa, chief health and engagement officer at Nordson Green Earth, will introduce the Markham Public Library Birdwatching Community Science Project. Limit 50 people. Organizers recommend bringing cash to make it easier for the group to pay for food and drinks.

Friday, March 27

Flashlight Egg Hunt. The annual flashlight egg hunt will be hosted at Irons Oaks, 20000 Western Ave., from 7 to 7:45 p.m. A non-paying adult must accompany child. For ages 3 to 10. Fee is $12 for H-F Park District residents, $15 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Saturday, March 28

No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings. Action for a Better Tomorrow South Suburbs will host a non-violent rally from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial on Harwood Avenue in Homewood to protest Trump administration policies. Live music and speakers.

Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3

Spring Break Camps. Camp will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at Irwin Center, 18120 Highland Ave. The H-F Park District will offer structured activities, arts and crafts, and recreational games each day. Fee is $42 for district residents, $52 for non-residents. There will also be an After Camp session from 3 to 6 p.m. each day. Fee is $18 for district residents, $23 for non-residents. Click here to register for Spring Break Camp. Click Here to register for After Camp.

Saturday, April 4

H-F Community Cleanup Day. The H-F Park District and the villages of Homewood and Flossmoor are collaborating on one big communitywide clean-up day from 8 a.m. to noon. The event will begin with breakfast at Wiley’s Grill, 800 Kedzie Ave., then individuals and groups will fan out to tidy up. Sign up here.

Thursday, April 9, through Saturday, April 11

Chicago Southland International Film Festival. Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, will host the eighth annual Chicago Southland International Film Festival in the amphitheater. The festival brings international shorts and local feature films to campus in a three-day event. Details and tickets are available here or email [email protected] or call 708-534-4099 to reserve seats.

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, which is a fundraising practice that attendees to raise their bidder paddles to commit to specific donation levels, 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

All the stories

Popular stories < 7 days

Newsletter

Meet the Candidates: U.S. Senate

Conversations with the Chronicle