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The Weeks | April 5: Piles of water; Songs of Resistance; Live Free Foundation project; Flossmoor banquet center; rethinking lawns; young entrepreneurs; theaters present play, film fest, musicals, ballet

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Your government

Monday, April 6

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 changing Vardon Place to one-way westbound and Brassie Avenue to one-way southbound.
  • Consider a development agreement with Nehsog Properties LLC to purchase village-owned property on Governors Highway to build a banquet center.
  • Discuss the possibility of implementing a places of eating tax. 
  • Discuss the capital improvement plan for fiscal year 2027.

Tuesday, April 7

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

Homewood-Flossmoor Park District Board of Commissioners will meet at 7 p.m. in the Goldberg Administration Center, 3301 Flossmoor Road. The agenda is available here.

Thursday, April 9

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

Highlights:

  • Hear a presentation from Holladay Properties to inform the commission about the company’s plans to redevelop the village hall parking lot at 2024 Chestnut Road in order to get preliminary feedback from the commission before filing formal plans and requests.
  • Consider a request for a parking variance and special use permit for Live Free 999 Foundation, which plans to renovate 18219 Dixie Highway, formerly Mama & Me Pizzeria, for use as the foundation’s office. 
  • Consider a special use permit request and site plan for the proposed expansion of Signature Smiles dental office at 18114 Gottschalk Ave.

Notices

Flossmoor Police Chief Urges Community Awareness. Chief Carl Estelle posted a notice on the village website last week urging residents to help keep each other safe as weather gets warmer and more people are outside. He suggested motorists be aware of and drive cautiously around pedestrians and cyclists. He also suggested residents call 911 to report any suspicious activity they see. “Timely reporting is critical. While sharing information on social media can raise awareness, it does not allow officers to respond in real time,” he said. “Together, through trust, communication, and shared responsibility, we can create a safer, more secure environment for everyone. We appreciate your continued cooperation and commitment to public safety.”

AT&T Fiber Optic Project. Flossmoor announced that AT&T has sent notices to residents alerting them to a spring project installing fiber optic cable lines in the village. Work will be done by subcontractor Always Underground. This is not a village project. Anyone with questions or concerns should call AT&T at 800-843-6581.
 
5th District Task Force. Residents of the Cook County Board’s 5th District, including Flossmoor, are invited to join a task force to provide input on property taxes, affordable housing, affordable health care, economic development or youth empowerment. For more information or to register, call 312-603-6281 or email [email protected].

Flossmoor Animal License Renewal Due. The village requests that residents register their dogs or cats by April 15. License application and online payment ($15 per pet) is now available online. Applications and licenses may also be obtained at village hall, 2800 Flossmoor Road. For more information, call 708-798-2300 or email [email protected].

Flossmoor Public Art Commission Fundraiser. The art commission invites submissions of garden art — flowerpots, bird baths, bird feeders, bird houses, wind chimes, wind spinners, lawn chairs and other lawn decorations — that can be auctioned off to benefit the public art fund. The commission also is seeking donations of garden tools, flowers, gardening services, gift baskets, gift cards, event tickets and experiences for the auction. To make a donation or to commit to a creative project, click here. Applications will close Thursday, April 30, and artwork will be collected by Wednesday, May 27.  In June, photos of the completed Garden Art projects will be posted for an online auction. All proceeds from the online auction will benefit the public art program in Flossmoor.

Stuff to do

Monday, April 6

Daytime Documentaries. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will host a showing of “California Dreams” from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the meeting room.

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) also will be incorporated in some projects. Registration required.

Ask An Expert: Tech Help Class. Adults and seniors will be able to get tech help in this ask-an-expert class from 6 to 6:30 p.m. at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway. There will be information on the basics of computers, the internet, smartphones and more. Register here.

Teen Leadership Council. Teens in grades 7 through 12 meet in The Fort at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. to help with programming ideas, book suggestions, or anything else that will help make the world around us a better place. Register here.

Tuesday, April 7

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.

The Service Hour. Anyone age 10 to 18 can join the monthly effort to help out in the community. Hosted in The Attic at Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave., from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. 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.

Wednesday, April 8

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.

Sewing Basics. From 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through April 29, the H-F Park District will host lessons on essential skills such as threading a needle, tying knots and functional stitches through hands-on, beginner-friendly projects. Students will create fun items like felt plush pillows, keychain fobs and simple tote bags. For kids aged 8 through 12. Fee is $60 for park district residents, $75 for non-residents. Click here to register.

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 “The Forgotten Summer of Seneca” by Camryn Garrett. Register here.

Homewood Historical Society: The Mother Road. Will County author John Weiss will recall the history of Route 66, “The Mother Road,” at the Homewood Historical Society meeting. Following a brief business meeting at 6 p.m., Weiss will present at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room of Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.

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 “Across So Many Seas” by Ruth Behar. Register here.

Teddy Campbell Band’s Good Vibe Wednesday. Copper Still, 1961 Ridge Road in Homewood, will host live music from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets available here. 

Thursday, April 9

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.

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.

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.

History’s Morbid Mysteries. Award-winning filmmaker and writer Lorrisa Julianus will present a fun, energetic ride through the strangest tales you never learned in school from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the meeting room at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.

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.

Ax Throwing. H-F Park District participants will meet at Black Oak Ax, 5520 W. 111th St. in Oak Lawn, from 6 to 8 p.m. to unleash their inner lumberjack. The session will be led by a knowledgeable coach who will teach proper technique, safety tips, and help you sharpen your skills. For anyone age 18 and up. Fee is $69 for H-F Park District residents, $79 for non-residents. Click here to register.

GovState: By the Way, Meet Vera Stark. GovState’s Theatre and Performance Studies will present “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark” at 7:30 p.m. April 9 through 11 and 3 p.m. April 12 in the Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park. The story follows a headstrong Black maid and aspiring actress, Vera Stark, whose life is intertwined with her white star boss, leading to a controversial legacy. Buy tickets here.

Friday, April 10

Crafty Tots. From 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. youngsters can finger-paint, doodle, and put together their own works of art at Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave. All supplies provided. Register here.

Meet Founder of Dip Sustainable Hair Care. Gaia’s Market & Refillery, 1948 Ridge Road, will host Kate Assaraf, founder of Dip Sustainable Hair Care, from 5 to 7 p.m. in celebration of Earth Month. It’s a chance to talk about sustainable beauty, using less plastic, and standing on what you believe in as a business, according to Gaia’s owner Sarah Tozer. 

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.

Dodge Ball and Pizza Night. Enjoy fast-paced dodgeball games led by park district staff, followed by delicious pizza with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at the H-F Sports Complex, 18211 Aberdeen St. in Homewood. For kids ages 7 to 12. Fee is $25 for H-F Park District residents, $30 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Cabaret. The Drama Group’s presentation of “Cabaret” will start tonight and continue through April 12 and then April 16 through April 19. The musical is set in 1930s Berlin and captures the hedonism of the Kit Kat Klub amid the rise of Nazism. Through great songs and haunting themes, it explores love, politics, and identity in a crumbling world on the brink of darkness. More information and tickets available here.

Thornton Distillery: Death of a Gangster. “Death of a Gangster” is a 1920s Mafia Marriage Murder Mystery. Thornton Distillery, 400 E. Margaret St., will host this immersive experience starting at 6 p.m. in its prohibition-era distillery where the mobsters once roamed. Flapper dresses, zoot suits, feather boas and headbands, pinstriped suits and fedoras are all appropriate attire. Traditional wedding attire works too. Tickets are $75 each and include a welcome cocktail and a plated dinner. Tickets available here.

Jason Warrior. Copper Still, 1961 Ridge Road in Homewood, will present live entertainment with Jason Warrior from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets available here.

Saturday, April 11

Green Thumb Saturday: Rethinking Lawns. Lauren Umek, senior project manager with the Chicago Park District, will present “Rethinking Lawns: Understanding the Role of Lawns, Native Plants, and the Potential for Native Lawn Alternatives” from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. in the board room at Homewood Village Hall, 2020 Chestnut Road. The first monthly session of Green Thumb Saturday is sponsored by the Homewood Tree Committee and the Illinois Extension Master Gardeners program. 

Move-Along Storytime. Kids age 3 to 8 will enjoy stories, movement and imagination from 11 to 11:30 a.m. in the meeting room at Homewood Public Library.

Songs of Resistance. A benefit concert and art auction starting at 3 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 2640 Park Drive, Flossmoor. Sponsored by Spotlight Performance Academy in partnership with Homewood Creative Alliance. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here. Proceeds to benefit the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

Gentle Yoga. Gail of Blissful Light Yoga will lead a class from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Helen Wilson Meeting Room at Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave. The session will focus on stretching, meditation, relaxation and breathing. Classes are open to ages 18 and up. Beginners are welcome. Click here for more information.

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.

Sunday, April 12

The House on Mango Street Ballet. Ballet 5:8 will perform a ballet version of “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros at 3 p.m. in the Nathan Manilow Theater at Freedom Hall in Park Forest. It’s a coming-of-age story about living between two worlds: American and Mexican, and that familiar feeling of being “not enough” of either one. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here.

Plan ahead

April 16 through April 18

H-F High Theater: The Little Mermaid. Homewood-Flossmoor High School theater program will present “The Little Mermaid” at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, April 16 and 17, and at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, in the Mall Auditorium, 999 Kedzie Ave. Tickets are sold online. Tickets are $13.60 for adults, $7 for students and $7 for senior citizens. Prices include processing fees.

Friday, April 17

Murder Mystery: Panic at the Prom. You’re invited to experience an exciting murder mystery night set in the 1980s at the Flossmoor Community Church Community House, 847 Hutchison Road. Costumes are optional but encouraged. BYOB (with “Prom Punch” available for purchase) and BYO-snacks. Free-will donation. Registration is required as space is limited. Register here. Guests must be 21 or older.

Saturday, April 18

Flossmoor Baseball and Softball Opening Day. Flossmoor Baseball and Softball will hold its opening day parade and festivities. Parade lineup will begin at 8:45 a.m. at the Parker Junior High parking lot and the parade will step off at 9:30 a.m. Teams march east on Flossmoor Road to the ball fields at Flossmoor Park. The ceremonial first pitch and opening day remarks take place on Bronco Field.

Drawing is Fun. Kids aged 6 through 12 can learn the basics of drawing or expand on what they already know from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Irwin Center at 18120 Highland Ave. Class is open to beginners as well as students who are more advanced. New subject matter and drawing methods will be featured each Saturday through May 2. Fee is $45 for H-F Park District residents, $55 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Disc Golf Tournament. The H-F Park District will host at 18-hole disc golf tournament from 2 to 4 p.m. at Patriots Park, 187th Street and Center Avenue in Homewood, for amateur players. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place. For players age 16 and up. The fee for park district residents is $15, for non-residents it is $20. Click here to register.

Sunday, April 19

Fireside Chats: Native Plants & Pollinators. Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center, 20000 Western Ave., will host a campfire chat from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. about how native plants, bees, butterflies work together to bring the season to life. Fee is $10 for H-F Park District residents, $15 for non-residents. Register here.

Saturday, April 22

Wine Down Wednesday. Small bites, wine and cheese pairings from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Dolphin Lake Clubhouse, 183rd Street and Governors Highway in Homewood. Musical entertainment by Roger Burks & Home Team Band. Catering by Wiley’s Grill including baked mostaccioli dinner. This program is in partnership with the Villages of Homewood and Flossmoor. This is a H-F VIP Senior event; however, anyone 21 and older is welcome to participate. Pre-registration required. The fee is $39 for H-F Park District residents, $49 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Saturday, April 25

Recyclepalooza. The annual community recycling event will be held this year from 9 a.m. to noon in the Parker Junior High parking lot, 2810 School St., Flossmoor. Bring hard-to-recycle items. Click here for more details about accepted items.

Homewood Baseball and Softball Opening Day. Homewood Baseball and Softball will hold its opening day parade and first pitch ceremonies. The parade will start at 11 a.m. from Irwin Park. Teams march east on Ridge Road to the ball fields adjacent to Izaak Walton Preserve, 1100 Ridge Road.

Thursday, April 30

Homewood Arts Council: Wesley Stace. A solo performance by Wesley Stace, with special guest Casey McDonough (The Flat Five, NRBQ) in Senior Hall at Izaak Walton Preserve, 1100 Ridge Road. Capacity is limited. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.

Saturday, May 2

Bessie Coleman Centennial Aviation Film Festival. The aviation-themed film festival will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bult Field, 28261 S. Kedzie Ave., Monee. The event is sponsored by the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the event and how to become a sponsor, click here.

Sunday, May 3

Melody Mart Open House. Melody Mart at 18062 Dixie Highway in Homewood will celebrate its 70th anniversary during the open house from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The free, family-friendly day will give guests an opportunity to explore instruments, meet educators, learn about lessons and group programs, and get a feel for what makes Melody Mart a true music community.

Mother’s Sip, Stretch & Spa. Mother’s Day early with a soothing stretch, a relaxing mini facial, and a sip in hand. Help mom unwind, recharge, and feel appreciated head to toe. Includes one mimosa. From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the H-F Racquet & Fitness Club, 2920 W. 183rd St. For women 21 and older. Click here to register.

Sunday, May 17

House Walk. The Flossmoor Service League’s annual house walk fundraiser moves to Sunday this year. The stroll to view featured houses will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Visit flossmoorserviceleague.org for more information.

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 for attendees to raise their bidder paddles to commit to specific donation levels, to support  programs. Tickets are on sale now. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, visit youmatter2.org.

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