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The Weeks | June 7: Viaduct closure moved, Flossmoor connection to Obama Center, Old Fashion Donuts peek, Willow Box Car Parade, Pride Fest

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Your government

Monday, June 8

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

Homewood School District 153 Board of Education will meet at 7 p.m. in the James Hart School media center, 18220 Morgan St. The agenda is available here.

Highlights:

  • Conduct a public hearing on the board’s intent to sell up to $7 million in working cash bonds and up to $11,269 in school fire prevention and safety bonds.

Tuesday, June 9

Homewood-Flossmoor School District 233 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 Board of Trustees will meet at 7 p.m. in village hall, 2020 Chestnut Road. The agenda is available here. The livestream of the meeting will be available here, ID 980 4907 6232, passcode 830183.

Highlights:

  • Consider authorizing the disposal of surplus property that is currently part of or used by the Homewood Auditorium, which will be renovated soon, including items like the scoreboard, seating and stage curtains.
  • Consider authorizing the purchase of the three-story office building at 17924 Halsted St. from the Cook County Land Bank Authority for $40,000.
  • Consider authorizing the removal of existing yield signs and installation of stop signs on the northbound and southbound approaches of Howe Avenue at Cedar Road.
  • Consider a special use permit and parking variance for 7Brew drive-thru coffee shop at 17855 Halsted St.
  • Consider a second amendment to the redevelopment agreement for Tequila Raizes Restaurant, 18134-18138 Dixie Highway.

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

Notices

Dixie Highway Viaduct Project. The project to repair the viaduct drainage system and resurface Dixie Highway north of the viaduct is now expected to begin Thursday, June 11. The 90-day closure of the viaduct to traffic will require detour routes, one of which will follow 175th Street, Governors Highway and 183rd Street and another will follow Ridge Road to Ashland Avenue and 171st Street.

Participate in Homewood’s 4th of July Parade. Homewood is inviting floats, entertainers, marching groups, performers, businesses, community organizations and creative minds who want to be part of this historic celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence. Please fill out this registration form no later than June 20.

Book Donation Hiatus. Friends of the Homewood Library are unable to take donations from June through August. Anyone who has books to donate, might consider donating to nearby libraries or Good Will this summer, including Chicago Heights Public Library, 25 W. 15th St.; Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave.; Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd.; Glenwood-Lynwood Library, 19901 Stony Island Ave. (children’s books only).

Village Door Still Open. The Cancer Support Center announced in April that the Village Door store on Ridge Road in Homewood would close at the end of the year, but store manager Diane Matthews said the store and its volunteers are still welcoming donations of gently used household items and furniture. Smaller items can be dropped off at the shop anytime during shop hours. For donations of furniture items, send photos to [email protected] along with contact information to coordinate the intake.

Stuff to do

Monday, June 8

Friends of HPL. The Friends of the Homewood Public Library will meet from 10 a.m. to noon at the library, 17917 Dixie Highway.

Art in S.T.E.A.M. Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave., will host from 11 a.m. to noon a chance for kids aged 5 to 12 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.

Minecraft Engineering Using Lego Camp. Sessions for kids ages 5 to 7 will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and for kids ages 7 to 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Irwin Center, 18120 Highland Ave. Bring your favorite Minecraft adventures to life with the camp’s Play-Well instructors. In a Minecraft world powered by LEGO® resources, campers will build shelters to keep out creepers, craft mystical items that only true masters can wield, and perfect our crossbow skills to stop the Wither from taking over. If you can imagine it, we can build it. Fee is $215 for H-F Park District residents, $255 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Paint and Pop (soda pop). Teens are invited to stop by The FORT in Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for a fun night of painting and enjoying snacks and pop (or as some call it, soda). Supplies will be provided. Register here.

Youth Painting with Tracie. A step-by-step painting project from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for kids aged 8 to 15. Hosted in the Helen Wilson Meeting Room at Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting paint on. Materials will be provided. Register here.

Trivia Time. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will host a trivia contest from 7 to 8 p.m. in the meeting room. There will be prizes.

Tuesday, June 9

Storytime in the Park. Join Flossmoor Library’s Miss Jenny for some outdoor stories from 10:30 to 11 a.m. in Leavitt Park, 1010 Leavitt Ave. Bring your own blankets or chairs. Storytime will be moved to the library in the event of bad weather. Register here.

Park Storytime. Kids up to age 8 and their parents can meet at Heritage Park on the southwest corner of Riegel Road and Idlewild Lane from 10:30 to 11 a.m. for stories. Bring your own blankets or chairs. In case of inclement weather, storytime will move inside to the Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.

Art Camp. Bottle & Bottega Homewood will host kids camps from June 9 through Aug. 7. Sessions are held 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Each week brings a brand new theme, so there’s always something fresh and exciting to spark a child’s imagination. Sign up for a single day or for the full week at a discounted rate. Register here.  

Homegrown. Kids aged 11 to 14 are invited to meet in the Attic at Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave., from 2 to 3 p.m. to learn how to make a new snack using farm fresh ingredients then snack away while playing games.

Pollinator Pals. Pollinator Pals will teach kids in grades 3 through 6 about local pollinators and how to support them. Participants will work on related crafts and projects like bug hotels, watering stations, and other wildlife helpers. Stop by the meeting room in Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, from 2 to 3 p.m. Register here.

Make It Take It Tuesday. Teens are invited to The FORT in Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, from 5 to 6 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. Supplies are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Youth Chess Club. Weekly all-ages youth chess club from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Beyond the Book, 18063 Dixie Highway. Children can learn strategy, build confidence, and connect with new friends. Whether the child is just learning the game or ready to sharpen their skills, the club encourages critical thinking. Register here.

Stitches and Shenanigans. Bring your fiber arts projects to the meeting room in Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway from 6 to 8 p.m.

Choo-Choo Ride. GoodSpeed Cycle’s slow roll bike ride for all ages. Meet at the shop, 2125 W. 183rd St., at 6:30 p.m. The ride is about four miles at a leisurely pace. The ride ends at the shop around 7:30 p.m. with Dilly Bars for riders. Helmets required.

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, for the monthly night of storytelling. BYOFAB (Bring your own Food and Beverages). For more information email Giggy Wagner at [email protected]. Admission is $15 cash at the door. No credit cards. Tellers will be David Elder, Lee Melchior, Mike Rossi, Nicole Zaccaria and Suzy Dritz.

Wednesday, June 10

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.

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

It’s a Taste-Off. This week is an Oreo taste-off from 4 to 4:30 p.m. in The FORT at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway. Vote for your favorite.  Enjoy the winning food from each category at the last event on July 29.

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 “Growing Home” by Beth Ferry. 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 “Isabel in Bloom” by Mae Respicio. Register here.

Community Band. A summer tradition returns to Irwin Park, 18120 Highland Ave. in Homewood. Pack a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the opening concert of the 61st season of the Homewood-Flossmoor Community Band from 7 to 8 p.m.

Flossmoor Legend & Lore: Stories to Preserve for the Next Generation. Kristine Condon will present stories from Flossmoor’s history from 7 to 8 p.m. at Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave. Have you heard the story of the Indianapolis 500 driver who lived in Flossmoor? Or the soap opera star with roots in Flossmoor? Copies of her first book, “Fragments of Flossmoor,” will be available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the Veterans’ Wall of Honor project.

Thursday, June 11

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.

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.

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.

Mahjong for Beginners. Stop by Beyond the Book, 18063 Dixie Highway, from 5 to 7 p.m. to learn the game. RSVP here.

Prop-Making 101. Teens are invited to stop by The FORT in Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to learn how to make basic props for LARPing (live-action role-play) or cosplay. All materials will be provided. Register here.

Women’s Self Defense. Class for women age 18 and up led by Minami Dojo 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 17100 Dixie Highway, Suite G, Hazel Crest. Tickets are $30. Purchase 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.

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.

Drama Group Presents ‘Clyde’s.’ The Drama Group’s production of Tony Award-winning “Clyde’s” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. at Milord Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. This show has an R rating for strong language, adult themes and explicit sexual references. Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and members of the military, and $19 for students. Tickets are available online at dg.booktix.com. A fee is charged for online purchases. Tickets are also available through the Drama Group box office at 708-755-3444.

Friday, June 12

The Periodical Pacers: A Friday Morning Walking Group for Adults. Meet at 4312 Flossmoor Road for a walk in Vollmer Road Woods at your own pace from 10 to 11 a.m. Come as you are and move the way that works for you. Join as many or as few sessions as you like. Remember to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.  Terrain is paved and flat. Flossmoor Public Library program coordinator will meet you at the entrance to record your participation. If you attend two or more sessions you are eligible for a prize but you must check in prior to walk to be eligible. The Pacers walk every other Friday through July 24.

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.

Plant a Memory Senior Social Hour. Seniors are invited to stop by the meeting room in Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, from 1 to 2 p.m. for pleasant conversation and light refreshments. The theme is gardens, plants and growth, but no experience is necessary.

Friday Crafting Hour. Teens aged 10 to 18 can stop by the Attic at Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave., from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. to learn how to make earrings, sew a squishy or create something completely new in the makerspace. Every crafting hour will have a focused activity for anyone looking for a little inspiration, but you can come up with your own project, too. Register here.

Pride Fest. Homewood-Flossmoor Park District, in partnership with the villages of Flossmoor and Homewood, will host the annual community-wide Pride celebration in Flossmoor Park starting at 5 p.m. The free party will include live music, food trucks, vendors and fun. Bel Canto Community Choir will perform, followed by Beyond The Blonde.

Drama Group Presents ‘Clyde’s.’ The Drama Group’s production of Tony Award-winning “Clyde’s” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. at Milord Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. This show has an R rating for strong language, adult themes and explicit sexual references. Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and members of the military, and $19 for students. Tickets are available online at dg.booktix.com. A fee is charged for online purchases. Tickets are also available through the Drama Group box office at 708-755-3444.

Saturday, June 13

Homewood Farmers Market. The market will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Martin Square between Chestnut and Ridge roads in downtown Homewood.

Barb & Dan’s Road Ride. A 25-mile fitness bike ride. Everyone stays together. Leaves GoodSpeed Cycles, 2125 W. 183rd St., every Saturday (weather permitting) at 8 a.m. Returns before 10 a.m. Pace dictated by the riders who show up. Explore our local streets and trail system with Barb & Dan Lawler.

Off-Leash Ride. A nine-mile bike ride at about a 9-to-10 mph pace every Saturday. Route includes Butterfield Creek bike path, Rovers Run and Izaak Walton Preserve. Starts at 8:30 a.m. from GoodSpeed Cycles, 2125 W. 183rd St. in Homewood. Ends back at the shop about 9:30 a.m. for donuts. Kid trailers welcome.

STEM Saturday. Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Highway, hosts its free weekly science play time for the whole family from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Play opportunities include Pixel Pegs, Nano, Early Math Counts Activities, Makerspace, Imagination Playground, Dinosaur Bones, LEGO Wall and more.

Book Brunch. Teens in grades 7 through 12 who think the two greatest things in life are food and reading are invited to The FORT in Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, from 10:30 a.m. to noon for breakfast and books, whether reading, discussing or just hanging out. Pop in for a minute or stay the whole time. Register here.

DIY Pinecone Bird Feeder. Kids ages 8 to 18 are invited to stop by the Attic in Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave., from 11 a.m. to noon for a hands-on, nature-inspired activity. Participants will create a simple, nature-friendly bird feeder by coating a pinecone with Sunbutter and rolling it in birdseed. The finished feeder can be hung outdoors, providing an easy and creative way to attract and support local birds. Register here.

Drama Group Presents ‘Clyde’s.’ The Drama Group’s production of Tony Award-winning “Clyde’s” will be presented at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Milord Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. This show has an R rating for strong language, adult themes and explicit sexual references. Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and members of the military, and $19 for students. Tickets are available online at dg.booktix.com. A fee is charged for online purchases. Tickets are also available through the Drama Group box office at 708-755-3444.

Sunday, June 14

Drama Group Presents ‘Clyde’s.’ The Drama Group’s production of Tony Award-winning “Clyde’s” will be presented at 2 p.m. at Milord Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights. This show has an R rating for strong language, adult themes and explicit sexual references. Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and members of the military, and $19 for students. Tickets are available online at dg.booktix.com. A fee is charged for online purchases. Tickets are also available through the Drama Group box office at 708-755-3444.

Plan ahead

Monday, June 15

Chicago Playback Theatre and HF PFLAG Presents: Amplify Queer Joy. Chicago Playback Theatre Ensemble will bring queer joy to the forefront by bringing true stories of queer love, laughter, resilience, connection, and healing to life through the art of Playback Theatre, an interactive form of improvisational theatre focusing on stories from the audience. The show will start at 7 p.m. in the Helen Wilson Meeting Room at Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave., but crafts and refreshments will be available at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 16

Homewood TOD Development Community Meeting. Holladay Properties, the developer chosen by the Homewood Board of Trustees to pursue the construction of two buildings in the downtown area, including one on the site of the current village hall parking lot and the other at 2066 Ridge Road, will hold an open house-style community meeting to answer questions about its plans and gather feedback from residents. The meeting will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Highway.

Wednesday, June 17

Petting Zoo. Little Starr Farm will bring animals to Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center, 20000 Western Ave., from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., giving kids a chance to see, pet and feed farm animals. Registration $7 per person for H-F Park District residents, $9 per person for non-residents. Click here to register.

Friday, June 19

Juneteenth Parade and Block Party. You Matter 2 will present a day of celebration, culture, and community at the fifth annual Juneteenth Parade and Block Party in Flossmoor. The day kicks off with a parade at 10 a.m. featuring local groups, performers, and businesses, followed by a block party in the commuter lot at 2616 Sterling Ave. filled with music, food, games and connection. 

Monday, June 22

Dungeons & Dragons Camp. Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Highway, will host a D&D camp for kids aged 8 to 12. Camp meets from 4 to 6 p.m. each day through Thursday, June 25. Fee is $100 per child. Register here.

Friday, June 26

Coffee with a Cop. Flossmoor police officers will be available for informal conversation with residents from 10 a.m. to noon in front of Yesterday’s Gentlemen Barbershoppe at the corner of Park Drive and Central Drive in downtown Flossmoor.

Saturday, June 27

Dancing Away Domestic Violence. The annual fundraiser for Anew: Building Beyond Violence & Abuse, will be from 3 to 6 p.m. at Our Lady of the Heights gym at St. Kieran Parish, 724 195th St., Chicago Heights. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and younger; kids 5 and younger are free. An event T-shirt is $12. All proceeds benefit Anew’s programs. Tickets can be purchased here.

Saturday, July 4

Flossmoor Children’s Independence Day Parade. The annual parade of decorated bikes, wagons and scooters will begin at 10 a.m. in the village hall parking lot, 2800 Flossmoor Road. Line up will start at 9:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Flossmoor Volunteer Fire Corporation.

Homewood 4th of July Parade. The parade will start at 10 a.m. from St. John Neumann’s parking lot in the 17900 block of Dixie Highway, turn east on Ridge Road, and end at Izaak Walton Preserve, 1100 Ridge Road.

Wednesday, July 8

Flossmoor Public Sculpture Tour. The tour will begin at 6 p.m. in the South Commuter Lot on Sterling Road south of Flossmoor Road and will be guided by members of the Public Art Commission, an enlightening tour of part of Flossmoor’s public art collection.

Monday, July 20

Hobo Jungle. The annual summer camp will have sessions from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. from July 20 through July 31 at Flossmoor Park. Kids will learn how to use basic carpentry tools while building full-size, themed structures. Safety is stressed and reinforced. Campers will spend part of their day in the construction area and the rest playing organized games. For kids ages 7 to 13. Fee is $159 for H-F Park District residents, $189 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Thursday, July 23

Summer Fest. Homewood Science Center’s annual fundraiser will celebrate the center’s 10th anniversary from 6 to 10 p.m. at Idlewild Country Club. Purchase tickets before July 4 to get early bird prices.

Wednesday, July 29

IPO Chamber Night. The annual evening of music and shopping in downtown Flossmoor will begin at 5 p.m. The Bel Canto Community Choir will sing, followed by a group from the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra that will perform “Bridgerton“-inspired music. Food vendors, local refreshments and an auction of plein air paintings.

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