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The Weeks | June 21: Reimagine parking lot purpose, viaduct update, Community Band concert, garden art auction, Homewood block party, family campout

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THE WEEK >

Your government

Monday, June 22

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

Tuesday, June 23

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, meeting ID 980 4907 6232, passcode 830183.

Highlights:

  • Consider a three-year contract with Teamsters Union Local No. 700, which represents village clerks.
  • Consider a budget amendment to complete the village’s obligation under a sales tax sharing agreement with Ford of Homewood.
  • Consider a special use permit for Darshawn Hunter and Quanteisha Carter of Q and T Elegant Affairs to operate an event space at 18027 Dixie Highway.
  • Consider soliciting bids for village-owned property at 18157 Dixie Highway, formerly Repeat Boutique.

Wednesday, June 24

Village of Flossmoor and the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District will host a meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. open to the community to discuss a new future for the underutilized Flossmoor south commuter parking lot. The meeting will be in Flossmoor village hall, 2800 Flossmoor Road. The purpose of the meeting is to gather creative ideas, feedback and suggestions from the community on how to transform a majority of the current commuter parking lot into a vibrant, functional community space. For more information about the upcoming meeting, please contact the Village of Flossmoor at 708-798-2300 or Homewood-Flossmoor Park District at 708-957-0300.

Notices

Flossmoor Garden Art & More Online Auction. The auction to benefit the Flossmoor public art fund is open. It is an opportunity to support public art and add unique art to your collection. The auction is now open through Friday, July 10. Place bids here.

Stuff to do

Monday, June 22

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

Book Bedazzle. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will host a chance for kids in grades 3 through 6 to bring some sparkle to summer reading with a book bedazzle workshop from 2 to 3 p.m. in the meeting room. Bring your own book or take one provided. Register here.

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.

Tuesday, June 23

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. Register here.

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.

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.

Myths and Magic Book Club. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will host a discussion from 6 to 8 p.m. of “A Resistance of Witches” by Morgan Ryan. Books will be available for checkout at Circulation Services.

Open Mic. Bergstein’s NY Deli, 18064 Martin Ave. in Homewood, will host a storytelling open mic from 6 to 8 p.m.

Lassen’s Tuesday Trivia. Test your knowledge from 8 to 10 p.m. at 2131 W. 183rd St. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, June 24

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.

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.

Animal Encounters. Big Run Wolf Lodge will bring animals to Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center, 20000 Western Ave., from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Get a look at a Canadian lynx, armadillo, opossum and porcupine while learning fun facts about them. Fee is $7 for H-F Park District residents, $9 for non-residents. Register everyone who will attend 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. Register here.

The Knit Wits. New and experienced knitters in grades 3 through 6 are invited to the meeting room in Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, from 6 to 7 p.m. to start a new project or continue working on one. Register here.

Book Club. Discuss “My Husbands Wife” by Alice Feeney from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Beyond the Book, 18063 Dixie Highway.

Community Band Concert. The second band concert of the season will start at 7 p.m. in Irwin Park, 18120 Highland Ave. It will be an evening filled with great music, community spirit and summertime memories. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of free music under the stars.

Thursday, June 25

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.

Service Hour. Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave., is seeking teens who want to help out at the library. Volunteer projects include toy sanitation, supply organization and craft kit assembly. Meet in The Attic from 3 to 4 p.m.

Book Signing. Beyond the Book, 18063 Dixie Highway in Homewood, will host a signing from 6 to 8 p.m. of “Painting the Spirit” by Thomas E. Lockhart III. RSVP here.

Martin Square Block Party. From 6 to 10 p.m. downtown Homewood will be filled with shopping, food, sweet treats and summer fun, including karaoke with DJ Glenn David. Martin Square is on Martin Avenue between Ridge and Chestnut roads.

Rethinking the Prairie. Green Drinks will host Dale Bowman, who will present “Amish Farm to Prairie Appreciation,” looking at not only the Midewin Prairie but other sites in the immediate area. From 6 to 8 p.m. at Soundgrowler Brewing, 8201 183rd St. in Tinley Park.

Summer Movie Club. Teens are invited to The FORT in Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for movie night. This month’s movie is “Treasure Planet” (PG).

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.

Garden Club. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to seasoned gardeners, from 7 to 8 p.m. in the meeting room at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.

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.

Fiber Friends Drop-In. Knitters, crocheters, embroiderers and quilters are welcome to stop by the conference room at Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave., from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to share your projects with people of all skill levels. Bring your materials and group members can help you learn.

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.

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.

Gaming Night. Teens are invited to play games in The FORT, Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, from 6 to 8 p.m. Register here.

Family Campout Night. Izaak Walton Preserve, 1100 Ridge Road in Homewood, will host a family camping opportunity starting at 6 p.m. Tents can be set up in front of Blackbear Lodge. There will be a campfire going at sunset. Bathrooms will be available all night. A local string, folk, bluegrass music group may provide some informal music around dusk. Cost for members is $5 per tent, $10 per tent for non-members. No need to register in advance. The event will be cancelled if rainy or grounds are too wet.

Saturday, June 27

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.

Friends of the Library Sidewalk Sale. Find books for your summer reading list from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.

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.

Story Hike @ Irons Oaks. Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center, 20000 Western Ave., will host a story hike from 1 to 3 p.m. There will be a little craft to help you on your journey through “Let’s Go On a Hike” by Katrina Liu. Register here.

Genealogy 101. Donna Forbis will offer an introduction to basic genealogy from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Helen Wilson Meeting Room at Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave. Learn how to begin your family tree, locate key records and organize your findings. Registration is not required. 

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.

Sunday, June 28

Fido’s Landing Pivot Party. The dog rescue service is closing its location at 2207 W. 183rd St. and is holding an adoption event and sale from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be raffles to raise money for the organization’s medical program and sales of items in the building.

Paws in the Preserve. Izaak Walton Preserve, 1100 Ridge Road in Homewood, will host from 2 to 5 p.m. a nature-based, animal-centric, community event that will bring together local rescues, shelters, veterinarians, animal behaviorists, pet-oriented businesses and organizations to share accessible, holistic practices supporting the well-being, both physical and emotional, of our furry friends.

Plan ahead

Wednesday, July 1

Homewood Backyard BBQ. For some pre-4th of July fun, Homewood is offering a Backyard BBQ from 5 to 8 p.m. in the village hall parking lot, 2024 Chestnut Road. There will be food, music, games and family-friendly fun, plus a pie eating contest. Spots for the contest are limited, so register 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 parking 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.

Friday, July 10

America 250 Birthday Cookout. Homewood-Flossmoor Park District will host a cookout celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. at Homewood Estates Park, 18200 California Ave. It will be a fun-filled, family-friendly evening with grilled hot dogs, classic lawn games, caricatures and balloon twisters.

Flossmoor Station 30th Anniversary. Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery will celebrate three decades in business as one of the first microbreweries in the Chicago area. Stop by from 4 to 10 p.m. at 1035 Sterling Ave. for a cookout and live music.

Saturday, July 11

Christopher McBride at Trail Mix. Grammy winner and Homewood-Flossmoor High School alum Christopher McBride and his band will perform outdoors at 7 p.m. at the Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve. Opening set by the Homewood Flossmoor New Orleans Brass Band. Bring your lawn chairs and coolers. Food and drink concessions, including adult beverages from Flossmoor Station, will be available. Tickets available here.

Sunday, July 12

H-F Beast Obstacle Course Dash. From 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the H-F Racquet & Fitness Club, 2920 W. 183rd St., participants will be able to test themselves on an obstacle course. The dash for kids age 6 through 14 will involve eight obstacles and a one-mile run. For participants age 15 and up, there will be 16 obstacles and a two-mile run. Fee is $45 until July 10. After July 10 the fee is $50. Register here.

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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