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The Weeks | Oct. 12: 183rd Street project update, Halloween events, Walk Walton, Universal monsters, boxing for teens, lacrosse lesson, Flossmoor tree planting

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Homewood Board of Trustees will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, in village hall, 2020 Chestnut Road. The agenda is available here. The livestream of the meeting will be available here. Use meeting ID  980 4907 6232, passcode 830183.

Highlights:

  • Staff will present an update and options on the proposed conversion of 183rd Street east of Dixie Highway from four lanes to three motor vehicle lanes plus two bike lanes.
  • Consider accepting the audit for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. 
  •  Consider a request for a Class 2 liquor license for Berkot’s Super Foods, which has a contract to purchase Walt’s Food Center at 2345 183rd St. Walt’s currently has a Class 2 liquor license, which permits the retail sale of any alcoholic liquor in the original package only for off-premises consumption.
  • Consider a resolution approving a transfer of jurisdiction over Harwood Avenue from Pine Road to 183rd Street from the state to the village. The board approved the transfer previously, but the state requested a revision to the agreement and a formal resolution.  

Flossmoor School District 161 Board of Education will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Normandy Villa, 41 E. Elmwood Drive, Chicago Heights. The agenda is available here. The livestream of the meeting will be available here.

Homewood School District 153 Board of Education will hold a public hearing on a proposal to issue fire prevention and safety bonds at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, in the James Hart School media center, 18220 Morgan St., followed by the regular meeting. The public hearing agenda is available here. The regular meeting agenda is available here.

Flossmoor Public Library Board of Trustees will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, in the library, 1000 Sterling Ave. The agenda is available here.

Highlight:

  • Consider the 2025 tax levy.

Homewood Public Library Board of Trustees will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, in the library, 17917 Dixie Highway. The agenda is available here.

Homewood Appearance Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, in village hall, 2020 Chestnut Road. The agenda is available here. The livestream of the meeting will be available here. Use meeting ID 844 1118 8079, passcode 170845.

Highlight:

  • Consider exterior changes, including landscaping, signage and facade improvements, to Park West Plaza,  3003-3029 W. 183rd St. 

Notices

Flossmoor Offices Closed. Flossmoor village hall and public works building will be closed Monday, Oct. 13, so staff can perform a records-keeping work day. The Flossmoor police and fire departments will remain open. Public works will reopen at 7 a.m. and village hall at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Haunted Homewood Halloween House Decorating Contest. The deadline to enter is noon on Monday, Oct. 20. Judging will occur between 6 and 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, Oct. 28. Decorations will be judged in three categories: scariest, child friendly and most creative theme. Winners will receive a $50 Aurelio’s gift card and a yard sign to brag of their spooky creations. Open to all Homewood residents (excluding village employees and elected officials). Decorations must be family friendly, PG-rated, and visible from the street. Register here.

Flossmoor Streetscape Update. D Construction finished repainting the street light poles and filled the planters with topsoil last week. The crew will plant trees when they are released from the nursery by IDOT. Pavement marking is expected to be done this week. That will require temporary parking restrictions throughout the area. Benches, bike racks and trash receptacles will be installed.

Monday, Oct. 13

Rubik’s Event. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will host a Rubik’s Cube event from 3 to 4 p.m. It all about twisting, turning and triumphing over the Rubik’s Cube. The library will offer various puzzles to try, a “design-your-own” Cube station and timed competitions. For anyone in third grade or up.

Tuesday, Oct. 14

Community Bonfire. From 6 to 8 p.m. the H-F Park District will host marshmallow roasting  and meeting neighbors at Cedar Park, 1811 Cedar Road in Homewood. The park district will provide the standard s’more materials, but please feel welcome to bring any other ingredients you’d like to add.

Wednesday, Oct. 15

Little Red Donut Truck. There will be apple cider mini-donuts made on site from 3 to 6 p.m. in the James Hart School/H-F Sports Complex parking lot, 18220 Aberdeen St. in Homewood. Proceeds benefit the school.

Manga Club for Teens. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will host a meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the FORT for teens who love manga.

Thursday, Oct. 16

Chess Club for All. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will host an hour of fun playing chess from 4 to 5 p.m. Practice skills or learn the basics of playing the game. The club is for all ages.

Witches’ Night Out. Homewood Business Association will host its annual Halloween event in downtown Homewood from 5 to 8 p.m. Shoppers are encouraged to don their best witch costume. The organization will hand out 100 bag-totes filled with promotional items from member businesses.

Witch’s Pour: A Haunted Cocktail Workshop. H-F Park District will host a Halloween-themed mixology class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Irwin Community Center, 18120 Highland Ave. in Homewood. Participants will create three seasonal drinks — each one creepier and tastier than the last. Tools, ingredients and even some ghoulishly good snacks will be provided. For anyone 21 or over. Fee is $64 for park district residents, $89 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Teen Movie Club. Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, will host a showing of “Godzilla” (2014, rated PG13) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy pizza and a movie with friends. Registration is required.

Birth of Universal Monsters. Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave., will host a session on Universal Pictures horror films released between 1913–1956. 

Friday, Oct. 17

Social Determinants of Health Panel Discussions. The Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce is hosting the annual Social Determinants of Health event from 8 a.m. to noon at Moraine Valley Community College, Building M. Speakers will include healthcare leaders, educators and community partners who will discuss housing and economic stability, social support networks and digital access and how those issues impact health outcomes in the South Suburbs. Register here.

Saturday, Oct. 18

No Kings Homewood. A local event on the day of nationwide protests against authoritarian federal policies from 1 to 3 p.m. at the veterans memorial, 18161 Morris Ave. in Homewood. Organizers invite every to bring your signs, chant, chalk, wear costumes, and anything else that helps peacefully resist. This is a family friendly event, so signs should take that into account.

Flossmoor Tree Planting. Flossmoor is looking for volunteers to help with the fall tree planting project from 8 to 11 a.m. Volunteers will meet at village hall, 2800 Flossmoor Road to partner with public works staff and Flossmoor Green Commission members to help plant new trees in parkways and on village properties. Bring a shovel, work gloves, closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather. Kids under age 16 are welcome, but must be accompanied by a volunteering adult, and all volunteers must be prepared to get to other locations in town. Sign up here.

Lacrosse Clinic. The H-F Park District will host a beginner-friendly lacrosse clinic from 3 to 5 p.m. for kids who are 8 or 9 years old in the Lions open space near the pool, 1041 Ridge Road in Homewood. Perfect for newcomers or those looking to brush up on fundamentals. Participants will learn essential skills like passing, catching, cradling and shooting. Fee is $10 for park district residents, $12 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Boxing for Teens. Every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. through Nov. 8 at the H-F Racquet & Fitness Club. The class is designed to build confidence and self-esteem through boxing-training. Participants will be taught with age-appropriate drills, exercises, focusing on teamwork and positive peer interaction. The class will cover basic punches, footwork, and defensive techniques. Bring wraps and gloves. For kids aged 12 through 17. Fee is $60 for H-F Park District residents, $85 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Groovin’ Greens & Halloween. The Center for Food Equity in Medicine will host a Dining for Equity fundraiser at 6 p.m. in the FCC Community House, 847 Hutchison Road in Flossmoor. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased here. Included: a buffet-style dinner, DJ, prizes for best dressed, so come decked out in your finest green or rockin’ something festive for Halloween. All proceeds support families in need of food while fighting serious illness.

Babysitters Training. The H-F Park District will host a class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for teens aged 11 through 15 at Irwin Community Center, 18120 Highland Ave. The class will focus on providing youth who are planning to babysit with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly provide care for children and infants in the absence of parents. The session will help participants to develop leadership skills; learn how to develop a babysitting business; keep themselves and others safe; help children behave; and learn about basic childcare and basic first aid. Certification for this class includes participant workbook, training materials as well as an American Red Cross Babysitters Training certificate. Fee is $85 for park district residents, $105 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Chicago Knockouts Roller Derby. Two bouts on one day. Tusslers vs. Scrappers face off at 5 p.m. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Brawlers Bout will start at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Adult tickets $12, youth tickets $8. Accessible seating available and reserved at no extra charge.
For more information or to buy tickets, visit chicagoknockouts.com.

STEM Saturday. Science play and learning from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Highway.

Barb & Dan’s Road Ride. Riders of all experience levels can join the group which leaves at 8 a.m. from GoodSpeed Cycles, 2125 183rd St. in Homewood. There is a no-drop group that rides about 20 miles and stronger riders sometimes go farther. Helmets required, daytime lights strongly recommended.

Off-leash Ride. A leisurely just-riding-around nine-mile ride every Saturday. Route includes Butterfield Creek bike path, Rovers Run and Izaak Walton Preserve. Starts at GoodSpeed Cycles, 2125 183rd St., at 8:30 a.m. sharp, ends back at the shop 9:45ish for donuts.

Sunday, Oct. 19

Walk Walton. Homewood Science Center’s annual outdoor fest will take place at the Izaak Walton Preserve in Homewood, 1100 Ridge Road, rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be guided nature activities, a hands-on conservation project led by HSC’s Conservation Ecology Interns, STEM activities inside the preserve’s Black Bear Lodge, the Illinois Natural History Survey’s Traveling Exhibit, an Insect Petting Zoo, spooky slimy science and the pumpkin patch and Jack-O-Lantern decorating table. Tickets are available at homewoodsciencecenter.org. Tickets are $5. The fee includes a backpack, pumpkin and decorating kit. Senior citizens are welcome to join the fun for free, but are asked to reserve a ticket to help staff make accurate plans for the event.

Boxing for Teens. Every Sunday from 9 to 10 a.m. through Nov. 9 at the H-F Racquet & Fitness Club. The class is designed to build confidence and self-esteem through boxing-training. Participants will be taught with age-appropriate drills, exercises, focusing on teamwork and positive peer interaction. The class will cover basic punches, footwork, and defensive techniques. Bring wraps and gloves. For kids aged 12 through 17. Fee is $60 for H-F Park District residents, $85 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Magical Menagerie Market. Thornton Distilling, 400 E. Margaret St. in Thornton, will host from noon to 6 p.m. a day of eerie enchantments, strange delights and shadows that stretch a little too long. The Halloween market will include more than 30 vendors; haunted well tour; cosplay creatures; tarot, astrology, rune, and bone readings; mediumship sessions and more. Parking and entry are free.

Plan ahead

Friday, Oct. 24

Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt. Sign up for 6, 6:30, or 7 p.m. time slots to hunt pumpkins in the Irons Oaks woodland pumpkin patch. There will be fun and games along the trail. Do a spooky craft and enjoy a sweet treat. Participants must be accompanied by a non-paying adult. Each child needs to register for the program. Bring your flashlight. Costumes are optional but encouraged. For ages 3 to 12. Fee is $12 for H-F Park District residents, $15 for non-residents. Click here to register.

Chastity Brown at Thornton Distillery. Trail Mix Roots Music Series will feature a performance by Chastity Brown starting at 7 p.m. in Cooper’s Hall at Thornton Distilling, 400 E. Margaret St. in Thornton. Opening artist will be singer songwriter, cello and guitar player Adela. Order tickets here.

Saturday, Oct. 25

Trick or Treat Trail. H-F Park District will host the annual trick or treat event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Millennium Park, 18600 Harwood Ave. in Homewood. Registration is free for park district residents, $2 for non-residents. Morning spots are full. There are still spots available from 1:15 to 1:45 p.m.

Bark or Treat. Downtown Flossmoor businesses will be hosting a spooky day for pets. Check in at Flossmoor Station caboose deck at 3 p.m. The pet costume parade through downtown Flossmoor will begin at 4 p.m. DJ Phil Lee will announce the costume competition. Spooky Night at the Caboose will begin at 6 p.m. Register here. 

Family Spooky Skate. H-F Park District will host a spooky skate session from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the H-F Ice Arena, 777 Kedzie Ave. in Flossmoor. Admission is $7, skate rental is $5. Half-price admission for those in costume. Best costume wins a prize.

Tuesday, Oct. 28

Family Pumpkin Carving & Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee. Carve pumpkins from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Irwin Community Center band shell, 18120 Highland Ave. in Homewood. Each registered participant gets one pumpkin, all carving and decorating materials, and a photo-op with the collective pumpkins. Take your pumpkin home after the event. Fee is $10 for H-F Park District residents, $15 for non-residents. Click here to register

Thursday, Oct. 30

Thornton Township Trunk or Treat. Local organizations are invited to decorate a trunk, wear costumes and help create a fun event for area kids. The event will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, at Thornton Township Hall, 333 E. 162nd St., South Holland. To sign up or get more info, contact us call 708-596-6040 extension 3148 or email at [email protected].

Saturday, Nov. 1

Pumpkin Smash. Keep your jack o’ lanterns out of the landfill by bringing them to the annual pumpkin smash event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Coyote Run Golf Course, 800 Kedzie Ave. in Flossmoor. 

Tuesday, Nov. 11

Books Without Borders. The next book discussion will take place from 6:45 to 8 p.m. at Beyond Borders Café, 1036 Sterling Ave. in Flossmoor. The book is “Stamped – Racism, Antiracism, and You“ by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. It will be available at the Rock Shop, 18109 Dixie Highway in Homewood, and at www.bookshop.org. Everyone is welcome.

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