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.