COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Listings are subject to change. Please call the venue in advance.
Thursday, Aug. 16
Free Balance Enhancement and Fall Prevention Screening: At The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago’s Brain and Balance Clinic at Silver Cross Hospital, physical therapists conduct free 15-minute screenings year round to assist with balance enhancement and fall prevention. 8 a.m. Thursday, Silver Cross Medical Center West, 1051 Essington Rd., Joliet, free, 815-300-6580.
Blood Drive: Stop by Trinity Services between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday to donate blood through LifeSource. See website for more information. 9 a.m. Thursday, Trinity Services Inc., 301 Veterans Pkwy, New Lenox, free, 877543-3768.
Needlecraft Club: If you love crafting and would like to meet new people, bring your needlework or any craft project. Come to work on your project, and sit back and enjoy chatting and sharing skills with other crafters. All meetings are held the last Thursday of each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Acorn Public Library District, 15624 Central Ave., Oak Forest, free, 708-687-3700.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten: Encourage early literacy by sharing stories together. Parents and caregivers, are you up to the challenge of reading 1000 books to your child before kindergarten? Register at the Youth Services desk to meet milestones and earn incentives. 9 a.m. Thursday, Orland Park Public Library, 14921 Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, free, 708-4285127.
#Skills Sports: Soccer with Justin: Get into the full spirit of this international sport of soccer or “football.” Justin, a Bridge staff and former college soccer player, coaches attendees on how to improve their dribbling skills and ball control. *For this program, students walk to an offsite location—to 6850 W. 159th Street in Tinley Park. Must have “Permission to Transport” indicated on Student Membership Application. This is open to 7th-12th graders, free with student membership application on file. There are no residency restrictions to attend Bridge programs, however, students must meet all eligibility requirements and adhere to their Code of Conduct. 4 p.m. Thursday, The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 71st Ct., Orland Park, free, 708-532-0500.
Friday, Aug. 17
Concerts on the Green: Bring your sports chairs, blankets, coolers, food, and your favorite beverage for a relaxing, enjoyable night out with your neighbors and friends. 7 p.m. Friday, Burr Ridge Village Center, 701 Village Center Drive, Burr Ridge, free, 630654-2782.
Videogame Club: Children in K-8th grades can drop in to play some multiplayer Nintendo games with friends. 3:30 p.m. Friday, Orland Park Public Library, 14921 Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, free, 708-428-5100.
Saturday, Aug. 18
Yoga on the Green: Join in for a free yoga class on the green at the Burr Ridge Village center. 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Burr Ridge Village Center, 701 Village Center Dr., Burr Ridge, free, 630-654-2782.
Homewood Farmers Market: Shop for local produce, cheese, bread, jam, salsas and sauces. 8 a.m. Saturday, Homewood Village Hall, 2020 Chestnut Rd., Homewood, free, 708-7983000.
Homewood’s Giant Block Party: This year’s Block Party theme is commemorating the Village’s 125th anniversary by celebrating the history of Homewood neighborhoods. Entertainment includes music by kiddie favorite Scribble Monster, teen rock band Timeless, classic rock sounds of Undercover and R&B and soul hits by The Hush Train. Homewood Historical Society members share fun facts; Homewood Science Center hosts a PopUp Science “Bubble Bash” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the HSC location. See the website for the many other familyfriendly activities. noon Saturday, Downtown Homewood, 2026 Ridge Road, Homewood, free, 708-798-3000.
BINGO: Join in for coffee and bingo in the afternoon. Registration is not required, but space is limited. 2 p.m. Saturday, Orland Park Public Library, 14921 Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, free, 708-428-5100.
Park Forest Farmers Market: Shop for flowers, fruits, vegetables, baked goods, herbs, dairy products, artwork, garden ornaments, jewelry and more. 7 a.m. Saturday, Downtown Park Forest, 271 Lakewood Blvd., Park Forest, free, 708-748-1118. South Holland Farmers Market: Shop for locally grown vegetables and fruits, olive oils, baked goods, candles, soaps and more. 9 a.m. Saturday, Downtown South Holland, 162nd Street and South Park Avenue, South Holland, free, 708-210-2900.
Tinley Park Farmers Market: Shop for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Zabrocki Plaza, 17300 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park, free.
Sunday, Aug. 19
Berwyn Township Farmers Market: The Berwyn Township and Berwyn Public Health District host the annual Farmer’s Market offering residents a variety of fresh and prepared foods while supporting local farmers, small businesses as well as the local economy. The Farmers’ Market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday. Note, no Farmer’s Market on Labor Day weekend. The first market of the season features Friendly Farms Petting Zoo and their array of goats, sheep, ducks, geese, chickens, and a pot-bellied pig. Visit their website or “Like” on Facebook (Berwyn Township Farmer’s Market) or contact a Berwyn Township staff member by calling. 9 a.m. Sunday, Lesak Park, 6600 W. 26th St, Berwyn, free, 708-788-6600.
The Jazz Community Big Band: Dancers, this ones for you! Jazz Community is an 18-piece big band playing the music of Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Thad Jones, Duke Ellington and many others. For advance tickets or information, call Herta at 708-672-3561. Note: there is a hardwood dance floor, drinks available for purchase and free parking. 2 p.m. Sunday, Glendora House, 10225 Harlem Avenue, Chicago Ridge, $18 advanced; $20 at door, 708-672-3561.
Rock Band for Kids: Kidzrock is a music lessons program that teaches children as young as 4 how to play an instrument in the setting of a real rock band. Band members rotate on drums, electric guitar, and keyboard as they prepare to sing and play in a rock concert, using simple music patterns. All instruments are provided by Kidzrock and there are no practice expectations outside of the class. 3 p.m. Sunday, The Music Connection, 9370 W. Laraway Road, Frankfort, $100.
Plainfield Farmers Market: Shop for fruits, vegetables, flowers and handmade crafts from local vendors. noon Sunday, Downtown Plainfield, Route 59 and Lockport Road, Plainfield, free, 630-608-7344.
Monday, Aug. 20
Tween Microwave Cooking: Create and taste a new microwave recipe you can take home with you every month. All the materials are provided, but registration is required. For more information, call the library. 3 p.m. Monday, Crete Public Library, 1177 Main Street, Crete, free, 708-672-8017.
Ageless Grace for August: Learn anti-aging techniques such as joint mobility and spinal flexibility that focus on the healthy longevity of the body, mind, emotional, and spirit. All of the exercises are designed to be practiced in a chair, and they consist of movements that are natural — there’s no need to learn any special choreography. All ages and abilities are welcome. 3 p.m. Monday, Acorn Public Library District, 15624 Central Ave., Oak Forest, free, 708-687-3700.
5-Week Exercise Series for Stroke Survivors: The Advocate Brain and Spine Institute Outpatient Rehabilitation Services at Advocate Christ Medical Center holds a five-week exercise series for people who have suffered a stroke. Classes are held on consecutive Mondays from 6-7 p.m. Weekly schedule — Aug. 20: Initial Screenings to assess current level of functionality (Special meeting time: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.); Aug. 27: Lower extremity focus; Sept. 10: Upper extremity focus; Sept. 17: Balance; and Sept. 24: Endurance/ wrap-up session. To register, visit the event website and enter Class Code 1C67. 6 p.m. Monday, Advocate Christ Medical Center, 4440 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn, free, 708-684-5060.
eBooks, eMagazines, eReaders, Oh My: If you have too many devices to learn, or can’t remember what app you need, come drop by the Adult Services reference desk for a one-on-one lesson with an available librarian. Please be sure to bring your device(s) with you and have your account log-in information on hand so we can best assist you. 2 p.m. Monday, Orland Park Public Library, 14921 Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, free, 708-428-5171.
3D Modeling: 3D Printing is a service offered by the library, but before you print something, you need to learn how to model and render the object you want to print. Learn about free 3D modeling software available and what you need to do to bring your 3D ideas to life. 11:30 a.m. Monday, Orland Park Public Library, 14921 Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, free, 708-428-5171.
Toatmasters of Palos Heights: Toastmasters of Palos Heights focus is to help people fulfill their potential, aiding them to gain the skills and confidence they need to express themselves effectively in any situation. This is a fun, energetic group of very supportive people. 6:30 p.m. Monday, Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave., Palos Heights, free, 708-480-2112.
Chicago By Any Other Name : For many of us Midwesterners, Chicago is exactly our kind of town! The Art Institute of Chicago’s Lucas Livingston returns to share stories of the Second City and its many unique and prominent nicknames. Sign up begins July 20 at the Checkout Desk, online at tplibrary.org, or by calling. 7 p.m. Monday, Tinley Park Public Library, 7851 Timber Drive, Tinley Park, free, 708-532-0160.
Tuesday, Aug. 21
Lemont Farmers Market: Shop for fresh fruits, veggies, pastries, bread, soaps, salsa, birdhouses, crafts and more at the weekly market that runs through October. 8 a.m. Tuesday, Talcott Square, Talcott St. and Stephen St., Lemont, free, 630-243-2700.
Adult Book Discussion: Adults, please join us as we discuss “Killers of the Flower Moon” by David Grann. 10 a.m. Tuesday, Orland Park Public Library, 14921 Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, free, 708-428-5151.
Project Give: Letters to Veterans: Honor a veteran and his family by sending them messages of gratitude and encouragement – just think how powerful positive words can be! Community service hours are given. This is open to 7th-12th graders, free with student membership application on file. There are no residency restrictions to attend Bridge programs, however, students must meet all eligibility requirements and adhere to their Code of Conduct. 5 p.m. Tuesday, The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 71st Ct., Orland Park, free, 708532-0500.
#Skills: Lashes and Hair - Girls Only with Melanie: Practice enhancing your beautiful eyelashes with lash aficionado, Melanie, one of the staff at The Bridge. Learn how to wear and take care of different hairstyles and multi-cultural hair textures. All ladies are welcome! This is open to 7th-12th graders, free with student membership application on file. There are no residency restrictions to attend Bridge programs, however, students must meet all eligibility requirements and adhere to their Code of Conduct. 4 p.m. Tuesday, The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 71st Court, Orland Park, free, 708-532-0500.
Teen Trivia Night : Test your knowledge in this friendly trivia competition. Signup begins July 20 at the Checkout Desk, online at tplibrary.org, or by calling. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Tinley Park Public Library, 7851 Timber Drive, Tinley Park, free, 708-532-0160.
Wednesday, Aug. 22
Thirsty Boots: Grab a lawn chair and enjoy the free concert. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Bolingbrook Performing Arts Center, 375 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook, free, 630-226-8400.
Joliet Farmers Market: Shop for locally-grown produce, eggs, noodles, jams and jellies, baked goods, specialty teas and coffee, flowers, candles and more. 8 a.m. Wednesday, Chicago and Van Buren Streets, 116 N. Chicago St., Joliet, free, 815-774-6066.
Obesity and Health: Weight Loss Surgery Right for You: Find out who may be a candidate for these weight loss procedures as you hear Drs. Christopher Joyce and Brian Lahmann. They are experienced gastric bypass surgeons with Bariatric & Minimally Invasive (BMI) Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital. Learn about the advantages and risks of traditional and laparoscopic bariatric weight loss surgery, including the ReShape gastric balloon placement, gastric sleeve, and the Realize and Lap-Band gastric band systems. 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, BMI Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd #260, New Lenox, free, 815-717-8744.
Board Game Night: Adults, join in for a casual-atmosphere program for rediscovering the fun of good old-fashioned gaming. Bring your own or try the library’s games. 6 p.m. Wednesday, Orland Park Public Library, 14921 Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, free, 708-428-5100.
How To Be A “Morning Person” with Morgan: Morgan will help you plan enough time in the morning to get ready to look your best, eat a healthy breakfast or workout to feel great, or do something you enjoy. Free for seventh through 12th graders. 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 71st Ct., Orland Park, free, 708-532-0500.
Palos Heights Farmers Market: Shop for seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs at the weekly market. Local organizations and children’s events at Community Tent. 8 a.m. Wednesday, Palos Heights Municipal Parking Lot, 12217 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, free, 708203-6631.