11th Annual Chili Cook Off
Opportunity Knocks will host its 11th Annual Chili Cookoff from 12 to 5 p.m. on Jan. 20 at Fitzgerald’s, 6615 Roosevelt Rd. in Berwyn. Cost is $50 to enter your chili in the competition, $30 to attend and children 12 and under are free. Proceeds will benefit Opportunity Knocks, a nonprofit that supports those with developmental disabilities. Contest winner will receive a cash prize. Cookoff will also include a “fun zone” for kids and will stream the NFL Playoff game. Register online at opportunityknocksnow.org.
Food Drive
Western Front Resist and the Forest Park Food Pantry will hold a food drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 19 at the Howard Mohr Community Center, 7640 Jackson Blvd. Western Front Resist is an Indivisible group. The organizations are seeking non-perishable food items, particularly pasta, tuna, canned fruit, and more. Those interested in donating should drop off items at the Jackson Boulevard entrance. For more information, email westernfrontresist@gmail.com.
Do You Want to Build a Snow Man?
Snow-permitting, the Park District of Forest Park will be hosting a snowman building contest. Gather family and friends and build the best snowman in town at 11 a.m. on Jan. 19. The event is free but the park district requests individuals pre-register online at fppl.org or at the Park District office, 7501 Harrison St. The Park District of Forest Park Foundation will provide free hot cocoa.
Kinky Boots
Join officials from the Howard Mohr Community Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 23 as they travel to the Cadillac Theatre in Chicago for Kinky Boots, a play that stretches from a shoe factory in Northhampton to the catwalks of Milan. Lunch included at Hamburger Mary’s in Chicago. Cash bar available. $94 residents; $98 non-residents. Reservations required. Call the community center at 708-771-7737 to reserve your space.
Explore Forest Park: C & S Roasters and Philosophy Coffee
Join officials from the Forest Park Public Library for a tour of C & S Roaster Company led by CEO Peter Deo. See how coffee is roasted and enjoy a tasting. Fun runs from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Jan. 19 at 7650 Industrial Drive.
Reading Awake Book Group: The Hate U Give
Join fellow book lovers for a discussion of the best-selling “The Hate U Give” young-adult novel, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 23 at the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd. Check out a copy of the book at the library’s Patron Services desk.
Trivia Night
Join officials from the Forest Park Public Library for trivia night at The Beacon Pub. Compete as a team of five or less to win prizes. Members must be age 21 or older. Fun runs from 7 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 24 at The Beacon Pub, 101 Circle Ave.
Movie Night
Teens and tweens are invited to the Park District of Forest Park for a movie night from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. on Jan. 18 in Building Four at 7501 Harrison Ave. A hot dog or pizza dinner will be provided, in addition to popcorn. Teens enrolled in fifth through eighth grade are invited. Residents $7; non-residents $10.
How to Perform Market Research
Officials from the Forest Park Public Library and the Women’s Business Development Center will review how to perform research methods to discover and size up your market. Fun runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 17 at the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd.
Potawatomi Casino
Join the Howard Mohr Community Center for a trip to the Potawatomi Casino in Wisconsin from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 30. Try your hand at machines that’s cost to play range from a penny to $100 per game. Cost $40 resident; $44 non-resident. Attendees will receive a $10 slot credit and $10 lunch credit, as well as round-trip transportation. To participate, you must have a valid state ID or driver’s license. Reservations required. Call the community center at 708-771-7737 to reserve your space.
The Mystery Discussion Group
Join fellow mystery lovers for a discussion of author Jack Frederickson’s “A Good Place for Dying” from 2 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 19 at Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 Madison St.
Calendar Events
νs you’ve likely noticed, our Calendar has changed to Big Week. Fewer items, higher profile. If you would like your event to be featured here, please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published. We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights.
Email calendar@wjinc.com.
