Celebrate Girls in STEM
Learn about girls in STEM, and watch an episode of the PBS TV show SciGirls, from 4 to 5 p.m. on March 22 at the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd.
Mayor, Commissioner Candidate Forums
The Forest Park Review and the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce and Development will hold a candidate forum for village commissioner and mayor candidates at 6:30 p.m. on March 21 at Forest Park Middle School, 925 Beloit Ave. Please submit any questions you would like candidates to answer to Nona Tepper, staff reporter at the Review, at ntepper@wjinc.com.
Author Discussion and Signing with Michael Black
Discuss author Michael Black’s “Executioner: A Dying Art” from 2 to 4 p.m. on March 23 at Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 Madison St.
Reading Awake Book Discussion
Join fellow book lovers in discussing “Educated” by author Tara Westover, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on March 27 at the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd.
March to Wellness Health & Resource Fair
More than 50 area service providers will gather from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 23 at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church, 1246 S. Harvey Ave. in Berwyn, to offer information to attendees. Immigration service firms, medical insurance providers, healthcare clinics and more will be on hand.
Tween/ Teen Movie Night
Teens can enjoy dinner and a screening of PG-13 movie from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. on March 22 at the Park District of Forest Park, 7501 Harrison St. Tickets $7 for residents, $10 for non-residents.
Shark Tank Casting
Popular TV series Shark Tank will be looking for entrepreneurs to appear on its 11th season from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 21 at the Carver Innovation Center, 7600 Roosevelt Rd.
Horseshoe Casino
Join the Howard Mohr Community Center for a trip to Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 27. Cost $35 residents, $39 for non-residents. Reservations required. Call the Howard Mohr Community Center at 708-771-7737 to sign up.
Celebrate local history, get engaged with the present
Join the Historical Society of Forest Park for their first-ever History and Community Festival, from 1 to 3 p.m. on March 23 at the Park District of Forest Park, 7501 Harrison St.
“It’s a friend-raiser, just getting people to come out and get to know us and see what we’re doing,” said Alexis Ellers, director of the historical society.
Ellers said the group originally thought of modeling the celebration after a birthday party for the village—and calling it “Land Grant Day,” after when the federal government first recognized the village—but then realized Forest Park’s history started before then.
“Land Grant Day’ was not inclusive enough to Native American history, because obviously history started way before ‘Land Grant Day,'” Ellers said.
The event will also feature various community organizations like the Forest Park Baptist Church, Harlem Maenner-und Damenchor, Forest Park Review and more. Organizations interested in participating should email forestparkhistory1975@gmail.com.
The historical society will also display its collection, including its 1923 Chamber of Commerce quilt, and will be collecting oral histories from attendees. A kids booth featuring temporary tattoos, face painting, and “Forest Parkopoly” will be available. Special guest Abraham Lincoln will even make an appearance.
Attendance is free but donations are welcome. RSVP at https://bit.ly/2WaEmup.
“We just wanted to celebrate Forest Park in general, get the community together, get people to come out and get to know us more and use as an opportunity for other community organizations to get to know people and bring out their history in Forest Park,” Ellers said.
Calendar Events
As 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.
