SOUTH HOLLAND

SSC basketball teams seek vendors for event

The South Suburban College men's and women's basketball teams are hosting a fundraiser and are looking for sellers and buyers for a one-day flea market.

The flea market will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the main campus in South Parking Lot E next to the Fitness Center. There is a $25 fee for vendors.

For more information, call (708) 596-2000, Ext. 2524.

PARK FOREST

Learn about prairie restoration, hiking trails

The Sauk Calumet Group of the Illinois Sierra Club will meet at 7:15 p.m. Oct. 8 in the Ringering Room of the Park Forest Library at Lakewood and Orchard Drive.

Volunteers Connie and Jerry Heinrich of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie will show slides and talk about the prairie restoration efforts and new hiking trails available at the 23,000-acre Midewin site, formerly known as the Joliet Arsenal.

Sierra Club meetings are free and open to the public. For details, call (708) 923-1550.

CALUMET CITY

Youth Explosion is first Tuesday of each month

Journey To Empowerment presents Community Youth Explosion from 7 to 10 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at Wendy's, 3 E. Sibley Blvd.

Music will be provided by DJ Ed "Getdown" Crosby and Lady Jai B from the prayze cafe radio show featured on 102.3 FM. Games, prizes and giveaways will be featured.

Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available. Call Valencia Ross at (708) 539-7978.

HOMEWOOD

Defensive driving class is available for seniors

The H-F Park District is accepting registration for its AARP Defensive Driving program for adults 55 and older.

Participants will learn current driving safety skills and receive practical tips for safer travel in an atmosphere that provides social interaction among their peers. Eight hours of class work on two consecutive days may make participants eligible for a reduced auto insurance rate.

The next session meets from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at the Irwin Center, 18120 Highland Ave. Registration fee is $10 per person.

For more information, call (708) 957-PARK or visit http://www.hfparks.com.

CALUMET CITY

Triva buffs can compete Saturday at St. Victor

Trivia Nite Out begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Victor Church Hall, Memorial Drive and Hirsch Avenue. There is a $5 entry fee, and cash prizes will be awarded. Attendees can bring or purchase snacks.

For more information, call (708) 862-1568.

UNIVERSITY PARK

GSU offers career fair for criminal justice grads

The Office of Career Services at Governors State University is sponsoring a criminal justice and public safety career fair from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9 in the Hall of Governors on campus, 1 University Parkway.

Prospective employers from the fields of law enforcement, public administration, and security services will meet with job candidates.

The career fair is open to current students, GSU alumni, and members of the community seeking employment in these fields. There is no charge for job seekers. Participants are advised to dress professionally and bring plenty of resumes.

For more information or to register, call (708) 235-3974 or e-mail career@govst.edu.

CALUMET CITY

Wado-Ki karate classes get started Wednesday

The next session of Wado-Ki karate will be offered by the Calumet Memorial Park District from 5:45 to 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 1 to Nov. 19.

This style of the ancient martial art for 4-year-olds through adults has specifically been designed by senseis Roger and Dotty Jerome to stress discipline, promote fitness and sharpen attention spans.

The fee is $35 per participant. Registration is required, and is now being taken at the Memorial Park Recreation Office, 612 Wentworth Ave.

For more information, call (708) 862-6443 or visit http://www.calumetmemorialparkdistrict.com.

LANSING

Library plans discussion on several banned books

In honor of Banned Book Week, which continues through Saturday, the Lansing Public Library will hold book discussions on various banned books for various age groups.

Register in advance.

For information, call (708) 474-2447.

CALUMET CITY

AARP chapter meets at 1 p.m. Wednesday

Calumet City Smiling Tower AARP chapter 4094 will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Thornton Township Senior Center, 1420 Huntington Drive.

The annual auction will take place. Members should bring gently used items. Refreshments will be served and bingo played.

For more information about the group, call (708) 206-2409.

GLENWOOD

Village changes days for picking up branches

Glenwood Fire Chief Kevin Welsh, who also serves as interim village administrator, has announced changes to the village's branch pickup program.

"The east side of town gets their branches picked up the first Monday of the month," Welsh said. "The second Monday of the month, the west side of town gets picked up."

Branches should be no larger than 5 inches in diameter and less than 8 feet long.

Residents should place branches on parkways no sooner than the Sunday before the scheduled pickup date.

HOMEWOOD

Lyric Opera lecturer to detail 'The Pearl Fishers'

A free Lyric Opera preview of Bizet's opera "The Pearl Fishers" will be presented by Belinda Potoma at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Homewood Library, 17917 Dixie Highway.

The public is invited. For details, call the library at (708) 799-9055.