The Forest Preserve District of Will County has launched a yearlong Take It Outside campaign designed to get people out in nature.
Take It Outside
The Forest Preserve District of Will County is hosting the Take It Outside challenge. The campaign through Dec. 31 is deigned to get participants outside and experience physical and mental health benefits. To join the challenge, funded by the Nature Foundation of Will County, download the free smartphone Goosechase app, search for 6DW83B or The Take It Outside Challenge and create a profile. Challenge participants will receive points for completing missions that update weekly. About 10 challenges, including GPS-based activities, will be added per week. Each month, the district will randomly select individuals who completed any of the missions to receive prizes. The top-three point earners at the end of the challenge will get MasterCard gift cards: $500 for first place, $250 for second place and $150 for third place. For details, visit the Current Headlines section of the forest preserve’s website at ReconnectWithNature.org.
People are also reading…
Overeaters Anonymous
Overeaters Anonymous meets at 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 15050 S. Wolf Road, Orland Park. The 12-step program, similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, helps those who want to stop compulsive eating in a spiritual, supportive and confidential setting. There is no fee, but a free-will offering can be made at the meetings. For more information, visit www.OA.org.
The Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville will host the ‘Journey Stories’ Exhibition from Feb. 1 through April 30. The exhibit, which explores how movement has shaped the nation, is part of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.
Journey Stories
The Forest Preserve District of Will County is hosting a Journey Stories Exhibition from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and noon-4 p.m. Sundays through April 30 at Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville. This Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition explores how movement has shaped the nation, from the earliest settlers and Native American displacement to the effects of transportation advancements on modern mobility. Visit ReconnectWithNature.org.
Addiction support
The HERO (Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization) hosts its weekly open meetings for addiction support from 7-8:30 p.m. March 28 and every Tuesday at Lincolnway Christian Church 690 E. Illinois Hwy., New Lenox. Call 708-557-8394.
Jeff and Jennifer Kanacki,of Frankfort, are co-chairs for the Crisis Center Classic.
Crisis Center golf outing
Early bird pricing is open for the second annual Crisis Center Classic Golf Outing May 22 at Prestwick Country Club in Frankfort. Through March 31, fees are $325 per golfer or $1,200 for foursomes. Golf kicks off at 12:30 p.m. with a shotgun start, and the day includes lunch and dinner, a silent auction and a split-the-pot raffle. The event benefits the Crisis Center for South Suburbia, a nonprofit that serves victims of domestic violence and their children in South Chicagoland by offering free shelter, housing, counseling, advocacy and essential support services. To register, visit CCClassic2023.givesmart.com. For more information, contact Lisa Molloy at lmolloy@crisisctr.org or 708-429-7255, ext. 142.
Orland Township Supervisor and Scholarship Foundation President Paul O'Grady presents a 2022 scholarship to Elisa Shaheen.
Orland Township scholarships
Orland Township Scholarship Foundation is accepting applications for grants from high school seniors through March 31. Scholarship awards are based on leadership skills; dedication to community service; academic focus; participation in extracurricular activities; recommendations from school representatives, volunteer supervisors or employers; and an assigned essay question response. Students faced with hardships will be given strong consideration. Applicants must be residents of Orland Township graduating in 2023 who will attend a college, university, trade or vocational school full time. Since 1998, the program has awarded more than 340 scholarships, totaling more than $280,000. Applications, available at the township office, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, and at orlandtownship.org/scholarship-foundation, must be completed and postmarked or delivered to Orland Township by March 31. For more information, visit orlandtownship.org or call 708-403 4222.
Forest Fitness
Forest Fitness, a Zoom webinar, will be held from 10-11 a.m. April 1. Get pumped up with this informational program on the best places to work out in the Will County forest preserves. Learn about the best preserves for stairs, hills, inclines, loops and more. Register for the free program open to those 15 and older at ReconnetWithNature.org.
Addiction support
The HERO (Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization) hosts its weekly open meetings for addiction support from 7-8:30 p.m. April 4 every Tuesday at Lincolnway Christian Church 690 E. Illinois Hwy., New Lenox. Call 708-557-8394.
For visually impaired
Oasis for the Visually Impaired holds its free support group from 12:30-2:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month. The next meeting is April 6. The Will County chapter meets at Founders Community Center, 140 Oak St., Frankfort. The Cook County chapter meets at Orland Park Christian Reformed Church, 7500 W. Sycamore Drive, Orland Park. The group offers encouragement, education and resources for adults coping with vision loss. Free low-cost adaptive devices for daily living are provided as needed, along with social opportunities, information and referral services. If needed, transportation may be provided at no cost. For more information and to RSVP, call 779-324-2025.
Virtual birding
Take a Birding in the Preserves Zoom webinar from 7-8 p.m. April 6. Learn birds and birding from home on this virtual hike through a Will County forest preserve. Each month, a different preserve is highlighted. Register for the free program open to all ages at ReconnetWithNature.org.
Support for widowed
The Southwest Suburban Widows/Widowers Social Club meets from 6:30-9:30 p.m. April 7. The club meets the first Friday of the month at the Harald Viking Lodge, 6730 175th St., Tinley Park. The club offers support to the widowed of all faiths and ages. Activities include restaurant outings, trips, discussions and meetings. For more information, call Elaine Buck at 708-429-9528 or Bill Dolehide at 708-342-6820.
Learn all about boating safety at a Boat America Boating Certification Course April 8 at Monee Reservoir.
Boating safety
Boat America Boating Certification Course is being offered from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. April 8 at Monee Reservoir, 27341 Ridgeland Ave., Monee Township. Boat America is a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary certification program that offers an in-depth and interesting boating safety course taught by experienced and knowledgeable Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors. Topics include introduction to boating, boating law, safety equipment, safe operation and navigation, boating emergencies, trailering and sports and boating. All graduates receive a certificate of completion. Fee for the course, open to those 12 and older, is $35 per person. Register by March 31 at ReconnectWithNature.org.
Spring Clean-Up
Orland Park is holding its annual Curbside Spring Clean-Up the week of April 10. Held in conjunction with the village's refuse hauler, Waste Management, the program lets residents dispose of bulk items along with regular trash. Residents simply have to place the refuse — bagged, contained bundled — curbside by 6 a.m. on their regular pickup day. Accepted items include furniture, textiles and carpets, as well as white goods such as washers, dryers and refrigerators with doors removed. Those wishing to dispose of or recycle electronics and other materials not included in Curbside Spring Clean-up can schedule a pickup through the At Your Door Program at www.wmatyourdoor.com and from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday by calling 800-449-7587. For more information, call Waste Management at 800-964-8988.
Women who care
100+ Women Who Care of Will County, a nonprofit dedicated to raising money for Will County charities, will meet from 6-7 p.m. April 11 at Coom's Corner, 1225 E. 9th St., Lockport. For more information, visit www.100wwc-will.org or Facebook.at www.facebook.com/100WomenWhoCareWillCounty.
Addiction support
The HERO (Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization) hosts its weekly open meetings for addiction support from 7-8:30 p.m. April 11 and every Tuesday at Lincolnway Christian Church 690 E. Illinois Hwy., New Lenox. Call 708-557-8394.
Learn about Art Journaling April 12 at the Homer Glen Public Library.
Art Journaling
The Lemont Artists Guild presents Art Journaling at 7 p.m. April 12 at Homer Township Public Library, 14320 W. 151st St., Homer Glen. April Schabes, who teaches Collage and Art Journaling at The Center in Palos Park, will demonstrate the fun and creative way to capture life by jotting words, sketches, doodles or collaged media on the pages of one’s journal. Attendees are encouraged to bring a sketchbook or journal to take notes and follow along during the program. Register for the free program at www.homerlibrary.org/event/art-journaling.
Benefit bingo
Half-Way Home Animal Rescue is hosting bingo from 1-5 p.m. April 15 at Papa Joe's, 14459 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park. The event, which includes 10 games, pizza, salad and pop, benefits the nonprofit, foster-based pet rescue. There also will be a split-the-pot raffle and balloon-prize game, as well as a cash bar. Fee is $40 with tickets on sale through April 13 or until the event is sold out. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/HWHAnimalRescue. For tickets call, Kathy at 815-370-2272.
Seniors social
St. Jude Seniors is sponsoring a Seniors Social from 1-3 p.m. April 16 at New Lenox VFW 323 Old Hickory Road, New Lenox. Seniors 55 and older are invited to join in the fun, learn about the group and make new friends. Bring quarters to play games including Left, Right, Center. Nonperishable items will be collected for the Caritas Food Pantry, and treats for the snack table are welcome. Call Gerry Spindler at 815-485-8326 for more information. questions.
Yoga workshop
The Mokena Community Park District hosts a Yoga for Chronic Pain Workshop from 11 a.m.-noon April 16–May 7 at The Oaks Recreation & Fitness Center, 10847 LaPorte Road, Mokena. This transformational yoga series will give you tools to manage stress, increase resilience and alleviate chronic pain using yoga postures, breathing techniques and meditation. No yoga experience is needed for the program open to those 18 and older. Fees are $36 for residents and $43 for nonresidents through April 14, when they will increase. Register at www.mokenapark.com or call 708-390-2343 for more information.
Explore the Native American longhouse that has been refurbished at Isle a la Cache Museum.
Go exploring
Museum Campus Exploration Days are set for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 22 and May 27 at Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville. Drop in for a self-guided exploration of the campus and its 18th-Century Traders Cabin or Native American longhouse. Learn about the French fur traders and Potawatomi who once called this area home. The program is free and open to all ages. Visit ReconnectWithNature.org.
Earth Day
New Lenox is hosting its second annual Earth Day Celebration from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 22 at the New Lenox Commons. More than 20 tables of information for things you can do to sustain the Earth will range from plastics and solar energy to eating less meat and soil and water conservation. There will be fun activities for the kids as well as educational demonstrations. For more information, visit www.newlenox.net/pview.aspx?id=54589&catID=529
Senior 'Idol'
See which of the 12 finalists will be crowned Orland Township Senior American Idol April 27 at Georgios Banquets, 8800 W. 159th St., Orland Park. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for the event that will include a plated dinner and singing by the 12 contestants. Judges will include musician Blake Alexander and Laura Alberts, Idol winner in 2016. Tickets, available only in advance at the township offices, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, cost $30. Proceeds benefit the Orland Township Scholarship Foundation. Visit www.orlandtownship.org/senioridol.
Fun with cats and dogs
It’s Raining Cats and Dogs in a Mokena Community Park District class from 6–6:30 p.m. April 27 at the Program Center, 10925 LaPorte Road, Mokena. Children ages 5-12 will stuff a cat or dog buddy, listen to a rainy-day story, play a game and more. Fees are $40 for residents and $45 for nonresidents. Register at www.mokenapark.com or call 708-390-2401 for more information.
Gateways Gala
The Moraine Valley Foundation’s Gateways Gala will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. April 28 at Moraine Business and Conference Center, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills. The event will honor Dr. Sylvia M. Jenkins, president of community college, who is retiring June 30. It will raise funds for a scholarship in her name and other scholarships, emergency assistance and the Fine and Performing Arts Center. The evening will include live entertainment, cocktail reception, food stations, open bar, live auctions, games and raffles. Tickets cost $185 each or $1,480 for a table of eight. To purchase them and raffle tickets, visit aesbid.com/ELP/MVF23/Tickets. For more information, contact the foundation office at 708-974-5480.
I&M corridor ride
Journey Stories – Bike and Brake for History will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. April 29. The ride will follow the I&M Heritage Corridor from the Gaylord Building in Lockport to Joliet Iron Works Historic Site, Joliet. Learn about the origins of the waterway and its effect on Will County. There will be stops along the 4-mile, one-way ride. Bikes may be available for rent through the I&M Heritage Corridor bike share station (iandmcanal.org/bike/). Register for the free program open to those 12 and by April 26 at reconnectwithnature.org.
Wiggles & Giggles
The Mokena Community Park District hosts Wiggles & Giggles from 10:20-11:05 a.m. May 3–24 at The Program Center, 10925 LaPorte Rd., Mokena. Parent and child, ages 2-3, will wiggle and giggle through this fun-filled class while stretching their muscles and marching to music. Activities vary each week and use balls, balloons, bubbles, hoops and parachutes. Fees are $37 for residents and $44 for nonresidents through April 24, when they increase. Register at www.mokenapark.com or call 708-390-2401 for more information.
Lunch and bingo
Bring your friends or make new ones while you enjoy a buffet lunch and several rounds of bingo at Lunch Bunch & Bingo from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. May 17 at The Oaks Recreation & Fitness Center, 10847 LaPorte Road, Mokena. Open to those 55 and older, the event includes lunch, drinks, dessert and bingo cards. Fee is $10 for residents and $12 for nonresidents. Register by May 10 at at www.mokenapark.com, Call 708-390-2401 for more information.
LW Foundation races
The Lincoln-Way Foundation, which supports the three high schools in District 210, hosts its 7th annual half marathon and 10K May 20. The half marathon begins at 7 a.m. and the 10K at 7:15 at Breidert Green, 432 W. Nebraska St., Frankfort. The event will include music, food and exhibitors. Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers as well as by age category. Fees are $70 for the half marathon and $50 for the 10K through May 13. Register at raceroster.com/events/2022/57508/lincoln-way-half-marathon-and-10k. For more information, visit lw210foundation.org or contact Executive Director Bob Kennedy at robert.kennedy@lw210.org or 815-462-2976.
Fun run/walk
Join the Peace Village 5K Fun Run/1K Walk May 20. The races kick off at 9 a.m. at Peace Village, 10300 Village Circle Drive, Palos Park. Fees are $35 for the self-timed run and $25 for the walk. Those registering by May 4 will receive a T-shirt. Race-day registration opens at 8 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Lora Contorno Benevolent Fund to help those in need at the village. Register at checkout.eventcreate.com/peacevillagefunrun23/select-buy. For information, contact Kim Karwacki at kkarwacki@peacevillage.org or 708-671-2495.
Explore the Native American longhouse that has been refurbished at Isle a la Cache Museum.
Go exploring
Museum Campus Exploration Days are set for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 27 at Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville. Drop in for a self-guided exploration of the campus and its 18th-Century Traders Cabin or Native American longhouse. Learn about the French fur traders and Potawatomi who once called this area home. The program is free and open to all ages. Visit ReconnectWithNature.org.
