Fall Fest set in Homewood
Seasonal cheer will be available from noon to 9 p.m. Oct. 11 in downtown Homewood between Kroner Road and Martine Avenue, during its annual Fall Fest.
Debuting at the fest this year is Homewood Brewing Company and a special fall-themed brew crafted for the event. The brewery, which creates small-batch beers, was founded by the mother of the late rapper Juice Wrld, Carmela Wallace.
Judging for a chili cook-off starts at 2 p.m. followed by tasting from 3 to 5 p.m.. Kid-friendly attractions include crafts, rock-climbing wall, free face painting and pumpkin patch. Local and regional artisans show off their wares, along with samples from favorite Homewood restaurants and adult beverages.
Music performers start with Flossmoor’s Third Coast, followed by Southtown Soul & Groove and ending with Breakfast Club. Admission and parking are free. Details are at www.homesweethomewood.com.
District 230 board seeks new member after resignation
Consolidated High School District 230 Board of Education is looking for a new board member in the wake of the resignation of Nadine Scodro, who stepped down Sept. 22 for personal reasons.
The new board member will serve until the April 2029 election. Details about filling the post will be announced soon.
Scodro was appointed to the board in January 2024 to fill a vacancy but was elected to a full term in the April 2025 election. During her time on the board, she was secretary and co-chairman of the Education Committee and last year was co-chairman of the Student Support and Development Committee.
“She brought a unique voice to the district based on a passion for students, particularly those who require additional supports,” Superintendent Robert Nolting shared in a news release. “On behalf of the entire district, we wish her well.”
Calumet City program focuses on Alexander Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton will be the focus of a talk by the Calumet City Historical Society on Oct. 12 at the Calumet City Historical Society Center & Museum, 760 Wentworth Ave.
Doors open at 1 p.m., with 33/33/34 raffle ticket sales. The membership meeting starts at 2 p.m. Polish Heritage Month will be celebrated and refreshments will be served.
Historian Jim Gibbons will speak at 3 p.m. about the life of Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States who also founded the Federalist party, the New York Post and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Admission is free. Information is at www.calumetcityhistoricalsociety.org or 708-832-9390.
Palos Heights Woman’s Club plans blood drive
The Palos Heights Woman’s Club’s annual blood drive will take place 2 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Orchard Room at the Palos Heights Recreation Center, 6601 W. 127th St.
Walk-ins are welcome, although appointments are preferred. Sign up online at donateblood.versiti.org or call 800-786-4483.
Dash for Den benefits The Center’s sobriety program
A 5k walk/fun run that benefits the Pathway to Sobriety program at The Center in Palos Park steps off at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 19 at the Children’s Farm at The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park.
The event, which raised more than $30,000 last year, is held in honor of Dennis Raber, who was 29 when he lost his life to drug addiction in 2018. It also aims to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid addiction.
Pathway to Sobriety is a long-term residential treatment program for men with addiction to alcohol or drugs that’s been at The Center for more than 50 years.
The event has no entry fee or registration, but participants are encouraged to raise money. For information, email maureenespo@comcat.net or mark@ramarsupply.com or call 708-259-1445 or 708-717-3368.
Blood drive at Darvin successful
Darvin Furniture & Mattress recently held a blood drive at its Orland Park store, drawing 43 people who signed up to donate.
As an added incentive to sign up, Darvin gave donors the chance to enter a raffle to win prizes such as gift cards to BJ’s Restaurant Brewhouse, Seasons 52 and Fogo de Chao. Employees donated but most donors were community residents.
Reception set for juried show at Lockport gallery
Art lovers are invited to a reception for “Illiart 2025,” a juried exhibition of 2D and 3D artists who live in Illinois, from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 12 at Gallery Seven, on the second floor of the historic Gaylord Building, 200 W. Eighth St. in Lockport.
Independent jurors did the initial judging of work, with final selections made by Gallery Seven members. Attendees can meet the artists and see their submissions. Cash prizes will be given for Best in Show, first to third place and three honorable mentions.
The show continues until Oct. 26. The gallery, which has free admission, is open from noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays and noon to 3 p.m. Sundays. Details are at 815-483-4310 or www.galleryseven.net.
Miles Nielsen to perform in Homewood
The Homewood Arts Council welcomes back musician Miles Nielsen for a solo performance before an intimately sized audience at Senior Hall, on the grounds of the Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve, 1100 W. Ridge Road.
From bands such as Harmony Riley to Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts, the Rockford native explores a wide musical palette that could include everything from the soulfulness of Otis Redding and raucousness of Van Halen to Americana and bubblegum pop music, according to the event’s promoters.
Anya Brumfield, an emerging violin artist in Chicago, will open.
Doors open at 6:15 p.m. for the Oct. 17 event. Tickets are $22 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/homewood-arts-council-presents-miles-nielsen-tickets-1720365311959.
Send news to communitynews@southtownstar.com.