SSC “Nose” Children’s Theatre – Pinocchio Scheduled to Perform

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– The Children’s Theatre Company of South Suburban College will present award winning playwright Michele L. Vacca’s adaption of “Pinocchio.” Performances will take place on Saturdays, January 16 and 23, 2016 at 11:00am and 2:00pm.

Despite guidance from the beautiful Blue Fairy and the love of his father, Geppetto, Pinocchio’s curious spirit leads him into one wild adventure after another. Using Carlo Collodi’s original masterwork as its source, the play is an enchanting and magical journey. The timeless story of the wooden puppet who must earn the right to fulfill his longing to be a real boy brilliantly conveys lessons of responsibility and respect for the feelings of others. Pinocchio is a charmingly innocent, powerfully believable play.

The cast features Kevin Hathaway of Park Forest as Pinocchio, with Pat Nevins of Homewood as Geppetto, Betty Owens of Glenwood as the Blue Fairy, and Charlie Furtek of Lansing is Candlewick.
Also included are Juniper Boerman DeYoung of Thornton as Sidney the Cat and Angela Martin of Midlothian as Sandor S. Swindle, the Fox.

Robert Smagacz of Calumet City plays both Master Cherry and the Puppet Show Barker. Playing both the Fire Eater and Coachman is James Walters of South Chicago Heights. Catherine Hundt plays Harlequin and Ashely Orendorff plays Columbine. Both are from Thornton.

Adding their talents to the production are director Ellie Shunko from Lansing, lighting designer Lydia Bellamy-Palma from Crestwood, costume designer Joanna Tassin from Park Forest and Dean Scalzitti from Chicago. Heather Young and Rochelle Walters are the prop designers. They are from Chicago and South Chicago Heights respectively. Dominic Bellamy-Palma, from Crestwood, is the stage manager.

South Suburban College is located at 15800 State Street in South Holland, Illinois, between Sibley Boulevard and 159th Street. The campus is convenient to Routes 94, 80, 57, and 294 and is also accessible by Metra. Free, ample, well-lit parking is available. Reservations are suggested.

Tickets for “Pinocchio” are $5 per person. For more information or to reserve tickets, call the 24/7 box office voicemail line at 708-210-5741. Leave your name and phone number and someone will return your call. You may also reserve tickets by e-mail at boxoffice@ssc.edu.

SSC Music Department Jazz Orchestra’s Holiday Concert

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The SSC Jazz Orchestra & Jazz Combo performed Wednesday evening (12/9/15) in the South Suburban College Performing Arts Center. The Jazz Orchestra performed Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite in its entirety with arrangements by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Conductor Mark O’Connor did a fantastic job!

Art Burton, Retired SSC History Professor and Orchestra member performed on the congas/percussion. The evening’s hosts were, John M. Watson, Jr., Director of Economic Development for the Village of South Holland and SSC StudentTrustee Terry Harris. A good time was had by all.

Art Burton, John M. Watson, Jr., and Terry Harris
Pictured from left: Art Burton, Retired SSC History Professor and Orchestra member, John M. Watson, Jr., Director of Economic Development for the Village of South Holland and SSC Student Trustee Terry Harris.

Register for Spring Classes at South Suburban College

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – Open Registration for the Spring 2016 Semester at South Suburban College (SSC) is currently in progress. Spring classes begin Tuesday, January 19, 2016. SSC will be closed for Holiday Break from December 24, 2015, through January 3, 2016. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, January 4, 2016.

Payment arrangements are due daily at the end of each business day beginning Friday, December 18, 2015. Students who plan to use financial aid as payment for classes that start on January 19th must complete their FAFSA by January 8th. Completion of Financial Aid includes an official high school or GED transcript on file at SSC. Official transcripts must have a school seal and graduation date on them. Transcripts can be hand-delivered to the Admissions Office or mailed to: Office of Admissions (15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473). If a transcript is hand-delivered it must be in the original sealed, unopened envelope.

New students can submit an online application at www.ssc.edu. A current state issued ID is required to complete your enrollment process. New students will receive an SSC email account and a “My SSC” Username & Password via email which will allow access to the online schedule and class registration. The “MY SSC” portal also allows students 24-hour access during college closed periods.

For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

Give a Gift of Scholarship This Holiday Season Through the South Suburban College Foundation Donor Drive

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– The South Suburban College Foundation (SSCF) is seeking year-end gifts from those who wish to help make a difference in the lives of local college students who need assistance. The SSCF Scholarship Donor Drive will continue through the end of the year, providing both a charitable gift opportunity and tax deduction for all donors.

The SSCF provides scholarship assistance each year to many students who otherwise would be unlikely to begin or complete their college education. One-hundred percent (100%) of Donor Drive donations benefit scholarship and student assistance funds. Whether it is a high school graduate, an unemployed resident looking to acquire new skills, or a returning adult seeking a career change or pursuing their college degree for the first time, the SSC Foundation offers scholarship assistance to all students in need. Providing scholarships to students helps them to achieve their college dream which will help improve their lives and their communities while also providing an educated and skilled workforce essential to economic growth and sustainability.

Scholarship opportunities are critical for SSC students. Many are struggling to balance family, employment, and school responsibilities while they are often unable to receive Financial Aid. The majority of SSC scholarship recipients do not qualify for any other type of financial assistance. Scholarship money is provided primarily through the annual fall Scholarship Donor Drive.

All scholarship contributions to the SSCF are 100% tax deductible (EIN: 23- 7191738). The SSCF staff works cooperatively with individuals and organizations to develop a donor plan of any level. New scholarships can also be established with a $750 donation.

Donations may be made online at www.ssc.edu/foundation, via PayPal to foundation@ssc.edu or mailed to:

“SSC Foundation”
15800 S. State Street
South Holland, IL 60473

At SSC, 90% of students fall under the low income, first generation or disabled criteria. The SSCF once again awarded over $100,000 in total awards to these students in 2015, and has now granted over $1.6 million since 1987. For more information, please contact the Foundation Office at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2463 or foundation@ssc.edu.

South Suburban College to Host Paralegal Open House at Oak Forest Campus

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College will be hosting an Open House for its Paralegal Program on Tuesday, January 12, 2016, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in Room 5190 at the Oak Forest Center.

Attendees will learn about an exciting career that is expected to grow 18% through 2020 according to the US Department of Labor. Information will be provided about SSC’s Paralegal/Legal Assistant curriculum, including the Associate Degree and certificate programs. In addition, former students from the program, working as paralegals, will be present to answer questions.

The curriculum prepares students to work in a variety of legal environments including civil and criminal litigation, insurance, banking, public and governmental agencies, law offices and corporate legal departments. Emphasis is placed on the development of core skills in legal research and writing techniques including compilation and analysis of data, understanding legal vocabulary, law office technology, and preparation of legal documents.

“Whether you are looking for a change in your career path or looking to begin a career, this is an excellent opportunity for anyone who has an interest in the law,” says Jason Cieslik, J.D., Coordinator for the Legal Studies Program.

SSC has the only American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program in the Chicago Southland region, giving graduates a huge advantage when entering the workforce. The college also requires that all of the instructors in the program are lawyers or judges to ensure the quality of instruction.

While the majority of the paralegal classes are offered at the Oak Forest Center (conveniently located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue), some classes are offered online and some are offered at the Main Campus in South Holland.

For more information, please contact Mr. Cieslik at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2579 or email JCieslik@ssc.edu.

Santa Claus is Coming to South Suburban College on “Kid’s Day”

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL –The South Suburban College Basketball Program is hosting “Kid’s Day” for their home matchups on Saturday, December 12, 2015. The Lady Bulldogs will play Joliet Jr. College at 1:00 p.m. followed by the Bulldogs vs. Joliet Jr. College at 3:00 p.m.  All kids ages 16 and under will be admitted free of charge.

There will be a few special guests at both games including Santa Claus! While Santa is meeting the kids and handing out goodies, there will also be face painting, balloons, and entertainment provided by BE BE and Bo Bo the Clowns. The general public is encouraged to come out and enjoy this special Kid’s Day.

South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, Illinois. For more information or for a complete schedule of games, please call Coach Pigatti at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2524.

Chicagoland Speakers Network to Host 3rd Annual Public Speaking Symposium at SSC’s Oak Forest Center

OAK FOREST, IL – The Chicagoland Speakers Network would like to help area residents and professionals meet their self-improvement goals in 2016 through a Public Speaking Symposium. The Chicagoland Speakers Network has planned this half-day of educational workshops on various topics related to effective professional speaking at South Suburban College’s Oak Forest Center on Thursday, January 28, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Public speaking is a highly valued and sought-after communication skill in all industries. Some people thrive in front of an audience and for others, it can cause apprehension. If your skills need tweaking and your confidence needs boosting, the Chicagoland Speakers Network would like to help. The 3rd Annual Public Speaking Symposium topics include:

  • Four Keys to Unlock Your Speaking Abilities, by Sabrina Schottenhamel.
  • What NOT to WEAR and What NOT to DO When Speaking, by Lori Klinka and Felicia Houston.
  • Before you Speak: Tips on Preparing for a Speech, by Mary Erlain.
  • Feedback: How to Ask for It, How to Give It, and What To Do With It, by Colleen Klimczak.
  • Panel Discussion Q & A, with the presenters.

Advanced registration is $39 through January 15th, or $49 from January 16th through the day of the Speaking Symposium.

To register or for more information, copy and paste this address to your browser: https://csn-pss2016.eventbrite.com or contact event coordinator Takeisha Gary at tag@integrity1stcpa.com. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois.