As the calendar turns to Friday, September 19, 2025, Homewood and its surrounding communities are gearing up for a weekend filled with local pride, civic engagement, and ongoing developments. From the roar of the crowd at a high school football game to discussions shaping the town’s financial future, residents have plenty to stay informed about.
Community Spirit Takes Center Stage
This Friday evening, the Homewood-Flossmoor High School (H-F High) campus will be alive with energy as the Marching Vikings perform their homecoming half-time show during the boys’ varsity football game. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. PDT, and the festivities include an alumni reunion, inviting past Marching Vikings to reconnect and celebrate school spirit. This event highlights the strong sense of community that defines Homewood.
Beyond the football field, the local business landscape continues to evolve. This weekend marks the grand opening of The Craft Room in West Homewood on Saturday, September 20th. This new craft store and workspace promises a creative hub with lightly-used supplies and a dedicated space for crafters. Residents can also enjoy the recently opened Maison des Fleurs, a charming French café that brought its tea and pastries to downtown Homewood earlier this month.
For those seeking educational and engaging activities, the Homewood Science Center continues its weekly STEM Saturdays, offering free, hands-on exploration for families from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. These events aim to spark scientific curiosity and learning among young minds. Looking ahead, the community can mark their calendars for a Community Shred Day scheduled for Saturday, September 27th, sponsored by the Village of Homewood and the Homewood Public Library.
Civic Discussions and Local Infrastructure
The Homewood Village Board has been active, with recent decisions and ongoing discussions impacting the town’s future. On September 9th, the board agreed to implement a new 1% non-home rule local sales tax, set to take effect on January 1, 2026. This measure aims to bolster the village’s revenue streams amidst potential state-level fiscal shifts. Residents may recall the board also approved Class 8 tax relief for Caton’s property on 183rd Street during a September 9th meeting, a move reported last week.
Infrastructure improvements are also steadily progressing. Paving work on Oxmoor Road is underway, with crews milling the road on September 15th-16th and installing new speed tables from September 17th-19th, enhancing traffic calming measures for safer neighborhood travel. While more extensive sidewalk projects along Valley Avenue and Salter Road are planned for the coming years, these ongoing road improvements signify a commitment to enhancing local accessibility and safety.
Broader Horizons: Marathon Fever and Sports Broadcasting
The spirit of athletic achievement extends beyond local grounds, with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon capturing significant attention. The story of an 81-year-old runner looking forward to the prestigious race has been a trending topic this past week, underscoring the widespread enthusiasm for the event. With over 160,000 applicants vying for a spot in the 2025 race, scheduled for October 12th, the marathon continues to be a major draw, expected to host over 53,000 participants. Elite runners, including Conner Mantz, are preparing to compete, adding to the race’s allure.
Closer to home, a new era for Homewood High School athletics broadcasting has begun in 2025. The school has launched an extensive broadcast experience for all home varsity football games, featuring seasoned local voices. Anchored by legendary play-by-play announcer Curt Bloom, the team aims to bring a professional-quality experience to fans across various digital platforms.
This weekend in Homewood offers a blend of community engagement, forward-looking civic planning, and notable athletic pursuits. Residents are encouraged to participate in local happenings and stay informed about the developments shaping their town.
