eNews Park Forest

How the Ultra-Rich Betray America

Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:09 Paul Buchheit Analysis

( 0 Votes )

Analysis
By Paul Buchheit

The betrayals come in many forms. Here are a few of the more outrageous, and destructive, examples:

Evasion: Corporations suddenly stopped meeting their tax responsibilities

While corporate profits have doubled to $1.9 trillion in less than ten years, the corporateincome tax rate, which for thirty years hovered around the 20-25% level, suddenly dropped to 10% after the recession. It has remained there for three years.

We are seeing a manifestation of the Shock Doctrine. Corporations are using the national emergency of the financial collapse to make a statement about taxes, and a traumatized nation is too preoccupied to do anything about it.

Delusion: Technology companies won't admit that much of their 'innovation' is due to public assistance

According to the report Funding a Revolution, government provided almost half of basic research funds into the 1980s. Federal funding still accounted for half of research in the communications industry as late as 1990. Even today, the federal government supports about 60 percent of the research performed at universities.

Apple's first computer was introduced in the late 1970s. Apple still does most of its product and research development in the United States, with US-educated engineers and computer scientists.

Google's business is based on the Internet, which started as ARPANET, the Defense Department's Advanced Research Projects Agency computer network from the 1960s. The National Science Foundation funded the Digital Library Initiative research at Stanford University that was adopted as the Google model.

Apple got its tax bill down to 9.8% last year. About 2/3 of its profits remain overseas for tax avoidance purposes. Google, like Apple, avoids taxes by moving most of its foreign profits through Ireland and the Netherlands to Bermuda. Both Apple and Google, along with Microsoft and Cisco, are lobbying for a repatriation tax holiday to allow billions of overseas dollars to come home at a greatly reduced tax rate.

An Apple executive said: "We don't have an obligation to solve America's problems." That may be true, but they do have an obligation to pay the taxes that help America solve its problems.

Desertion: The people who benefit most from government are renouncing their citizenships to avoid taxes

Perhaps the ultimate insult to America is to just quit on your country after making a fortune off of it. In 2011 almost 1,800 Americans gave up their citizenship to avoid taxes.

The wealthy benefit disproportionately from property and inheritance laws, contracts, stock exchanges, favorable SEC regulations, the Small Business Administration, patent and copyright and intellectual property laws, estate planning, trust funds, Internet marketing, communications infrastructure, highway maintenance, air traffic control, local and national security, and 60 years of research in technology and other industries.

A recent outrageous example is Facebook part-owner Eduardo Saverin, whose family came to America from Brazil partly for safety reasons, and who happened to land Mark Zuckerberg as a roommate at Harvard. Now after falling into billions, he's decided to renounce his U.S. citizenship to avoid taxes.

Denial: Traders feel it's inappropriate to pay even a tiny tax on a quadrillion dollars in sales

A quadrillion dollars sounds like a fake amount. But it's all too real. That's a thousand trillion dollars of derivatives transactions which, along with the high-frequency computer-generated transactions (5,000 per second) that make up over half of U.S. stock trades, contributed to a financial meltdown and a $3 trillion bailout for reckless trading.

But there's no tax on these transactions.

While average Americans pay a 10% sales tax on necessities, millionaire investors pay just a.00002% SEC fee (2 cents for every thousand dollars) for a financial instrument. And their supporters claim, inexplicably after the disastrous trading frenzy in 2008, that a tax wouldincrease volatility.

Illusion: The media leads us to believe we should all be cheering when the stock market is booming

Conservatives insultingly assure us that the "democratization of stock ownership" is gradually making America more equal, as evidenced by the flattening of wealth ownership among the richest 1% in recent years. So we should all be excited about a rising stock market.

Here are the facts. Data from Edward Wolff confirms that from 1983 to 2007 the percentages of net worth and financial wealth for the top 1% remained steady. But the percentages for the rest of the richest 5% increased by almost 20%, while the percentages for the lowest 80% of the population DECREASED by almost 20%.

In other words, the share of wealth owned by the top 1% leveled off because the "democratization of stock ownership" spread the wealth among just 5% of the population, those earning an average of $500,000 per year. A few people -- 5 out of 100 -- got very rich, but everyone else lost ground.

Conclusion

The issues are difficult to address with Congress largely on the side of the wealthy. At the very least:

(1) Eliminate the tax break on unearned income (capital gains). The richest Americans, who own most of the stocks, should not pay a smaller tax than everyone else.

(2) Implement a small financial transactions tax. It would be easy to administer on computer trades, it would generate hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue, and it would help guard against the reckless speculation that devastated the financial markets and our country.

Paul Buchheit is a college teacher, an active member of US Uncut Chicago, founder and developer of social justice and educational websites (UsAgainstGreed.org, PayUpNow.org, RappingHistory.org), and the editor and main author of "American Wars: Illusions and Realities" (Clarity Press). He can be reached at paul@UsAgainstGreed.org.

In and Around Park Forest Week of May 28, 2012

Sunday, 27 May 2012 22:45 Rosemary Piser Latest Local News

( 0 Votes )

The caboose at Park Forest's developing Rail Fan Park is in place. (Photo: ENEWSPF)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—May 28, 2012. On Monday, we will celebrate Memorial Day -- a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United State Armed Forces. The Park Forest American Legion will hold a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 28 at 11 a.m. on the Village Green in DownTown Park Forest. A reception will follow at Post 1198, 1631 Western Ave., Chicago Heights. Residents are encouraged to attend.

On Saturday, June 2 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Board Room of Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, Park Forest’s Nurses Plus Home Healthcare will celebrate its 60th Anniversary. Additional information about this event can be found in the ‘Healthy Living’ section.

If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in our community during the upcoming week, please send an e-mail to RJPiserLPH@aol.com with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.

Village of Park Forest

Village Hall Closure

Park Forest Village Hall will be closed on Monday, May 28 in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday.

Village Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees will hold a Saturday Morning Rules meeting on June 2 at 10 a.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend. Village Board meetings air live on cable access channels (Channel 4 for Comcast subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T subscribers) as well as on the Village web site at www.villageofparkforest.com.

To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.

Green Events

Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest

Wednesday Morning Walkers – May 30

Those ages 11 through adult are invited each Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. through June 13, to follow the forest’s spring changes on Thorn Creek’s trails. Trails can be wet or muddy so please wear sturdy shoes. The terrain is moderate. Registration is not required. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.

Historic Farm Walk to Hornicek Farm – Registration Required

On Sunday, June 3 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., those of all ages can enjoy a summer day on the historic Hornicek Farm nestled in Thorn Creek Woods. Tour the farm buildings and the organic gardens. Wander in the old-fashioned flower gardens. Meet brown egg layers and maybe some blue egg-laying hens. Sip lemonade and listen to old-time music. Meet at the nature center and carpool to the farm. Terrain is moderate. There is a fee of $5 per person. To register, call 708-747-6320.

Thorn Creek Audubon Society (TCAS), Park Forest

Governors State University (GSU) Walk – Sculpture and Birds – Wednesday, May 30

Meet at the east parking lot at GSU, 1 University Parkway, University Park, at 7 a.m. We will follow the sculpture trail where in the past a variety of interesting birds have been seen. Birds that nest in open fields, such as yellow-breasted chats, orchard orioles, kingbirds, sedge wrens and Bell’s vireos may be seen and heard, so brush up on their songs. For additional information, call Aura Duke at 708-748-6407 or Kathy Dehn at 708-672-3491.

Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Dr., Park Forest

‘Toxics to Treasure’ Eco-Tour – Saturday, June 9

On Saturday, June 9, the Green Sanctuary and Earth Care Forum of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church will host a ‘Toxics to Treasures’ Eco-Tour. You will spend 3 hours touring southeast Chicago on a comfortable coach bus with the Task Force. Learn about waste management and other industries woven in with natural areas. See the controversial site of the proposed Chicago Police Department outdoor shooting range and the Lucadia coal gasification plant. Based on the participant’s interests, tour leaders and time constraints, the our can also include: CID landfills, water reclamation, Chicago’s auto pound, cluster/superfund site, Paxton landfills, Hegewisch Marsh, Harborside Golf Course, Lake Calumet, Big Marsh, Wolf Lake, and Indian Ridge Marsh. The cost or the Eco-Tour is $30 per person and includes lunch at Club 81, a local establishment. Space is limited. You must call to reserve your seat(s). The bus will depart from UUCC at 10 a.m. and return at approximately 2 p.m. For more information contact Robin at 314-583-2284. You can pay online at: www.setaskforce.blogspot.com.

Arts & Entertainment

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:

Tuesday, May 29 at 10:30 a.m. – Preschool Storytime.
Friday, June 1 at 2:30 p.m. – Wii Game Day

For additional information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library's Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.

Library Closure

The Park Forest Library will be closed on Monday, May 28 in honor of the Memorial Day Holiday.

Park Forest Recreation & Parks, Park Forest

Senior Trip to New, Historic Route 66 Tour – Registration Deadline Monday, June 4

On Wednesday, June 13, travel the famous Mother Road with award winning Route 66 author, John Weiss. Visit historic sites (Joliet to Pontiac); enjoy a little shopping in a few quaint towns, and look forward to lots of surprises! Be sure to bring your camera. This “all inclusive” tour includes two snack stops, plus a full family style lunch (broasted chicken, vegetable, mashed potatoes, bread, coleslaw, salad, pop, coffee and tea) at the Route 66 Family Restaurant in Dwight, IL. You will learn and feel the history of this magical ribbon of highway as we “Get your kicks on Route 66!” The trip fee is $67 per person which includes round-trip coach bus, snacks, lunch and the tour. The bus will depart at 8 a.m. from Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, and return at approximately 6:30 p.m. Registration deadline: Monday, June 4, 2012. Register in person at the Recreation & Parks Department at Village Hall or by phone with a credit care by calling 708-748-2005. Mention Code: 248470-1 when registering.

Senior Trip to the Pyramid House & Lunch -- 2nd Date Added

The upcoming Senior trip to the Pyramid House and lunch was so popular, a second trip has been scheduled on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Drive down Dilleys Road and you'll notice something straight out of the days of the Pharohs in Wadsworth, IL. Join us for this unique tour of The Golden Pyramid House. The Golden Pyramid House was built in 1977 by Jim and Linda Onan as a private residence for his family in Wadsworth, Illinois. And enormous statue of Ramses II guards and featuring a three pyramid garage, this 17,000 square foot 6 story structure that is surrounded by a moat. Visitors can visit King Tuts tomb, tour the inside of the pyramid, and discover exciting artifacts in the gift shop. Following the 2 hour guided tour, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at The Shanty Restaurant (featured on Food Network and ABC - 190 North) where we will dine on soup or salad, and your choice of Whisky Shrimp, Apple-Wood Smoked Pulled Pork, Crab Cake Salad or Chicken Linguini Tomato Vodka. Please mention your entrée preference when registering. Seats are limited, so sign up today. The fee for the trip is $61 which includes round-trip coach bus, admission to the Pyramid House and lunch. The bus will depart from Par Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, at 8 a.m. and return at approximately 4:30 p.m. Registration deadline is Monday, June 11, 2012. Register in-person at the Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department, Village Hall, or over the phone with a credit card by calling 708-748-2005. Reference code 248680-2 when calling to make your reservation.

Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest

Park Forest House Museum

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard, is decorated to depict life in Park Forest when it was first built. One room represents a classroom in the first school, Forest Boulevard School, which was set up in a row of townhomes in 1949. The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Donation is Adults- $5; 12 & under free. The tour is free with the purchase of a Marshall Field's Park Forest Store brick at 1 for $15; 2 for $25. Convenient, free, street parking is available right outside the front door. For additional information, visit www.parkforesthistory.org.

Volunteers Needed for Increased Hours and Work on Archival Collection

The Park Forest Historical Society needs many more volunteers to cover the additional hours at the House Museum and to trim, photocopy and label article and documents for the archival collection. Some of the collection is in the Park Forest Library. Projects will include filing photocopied articles and documents at the library, and searching the files for answers to questions from out of town. Publicity volunteers are needed to design or distribute fliers, and help blog and fill in announcements on social media sites. If you have a talent to offer or need to put in some public service time for school, please contact Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252 or contact the society by e-mail through the website at www.parkforesthistory.org.

Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest

“Spring Forward’ Exhibit – Through May 31

Join Salon Artists Gallery for this wonderful exhibit entitled ‘Spring Forward’ which runs through May 31st. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call Patricia Moore at 708-833-5108 or Bev Szaton at 708-748-3946.

‘June Moon’ – Opens Saturday, June 2

Join Salon Artists Gallery for this wonderful exhibit entitled ‘June Moon.’ The exhibit will run through June 30 and is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call Patricia Moore at 708-833-5108 or Bev Szaton at 708-748-3946.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Out of the Box: Mixed Media Approaches to Photography’ – Opens Friday, June 8

Tall Grass Arts Association will host ‘Out of the Box: Mixed media Approaches to Photography’ beginning Friday, June 8 with an opening reception. The exhibit will run through August 5. Debate has raged for years about whether photography is a technology or a medium for producing fine art. This juried exhibit will focus on the many inventive ways both traditional and modern photographic processes and materials are being mixed with other mediums to produce fine art. This regional show will feature artists from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit http://www.tallgrassarts.org.

Monkey Mind Art Studio, 3 W. Nebraska St., Frankfort

‘Strange & Beautiful’ Paintings & Drawings by Javier Chavira – Through June 14

‘Strange & Beautiful,’ an exhibition of paintings and drawing by Javier Chavira will run through Thursday, June 14. A closing reception will be held on Friday, June 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Gallery. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For Gallery Hours or additional information, call 815-464-8818 or visit www.monkeymindartstudio.com.

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights

“Location Impulsion” Exhibit – Opens Monday, June 4

The PSC Foundation is presenting "Location Impulsion," from June 4 through July 26, at the Christopher Art Gallery, located on the PSC main campus. The work of artists Bonnie Peterson, Nina Weiss, and Michael X. Ryan will be highlighted during the exhibition, which features their works that are created directly in response to location. An artists' reception is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, June 9, in the gallery. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The Christopher Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday. Showings are available by appointment at 708-709-3636. The gallery will be closed on Wednesday, July 4.

Sertoma Centre, Inc., 4343 W. 123rd St., Alsip

Ladies High Tea -- Reservations Extended Through May 29

Sertoma Centre and Sertoma Speech and Hearing Center will accept pre-paid reservations for the June 1, 2012 High Tea event until May 29th. Cost is $40 for the event and RSVPs must be received no later than May 29th. The event is held at Crystal Tree Country Club in Orland Park and starts at 11:00 am with a selection of vendors introducing their unique products and services. High Tea will be served at 12:00 and includes musical entertainment, fashion show, and a presentation by Kimberly Bond, owner of Kimberly Bond Boutique. Each guest will receive a complimentary photo and thank you gift for attending. For more information on the High Tea; to request an invitation or to make your reservation, call Special Events & Grants Manager, Regina Robinson at Sertoma Centre, 708-730-6210, Fax: 708-371-9747 or rrobinson@sertomacentre.org. Profits from this event go towards funding programs at Sertoma Centre, Inc. and support for sliding scale fee patients at the Sertoma Speech and Hearing Center.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park

‘The Literacy Zone’ Reading Tutoring Available at GSU – Enrollment is Limited

GSU’s Graduate Program in Reading is sponsoring The Literacy Zone, a reading tutorial program for students in grades two through five, Mondays through Thursdays, from July 5 through July 25 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This four-week, one-to-one program brings students experiencing reading problems together with teachers who have the skills to help them. Students meet on the GSU campus with certified, experienced teachers enrolled in the Master of Arts Reading Program at GSU. Students are expected to attend every session. Enrollment is limited and based on the number of tutors. There is a $70 registration fee. Students will be accepted in the order in which the completed application and registration fee are received. Transportation is not provided. For additional information, call 708-534-4122 or e-mail m-hession@govst.edu.

Job Search Assistance Every Tuesday At GSU

The Mobile Workforce Center’s mobile unit will be at GSU every Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., parked near the university’s front entrance. Center services include resume development, access to online job boards and websites, instruction in how to conduct an online job search and improve keyboarding skills, and assistance of staff. The center is equipped with 11 computer stations with Internet access, printer, and copy machines, and is wheelchair accessible. Services are free and available to residents in all counties. For additional information, contact the Workforce Services Division of Will County at 815-727-4980.

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights

Opt In to Technology at PSC

You can bridge the gap between technology and a new you at PSC’s new Opt In program that consists of two computer training centers and free classes to teach basic technological skills. One location is at the Adult Training and outreach Center in Room A145 at PSC’s main campus. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The other location is at the Matteson Area Center’s Computer Training Lab located at 4821 Southwick Dr., Matteson. Hours for this location are Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. No matter what skill level you have or want to have, Opt In can help. Both computer labs and on-site tutors are free and open to the public. For additional information, call Lisa Zeigler at 708-709-3548 or e-mail lzeigler@prairiestate.edu.

Rich Township Free Basic Computer Classes for Adults

Rich Township is offering free basic computer skill classes for adults every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Leonard Robinson Family Services Center, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park. Participants will learn Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet skills, résumé building skills, and more. Classes are open only to residents of Rich Township. For additional information, call Mark Mason or Joe Moran at 708-748-6722.

Healthy Living

Nurses Plus Home Healthcare, Park Forest

60th Anniversary Celebration – Saturday, June 2

On Saturday, June 2 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Board Room of Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, join the staff of Nurses Plus Home Healthcare and the Friends of the Park Forest Health Department as we travel down memory lane and meet with our original founding colleagues, staff, volunteers, patients and providers who have been instrumental I developing and maintaining our Health Department. Silent Auction, hor doevres and light refreshments will be served. Proceeds from the event will offer continued support for the senior bath care program and youth health screenings program. For additional information, call 708-748-1118.

Village of Park Forest

39th Annual Farmers’ Market – Every Saturday Through October 27

The 39th Annual Farmers’ Market will be held from 7 a.m. to 12 noon on the corner of Lakewood & Cunningham Drive through October 27. The market offers local fresh vegetables, fruits, organic breads, cookies, specialty produce, garden bedding plants, perennials, garden ornaments, salsas, BBQ pork chops, hamburgers, Polish sausage, fresh tamales, jewelry, funnel cakes, and fundraising products from a variety of individuals and civic groups. For additional information, call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 or e-mail bwalker@pfhealth.net or visit www.pfhealth.net.

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park

Free Psychotherapy Available from GSU’s Psychology Program

GSU’s Psychology Department is offering free psychotherapy services to members of the community. Conversations with a psychotherapist can help people cope with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, and life transition problems. Confidential, one-on-one sessions are held with a GSU graduate student in psychology under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Individuals and couples, 18 years and older, are eligible. All sessions are conducted in Matteson, IL. The number of sessions is determined by the client’s needs. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-235-2841.

Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest

Senior Citizen Weekday Lunch at the Senior Café

Senior citizens of all income levels are invited to lunch weekdays at the Community Nutrition Network (CNN) site located inside the Rich Township's Shirley J. Green Senior Center. The CNN site is open to all south suburban residents, including those living outside of Rich Township. Participants must be 60 years of age or older. The suggested donation for lunch is $2.50. Lunch is served Monday through Friday at noon. Bingo begins at 11 a.m. For additional information or to make a reservation for lunch, call 708-747-2700.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)

Assistance With Medications & Health Services

If you, or someone you know, are struggling to pay for medications every month, they may be able to get the medicines they need for free or almost free through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. If you live in Illinois, you can get access to more than 475 public and private program available to help you pay for your medicines. Simply visit http://www.pparx.org/en/click_illinois to find out if you can apply to any of these great programs and to get connected with 10,000 free clinics and doctors.

This & That

Park Forest Commission on Human Relations

Seeking Nominations for Good Egg Award – Starting Friday, June 1

The Park Forest Commission on Human Relations is looking for people who have gone beyond the call of duty for the Good Egg Award. The award honors youth and adults who have made an extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of life in their communities through human relations and human rights advocacy. The deadline for nominations is Monday, August 13. To request a nomination form, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or e-mail sterling@vopf.com or visit the Community Relations tab at www.villageofparkforest.com.

Dance Mania – Every Friday During June

If you love to dance or just want to get out for the night, come and join us every Friday in June from 7 pm. to 10 p.m. at 300 Victory Drive, Park Forest, for ‘Dance Mania.’ We will provide a different dance instructor each Friday. During the first hour, you will be provided lessons and for the remainder of the night, put it into action. We will have a DJ, raffles and much more. Come out and have fun. The cost is $5, package rates are available for the entire month. For additional information, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or e-mail sterling@vopf.com or visit the Community Relations tab at www.villageofparkforest.com.

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Estate Sale – June 9 and 10

The Illinois Theatre Center will hold an estate sale on Saturday, June 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 10 from noon to 5 p.m. Items for sale will include pianos, set pieces, props, furniture, vintage clothing, antiques, purses, shoes, jewelry, electronics, records, DVDs, books, art, posters, collectibles, sporting goods, bikes, household items and Illinois Theatre memorabilia. The sale will be held at the Theatre. For additional information, call 708-481-3510.

Faith United Protestant Church, 10 Hemlock St., Park Forest

Free Java Tuesdays

All are invited to Faith United Protestant Church for FREE Java Tuesdays. Visitors are asked to go to the Indianwood Boulevard side entrance between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. for free curbside service or to come and sit a bit. The event will continue each Tuesday as a form of outreach to the community throughout the summer and fall. For more information, call 708-747-1330.

Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood Street, Park Forest

Refreshing Times Senior’s Ministry – Friday, June 1

On Friday, June 1 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., those 55 and older are invited to join this monthly support fellowship that combines food, interactive Christian Bible study, informative workshops, arts and crafts and birthday celebrations. For additional information, call Mattie Morgan at 708-503-6536.

Park Forest American Legion Post 1198, 1631 Western Ave., Chicago Heights

Friday Fish Fry – June 1

Join Park Forest’s American Legion Post 1198 for fish, shrimp, wings, beef and appetizers on Friday, June 1 beginning at 6 p.m. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.

Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Dr., Park Forest

Rainbow Café Monthly Meeting – Saturday, June 2

The Rainbow Café is an opportunity for single or partnered gays, lesbians, bisexuals or other sexual minorities, and their allies, over age 18 to meet one another and socialize in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Those attending are encouraged to bring some non-alcoholic drinks and a dessert or snack to pass, or bring a financial donation. However, neither is mandatory. The Rainbow Café is held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Unitarian-Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest.

Garden Club of Park Forest

"A Gardener's Cookbook"

To celebrate their 55th anniversary, the Park Forest Garden Club offers this cookbook filled with memories, gardening tips, flowery sayings and of course recipes. Makes a great gift. All proceeds go to the club and are used toward community contributions. Cookbooks are $9 and are available at the Park Forest Recreation and Parks Department, 350 Victory Drive. Call 708-748-2005 for additional information.

Park Forest Baseball

Baseball Outing on June 20 – Tickets Now on Sale

Park Forest Baseball will hold a baseball outing on Wednesday, June 20 at Standard Bank Stadium, 14011 S. Kenton, Crestwood, when the Windy City ThunderBolts take on the Traverse City Beach Bums. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are $10. Hot dogs and sodas will be available for $1 each. A portion of all tickets sold will benefit Park Forest Baseball. If 100 tickets are sold, a Park Forest player will get the chance to escort a ThunderBolt player to their position. If 300 tickets are sold, Park Forest Baseball may have a chance at other ThunderBolts in-park activities. Advocate South Suburban Hospital will also be hosting a free health clinic on the ballpark concourse that evening. And after the game, all kids are allowed to run the bases! For additional information or to purchase tickets, call Booster Club Members, Tom Mick at 708-516-7140 or Dan Wieringa at 708-441-5408.

First Christian Church, 1045 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights

Huge Book Sale and Café – June 2, 9 and 10

First Christian Church will hold a huge book sale and café on:

Saturday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, June 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday, June 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (bag sale)

Thousands of books, sorted, categorized and reasonably priced will be available. Rare and vintage books will also be on sale. Other items for sale will include audio books, records, cassettes, CDs, puzzles, greeting cards and DVDs. You can enjoy a bakery item and a beverage in a pleasant setting while browsing through your purchases. For additional information, call 708-754-3792.

Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights

USG Annual Indoor Garage Sale – June 1 through 3

USG will hold its Annual Indoor Garage Sale on Friday, June 1, Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. The much anticipated sale will include vintage and artsy clothing and other items. All proceeds from the sale go towards supporting USG’s mission to promote art appreciation and art education. For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

Sertoma Centre, Inc., 4343 W. 123rd St., Alsip

Good As New Thrift Store – Seeking Donations

The Sertoma Centre’s Good As New Thrift Store, 4331 Lincoln Highway, Matteson, is seeking donations of gently used furniture and other household items in good condition. Proceeds from the sale of items at the Thrift Store go directly to supporting the 14 programs offered by Sertoma Centre. The store also serves as a training program for consumers at Sertoma to allow them to gain experience and transition into permanent retail jobs. The Thrift Store will pick up furniture donations within the south and southwest suburbs of Chicago free of charge. To make an arrangement to make a tax deductible donation of furniture to Good As News, call 708-481-5627. For additional information, to schedule a tour, volunteer or to make a donation, please call Amy Chmura at 708-730-6206 or e-mail achmura@sertomacentre.org.

Rotary Club of Park Forest

The Rotary Club of Park Forest urges you to purchase a Golden Opportunities 2012 book to help support its youth activities. Books are only $25 and are now available for purchase at the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd.

Donate Unused Air Miles to Support Families of Wounded Servicemembers

"Operation Hero Miles" collects unused frequent flyer miles to help military families visit service members who were injured in Iraq or Afghanistan and are recovering in military hospitals around the world. Airline partners are: AirTran, Alaska Airlines, American, Frontier, Midwest, Northwest, United, and US Airways. To donate airline miles, visit www.FisherHouse.org.

Donate to Troops Serving Abroad

The Village of Park Forest is currently seeking the names and addresses of local military personnel currently serving overseas so that they may receive packaged donations from Park Forest residents. If you are a Park Forest resident and have a family member from your household currently deployed or if you have recently returned from a tour of duty, please call Judi Lancaster at 708-283-5608 or stop by the Manager's Office at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.

Greening of Park Forest

Sertoma Centre, Inc., 4343 W. 123rd St., Alsip

Recycle Unused Wheelchairs

If you have a used motorized wheelchair that you no longer need and would like to help a person with a disability, the Sertoma Centre will accept your donation. Contact Melanie Jones at 708-730-6206 for additional information.

South Suburban Family Shelter Used Cell Phone Collection Drive

South Suburban Family Shelter (SSFS) is seeking cell phone donations for their ongoing fundraising program. Proceeds from the collection fund the critical programs and services provided to families who experience domestic violence. All victim services are provided free of charge and are available in English and Spanish. Cell phone collection sites currently include:

SSFS Administrative Office, 18139 Harwood, Homewood, IL
Bergstein's NY Deli, 200 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights, IL
Doyle Designed Salon, 2630 Flossmoor Rd., Flossmoor, IL

All donations are tax deductible and receipts are available at collection sites. For more information about SSFS or the fundraising drive, please contact Ms. Meilach at 708-794-2140, extension 303.

Local Recycling Resources and Proper Disposal of Unused Medicine

Do you have old televisions, computers, video games or other electronics or household appliances that need to be recycled? Want to know how to properly dispose of old or unused medication? Click on the "Recycling" icon found on the top of eNews Park Forest and you will find useful information on proper recycling/disposal that will not only be good for the environment, but in some cases, earn you a few dollars as well.

Safe Disposal Program – Bio-waste

The Park Forest Health Department and Environment Commission have partnered to provide information on the proper disposal of bio-waste such as used syringes or lancets (medical sharps). Begin by purchasing a Sharps container to dispose of your medical sharps for $10 at the Park Forest Health Department. Return the filled container to the Park Forest Health Department and purchase a new container. Call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 for more information.

Recycle Used Cell Phones and Cell Phone Accessories

The Rotary Club of Park Forest is conducting a used cell phone and accessory collection drive to benefit the families and programs of the South Suburban Family Shelter. Donated items can be placed in the collection box located in the lobby of Village Hall. For more information, call Denyse Carreras at 708-283-5603.

Sources: Park Forest 2012 Summer Recreation Programs & More Brochure, 2012 Park Forest Spring/Summer Calendar, Park Forest ‘Discover’ magazine, Rich Township Report, Park Forest Historical Society, Village of Park Forest, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Center for Performing Arts, South Suburban Family Shelter, Park Forest Historical Society, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Illinois Theatre Center, Sertoma Centre, Inc., Union Street Gallery, Monkey Mind Art Studio, Thorn Creek Audubon Society, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.

State Rep. Al Riley Has Words for Sears

Friday, 25 May 2012 19:47 Press Release Latest Local News

( 0 Votes )

State Rep. Al Riley. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)

SPRINGFIELD, IL -(ENEWSPF)- State Rep. Al Riley (D-Olympia Fields) issued the following statement in response to the announced closing of several Illinois department stores owned by Sears Holding Corporation, including the Sears located in the Lincoln Mall in Matteson.

"I am extremely disappointed in Sears Holding Corporation for its harmful decision to close its location in Matteson, especially in light of the multi-million dollar tax incentive package that the General Assembly passed just a few short months ago. This relief package was intended to foster job creation while protecting existing jobs."

"Without advance notice, Sears had a phalanx of signs on Lincoln Highway announcing the store was closing. To add insult to injury, a spurious reason for leaving was advanced. That is, no one would acquire Lincoln Mall at the June auction, and that the utilities would be turned off. That's utterly ridiculous, as stores still exist in the mall. If Sears had that kind of foresight, they could have projected the fragility of their own business model years ago. That kind of talk doesn't exactly endear you to a region that frequented their store for decades."

"During these difficult economic times, I will continue to work with local governments and businesses to preserve jobs and sustain economic development. I will also enlist the support of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association to bring Lincoln Mall into their regional development strategy. Although Lincoln Mall has faced a number of fiscal challenges in the past, it continues to focus on new business development, and is a vital part of our local economy. Sears' decision to close the Matteson store will put 114 employees out of work; a decision counterproductive to our mission of sustaining and building jobs and restoring our local economy."

"We are still facing many difficult fiscal issues as a state, and this big corporation has only made the situation worse by steadily eliminating much needed jobs in our communities. Sears took advantage of the state of Illinois and I think we should look into how we can prevent these kinds of deceptive and community-destroying practices from occurring in the future."

Not Coming to America: Why the US is Falling Behind in the Global Race for Talent

Friday, 25 May 2012 12:04 Press Release Latest National News

( 0 Votes )

Immigrants get off a ship at Ellis Island.

New York-(ENEWSPF)- Partnership for a New American Economy and Partnership for New York City Release Study on Successful International Recruitment Strategies and Ways the U.S. Can Fix Its Broken Immigration System

The Partnership for a New American Economy and Partnership for New York City today released the results of a first-ever comparative study of how foreign countries are shaping immigration policies to boost their economies, while the United States remains mired by a broken immigration system that turns away the high and low-skilled workers it needs for continued economic growth. The report – “Not Coming to America: Why the US is Falling Behind in the Global Race for Talent” – also details common-sense reforms to U.S. immigration policy that are necessary to boost the nation’s economy. The report was released today by Partnership for a New American Economy Co-Chair New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg as part of a panel discussion with Mexican businessman and philanthropist Ricardo B. Salinas, British Consul-General Danny Lopez and moderated by Washington Post columnist Matt Miller, an advisor to the report, at The New York Forum.

“America has always been a magnet for the world’s most talented and hardest working – our success has been built on immigrants who have powered our industries and started new ventures that today rank among the world’s leading companies” said Mayor Bloomberg. “But we are quickly losing our edge as other countries adopt smarter economic-driven immigration policies. The future is on the line – now is the time to reform the system and welcome the workers who will continue our success as the world’s leading economy.”

“Fundación Azteca America is dedicated to representing the U.S. Latino community on issues such as education, health and the economy,” said Ricardo B. Salinas. “This study shows once again that more strategic immigration policies contribute to job creation. Given the current economic climate, now is the time to move on policies that will increase business opportunities and mobility of the global workforce.”

“New York City is beginning to lose jobs to foreign competitors with business-friendly immigration policies,” said Kathryn Wylde, President & CEO of the Partnership for New York City. “Our City’s business leaders agree with Mayor Bloomberg that immigration reform belongs at the top of the national agenda.”

The report identifies three major risks facing the U.S. economy if it does not reform its immigration laws: a shortage of workers in innovation industries, a shortage of young workers and slow rates of business startup and job creation. As jobs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) increase three times faster than other jobs, there are not enough American students entering these fields. The U.S. also faces a shortage of workers as baby boomers retire en masse, and growth in the labor force slows to historic lows of less than one percent. Finally, while new businesses are the biggest driver of job creation, the most recent U.S. Census data shows that business startups have reached a record low.

Gap between STEM jobs and Native-Born STEM Graduates

There is a significant gap between the kind of graduates the U.S. is producing and what the American economy needs today and for the future. U.S. companies are hungry for talent with degrees in STEM – these jobs are increasing three times faster than jobs in the rest of the economy. However, these positions are among the hardest to fill because of the dearth of nativeborn Americans with these degrees. There are five times as many non-STEM graduates than STEM graduates in the U.S. and the growth rate of American students majoring in STEM fields is among the slowest of any category. As a result, the U.S. faces a projected shortfall of 230,000 qualified advanced-degree STEM workers by 2018.

Immigrants, on the other hand, are more likely to be trained in STEM fields. Many of the students who are studying STEM fields in America were born elsewhere. About 60 percent of all foreign graduate students in the United States in 2010 were enrolled in science and engineering fields.

The disparity between the type of jobs available and the type of workers ready to fill the labor market is true across the economic and skill spectrum. It is clear that in the future foreignborn workers must fill the gap between jobs available and the workers needed to do those jobs.

Foreign Nations’ Immigration Policies Foster Economic Growth

In contrast to U.S. immigration policy, which is not designed to bring in the workers needed for today’s and tomorrow’s economy, the study explores the recruitment strategies Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Singapore and the United Kingdom are employing to attract the workers needed to grow their economies. These include:

Prioritizing economic goals in immigration policy by providing a high percentage of visas based on economic reasons.
Competing to lure highly educated labor by designing fast-track permanent visas for immigrants with advanced degrees, especially those in STEM fields.
Tailoring visas to specific sectors and regions in the country by allowing local regions to determine their immigration needs and tailor programs accordingly.
Expediting processing and facilitating integration by investing in customer service, faster processing and language classes to help new immigrants integrate.
Tapping the international student pipeline by creating visas to keep foreign students earning advanced degrees from their universities.
Competing for entrepreneurs and investors by establishing new visas designed to attract entrepreneurs with business ideas and investors with assets.
Recruiting expatriate talent by persuading native-born scientists and business leaders to return with offers of bonuses, free housing, tax incentives and more.
Adapting to changing conditions by making major changes or adding new programs to meet economic needs.

British Consul-General Danny Lopez commented on his country’s immigration reforms to attract workers: “Recent UK reforms show that it is possible to control migration without damaging the economy. We know how important it is to be able to attract the best and the brightest to ensure our companies remain competitive and we secure investment in the UK. That is why the UK has reformed routes for entrepreneurs and investors, providing more flexibility and faster routes to settlement.”

Former Toronto Mayor David Miller, an advisor to the study, also remarked on Canada’s recruitment strategies: “To remain a global leader, America should recruit immigrants with the right skills to fill jobs where they are needed. Countries like Canada encourage regions and businesses to identify skills needed in their local labor markets. In a global competition for talent, this approach ensures that immigrants with the right skills for the economy are chosen, and helps to ensure that the needs of Canadian employers are met quickly, easily, and fairly.”

Case Studies: Talented Workers Lured Abroad by Recruitment Strategies

The report also tells the stories of individuals recruited to other countries by immigration reforms that made it easy for them to contribute to their new country’s economy. These case studies give voice to how effective the recruitment strategies have been in luring the kind of workers that create economic growth.

“Unlike the US, no companies [in Singapore] even seem to worry about possible visa complications when interviewing you for positions here… There’s no real doubt that that aspect of things will work out,” said Swedish native Poyan Rajamand, a Stanford University Graduate School of Business graduate and entrepreneur who moved to Singapore using the Employment Pass, a special visa for high-skilled immigrants. “We found the whole visa system here to be extremely easy…It’s how you imagine the US once was: There’s a real energy here around attracting the world’s best and brightest.”

Rajamand and his wife found jobs and in 2010, he also took advantage of EntrePass, a special visa that allows foreigners with $50,000 in funding and a promising new business concept to enter or stay in Singapore as entrepreneurs. With a former Stanford classmate, Rajamand founded Barghest Partners, a firm that invests in small companies and helps them achieve a broader reach.

Another example in the report is native Italian Claudio Carnino, who had his mind set on becoming an entrepreneur in the US and in 2010, he made it to a final round interview for a prestigious start-up incubator in Providence, Rhode Island. However, because there is no US visa dedicated to foreign entrepreneurs, Carnino was told that investment in his company would be risky because of fear that he might be pushed out of the US later if he couldn’t secure a permanent visa.

He found a more welcoming environment in Chile: in 2011 his start-up, a cell-phone game development company called Challengein, was chosen for Start-Up Chile, a program that gave him $40,000 seed funding, free office space and a visa. “They treat us like superstars here,” said Carnino.

Recommendations to Fix US Immigration System for Economic Growth

While other countries have adopted policies to attract immigrants necessary to drive economic growth, the basic policy framework governing immigration in America has remained unchanged for nearly fifty years. The U.S. can no longer afford to take a back seat in the race for the workers it needs with an antiquated immigration policy. The report concludes by recommending six immigration reforms the U.S. can adopt to resume its position as the magnet for the world’s most talented and necessary workers:

Provide visas to the STEM graduates educated in American universities.
Award more green cards based on economic needs.
Create a visa program for foreign entrepreneurs to build their firms in the US
Let American companies hire the highly educated workers they need.
Give industries that depend on workers just starting up the economic ladder, such as agriculture and tourism, access to foreign workers when they cannot find Americans to fill jobs.
Allow local governments to recruit more immigrants to meet regional needs.

About the Partnership for a New American Economy

The Partnership for a New American Economy brings together more than 400 Republican, Democratic, and Independent mayors and business leaders who support immigration reforms that will help create jobs for Americans today. The Partnership’s members include mayors of more than 35 million people nationwide and business leaders of companies that generate more than $1.5 trillion and employ more than 4 million people across all sectors of the economy, from Agriculture to Aerospace, Hospitality to High Tech, and Media to Manufacturing. Partnership members understand that immigration is essential to maintaining the productive, diverse, and flexible workforce that America needs to ensure prosperity over the coming generations. Learn more at: www.renewoureconomy.org

About the Partnership for New York City

The Partnership for New York City works to engage the business community in efforts to advance the economy of New York City and maintain the city’s position as the center of world commerce, finance and innovation. The Partnership’s investment fund contributes directly to projects that create jobs, improve economically distressed communities and stimulate new business creation. Learn more at: www.pfnyc.org