Local

In and Around Park Forest for the Week of July 22, 2018


Rosemary's garden
My Zen garden in Oregon (Photo: Rosemary Piser)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF) — Culver’s, 20716 Cicero Avenue in Matteson will host a “Donate While You Dine” fundraiser on the evening of Tuesday, July 24, in memory of 10-year-old Jaleel Drayton of Park Forest who lost his life when he drowned in a pool at the Aqua Center after hours. Culvers will donate 25% of sales from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. to benefit the Drayton Family. So take a break from cooking on Tuesday and head over to Culvers on Tuesday for some good food that will help support a good cause.

Be sure to check out all the other events and activities taking place In & Around Park Forest. Have a great week!

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Events and activities featured in ‘In and Around Park Forest’ take place in Park Forest, the surrounding suburbs and locations that are just a short drive or train ride away. You’ll find that many of these events are free or of a nominal charge.

If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in the community that you would like published, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with the details no later than 5 p.m. on Friday.  Thank you.

Administration — Village of Park Forest

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Village Board Meeting – Saturday, August 4

The Village of Park Forest Board will hold a Saturday Morning Rules Meeting on August 4 at 10 a.m. at Village Hall. To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site here and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.

Arts & Entertainment

Crete Public Library District, 1177 North Main Street

The following events are scheduled at the Crete Public Library District the week of July 22:

  • Monday, July 23 at 4:30 p.m. – Yoga for Tweens – Meditation and relaxation exercises for ages 8-13. Wear comfy clothing and bring your water bottle and a yoga mat, if you have one. Mats will be provided for those who do not have one. Register.
  • Monday, July 23 at 7 p.m. – Knot Just for Knitters – Share camaraderie while working on knitting, crocheting or any other type of needlework project. For adults.
  • Wednesday, July 25 at 6 p.m. – Selling Online: eBay Tips & Techniques – Are you interested in selling your items on eBay but don’t know how to get started? Learn how to sign up for eBay and create your first sales listing. This is a demonstration class only; we will not be selling any items during this class. Register.
  • Thursday, July 26 at 6 p.m. – Tween Craft Night – Relax and take some time to make a one-of-a-kind craft for yourself or a friend.
  • Thursday, July 26 at 6:15 p.m. – Film Club – Showing Henry V with a brief discussion afterwards.
  • Friday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Open Play – Enjoy exploring and playing at different stations set up with various activities.

For more information or to register for a program, please call the Crete Public Library at 708-672-8017 or visit www.cretelibrary.org.

League of Women Voters Park Forest Area

Summer Social: Wine and Cheese Event — Friday, August 3

Are you looking for an evening of fine wine and scintillating conversation? Please join the League of Women Voters – Park Forest Area for our summer social, “Wine and Cheese” on Friday, August 3rd at 6:00 p.m. at the Richton Park Community Center, 4455 Sauk Trail. What better way to spend a lovely summer evening than having a casual glass of wine and snacks, while enjoying the company of League members and friends.  This is also an opportunity for those of you who have questions about the League to learn about our organization. League members are asked to bring a bottle of their favorite wine/beverage, a snack and a friend.  We look forward to seeing you on August 3rd and hope that you will invite friends and neighbors to join us. For more information, please contact Tiffani Graham at 708-748-1577 or Diane Hodges at 708-720-5954.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization which encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters encourages citizens to register to vote and provides public education for voters on election issues. The League does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Anyone interested in promoting responsible government is invited to be a member. For more information visit lwvpfa.org

National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM), 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago

‘The Lost Children of Chon Thanh’ – Opens Tuesday July 31st

The NVAM is proud to announce ‘The Lost Children of Chon Thanh,’ our upcoming exhibition of then-and-now photographic portraits by Bob Shirley and Reed Young. The exhibit will be on display from Tuesday July 31st through Saturday September 22nd. In 1969, U.S. Army medic Bob “Doc” Shirley worked in a temporary clinic in the village of Chon Thanh, providing medical care to the local people. During that time, he captured poignant images of some of the children he treated. Over 40 years later Larry Johns, curator of the current exhibition, saw Shirley’s haunting portraits and began to wonder whether any of these children had survived, and what their lives were like now. Johns had lost a brother who was serving at a remote artillery post near Chon Thanh and had been trying to seek out people who might have had a connection with his brother during the war. Johns and his Vietnamese wife began a two-year search for the ‘lost children.’ With the help of New York freelance photographer, Reed Young, and others, they were able to find 16 ‘kids’ who had survived. Johns listened to stories and made emotional connections with the now-adult subjects, many of whom had become farmers with children and grandchildren of their own. Meanwhile, Reed Young– whose colorful portrait essays have appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, National Geographic, TIME magazine, and NPR–created stunning new portraits of the ‘children.’ ‘The Lost Children of Chon Thanh’ contrasts enlargements from Bob Shirley’s exceptionally well preserved 1969 original 35mm Ektachrome slides with Reed Young’s present-day high definition digital images printed on metal. More information about ‘The Lost Children of Chon Thanh’ can be found here. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. For group admission reservations visit www.nvam.org.

‘Artifacts’ Exhibit — Through September 22

NVAM is proud to announce ‘Artifacts,’ our upcoming exhibition that explores the material and speculative objects that hold personal, cultural, and political import for those directly and indirectly impacted by war. The exhibition features The Invisible Enemy Should Not Exist by internationally celebrated artist Michael Rakowitz; Exit Wounds and What We Carried by the award winning photographer Jim Lommasson; Battle Beyond the Battlefield by former Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Fellow and veteran artist Alicia Dietz; Sum of My Father by former de Young Fine Arts Museum Resident and veteran artist Rodney Ewing; The Shrapnel Project by Purple Heart recipient and artist Phillip Schladweiler; and the award winning Combat Paper by veteran artist Drew Cameron. Bringing together photography, sculpture, and installation, the artworks in ‘Artifacts’ serve to expand the definition of “artifact,” and examine the ways in which collected objects hold meaning and significance for people, societies, and history impacted by war. For more information about ‘Artifacts,’ visit: visit: https://bit.ly/2qDR8Ee. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For group reservations, visit www.nvam.org. The National Veterans Art Museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of art inspired by combat and created by veterans. No other gallery in the world focuses on the subject of war from an artistic perspective, making this collection truly unique. The National Veterans Art Museum addresses both historical and contemporary issues related to military service in order to give patrons of all backgrounds insight into the effects of war and to provide veterans an artistic outlet to work through their military and combat experiences.

Park Forest Historical Society, 227 Monee Road

Park Forest House Museum ‘Boomer Toys & Dolls’ Exhibit – Through Mid-July

The Park Forest House Museum’s “Boomer Toys & Dolls” Exhibit will be up through mid-July. Come see the wonderful selection of toys, games and dolls we have assembled for you to enjoy. Photographs, scrapbooks and sales brochures from the Park Forest Local History Collection and Archive are on display. Park Forest move-ins began 70 years ago in late August 2018. Admission is Adults $5; children 12 and under free.  Park in the small lot by the flagpole and knock on the classroom door next to the museum sign. A guide will tell village history, and social and fashion trends of the era. The Museum is open Wednesday and Saturday, 1 to 3:30 p.m. and by appointment. For additional information or to schedule a tour, please call Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252, or Michael Gans at 708-305-3308 or visit: www.parkforesthistory.org.

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

The following events are scheduled at the Park Forest Library the week of July 22:

  • Monday, July 23 at 11 a.m. – Morning Story Time — Rise and Shine! Parents can jump start the day with stories and a craft for your little one. For ages 12 and under.
  • Monday, July 23 at 1 p.m. – Science Explorers — Hello Summer Explorers! If you love science, join us as we explore and experiment with different elements. All materials provided. While supplies last. For ages 12 and under.
  • Monday, July 23 at 3 p.m. – Just Craftin’ Around — We’re EXPLODING with Creativity! Join us each week as we explore/craft different elements of Art.
  • Monday, July 23 at 4 p.m. – All Day Drop In Projects — Stop by Teen Tech Zone for a spur-of-the-moment activity!
  • Monday, July 23 at 4 p.m. – Explore This World of Wonder — Drop in to the Explore space and discover something new.
  • Monday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. — Ravinia Concert: Leon Fleisher performs Bach & Brahms — Request tickets at the information zone desk. Given out on first come, first serve basis. Location: Ravinia in Highland Park, IL.
  • Monday, July 23 at 8 p.m. — Ravinia: Martin Alsop & Makoto Ozone perform Copland, Gershwin, & Stravinsky — Request tickets at the information zone desk. Given out on first come, first serve basis. Location: Ravinia in Highland Park, IL.
  • Tuesday, July 24 at 11 a.m. – MIY (Make it Yourself) Journal — Stop in and design your own Traveling Journal. Perfect for a those long summer vacation trips. For ages 12 and under.
  • Tuesday, July 24 at 12:30 p.m. — Digital Literacy Workshop: Excel Basics Part 3 — Learn how to navigate Microsoft Excel. Registration Required. NOTE: There is currently a Waiting List for this program.
  • Tuesday, July 24 at 1 p.m. – Color Me Mine — Travel to a world of relaxation for kids. Lose yourself in patterns, curved flowers or even runaway stems. Color yourself Happy in our kids’ coloring circle. For ages 12 and under.
  • Tuesday, July 24 at 4 p.m. – Color-Rama! Coloring Circle — Cool down inside from the summer heat with a fun activity that helps you to unwind and relax!
  • Wednesday, July 25 at 11 a.m. — Books & Baby Time — Babies and their parents or caregivers are invited to read, sing and grow in this weekly story time. This program is geared toward babies 0 – 36 months with an accompanying adult. This is the perfect time for families to bond with their child/children.
  • Wednesday, July 25 at 1 p.m. – Canvas Kids — Drop in and discover your inner artist with and create a one of a kind masterpiece. All Materials Provided. While supplies last. For ages 12 and under.
  • Wednesday, July 25 at 4 p.m. – Adult Coloring — Join us and relax a bit with our coloring circle. All supplies are provided.
  • Wednesday, July 25 at 4 p.m. – All Day Drop In Projects — Stop by Teen Tech Zone for a spur-of-the-moment activity,
  • Wednesday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m. – Writers’ Workshop — Want to improve your skills as a writer? Interested in sharing your ideas or written work with others? Come to the Park Forest Library and join other creators in our bi-monthly writers’ group, led by James Pressler, for all your writing wishes. Writers of all skill levels are welcomed.
  • Thursday, July 26 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Time — Bring your imagination and creativity to bring out our inner Picasso through art projects and more… Some projects may involve paint. Ages 3-5.
  • Thursday, July 26 at 1 p.m. – Gum Drop Structure Challenge — Test your skills to build a structure made from a few basic materials. For ages 12 and under.
  • Thursday, July 26 at 4 p.m. – Teen Movie — Cool down this summer with a featured film.
  • Thursday, July 26 at 5:30 p.m. — Digital Literacy Workshop: Excel Basics Part 3 — Learn how to navigate Microsoft Excel. Registration Required. NOTE: There is currently a Waiting List for this program.
  • Friday, July 27 at 1 p.m. – Summertime Cinema – Now Showing ‘Daddy Daycare’ Rated PG. For all ages.
  • Friday, July 27 at 3:30 p.m. – Teen Game Day — Show off your competitive side with your friends! From board games to video games, there will be plenty of fun.
  • Saturday, July 28 at 1 p.m. — Growing African Violets — Join us as we learn how to properly care for and grow African Violets.

For additional information, or to register for an event call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.

Join the Park Forest Library’s Ukulele Orchestra – First Meeting Saturday, August 25

The Park Forest Library is forming a Ukulele Orchestra. Looking for ukulele players from 12 to 112 who are well-seasoned or just beginners, to join the group. Players under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult. There are also a few seats open for Kazoo players over the age of 65. The group will meet for the first time on Saturday, August 25 in the Library’s Ringering Room. You must have your own instruments to join. The Library will provide sheet music and other supplies. If you would like to join but do not have a ukulele, a reasonable priced option is available here. For additional information, call George Manno at 708-748-3731, extension 22. Come out and have some fun!

Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest

Lunch at the Senior Center – Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

The Rich Township Senior Center will be serving lunch at 12 Noon, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Rich Township School District 227 is preparing delicious meals for a cost of $3.00. You MUST make your reservation two days in advance by stopping in, or calling 708-748-5454. Lunch Menu examples: Chicken, Hamburger, Turkey Sandwich, all served with Soup & Chips.  Also we have Pasta dishes, side salads, desserts. Optional: Chef Salad. All served with Lemonade.

Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest

‘Blurring the Lines’ Exhibit – Through Tuesday, July 31

‘Blurring the Lines’ exhibit will run at the Gallery through Tuesday, July 31. Visit the Gallery to check out pieces by Sandra Evers and Linda Curl. For additional information and Gallery hours, visit www.salonartistsgallery.com or call 708-703-7806.

South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 State Street, South Holland

‘Re Pose’ Exhibit – Through August 30

SSC’s Art & Design Department is pleased to present a new exhibition located in the Dulgar Gallery on SSC’s Main Campus in South Holland. An exhibition of art works by Brent Fogt titled “Re Pose” is on display through August 30, 2018. Reception date for Fogt is to be announced. Brent Fogt has completed artist residencies at the Vermont Studio Center, Djerassi Resident Artists Program, I-Park Foundation and Yaddo. He holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University. The public is welcome to visit the art exhibition and reception at no charge. The Dulgar Gallery is on the first floor. SSC Galleries are open at minimum Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. For more information, please call 708-596-2000, ext. 2445 or ext. 2316, or visit www.ssc.edu/art.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Taking an Art Trip’ – Opens Friday, August 3

‘Taking an Art Trip,’ the 2018 Annual Exhibit of Works by Tall Grass Gallery Artists opens on Friday, August 3 and will run through Sunday, September 16.  An Artists’ Reception will be held on Saturday, August 4 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Both the reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. Gallery Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.

The Drama Group, 330 West 202nd Street, Chicago Heights

‘Fame, the Musical’ – Opens Friday, July 27

To close the 2017-18 season, The Drama Group is revved up to bring ‘Fame, The Musical’ to the south suburban audience. This high-octane musical, directed and choreographed by Liz Yerkovich, will be performed at The Drama Group’s Milord Studio Theatre on July 27, 28, August 2, 3 & 4 at 7:30 p.m. and matinees on July 29, August 4 & 5 at 2 p.m.

SYNOPSIS – ‘FAME, THE MUSICAL’

An unmistakable title from the unforgettable film and television franchise, FAME, The Musical inspired generations to fight for fame and light up the sky like a flame!  Conceived and developed by David De Silva – now known affectionately to the planet as “Father Fame” – this high-octane musical features Academy Award-winning title song and a host of other catchy pop numbers.  The show follows the final class of New York City’s celebrated High School for the Performing Arts from their admission to their graduation.  All the struggles, fears and triumphs – from prejudice to substance abuse – are depicted with razor-sharp focus as the young artists navigate the worlds of music, drama and dance. Liz Yerkovich, the Director/Choreographer for ‘Fame, The Musical’ claims “art imitates life” as she is a choreographer and dance instructor in her everyday life at The Dance Company in Frankfort, IL and witnesses every day the sacrifices and triumphs in the lives of her dancers. Tickets are $21 for adults; $20 for seniors and $15 for students with ID. Group discount rates are also available. Good seats are available. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 708-755-3444 or online here. For or directions and other information regarding Drama Group activities, please visit our Website.

Union Street Gallery (USG) 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights

Union Street Gallery Invitational 2018 – Through August 4

USG’s Invitational 2018 exhibit will run through Saturday, August 4. For additional information call 708-754-2601 or visit Website.

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

2018 Main Street Nights – Wednesday, July 25

Grab a blanket and position yourself in the Park Forest Downtown Village Green (Cunningham and Main Streets) for eight FREE nights of entertainment, rain or shine! Vendors on hand selling food and drinks! The evening starts at 6:30 p.m. with an opening act followed by the showcased entertainment. In case of rain, performances will be moved to Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street. For weather related changes or cancellations, please call 708-748-2005. (Events are subject to change. Call 708-748-2005 to confirm weekly schedule).

Car show sponsored by the Independence Car Club!

6:30 p.m. – SIDESWIPE – Martial Arts Performance Team

Sideswipe Martial Arts based group blends traditional martial arts such as Karate and Tae Kwon Do, with gymnastics and acrobatics to create an extreme highflying display of talent, strength and stamina unlike anything else on the planet.

7:30 p.m. Billy Elton

Billy Elton transports you to the excitement of Billy and Elton in concert.  All of the energy and all of the hits come alive, expertly performed by virtuoso pianist/vocalist Reid Spears and his incredible band.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

Online Educational Resources

Online college programs are a great way for today’s busy people to complete or earn a degree. To find an online college program in Illinois, visit http://www.onlineschools.org/guides/Illinois/ where you will find a compilation of every college program offered online in Illinois offered on a full or part-time basis.

South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 State Street, South Holland

Court Reporting Open House – Thursday, July 26

SSC is hosting a Court Reporting Open House on Thursday, July 26, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., in Oak Forest Center Room 5190. The Open House will showcase this profession which offers a wide-open job market and excellent income potential. Court reporting is an interesting, challenging career which offers a flexible work schedule, and excellent income potential ($64,672 average yearly income). Broadcast captioners can earn $70,000+ and may work out of their homes. The use of sophisticated computer equipment has broadened the nature of the profession. Our program focuses on the theory behind it all, with an emphasis on Judicial Reporting. There is a severe shortage of reporters in the Chicago area. The Court Reporting Open House is the perfect opportunity to get an overview of SSC’s Court Reporting/Verbatim Technology program, certified by the National Court Reporters Association. You will be able to talk with a certified court reporter and see a demonstration of real-time writing. To RSVP or for more information call 708-596-2000, ext. 3217 or email [email protected] The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois.

Paralegal Program Open House – Thursday, August 9

SSC will be hosting an Open House for its Paralegal Program on Thursday, August 9, 2018, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 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. SC 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. Jason Cieslik at 708-596-2000, ext. 2579 or email [email protected].

Top U.S. Universities

Choosing what college or university to attend can be a very daunting experience. With educational costs continually increasing, it’s more important than ever to choose a university that meets your specific educational needs. At http://www.topschools.com/, you will find a comprehensive resource that ranks each university throughout the nation by size, degrees offered, tuition costs, admission, graduation and retention rates.

Green Events

Thorn Creek Audubon Society, Park Forest

Nature Education Programs at Thorn Creek Nature Center

Calling all schools, home school groups, day cares, preschools, youth, adult and family groups! Nature Education Programs are offered at Thorn Creek Nature Center throughout the year where your group can discover the plants and animals of Thorn Creek Woods. These Nature Education Programs are sponsored by the Thorn Creek Audubon Society. The Audubon Society and the Thorn Creek Nature Center announce their new Partnership for Programming to further the Society’s environmental education mission and give valuable assistance to Thorn Creek Nature Center in providing nature programming for groups of area children and adults. Some of the nature education programs offered this year include Birding by Sight and Sound, Creek Walk (the world of aquatic insects and metamorphosis), Trees Big and Small (identification by leaves and bark), Insects (what makes an insect unique), the Web of Life (interdependence of producers, consumers, predators and decomposers), Soils Hike (how soil fuels and supports life), and Night Hikes. On the Fall Color Hike learn why leaves change colors and what trees do to prepare for the long months of winter. Discover clues to wild animals’ identities and behavior by trails and trails in Wild Animal Tracks. Make your own track replica. On Vixen’s Trek you are the fox following your daily routines on Thorn Creek trails. Or visit the Historic Farm in the woods to explore an early 1900’s woodland farm. Groups can also arrange for a naturalist to come to your location for programs such as Wild Animal Tracks, Web of Life, Woodland Wildflowers, Soils, History of Thorn Creek Woods, and the like. The new partnership has already collaborated in sponsoring three programs: the Learn 70 Birds by Spring class, which runs from January through March; the Great Backyard Bird Count Open House that was held in February; and the Build a Gourd Birdhouse sessions to be held in March.  For information about Thorn Creek Audubon Society membership, events and projects: Thorn Creek Audubon Society, P. O. Box 895, Park Forest, Il 60466, or www.thorncreekaudubonsociety.org.

Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Sounds of Insects Night Hike – Registration required by Thursday, July 26

The Sounds of Insects Night Hike will be held on Saturday, July 28 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Join us as we venture out on the trail at dusk listening for musical and mechanical insect sounds. Many insects become more active as the sound goes down. We’ll listen and learn the distinct sounds of common local species and why they make these sounds. Registration required no later than Thursday, July 26. The event is free and all ages are welcome. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6420.

Become a ‘Friend of Thorn Creek’

Friends of Thorn Creek Woods is the citizen activist group responsible in very large part for preserving and securing the dedication of the Thorn Creek Woods as an Illinois Nature Preserve.  Friends’ volunteers continue to provide support in so many ways: staff the nature center on weekends; trail work; displays; leading hikes; special events; cleaning; pruning; artwork; music; research; and so on.  Friends is a voice for the Woods and preservation values, donates funds for equipment and sponsors an annual meeting, Garlic Fest and Earth Day.  Members receive a quarterly newsletter.  Annual membership in Friends is $10.  For additional information, call 708-747-6320 or visit www.tcwoods.org.

Experience the Thorn Creek Nature Center

Thorn Creek Nature Center is housed in a historic building, originally Immanuel Lutheran Church of Matteson, Illinois built in 1862, and later Village Bible Church of Park Forest. A gothic frame country church, its notable architectural features include curved ceiling, tongue-and-groove paneling and a raised pulpit. Its current attractions are displays of the preserve’s flora and fauna, a bird feeder viewing area, Eugene E. Schwartz reference library and an expanded children’s section. The Nature Center is open Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Trails are open daily year-round, dawn to dusk. For additional information, call 708-747-6320 or visit www.tcwoods.org.

Will County Green, 58 East Clinton Street, Joliet

Recycling in the South Suburbs — Ongoing

Have old electronics, TVs or computer monitors sitting around your house gathering dust? Want to get rid of them for free? There are places in Will County where you can properly dispose of them. Each recycling location will accept only 2 televisions per vehicle. ID will be required to prove that you are a Will County resident. However, Park Forest residents residing in either Will OR Cook Counties may participate.

Recycling Locations

Richton Park Donation Drop Spot Peotone Police Department New Lenox Township
Richton Park Village Hall 208 E. Main Street 1100 S. Cedar Road
4455 Sauk Trail (Located along Latonia Lane) 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 2nd & 4th Wednesdays
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (lines will be cut off at 7 p.m.) 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (lines will be cut off at 7 p.m.
7 days a week Closed on Holidays Closed on Holidays

For additional information, visit www.countygreen.com.

Healthy Living

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.

Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard, Park Forest

CPR Classes

CPR classes are available at the Park Forest Fire Department. Click on the following link for more details: http://pffd.vopf.com/cpr-classes.html

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.

Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip

Free Community Education and Prevention Programs about Mental Health

Sertoma Centre’s Mental Health Services facility is offering community mental health seminars, free of charge to community groups, schools, law enforcement agencies, religious organizations, and other community groups at their location in Matteson or facility. Education Programs will include: Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) which increases public awareness of suicide and improves one’s ability to identify and refer those at risk for suicide. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a public education course that helps participants identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance disorders. Also included is Mental Health First Aid for Youth and Anxiety/Depression Screenings. Thanks to a grant, these educational opportunities are available at no cost to you or your organization. To arrange a free educational opportunity for your club, group, workplace, organization, or church, call Gia Washington at 708-748-1951, Ext. 418 or email at [email protected].

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

Yoga Classes by Karen Nielsen – Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays

Yoga classes by Karen Nielsen are available at UUCC on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Wednesday evenings from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  No reservations needed.  Drop-in fee is $10 per class and the 6th one is free.  For additional information, call 708-755-3577 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

This & That

Park Forest Economic Development and Planning Department

Water Bill Buck Buster – Through December 28

Park Forest Economic Development and Planning Department ‘Water Bill Buck Buster’ contest will continue through December 28. Spend $150 or more each quarter at local Park Forest businesses and you can enter a raffle for a $100 water bill credit. You can also win Village swag with the first $50 in receipts in each quarter. Submit receipts from local Park Forest businesses totaling $150 or more dated within each quarter.  Limit of one entry per household per quarter. Three drawings will be held in 2018:

  • September 28
  • December 28

Receipts are due the day before each drawing. Locate Park Forest businesses in the Park Forest Shopping & Service Guide found here. Email your receipts and include your name, address and phone number to [email protected] or drop off the information at Park Forest Village Hall 2nd Floor, 350 Victory Drive. For additional information, call 708-283-5617 or check your water bill statement.

Park Forest Toastmasters Club

Meeting – Tuesday, July 24

The Park Forest Toastmasters Club will meet on Tuesday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 N. Orchard Drive in Park Forest. The meeting is open to the public. The Park Forest Toastmasters Club meets on the 1st and 4th Tuesdays of each month. Members develop speaking and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. For additional information, visit: www.parkforesttoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org.

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Park Forest Mobile App – Now Available

The Village of Park Forest mobile app is now available. This new digital tool provides an on-the-go connection for individuals seeking resources, news, and information from their smart phones or tablets. The Village of Park Forest app can be used to enjoy convenient access to Park Forest calendars, news, employment opportunities, board meeting agendas, frequently asked questions, and more.

To download the app on an Apple® device:

  • Visit the app store and search “CivicMobile.” Make sure to choose “CivicMobile” and not the “CivicMobile Preview” or “CivicMobile Demo.” For users currently on mobile devices, visit the Apple app page here.
  • Once the CivicMobile app is downloaded, search Village of Park Forest.
  • Once Village of Park Forest has been selected during the first use, it will open the Village of Park Forest app each time the app is used.

To download the app on an Android device:

  • Visit the Google Play store and search Village of Park Forest. For users currently on mobile devices, visit the Android app page here.

Park Forest Main Street Market – Every Saturday through October 27

The Park Forest Main Street Market, previously known as the Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday, rain or shine from 7 a.m. to noon through October 27 for shopping, food and entertainment. Along with its new name, the Market has a new location at 152 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest. The Market accepts Link/SNAP & Senior Nutrition Coupons. For additional information about the Market, call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118, email [email protected] or the Market’s website.


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