The raised beds at the community garden by the fire station grow strong. (ENEWSPF)
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—July 9, 2012. ‘In and Around Park Forest’ will not be published the week of July 16 as I will be taking a much needed vacation. The column will resume on July 23.
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 [email protected] with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.
Village of Park Forest
Village Board Meeting
The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday July 9 at 7 p.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.
Village of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings
The following Park Forest Commissions and Advisory Groups will meet the week of July 9:
- Tuesday, July 10 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission
- Tuesday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. – Commission on Human Relations
The meetings will take place at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Arts & Entertainment
Village of Park Forest
Main Street Nights – Wednesday, July 11 & July 18
Main Street Nights continues at Park Forest’s DownTown Village Green (Cunningham & Main Streets) rain or shine. On Wednesday, July 11 at 7 p.m., the tope finalists from the 3rd Annual Park Forest Idol Contest will share their talent. At 7:45 p.m., the talented staff and students of Park Forest’s very own Muzicnet will perform smooth jazz, blues and gospel.
On Wednesday, July 18 at 7 p.m. the Rich East Drum Line will start the evening and get your mojo working. At 7:20 p.m., the Illinois Theatre Center will preview songs from ITC’s Summerfest musical production. At 7:45 p.m. the Southland Jazz Ensemble will perform the best in classic jazz and hard driving swing. The Ensemble is considered the finest big band in the Southland region and features some of the most highly regarded musicians in the area.
In case of rain, performance will be moved to Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street, Call the recorded message at 708-283-5647 for weather related changes or cancellations. For additional information, call the Recreation & Parks Department at 708-748-2005. E vents are subject to change. PLEASE NOTE: Chairs will NOT be provided. Please bring your own chair or blanket.
Beat the Heat at the Park Forest Aqua Center
Beat the heat the summer at the Park Forest Aqua Center. For the 2012 Season, a new approach to group membership rates is in effect. Swimmers can fill out a membership application and add family or friends to the list at an increased savings per person up to a maximum total of 5. The combination of this new membership approach along with the facility grounds improvements done at the Aqua Center over the past few years make it possible for you to enjoy the beach right here in Park Forest. The Park Forest Aqua Center is located at 30 N. Orchard. Additional details on the Park Forest Aqua Center, including Membership Rates and Daily Guest fees, can be found at:
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:
- Monday, July 9 at 3 p.m. – Writer’s Block Writing Club. Kids are given a topic to write about, followed by a discussion. Ages: 8-18.
- Monday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. – Chess Instruction. Open to all ages.
- Monday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m. – Chess Free Play. Open to all ages.
- Tuesday, July 10 at 10:30 a.m. – Donut Shop Mystery Club. Discussion about the Donut Shop Mystery Series by Jessica Beck. You may check out the books from the Patron Services desk.
- Tuesday, July 10 at 10:30 a.m. – Fairytale Breakfast Stories. Fairytale stories read in a breakfast atmosphere that emphasizes food. Ages 2-6.
- Tuesday, July 10 at 2 p.m. – Build a Better Memory. This "Reading is So Delicious" program features some "Brain Food". Learn how to improve your memory.
- Tuesday, July 10 at 6 p.m. – Feat Your Ears: music on the Web. Learn about the best music sites online.
- Tuesday, July 10 at 6:30 p.m. – Classic Food Cinema presents: ‘Chocolat.’ — Chocolat is the beautiful and captivating comedy from the acclaimed director of the Cider House Rules! Nobody could have imagined the impact that the striking Vianne would make when she arrived in a tranquil, old-fashioned French town. In her very unusual chocolate shop, Vianne begins to create mouth-watering confections that almost magically inspire the straitlaced villagers to abandon themselves to temptation and happiness! But it is not until another stranger, the handsome Roux arrives in town that Vianne is finally able to recognize her own desires! NOTE: Due to the film rating, we ask that children under 17 be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Tuesday, July 10 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime. For all story lovers Ages 2 thru 12. Every week P.J has a different theme surrounding the stories and craft. Drop-ins welcome.
- Wednesday, July 11 at 11 a.m. – Get the Dish on Health Eating. Learn about some of the best techniques for healthy living.
- Wednesday, July 11 at 2 p.m. – Nutritionist. A special presentation conducted by the PF nutritionist and the Food Co-op. focusing on healthy living.
- Wednesday, July 11 at 3 p.m. – Get Connected and Read. Drop in and learn how to check out Ebooks and digital audio books, access digital magazines, and register for library programs online. Featuring Digital Library Services: Media on Demand, Zinio, and Evanced.
- Thursday, July 12 at 2 p.m. – Sidewalk Extravaganza. Join us for our annual Sidewalk Chalk Art Competition and more.
- Friday, July 13 – All Day Comic Book Day. Come dressed as your favorite super hero and enter our costume contest!
- Friday, July 13 at 10 a.m. – Morning Cartoons. Join us to watch some of the best Super Hero cartoons!
- Friday, July 13 at 11 a.m. – Comicon Theater. Act out a story featuring your favorite heroes and see the comic art on the big screen.
- Friday, July 13 at 12 p.m. – Movie Day: ‘Thor.’ — FUN FRIDAY!!! Come to the library to watch the movie "Thor".
- Friday, July 13 at 2:30 p.m. – How to Write Comics. Come learn the basics of writing a professional comic book or graphic novel.
- Friday, July 13 at 3:30 p.m. – Wii Game Day: Super Hero Face Off. Come to the library to play your Marvel Ultimate Alliance.
- Saturday, July 14 at 11:30 a.m. – Learn to use Your Kindle Fire. An introduction to using an Amazon Kindle Fire. Please note: you must bring your own device for this class.
For additional information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731. You can also register on-line at www.pfpl.org.
Park Forest Library Hosting Summer-Long Student Art Exhibit
The Park Forest Public Library is hosting a summer-long art exhibit featuring the work from students in Park Forest and the surrounding communities. Mrs. Patricia Moore, the director of the Tall Grass Art Association School of Art, curated students’ work from Illinois School in Park Forest, Glenwood Academy and the Tall Grass Art School. Twenty-three works of art are now hanging in the Library’s Ringering Room. The exhibit is open to the public during regular library hours free of charge. The Library is located at 400 Lakewood Blvd. For more information about the exhibit, call 708/748-3731, extension 22, or visit the Library’s website at www.pfpl.org.
Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest
Park Forest House Museum – Summer Exhibit Features Early Years of the Aqua Center
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard, is ready for summer visitors. The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or for small groups by appointment. Donation is Adults- $5; 12 & under free with a paying adult. Group tours may be subject to special pricing. 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. The museum is operated by the Park Forest Historical Society and sponsored by Andrew Brown of Central Park Townhomes. This summer the museum is featuring a small display on the early years of the Aqua Center swimming pool complex, once the largest in the state of Illinois. The transcript of an oral history on the Aqua Center is in the living room, illustrated with photos of the original layout. On display in the china cabinet are original badges from the ‘Badge Pool.’ Youngsters used to have to prove they could swim the length of that pool to earn the badge to pin on their swimsuits. For additional information, visit www.parkforesthistory.org.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
Summer Music at Ravisloe – Begins Wednesday, July 11
On Wednesday, July 11 at 7 p.m., ‘Strings and Friends’ an evening of classics will take place at Ravisloe Country Club, 18231 Park Avenue, Homewood. The program will include: Serenade for Flute, Violin, & Viola in D major, Op. 25 by Ludwig van Beethoven; Phantasy Quartet for Oboe, Violin, Viola, and Cello, Op. 2 by Benjamin Britten; and Oboe Quartet in F major, K. 370 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This concert will be held indoors. Programs and artists subject to change. General admission tickets are $25 and can be purchased at https://secure.ticketsage.net. For additional information, call 708-481-7774 or visit www.iopmusic.org.
‘A Gathering of Strings’ – Tickets Now On Sale
On Wednesday, July 25 at 7 p.m., ‘A Gathering of Strings’ will take place at Ravisloe Country Club, 18231 Park Avenue, Homewood. The program will feature Solo Violin Sonata in D major, Op.115 by Serge Prokofiev, Hal Grossman, Violin; Sonata #2 in D major for Two Violins by Gaetano Pugnani; String Trio by Franz Schubert; and String Quartet in E-flat major, Op.64, No. 6 by Franz Joseph Haydn performed by the IPO Principal String Quartet. This concert will be held indoors. Programs and artists subject to change. General admission tickets are $25 and can be purchased at https://secure.ticketsage.net. For additional information, call 708-481-7774 or visit www.iopmusic.org.
Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest
Trip to Barrington’s Sanfillippo Estate – Reservations Now Being Accepted
On Wednesday, July 18 at 9:30 a.m., the bus will depart from the Rich Township Senior Center for a tour of Barrington’s Sanfillippo Estate. The 3-hour tour begins in the Sanfillippo Estate’s main residence, where we will view and learn about the collection of automated music machines, their history, restoration efforts, as well as the opulent details of the residence’s French Second Empire setting. Selections include: early Edison and Victrola phonographs, Barrel Organs, Disk Players, Violin Machines and Nickelodeons. The tour includes the Carousel Pavilion where you’ll enjoy hearing a selection of Dance Organs, Band Organs, Calliopes and Fairground Organs. Prior to the tour, you will enjoy a delightful luncheon at the Grill 111 restaurant. You will need to make an entrée choice of roast pork loin, chicken parmesan or parmesan crusted tilapia. The bus will return to the Rich Township Senior Center at approximately 6:30 p.m. The cost of the trip is $67 per person and includes round-trip bus transportation, lunch and the Estate tour. Reservations can be made by phone only by calling 708-748-5454. Payment must be made within three days of making your reservations.
Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest
‘Red, White & Blue’ Exhibit – Through July 31
Join Salon Artists Gallery for this wonderful exhibit entitled ‘Red, White & Blue’ will run through Tuesday, July 31. The Gallery will be open 10 a.m. to 12 noon on July 3rd, closed on July 4th and reopen through July e1. For Gallery hours, contact Patricia Moore at 708-833-5108 or Bev Szaton at 708-748-3946.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
‘Outside of the Box: Mixed Media Approaches to Photography’ – Through August 5
Tall Grass Arts Association will host ‘Outside of the Box: Mixed media Approaches to Photography’ 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 is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit http://www.tallgrassarts.org.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
‘Sculpture Rocks’ at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park (NMSP) – Sunday, July 15
Visit great artwork and then create your own masterpiece when the NMSP hosts ‘Sculpture Rocks’ on Sunday, July 15 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. MPS, located on GSU’s campus is home to 27 renowned sculptures by some of the world’s most prominent artists. During ‘Sculpture Rocks’ NMSP docents will be on hand to provide guidance both on park paths and with artwork. Sculpture materials are available for $5. Materials include wood, both natural and shaped, pegboard, Carrera marble, wire, cardboard, dowels and markers. For additional information, call 708-534-4486 or visit www.govst.edu/sculpture.
Southland Theatre Ensemble to Perform ‘Legally Blonde: the Musical’ – Tickets Now on Sale
The Southland Area Theatre Ensemble (SLATE) at GSU will present ‘Legally Blonde: the Musical’ as its 2012 summer production. Performance dates are July 28 (7:30 p.m.) and 29 (2 p.m.), and August 4 (7:30 p.m.) and 5 (2 p.m.) at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts. ‘Legally Blonde: the Musical’ is a fresh and fast paced evening of musical fun, stylishly wrapped up in a smart pink bow. Elle Woods is the college sweetheart and homecoming queen who doesn’t take no for an answer. So when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her for someone ‘serious,’ Elle puts down her credit cards, hits the books, and heads for Harvard Law School. ‘Legally Blonde’ offers theatergoers an evening of guilty pleasure fun that should not be missed. Tickets are priced at $22 and can be purchased at: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase.
Monkey Mind Art Studio, 3 W. Nebraska St., Frankfort
‘Explorarama’ – Through July 11
‘Explorarama’ an exhibit of photography will run through July 11. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For Gallery Hours or additional information, call 815-464-8818 or visit www.monkeymindartstudio.com.
‘In Feminae, Arts, Vivo, Et Vino Veritas’ – Opens July 12
‘In Feminae, Arts, Vivo, Et Vino Veritas’ (In Women, art, life, and wine are truth) will open on July 12 and run through August 23. Featured Artists are: Denise Burklow, Ellen Curley, Sherri Denault, Margie Glass-Sula, Jan Glazer, Jane Haley, Lisa Henley, Candice James, Jean Janssen, Carla Kroll, Kamisha Langsdale, Patty McWilliams, Jeanne Monohan, Lorayne Pagast, Dorothy Green, Mary Weeks, and Jeanine Young. An Artist Reception will be held on July 13th from 6p.m. to 8 p.m. when you can meet the artists. Refreshments will be served. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. . For Gallery Hours or additional information, call 815-464-8818 or visit monkeymindartstudio.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights
“Location Impulsion” Exhibit – Through July 26
The PSC Foundation is presenting "Location Impulsion," 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. The exhibit is 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.
Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights
‘Insider Art’ –Through July 21
‘Insider Art,’ the annual exhibit of work by USG Studio & Guild Artists will run through July 21. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.uniionstreetgallery.org.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Bachelor of Social Work Program Information Sessions at Triton – July 10 & July 31
GSU will host information sessions for the Bachelor of Social Work program offered at Triton College on July 10 and July 31. Each session will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the University Center located in Building A, Room 105 in the lower level of the library at Triton College, 2000 Fifth Avenue, River Grove. The GSU Social Work program offered at Triton College is a part-time program leading to a bachelor’s degree. To be eligible for the program, prospective students must have completed an associate’s degree or earned a minimum of 60 credits from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Students need not have attended Triton or live in the Triton Community College district to be eligible. Additional information about the GSU Social Work degree can be found at www.govst.edu/chhs/bsw. For additional information, call 708-534-4086 or e-mail [email protected].
Graduate Programs Open House – Saturday, July 14
GSU’s College of Business and Public Administration is hosting a graduate programs open house on Saturday, July 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Faculty, advisors, administrators, and current students will be on hand to discuss master’s degree programs in accounting, business administration, management information systems, and public administration. Various specialization areas are available for business administration, including corporate entrepreneurship and supply chain management. A new online cohort for supply chain management will begin in January 2013. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information and to RSVP please call 708-534-4391 or e-mail [email protected].
CenterPoint Workshop on Starting Businesses – Wednesday, July 25
On Wednesday, July 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Richton Park Community center, 4455 Sauk Trail, Elliott Johnson, Regional Representative for GSU CenterPoint, will present a free Starting a Business in Illinois workshop. The workshop will focus on personal, financial, and legal aspects of starting a business. Participants will learn what steps to take and what resources are available to assist new business owners succeed in today’s challenging economic climate. For additional information, contact CenterPoint at 708-534-4927 or visit www.centerpointgsu.com.
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 [email protected].
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.
Green Events
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest
‘American Autumn: an Occudoc’ Movie & Discussion – Save the Date
On Saturday, July 28 at 7 p.m., the documentary film ‘American Autumn: an Occudoc’ will be screened at UUCC. What would a world look like that had a culture and an economic system that placed human need above corporate greed, and how do we bring that world into being? Shot on the front lines and meeting spaces of the Occupy Movement in NYC, Boston, and Washington, D.C. from the earliest days through the end of January 2012 and written, directed and produced by activist, writer and filmmaker Dennis Trainor, Jr., ‘American Autumn: an Occudoc’ is an inside-looking-out view of the Occupy Movement. A discussion will follow the film screening. Writer, Director Dennis Trainor, Jr. has been invited to join the discussion by Skype. A trailer of the film can be viewed at american-autumn. Coffee, tea and popcorn will be served. The event is free and open to the public. Optional donations are welcome. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
Nature Camp for Seniors – Registration Required
On Thursday, August 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. those 50 years and up can attend that Nature Camp for Seniors. Did you go to camp when you were a kid? Or maybe you never did and were always jealous of your friends that got to spend the summer away at camp. If so, then this fun-filled popular program is for you. Join naturalists as you spend the morning creating crafts to take home and strolling through the summer woods. Lunch will be provided. There is a fee of $7 per person. Registration is required. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.
Thorn Creek Audubon Society (TCAS), Park Forest
Prairie and Wetland Plant Identification at Bartel Grassland – Saturday, July 14
On Saturday, July 14 at 8:30 a.m., plant expert Andy Neill will show us important prairie and wetland plants. The program is free and open to the public. The parking lot for Bartel Grassland is located at the intersection of Flossmoor Rd and Central Avenue in Matteson, Illinois.
Dragonfly Walk at Lake Katherine – Saturday, July 21
On Saturday, July 21 at 10 a.m. Gareth Blakesley of Lake Katherine staff will direct the walk. Go north on Harlem to Route 83. Turn left (west) on Rt. 83. Watch carefully for the Lake Katherine sign on the right, among the many medical buildings. The sign sits back a little from the road. If you go to the next stoplight you have gone too far.
Healthy Living
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 [email protected] 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 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 Economic Development
DownTown District Midsummer Madness – Wednesday, July 18
On Wednesday, July 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., visit participating DownTown Business to qualify for fabulous raffle prizes. Register at Dining on the Green Banquet Hall, 349 Main Street, to start your adventure. The event is free and open to the public. Free rides will be available on the Jolly Trolley which will travel up and down Main Street to all locations. There will be plenty of fun, food and a free super goodie bag to the first 100 attendees.
Park Forest Commission on Human Relations
Seeking Nominations for Good Egg Award – Nominations Accepted Through August 13
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 [email protected] or visit the Community Relations tab at www.villageofparkforest.com.
Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 S. Orchard, Park Forest
W.O.M.E.N. Community Outreach – Saturday, July 14
On Saturday, July 14 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Calvary United Protestant Church, women of the South Suburban area are invited to attend W.O.M.E.N. W.O.M.E.N. is open to women of the community to work as a peer spiritual support group of women. It is a time to eat, share and discuss issues that affect the female gender of all ages. Each participant will receive an opportunity to win a gift certificate to Tender Care Day Care in Park Forest for children ages 4 years to 12 years. For additional information or to reserve your spot please call 708-748-6261. This event is held on the second Saturday of each month.
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.
Garden Club of Park Forest
‘Community Gardening’ — Tuesday, July 10
On Tuesday, July 10 at 12 noon at Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood Boulevard, the Garden Club will present information on community gardens. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call Alice Michalak at 708-483-3654 or 815-926-2193.
"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 American Legion Post 1198, 1631 Western Ave., Chicago Heights
Friday Fish Fry – July 21
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.
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 [email protected].
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.
