Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of January 7, 2013


Chiefs McNamara, Cliff Butz, and Fran DioGuardi
Park Forest Police Chief Clifford Butz celebrated 30 years with the department last week with Deputy Chief Mike McNamara (left) and retired Police Chief Fran DioGuardi. (ENEWSPF)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—January 7, 2013. Park Forest’s 2013 Winter-Spring Recreation Programs & More brochure was recently mailed to all residents. As I’ve said frequently to my neighbors, Park Forest residents can never complain that there are not enough activities available around town. Take some time to look through the brochure and register for some of the upcoming programs or events that will take place over the next few months. If you have not received your brochure, you can pick one up at Village Hall.

Edgar’s Place Coffeehouse, located in Park Forest’s Unitarian Universalist Community Church, will be the place to be Saturday night, January 12 when Dave Rudolph takes the stage. You’ve probably heard of Dave on Dr. Demento, his original music in the Spencer’s Magic Show, on HBO Comedy Channel Shorts, Kid’s Radio, or seen him on countless cable TV shows. For additional information about the event, see the ‘Arts & Entertainment’ 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 [email protected] with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.

Village of Park Forest

Village of Park Forest

Village Board Meeting – Monday, January 7

The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, January 7 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/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=BoardMtgArchive&category=Village%20Governmentand click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.

Village Commission & Advisory Boards

The following Park Forest Commissions/Advisory Groups will meet the week of January 7:

  • Tuesday, January 8 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission
  • Tuesday, January 8 at 7:30 p.m. – Commission on Human Relations

Arts & Entertainment

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

This Week’s Events at the Park Forest Public Library

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

  • Monday, January 7 at 6:30 p.m. – How Does That Gizmo Work? Did you get a new tablet, E-Reader or mp3 player for the Holidays? Stop by the library and get help using your new gadget. Also, learn about all the free material you can access!
  • Tuesday, January 8 at 7 p.m. – Elvis Presley Birthday Celebration. Please help us celebrate the birth of one the most iconic figures in American music history. We will spin classic Elvis tunes, watch a timeless feature, and maybe even play a game or two.

For additional information, please call 708-748-3731.

Park Forest Recreation & Parks

February Senior Trip – Macy’s on State Street – Register by Monday, January 28

Come join us on Friday, February 15 for a day at Macy’s on State Street. The bus will depart at 9:30 a.m. from Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive and head to Macy’s where we will begin with the history and architecture tour of the historic State Street store. Highlights include the breathtaking Tiffany vaulted ceiling, the iconic Great Clocks, the graceful Burnham fountain and the world-renowned Walnut Room restaurant. Following this we will enjoy a delectable lunch at the Walnut Room where you can chose between their famous chicken pot pie of the butternut squash tortellacci (please provide menu choice when you register). After, we will enjoy the Window Magic Tour where we will learn how a special team works to create displays ranging from romantic Valentine themed windows to Macy’s famous holiday displays. We will have 90 minutes of shopping time at the end of the day. The bus will return to Village Hall at approximately 5:30 p.m. The trip fee is $69 per person which includes round-trip bus transportation and lunch. Register at the Recreation & Parks Department at Village Hall or by phone with a credit card at 708-748-2005. Mention code 148700-1 when registering. We will need the name, address, home phone number, emergency number and meal choice for each person registering for the trip.

Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest

Park Forest Plaza Print for Sale

Annabelle Gould’s print of the Park Forest Plaza is available for sale at the Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard. The vibrant print is from an original watercolor, showing kids and their moms in the Park Forest Plaza, in front of the old Holiday Theatre and Golden Hanger Shop. The print can be purchased at the House Museum during normal hours of operation on Wednesdays and Saturdays or through the Society’s online store on their website at www.parkforesthistory.org. Prints are $15 each. Online purchases also required an additional $6 fee for postage and handling. For additional information on other items for sale by the Society, visit www.parkforesthistory.org.

Step Back into the 1950s at the Park Forest House Museum

Step Back into the 1950s at the 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of 21st century and revisit your past in this gem of a museum, just down the street. The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays in December from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., or by appointment. The admission is $5 for adults; 12 and under are free. The museum tour is free with the purchase of a Marshall Field’s Brick. Park Forest related gift ideas are available at the museum and in the online store at www.parkforesthistory.org. Convenient street parking is available in front of the museum. For additional information, call 708-481-4252.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘An Artful Presence’ Annual Holiday Show – Through January 13

Tall Grass Arts Associations Annual Holiday Show ‘An Artful Presence’ features affordable art perfect for holiday gift giving. The Holiday Show will continue through January 13, 2013. For additional information or gallery hours, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.

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

Edgar’s Place Coffeehouse Presents Dave Rudolph – Saturday, January 12

UUCC’s Edgar’s Place Coffeehouse proudly presents Dave Rudolph on Saturday, January 12 at 8 p.m. The Coffeehouse is located at UUCC. You’ve probably heard of Dave on Dr. Demento, his original music in the Spencer’s Magic Show, on HBO Comedy Channel Shorts, Kid’s Radio, or seen him on countless cable TV shows. Now see him in person and find out if he’s really as crazy, musical and funny as you thought. Dave will be accompanied by Jim Frels and Steve Wing (also known as ‘The Three Wise Guys’) and other guest players. This will be an unusually exiting evening because they will be recording a live CD. So come and be part of an exciting and fun evening. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit: www.uuccpf.org.

Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park

‘The Voice – A Celebration in Song’ – Sunday, January 13

The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University will present ‘The Voice – A Celebration in Song’ on Sunday, January 13 at 4 p.m. Four world-class singers perform songs, arias, and ensembles from your favorite operas and Tony award-winning musicals. Bringing this sublime music to the Center’s opera state are soprano Rachel Holzhausen, mezzo soprano Yvette Smith, tenor John Concepcion, and baritone Michael Cavalieri. Tickets are $35. Tickets can be purchased at the box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., by phone with a credit card at 708-235-2222 or online at www.centertickets.net.

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

‘Evocative’ Art Exhibit at Christopher Art Gallery – Reception Thursday, January 10

The PSC Foundation is presenting the art exhibit ‘Evocative’ will run through January 30th in the Christopher Art Gallery on the Chicago Heights campus. There will be an artists’ reception from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 10. This exhibition of sculpture, ceramics, paintings, photographs, prints, and mixed media works was chosen by juror Paul Klein of Klein Artist Works. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For additional information or gallery hours, call 708-709-3636.

National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago

IN WAR Series – Through Memorial Day 2013

In light of the ongoing war in Afghanistan and the rising need for mental health care for returning veterans, the National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM) is proud to hold its third annual IN WAR series in its new location at 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago. The third annual INWAR series examines intergenerational trauma: the passing of mass traumas from one generation to the next. Trauma takes a profound psychological and physical toll on survivors that has ramifications for decades. For additional information about the exhibit or museum hours, visit: www.nvam.org.

Green Events

Park Forest Economic Development

January Business Breakfast ‘Getting Ahead of the Green Curve’ – Registration Required

Park Forest’s January Business Breakfast will present ‘Getting Ahead of the Green Curve’ on Thursday, January 17 at Dining on the Green Banquet Hall, 349 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest. A complimentary full breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. with the presentation beginning at 8:30 a.m. Sarah Coulter, LEED AP, the Village’s Sustainability Coordinator will discuss the fundamentals of sustainability, the role of business and sustainability, the rapidly developing market for products and practices, best practices from leading green business communities and how local businesses can get involved in Park Forest’s Sustainability Plan. For additional information or to register call 708-283-5617 or e-mail [email protected]. Online registration can be done at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com

Park Forest Environment Commission

‘Composting’ Educational Forum – Save the Date

The Park Forest Environment Commission invites you to attend an educational forum on ‘Composting’ to be held on Saturday, January 19 at 10:30 a.m. at the Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard. Kate Bradley, Master Gardener, composter and traveling chef from the University of Illinois Extension Service will discuss how composting is nature’s way of recycling and is the key to healthy soil and a healthy environment. Participants will learn how to turn their fruit, vegetable and yard trimmings into a dark, crumbly, sweet-smelling soil conditioner. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

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.

Thank You Thorn Creek Volunteers – Registration Required by January 17

On Saturday, January 19 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., those of all ages are invited to the Thank You party for Thorn Creek Volunteers. In the event of snow, the date will be changed to Saturday, January 26 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers will gather for a fun-filled afternoon with chili pot luck, awards, and of course, a hike in Thorn Creek Woods. We’ll even have a business meeting of Friends of Thorn Creek Woods, so everyone can keep up with what’s going on at the Preserve. BYOW = Bring Your Own Whatever for the chili pot luck. This program will be held indoors. Hiking is on a natural surface trails across uneven terrain. The event is free but registration is required by Thursday, January 17. To register, please call 708-747-6320.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

Knowledge Exchange Classes at GSU – Classes Begin January 18

Never stop learning could be the mantra of the students in The Knowledge Exchange, sponsored by GSU. Classes are offered for adults on a wide range of topics. Registration for winter classes is now in progress. Classes begin on January 18 and are held Fridays, from 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Course offerings include history classes focusing on the ancient empires and the wives of Henry VIII, cinema studies of stage plays turned into movies, and investigations into the Great Decisions of recent international affairs and life in the Soviet Union in the twenties and thirties. The Knowledge Exchange is a continuation of the former Adult Learning Exchange (T.A.L.E.) with the same focus – to continue to offer unique and diverse non-credited courses at a reasonable price ($73.00 per class, $28 for an additional class). Classes are designed for participants aged 55 years and over and provide a relaxed and friendly environment, open to shared learning, and the free exchange of opinions and ideas. Classes are peer-led by a community of dedicated volunteers including GSU faculty and many former Exchange students. For additional information or to register, call Suzanne Patterson at 708-534-4393.

The Literacy Zone Reading Tutoring Available at GSU

GSU’s Graduate Program in Reading is sponsoring The Literacy Zone, a reading tutorial program for students in grades six through twelve, on Tuesday, from January 29 through April 23 from 4:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. The Literacy Zone is a 12-week, one-to-one program that pairs students experiencing reading problems 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. Enrollment is limited and based on the number of tutors available. Students will be accepted in the order in which the completed application and registration fee are received. There is a $70 registration fee, which may be adjustable. Snacks are provided at each session. Transportation is not provided. For additional information, call Dr. Cathy Toll at 708-534-4122 or e-mail [email protected].

New Classes Take Center Stage at GSU

GSU is offering two new and exciting classes that take students out of the books and onto the stage. “Performing Culture and Identity: and “Chicagoland Theatre” are open to both undergraduate and graduate students as well as degree and non-degree seeking students. Classes begin in January. Students in “Chicagoland Theatre” will experience the great theatre produced throughout the Chicago region—attending productions at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts and at theatres in downtown Chicago. Productions will feature a variety of performance styles and themes. This course literally raises the curtain on theatre production and performance. The class meets on Thursdays from 7:30 p.m. to 10:20 p.m. In “Performing Culture and Identity,” students will investigate diverse perspectives of culture and identify through the theories and practices of performance. Participants must be willing to tap into their creativity, curiosity, and willingness to perform. The class meets on Mondays from 4:30 p.m. to 7:20 p.m. Registration for classes continues through January 26. The Spring 2013 semester begins January 22. For additional information, call Dr. Patrick Santoro at 708-235-2842 or e-mail [email protected].

Veterans Writing Groups at GSU

GSU is inviting veterans to join a new Veterans Writing Group, where they will discover the craft of narrative writing in a small, supportive group environment. Groups will meet for six-week workshops beginning in January to learn new skills and share camaraderie with other vets. There is no charge for participation in the Veterans Writing Group. To register, contact Robin Thompson at 708-534-4581 or e-mail [email protected].

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.

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.

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.

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

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 Baseball

Registration for 2013 Season – Begins January 12

Park Forest Baseball will begin registration for its 2013 season in January. This program is open to both boys and girls from age 4 through 14. The registration will be at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive on the following Saturdays:

  • Saturday, January 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, January 26 from noon to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 23 from noon to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Friday, March 15 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Complete details about registration can be found at www.ParkForestBaseball.org or call Alan or Mary Kay Joens at 708-503-1944.

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.

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

Friday Fish Fry – Friday, January 11

Join Park Forest’s American Legion Post 1198 for fish, shrimp, wings, beef and appetizers on Friday, January 11 beginning at 6 p.m. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.

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.

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

Get Your Taxes Done for Free at PSC

PSC in conjunction with the Center for Economic Progress (CEP) is offering opportunities for individuals and families meeting certain criteria to get their taxes done for free. The tax assistance will be available beginning January 26 through April 13. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free assistance is available to individuals with incomes less than $25,000; for families with income level less than $50,000. The service is offered on a first come, first serve basis. To ensure the process goes smoothly, bring the following information: all W-2s and 1099s (if any), social security cards of Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for all family members; valid photo ID; copy of last year’s tax return (if available); bank account number and routing number for direct deposit of your refund; property tax bill; and the amount spent on college expenses. Other options offered during the tax preparation session include free help filing an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) claim, open a bank or savings account to deposit your refund, or obtain a prepaid debit card for your refund. If you have any questions, call 888-827-8511.

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 Winter-Spring 2013 Recreation Programs & More Brochure, 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.


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