In and Around Park Forest Week of April 27, 2015

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—April 27, 2015. The newly elected and/or re-elected Village of Park Forest Officials from the April 7th local election will be sworn into office Tuesday evening, April 28th beginning at 7 p.m. in the Board Room of Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend. The Board Meeting previously scheduled for Monday, April 27 has been cancelled.

Opening day for the 2015 Park Forest Farmers’ Market is Saturday, May 2. The Market will take place every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the last Saturday in October. The Market is located in DownTown Park Forest at 271 Lakewood Blvd.

Reminder to all Park Forest Residents: Vehicle Stickers for the 2015 – 16 season must be displayed by Friday, May 1 prior to the assessment of late fees. Village Hall will have special hours on leading up to the deadline on April 25, 27 and 30. Village Hall will be open for normal business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 28 and 29. Additional information about Park Forest vehicles stickers, along with the exact times Village Hall will be open can be found in the ‘This & That’ 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 Board Meeting – Tuesday, April 28 & Saturday, May 2

The Board of Trustees will meet on Tuesday, April 28 at 7 p.m. In addition, the Board will hold a Saturday Rules meeting on May 2 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.  Residents are encouraged to attend. 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 here.

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

Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Park, University Park

Spencers Theatre of Illusion – Tickets Now on Sale

Spencers Theatre of Illusion will perform on Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m. Described as “Modern Day Houdini’s” by the critics, this duo presents a high-tech stage show that combines drama, comedy, romance and suspense with elaborate stage illusions. By blending the theatrical elements of a Broadway-style production with the high energy of a rock concert, these artists take the audience on a journey to the brink of impossibility…and back again. You won’t believe your eyes! Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children 16 and under.
How to Buy Tickets

• Online:CenterTickets.net
• By Phone: 708-235-2222
• In Person at the Box Office: 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL
• Box Office Hours: Mon-Sat 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Download the Center’s APP: goo.gl/nqy4ul

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

DePaul University Theatre School, 2350 North Racine, Chicago

‘The Day John Henry Came to School’ – Through May 16

The Theatre School at DePaul University will present ‘The Day John Henry Came to School’ by Eric Pfeffinger, directed by Ernie Nolan, as the final production of the 2014-15 Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences season. This production runs through May 16 at DePaul’s historic Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago. Performances are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. A Special Friday performance will be held May 1 at 10 a.m. About the play: John Henry loves technology, but doesn’t love doing his homework. If buttons and gadgets are not involved, he’s not interested. When his teacher, Mr. Gellert, is replaced by a mega-computer, Johnny couldn’t be happier. Then his steel-driving great-great-grandfather arrives for show-and-tell, and Johnny must take on the challenge of his life. This contemporary tale focuses on the value of hard work and the strength of the human spirit. Recommended for ages 8 and older, themes include: ancestry; confidence; diligence; folklore and tall tales; motivation; technology and humanity. Information about pre- and post-show educational activities and highlighted curriculum connections is online at http://theatre.depaul.edu. Free Teacher Guides also are available online or by calling the box office at 312-922-1999. The May 1 and May 2 performances will be interpreted in American Sign Language. Call TTY: 773-325-7975. The May 9 performance will be followed by a post-show discussion. Visit the website or call the box office for additional details. Tickets are $10. Subscriptions and group rates (15 or more people) are available. DePaul employees, alumni, and college students receive a discount (with ID). Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at 312-922-1999.

Drama Group, 330 202nd Street, Chicago Heights

‘Hairspray’ – Opens Saturday, May 2

The Drama Group is very pleased to present the fun musical ‘Hairspray’ directed by Charlie Misovye, with set design by Russ Hoganson. Performances will be held at the Bloom Auditorium Theatre, 10th Street and Dixie Highway in Chicago Heights, on May 2 & 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday May 4 at 2:00 p.m. ‘Hairspray’ is the story of a teen girl who longs to appear on a 1960s TV dance show and win the heart of the boy of her dreams – without denting her ‘do! ‘Hairspray’ inspired a major motion picture and won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. “You Can’t Stop the Beat” of this great show set in the ‘60s. Tickets are $21 for adults and $20 for seniors and $15 for students with ID. Group discount rates are also available. Good seats are still available. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 708-755-3444, online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/profile/242073 or see at www.dramagroup.org

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

(The Symphony) Redefined and Refined: Project Trio and Brahms – Saturday, May 2

(The Symphony) Redefined and Refined: Project Trio and Brahms will be performed on Saturday May 2, 2015 at 8 p.m. at the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 South Harlem Avenue, Frankfort. Classically trained flutist Greg Pattillo, cellist Eric Stephenson and bassist Peter Seymour became overnight YouTube sensations because of their passion for artistry and innovation. They delight and engage the audience, performing original arrangements for trio and orchestra. Maestro Danzmayr and the IPO enchant with a Kernis composition of transcendent beauty and Brahms’ well-known artistic masterpiece Symphony No. 3. This performance repeats at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, at Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois. Tickets are $35, $45 and $455 and can be purchased online at https://secure.ticketsage.net/websales.aspx?u=ipo&pid=251678. For additional information, call 708-481-7774.

National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago

‘The Things They Carried’ – Permanent Exhibit

The National Veterans Art Museum reopened its permanent exhibit ‘The Things They Carried’ in a brand new gallery space meant to be more immersive for viewers. Inspired by Tim O’Brien’s book ‘The Things They Carried,’ this exhibit serves as a visual companion that illustrates the narrative with fine art and photography from veterans that lived the stories in the novel. Much like the book, the exhibit explores the concept of storytelling and questions how one might share the story of the Vietnam experience. The exhibit takes as its central question “how to tell a true war story” and prompts viewers to consider their personal stories and contemplate how they might share their own narratives. By literally incorporating the essential elements of storytelling: Who, Where, When, and What, ‘The Things They Carried’ begins by chronicling the Vietnam conflict through first-hand visual accounts and descriptions. The exhibit culminates in the re-creation of an authentic Vietnam-era tented shelter to bring viewers into the intimate physical experience of sleeping, living and working in the field during that time. With artworks and objects created and collected by over twenty Vietnam veteran artists, ‘The Things They Carried’ also provides visual interpretations to viewers, illustrating the war by those who were there. This form of pictorial storytelling offers insights into the individual personalities of those who served, where they were in Vietnam both geographically and environmentally, and what the cultural climate of the time looked like. Representations and artifacts come together in ‘The Things They Carried’ to offer an individuated and holistic presentation of the social and historical context of the Vietnam War. With didactic guides and lesson plans that accompany the artwork and artifacts, visitors of all ages can gain a better understanding of “how to tell a true war story” as explored in Tim O’Brien’s book, as well as explore possibilities and benefits of personal storytelling. Featured artists include László Kondor, Dean Sharp, Charles Shobe, William Myles, James McJunkin, John Hosier, Michael Harac, and Arthur Jacobs. The Museum is open Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers free admission year-round. For additional information, call 312-326-0270 or visit: www.nwam.org. 

Park Forest Historical Society, 141 Forest Boulevard

Park Forest House Museum – Moving to New Location

The Park Forest House Museum is now closed while moving from its current location at, 141 Forest Boulevard to 227 Monee Road. It is anticipated that the re-opening will take place in June and the specific date announced soon. For additional information, visit the Park Forest Historical Society website, www.parkforesthistory.org, or call Jane Nicoll, 708-481-4252.

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

The following events are scheduled the week of April 27:

• Monday, April 27 at 11 a.m. – Storypalooza — A fun story time for all kids through the age of 6 with an adult. Siblings are welcome
• Tuesday, April 28 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime — Wear your PJs out on the town! Bring along a fuzzy friend and your blanket too! Stories, activities, and more. Ages 12 and under.
• Wednesday, April 29 at 11 a.m. – Baby Time — Story time for infants to 35 months of age with an adult. This story time is designed to engage children through movement, music, stories, and more.
• Wednesday, April 29 at 3:30 p.m. — Science Explorers: Detective Adventure! — Join us on an interactive adventure to rescue the kidnapped chicks from the Museum of Science and Industry. We’ll use fingerprinting, DNA analysis, meteorology, and our creativity to get to the bottom of this mystery! For scholars in 3rd – 5th grade.
• Thursday, April 30 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art — Ages 3-5. Bring your little artist to create their very own masterpiece! We may get a little messy so wear play clothes.
• Thursday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. — GenerationON Service Club — Attention teens – Would you like to make a difference and earn community service hours? Join our new GenerationON Service Club. At our first meeting, we’ll brainstorm ways to make a difference in our community and determine what our first service project will be. Open to ages 12 – high school seniors.
• Saturday, May 2 at 1 p.m. — Beach in a Jar — Summer is coming… eventually. Come make a little something to help tide you over. We’ll provide the jars, sand, shells, starfish and tiny umbrellas; you bring the creativity! Event starts at 1 PM while supplies last.

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

Park Forest Library Board of Trustees Vacancy

A position on the Park Forest Library Board of Trustees is now vacant until the next election, which will be held in April 2017. The vacancy can be filled until that time by appointment by the Park Forest Library Board. Park Forest residents interested in applying for this Library Board Trustee vacancy may do so by submitting a letter to the Park Forest Public Library Board, c/o Park Forest Library, no later than May 15, 2015. The letter should include a description of the applicant’s background and experience, a short history of the applicant’s community involvement and a statement explaining why the applicant is interested in serving on the Library Board. The Library Board normally meets at 7:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. For further information, please contact Peg Donohue at 708-748-0208 or [email protected].

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 South Halsted, Chicago Heights

2015 Graduate Students Exhibition – Through May 21

PSC’s Christopher Art Gallery is presenting the annual spring Graduate Students Exhibition through May 21. A reception for all the student artists is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, in the gallery, located on the PSC main campus at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights. Works in all media will be presented by participating students Melinda Arce-Gudino of Homewood, Caitlin Gerritsen of Chicago Heights, Julian Graham of Park Forest, Diamond Jones of Homewood, Nicolas Naliwko of Crete, Axl Ramirez of Monee, Amy Roesch of Chicago Heights, Carole Rose of Matteson, Raymond Thompson of Park Forest, Briana Unruh of Park Forest, Steve Voigt of Manteno, Robert Walker of Matteson and Dejon Williams of Country Club Hills. The Christopher Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Visits also can be made by appointment. For more information about the exhibit or to make an appointment for a visit, call 708- 709-3636.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Outlooks and Insights’ Exhibit — Opens Friday, May 1

Works done by Union Street Studio and Guild Artists will be featured in ‘Outlooks and Insights’ opening at the Tall Grass Arts Association on Friday, May 1. The exhibit runs through June 6. An Artists’ Reception will be held on Friday, May 1 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and an Artists’ Open House with artists’ discussions and demonstrations will begin on Saturday, May 2 at 11 a.m. The exhibit, reception and Open House are free and open to the public. The 65 paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, sculpture and mixed media works that are included in ‘Outlooks and Insights’ represent some of the current directions Union Street artists are pursuing – from very literal or expressive observations of nature, people, animals, and objects, to personal interpretations of memories, dreams, states of mind, conflicts, puzzles and solutions, the inner visions that inspire symbolic or purely abstract responses to media and intuition. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org

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

‘BioSynthesis’ Exhibition – Through May 9
‘BioSynthesis’, an art exhibition inspired by science, medicine and the human body, will run through May 9. ‘BioSynthesis’ features the work of Aviva Alter and Vesna Jovanovic from Chicago and Angela Dieffenbach from Peoria, IL. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 5 p.m.; Friday from noon to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, call 708-754-2601.

‘Journey: The Art of Healing’ Exhibition – Through May 9

‘Journey: the Art of Healing’ will run through May 9. ‘Journey’ is a regional juried exhibit featuring art in response to physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Juried by Renee Klyczek Nordstrom and Patric McCoy. Renee is an art therapist and USG studio artist and Patric is the director of Diasporal Rythms in Chicago, IL. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 5 p.m.; Friday from noon to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, call 708-754-2601.

Union Street Derby Day Social – Saturday May 2

USG will host its annual Derby Day Social on Saturday, May 2 at Olympia Fields Country Club, 2800 Country Club Drive from 2 p.m. t 6 p.m. Sip a mint julep as you watch the race and "bet" on your favorite horses! Come dressed in your derby best and complete the look with a unique artist made derby hat!  This is the PREMIER social event of the spring! This event will include:

• Gourmet Buffet
• Cash bar
• Winning horse raffle
• Artist made derby hats
• Fun pictures against a green screen
• And TONS MORE!

Ticket Price: $65 which includes 1 free drink. Tickets can be purchased at www.unionstreetgallery.org/DerbyDay2015 or by calling 708-754-2601. This event is a fundraiser. All proceeds will benefit Union Street Gallery, an NFP art center. Funds raised will be used for much needed building repairs.

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

Edgar’s Place Coffee House Presents ‘Dangerous Folk’ – Saturday, May 9

Edgar’s Place Coffee House proudly presents ‘Dangerous Folk’ on Saturday, May 9 at 8 p.m. Edgar’s Place is located in the Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC). From the days of “Make Love, Not War”, the best of love songs and peace songs remind us of the powerful anthems and songs considered “dangerous” from when the times they were a’ changing – songs that once again resonate for today’s world. Dangerous Folk present a “mighty wind” of favorite memories with a power and honesty that spans the generations! Dangerous Folk present a sing-along concert of those favorite songs that we all remember from Peter, Paul, and Mary, The Kingston Trio, The Highwaymen, The New Christy Minstrels, Pete Seeger, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and more! Veteran folk singers David HB Drake, Julie Thompson, and Doug Esty lead those good old songs we grew up on. Visit www.youtube.com/dangerousfolk for a sample video! Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children. Edgar’s Place Coffee House is a fundraiser for UUCC. For additional information, call 708- 481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

Freshman Fridays – Next Session – May 1

Freshman Fridays will be held at GSU on May 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission to a four-year university for highly qualified students has been streamlined at Governors State University with a new program called Freshman Fridays. Attending the session, providing the appropriate documentation and meeting the qualifications enables graduating seniors to apply to GSU and receive an instant admissions decision on-the-spot. The future GSU students can meet with academic and financial aid advisors, take a tour of the university and see what residence hall life is like. To qualify for direct admissions on Freshman Fridays, graduating seniors must meet the following criteria: have an unweighted GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale, have a minimum composite ACT score of 20 with at least a 20 in the English and math components and provide their official high school transcripts and official ACT scores (scores may be posted on the official transcript). Additionally, GSU will waive the application fee for qualified applicants attending Freshman Fridays. For more information, visit www.govst.edu/freshmanfridays or call 708-534-4490

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 South Halsted, Chicago Heights

Summer Programs Scheduled at PSC – Registration Now in Progress

PSC will be full of activity this summer with several extracurricular programs for district high school students, including a STEM@PSC Summer Science and Math Camp for high school seniors in the PSC district, the STEM@PSC Summer Bridge Program for first-year students admitted to PSC for fall 2015 and a High School Fire Camp. A Music Tech Summer Boot Camp for Music Teachers also is scheduled.

• The Summer Science and Math Camp is intended for 24 rising seniors from the PSC district. Students will participate in classroom discussions, group projects, labs and field trips that bring together topics in chemistry, physics, biology, math and additional special topic areas. Students will be able to advance their understanding in science and math, learn how different subjects relate to each other, learn about current math and science research areas, and research STEM career paths. The Science and Math Camp is scheduled Monday through Thursday, July 6 to 30. The deadline to apply is April 30. For more information, visit prairiestate.edu/stem or email [email protected].
• STEM@PSC also is holding a free four-week workshop for first-year students admitted to PSC for fall 2015 that have tested into pre-college math or English courses. Instead of spending the first semester or two working up to college-level courses, the Summer Bridge Program can accelerate college level readiness, saving students time and money. The Summer Bridge Program is scheduled 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, from July 6 to 30. The deadline to apply is June 12. For more information, visit prairiestate.edu/stem or email [email protected] or [email protected].

• The High School Fire Camp is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 6, at the Park Forest Training Site. The free camp provides an opportunity for high school students to explore public safety services, experience real-life skill building activities, and network with professionals in the field. Activities will include a burn demonstration, search and rescue stations, a smoke crawl, and a victim rescue. For more information, visit http://prairiestate.edu/Assets/Global/pdf/summer15-HSfirecamp.pdf. To register, email [email protected].

• The Music Tech Summer Boot Camp for Music Teachers is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, from Monday, June 15 through Tuesday, June 30. It is a two-credit hour college-level course that qualifies for PDs towards recertification. Students will learn the essentials of computer-based music production and composition using ProTools, and is taught by award-winning film and commercial music composer, Jonathan Pierre. The course is for certified K-12 music teachers only, and has a capacity of 12 students. For more information, email [email protected].

Additionally, the summer semester is starting soon at PSC, and registration is now open. Course offerings include credit and non-credit courses, courses for students from other colleges or universities that are home for the summer, and free courses for high school seniors. There are two eight-week sessions in the summer. The first begins on May 26 and ends July 17. The second begins on June 8 and ends on July 31. The college is closed on Fridays during the summer, beginning Friday, May 22. For more information or to register, visit prairiestate.edu.

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

Community Job Fair – Tuesday, May 19

SSC and Thornton Township are partnering to offer a 2015 Community Job Fair on Tuesday, May 19th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This free event is open to the public and will be held in the South Suburban College Fitness Center at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. SSC and Thornton Township invite all job seekers to participate at this special event at no charge. The following employers/service organizations have committed to attend to date, and many more are expected to confirm soon:
Abcor Home Health, Inc., Bank Financial, BMO Harris Bank, Chicago Transit Authority, Children’s Habilitation Center, Countryside Nursing & Rehab Center, Davis Staffing, Dolton School District 149, First Merchants Bank ,Homewood Police Department, Illinois Central School Bus, Illinois Dept. of Employment Security, Illinois Tollway, In Home Personal Services, Inc., Indiana Tech, Michaels Distribution Center, New Hope Center, Inc., Primerica, Providence Palos Heights, Reliable Health Care Service, Rimland Services, Shay Health Care Services, TCF Bank, Two Men and a Truck, and UPS.
SSC and Thornton Township also continues to seek employers and hiring managers to participate at this special event. The Community Job Fair is an excellent opportunity for employers to recruit upcoming SSC graduates and alumni, current students, and community residents. A minimal employer fee of $75 will include a skirted table, two chairs, and a light lunch for two representatives. There is a fee of $10 for each additional representative. For more information, please call 708-596-2000, extension 2391, or email [email protected].

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.

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].

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

Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive

Freedom From Smoking® — Registration Now in Progress

The Park Forest Health Department Nurses Plus is proud to offer Freedom From Smoking®, an eight-week program produced by the American Lung Association that will provide support and skills needed to quit smoking. A trained facilitator, who understands the unique challenges of quitting, will lead the sessions. Sessions will be held on Wednesday’s May 6thto June 17that 7 p.m. Registration: $50 includes all classes, book, and CD. This is an adult cessation program. For questions or to register, call the Park Forest Health Department at 708-748-1118, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Download the flier!  

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.

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 Rich Township Senior Café 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 10 a.m. For additional information or to make a reservation for lunch, call 708-747-2700.

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

Qigong with Jim Kobus – Most Thursdays

UUCC will host Qigong with Jim Kobus on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the church. This class will usually meet on Thursdays but there may be exceptions, so if you are interested in attending, please send an email to Jim Kobus at [email protected] so he can notify you when class will NOT be held. There is a suggested donation of $5 per class. Please bring your own water. It is recommended that you eat dinner after class, not before. For additional information, please call 708-799-1925 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

Green Events

Prairie State College (PSC), 220 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights

Reserve Your Garden Plot at PSC’s Community Garden – Reservations Now Being Taken

PSC’s Community Garden will be open for its fourth season this year. Are you an expert gardener needing more room to plant? Do you have little or no gardening experience? Reserve a garden plot at PSC’s Community Garden and make new friends while we share our gardening knowledge. Join the PSC Community Garden this year for just $25. We can accept cash, check or credit cards. Plots are on a first-come first-serve basis and payment must be received to reserve your space. You’ll have access to: A 4’ x 8’ garden plot; water; tools; mulch; and compost. To secure your plot for the 2015 growing season, you must remit payment and complete a garden contract and waiver of liability. Once you reserve your plot, you will begin to receive more information on your plot and the garden season. The weather determines our opening date. However, it will most likely be late-May or early-June. For additional information or to reserve your garden spot, contact Allessandra Cairo, Sustainability Coordinator, 708-709-3764 or email [email protected].

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

5th Annual Earth Awareness Day – Tuesday, April 28

SSC’s Sustainability Committee is pleased to announce its 5th annual Earth Awareness Day to be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Main Campus in South Holland. All of the Earth Awareness Day presentations and activities are completely free of charge and open to the public. The Cook County Environmental Control will also be hosting a prescription drug take-back throughout the day in the Atrium (including: liquids, inhalers and mercury thermometers; excluding: controlled substances, needles and syringes), and there will be an e-waste collection for used electronics and computers conducted by the Keeling Family Foundation and the VetTech.US Program.

The Earth Awareness Day presentation schedule is as follows:

• 9:30 a.m. Sustainability: What Sand Ridge Center has to Offer
• 11:00 a.m. The Tim Heppner Artist Studio
• 12:30 p.m. Growing Minds, Shrinking Runoff: Rain Gardens at SSC
• 2:00 p.m. AFT Speaker: Bluegreen Alliance

For additional information, please call 708-210-5757.

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Wednesday Morning Walkers

Come walk the trails with Wednesday Morning Walkers every Wednesday at 9 a.m. Follow the forest’s seasonal changes, enjoy light exercise and experience nature firsthand on two miles of Thorn Creek’s winding trails. Trails can be wet or icy or muddy, so please wear sturdy shoes. This weekly program is free and open to those 13 years of age and older. Registration is required two days before your first walk. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.

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.

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.

This & That

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Park Forest Vehicle Stickers for 2015 – 2016 Year – New Stickers Must be Displayed by May 1

Park Forest’s Village Hall will have special hours on select dates leading up to the April 30 deadline for 2015-16 vehicle sticker sales, prior to the assessment of late fees.
Special hours will be:
Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Monday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Village Hall will be open for normal business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on April 28, and April 29.
In addition to in-person sales at Village Hall, residents may also purchase their vehicle stickers online by visiting https://www.violationspayment.com and selecting Park Forest from the drop down list. Please note that a $3 convenience fee will be added to your transaction and your sticker mailed to you. Please also note that if you are eligible for a discount, you will need to visit Village Hall to purchase your sticker. Residents are reminded that longer lines and wait times are common during the final days of sales before the deadline. To avoid longer waiting periods, residents are encouraged to purchase their stickers as soon as possible. The cost to purchase a vehicle sticker is $50 ($25 for seniors) before May 1. After May 1, prices increase by $25. Prices increase by an additional $25 on August 1. For questions, call 708-748-1112. Click to purchase your sticker online now!

Grand Opening Celebration for SouthWorks MakerLab – RSVP by Monday, May 4

The grand opening celebration for SouthWorks MakerLab starts at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest, on Wednesday, May 6 at 5:30 p.m. The ceremony will start with a screening of Maker: The Movie, followed by comments from Mayor Ostenburg, Mollie Dowling, OAI, Inc., Craig Schmidt, Prairie State College, Robert Steiner, District Director, Small Business Administration, Illinois District, and Congresswoman Robin Kelly. The event will continue at 6:45 p.m. with an open house at Park Forest MakerLab located at 214 Forest Boulevard in DownTown Park Forest.
The Village in partnership with the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) and the South Metropolitan Higher Education Consortium (SMHEC), recently won a competition sponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) for a $50,000 grant from the Growth Accelerator Fund. The SBA received 832 applications for this competition nationwide, and only awarded 50 grants, two in Illinois. The goal of the Growth Accelerator Fund is to assist business accelerators with their mission to support start-ups to grow, become commercially viable, and have real and sustained economic impact. The winners are focused in areas where there are gaps in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The initial acquisition of equipment for the Park Forest Maker Space includes two 3D printers, a laser cutter, an electronics lab, and computers and design software. The goal of the Maker Space will be to enable users to create prototypes of new products that can then be marketed for larger production and sale. The Maker Space will also provide a program of courses and workshops that will educate the members about production, marketing, patents, and other key issues involved in the manufacturing process. At this time, the Maker Space is co-located with OAI, Inc., a new DownTown tenant at 214 Forest Boulevard, because staff of OAI will be managing the Maker Space until funds are available to hire staff that can be dedicated to the project.
All are welcome to attend the ceremony and tour of the Park Forest MakerLab. Please RSVP by May 4 by using the registration link below.
Click here to register for event.

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

Part-Time Office Administrator Position at UUCC

Applications are currently being accepted for a part-time position of Office Administrator at Unitarian Universalist Community Church. Strong computer skills are a definite plus, especially experience with Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Word, Mail Merge, Outlook, and Excel. A demonstration of computer skills may be requested. Also, good communication skills, the ability to manage several projects at once, and a willingness to be a team player are necessary for the person who fills this position, which will represent UUCC to our members and the public. Someone local is preferred. Applicants should submit their resume and a cover letter addressed to the Board of Trustees, through the UUCC office. Contact: [email protected] or 708-481-5339.

Sacred Communication Workshops with Reverend Henrietta Byrd – May 9 & 23

UUCC will hold Sacred Communication Workshops with Reverend Henrietta Byrd on May 9 and 23. All Workshops will take place from noon to 3 p.m. at UUCC. These transformative Workshops will help you in identifying and dissolving mental and emotional blockages; learning to use your authentic voice; defining authentic friendships; and more. The events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Reverend Byrd at 312-593-4732.