Local

In and Around Park Forest for the Week of June 3, 2018

Budget
(Source: SyncLab Media)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF) —The Village of Park Forest’s June 4 Board meeting is probably one of the most important of the year. At this meeting there will be a public presentation and hearing on the Village budget for the upcoming year. After many months of planning and public input, the Board intends to adopt this budget at their June 18 meeting. Park Forest residents should plan on attending this very important meeting and take advantage of their final opportunity to comment on the budget.

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

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

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

Administration — Village of Park Fores

Village Board Meeting – Monday, June 4

The Village of Park Forest Board will meet on Monday, June 4 at 7 p.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). 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.

Park Forest Budget Review Sessions — June Schedule

The Village of Park Forest has approved the budget review schedule for the proposed 2018-19 budget. Residents are welcome to attend any or all of the upcoming budget review sessions at Village Hall. The schedule is as follows:

Monday, June 4 at 7 p.m.

Public Hearing/Public Presentation/First Reading

Monday, June 18 at 7 p.m. 

Budget Adoption

Village Commissions & Advisory Boards

The following Park Forest Commissions are scheduled to meet the week of June 3:

  • Tuesday, June 5 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission
  • Thursday, June 7 at 1 p.m. – Senior Citizens Advisory Board
  • Thursday, June 7 at 7 p.m. – Environment Commission

The meetings will be held at Park Forest Village Hall and residents are encouraged to attend.

Arts & Entertainment

Crete Public Library District, 1177 North Main Street

The following events are scheduled at the Crete Public Library District the week of June 3:

  • Monday, June 4 at 7 p.m. – Adult Writing Group – Open to beginning and experienced writers.
  • Tuesday, June 5 at 10 a.m. – Knot Just for Knitters at Benton St. Bakery – Get together to share camaraderie while working on knitting, crocheting, or any other type of needlework project. For adults.
  • Wednesday, June 6 at 3:30 p.m. – Library Teen Council (LTC) Meeting – Bring suggestions for books to order or programming you want to attend. New members welcome.
  • Thursday, June 7 from 3-5 p.m. – T(w)een Board Game Afternoon – Drop in for board games, card games, or tabletop RPG games. Feel free to bring your own games. For ages 11+.
  • Thursday, June 7 at 6:30 p.m. – CRAVE (CRete Area Voracious Eaters) Club –   Prepare and bring a dish based on the month’s theme of salads, then share samples with club members. For adults.
  • Thursday, June 7 at 7 p.m. – T(w)een Trivia Thursdays – Test your knowledge on various bits of trivia. Compete on teams of two to four people. Prizes will be awarded to the first place team. For ages 11+. Register.
  • Friday, June 8 at 3 p.m. – Anime Club – Anime screenings, trivia contests, and manga-inspired games. For ages 11+.
  • Saturday, June 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Sit & Knit/Crochet @ the Library – Knitters and crocheters, bring a lawn chair as the event will be held outdoors, weather permitting. Jan Wilt of Illinois Prairie Spinners will demonstrate spinning and wool processing. Beverages will be provided. A box lunch is available to the first 20 who register by Wednesday, June 6.
  • Saturday, June 9 at 2 p.m. – Learn about Drones: Safety and Fun – FAA licensed drone pilot Dan Rocha will explain the regulations for operating drones safely and what to consider before purchasing one. An indoor drone demonstration will be included. Register.

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

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

‘Artifacts’ Exhibit — Through September 22

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

Park Forest Historical Society, 227 Monee Road

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

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

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

The following events are scheduled at the Park Forest Library the week of June 3:

  • Monday, June 4 at 12:30 p.m. – Drop In Craft Day — Drop in to kids’ zone and see what we are creating today!
  • Monday, June 4 at 3 p.m. – Create Zone Craft –Stop in kids’ zone and create something special today.
  • Monday, June 4 at 4 p.m. – All Day Drop In Projects — Stop by Teen Tech Zone for a spur-of-the-moment activity!
  • Monday, June 4 at 4 p.m. – Explore This World of Wonder — Drop in to the Explore space and discover something new.
  • Monday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m. – Family Movie Night — Now Showing: ‘Ferdinand.’ For all ages. Rated PG.
  • Tuesday, June 5 at 12:30 p.m. — Digital Literacy Workshop: Booking Travel Tickets — Find out the best options for booking your travel tickets. Registration Required.
  • Tuesday, June 5 at 12:30 p.m. – Drop In Craft Day — Drop in to kids’ zone and see what we are creating today!
  • Tuesday, June 5 at 3 p.m. — Create Zone Craft –Stop in kids’ zone and create something special today.
  • Tuesday, June 5 at 4 p.m. – Color-Rama! Coloring Circle — Cool down inside from the summer heat with a fun activity that helps you to unwind and relax!
  • Wednesday, June 6 at 12:30 p.m. — (MIY) Make it Yourself — It’s Do it yourself Time! Stop in kids’ zone and see what we’re designing. For ages 12 and under.
  • Wednesday, June 6 at 3 p.m. – Create Zone Craft –Stop in kids’ zone and create something special today.
  • Wednesday, June 6 at 4 p.m. – All Day Drop-in Projects — Stop by Teen Tech Zone for a spur-of-the-moment activity!
  • Thursday, June 7 at 12:30 p.m. — (MIY) Make it Yourself — It’s Do it yourself Time! Stop in kids’ zone and see what we’re designing. For ages 12 and under.
  • Thursday, June 7 at 1 p.m. – Comic Creations — Be inspired to become a graphic novelist/comic creator! Each week explore ways to create comic strips, books, graphic and more.
  • Thursday, June 7 at 4 p.m. – Teen Movie — Cool down this summer with a featured film!
  • Thursday, June 7 at 5 p.m. — Digital Literacy Workshop: Booking Travel Tickets — Find out the best options for booking your travel tickets. Registration Required.
  • Friday, June 8 at 12:30 p.m. – Classic Board Games — Drop-in for an afternoon of your favorite classic board games. Bring a friend or make new ones. For ages 12 and under.
  • Friday, June 8 at 3:30 p.m. – Teen Game Day — Show off your competitive side with your friends! From board games to video games, there will be plenty of fun.

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

Friends of the Library Social – Tuesday, June 5

The Friends of the Park Forest Library will hold a Library Social on Tuesday, June 5 beginning at 7 p.m. The event will feature library tours, a raffle and refreshments.

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

‘Studio Conversations’ – Opens Monday, June 11

‘Studio Conversations,’ featuring works by Mary Bookwalter, Carol Weber, and Janice Meister will open on Monday, June 11 and run through Thursday, July 19. An artists’ reception will be held on Thursday, June 14 from noon to 2:30 p.m. at the Gallery. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. ‘Studio Conversations’ is an exhibition of the three artists who have for years collectively discussed and critiqued their art. Knowing that artists work in the vacuum of their own studios, they found that sharing input to the actual art-making process is an invaluable part of this usually solitary venture. They also saw that their art making processes of mixed media collage and the common themes within their works were a strong basis for an exhibition. At each venue, the exhibition is updated with new works.  The Christopher Art Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and by appointment. For additional information or to schedule an appointment to view the exhibit, call 708-709-3636 or visit www.prairiestate.edu/Christopher-Art-Gallery.

Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest

Lunch at the Senior Center – Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

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

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Renew and Refresh’ Summer Fundraiser – Tickets Now on Sale

Tickets Now on Sale for Tall Grass Arts Association’s ‘Renew and Refresh’ summer fundraiser. The event will take place on Thursday, July 19 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Gallery in DownTown Park Forest. The event will feature:

  • Silent auction of works from the Tall Grass Arts Association’s permanent collection and donated artworks by Tall Grass Artists.
  • Meet Tall Grass artists.
  • Door prizes.
  • Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and other refreshments.

Tickets for evening are $30 per person and can be purchase here. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org

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

‘Contemporary Nature’ Exhibit – Through Saturday, June 23

USG’s new exhibit ‘Contemporary Nature’ will run through Saturday, June 23. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Thirty-seven amazing artists have included their work in this exhibit. Exhibition artists include: Sarah Anderson, Scott Anderson, Jennifer Barnett Hensel, Tom Bierlein, Mary Bookwalter, Lonnie Broden, Kelly Burns, Marian Corley, Karen Dal Santo-Edelbrock, Doug DeWitt, April Dippy, Suzanne Dreher, Pam Eberlin, Barbara Edwards, Kalley Fosso, Andrea Fox, Peggy Gentleman, Jan Glazer, Margi Hafer, Carol Hamilton, Bernadette Hanacek, Barbara Houk, Susan Johnson, Aline Keith, Kim Youngse, Mary Beth Koszut, Cindy Lesperance, Bill Marquardsen, Joe McIlhany, Janice Meister, Marian Ostrowski, Gary Price, Karen Sako, Richard Schmidt, Corrie Steckelberg, Thomas Weger, and Kimberly Wetzel. Gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and by appointment. For additional information or to schedule an appointment to view the exhibit, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

Online Educational Resources

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

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

Kids@College Summer Program – Registration Now in Progress

Are you looking for fun activities to keep your kids busy this summer? Let learning and fun continue year round at Prairie State College (PSC). The Kids@College Summer Program at PSC is designed to enhance the problem solving skills of children ages 5 through 10. Participants will use fun, hands-on, iSTEAM based activities that encourage creativity in the areas of inventions, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The program will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, from June 25 through Aug. 9, at the college’s Matteson Area Center, located at 4821 Southwick Drive in Matteson. There will be no programming during the week of July 2. Kids@College at PSC offers six weeks of fun-filled learning opportunities including an engaging curriculum taught by certified teachers. Each week is tailored to intrigue students and provide them with a chance to explore, build and learn. Half- and full- day options are available. Cost per child for full day is $138 a week, half day is $75 a week, and a 6-week, full-day deal is offered for $725. Payment plan options and before and after care are available.  For more information about the Kids@College program, visit www.prairiestate.edu/kids, call 708- 709-3750 or email [email protected].

20th Annual Summer Speech Camp for High School Students – Registration Now in Progress

PSC is hosting its 20th Annual Summer Speech Camp, July 9 through July 19, 2018. The camp meets from 1:15 to 5:15 p.m., Monday through Thursday, on PSC’s main campus in Chicago Heights. The camp is intended to prepare high school varsity and novice speech team members for fall competition. Participants will get the opportunity to enhance their skills through interactive learning with trained professionals during the summer. Week one will focus on interpretation, finding material, cutting material and discovering delivery advantages. Week two will cover public speaking, generating ideas, humor and citing sources. During week three, students will be practicing, polishing and performing. The camp will conclude with a performance showcase and awards presentation. Registration for the camp is underway. The cost is $300 per student. For more information or to apply, visit www.prairiestate.edu/speechcamp, or contact Assistant Professor Dana Trunnell at 708-709-3798 or email [email protected]; or Associate Professor Joshua Green at 708- 709-2958 or [email protected].

Summer Music Production Boot Camp – Registration Now in Progress

Learn how to record music, compose and create beats and use music software at the Song Writing and Music Production (SWaMP) Boot Camp at Prairie State College this summer. The three-week camp is scheduled Monday through Thursday, beginning July 9, on the main campus, located at 202 South Halsted St. in Chicago Heights. Participants can choose from two sessions. The first class meets from 8 to 10 a.m., and the second from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The SWaMP boot camp is open to high school juniors and seniors and community members 18 and older. Week one will focus on learning the program and music creation. Week two, students will learn about music creation and recording tutorials. Week three, participants will get the opportunity to record original works. Students also will have the opportunity to explore and create during open lab, scheduled from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. The lab is open only to students in the SWaMP boot camp, and can be utilized to work on classwork, projects and recordings. The cost for the full boot camp is $200. Students also can sign up on week-by-week basis for $80 per week. There is $25 non-refundable registration fee for all students. Classes are limited to 12 students per session and are on a first come, first served basis. For more information, contact Associate Professor of Music Production Jonathan Pierre at 708- 709-2954 or [email protected].  South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 State Street, South Holland

Free Highway Construction Careers Training Program – Registration Now in Progress

SSC will be offering a Free Highway Construction Careers Training Program this summer at their Oak Forest Campus. Orientation and Assessment Testing will be June 12-14 at the Oak Forest Center, with the program set to begin on July 9, 2018. The Highway Construction Careers Training Program has been implemented to increase the number of minorities, women, and disadvantaged individuals working on IDOT highway construction projects. The training consists of an intensive 12-week program to learn the skills necessary for acceptance into the highway construction trades and gives the opportunity for a career with high wage potential.

Career Opportunities Include: Cement Mason, Electrician, Pipefitter, Carpenter, Laborer, Equipment Operator.

Requirements: Valid driver’s license, 18 years or older, High School diploma/GED, Interest working in the Construction Trades.

Construction will always be needed for new buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures. Some of the more skilled construction careers such as engineer require higher education while others such as cement masonry can be learned as an on-the-job apprentice. All candidates MUST have a valid driver’s license with them to attend orientation. For more information or to download a copy of the study guide for the assessment test, please visit our website at www.ssc.edu/hcctp or call 708-596-2000, ext. 3219, or email [email protected]. Para Información En Español Llame: 708-210-5740. All orientation and assessment testing will be held at the Oak Forest Center. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois 60452. The Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Community College Board, and the participating community colleges do not guarantee employment upon trainees’ graduation from the Highway Construction Careers Training Program.

STEM for Kids Summer Programs – Registration Now in Progress

SSC’s Office of Continuing Education and STEM Department are partnering to offer courses to help fill the summer days with activities that will inspire and challenge kids and young adults. Explore various areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) utilizing tools available in the SouthWorks Maker Lab. Topics will include: 2D and 3D Design, 3D printing, electronics, programming and raspberry pi technology. All of these areas will be used as students work to build their own electronic gaming device, which they will take home with them at the end of the camp. KFKSSC is pleased to offer several STEM for Kids classes at the Oak Forest Center in June for grade school and high school students:

KFK CO3 701-STEM CAMP
Cost: $300; includes lab materials
Students entering 4th-8th grade
June 18-21 MTh, 8:30am – 12:00pm
OFC RM 5160

KFK CO3 702-STEM CAMP
Cost: $300; includes lab materials
Students entering 9th-12th grade
June 18-21 MTh, 1:00pm – 4:30pm
OFC RM 5160

First time non-credit students should visit the Admissions Office, Room 2348, or call Continuing Education at 708-596-2000, ext. 2231 to get started. For questions about these classes or STEM programs at SSC, please contact Anna Helwig, STEM Dean, at 708-210-5706. For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at 708-210-5718.

Breakfast with BCI Workshop – Registration Now on Progress

SSC Business & Career Institute (BCI) presents a Breakfast with BCI Workshop titled HR Essentials for Supervisors & Managers, on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., with check-in and continental breakfast to begin at 8:15 a.m. This workshop will be held in the South Suburban College Main Campus in the MB Financial Suite on the 1st floor, and will be facilitated by Attorney Sonia D. Coleman and Alexandra Glumac, SSC Client Solutions Specialist. We live in a litigious society and businesses are not immune. Protecting your company involves ensuring your managers and supervisors are trained on important HR laws and best practices. Whether you’ve been recently promoted, are a veteran supervisor or are working a non-HR job with HR responsibilities, this workshop is worth the investment. In this interactive session, participants will:

  • Receive updates and gain understanding on issues related to EEO, ADA, FMLA and other relevant employment laws.
  • Obtain up-to-date information on sexual harassment and bullying.
  • Learn essential best practices for hiring and terminating employees.

The cost of the workshop with continental breakfast is $45 per person or $40 per person if 3 or more from the same company attend. Reservations are required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 22nd. For more information or to register, please call 708-596-2000, ext. 3254 or email [email protected].

Top U.S. Universities

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

Green Events

Thorn Creek Audubon Society, Park Forest

Nature Education Programs at Thorn Creek Nature Center

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

Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Become a ‘Friend of Thorn Creek’

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

Experience the Thorn Creek Nature Center

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

Will County Green, 58 East Clinton Street, Joliet

Recycling in the South Suburbs — Ongoing

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

Recycling Locations

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

For additional information, visit www.countygreen.com.

Healthy Living

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

Free Psychotherapy Available from GSU’s Psychology Program

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

Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard, Park Forest

CPR Classes

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

Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)

Assistance With Medications & Health Services

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

Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip

Free Community Education and Prevention Programs about Mental Health

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

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

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

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

This & That

Calvary Baptist Church, 801 East Glenwood Dyer Road, Glenwood

Career and Job Resource Fair – Saturday, June 9

The Calvary Baptist Church of Glenwood is partnering with Prairie State College (Chicago Heights) and South Suburban College (South Holland) to hold a special event designed to provide south suburban residents with important information on resources and education opportunities available to help launch a new career. The program will be held on Saturday, June 9, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Calvary Baptist Church in Glenwood. The half-day program will provide valuable information on career certificate programs in various professions, including Health Care and Court Reporting; Apprenticeship and Internship programs; Business Development opportunities; support for veterans; tuition assistance; childcare resources; job placement assistance and more.  Guidance in attaining associate degrees, educational grants, financial aid and High School Equivalency (HSE) courses also will be offered. For more information about the career and job resource fair, contact Calvary Baptist Church at 708-758-2300.

Chicago Cares, 2 North Riverside Plaza, Suite 1800, Chicago

25th Annual Serve-a-thon, the City’s Largest Day of Service – Registration Now in Progress

Chicago Cares, the city’s largest volunteer organization, is celebrating a milestone in 2018 as it kicks-off registration for its 25th Annual Serve-a-thon (SAT). Those looking to make an impact in communities throughout Chicago can sign up to fill one of 5,000 volunteer spots for the June 23rd SAT activities. The Chicago Cares volunteer experience is a powerful tool for bringing people together from all walks of life to build empathy and understanding for one another and their communities. More than 5,000 volunteers will work together in unity to serve communities in need throughout the city as part of the annual SAT They will be painting, planting, cleaning, doing light construction and other hands-on work at dozens of elementary and public high schools in the Chicago Public School system. By choosing to volunteer during the Chicago Cares 25th Annual Serve-a-thon, volunteers will have the chance to come together across lines of difference and create opportunities to build goodwill and better communities. Those looking to volunteer should head to event.ChicagoCares.org where they can register. Volunteers will start their morning on the 23rd at Daley Plaza before heading out on school buses to their volunteer destination for the day. After their activities have come to an end, they will head back to Daley Plaza for a volunteer appreciation party. For more than 25 years, Chicago Cares has engaged with over 600,000 volunteers through 200 monthly programs, corporate programming and annual events. Chicago Cares has been making an impact on communities in need thanks to the generous support of volunteers and corporate sponsors, including this year’s SAT sponsors – PepsiCo, GCM Grosvenor, Winston & Strawn LLP, Discover Financial Services, IRI, and Epsilon Conversant.

Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood Street, Park Forest

Summer Camps for Youth – Registration Now in Progress

Hallelujah Temple is offering two summer camps for youth. The camps together will serve young people from age 5 to 17. The first camp, a Vacation Bible School, begins Monday, July 16, and is available for children ages 5-13. Week two, named Camp Creative, begins July 23, and is geared toward ages 11- 17. This is a theater camp, where campers learn the “ins and outs” of a production, working to put on their own musical Saturday evening, July 28. And the price is right. Both camps are free. Lunches and snacks will be provided. Registration is open now. As space is limited, those wishing to attend are encouraged to reserve their spots today by calling 708-503-3536, or email [email protected]. For additional information, visit: www.hallelujahtemple.com

Park Forest – Chicago Heights School District 163

2018 Golf Outing ‘Teeing off FORE Education’ – Registration Now in Progress

Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163 will hold its 2018 golf fundraising event, ‘Teeing off FORE Education’ on held Monday, June 18, at Lincolnshire Country Club, 390 East Richton Road in Crete. Registration is at 8:00 a.m. “Shotgun Start” commences at 9:30 a.m. Registration and sponsorship information is with Sandi Gordon at 708-668-9425, or at [email protected]. The golf outing is a major fundraiser for the school district.

Park Forest Economic Development and Planning Department

Water Bill Buck Buster – Through December 28

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

  • June 29
  • September 28
  • December 28

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

Park Forest Toastmasters Club

Meeting – Tuesday, June 5

The Park Forest Toastmasters Club will meet on Tuesday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 N. Orchard Drive in Park Forest. The meeting is open to the public. The Park Forest Toastmasters Club meets on the 1st and 4th Tuesdays of each month. Members develop speaking and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. For additional information, visit: www.parkforesttoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org.

St. Irenaeus Church, 78 Cherry Street, Park Forest

Prayers for Peace – Wednesday, June 6

Park Forest People of Faith will gather for peace prayers at St. Irenaeus Church on Wednesday, June 6 at 7 p.m.  All are invited to attend.

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

SSC Bulldogs Basketball Camp – Registration Now in Progress

The SSC Basketball Program is currently accepting registrations for their summer camp in June. The SSC Bulldogs will host a Bulldog Championship Basketball Camp June 18-21 from 9:00am to 3:00pm, and a Championship Shooting Camp June 25-28 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the SSC Fitness Center/Fieldhouse. The camps are designed for Boys and Girls ages 7-17, and will be directed by Head Coach John Pigatti and current players. The cost of the Basketball Camp is $110 and the Shooting Camp is $60, with a special price of $150 for both camps. Campers will need shorts, basketball shoes, and a T-shirt or practice uniform. Players will receive a Camp T-shirt and basketball. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase every day of the camps. The main goal of these camps is to give each individual a chance to become a better player and to have some fun along the way. In order to accomplish these goals, the emphasis will be on the fundamentals of basketball. Coach John Pigatti has just completed his twelfth season as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at South Suburban College. Pigatti has received 9 Region IV Coach of the Year Awards, has been named Illinois Basketball Coach Association (IBCA) Coach of the Year, and District 3 Coach of the Year 9 times. For more information, or to register for the Basketball Camps, please contact Coach Pigatti at 708-596-2000, ext. 2524. Para información en Español comuniquese al Centro Latino 708-210-5740 or a [email protected].

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Park Forest Main Street Market – Every Saturday through October 27

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

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