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In and Around Park Forest October 18, 2010


Mattie Allen and granddaughters
Mattie Allen of Park Forest with her granddaughters at the Rich Township Fashion Show. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—October 18, 2010. Freedom Hall will be the location for the Park Forest Beautification Awards Reception on Sunday, October 24. The Beautification Awards Committee traveled throughout the Village during the summer looking for well-tended properties. Award certificates will be presented to residents whose properties were judged to be examples of good maintenance and visual appeal. Congratulations to all that have won an award and to all residents who have helped make Park Forest a more beautiful place to live.

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 Meetings

Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Boards

The following Village Commissions and Boards will meet this week:

  • Plan Commission – Tuesday, October 19 at 7 p.m. (Note: the Plan Commission holds a second meeting each month on an as-needed basis. Please call Village Hall at 708-748-1112 to determine if this meeting will be held.)
  • Housing Authority – Thursday, October 21 at 6 p.m.

All meetings are held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.

Arts & Entertainment

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

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

  • Monday, October 18 at 10:30 a.m. – Story Time for children ages 2 and older
  • Monday, October 18 at 3:30 p.m. – Free Homework Helpers
  • Tuesday, October 19 at 3:30 p.m. – Free Homework Helpers
  • Tuesday, October 19 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
  • Wednesday, October 20 at 10:15 a.m. – Lap Sit Story Times for those ages 3 and under
  • Wednesday, October 20 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those ages 2 to 4
  • Thursday, October 21st 10:15 a.m. – Discovery Time for those ages 3 to 5
  • Thursday, October 21 at 3:30 p.m. – Free Homework Helpers
  • Friday, October 22 at 4 p.m. – Happy Birthday to You, featuring books by authors R. L. Stine and Ed Emberly.

For more information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.

Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, October 21

The fall Potpourri of Lectures series continues on Thursday, October 21 at 10:30 a.m. with “How an Opposition Developed in Communist Poland” at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Professor Jack Bloom, Associate Professor of Sociology at Indiana University Northwest will conduct the lecture. Light refreshments will be served. For additional information, call Mary VanSwaol at the Park Forest Library at 708-748-3731, extension 24.

Park Forest Library & Park Forest Economic Development and Recreation & Parks Departments

Murder at the Library: An Interactive Mystery Play – Pre-Register Now

On Saturday, October 30 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Murder at the Library: An Interactive Mystery Play will take place at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest. Participants will figure out just who committed the ‘crime.’ There will be lots of fun, prizes and food for all. The event is open for those ages 10 and up (those ages 10 – 17 must be accompanied by an adult). There is a fee of $5 per person. Pre-register at the Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department in Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. For additional information, call 708-748-2005.

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walk, Park Forest

“The Real Thing” – Tickets Now on Sale

Tickets are now on sale for Tom Stoppard’s Tony Award Winning comedy “The Real Thing” which opens on Friday, October 29. The play will run through November 14. Stoppard, who won an Oscar for the movie “Shakespeare in Love,” has created a brilliant play-within-a-play about love, truth and illusion. Legendary London theatre critic Sheridan Morley described the “The Real Thing’ as “…a play which reminds you why you go to the theatre and why you fall in love. And why, just sometimes, it is all worth the effort.” Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $22 on Friday and Saturday, $20 at all other times, with a $1 discount for students and seniors. For tickets, call (708) 481-3510.

Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest

Art Trek – Through October 31

Join us for this fine art exhibition and demonstrations within the Chicago Southland Community. This event will continue through October 31 in over 38 locations. Demonstrations include painting, jewelry making, and much more. Call 708-833-5108 or 708-748-3946 for more information, the different locations. Along with daily business hours.

“Icons” – Through October

“Icons” exhibit at Salon Artists Gallery runs through October. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and Saturdays, and 12 Noon to 4 p.m. on Fridays. For more information, call Pat Moore or Bev Szaton at 708-833-5108.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 267 Artists Walk, Park Forest

“Americana: Folk Art” – Through November 28

“Americana: Folk Art,” an exhibit of American and decorative objects from private collections, will run through November 28. Objects on exhibition mainly derive from the Collections of John Cain, Executive Director of the South Sore Arts; Dr. Jan and Peter Hudak, of Crete, and Dr. Arthur and Marilyn Bourgeois, of Richton Park, Art Professors at Governors State University and Arthur Bourgeois and Thomas Lanham of the Field Museum curated the exhibit. The event if free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.

Park Forest Historical Society

Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard (Corner of Forest & Fir)

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum is in an original rental town home, built in 1947-1949 by American Community Builders. The museum provides a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane for anyone who lived in the 1950s or 1960s, or for those interested in that period. Visitors are encouraged to open drawers, cupboard and closets to discover period treasures inside. Contents of the house, furnished as though a young veteran and his family of small children occupy it, include dolls, toys, doll houses, books, dishes, serving pieces, furniture and clothing from the period. When is the last time you said, "Hello," to Howdy Doody?

The Museum is open on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Group tours are by appointment. Call 708-748-3731.

Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Blvd., Park Forest

Denny Diamond –Tuesday, October 19

The Senior Series at Freedom Hall kicks-off on Tuesday, October 19 at 11 a.m. with Denny Diamond who has delighted audiences across the nation performing his fun and energetic tribute to one of America’s favorite singer/songwriters, Neil Diamond. A mix of songs made famous be artists like Johnny Cash, Roger Miller and others will also be featured. Tickets are $9. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-503-7737 or visit www.freedomhall.org to order tickets online.

Children’s Theatre – “One Monster After Another” – Friday, October 22

On Friday, October 22 at 7 p.m., Child’s Play Touring Theatre will present “One Monster After Another,” a rockin’ rendezvous with witches, monsters, ghosts and ghouls. All the thrills and chills of Halloween night are combined with music, mystery, dance and song – a truly rollicking ride to sweep you along. Tickets are $7. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-503-7737 or visit www.freedomhall.org to order tickets online.

Marcya Daneille Featuring Wycliffe Gordon – Tickets Now on Sale

On Saturday, November 13 at 8 p.m., jazz vocalist and Park Forest native, Marcya Daneille will perform with featured guest, famed trombonist, Wycliffe Gordon, a veteran member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet, accompanied by a quintet of the finest jazz artists from America. Daneille’s melodious voice has been described a “the perfect blend of Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and Sara Vaughan with a dash of Billie Holiday.” Tickets are $28. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-503-7737 or visit www.freedomhall.org to order tickets online.

Park Forest Economic Development & Planning

Park Forest Idols Outreach – Apply for Auditions by November 5

Singers and dancers of all ages can pick up an entry form to apply for an audition for the Park Forest Idols competition to be held on Saturday, January 22, 2011. Auditions are limited to Park Forest residents only. Applications for auditions must be submitted no later than Friday, November 5. Forms can be picked up at the Economic Development & Planning Office of Village Hall, or by e-mail at [email protected]. For additional information, call 708-283-5621.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Symphony of Style: The Best of Friends Fashion Show & Luncheon – Tickets Now on Sale

The Friends of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) invite you to join them for Symphony of Style, the 20th Annual Best of Friends Fashion Show and Luncheon to be held on Saturday, October 30 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Idlewild Country Club, 19201 Dixie Highway, Flossmoor. The gala begins with shopping, an open bar and time to connect with old and new friends before the scrumptious luncheon followed by a gala stream of fashions. Raffle tickets sold by Friends and ushers will offer guest chances to win one of five elegant theme baskets, including “Chef’s Table,” “How Does Your Garden Grow,” “Night at the Opera,” and more. Hansen’s Villa in Manhattan, My Sisters and Me Boutique in Frankfort, and Kluger Furs in Flossmoor will provide the fashions and accessories for the models, all from our own Southland. All proceeds benefit the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and its educational programs, including musical scholarships for Junior High School students. Contact the IPO office at 708-481-7774 for ticket information.

Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest

Center For Performing Arts at GSU, 1 University Parkway

10th Anniversary Celebration of DanceArt – Tuesday, October 26

On Tuesday, October 26, 2010 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., DanceArt will celebrate its 10th Anniversary at a special presentation and live performance at the Center for Performing Arts. A reception will be held immediately following the performance. The mission of DanceArt is to bring high quality, inclusive dance education to children in the Chicago region, who would otherwise not experience the world of dance. Both the performance and reception are free and open to the public. For additional information, please call 708-534-4575.

The Capitol Steps – Friday, October 22

On Friday, October 22 at 8 p.m., get ready for a night of hot-button issues and political skewering, all in the sake of satire. Democrat or Republican, nobody is safe from the wit, wisdom and wackiness of The Capitol Steps. The evening of political leaning features songs, skits and parodies ripped from today’s headlines, and performers formerly of Capitol Hill. Tickets range in price from $44 to $15. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.

A pre-show dinner is available at Joe’s Italian Villa, 10160 191st St., Mokena, Il at 5:30 p.m. The cost of the dinner is $25 (excluding tax and tip) and includes a choice of entrees including salad, beef, pasta, chicken, coffee and dessert. Advance dinner reservations are required and can be made by calling Joe’s Italian Villa at 708-478-7799.

‘Shoufou Alwawa Wayn’ (Where Does It Hurt?) – Tickets Now on Sale

On Saturday, October 30 at 8 p.m., ‘Shoufou Alwawa Wayn,’ by AJYAL Theatrical Group, will be performed. AJYAL Theatrical Group, the first Arab-American theatre group in North America, has been in existence since 1988, staging many comedy productions over the years. Just when we thought that Im Hussein, Im Elias, and their families were finally settled into the American way of life and had put all their troubles behind them, the global economy takes a nosedive. If you’ve been following their comical cultural adjustments to American life, you can anticipate some hilarious situations in ‘Shoufou Alwawa Wayn’ when they face foreclosure and a host of related money problems. Tickets range in price from $75 to $40. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.

Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx Unplugged – Tickets Now on Sale

On Saturday, February 26 at 7:30 p.m., a rare and intimate acoustic evening of all your favorite Styx classics, showcasing Dennis DeYoung on grand piano, plus August Zadra and Jimmy Leahey on acoustic guitars/vocals and Craig Carter on bass/vocals. Dennis DeYoung will recreate 30 years of musical history, featuring all the music he wrote and sang spanning his remarkable career. Don’t miss this special evening. Tickets range in price from $56 to $49. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at GSU

Neil Goodman Sculptures On Display Through October

Five dramatic sculptures by Chicago artist Neil Goodman are currently on display at GSU’s Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. Goodman’s sculptures have been commissioned and collected by museums, corporations, convention centers, parks, synagogues, universities and private residences. For more information about Neil Goodman in the Park call 708-534-4486 or visit [email protected].

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

2010 Regional College and University Faculty Exhibition – Through October 28

The 2010 Regional College and University Faculty Exhibition is being held at GSU’s Visual Arts Gallery through Thursday, October 28. Works of local college and university art instructors, including photography, painting printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, digital imaging, drawing and mixed media will be featured. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information, or Gallery hours, call 708-534-4017 or visit www.gsuvisualartsgallery.blogspot.com.

Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, IL

Either/Or – Through November 20

Either/Or features work from talented artists from all over the country will run through November 20. The work chosen embodies the spectrum of ideas the exhibit title alludes to. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information and gallery hours, call 708-754-2601 or visit: www.unionstreetgallery.org.

CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead

Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, October 21

CAUTION will be playing every Thursday night at Harte’s Saloon, 9858 S. Artesian. If you are a fan of the Grateful Dead, Phish and great musical jams, check out this band. For more information, call Harte’s Saloon at 708-424-2618.

Halloween Bash – Saturday, October 30

CAUTION will be celebrating Halloween by playing two sets on Saturday, October 30 at Harte’s Saloon, 9858 S. Artesian. There will be a $10 cover charge. For more information, call Harte’s Saloon at 708-424-2618.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest

Little Twigs Nature Playtimes – Through November 18

Each Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. through November 18, young children ages 2 – 4 can participate in this hands-on exploratory program that teaches young children about the environment through hikes, stories and crafts. There is a fee of $5 per child (no fee for parents). Bring your child or grandchild out for this wonderful program. Snacks are provided. Registration is not required. For more information, call 708-747-6320.

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway

Election Issues Forum – Monday, October 18

On Monday, October 18 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., GSU’s graduate Political and Justice Studies program is sponsoring a community forum on “America at the Crossroads and the Issues of the 2010 Election” in the Hall of Honors. The forum will include a short presentation by the panelists on the key issues of the 2010 midterm elections and an open community discussion. Panelists include Assistant Professor Daniel Cortese, Associate Professor Donald Culverson, Assistant Professor Chelsea Haring, and Professor Larry Levinson. The program will be followed with an open house on the graduate Political and Justice Studies program at GSU. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 708-534-4570.

Education Program Open House – Wednesday, October 20

On Wednesday, October 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., GSU’s College of Education is hosting an open house in the E wing atrium. Program information will be offered on bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Multicategorical Special Education, and Psychology; and mater’s degrees in Counseling, Reading, Educational Administration, Early Childhood Education, Education, Multicategorical Special Education, and Psychology. Information will also be available on the new doctoral program in Counselor Education and Supervision. Admission requirements and financial aid opportunities will also be discussed. There will be the opportunity to meet with advisors and administrators to have questions answered. Attendees are encouraged to bring official or unofficial transcripts for review. Applications will be accepted. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 708-534-4050.

Park Forest Nurses Club

October Meeting – Thursday, October 21

The Park Forests Nurses Club will meet on Thursday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 N. Orchard Dr. (corner of Lincoln Highway and Orchard Drive). ‘Rehabilitation’ is the topic to be discussed by guest speaker Marion Santana, RN, BSN, CRRN. Ms. Santana is the manager of the Center for Rehabilitation at St. James Hospital. A demonstration of various prosthesis and orthotics will be part of the presentation. All Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses, active or inactive, are invited to attend. For additional information, call 708-481-8387.

Shop Locally

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.

Park Forest Farmers Market

The Park Forest’s Farmers Market will be held each Saturday through October from 7 a.m. until noon, rain or shine. Fresh garden plants and produce, bakery goods, gourmet cheeses, herbs and eggs will be available for sale. Local businesses will also be on hand with a variety of artwork, garden ornaments, candles and more. Meet your friends at the Farmers Market for breakfast or lunch and shop locally.

During the Farmers Market, local civic groups can give demonstrations, hold fundraisers or other events at no charge but must register in advance. For more information, call 708-748-1118 or visit www.pfhealth.net.

Healthy Living

Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Wednesday Morning Walkers – Through November 17

Those ages 11 through adult can enjoy light exercise as you meander through Thorn Creek Woods every Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. through 8:30 a.m. through November 17. Experience the arrival of fall first hand as you walk the 1 mile loop through woodlands and ravines. Trails can be wet or muddy, so please wear sturdy shoes. Terrain is moderate. Registration is not required. For more information, call 708-747-6320.

Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (lower level)

Flu & Pneumonia Clinic

On Mondays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., flu and pneumonia immunizations will be available while supplies last. Appointments MUST be made in advance. For fee information or to schedule an appointment, call the Park Forest Health Department at 708-748-1118. Hours of the Health Department are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Babies, Teens and Adults Immunization Clinics

Babies, teens and adult immunization and flu and pneumonia clinics will be held on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details or to schedule an appointment, call 708-748-1118. The Health Department is a low cost provider for children and adult immunizations.

Blood Pressure Screening

A free Blood Pressure Clinic is held at the Park Forest Health Department Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Elevated blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Walk in or call ahead at 708-748-1118.

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

Free Counseling Services Available

Today, individuals and families face economic and social pressures as well as communication difficulties that frequently disrupt family unity and the ability to cope. Counseling is one of the most important tools for understanding and coping. Free, individual, family and vocational counseling is available through GSU’s Division of Psychology and Counseling as part of its training program for advanced graduate counseling students. Faculty members, who are also licensed counselors, supervise the sessions. Counseling sessions are conducted on campus in total confidentiality. For more information, call 708-534-4545 or visit www.govst.edu/counselinglab.

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 programs 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

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.

Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood, Park Forest

C4 Underground Youth Gathering – Every Tuesday & Thursday

Youths in grades 6 and up are welcome to join us every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for fun and games, group discussion and a variety of activities. For more information, call Celebration Ministries at 708-748-1995.

Men’s Breakfast Fellowship – Saturday, October 23

On Saturday, October 23 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., join the Men’s Ministry for food and discussion on a variety of topics. All ages are welcome. This event is held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month. For more information, call Celebration Ministries at 708-748-1995.

Roots and Wings, 215 Nashua St., Park Forest

Current Events Topic Group – Every Monday

Join us every Monday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. as we gather to talk about God, us, the world and how they all work together. Roots and Wings is located behind Celebration Ministries. For more information, contact Celebration Ministries at 708-748-1995.

Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood St., Park Forest

Women’s Workshop – Saturday, October 23

On Saturday, October 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., join the Women’s Intercessory Network for a wide range of topics – spiritual, physical and mental – presented for working women, stay-at-home moms, singles, and married. For additional information, call Sandra Green at 708-503-6536.

St. Irenaeus Church, 207 S. Orchard Dr., Park Forest

Spaghetti Dinner – Sunday, October 24

On Sunday, October 24 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., come to the St. Irenaeus School Gym to enjoy all you can eat. Carry out service is also available. Tickets are $3 for children under 10 and $8 for adults. For additional information, call the Parish Office at 708-748-6891.

Park Forest Economic Development Advisory Group

Nominate a Business Person of the Year in Park Forest – Nominations Due October 29

Do you know a Park Forest business owner who has made a difference for you or someone you know? The Park Forest Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) seeks nominees from individuals, civic groups, and businesses to recognize a Park Forest business owner who is committed to community service. Submit a completed nomination form to EDAG in care of the Village of Park Forest no later than Friday, October 29. Nomination forms can be found at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com/clientuploads/Economic_Development/Business/Nominationform-2010final.pdf. For additional information, contact Sandra Zoellner at 708-283-5623 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Donate Unused Air Miles to Support Families of Wounded Service members

“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

B3 Bottles, Park Forest

The United Sates leads in consuming bottled water, drinking 26 billion liters a year (that’s only one, 8 ounce glass per day). It is estimated that Americans go through 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour with 86% of the plastic bottles used never getting recycled. B3 Bottles, a local Park Forest business, has a solution to this problem. B3’s stainless steel bottles can be filled with Park Forest’s award winning water or other hot/cold beverages of your choice, and then cleaned and re-used for a lifetime. To learn more about B3 Bottles and pricing information, call Laura Fitzgerald at 708-748-0934.

Sertoma Centre, Inc., 4343 W. 123rd St., Alsip, IL

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 fund raising 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 fund raising 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.

Go Green with a Free Tote Bag

The Village of Park Forest encourages residents to visit Village Hall to pick up an environmentally friendly canvas bag that can be used for your day-to-day shopping needs. These bags are free while supplies last with only two expectations: 1) that residents have a valid email address so that future environmentally conscious concepts can be shared by the Village’s Environment Commission; and 2) that bags are limited to one per household. For more information on this program, visit the Village Manager’s Office on the second floor of Village Hall of call 708-748-1129.

Sources: Park Forest 2010 Autumn Recreation Programs & More; Park Forest Fall/Winter 2010-2011 Recreation Programs & More, Village of Park Forest, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Center for Performing Arts, Union Street Gallery, Park Forest Rotary Club, South Suburban Family Shelter, Park Forest Historical Society, Illinois Theatre Center, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, CAUTION, Sertoma Centre, Inc., Tall Grass Arts Association, Thorn Creek Audubon Society websites.


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