Village Clerk Sheila McGann, Trustee Gary Kopycinski, Mayor John Ostenburg, and Trustees Brandon, McCray, O’Neill and Dillard celebrate after election results came in Tuesday night. (Photo: Rich Whitehead)
Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)-April 11, 2011. Opening day for Park Forest Baseball, celebrating its 60th anniversary, will begin on Saturday, April 16 at 9:30 a.m. with a parade of baseball players walking from DownTown Park Forest to Central Park. All former Park Forest baseball participants since 1951 are asked to take part in the 60th year celebration. Residents are encouraged to come out and cheer for the players. For additional information about the event, contact Mary Kay Joens at 708-503-1944 or e-mail [email protected].
If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in our community during the upcoming week, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.
Village of Park Forest
Village of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings
The following Park Forest Commissions will meet the week of April 11:
- Tuesday, April 12 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission
- Tuesday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. – Commission on Human Relations
The meetings will take place at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Arts & Entertainment
Representative Jesse Jackson
The Congressional Art Competition – Entries Due Thursday, April 14
‘An Artistic Discovery’ is an annual event that allows high school students in every congressional district in the country to showcase their artistic abilities. Any high school student in the Second Congressional District of Illinois is welcome to submit their artwork to Congressman Jesse Jackson’s office. The winner of the competition will earn an invitation to Washington, DC to attend an honorary awards presentation with other winners from around the nation. Additionally, winners will receive roundtrip airfare to Washington. The winner’s artwork will also be displayed in the U.S. Capitol complex for a full calendar year. Completed artwork must be submitted to either Jackson’s Chicago (7121 S. Yates Blvd.) or Homewood (17926 S. Halsted Streets) office on or before Thursday, April 14. Please be sure to review the Congressional Art Competition Guidelines and complete a Student Release Form before you submit your compositions. For further information on the competition timeline, please visit Congressman Jackson’s website.
League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area (LVWPA) and Village of Park Forest
27th Annual Park Forest House Tour – Recommend a House by May 1
LVWPA and the Village of Park Forest have announced that the 27th Annual Park Forest House Tour will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2011. The tour will feature houses, condominiums and townhouses in Park Forest that have been remodeled or renovated as well as newer homes that have been built in the Village. The LVWPA and the Village encourage residents to recommend houses, condominiums and townhouses to be included in this year’s tour. Residences of all areas of Park Forest are welcome. Those recommendations should be submitted to Barbara Moore, House Tour Committee Chair, at 708-481-5151 or by e-mail at [email protected] no later than Sunday, May 1. The Committee will finalize the list of homes by May 15, 2011. Advance tickets for the self-guided tour will go on sale on May 15 and can be purchased from LVWPFA members or at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive for $10. Day-of-tour tickets will be available at Village Hall on June 5 for $15.00.
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:
- Monday, April 11 at 10:30 a.m. – AM Storytime for children ages 2 and up
- Monday, April 11 at 3:30 p.m. – Tutoring Available
- Tuesday, April 12 at 1:30 p.m. – Computer Class: Internet Basics *
- Tuesday, April 12 at 3:30 p.m. – Tutoring Available
- Tuesday, April 12 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
- Tuesday, April 12 at 7:15 p.m. – Tuesday Evening Book Club, featured book “Shadow Princess” by Indu Sundaresan
- Wednesday, April 13 at 10:15 a.m. – LapSit for those 0 to 35 months
- Wednesday, April 13 at 11 a.m. – Craft in America/Made in Park Forest
- Wednesday, April 13 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those 2 to 4
- Wednesday, April 13 at 3:30 p.m. – Teen Pix
- Wednesday, April 13 at 7 p.m. – Scrapbooking Craft
- Thursday, April 14 at 3:30 p.m. – Tutoring Available
- Thursday, April 14 at 3:30 p.m. – Poem in Your Pocket Day
- Thursday, April 14 at 7:15 p.m. – Computer Class: Microsoft Word 2 *
- Saturday, April 16 at 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Flowering Tree Giveaway
- Saturday, April 16 at 2 p.m. – Earth Day Egg Hunt – Kids find 3 eggs, solve the Earth Day riddles and get a prize. Please register for this event.
For more information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.
* NOTE: Those wishing to attend computer classes must pre-register. Contact the Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731 to register.
Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, April 14
The Potpourri of Lectures series continues on Thursday, April 14 at 10:30 a.m. with “Wind Turbines: Trials, Tribulations and Triumph” by Susan Rakstang, Associate Vice President of Facilities management at Governors State University. The lecture will be held in the Library’s Ringering Room.
Park Forest Recreation & Parks
April Senior Trip to the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center – Registration Deadline Wednesday, April 13
The April Senior Trip to the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center will be held on Wednesday, April 27. The trip will take you to the town of Skokie, Illinois where you will enjoy lunch at the beautiful Zhivago’s Restaurant with your choice of Beef Stroganoff a la St. Petersburg, or Chicken Mediterranean (chicken breast marinated in herbs and grilled veggies). After lunch you will tour the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center. Architect Stanley Tigerman created this three-part building, dedicated to holocaust survivors. The museum tells the story of the Holocaust through richly designed, interactive exhibitions that will both move and inspire you. The fee for the trip is $55.00 which includes round-trip coach bus, lunch and admission to the museum. The bus will depart from Freedom Hall at 10 a.m. and return at approximately 5 p.m. Registration deadline is Wednesday, April 13. You can register in person at the Recreation and Parks Department at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, or over the phone with a credit card at 708-748-2005. Please mention Code 148660-1 and your choice of lunch entrée when registering.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
’25 Years with Carmon’ – Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets are now on sale for ’25 Years with Carmon’ which will be held on Saturday, May 21 at 8 p.m. at Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 S. Harlem, Frankfort. We honor the Silver Anniversary of our Music Director, Carmon DeLeone, and his contributions to the Chicago Southland with works by Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin! Guest soloists for the concert include pianist Kevin Cole and vocalist Benjamin Warschawski. Works to be performed include: Bernstein‘s Overture to Candide and selections from Mass “Make our Garden Grow” from Candide and Gershwin’s Cuban Overture and Rhapsody in Blue. Tickets are $30, $40, and $50 and can be purchased at: https://secure.ticketsage.net.
Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Blvd,. Park Forest
Mac Frampton – Tuesday, April 12
On Tuesday, April 12 at 11 a.m., Mac Frampton will perform as part of Freedom Hall’s Senior Series. A tour de force – from Rhapsody in Blue to Blue Suede Shoes, Mac Frampton redefines the piano with power, precision, and playfulness. After seeing pianist Mac Frampton in concert, you will wonder how is it possible for one man to make so much music, with so much energy, and have so much fun doing it! Tickets are $11. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-747-0580 or visit: www.freedomhall.org.
Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists’ Walkway, Park Forest
“The Glorious Ones” – Opens Friday, April 15
Tickets are now on sale for “The Glorious Ones,” based on the novel by Francine Prose. “A wooden stage, an audience, and a great actor. This, my friends, is my idea of heaven!” These are the opening lines of the musical valentine to the actor’s life. Both slapstick and serious, the story follows the adventures of a traveling band of comic actors in 16th century Italy – the original Commedia dell’ Arte troupe, as they search for immorality and love. Along the way, they reshape the nature of comedy for all time, on a journey that leads right to present day. This bawdy, boisterous musical features a terrific score from the Tony Award winning composer and lyricist of “Ragtime,” “Once on This Island,” and “Seussical.” The play will open on April 15 and run through May 1. Performances will be on Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8 PM, and Sundays at 2:30 & 7:30 PM. Tickets are priced at $22 on Friday and Saturday and $20 all other times. There is a $1 discount for students and seniors. For tickets, phone 708-481-3510.
Salon Artists’ Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest
New Artists Exhibit – Through April 30
The New Artists Exhibit is now open at Salon Artists’ Gallery and will run through April 30. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-703-7806.
Park Forest Historical Society, 400 Forest Blvd., Park Forest
Park Forest House Museum Decorated for Easter Through April
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Blvd. Park Forest, is decorated for a 1950s Easter through April. Decorations include Easter die cuts, honeycomb rabbits and baskets, plastic and tin decorations, children’s books and Easter baskets with candy available in the 1950s. Also on display is a set of hand-blown, hand-painted eggs brought back from World War II Japan. The Museum is open on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment. Donation is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. For additional information, visit www.parkforesthistory.org or call Jane Nicoll, Museum Director, at 708-481-4252 or email at [email protected].
Bricks from Former Marshall Field’s Store for Sale
Bricks from the former Marshall Field’s Store in DownTown Park Forest are on sale at the Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard. Bricks are $15 each or two for $25. Each brick comes with a certificate of authenticity and a brief history of the store. Bricks can be purchased at the Museum during Museum hours which are Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For additional information, visit: www.parkforesthistory.org.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 36 Artists Walk, Park Forest
“Half the Sky” Exhibit Celebrations Women’s History Month – Through May 8
“Half the Sky” an exhibit celebrating Women’s History will run through May 8. “Half the Sky” derives its name from the Chinese saying that “women hold up half the sky.” It is a celebration of Women’s History Month with a national juried exhibit. For additional information or gallery hours, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
All Student Art Exhibit – Through April 15
Art Forum, the GSU art student organization, and the GSU Visual Arts Gallery are hosting the annual All Student Exhibition through April 15. The juried competition showcases the best work of GSU graduate and undergraduate students from all disciplines, including at least one film student who submitted a short video piece in the exhibit. The Visual Arts Gallery is open Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday, from noon to 9 pm.
Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park
“Mama’s Night Out” – Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets are now on sale for “Mama’s Night Out” which will take place on Mother’s Day Eve, Saturday, May 7 at 8 p.m. The tree finalists from Nick at Nite’s “The Search for the Funniest Mom in America” will share big laughs in one great girls’ night out. The will be a complimentary pre-show girl party with drink specials, raffle prizes, beauty treatments and more. Tickets are priced at $44, $37, and $29. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-235-2222 or visit: www.centertickets.net.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights
“Verge” Local High School Art Exhibition – Through April 14
Works of art created by talented students from five local high schools are now on display at PSC’s juried art exhibition titled “Verge.” Young artists from schools across PSC’s district including Homewood-Flossmoor, Marian Catholic, Bloom Township, Rich East and Beecher High Schools are featured. The exhibit runs through April 14 in PSC’s Christopher Art Gallery. The event is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visits can also be made by appointment. For additional information or to make an appointment for a visit, contact the PSC Foundation at 708-709-3636.
CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead
Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, April 14
CAUTION will be playing every Thursday night beginning at 9 p.m. 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.
Monkey Mind Art Studio & Gallery, 3 W. Nebraska St., Frankfort
‘Persona’ – By Even Jensen – Through April 23
The exhibit ‘Persona’ by Eve Jensen will run through April 23rd. Eve Jensen’s work includes paintings and drawings. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call the Gallery at 815-464-8818 or visit: www.monkeymindartstudio.com.
Green Events
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Earth Day Celebration – Thursday, April 21
GSU’s annual Earth Day Celebration will take place on Thursday, April 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the patio by the lake, just outside GSU’s Hall of Governors. All events and demonstrations are free and open to the public. The GSU Earth Day Celebration will offer practical demonstrations in environmental sustainability as well as music, wild animal exhibits, children’s theater, and organic food served on eco-friendly products.
Park Forest Environment Commission & Unitarian Universalist Church
“Vanishing of the Bees’ – Save the Date
A screening of the environmental film “Vanishing of the Bees” will take place on Saturday, May 28 at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 70 Sycamore, Park Forest. Honeybees have been mysteriously disappearing across the planet, literally vanishing from their hives. Known as Colony Collapse Disorder, this phenomenon has brought beekeepers to crisis in an industry responsible for producing apples, broccoli, watermelon, onions, cherries and a hundred other fruits and vegetables. Commercial honeybee operations pollinate crops that make up one out of every three bites of food on our tables.
Vanishing of the Bees follows commercial beekeepers David Hackenberg and Dave Mendes as they strive to keep their bees healthy and fulfill pollination contracts across the U.S. The film explores the struggles they face as the two friends plead their case on Capitol Hill and travel across the Pacific Ocean in the quest to protect their honeybees. Filming across the US, in Europe, Australia and Asia, this documentary examines the alarming disappearance of honeybees and the greater meaning it holds about the relationship between mankind and mother earth. As scientists puzzle over the cause, organic beekeepers indicate alternative reasons for this tragic loss. Conflicting options abound and after years of research, a definitive answer has not been found to this harrowing mystery.
A discussion will follow the screening of the film. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. You may bring a snack to share if desired. Donations will be accepted. For additional information, call Rosemary Piser at 708-747-1991.
Thorn Creek Audubon Society
Field Trip to Wolf Lake/Calumet/Eggers Woods – Wednesday, April 13
On Wednesday, April 13 at 8 a.m., meet in the north parking lot of Wolf Lake, 127 St. and Burnham Ave. At Wolf Lake we should see migrating waterfowl such as swans, a variety of diving and tipping ducks, and perhaps some early warblers. At Eggers Woods, we may see yellow-headed blackbirds and early song bird migrants. Participants should be prepared for inclement weather and the possibility of wet conditions. Binoculars are advised.
“Butterflies of the American Prairies” Program – Thursday, April 14
On Thursday, April 14 at 7 p.m. at the Iron Oaks Environmental Learning Center, 2000 Western Ave., Olympia Fields, Doug Taron, Curator of Biology and Vice President of Conservation and Research at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of Chicago, will talk on “Butterflies of the American Prairies” the Ecology of Butterflies in the Chicago Region.” The program is co-sponsored by the Thorn Creek Audubon Society and the Friends of the Indian Boundary Prairies. The event is free and open to the public.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest
Junior Ecologists Club
On Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m. to noon, children ages 11 – 15 can discover the woods in a new way and join naturalists to explore the woods and track seasonal changes. This event is held on the third Saturday of each month and there is a fee of $5 per child per month. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.
Little Twigs Nature Playtimes – Begins Thursday, April 14
Little Twigs Nature Playtimes begins on Thursday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This hand-son exploratory program teaches young children about the environment through hikes, stories and crafts. Bring your child or grandchild out for this wonderful program. Snacks will be provided. This event will be held each Thursday through June 9. There is a fee of $5 per child per week – parents are free. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.
Park Forest Nurses Club
Monthly Meeting – Thursday, April 21
The Park Forest Nurses Club will meet on Thursday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 N. Orchard Drive, Park Forest (corner of Lincoln Highway and Orchard Drive). Dr. Chris Urello, Director of St. James Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Unit will discuss “Sleep Apnea.” All Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses, active or inactive, are invited to attend. For additional information, call 708-481-8387 or visit www.pfnurses.org.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Paralympic Athlete to Share Story and Wisdom – Monday, April 11
Actor, patient advocate, and Paralympic athlete John Siciliano will discuss his life-altering accident and the road to recovery and success at an appearance on Monday, April 11 at 11 a.m. in GSU’s Sherman Hall. After his car was hit by a drunk driver, Siciliano’s right leg was amputated above the knee. He worked hard to excel as an athlete, receiving tremendous support from his physical therapist and prosthetist. In 1996, he broke the 200-meter record at the Paralympic trials and was named to the U.S. Paralympic team. Siciliano has received numerous awards for his athletic achievements and work as patient advocate. As an actor he has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including NCIS. ER, and Scrubs. The event is free and open to the public.
Civic Reflection Seminar – Tuesday, April 12
GSU is hosting the Civic Reflection Seminar, an opportunity for service professionals and community members to discuss civic engagement, service learning, and how they can make a positive impact on the Chicago Southland region. A number of area service organizations will participate in the seminar, which takes place on Tuesday, April 12 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in GSU’s Hall of Honors. Topics will include: “What are the needs of the community?”, “What can service agencies do to increase civic engagement?”, and “How can community members become engaged?” Service organization exhibits will follow the seminar. The community is encouraged to join student, faculty and service organizations in this important discussion on civic reflection. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Sheree Sanderson at [email protected].
Infant & Toddler Childcare Now Available
GSU’s Family Development Center (FDC) has opened an Illinois State licensed childcare facility for infants, toddlers, and two year olds. The little ones are cared for in specially equipped classrooms of eight children, each staffed with two teachers. The infant and toddler childcare center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. FDC staff have been extensively and specially trained to care for young children. Licensure required extensive review by the State. The FDC also offers full and half day pre-kindergarten, three or five days a week and childcare for three to five year olds and before and after school childcare for five to twelve year olds. Several special grants are available to assist eligible families with infant, toddler childcare costs. Discounts are also offered for GSU students and staff. For additional information or to register your child, call 708-235-7300.
Rich Township Free Basic Computer Classes for Adults
Rich Township is offering free basic computer skill classes for adults every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Leonard Robinson Family Services Center, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park. Participants will learn Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet skills, résumé building skills, and more. Classes are open only to residents of Rich Township. For additional information, call Mark Mason or Joe Moran at 708-748-6722.
Healthy Living
Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest
Wednesday Morning Walkers – Begins Wednesday, April 13
Beginning on Wednesday, April 13 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., those ages 11 – adult can enjoy light exercise as you meander through Thorn Creek Woods. Experience the arrival of spring first hand as you walk the 1.5 mile loop with a naturalist. Trails can be wet or muddy, so please wear sturdy shoes. Terrain is moderate. This event will take place each Wednesday through June 9th and there is a fee of $2 per week per person. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.
Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest
Senior Citizen Weekday Lunch
Senior citizens of all income levels are invited to lunch weekdays at the Community Nutrition Network (CNN) site located inside the Rich Township’s Shirley J. Green Senior Center. The CNN site is open to all south suburban residents, including those living outside of Rich Township. Participants must be 60 years of age or older. The suggested donation for lunch is $2.50. Lunch is served Monday through Friday at noon. Bingo begins at 11 a.m. For additional information or to make a reservation for lunch, call 708-747-2700.
Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (lower level)
Walk-In Flu & Pneumonia Clinic
On Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. flu and pneumonia immunizations will be available while supplies last. For fee information or questions, call the Park Forest Health Department at 708-748-1118.
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
Chicago Chapter of Jack & Jill of America
An Afternoon with Governor Pat Quinn – Saturday, April 16
All south suburban residents are invited to spend An Afternoon with Governor Pat Quinn on Saturday, April 16 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Rich South High School, 5000 Sauk Trail, Richton Park. Jack & Jill of America focuses on instilling the values of leadership skills that will serve children well into adulthood.
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.
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.
“Dance With Me” Family Dance – Tickets Now On Sale
Roots and Wings and B.A.S.E. program present their First Annual “Dance With Me” Family Dance on Saturday, May 7. The event will be held at Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood, Park Forest. Come and enjoy music and dancing, photo fun and other activities. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets are priced at $8.00 per couple and $1 for each additional family member. For additional information or to purchase tickets, contact Celebration ministries at 708-748-1995.
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.
Rich Township Senior Services
Free Income Tax Preparation for Those Over 60
Free income tax preparation (including electronic filing) is available through Thursday, April 15 for those 60 years of age and older. This service will be provided at the Leonard Robinson Family Center, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Call the Rich Township Senior Center at 708-748-5454 to make an appointment.
Donate Unused Air Miles to Support Families of Wounded Servicemembers
"Operation Hero Miles" collects unused frequent flyer miles to help military families visit service members who were injured in Iraq or Afghanistan and are recovering in military hospitals around the world. Airline partners are: AirTran, Alaska Airlines, American, Frontier, Midwest, Northwest, United, and US Airways. To donate airline miles, visit www.FisherHouse.org.
Donate to Troops Serving Abroad
The Village of Park Forest is currently seeking the names and addresses of local military personnel currently serving overseas so that they may receive packaged donations from Park Forest residents. If you are a Park Forest resident and have a family member from your household currently deployed or if you have recently returned from a tour of duty, please call Judi Lancaster at 708-283-5608 or stop by the Manager’s Office at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.
Greening of Park Forest
Sertoma Centre, Inc., 4343 W. 123rd St., Alsip
Recycle Unused Wheelchairs
If you have a used motorized wheelchair that you no longer need and would like to help a person with a disability, the Sertoma Centre will accept your donation. Contact Melanie Jones at 708-730-6206 for additional information.
South Suburban Family Shelter Used Cell Phone Collection Drive
South Suburban Family Shelter (SSFS) is seeking cell phone donations for their ongoing fundraising program. Proceeds from the collection fund the critical programs and services provided to families who experience domestic violence. All victim services are provided free of charge and are available in English and Spanish. Cell phone collection sites currently include:
- SSFS Administrative Office, 18139 Harwood, Homewood, IL
- Bergstein’s NY Deli, 200 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights, IL
- Doyle Designed Salon, 2630 Flossmoor Rd., Flossmoor, IL
All donations are tax deductible and receipts are available at collection sites. For more information about SSFS or the fundraising drive, please contact Ms. Meilach at 708-794-2140, extension 303.
Local Recycling Resources and Proper Disposal of Unused Medicine
Do you have old televisions, computers, video games or other electronics or household appliances that need to be recycled? Want to know how to properly dispose of old or unused medication? Click on the "Recycling" icon found on the top of eNews Park Forest and you will find useful information on proper recycling/disposal that will not only be good for the environment, but in some cases, earn you a few dollars as well.
Safe Disposal Program – Bio-waste
The Park Forest Health Department and Environment Commission have partnered to provide information on the proper disposal of bio-waste such as used syringes or lancets (medical sharps). Begin by purchasing a Sharps container to dispose of your medical sharps for $10 at the Park Forest Health Department. Return the filled container to the Park Forest Health Department and purchase a new container. Call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 for more information.
Recycle Used Cell Phones and Cell Phone Accessories
The Rotary Club of Park Forest is conducting a used cell phone and accessory collection drive to benefit the families and programs of the South Suburban Family Shelter. Donated items can be placed in the collection box located in the lobby of Village Hall. For more information, call Denyse Carreras at 708-283-5603.
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 201 Winter-SpringRecreation Programs & More; Park Forest Fall/Winter 2010-2011 Recreation Programs Brochure; Rich Township Report; Thorn Creek Audubon Society, Chicago Blu Grill and Bar, Unitarian Universalist Community Church, Park Forest Historical Society, Village of Park Forest, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Center for Performing Arts, South Suburban Family Shelter, Park Forest Historical Society, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, Sertoma Centre, Inc., CAUTION, Monkey Mind Art Gallery & Studio, Union Street Gallery, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.
