Local

In and Around Park Forest – Week of April 27, 2009


Updated 4-30-09 at 10:54 a.m. with information regarding Grand Opening events at Orchard Fresh Market.

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)— If your club, church, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in our community during the upcoming week or if you would like to announce personal events such as engagements, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, etc., please send an e-mail to Rosemary Piser, Associate Editor, with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.

Village of Park Forest – Manager’s Office

Mayor Attends Green Cities Conference

Mayor John Ostenburg attended the Green Cities Conference this week as coordinated by the National League of Cities. The theme of the sessions was sustainability and how municipalities could foster such a vision at the local level. Numerous presentations will be conveyed back to Village Officials so that Park Forest might establish a sustainability plan for future generations.

Meeting with Canadian National (CN)

Village Officials met with representatives of CN this week to discuss the Village’s anticipated adverse impacts that may be experienced by Park Forest as a result of CN’s recent acquisition of the EJ&E rail arc. Village Officials also stated their case as to how the CN/EJ&E acquisition might actually be of benefit to Park Forest. Discussions with CN will continue in the weeks and months ahead.

2009-2010 Budget Preparation

Village Finance Staff have begun the arduous task of reviewing and refining the budget narrative as work continues toward presenting the proposed 2009/2010 budget to the Village Board by May 1. Throughout the month of May, the Village Board will conduct review sessions. The first review session will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 8:00 a.m. in the Board Room of Village Hall and are open to the public.

SouthCom Deputy Director Recognized

Congratulations to SouthCom Deputy Director Denise Pavlik for recently becoming a certified Emergency Number Professional (ENP). This achievement has been accomplished by less than 60 emergency dispatch professionals across all of Illinois. Deputy Director Pavlik is second in command of SouthCom, which is a joint emergency dispatching agency serving the Villages of Park Forest, Matteson, Olympia Fields and Richton Park.

Vehicle Sticker Sales – Animal Registration – LAST CALL

Park Forest residents must properly display the Village’s 2009 vehicle sticker on their vehicles by Thursday, April 30th. Vehicle stickers are $40 and there is a discounted rate of $20 for senior citizens. Village Hall will remain open until 7:00 p.m. on April 30th to accommodate vehicle sticker sales.

Animal registrations, also due April 30th, are available from Village Hall for a fee of $10. The Village requires a current rabies vaccination certificate in order to register your pet.

Village of Park Forest – Community Development

This week, 209 inspections were performed. These included new construction, re-occupancy, inspector-initiated and referral/complaint.

In Civil Court action on property maintenance code enforcement matters, the Village Attorney’s office is working on several properties with judgments and liens recorded.

Quarterly Cable Commission Meeting

On Wednesday, April 22nd, the Cable Commission held their regular quarterly meeting. Comcast Cable and AT&T U-verse updates were discussed.

Village of Park Forest – Economic Development

Mother and Daughter Brunch

The Economic Development Department is sponsoring a Mother and Daughter’s Brunch to celebrate Mother’s Day on Saturday, May 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street. The event will include brunch, a comedy show and mini-spa treatments. The fee is $10 per person. For more information or to buy tickets, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621.

Father and Son Sports Outing

The Economic Development Department is sponsoring a Father and Son’s Sports Outing to celebrate Father’s Day. This event will be at US Cellular Field on Monday, June 9th to see the White Sox play the Detroit Tigers. The bus will depart from Village Hall at 6:15 p.m. and return after the game. The $10 per person fee includes your ticket to the game, free transportation, and a Park Forest T-shirt. For more information or to buy tickets, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621.

Park Forest Fire Department

The Park Forest Fire Department responded to 53 calls for assistance this week, including 11 double calls. Mutual aid was provided to the University Park Fire Department for assistance with an ambulance call. Automatic aid assistance was received once from the Matteson Fire Department.

Training

This week, members of the career division wrapped up the second of three mandatory continuing education sessions for paramedics. This included an examination on medical emergencies and strokes. Each paramedic must complete three continuing education classes per year and other practical and classroom activities to maintain their license.

The paid on call division (P.O.C.) will be reviewing the operation of the department ambulances and ambulance equipment this week. New and old members alike participated in this review in order to develop new skills or keep old ones sharp. This week, the POC’s will be performing a hose advancement evolution straight out of the textbooks in a timed hose handling exercise. The crews will have no more than four minutes to advance hose lines and put hoses to work. This tests the skills of all members of the crew, from the newest firefighter to the vehicle operator.

ISAP Conference

On Wednesday, April 22nd, Administrative Assistant Traci Apt attended the Illinois Fire Service Administrative Professionals annual conference in Galena, Illinois. Topics for the conference included Best Hiring and Termination Practices, Fire Prevention, Juggling Career and Home Life, and Self Defense.

Get Well Wishes

Get well wishes are sent to Chief Robert Wilcox who has been out sick for the past week. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope he returns to work soon.

Park Forest Police Department

New Employee

Jim Jachymiak is the newest Police Department employee. He started this week as the Community Service Officer.

Grant Writing

Officer Latara Chaney met with several social agencies and representatives from the Cook County Police, Country Club Hills Police, Dolton Police and pastors of several churches to collaborate in writing grants to fund various youth mentoring projects involving all the various departments.

PAAC Summer Program

The PAAC summer program applications are now being accepted for youth participants. Interested parties may contact Stacy Wolf at [email protected].

Park Forest Public Works

Street Sweeping

Street sweeping begins Monday, April 27th. The contractor will start in the north part of town (Lincolnwood) and work his way south. The multi-family areas will be swept on Friday, May 1st, weather permitting.

Sanitary Sewer Cleaning

National Power Prodding completed the annual sanitary sewer cleaning and televising contract.

Sidewalk Maintenance

A pre-construction meeting with Davis Concrete was held Wednesday, April 22nd for the annual Motor Fuel Tax sidewalk maintenance job. The work could begin as soon as Monday, April 27th.

Field Operations

Potholes are continuing to be filled with cold patch until the asphalt plants are open. A valve was repaired at Winnebago and Wildwood Streets. Repairs were made to trucks 601 and 661. Installation of four new commercial metal entry doors on the old Public Works building was begun on Monday, April 20th.

Water Plant

Paul Narcisi attended a two-day ISAWWA (Illinois Section of American Water Works) “High-Tech Operator Certificate Class” on April 20 and 21.

Park Forest Recreation and Parks

Thorn Creek Nature Center

Rob Gunther presented a display on the Central Park Wetlands at Thorn Creek Nature Center’s Earth Day celebration.

On Saturday, April 18th, staff at the Nature Center had a very successful spring clean-up day. Over 22 volunteers came out to help do a thorough clean-up both inside and out. In 2008, a total of 285 volunteers contributed over 1,100 hours toward maintaining and staffing the Nature Center.

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

Health Stop

Rich Township women who are 60 years of age and older are invited to schedule their appointment for the “Senior Ladies’ Festive Tea” on Thursday, May 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Park Forest Health Department.

The Festive Tea and Tests are FREE. The menu of the screening tests are: PAP test, lipid (cholesterol) profile and glucose (fast 9 to 12 hours), urinalysis, hemoglobin (anemia test), stool occult blood screening with instruction kit, breast exam, height/weight. Don’t wait to call – appointments fill up quickly. Call 708-748-1118 to schedule.

Human Interest

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.

Shop Park Forest First!

Orchard Fresh Market Grand Opening

Orchard Fresh Market, 120 S. Orchard, will be celebrating its grand opening beginning with a ribbon cutting on Friday, May 1 at 3:30 p.m. All-day festivities will be held on Saturday, May 2, from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, May 3, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Festivities will include a petting zoo, clowns, outdoor barbeque and radio station personalities.

Orchard Fresh Market and Eagle Theater Partner to Provide “Free Shopping”

Present your Orchard Fresh Market (120 S. Orchard) cash register receipt to the Eagle Theater (340 Main Street) and purchase any concession, and get your movie ticket for free. Present your Eagle Theater ticket stub at Orchard Fresh, you will get $5 off your purchase ($25.00 minimum purchase required). This offer is good through May 15th.

Arts and Entertainment

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

Dolls of the 1950s are on exhibit at the 1950s Park Forest House Museum through May 31, 2009. The Museum is open on Saturdays from 1:00 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.

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

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

  • Monday, April 27th at 6:00 p.m. – Guiseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto, featuring Placido Domingo will be presented as part of the Night at the Opera Series. Refreshments will be served.
  • Tuesday, April 28th at 8:00 a.m. – Tuesday Morning Walkers will start again. Meet in the north parking lot of the library, rain or shine and walk for an hour.
  • Saturday, May 2nd – 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – My Mom is Special. Stop in to make a personalized mini pillow for your mom, grandma, or other special family member. There will be treats, humorous story time, and a spot to rest for all accompanying moms. Please pre-register in the Youth Services Department.

For more information about these events, call 708-748-3731.

Film Screening – “Who Killed the Electric Car?”

On Thursday, April 30th the League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area will sponsor a public viewing of the film Who Killed the Electric Car? The film will be shown at the Park Forest Library beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Coffee House for Teens and Adults

On Friday, May 1st at 7:30 p.m., Hope Lutheran Church, 424 Indianwood Blvd., will host an open mike event. Come show your talents or just come to support. All youth and adults are invited.

Faith Theater Murder Mystery Dinner

An adventurous theater murder mystery dinner entitled, “I’m Getting Murdered in the Morning,” will be held May 1 – 3 at Faith United Protestant Church, 10 Hemlock Street. Shows will be held at 6:30 p.m. on May 1st and May 2nd, and 3:00 p.m. on May 3rd. For more information, call 708-747-1330.

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walk, Downtown Park Forest

The musical THE IMMIGRANT continues through May 3rd. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $21 on Friday and Saturday and $19 all other times. For tickets, call 708-481-3510.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Five decades of the photography work of Richard Burd are presented in the exhibit “A Life in the Light” through May 2, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information, call 708-748-9132.

Center for Performing Arts at GSU, 1 University Parkway, University Park

Folk music legends, the Kingston Trio perform on Sunday, May 3rd at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 through $45. For more information, call 708-235-2222.

Marian Catholic High School Presents Grease

The fabled Broadway musical Grease will be performed May 1 – 3 in Marian’s Croarkin Theatre. Performances on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2 will be at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, and may be reserved by calling 708-756-9443. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. Marian Catholic’s theater is located on Joe Orr Road in Chicago Heights, just west of the intersection of Joe Orr and Ashland.

Grand Prairie Singers

The Grande Prairie Singers will perform music of Mozart and Haydn on Sunday, May 3rd at 7:00 p.m. The concert will be held at Rich South Auditorium 5000 Sauk Trail in Richton Park. A complementary reception will follow the concert. Tickets are available by calling 708-481-8684 or through the Grand Prairie Choral Arts Web site: www.grandeprairiechoral.org.

Educational Lectures

Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park

Family History Workshop

Participants in the workshop, “Writing Family Stories for Fun,” will learn how to get started recording their family history, where to find the stories, and how to have fun doing it. The workshop will be held at GSU’s Kankakee Education Center on Saturday, May 2nd from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The workshop registration fee is $25. For more information or to register, call 815-935-2766.

Prairie State College, 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights

Board of Trustee Scholarships – LAST CALL

PSC is awarding Board of Trustee scholarships that cover tuition and fees for each semester the student is enrolled at PSC. To learn about the scholarship requirements or to apply for a scholarship, visit www.prairiestate.edu and select the “Scholarship” link. The application deadline is April 30th. For more information, contact Carissa Davis at 708-709-3562.

Educational Benefits for Veterans

Discover Veterans Educational Benefits will be held on Thursday, April 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in the auditorium of the Business and Community Education Center, located on PSC’s main campus. For more information, call Carissa Davis at 708-709-3562.

Annual Graduate Exhibit

Artwork from PSC students who will graduate in May will be exhibited through May 21 in the college’s Christopher Art Gallery. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information, call 708-709-3636.

Marian Catholic Offers Job Search Workshop

The Marian Mothers Club is sponsoring a Job Search Workshop on Tuesday, April 28th at 3:30 p.m. in Marian’s Computer Lab. This session will allow the group to create an actual resume and cover letter. The public is welcome to join this free workshop. Participants may park in the Ashland Avenue parking lot and enter through the Main Office.

UUCC Open House May 17

The Unitarian Universalist Community Church in Park Forest will hold an OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY on Sunday, May 17, 2009.  Worship service with Rev. Ana Levy Lyons will be at 10 a.m., followed by an Adult Forum at 11:30 a.m.  All are welcome.

Please come and see our building and children can attend our Religious Education classes.

This and That

Open Auditions

The Southland Area Theatre Ensemble (SLATE) at Governors State University will be holding auditions for its production of “Into the Woods.” Roles for adults and children ages 8 though 12 are available. Individuals wishing to audition should visit the SLATE web site at www.slatetheatre.org to download the audition form and view character descriptions and casting requirements.

Auditions are scheduled by appointment only, which can be made by leaving a message on the audition hotline, 708-235-2244.

Sources: Village of Park Forest Weekly Manager’s Report; Spring/Summer 2009 Calendar of Events, Park Forest Library, Tall Grass Arts Association, Illinois Theatre Center, Prairie State College, Governors State University, Center for Performing Arts, Marian Catholic High School, and Park Forest Historical Society web sites.


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