Marian teacher Gary Kopycinski with former student Dennis Kelly of Purdue. Kelly spent some time working out at Marian Friday as he waited for a call from the NFL Draft. Kelly was picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles in the Fifth Round of the draft. (Photo: ENEWSPF)
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—April 30, 2012. Monday, April 30th is the final day for Park Forest residents to purchase vehicle stickers before a late fee will be assessed. Village Hall will be open on Monday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. to accommodate last-minute vehicle sticker sales. Additional information about sticker pricing can be found in the ‘Village of Park Forest’ section below.
And whether you’ve procrastinated about getting your vehicle sticker or not, stop by the lobby of Village Hall on Monday, April 30th to purchase some hand-made goodies from the Community Gardening Groups that will be holding a Bake Sale. Proceeds will benefit the groups’ gardening projects. Additional information about the Bake Sale can be found in the ‘Green Events’ section.
The 39th Annual Park Forest Farmers’ Market will begin on Saturday, May 5 from 7 a.m. to 12 noon. The Farmers’ Market will be held each Saturday, rain or shine, through October 27 at the corner of Lakewood & Cunningham Drive. More information about the Farmers’ Market can be found in the ‘Healthy Living’ section.
If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in our community during the upcoming week, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.
Village of Park Forest
2012 – 2013 Park Forest Vehicle Sticker Sales – Purchase/Display by May 1
Park Forest residents are reminded that 2012 – 2013 Park Forest vehicle stickers must be displayed, prior to May 1, on every vehicle that is registered with the State of Illinois with a Park Forest address; even if that vehicle is not located in Park Forest. Vehicles driven in Park Forest without a current vehicle sticker are subject to citations by law enforcement officers, until a sticker is purchased and displayed. The final day to purchase vehicle stickers without paying a late fee will be Monday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.
Vehicle Sticker Fee Schedule:
Passenger Cars * $50.00
Trucks Weight to 8,000 pounds $50.00
Trucks Weight Over 8,000 pounds $75.00
Recreational Vehicles $55.00
Motorcycle $30.00
Senior Citizen (Over 65) $25.00
School or Religious Organization $25.00
Disabled (With Handicap Plates & Letter from SSDA)
Handicap Placards NOT Accepted $25.00
*No Fee if vehicle is completely powered by battery and electricity.
Vehicle sticker purchases made on or after May 1 will be assessed a late charge of $25. An additional late fee will be assessed to vehicle sticker purchases made on or after August 1. To print an application, click here. For additional information, including more details on rate changes, click here.
Village Board Meeting
The Board of Trustees will hold a Saturday Morning Rules meeting on May 5 at 10 a.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend. Village Board meetings air live on cable access channels (Channel 4 for Comcast subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T subscribers) as well as on the Village web site at www.villageofparkforest.com.
To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=BoardMtgArchive&category=Village%20Governmentand click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.
Village of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings
The following Park Forest Commissions and Advisory Groups will meet the week of April 30:
- Tuesday, May 1 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission
- Wednesday, May 2 at 7 p.m. – Economic Development Advisory Group
- Thursday, May 3 at 1 p.m. — Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
- Thursday, May 3 at 7 p.m. – Environment Commission
The meetings will take place at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Green Events
Park Forest Community Garden Groups to Hold Bake Sale – Monday, April 30
Some of the new Park Forest Community Garden groups will be holding a Bake Sale on Monday, April 30 at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Proceeds will be used on the groups’ community gardens projects. The Park Forest Fire Station’s community garden group will be featuring ice cream inspired cupcakes generously donated by ‘Cupcake Scoops’ (www.cupcakescoops.blogspot.com). Stop by Village Hall on Monday for some very tasty treats and help benefit a great cause. Park Forest Village Hall will be open Monday, April 30th from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. to accommodate last minute vehicle sticker purchases.
League of Women Voter of the Park Forest Area
Educational Meeting on Global Climate Change – Wednesday, May 9
The League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area will host an educational meeting on the topic of Global Climate Change on Wednesday, May 9, at 7:00 PM at the Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard in Park Forest. The guest speaker will be Richard Treptow, Ph.D., professor emeritus of chemistry and environmental science at Chicago State University, and member of the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Sauk-Calumet Sierra Club. He will give a presentation on the causes, consequences and cures for global climate change. The League of Women Voters, based on its studies and positions to protect our environment and our natural resources, supports efforts to curb global climate change. This educational meeting is open to the public and anyone interested in the topic is encouraged to attend to learn more about this important issue. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization which encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Anyone interested in promoting responsible government is invited to be a member. For more information about the program or membership in the League, please contact Mary Lubertozzi, 708-747-1359.
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest
Wednesday Morning Walkers – May 2
Those ages 11 through adult are invited each Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. through June 13, to follow the forest’s spring changes on Thorn Creek’s trails. Trails can be wet or muddy so please wear sturdy shoes. The terrain is moderate. Registration is NOT required. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.
Frog Frolic Night Hike – Friday, May 4 — Registration Required
On Friday, May 4 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. those of all ages are invited to come out to hear frog calls…and maybe more. Find out what all those frogs are up to. We’ll explore both on and off trail listening for the first frogs of spring so wear water-repellent footwear. We’ll have frog tapes to help you identify species. Registration is required. There is a fee of $5 per person. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.
Thorn Creek Audubon Society (TCAS), Park Forest
‘Spring Walk Presentation’ – Wednesday, May 2
On Wednesday, May 2 at 7 p.m. at the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, a ‘Spring Walk Presentation’ will be done by Kathy and Bob Andrini. The Andrinis have been educators their entire working lives, and although retired, they are still actively engaged in different forms of teaching. That includes nature programs for the St. Charles Park District, leading field trips for the Kane County Audubon Society, and teaching birding classes at the College of DuPage. They like to share their interest in nature and the environment through their presentations. The PowerPoint ‘Spring Walk Presentation’ will show images of native spring flowers and migrating birds in woodland, swamp and prairie. The migration of birds will be in full swing as the spring plants rise, bloom and produce flowers. Listen closely and you will hear songs of many migrating warblers and other birds. The spring migration is a short event and continual changes are taking place. The event is free and open to the public.
Field Trip to Hickory Creek – Wednesday, May 2
On Wednesday, May 2 at 7 a.m., we’ll meet at Hickory Creek. To reach the preserve, go west on LaPorte Road from LaGrange Road (Route 45); entrance to the preserve will be on the left (south)side; follow the preserve road to the third and last parking lot. Baltimore and orchard orioles, grosbeaks, indigo buntings, common yellowthroats, bluebirds and hooded warblers are just a few of the species that have been seen and heard here, along with occasional glimpses of pileated woodpeckers. For additional information, call Betty Smurawski at 708-532-0995 or e-mail [email protected].
MDC, 1200 Arthur Avenue, Elk Grove Village
ZeroLandfill™ Chicago Helping to Keep Expired Interior Design Samples out of Landfills – Saturday, May 5 Final Day to ‘Harvest’ Donated Materials
Local artists, educators, animal shelters and other non-profit organizations are invited to take whatever they can use: carpet, tile, wallpaper samples, fabric and more. Expired samples have been dropped off and sorted by ZeroLandfill™ volunteers. On Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., local community members are invited to pick up materials that they can put to good use. The event will take place at the Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 North Sacramento Boulevard, Chicago. For additional information, visit www.mdcwall.com.
Arts & Entertainment
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:
- Monday, April 30 at 10:30 a.m. – Preschool Storytime
- Monday, April 30 at 1 p.m. – Basic Email – Registration Required.
- Tuesday, May 1 at 10:30 a.m. – Preschool Storytime
- Tuesday, May 1 at 2 p.m. – Learn to Use Your Kindle Fire — An introduction to using an Amazon Kindle Fire. Please note: you must bring your own device for this class.
- Tuesday, May 1 at 7 p.m. – Pajama Storytime – For all story lovers Ages 2 thru 12. Drop-ins welcome.
- Tuesday, May 1 at 7:15 p.m. – Microsoft Publisher – Registration Required.
- Wednesday, May 2 at 3:30 p.m. – Breaktime! Ages 6 & Up. Stop in to see what we’re doing — crafts, games, more.
- Wednesday, May 2 at 6 p.m. – Basic Email Practice Session — The first ten people to come may attend these practice sessions. There is no registration for the practice sessions.
- Thursday, May 3 at 10:30 a.m. – LapSit – Ages 0 – 35 months with caregiver. Registration Required.
- Thursday, May 3 at 11:15 a.m. – Toddler Art – Ages 2-4 with caregiver. Registration Required.
- Thursday, May 3 at 3:30 pm. – Microsoft Publisher Practice Session — The first ten people to come may attend these practice sessions. There is no registration for the practice sessions.
- Friday, May 4 at 4 p.m. – Teen Time – Ages 12 & up. Wii games, classic TV reruns, board game competitions, teen crafts.
- Saturday, May 5 at 2 p.m. – Celebrating Moms — Come join us for an exciting afternoon creating special cards and gifts for Mom. Children of all ages are welcome.
For additional information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
‘A Night at the Opera’ – Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets are now on sale for ‘A Night at the Opera’ which will be performed on Saturday, May 12 at 8 p.m. at Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 S. Harlem Avenue, Frankfort. A murderous mistress, a tempestuous gypsy slain, and an eligible bachelor bearing a silver rose for a lucky mistress. No, you’re not watching The Bachelor or Cougartown…this is opera at its best! Music Director Laureate Carmon DeLeone conducts a program of operatic works for orchestra. From the jealous and love obsessed characters of these operas, to the melodramatic film music of Legrand, these works will have you begging for the night’s drama and intrigue to continue. Tickets are priced at $30, $40 and $50. For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit: http://www.ipomusic.org/.
Park Forest Community Relations
Lil’ Dudes & Darlin’s Dance – Saturday, Mary 5
On Saturday, May 5 at 6 p.m. at 300 Victory Drive, the Lil’ Dudes & Darlin’s Dance will be held. This is the family outing you have been waiting for. Bring the entire family, dress up and have a blast. We will have music, games and prizes. We will also crown the top family who sells the most tickets. Grand Prize: All expenses paid family night out on us valued at $100. Tickets are $5. For additional information, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or e-mail [email protected] or visit the Community Relations tab at www.villageofparkforest.com.
Park Forest Recreation & Parks
Senior Trip to the Pyramid House – Limited Seating – Registration Deadline Monday, May 7
On Tuesday, May 22, drive down Dilleys Road and you’ll notice something straight out of the days of the Pharohs in Wadsworth, Illinois when you join us for this unique tour of the Gold Pyramid House. The Gold Pyramid House was built in 1977 by Jim and Linda Onan as a private residence for his family. This 17,000 square foot, 6 story structure is surrounded by a moat and features a three pyramid garage. Visitors can visit King Tuts tomb, tour the inside of the pyramid, and discover exciting artifacts in the gift shop. Following the 2 hour guided tour, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at the Shanty Restaurant (featured on Food Network and ABC’s ‘190 North’) where we will dine on soup or salad, and your choice of Whisky shrimp, Apple-wood smoked pulled pork, crab cake salad or chicken linguini tomato vodka. Please mention your entrée preference when registering. Tickets are $61 per person and includes round-trip coach bus, admission and lunch. The bus will depart at 8 a.m. from Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, and return at 4:30 p.m. You can register in-person at the Recreation & Parks Department at Village Hall, or by calling 708-748-2005 to register over the phone with a credit card. Please mention code 248680-1 when registering. Seating is limited. Registration deadline is Monday, May 7.
Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest
Park Forest House Museum
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard, is decorated to depict life in Park Forest when it was first built. One room represents a classroom in the first school, Forest Boulevard School, which was set up in a row of townhomes in 1949. The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donation is Adults- $5; 12 & under free. The tour is free with the purchase of a Marshall Field’s Park Forest Store brick at 1 for $15; 2 for $25. Convenient, free, street parking available right outside the front door. For additional information, visit www.parkforesthistory.org.
Volunteers Needed for Increased Hours and Work on Archival Collection
The Park Forest Historical Society needs many more volunteers to cover the additional hours at the House Museum and to trim, photocopy and label article and documents for the archival collection. Some of the collection is in the Park Forest Library. Projects will include filing photocopied articles and documents at the library, and searching the files for answers to questions from out of town. Publicity volunteers are needed to design or distribute fliers, and help blog and fill in announcements on social media sites. If you have a talent to offer or need to put in some public service time for school, please contact Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252 or contact the society by e-mail through the website at www.parkforesthistory.org.
Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest
“Spring Forward’ Exhibit – Opens Tuesday, May 1
Join Salon Artists Gallery for this wonderful exhibit entitled ‘Spring Forward’ which open on May 1st and will run through May 31st. For additional information or Gallery hours, call Patricia Moore at 708-833-5108 or Bev Szaton at 708-748-3946.
Art Sale: Mother’s Day Gifts – Begins Saturday May 5
Purchase a memorable gift for your mother at Salon Artists Gallery beginning Saturday, Mary 5. The sale will run through May 12. 10% off art objects priced at $30 or more. Pens, bowls, boxes, pottery, painting and other handmade items will be included in this special offer. For additional information or Gallery hours, call Patricia Moore at 708-833-5108 or Bev Szaton at 708-748-3946.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
‘Data Screens Machines’ First-Ever New Media Arts Show – Through May 27
Tall Grass Arts Association will host its first ever New Media Arts exhibition in its 56-year history. ‘Data Screens Machines’ will feature eight artists from around the U.S. and was curated by artist Joseph Pankowski. The exhibit will run through May 27. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit http://www.tallgrassarts.org/.
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Dr., Park Forest
‘Let’s Dance’ Spring Fling Dance at UUCC – Saturday, May 12
UUCC’s ‘Let’s Dance’ Spring Fling will be held on Saturday, May 12 at the church, 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest. Dance and fitness instructor Riley Wimes will give ‘Swing’ dance lessons from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. with no previous dance experience required. At 8 p.m., Johnny Rohlfs with ‘Let’s Party D-J Service’ will provide dance music until 11 p.m. Tickets are $12 and include dance lessons and snacks. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Narski Music & Chicago’s Smooth 87.7 FM Presents: A Celebration of Chicago Artists—Tickets Now on Sale
Narski Music & Chicago’s Smooth 87.7 FM Presents: ‘A Celebration of Chicago Artists’on Saturday, May 26 at 7 p.m. The event will be hosted by 87.7 FM’s Rick O’Dell. ‘A Celebration of Chicago Artists’ will feature Bass Guitarist Michael Manson; Comedian Ron Baker, Jr.; Saxophonist"Carlos Cannon"; Jazz/Funk KeyboardistChris Allison; Grammy Nominee Guitarist Paul Richmond; Vocalist "Babi Doll"; and SaxophonistMarqueal Jordan. Regular Admission tickets are $38 and General Admission Tickets are $27. Limited VIP Seats are available for $54 and include priority seating, backstage pass, meet and greet with the artists, and food and beverages. To purchase tickets, visit: www.centertickets.net or by calling 708-235-2222.
Monkey Mind Art Studio, 3 W. Nebraska St., Frankfort
‘Pouring Paint’ Exhibit by Watercolorist Sandy Newell – Through May 12
‘Pouring Paint,’ an exhibit by watercolorist Sandy Newell will run through May 12. For Gallery Hours or additional information, call 815-464-8818 or visit www.monkeymindartstudio.com.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights
Artwork by Graduating PSC Students on Display – Reception, May 1
Works of art from nine graduating PSC students will be on display through May 24 in the Christopher Art Gallery, located on PSC main campus. The featured works include drawings, painting, photography, and mixed-media pieces by the students, who are completing degrees in fine arts, graphic communications, and photography. A reception in honor of the student artists will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1 in the Gallery. Students whose art will be displayed are Carol Bruns and David Koenig of Beecher; Shane Senesac of Crete; April Grammer of Flossmoor; Samantha Cook and Norman Harris of Matteson; Jeanette Howard of Richton Park; Alan Bulava of South Chicago Heights; and Sybil Moore of Steger. Hours for the Christopher Art Gallery 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 also can be made by appointment. For additional information about the exhibit, or to make an appointment for a visit, call the PSC Foundation at 708-709-3636.
Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights
‘Threshold’ Exhibit – Through May 5
‘Threshold,’ an exhibit of art that transcends the boundaries between fine craft and sculpture will run through May 5. The exhibit features artists who use traditional craft media to create innovative sculpture including woven fiber installations, embroidered narratives, ceramic sculpture, and paper books. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Veterans Entrepreneurial Boot Camp – Limited Seating — Registration Required
CenterPoint at GSU is hosting its semiannual, award-winning Veterans Entrepreneurial Boot Camp on Wednesday, May 9 from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The Veterans Entrepreneurial Boot Camp is offered at no cost to veterans. Families and business partners of those serving in the military may attend for only $25. Designed by military veterans, the full-day event is the only one of its kind to be held in the Chicago southland and offers support to the families and business partners of our service men and women currently on active duty. The day features presentations and seminars from industry professionals, opportunities for free one-on-one counseling, breakfast with a panel of ex-military business owners who share their entrepreneurial journey, and access to CenterPoint’s numerous entrepreneurial services and resources. Break-out workshops will focus on a variety of topics, including frugal and effective marketing, SBA business financing options and the Patriot Express Loan, doing business with government agencies, cash flow management and business planning. Seating is limited to 100 participants and pre-registration is required. For additional information or to register, contact CenterPoint at GSU at 708-534-4929 or visit www.centerpointgsu.com.
Job Search Assistance Every Tuesday At GSU
The Mobile Workforce Center’s mobile unit will be at GSU every Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., parked near the university’s front entrance. Center services include resume development, access to online job boards and websites, instruction in how to conduct an online job search and improve keyboarding skills, and assistance of staff. The center is equipped with 11 computer stations with Internet access, printer, and copy machines, and is wheelchair accessible. Services are free and available to residents in all counties. For additional information, contact the Workforce Services Division of Will County at 815-727-4980.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights
Opt In to Technology at PSC
You can bridge the gap between technology and a new you at PSC’s new Opt In program that consists of two computer training centers and free classes to teach basic technological skills. One location is at the Adult Training and outreach Center in Room A145 at PSC’s main campus. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The other location is at the Matteson Area Center’s Computer Training Lab located at 4821 Southwick Dr., Matteson. Hours for this location are Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. No matter what skill level you have or want to have, Opt In can help. Both computer labs and on-site tutors are free and open to the public. For additional information, call Lisa Zeigler at 708-709-3548 or e-mail [email protected].
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 12 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
Village of Park Forest
39th Annual Farmers’ Market – Begins Saturday, May 5
Starting Saturday, May 5 and continuing through October 27 from 7 a.m. to 12 noon, the 39th Annual Farmers’ Market will be held on the corner of Lakewood & Cunningham Drive. This market offers local fresh vegetables, fruits, organic breads, cookies, specialty produce, garden bedding plants, perennials, garden ornaments, salsas, BBW pork chops, hamburger, fresh tamales, jewelry, funnel cakes, and fundraising products from a variety of individuals and civic groups. For additional information, call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.pfhealth.net.
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.
Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest
Senior Citizen Weekday Lunch at the Senior Café
Senior citizens of all income levels are invited to lunch weekdays at the 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.
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.
This & That
Park Forest Community Relations
Young Professionals Mixer – Tuesday, May 1
On Tuesday, May 1 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Dining on the Green Banquet Hall, 340 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest, come out and meet other people in your career field and network, network, network! We will also be looking to get an analysis on what you need to move to the next level in your career, education or just begin your future aspirations. Come with your goals and personality. For additional information or questions, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or e-mail [email protected].
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.
Park Forest American Legion Post 1198, 1631 Western Ave., Chicago Heights
Friday Fish Fry – May 4
Join Park Forest’s American Legion Post 1198 for fish, shrimp, wings, beef and appetizers every Friday in the month of May. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.
Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood Street, Park Forest
Refreshing Times Senior Ministry – Friday, May 4
On Friday, May 4 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., adults 55 and older are invited to join Hallelujah Temple for this monthly support fellowship that combines food, interactive Christian Bible study, informative workshops arts and crafts and birthday celebrations. This event is held on the first Friday of every month. For additional information, call Mattie Morgan at 708-503-6536.
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Dr., Park Forest
Rainbow Café Monthly Meeting – Saturday, May 5
The Rainbow Café is an opportunity for single or partnered gays, lesbians, bisexuals or other sexual minorities, and their allies, over age 18 to meet one another and socialize in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Those attending are encouraged to bring some non-alcoholic drinks and a dessert or snack to pass, or bring a financial donation. However, neither is mandatory. The Rainbow Café is held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Unitarian-Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest.
Temple Anshe Shalom, 20820 South Western Ave., Olympia Fields
Interfaith Family Fun & Nosh – Saturday, May 12
On Saturday, May 12 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Temple Anshe Shalom will host an ‘Interfaith Family Fun & Nosh.’ This fun, family program will include music, food and a craft project. Parents are invited to come with their children, and grandparents are invited too. Jewish or not, enjoy Shabbat as a family while you learn, sing and have a great afternoon at Temple Anshe Shalom. Don’t miss out on this fun afternoon for Interfaith Families. For additional information, call Felicia Ross at 847-239-6988 or e-mail [email protected]. To register, visit: www.urj.org/chicagonosh.
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.
Sertoma Centre, Inc., 4343 W. 123rd St., Alsip
Good As New Thrift Store – Seeking Donations
The Sertoma Centre’s Good As New Thrift Store, 4331 Lincoln Highway, Matteson, is seeking donations of gently used furniture and other household items in good condition. Proceeds from the sale of items at the Thrift Store go directly to supporting the 14 programs offered by Sertoma Centre. The store also serves as a training program for consumers at Sertoma to allow them to gain experience and transition into permanent retail jobs. The Thrift Store will pick up furniture donations within the south and southwest suburbs of Chicago free of charge. To make an arrangement to make a tax deductible donation of furniture to Good As News, call 708-481-5627. For additional information, to schedule a tour, volunteer or to make a donation, please call Amy Chmura at 708-730-6206 or e-mail [email protected].
Rotary Club of Park Forest
The Rotary Club of Park Forest urges you to purchase a Golden Opportunities 2012 book to help support its youth activities. Books are only $25 and are now available for purchase at the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd.
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.
Sources: Park Forest 2012 Winter/Spring Recreation Programs & More Brochure, 2011/2012 Park Forest Fall/Winter Calendar, Park Forest ‘Discover’ magazine, Rich Township Report, 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, Illinois Theatre Center, Sertoma Centre, Inc., Union Street Gallery, Monkey Mind Art Studio, Thorn Creek Audubon Society, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.
