Local

In and Around Park Forest for the Week of August 5, 2018

Dave Rudolf, Beach Party, Main Street Nights
Dave Rudolf hosts his Beach Party at Main Street Nights in 2010. Dave is scheduled to perform at the Park Forest Library Saturday. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF) — Looking for things to do around Park Forest this week? We’ve got you covered. Wednesday, August 8 is Unity Day in Park Forest and everyone is invited for a night on the town. This final Main Street Nights event for 2018 will feature music, food, raffles, police emergency vehicles, trucks and more. At 6:30 p.m. you can enjoy Chicago Boyz Acrobats that was featured on NBC’s hit reality TV show America’s Got Talent. The Chicago Boyz Acrobatic Team is a professional gymnastics troupe consisting of talented young men from the Chicagoland area performing amazing acrobatic stunts and tricks with impeccable timing. At 7:30 p.m. Animal Houze Band featuring Fredi Taylor will hit the stage playing everything from Motown classics to jazz standards to R&B. Produced by Darryl ‘Animal” Williams, they have performed with nationally renowned artists including Chaka Kahn, Angie Stone. Chantay Savage, Rick James, Prince’s funk band Mazarati, Otis Clay and many more. So grab the family and a blanket and head over to the Village Green in DownTown Park Forest for this evening of fun for everyone. The Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, will be holding a beach party on Saturday, August 11 featuring the fabulous Dave Rudolf. Join Dave for this totally interactive show with hula hooping, bubble machines, limbo, and much more. Dave will also be providing free give-aways at the event. All ages are welcome. You’ll find additional information about both of these featured events in the ‘Arts & Entertainment’ section. Be sure to check out all the other events and activities taking place In & Around Park Forest. Have a great week!

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Events and activities featured in ‘In and Around Park Forest’ take place in Park Forest, the surrounding suburbs and locations that are just a short drive or train ride away. You’ll find that many of these events are free or of a nominal charge. If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in the community that you would like published, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with the details no later than 5 p.m. on Friday.  Thank you.

Administration — Village of Park Forest

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Village Board Meeting – Monday, August 13

The Village of Park Forest Board will meet on Monday, August 13 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site here and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.

Village Commissions & Advisory Boards

The following Park Forest Commissions are scheduled to meet the week of August 5:
  • Tuesday, August 7 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission
  • Tuesday, August 7 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission
  • Wednesday, August 8 at 7 p.m. – Economic Development Advisory Group
The meetings will be held at Park Forest Village Hall and residents are encouraged to attend.

Arts & Entertainment

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

The following events are scheduled at the Park Forest Library the week of August 5:

  • Monday, August 6 at 11 a.m. – Story Time Stars — Rise and Shine! Parents can jump start the day with stories and a craft for your little one. For ages 12 and under.
  • Monday, August 6 at 3 p.m. — All Day Drop In Activities — Stop by Teen Tech Zone for a spur-of-the-moment activity!
  • Monday, August 6 at 4 p.m. – Explore the World of Wonder — Drop in to the Explore space and discover something new.
  • Monday, August 6 at 6:30 p.m. – Family Movie Night — Now Showing: ‘Paddington 2’ For all ages.
  • Tuesday, August 7 at 12:30 p.m. – Make & Take Project — Stop in kids’ zone and see what we’re making today.
  • Tuesday, August 7 at 4 p.m. – Color-Rama! Coloring Circle — Cool down inside from the summer heat with a fun activity that helps you to unwind and relax.
  • Tuesday, August 7 at 7:30 p.m. — Ravinia Concert: No Tenors Allowed (Kevin Murphy, Thomas Hampson, Luca Pisaroni) — Request tickets at the information zone desk. Given out on first come, first serve basis. Location: Ravinia in Highland Park, IL.
  • Wednesday, August 8 at 12:30 p.m. – LEGO Builders — Drop in and see if you have what it takes to make the best Lego creation.
  • Wednesday, August 8 at 3 p.m. – All Day Drop In Activities — Stop by Teen Tech Zone for a spur-of-the-moment activity!
  • Wednesday, August 8 at 3:30 p.m. – Color Me Mine — Travel to a world of relaxation for kids. Lose yourself in patterns, curved flowers or even runaway stems. Color yourself Happy in our kids’ coloring circle. For ages 12 and under.
  • Wednesday, August 8 at 4 p.m. – Adult Coloring — Join us and relax a bit with our coloring circle. All supplies are provided.
  • Wednesday, August 8 at 6:30 p.m. – Writers’ Workshop — Want to improve your skills as a writer? Interested in sharing your ideas or written work with others? Come to the Park Forest Library and join other creators in our bi-monthly writers’ group, led by James Pressler, for all your writing wishes. Writers of all skill levels are welcomed.
  • Thursday, August 9 at 12:30 p.m. – Comic Creations — Be inspired to become a graphic novelist/comic creator! Each week explore ways to create comic strips, books, graphic and more. For ages 12 and under.
  • Thursday, August 9 at 4 p.m. – Teen Movie — Cool down this summer with a featured film.
  • Thursday, August 9 at 6 p.m. — Earth Wise Movie Night: “Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch” — The truth about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and its effect on wildlife on Midway.
  • Friday, August 11 at 1 p.m. –Family Movie Matinee – Drop in to see what film we’re showing today. All ages are welcome. Films Ratings Range: G, PG or PG-13.
  • Friday, August 11 at 3:30 p.m. – Teen Game Day — Show off your competitive side with your friends! From board games to video games, there will be plenty of fun.
  • Saturday, August 12 at 1 p.m. — Dave Rudolf’s Beach Party — Join Dave Rudolf for a totally interactive show with hula hooping, bubble machines, limboing and much more. Free give-aways courtesy of Dave himself. All ages are welcome.
For additional information, or to register for an event call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.  

Crete Public Library District, 1177 North Main Street

The following events are scheduled at the Crete Public Library District the week of August 5:

  • Monday, August 6 at 7 p.m. – Adult Writing Group – Open to beginning and experienced writers. This month’s topic is Word Play.
  • Tuesday, August 7 at 10 a.m. – Knot Just for Knitters at Benton St. Bakery – Share camaraderie while working on knitting, crocheting or any other type of needlework project. For adults.
  • Tuesday, August 7 at 7 p.m. – Preserving the Harvest: Canning Basics –  Learn the fundamentals of canning from veteran gardener Anna Stange. She will provide a demonstration of the water bath method and discuss the basics of pressure canning. In the workshop she will prepare and can jam from organic, seasonal produce (vegan and gluten-free), which will be available for tasting at the conclusion of the program. For adults, register.
  • Wednesday, August 8 at 7 p.m. – Selling Online: Letgo, OfferUp, & Craigslist – Learn the differences between these sites, good techniques for selling, and how to make sure your transactions are safe and secure. For adults, register by calling or stopping in at the library.
  • Thursday, August 9 at 10 a.m. – Medicare 101 – Learn how to navigate the maze of Medicare. For adults, register.
  • Thursday, August 9 at 7 p.m. – Knot Another Ball of Yarn! Crochet Group – Learn to crochet or bring your own crochet to work on in this twice a month group. For ages 11+.
  • Friday, August 10 at 3 p.m. – Anime Club – Anime screenings, trivia contests, and manga-inspired games. For ages 11+.
For more information or to register for a program, please call the Crete Public Library at 708-672-8017 or visit www.cretelibrary.org.

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

‘The Lost Children of Chon Thanh’ – Through Saturday, September 22

The NVAM is proud to announce ‘The Lost Children of Chon Thanh,’ our upcoming exhibition of then-and-now photographic portraits by Bob Shirley and Reed Young. The exhibit will be on display from through Saturday September 22nd. In 1969, U.S. Army medic Bob “Doc” Shirley worked in a temporary clinic in the village of Chon Thanh, providing medical care to the local people. During that time, he captured poignant images of some of the children he treated. Over 40 years later Larry Johns, curator of the current exhibition, saw Shirley’s haunting portraits and began to wonder whether any of these children had survived, and what their lives were like now. Johns had lost a brother who was serving at a remote artillery post near Chon Thanh and had been trying to seek out people who might have had a connection with his brother during the war. Johns and his Vietnamese wife began a two-year search for the ‘lost children.’ With the help of New York freelance photographer, Reed Young, and others, they were able to find 16 ‘kids’ who had survived. Johns listened to stories and made emotional connections with the now-adult subjects, many of whom had become farmers with children and grandchildren of their own. Meanwhile, Reed Young– whose colorful portrait essays have appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, National Geographic, TIME magazine, and NPR–created stunning new portraits of the ‘children.’ ‘The Lost Children of Chon Thanh’ contrasts enlargements from Bob Shirley’s exceptionally well preserved 1969 original 35mm Ektachrome slides with Reed Young’s present-day high definition digital images printed on metal. More information about ‘The Lost Children of Chon Thanh’ can be found here. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. For group admission reservations visit www.nvam.org.

‘Artifacts’ Exhibit — Through Saturday, September 22

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

Park Forest Historical Society, 227 Monee Road

Park Forest House Museum – Wednesdays, Saturdays and By Appointment

Step back into the 1950s at the Park Forest House Museum which has a wonderful selection of toys, games and dolls that have been assembled for you to enjoy. Photographs, scrapbooks and sales brochures from the Park Forest Local History Collection and Archive are also on display. Park Forest move-ins began 70 years ago in late August 2018. Admission is Adults $5; children 12 and under free.  Park in the small lot by the flagpole and knock on the classroom door next to the museum sign. A guide will tell village history, and social and fashion trends of the era. The Museum is open Wednesday and Saturday, 1 to 3:30 p.m. and by appointment. For additional information or to schedule a tour, please call Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252, or Michael Gans at 708-305-3308 or visit: www.parkforesthistory.org.

Join the Park Forest Library’s Ukulele Orchestra – First Meeting Saturday, August 25

The Park Forest Library is forming a Ukulele Orchestra. Looking for ukulele players from 12 to 112 who are well-seasoned or just beginners, to join the group. Players under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult. There are also a few seats open for Kazoo players over the age of 65. The group will meet for the first time on Saturday, August 25 in the Library’s Ringering Room. You must have your own instruments to join. The Library will provide sheet music and other supplies. If you would like to join but do not have a ukulele, a reasonable priced option is available here. For additional information, call George Manno at 708-748-3731, extension 22. Come out and have some fun!

Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest

Lunch at the Senior Center – Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

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

Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest

‘Iconoclast’ – Opens Wednesday, August 1

‘Iconoclast’ exhibit, featuring the works of Wyll Mull, will open on Wednesday, August 1 and run through Thursday, August 30. An artist’s reception will be held on Saturday, August 11 from noon to 4 p.m. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For additional information and Gallery hours, visit www.salonartistsgallery.com or call 708-703-7806.

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

‘Re Pose’ Exhibit – Through August 30

SSC’s Art & Design Department is pleased to present a new exhibition located in the Dulgar Gallery on SSC’s Main Campus in South Holland. An exhibition of art works by Brent Fogt titled “Re Pose” is on display through August 30, 2018. Reception date for Fogt is to be announced. Brent Fogt has completed artist residencies at the Vermont Studio Center, Djerassi Resident Artists Program, I-Park Foundation and Yaddo. He holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University. The public is welcome to visit the art exhibition and reception at no charge. The Dulgar Gallery is on the first floor. SSC Galleries are open at minimum Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. For more information, please call 708-596-2000, ext. 2445 or ext. 2316, or visit www.ssc.edu/art.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Taking an Art Trip’ – Through Sunday, September 16

‘Taking an Art Trip,’ the 2018 Annual Exhibit of Works by Tall Grass Gallery Artists will run through Sunday, September 16.  The exhibit is free and open to the public. Gallery Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

2018 Main Street Nights – Wednesday, August 8

Grab a blanket and position yourself in the Park Forest Downtown Village Green (Cunningham and Main Streets) for the final FREE night of entertainment, rain or shine! Vendors on hand selling food and drinks! The evening starts at 6:30 p.m. with an opening act followed by the showcased entertainment. In case of rain, performances will be moved to Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street. For weather related changes or cancellations, please call 708-748-2005. (Events are subject to change. Call 708-748-2005 to confirm weekly schedule). Unity Day! Everyone is invited for a night on the town! Music, food, raffles, police emergency vehicles, trucks and more! 6:30 p.m. Chicago Boyz Acrobats As seen on NBC’s hit reality TV show America’s Got Talent, the Chicago Boyz Acrobatic Team is a professional gymnastics troupe consisting of talented young men from the Chicagoland area performing amazing acrobatic stunts and tricks with impeccable timing. 7:30 p.m. Animal Houze Band featuring Fredi Taylor. Animal Houze Band is a powerhouse music-making ensemble that plays everything from Motown classics to jazz standards to R&B. Produced by Darryl ‘Animal” Williams, they have performed with nationally renowned artists including Chaka Kahn, Angie Stone. Chantay Savage, Rick James, Prince’s funk band Mazarati, Otis Clay and many more.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

Online Educational Resources

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

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

Paralegal Program Open House – Thursday, August 9

SSC will be hosting an Open House for its Paralegal Program on Thursday, August 9, 2018, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. in Room 5190 at the Oak Forest Center. Attendees will learn about an exciting career that is expected to grow 18% through 2020 according to the US Department of Labor. Information will be provided about SSC’s Paralegal/Legal Assistant curriculum, including the Associate Degree and certificate programs. In addition, former students from the program, working as paralegals, will be present to answer questions. The curriculum prepares students to work in a variety of legal environments including civil and criminal litigation, insurance, banking, public and governmental agencies, law offices and corporate legal departments. Emphasis is placed on the development of core skills in legal research and writing techniques including compilation and analysis of data, understanding legal vocabulary, law office technology, and preparation of legal documents. SC has the only American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program in the Chicago Southland region, giving graduates a huge advantage when entering the workforce. The college also requires that all of the instructors in the program are lawyers or judges to ensure the quality of instruction. While the majority of the paralegal classes are offered at the Oak Forest Center (conveniently located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue), some classes are offered online and some are offered at the Main Campus in South Holland. For more information, please contact Mr. Jason Cieslik at 708-596-2000, ext. 2579 or email [email protected].

Top U.S. Universities

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

Green Events

Thorn Creek Audubon Society, Park Forest

Nature Education Programs at Thorn Creek Nature Center

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

Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Nature Camp for Seniors – Monday, August 6

Thorn Creek will host its Nature Camp for Seniors on Monday, August 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. What kind of trees make up Thorn Creek Woods? Where do different types grow in the woods? How do our trees grow? Calling all kids ages 50 and older to explore trees with activities, crafts and more. For part of the program we’ll explore Thorn Creek Woods trails. Lunch will be provided. Fee is $5. Registration is required no later than Saturday, August 4. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320 or visit www.tcwoods.org.

Creek Walk for Kids — Registration Required by Friday, August 10

Children ages 6 to 12 can explore the creek Sunday, August 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Creek Walk For Kids held at Thorn Creek Nature Center. Out on the trail, kids will walk the creek and make observations and take measurements of all kinds to learn about water, creek flow and how animals and plants use the creek.  Young people should be prepared to get a muddy, wear boots and long pants, and bring a water bottle, sun block and insect repellent.  Participants should be able to walk approximately 1 mile outdoors on natural surface trails across uneven and possibly wet and/or muddy terrain. Creek Walk for Kids is a free program and registration is required by Friday, August 10.  Children younger than 6 years must be accompanied by an adult. This program for children is sponsored by Thorn Creek Audubon Society. Thorn Creek Nature Center is open Friday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.  Trails are open daily from dawn to dusk.  For more information, contact Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest, at 708-747-6320 or [email protected] or visit: www.tcwoods.org.

Become a ‘Friend of Thorn Creek’

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

Experience the Thorn Creek Nature Center

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

Will County Green, 58 East Clinton Street, Joliet

Recycling in the South Suburbs — Ongoing

Have old electronics, TVs or computer monitors sitting around your house gathering dust? Want to get rid of them for free? There are places in Will County where you can properly dispose of them. Each recycling location will accept only 2 televisions per vehicle. ID will be required to prove that you are a Will County resident. However, Park Forest residents residing in either Will OR Cook Counties may participate. Recycling Locations
Richton Park Donation Drop Spot Peotone Police Department New Lenox Township
Richton Park Village Hall 208 E. Main Street 1100 S. Cedar Road
4455 Sauk Trail (Located along Latonia Lane) 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 2nd & 4th Wednesdays
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (lines will be cut off at 7 p.m.) 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (lines will be cut off at 7 p.m.
7 days a week Closed on Holidays Closed on Holidays
For additional information, visit www.countygreen.com.

Healthy Living

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

Free Psychotherapy Available from GSU’s Psychology Program

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

Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard, Park Forest

CPR Classes

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

Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)

Assistance With Medications & Health Services

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

Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip

Free Community Education and Prevention Programs about Mental Health

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

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

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

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

This & That

Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Nominations for ‘Honor 200′ Now Being Accepted — Deadline is August 31

Illinois will be honoring 200 veterans from across the state who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to benefit and provide inspiration to their community. More than 100 veterans have already been nominated to be recognized as part of Illinois’ Bicentennial celebration, but the state is looking for more nominees. More than 100 veterans have already been nominated to be recognized as part of Illinois’ Bicentennial celebration, but the state is looking for more nominations.  Nominees will be evaluated based on their achievements in dedicating their time and energy to build their communities and assist their fellow veterans and service members. The honorees will be announced in September and will be featured guests at the Bicentennial Party Gala, which will be held at Chicago’s United Center. Anyone can nominate a hero. The Governor’s Office of the Illinois Bicentennial and the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs will accept nominations through August 31, 2018.  Written nominations should be sent to the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, 69 W. Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60601 or online by clicking on “Honor 200” at www.illinois.gov/veterans. The Official Illinois Bicentennial Celebration began last December 3rd, 2017 with events in Springfield and Chicago. The celebration has continued with programs and events throughout 2018, ending with the Bicentennial Birthday Party on December 3rd, 2018 at the United Center.  The HONOR 200 veterans will be recognized during the Birthday Gala.  For information on the Bicentennial and to find out how your community can participate go to www.illinois200.gov

Park Forest Economic Development and Planning Department

Water Bill Buck Buster – Through December 28

Park Forest Economic Development and Planning Department ‘Water Bill Buck Buster’ contest will continue through December 28. Spend $150 or more each quarter at local Park Forest businesses and you can enter a raffle for a $100 water bill credit. You can also win Village swag with the first $50 in receipts in each quarter. Submit receipts from local Park Forest businesses totaling $150 or more dated within each quarter.  Limit of one entry per household per quarter. Three drawings will be held in 2018:
  • September 28
  • December 28
Receipts are due the day before each drawing. Locate Park Forest businesses in the Park Forest Shopping & Service Guide found here. Email your receipts and include your name, address and phone number to [email protected] or drop off the information at Park Forest Village Hall 2nd Floor, 350 Victory Drive. For additional information, call 708-283-5617 or check your water bill statement.

Park Forest Toastmasters Club

Meeting – Tuesday, August 7

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

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Park Forest Mobile App – Now Available

The Village of Park Forest mobile app is now available. This new digital tool provides an on-the-go connection for individuals seeking resources, news, and information from their smart phones or tablets. The Village of Park Forest app can be used to enjoy convenient access to Park Forest calendars, news, employment opportunities, board meeting agendas, frequently asked questions, and more. To download the app on an Apple® device:
  • Visit the app store and search “CivicMobile.” Make sure to choose “CivicMobile” and not the “CivicMobile Preview” or “CivicMobile Demo.” For users currently on mobile devices, visit the Apple app page here.
  • Once the CivicMobile app is downloaded, search Village of Park Forest.
  • Once Village of Park Forest has been selected during the first use, it will open the Village of Park Forest app each time the app is used.
To download the app on an Android device:
  • Visit the Google Play store and search Village of Park Forest. For users currently on mobile devices, visit the Android app page here.

Park Forest Main Street Market – Every Saturday through October 27

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