Feeling the winter ‘blahs’? Plan your garden, or get involved with the Park Forest Community Garden Project. Learn more below. (Photo: ENEWSPF)
Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)-January 2, 2012. Nothing helps to chase away the winter ‘blahs’ better than planning your garden for the upcoming growing season. If you’re new to gardening or do not have space available to garden, consider volunteering for the 2012 Park Forest Community Garden Project that is being facilitated by the Environment Commission. An update on the project will be presented on Thursday, January 5 at 7 p.m. during the Commission’s monthly meeting being held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.
If you’re not available for Thursday’s meeting, there will be a discussion on the community garden project at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest, on Sunday, January 8th at 11:30 a.m. There will be something for everyone, young and old alike, to do. The harvest is intended to go to those in need in the community. Come and join us to expand your gardening knowledge while doing something very worthwhile.
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
Park Forest Village Hall Closure
Park Forest Village Hall will be closed on Monday, January 2 in observance of the New Year’s Holiday.
Village of Park Forest
Village Board Meeting
The Village Board will meet on Tuesday, January 3 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. In addition, the Board will hold a Saturday Morning Rules Meeting on January 7 at 10 a.m. also at Village Hall. 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 villageofparkforest.com.
To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site at: villageofparkforest.com and 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 Board will meet the week of January 2:
- Tuesday, January 3 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission
- Wednesday, January 4 at 7:30 p.m. – Economic Development Advisory Board
- Thursday, January 5 at 1 p.m. – Senior Citizens Advisory Board
- Thursday, January 5 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
Village of Park Forest
Park Forest Environment Commission – 2012 Community Garden Project Update January 5
As part of its 2012 goals, the Park Forest Environment Commission is facilitating the development of additional community gardens in Park Forest. The harvest from these gardens will be distributed to those in need in the community and to the local food pantry. The number of gardens planted will depend on the number of volunteers willing to help plant and maintain the gardens through the growing season. If you are interested in volunteering or want to learn more about this project, please plan on attending the meeting of the Environment Commission that will be held on Thursday, January 5 at 7 p.m. at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. For additional information or if you are interested in volunteering for this project and cannot attend the January meeting, please call Rosemary Piser at 708-747-1991.
Village of Park Forest Sustainability Plan
In April of this year, the Village of Park Forest was selected by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to participate in a local technical assistance program for the purpose of creating a Sustainability Plan. CMAP received a three-year $4.25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to implement their adopted regional comprehensive plan, GO TO 2040. They are using this grant to fund around 60 local planning projects throughout the Chicago Metropolitan Area that will be instrumental in the implementation of the GO TO 2040 Plan. CMAP staff assistance is being provided to prepare the Sustainability Plan at no cost to the Village. A Sustainability Assessment has been developed over the past several months. The next step in developing the Sustainability Plan is to develop strategies to help implement the Vision and Goals contained in the Sustainability Assessment. The public’s input is needed to ensure that this step in the Plan reflects the community’s desires for a sustainable community. To that end, all residents and Park Forest business owners are invited to participate in a public assessment tool. This survey will take should take no more than 15 minutes to complete, unless you have a lot of input to share.
Please use the following link to access the assessment tool: http://parkforest.metroquest.com/
Share this information with your Park Forest friends and family. This assessment will be available through March 2012. If you have any questions about the Sustainability Plan process, please feel free to contact Hildy Kingma, AICP, Director of Economic Development and Planning. Hildy can be reached at [email protected] or 708-283-5622.
To learn more about the Sustainability Plan Project, visit: http://www.villageofparkforest.com.
Park Forest Environment Commission & Park Forest Garden Club ‘Natural Lawn Care Basics’ – Save the Date
The Park Forest Environment Commission and Park Forest Garden Club invite you to attend a free educational forum on ‘Natural Lawn Care Basics’ that will be held on Saturday, February 4 at 10 a.m. in the Ringering Room of the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard. Speaker Rachel Rosenberg, Executive Director of Safer Pest Control Project, will help you to discover the health and environmental impacts of conventionally maintained lawns and the benefits of a natural lawn care approach. A status report on the 2012 Park Forest Community Garden project will also be provided. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call Rosemary Piser at 708-747-1991.
Thorn Creek Audubon Society (TCAS), Park Forest
‘Native Woody Plants, Insects and Birds’ – Wednesday, January 4
‘Native Woody Plants, Insects and Birds’ will be the topic presented by Connor Shaw, owners of Possibility Place nursery in Monee at TCAS monthly program on Wednesday, January 4 at 7 p.m. at the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard. Connor’s program will discuss landscaping to attract birds. Birds need insects to feed their young. Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) are a major contributor to bird nutrition. What plants attract the most insect food for birds? This question will be answered along with a general description of the plants, their niche in the environment, when to plant, sizes to plant, and care and maintenance. Recommended reading for this presentation is ‘Bringing Nature Home’ by Doug Tallamy.
Arts & Entertainment
Village of Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department, Park Forest
February Senior Trip to Art Institute of Chicago & High Tea at Drake Hotel – Registration Deadline Monday, January 23
The Senior Trip to the Art Institute of Chicago and High Tea at the Drake Hotel will be held on Wednesday, February 1. From popular Rembrandt masterpieces to recent works by lesser-known artists, the Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the finest art collections in the world. You will have 2 hours to explore the museum on your own. Or you may also take this as an opportunity to visit the shops or sights of Chicago during the Art Institute timeframe or grab a light snack before tea on your own. Following the Art Institute, at 2 pm, we will journey to the historic Drake Hotel for High Tea in the renowned Palm Court. Hear the heavenly sounds of a live harp while enjoying a traditional English afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, fruit breads, scones and French pastries. The trip is $65 per person and includes roundtrip transportation departing at 10:30 a.m. from Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd., and returning at approximately 5 p.m. Registration deadline is Monday, January 23 – but don’t wait as these trips fill up fast and seating is limited. For additional information or to register by phone with a credit card, call 708-748-2005 or sign up in person at the Recreation & Parks desk at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
Library Closed – Through January 3
The Park Forest Library will be closed until Tuesday, January 3, 2012 in order to complete much needed repairs to the Library. Special holiday loan periods will be applied to all items checked out. Any items due during the closing period may be returned to the book drop located on the west side of the building. For additional information, call 708-748-3731.
Java East at Park Forest Library Beginning January 3
Beginning Tuesday January 3rd, fresh coffee from Richton Perk will be available for sale at the library.
Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walkway, Park Forest
‘Broke-Ology’ by Nathan Louis Jackson –Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets are now on sale for Nathan Louis Jackson’s ‘Broke-Ology’ which will open on January 27 and run through February 12. This exciting new play is a stirring portrait of an African-American family. When a college student returns to his Kansas City home to help his brother care for their ill father, they find themselves strangely at odds. The New York Time described it as ‘A moving exploration of how time and circumstance – and the hard fact of poverty – can diminish hope, divide loving siblings, and ultimately extinguish life itself.” Tickets are priced at $22 and $20. There is a $1 discount for students and seniors. For additional information, show times, or to purchase tickets, call 708- 481-3510 or visit www.ilthctr.org.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
‘Orchestral Landscapes’ – Tickets Now on Sale
On January 14, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. at the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 S Harlem Ave, Frankfort, David Danzmayr, Conductor and Marie Christine Klettner, Violin will perform Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, (Fingal’s Cave) Op. 26, Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64, and Symphony No. 5 in D major/D minor (Reformation), Op. 107. After three seasons with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Austrian David Danzmayr, leads the IPO with violinist Marie Christine Klettner. Danzmayr offers authoritative interpretations of three works spanning Mendelssohn’s mature period. The Hebrides overture paints an orchestral landscape of the composer’s honeymoon visit to Scotland’s Fingal’s Cave. Miss Klettner, a winner of the Louis Spohr Competition for Young Violinists, is sure to dazzle in the Violin Concerto, one of classical music’s most perfect compositions. After intermission, the powerful Reformation Symphony evokes a flood of profound emotion culminating in a glorious “Amen.” Tickets are priced at $50, $40, and $30 and can be purchased at: https://secure.ticketsage.net/EventsPage.aspx?PerfID=136691. For additional information, call 708-481-7774.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artist Walk, Park Forest
Annual Holiday Sale – Through January 8
Tall Grass Arts Association’s Annual Holiday Sale will continue through January 8. Get creative for the holidays and consider giving the gift of art. At Tall Grass you will find jewelry, mirrors, casseroles, wooden bowls, prints, photographs, paintings and holiday decorations that are unique. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.
Holiday Show Exhibit – Gallery Artists – Through January 7
The Holiday Show exhibit will feature the artwork of Tall Grass Gallery Artists and invited artists, many of whom have shown their work nationally or internationally. The exhibit will run through January 7. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.
Tall Grass Film Series Continues – January 8
The Tall Grass Film Series continues on Sunday, January 8 at 6:30 p.m. with the screening of the film ‘Beginners’ by writer/director Mike Mills. The film will be shown at the Marcus Theatre Chicago Heights, 1301 Hilltop Ave., Chicago Heights. A facilitated discussion will follow the film screening. ‘Beginners,’ a comedy-drama, is about how deeply funny and transformative life can be, even at its most serious moments. Tickets are $9 and can be purchased at the box office. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or e-mail [email protected].
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Dr., Park Forest
Edgar’s Places’ 20th Anniversary Featuring Tim Grimm – Saturday, January 14
On Saturday, January 14 at 8 p.m., help celebrate the 20th anniversary of Edgar’s Place located in the UUCC, 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest. Singer/Songwriter and actor, Tim Grimm, will be the featured performer. Tim has performed in theaters, coffeehouses and festivals around the United States. Opening act is Moose River, whose members are Edgar’s founders, husband and wife Steve (vocals, guitar) and Kendra (percussion). Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children. Edgar’s Place is a fundraiser for UUCC. For additional information, call 708-481.5339.
Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park
‘Tad in 5th City’ – Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets are now on sale for ‘Tad in 5th City’ which will be performing on Saturday, January 21 at 8 p.m. ‘Tad in 5th City’ tells the story about African-American life on Chicago’s West Side in 1978. It is an unflinching depiction of poverty paired with genuine warmth. Tickets are priced at $49, $39, $34, $30 and $28 for students. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
‘Ways of Making: Photography’ – Opens Monday, January 9
The Visual Arts Gallery at GSU will present ‘Ways of Making: Photography,’ featuring the work of artists Myra Green and Cecil McDonald, Jr., from January 9 to February 3. A closing reception celebrating the exhibition will be held on Thursday, February 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The exhibit and the reception are free and open to the public. The Visual Arts Gallery is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and by appointment. For additional information, call 708-534-4021 or visit www.govst.edu/gallery.
Monkey Mind Art Studio & Gallery, 3 West Nebraska St., Frankfort
A Little Somethin’ Somethin’ – Reception Saturday, January 7
Monkey Mind Art Studio & Gallery present A Little Somethin’ Somethin’ Holiday Group Art exhibit through January 7. A reception will be held on Saturday, January 7 from noon to 3 p.m. where you can meet the artists. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For additional information and Gallery hours, call 815-464-8818 or visit: http://www.monkeymindartstudio.com/
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Alternative Teacher Certification Information Session – Wednesday, January 4
Learn how to earn elementary or middle school teacher certification and secure a teaching position through GSU’s Alternative Certification Program Information sessions that will be held on Wednesday, January 4 at 7 p.m. in GSU’s Hall of Honors. The program offers three ways to earn certification and embark on a new, rewarding career in education. The Teacher Quality Partnership (TWP) leads to a master’s degree in education and teacher certification. TQP provides an opportunity to co-teach for a year with a certified teacher, a $30,000 stipend, and a 25 percent reduction in tuition. The Alternative Certification Program also offers the opportunity for teachers to teach full-time as they earn a salary and their teacher certification. In addition, there are reduced paid resident opportunities, which also lead to teacher certification. The program is open to college graduates with five years work experience after receiving a bachelor’s degree. The application deadline for the Alternative Certification program, beginning March 2012 is January 10, 2012. For additional information, call 708-534-4399 or visit www.govst.edu/altcert.
Reading Tutoring Available at GSU
GSU’s Graduate Program in Reading is sponsoring The Literacy Zone, a reading tutorial program for students in grades six through high school, on Tuesdays from January 24 through April 17 from 4:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This 12-week, one-to-one program brings students experiencing reading problems together with teachers who have the skills to help them. Students meet on the GSU campus with certified, experienced teachers enrolled in the Master of Arts Reading Program at GSU. Enrollment is limited and based on the number of tutors. Students will be accepted in the order in which the completed application and registration fee are received. There is a $70 registration fee. Snacks are provided at each session. Transportation is not provided. For additional information or to register, call 708-534-4122 or e-mail [email protected].
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 Street, Chicago Heights
‘Boots to Books’ Student Veteran Orientation – Wednesday, January 11
PSC is hosting ‘Boots to Books: The Transition from Military Life to College Life,’ a student veteran orientation, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11, in room 1240 of the main campus. All first-time or returning student veterans are invited to attend the event, which will include presentations by Mary Reaves, Vice President of Student Affairs; Carissa Davis, Coordinator of Veterans Affairs and Scholarship Advisor; and a representative from Counseling and Advising. Attendees also will be taken on a tour of the newly established Student Veterans Center on campus led by the Student Veterans Center Coordinator and U.S. Army veteran Robert James. For additional information about the event or the Student Veterans Center at PSC, call 708-709-3567 or e-mail [email protected].
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 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
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
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 programs available to help you pay for your medicines. Simply visit http://www.pparx.org/en/click_illinois to find out if you can apply to any of these great programs and to get connected with 10,000 free clinics and doctors.
This & That
Faith United Protestant Church, 10 Hemlock St., Park Forest
Free Java Tuesdays
All are invited to Faith United Protestant Church for FREE Java Tuesdays. Visitors are asked to go to the Indianwood Boulevard side entrance between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. for free curbside service or to come and sit a bit. The event will continue each Tuesday as a form of outreach to the community throughout the summer and fall. For more information, call 708-747-1330.
Park Forest Area League of Women Voters
Fundraiser/Social Event – Thursday, January 5
The Park Forest Area League of Women Voters will host a Fundraiser/Social Event on Thursday, January 5 at 7 p.m. at the Tall Grass Arts Gallery, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest. Tickets for the event, which include hors d’oeuvres, drinks, door prizes, silent auction, and more are $30. For additional details or ticket information, call Mary Dankowski at 708-283-5607.
Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood St., Park Forest
Refreshing Times Senior Ministry – Friday, January 6
Adults 55 and older are welcome to join us on Friday, January 6 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. 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 each month. For additional information, call 708-503-6536.
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Dr., Park Forest
Rainbow Café Monthly Meeting – Saturday, January 7
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.
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.
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 2011 Autumn 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.
