In and Around Park Forest Week of July 22, 2013

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—July 22, 2013. Just returned from the Target in Eugene, Oregon where I saw lots of Mom’s eagerly shopping for school supplies while their kids had a slight look of panic as they begin to realize that school is right around the corner. As a reminder, if your child is going into Preschool, Kindergarten, 6th or 9th grade, they are in need of a physical. The Park Forest Health Department is currently giving school physicals through September 6. You don’t need to be a resident of Park Forest to get a school physical at the PF Health Department. However, you must schedule an appointment and bring your child’s immunization records on the day of your appointment. So avoid the last minute rush and schedule an appointment today. Additional information about school physicals at the PF Health Department can be found in the ‘Healthy Living’ section.

For many years, the Park Forest Art Fair created t-shirts, which were sold to exhibiting artists, volunteers, board members and anyone else who wanted them. For the past several years, the practice has fallen by the wayside. This year, for the 58th Annual Park Forest Art Fair, the art fair committee would like to revive the practice; however, it needs a design. Artists who would like to create a design are invited to submit them by Friday, July 27. Additional details about submission requirements can be found in the ‘Arts & Entertainment’ Section.

Finally, American Legion Post 1198 is hosting a ‘Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser’ to benefit Thorn Creek Nature Center on Saturday, July 27 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Post (1631 Western Avenue, Chicago Heights). This benefit is co-sponsored by the Garden Club of Park Forest, Park Forest Environment Commission, Rotary Club of Park Forest, Friends of Thorn Creek Woods, and the Kiwanis Club of Park Forest. So come out on Saturday for some delicious food and lots of fun that will benefit a great cause. Details about the event can be found in the ‘Green Events’ 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

Village Commission & Advisory Boards

The following Park Forest Commissions and Advisory Boards are scheduled to meet the week of July 22:

• Tuesday, July 23 at 7 p.m. – Recreation & Parks Advisory Board
• Wednesday, July 24 at 7 p.m. – Cable Communications Commission
• Tuesday, July 16 at 7 p.m. –  Recreation & Parks Advisory Board

The meetings will be held at Park Forest Village Hall and residents are encouraged to attend.

Arts & Entertainment

Village of Park Forest

Main Street Nights – Wednesday, July 24

Grab a blanket, pack a snack and position yourself in the Park Forest DownTown Village Green (Cunningham and Main Streets) for an evening of free entertainment, rain or shine. In case of rain, performances will be moved to Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street. For weather related changes or cancellations, please call 708-283-5647, for general inquiries, please call 708-748-2005. Events are subject to change. Chairs will not be provided so please bring your own chairs.

This week’s entertainment will feature ‘Radio Rock’ at 7 p.m. ‘Radio Rock’ features popular radio chartbusters presented in a high energy, interactive show. Kids are encouraged to sing, dance and participate, while the show stresses positive themed messages.

At 7:45 p.m., ‘Saturday June Band’ will take the stage. ‘Saturday June Band’ is one of the top acts in the Midwest having played at Taste of Chicago, Navy Pier, Arlington Racetrack, and Ravinia Festival. ‘Saturday June Band’ plays an eclectic mix of music ranging from the 60’s and the 70’s right up to today’s hits, plus songs from their two original albums.

Park Forest Rail Fan Park Dedication – Saturday, July 27

The Village of Park Forest will dedicate the Park Forest Rail Fan Park, on Saturday, July 27.  The park, technically located in Matteson at the corner of Holman Avenue and North Street — just across from one of Park Forest’s Metra lots — is the site of one of the country’s largest rail intersections, where the north/south Canadian National main line intersects the east/west rail arc formerly owned by the EJ&E Railway. Upon purchasing the 198 mile EJ&E rail arc, CN constructed the necessary track for rail interconnection.  Visitors of the new park can view the train action from a 35 foot-high platform overlooking the rail tracks and intersection. A caboose, built in 1953 for the EJ and E Railway by Morrison International Corporation of Buffalo, New York, sits at the bottom of a large hill that begins a walkway leading to the observation platform.  The festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. with a ribbon cutting and self-guided tours. ‘Let’s Talk Trains,’ a popular radio program of rail enthusiasts will air their program live beginning at noon. For more information on the Park Forest Rail Fan Park, please visit www.villageofparkforest.com.

Park Forest Community Relations

‘Wine & Chocolate Tasting’ – Tickets Now on Sale

A ‘Wine & Chocolate Tasting’ will be held on Friday, August 9 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Dinking on the Green, 349 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest. This is a very popular event and tickets sell out fast so purchase your tickets early and avoid being disappointed. Pre-sale tickets are $15 per ticket or $10 per ticket for parties of 4 or more. Remaining tickets will be sold on the night of the event for $20 each if any remain. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.villageofparkforest.com and click on the ‘Community Relations’ tab.

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

This Week’s Events at the Park Forest Public Library

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

• Monday, July 22 at 10:30 a.m. – Imagine! Create! Participate — Children will take a different adventure every week by acting out the Paddington Bear series of books. Children ages 3-5.
• Monday, July 22 at 4 p.m. – Guys Read Activity Club — For boys in 7th-8th grade. Take the pledge and find out this isn’t your little sister’s book club! Guys Read is a national program started by Jon Sciezska especially for GUYS. Every month, we’ll read a story that will pique your interest and do activities based on the stories.
• Monday, July 22 at 6 p.m. – Teen Manga Madness — Teens, this is your time to shine! This week, it’s all about manga.
• Tuesday, July 23 at 10:30 a.m. – Storytime Yoga — This program will allow children to explore yoga through stories, games, and poses. Children ages 3-5.
• Tuesday, July 23 at 6 p.m. – PJ Storytime — Wear your pajamas & come join us for stories, crafts & games. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31
• Tuesday, July 23 at 6 p.m. — Travel Film Series: ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ —  In New York, the simple and naive just-graduated in journalism Andrea Sachs is hired to work as the second assistant of the powerful and sophisticated Miranda Priestly, the ruthless and merciless executive of the Runway fashion magazine. Andrea dreams of becoming a journalist and faces the opportunity as a temporary professional challenge. The first assistant Emily advises Andrea about the behavior and preferences of their cruel boss, and the stylist Nigel helps Andrea to dress more adequately for the environment. Andrea changes her attitude and behavior, affecting her private life and the relationship with her boyfriend Nate, her family and friends. In the end, Andrea learns that life is made of choices.
• Wednesday, July 24 at 10:30 a.m. Art in a Suitcase (Pre K) — Children will have the opportunity to listen to a story and complete an art project related to the story. Children ages 2-6. Registration required.
• Wednesday, July 24 at 3 p.m. – Science Club (Grade 6 – 8) — Students 6th – 8th grade are invited to join us as we explore the fascinating world of science. Be curious! Think — Do – Learn. Registration required.
• Wednesday, July 24 at 5 p.m. – LEGO Club — Play and learn with LEGOs at the Park Forest Public Library! The creations the children make will be on display at the library. For boys and girls in Kindergarten through 5th Grade. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31. The library is looking for donations of new or used LEGOs. Please contact the library if you would like to help with this project.
• Wednesday, July 24 at 6 p.m. – Art in a Suitcase (Grade K & Up) — Children will have the opportunity to listen to a story and complete an art project related to the story. Kindergarten and up. Registration required.
• Wednesday, July 24 at 6 p.m. – Sugar Girls Club — For young women ages 10 and up. Engage in activities such as creating a vision board, making jewelry, participating in a fashion show and a mini spa social, how to create your own book, and so much more.
• Wednesday, July 24 at 8 p.m. — Ravinia Tickets: CSO Soloists —  Register to receive two free tickets. Pick up tickets at the Information Zone.
  James Conlon curates a musical exploration of Benjamin Britten, Walter Braunfels, Adolph Busch and Samuel Barber.
  Soloists from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra perform.

Location: Ravinia in Highland Park, IL
Ravinia Festival Official Site Link: http://www.ravinia.org/default.aspx

• Thursday, July 25 at 11 a.m. — Science Club (3rd-5th) — Kids in 3rd – 5th grade are invited to join us as we explore the fascinating world of science. Be curious! Think — Do – Learn. Registration required.
• Thursday, July 25 at 6 p.m. – LEGO Club — Play and learn with LEGOs at the Park Forest Public Library! The creations the children make will be on display at the library. For boys and girls in Kindergarten through 5th Grade. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31. The library is looking for donations of new or used LEGOs. Please contact the library if you would like to help with this project.
• Thursday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m. — Have Book, Will Travel Book Club: Beautiful Ruins’ — We’ll be reading ‘Beautiful Ruins’ by Jess Walters. This is the story of an almost love affair that begins in 1962 on a rocky patch of sun-drenched Italian coastline and is rekindled in Hollywood fifty later.
• Thursday, July 25 at 8 p.m. — Register to receive two free tickets. Pick up tickets at the Information Zone.
  The Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs.
  Mahler: Symphony No. 7

Location: Ravinia in Highland Park, IL
Ravinia Festival Official Site Link: http://www.ravinia.org/default.aspx

• Friday, July 26 at 1 p.m. — Senior Travelogue — Featuring South Korea.
• Friday, July 26 at 3 p.m. – Reader’s Theatre — Do you love dancing, acting, and singing? Would you like to put on a show for your friends and family to see? Join us for Reader’s Theater, where we will bring out the artist in you! Registration required.
• Saturday, July 27 at 11 a.m. — Healthy Family Living Club — Make the commitment to become active and healthy this summer with the library. Help care for our garden and use its contents to celebrate success with a Salsa Party.

For additional information or to register for certain events, please call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org/

Museum Adventure Pass

Visit your library and check out a museum! View the list of participating museums for details on each destination. Find out what discoveries await you, get directions to the museum, and review each museum’s pass entry offer (including any restrictions that may apply). Come into the library with your Park Forest library card
to check out a pass today.

Park Forest Recreation & Parks

Trip to Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, and Black Hills of South Dakota in August

Visit Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, and Black Hills of South Dakota in August 11 through August 17. This 7 day and 6 night trip is $660 per person, based on double occupancy. Depart on Sunday, August 11 at 8 a.m. from Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. To download the complete details, click here. Please note that a $200 deposit is due upon registering for the trip. Register at Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department at Village Hall or call 708-748-2005 to register over the phone with a credit card.  Please note – Name, address, home phone number, emergency number, and signed waiver will be required from each person registering for the trip. Please mention program # 246510-1 when you register.

Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest

Park Forest House Museum

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum at 141 Forest Blvd, Park Forest, is open Wednesday and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the museum can also be open for groups by appointment, at other times. Donation is $5 for adults; children 12 and under free with an adult. Scout and school tours are priced individually. For details, to arrange a special group tour, or to volunteer, visit the Park Forest Historical Society website, www.parkforesthistory.org, or call Jane Nicoll, 708-481-4252.

Park Forest Plaza Print for Sale

Annabelle Gould’s print of the Park Forest Plaza is available for sale at the Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard. The vibrant print is from an original watercolor, showing kids and their moms in the Park Forest Plaza, in front of the old Holiday Theatre and Golden Hanger Shop. The print can be purchased at the House Museum during normal hours of operation on Wednesdays and Saturdays or through the Society’s online store on their website at www.parkforesthistory.org. Prints are $15 each. Online purchases also required an additional $6 fee for postage and handling. For additional information on other items for sale by the Society, visit www.parkforesthistory.org.

Salon Artists Gallery, 249 Main Street, Park Forest

‘The Realists’ – Through July 31

‘The Realists’ featuring the work of Kato Dominquez, Maureen O’Toole and Jim Rittenhouse will run through July 31. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call Patricia Moore at 708-833-5108 or Bev Szalon at 708-748-3946 or visit www.salonartistsgallery.com.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Park Forest Art Fair T-Shirt Designs Being Solicited – Deadline July 27

For many years, the Park Forest Art Fair created t-shirts, which were sold to exhibiting artists, volunteers, board members and anyone else who wanted them. For the past several years, the practice has fallen by the wayside. This year, for the 58th Annual Park Forest Art Fair, the art fair committee would like to revive the practice; however, it needs a design. Artists who would like to create a design are invited to submit them by Friday, July 27 to:

Art Fair Committee – T-Shirt Design
Tall Grass Arts Association
367 Artists Walk
Park Forest, IL 60466

The design can be submitted on paper or disc. Or the design can be submitted by email to [email protected]. Please use the words ‘T-Shirt Design’ in the subject line. All submissions become the property of Tall Grass Arts Association but would only be used with the permission of the artist. Artists should incorporate their names into the design and will receive recognition in the Art Fair program. For additional information, visit www.tallgrassarts.com or call 708-748-3377.

The Drama Group, 330 W. 202nd Street, Chicago Heights

‘West Side Story’ – Tickets Now on Sale

Tickets are now on sale for ‘West Side which will open on August 2 and run through August 11. ‘West Side Story’ moves Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ to the tough streets of 1950s Hell’s Kitchen New York. Two gang, the Sharks and the Jets, struggle for space. A boy and a girl from these opposing gangs meet and fall in love. Tickets are prices at $20 for adults, $19 for Seniors and $15 for Students with I.D. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-755-3444 or visit www.dramagroup.org.

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

‘Tenacity and Truth: People, Places and Memories’ – Through Labor Day

NVAM will host the exhibit ‘Tenacity and Truth: People, Places and Memories’ on through Labor Day, September 2, 2013. The exhibit features work that was created by artists both trained and untrained who share in the overwhelming need to express their experiences through a visual language and explores the creative process behind veteran art. For additional information, visit the museum’s website at www.nvam.org.

‘Not About Bombs’ – Through Fall 2013

The NVAM will host the opening of ‘Not About Bombs,’ a celebrated exhibit featuring the work by five Iraqi women artists through Fall 2013. The show will be open to the public through Fall 2013. For additional information, visit the museum’s website at www.nvam.org.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

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].

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

Upcoming Open Houses for Prospective and Current Students

South Suburban College will be hosting several program-specific Open Houses to assist prospective and current students with preparing their academic plan for the Fall 2013 Semester. The complete schedule at both the Main Campus in South Holland and the University & College Center (UUC), 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest is as follows:

• Thursday, July 25 at 7 p.m. – Court Reporting/Verbatim Technology. Location: Room 5230, UCC, Oak Forest. Contact: 708-596-2000, ext. 3217 or e-mail [email protected].
• Wednesday, July 31 at 11 a.m. – Criminal Justice System. Location: Room 3464, Main Campus, South Holland. Contact: 708-596-2000, ext. 2355 or e-mail [email protected].
• Thursday, August 1 at 6 p.m. – Paralegal/Legal Assistant. Location: Room 5190, UCC, Oak Forest. Contact: 708-596-2000, ext. 2579 or e-mail [email protected].
• Wednesday, August 7 at 3 p.m. – Health Professions. Location: Atrium, Main Campus, South Holland. Contact: 708-596-2000, ext. 2258 or e-mail [email protected].
• Wednesday, August 7 at 3 p.m. – Business, Engineering & Technology, Social & Behavioral Sciences, Art & Music. Location: Atrium, Main Campus, South Holland. Contact: 708-596-2000, ext. 2288 or e-mail [email protected].

Open registration for the Fall Semester at SSC is currently in progress with classes starting on Monday, August 19. Students are encouraged to register early to ensure a seat in classes. For additional information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit: www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at 708-210-5178.

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.

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 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.

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.

Healthy Living

Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive, Park Forest

School Physical Examinations By Appointment Only – Through September 6

If your child is going into Preschool, Kindergarten, 6th or 9th grade, they are in need of a physical. Schedule your appointment with the Park Forest Health Department today. You do not have to live in Park Forest, but must bring your child’s immunization records at appointment time. Appointment dates vary between Fridays (1 p.m. to 6 p.m.), Tuesdays (12 noon to 5 p.m.) and Saturdays (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Free for Medicaid participants. No HMO or managed care accepted. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-748-1118.

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

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.

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 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.

Green Events

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

 ‘Summer Safari: Adventures in Thorn Creek’ – Registration & Payment Required by Monday, July 22

Hiking, stream-stomping and bug catching are a few of the key ingredients that make summer exploration cap a great way to learn and have fun. The three-day ‘Summer Safari: Adventures in Thorn Creek’ begins on July 25 and offers children ages 5 to 7 the opportunity to unwind, explore nature and learn about the critters that live along and in Thorn Creek. Through nature study and investigation, games, crafts, hikes and more, children will be guided in hands-on exploration and discovery of our natural waterway. Children should bring a lunch and wear play clothes: long pants, a light, long-sleeves shirt or jacket, and sturdy shoes for exploring (not open toed shoes). Water bottle and insect repellent is also highly encouraged. Snacks will be provided. Participants should be prepared to walk 1 mile on natural surface trails across uneven terrain. ‘Summer Safari’ is Thursday through Saturday, July 25 – 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $35 per child. Registration and payment is required by Monday, July 22. For additional information, call 708-747-6320 or e-mail [email protected].

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser to Benefit Thorn Creek Nature Center – Saturday, July 27

American Legion Post 1198, 1631 Western Avenue, Chicago Heights, is hosting a ‘Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser’ to benefit Thorn Creek Nature Center on Saturday, July 27 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Post. This benefit is cosponsored by the Garden Club of Park Forest, Park Forest Environment Commission, Rotary Club of Park Forest, Friends of Thorn Creek Woods, and the Kiwanis Club of Park Forest. Tickets are $8 per person. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call or e-mail Thorn Creek Nature Center at 708-747-6320 or [email protected], or stop by the Nature Center on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Checks can be made out to Thorn Creek Nature Center.

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.

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

‘The Economics of Happiness’ Film Screening & Discussion – Saturday, July 27

‘The Economics of Happiness’ will be screened on Saturday, July 27 at UUCC, 70 Sycamore Drive. ‘The Economics of Happiness’ is a documentary about the worldwide movement for economic localization. This film reveals how globalization has accelerated climate change, destroying jobs, fraying the fabric of our communities, and adding to the stress of modern life. ‘The Economics of Happiness’ shows that these trends can be reversed as communities come together to build more human scale, ecological economies. With stunning footage and thought-provoking commentary from thinkers and activists on every continent, the film demonstrates that a better world is not only possible, it is within our reach. The event begins at 6 p.m. with an optional Vegetarian Pot Luck Dinner (bring a vegetarian dish to share if you wish). The movie screening will begin at 7:30 p.m. followed by discussion. Free coffee and tea will be provided. The event is free and open to the public. Optional donations will be accepted. So invite your neighbors and friends for an evening of fun and lively discussion. UUCC is located east of Western and south of Steger Road. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

Village of Park Forest

Park Forest Farmers’ Market 40th Season – Every Saturday Through October 26

Every Saturday morning through October 26th, you’ll find that the Park Forest Farmers’ Market has something for everyone. The Market opens at 7 a.m. and ends at noon.  Rain or shine, come and enjoy fresh produce, bakery items, gourmet cheeses, and herbs. In addition, your favorite local businesses set up shop under their awnings with artwork, garden ornaments, candles and more! Come to the Market and see what’s new and take time to meet new friends, chat, browse, have breakfast or lunch, and shop around.  Local civic groups are welcome to give demonstrations, hold fundraisers and other small events at the Market for no charge but must be registered in advance. The Park Forest Farmers’ Market is located in the parking lot one block east of Walgreens; just across from the Park Forest Police Department. Electronic payment (debit and credit cards) as well as Link, WIC and Senior program coupons now accepted. For more information, call 708-748-1118 or visit the Farmers’ Market page at www.pfhealth.net.

This & That

Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood, Park Forest

‘Camp Creative’ – Begins Monday, July 22

‘Camp Creative,’ a weeklong camp for youth ages 11 to 16, will begin on Monday, July 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Over the week, young people will participate in all aspects of a theatrical production – from the set and costume design to the music and acting. A Saturday evening performance showcases their creativity, talent and hard work. For additional information, call Myrna Hendon at 708-503-6536.

Park Forest Commission on Human Relations

‘Good Egg Award’ Nominations – Deadline Monday, August 12

The Park Forest Commission on Human Relations is looking for people who have gone beyond the call of duty for the Good Egg Award. The award honors youth and adults who have made an extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of life in their communities through human relations and human rights advocacy. The deadline for nominations is Monday, August 12. To request a nomination form, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or e-mail [email protected] or visit the Community Relations tab at www.villageofparkforest.com.

Park Forest American Legion Post 1198, 1631 Western Ave., Chicago Heights

Friday Fish Fry

Join Park Forest’s American Legion Post 1198 for fish, shrimp, wings, beef and appetizers on Friday, July 26 beginning at 6 p.m. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 2901 Western Avenue, Park Forest

Last Saturday Potluck – Saturday, July 27

Join us on Saturday, July 27 at 6:30 p.m. for the ‘Last Saturday Potluck.’ Bring a dish to share and come for an evening of fun. Activities include games, movies and speakers. Each Saturday is a little different from the previous one. So come out and see. For additional information, call Brenda Lamon at 708-747-8388 or visit www.trinityparkforest.org.

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

Group Silent Meditation – Monday, July 22

Join UUCC on Monday, July 22 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for a free group silent meditation. Comfortable setting. Bring your own cushion if preferred. This event is held on the 2nd and 4th Monday nights of each month. For additional information, call Diane at 708-481-5339.

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.

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 Summer 2013 Recreation Programs & More Brochure, 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.