In and Around Park Forest Week of July 29, 2013

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—July 29, 2013. It’s that time of the year again. The Park Forest Commission on Human Relations is looking for people who have gone beyond the call of duty for the 2013 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. More information about the award or how to submit a nomination can be found in the ‘This & That’ 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 Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees will hold a Saturday morning rules meeting August 3 at 9 a.m. The meeting will be held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend. Board meetings air live on cable access channels (Channel 4 for Comcast subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T subscribers) as well as on the Village web site at www.villageofparkforest.com.

To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site at: villageofparkforest.com and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.

Village Commission & Advisory Boards

The following Park Forest Commissions are scheduled to meet the week of July 29:

• Thursday, August 1 at 1 p.m. – Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
• Thursday, August 1 at 7 p.m. – Environment Commission

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

Eastgate Neighborhood Meeting – Tuesday, July 30

A neighborhood meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 30 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Algonquin School, 170 Algonquin Street, Park Forest. The invited neighborhood will be residents living in the Eastgate neighborhood.

Arts & Entertainment

Village of Park Forest

Main Street Nights – Wednesday, July 31

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 Daniel Martin at 7 p.m.  His high energy fusion of Interactive Magic, Exhilarating Escapes and Sarcastic Improv are leading to record breaking crowds nationwide. From the moment Daniel steps foot on stage, you know something very special is about to happen. He is continually hailed by his peers as one of the most creative acts performing today with his original magic having been featured on CBS, NBC, ESPN, Revision3 and VH1.

At 7:45 p.m., ‘Southland Jazz Ensemble’ will take the stage. Enjoy the best in classic jazz and hard driving swing by the finest big band in the Southland region. Currently in residence at Prairie State College, the group is made up of some of the most highly regarded musicians in the area.

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 Recreation & Parks

Senior Trip Cruise & Lunch Aboard U.S. Mailboat in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin – Registration Deadline Friday, August 16

Join us on Wednesday, August 28th as we travel to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for a cruise on the exciting U.S. Mailboat.  In addition to front row shoreline views, the unique mail delivery will have you on the edge of your seat.  After the excitement of the tour, we will satisfy our hunger at Popeye’s restaurant where you can choose between rotisserie chicken or beef teriyaki kabobs (rice pilaf, a vegetable, salad, dessert and beverages are also included). After lunch you will have approximately two hours to explore the shops and scenes of Lake Geneva.  Please mention meal preference when registering. Registration deadline is Friday, August 16th. The bus will depart from Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive at 6:30 a.m. and return to Village Hall at approximately 6:30 p.m. The cost of the trip is $86 per person. You can register in-person at the Recreation & Parks Department at Village Hall or by calling 708-748-2005 to register over the phone with a credit card. Please note: We will need name, address, home phone number, emergency number, and signed waiver for each person registering for the trip.  Mention Code:  248010-1 when you register. For additional information, call 708-748-2005 or visit www.villageofparkforest.com.

Trip to the Mexican Fiesta International Expo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Registration Deadline Friday, August 16

On Friday, August 23rd the Mexican Fiesta International Expo will bring the sound, culture, and taste of Mexico to Milwaukee’s lakefront. Join in on the fun as we celebrate the fun, food, Mariachi and Fiesta. The festival honors culture, tradition and family. Mexican Fiesta encourages individuals from all ethnic backgrounds to share in the beauty of Mexico’s rich history, art, music and food. Fee includes round-trip motor coach transportation and admission. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration deadline: Friday, August 16. The cost of the trip is $40 (all ages). The bus will depart from Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, at 9 a.m. and return to Village Hall at approximately 7:30 p.m. You can register in-person at the Recreation & Parks Department at Village Hall or by calling 708-748-2005 to register over the phone with a credit card. Please note: We will need name, address, home phone number, emergency number, and signed waiver for each person registering for the trip.  Mention Code:  247520-1 when you register. For additional information, call 708-748-2005 or visit www.villageofparkforest.com.

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 29 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 29 at 4 p.m. – Wii Games — Meet up with your friends at the Park Forest Public Library for some gaming fun. The library will provide some games — You bring a friend. If you have a favorite game, bring it along to teach and share.
• Monday, July 29 at 6 p.m. – Teen Open Mic — Join us for a celebration of Poetry and Rhythm! If you are a poet or musician, we invite you to show skills on the kids zone stage.
• Tuesday, July 30 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
• Wednesday, July 31 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 31 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 31 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 31 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 31 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.
• Thursday, August 1 at 10:30 a.m. – Mother Goose Time — Our lapsits are for infants and toddlers with their caregiver. Join us for stories, songs, rhymes and fingerplays. Children 35 months and under.
• Thursday, August 1 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, August 1 at 1 p.m. — Music from Around the World: Kodo Drums — Kodo Drums from Japan. New footage from their North American Tour.
• Saturday, August 3 at 2 p.m. – Children’s Theatre Grand Finale — Members of the Children’s Theatre Club will perform their Grand Finale.

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 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

‘Showing Off’ – Annual Gallery Artists’ Exhibition – Opens Friday, August 2

Tall Grass Arts Association will present its annual Gallery Artists’ Exhibition ‘Showing Off’ on Friday, August 2. An opening reception will be held on Friday, August 2 from 7 p.m.to 9 p.m. at the Gallery. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For additional information, visit www.tallgrassarts.com or call 708-748-3377.

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

‘West Side Story’ – Opens Friday, August 2

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.

Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Blvd, Chicago Heights

Javier Chavira’s Exhibit ‘Disparate Images’ – Opens Wednesday, August 7

Javier Chaviera’s exhibit ‘Disparate Images’ opens at USG on Wednesday, August 7 and will run through September 7. An opening reception will be held at the Gallery on Friday, August 9 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. Javier Chavira is an artist who has no misgivings about creating images that straddle the line between realism and abstraction. He is as much at home with the technical rigor of academic tradition as he is with the liberating nature of formalism.  ‘Disparate Images’ is a collection of works created between 2006 and 2013 that highlight his virtuosity of employing various materials and displays a range of representational and abstract forms. A prolific artist, Javier has exhibited nationally and internationally and his work is in numerous public and private collections. Aside from being an active artist, Javier is also an educator. He is an Associate Professor of Painting and Drawing at Governors State University, Illinois, a position he’s held since 2003. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

Regional Juried Exhibit ‘Fluidity’ – Opens Wednesday, August 7

‘Fluidity,’ a regional exhibit juried by Renee Klyczek Nordstrom, will open at USG on Wednesday, August 7 and run through September 7. A reception will be held on Friday, August 9 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Gallery. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. ‘Fluidity’ is an exhibit of art that is fluid, calm, subdued, and peaceful. The exhibit will include 30 works of art by 29 talented artists form the Midwest region. Art exhibiting includes painting, photography, sculpture, digital art, and mixed media. Exhibiting Artists are: Richard Benoit, Cynthis Brinich- Langlois, Carol Brockman, Rexanne Coad, June Finnegan, Alicia Forestall-Boehm,  Kate Froemling, Paulina Gal, Margie Glass Sula, Lea Goldman,  Kim Guare, John Gutierrez, Janet Hamilton, Sharon Harper,  Donna Hoyle, Mark Kennedy, Mary Jane King,  Linda Lane Haynes, Paula Mattson, Claudia McCarthy, Ahavani Mullen, Gina Robbins, Leon Sarantos, Stephan Smith, Kati Toivanen, BJ Wooley,  Rachel Yurkovich, and Susan Wungluck Zale. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

Information Session on Restorative Justice Certificate Program – Thursday, August 1

Learn how to earn your Restorative Justice Certificate at GSU at a special information session Thursday, August 1 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Hall of Honors. Program faculty will be present to talk to prospective students. Classes in this new certificate program will begin in the Fall 2013, provides students with both theoretical and practical education and training in Restorative Justice concepts and practices, and thus will prepare them to be more effective leaders and problem-solvers. For additional information or to register, call Shaniqua Jones at 708-235-3987 or e-mail [email protected].

Alternative Teacher Certification Information Session – Wednesday, August 7

Learn how to earn elementary or secondary (biology, chemistry or mathematics) Professional License (PLE) and secure a teaching position through GSU’s Alternative Certification Program. An information session will be held on Wednesday, August 7 at 7 p.m. in GSU’s E-Lounge. The Alternative Teacher Certification program at GSU offers a way to earn your Professional License and embark on a new, rewarding career in education. The Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) leads to a Masters of Art in Teaching (MAT) in Urban Teacher Education in elementary or secondary (biology, chemistry or mathematics). 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. TQP is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Since it began more than 14 years ago, the program has helped more than 300 participants change careers to become some of the most well-trained, supported and effective educators in the south suburbs and Chicago. This program is open to college graduates with five years’ work experience with a bachelor’s degree. The application deadline for the cohort beginning Spring 2014 will be November 15, 2013. For additional information, call 708-534-4399 or visit www.govst.edu/altcert.

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

New Directions Information Session for Returning Adult Students – Tuesday, August 13

PSC is hosting a New Directions Information Session for Returning Adult Students on Tuesday, August 13 at 6 p.m. in the Conference Center on the PSC main campus. Returning adult students should attend New Directions to find out more about the many academic programs and resources available at PSC. Individuals who attend the New Directions Information Session will be entered into a drawing for a free, three-credit hour class good for one year. To register for the event, visit www.prairiestate.edu/returning. For additional information, call Diane Janowiak at 708-708-3603 or e-mail [email protected], or Tamika Montgomery at 708-709-3512, 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].

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:

• 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.

Open Registration for 2013 Fall Semester in Progress at SSC

Open registration for the Fall Semester at SSC is in progress with classes starting Monday, August 19, 2013. Students are encouraged to register early to ensure a seat in classes. Students who plan to use financial aid as payment must apply by August 13th to be considered for fall classes, and must have an official high school transcript on file. Official transcripts must have a school seal and graduation date on them. Transcripts can be hand-delivered to the Admissions Office or mailed to: Office of Admissions (15800 South State Street South Holland, IL 60473). If a transcript is hand-delivered it must be in the original sealed, unopened envelope. New students should visit the Admissions Office in Room 2348 to complete the Application Form, or download it from www.ssc.edu and fax to 708-225-5823 along with a current state issued ID to begin the enrollment process. New students will receive an SSC e-mail account and a “My SSC” Username and Password via e-mail which will allow access to the online schedule and class registration. The “My SSC” portal allows students 24-hour access during college closed periods. For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at 708-210-5718.

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 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.

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

Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood, Park Forest

Alzheimer’s Support Group – Friday, August 2

Join us on Friday, August 2 at 6 p.m. at Hallelujah Temple for a collaborative effort with Carolyn Prince of the Alzheimer’s Association for a support group. This event is for adults 55 and older. For additional information, call Mattie Morgan at 708-503-6536.

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 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.

Green Events

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

‘Sounds of Insects Night Hike’ – Registration Required by Thursday, August 1

On Saturday, August 3 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., those of all ages are invited to participate in the ‘Sounds of Insects Night Hike.’ Join us as we venture out on the trail listening for insect sounds. Many insects become more active as the sun goes down and we know they are active because of their calls. Each species makes distinct sounds. Find out how to tell the common local species apart and why they make these sounds. Participants should be prepared to walk over 1 mile outdoors on natural surface trails across uneven terrain. This event is free but you must register by Thursday, August 1 if you plan to attend. For more information or to register, please call or e-mail Thorn Creek Nature Center at 708-747-6320 or [email protected].

Nature Camp for Seniors – Registration Required by Saturday, August 3

Calling all kids ages 50 years and older. Join us for Nature Camp for Seniors on Monday, August 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ever wonder what kind of tree you just walked by? Or perhaps you hear a loud chirping and don’t know if it is a squirrel or a bird? This program is designed to give you skills to interpret the woods around you, as well as ways to teach your friends and family how to discover more in the woods. For part of the program we’ll explore Thorn Creek Woods trails in a new way. Healing sound practitioner Patricia Caldwell will share the relaxing healing sounds of her Tibetan Singing Bowls as a special feature of the program. Lunch will be provided. Participants should be prepared to walk ½ mile outdoors on natural surface trails across uneven terrain. The fee is $5 per person and registration is required by Saturday, August 3. For more information or to register, please call or e-mail Thorn Creek Nature Center at 708-747-6320 or [email protected].

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.

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

Refreshing Times Senior’s Ministry – Friday, August 2

On Friday, August 2 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., adults 55 and older are invited to join Hallelujah Temple for this monthly support fellowship that combines food, interactive Christian Bible study, informative workshops, arts and crafts and birthday celebrations. This event is held on the first Friday of each month. For additional information, call Mattie Morgan 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, August 2 beginning at 6 p.m. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.

Rehoboth Ministries Church of God in Christ, 300 Westgate Drive, Park Forest

Rehoboth Outdoor Outreach Day – Saturday, August 3

On Saturday, August 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Rehoboth welcomes everyone to come out to enjoy fun, games, prizes, music, prayer and free food. Free school supplies for the first 100 children. For additional information, call Miriam Knox at 708-691-4556.

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

Rainbow Café – Saturday, August 3

Join us at UUCC on Saturday, August 3 at 7:30 p.m. for the Rainbow Café. This social event provides a safe and welcoming environment for single or partnered gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender adults and their allies, by creating a space where they are able to socialize outside of the usual bars. The Café is open every first Saturday of each month. For additional information, call 708-672-8837 or 708-408-1421.

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.