Alex Lileikis, of Park Forest Baseball’s Pinto White Sox (7-8 year olds), prepares for last week’s 4th of July parade. Alex’s coaches are Dean Dubois and Tom Mick. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—July 8, 2013. Slowly getting settled in my new place in Eugene, with “slow” being the operative word. As I said to many before my move, I couldn’t have left Park Forest unless I was going to a place with that same sense of community and I certainly seem to have found it here in Eugene, Oregon. Fourth of July was very reminiscent of this year’s Park Forest celebration with parades, music and lots of fireworks. But I must admit, after seeing the pictures from the Park Forest’s events, the Park Forest elected officials have much better looking legs! See for yourself at: https://www.facebook.com/media.
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 meet on Monday, July 8 at 7 p.m. 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: http://www.villageofparkforest.com and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.
Village Commission & Advisory Boards
The following Park Forest Commissions/Advisory Boards are scheduled to meet the week of July 8:
- Tuesday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. – Commission on Human Relations
- Tuesday, July 9 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission
- Wednesday, July 10 at 7 p.m. – Economic Development Advisory Board
All meetings are held at Park Forest Village Hall and residents are encouraged to attend.
Neighborhood Meeting – Tuesday, July 9
On Tuesday, July 9 at 7 p.m. at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street, there will be a Neighborhood Meeting for those residents living on Oak, Apple, Peach, Chestnut, and McGarity Streets. Representatives from the Village will be present.
Arts & Entertainment
Village of Park Forest
Main Street Nights – Wednesday, July 10
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 Funkadesi – Community Drum Circle at 7 p.m. where everyone will be part of the band. The musicians from Funkadesi will lead the audience in the most powerful drumming this summer. At 7:45 p.m., Funkadesi will take the stage. The 5-time winner of the Chicago Music Awards, Funkadesi is capturing the attention of the U.S. and the rest of the globe, and has been hailed by Time Magazine. Experience Funkadesi’s one-world sound, roots-watering vision, and positive vibe make the band a unique and compelling musical force.
Park Forest Community Relations
Family Game Night – Friday July 12 – Limited Seating
On Friday, July 12 at 7 p.m., join family and friends at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street, for an evening of board games, pizza and treats. This event is limited to 150 people so RSVP today by contacting Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or e-mail [email protected].
Park Forest Economic Development
3rd Annual DownTown District Midsummer Madness – Wednesday, July 17
You are invited to join the fun on Wednesday, July 17 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the 3rd Annual DownTown District Midsummer Madness. The event starts at Dining on the Green Banquet Hall, 349 Main Street where you will register to receive your map of participating businesses. Progress through the DownTown District to win chances at more than 20 fabulous prizes. There’s an extra chance to win at each business. Top prizes include a Keurig Platinum Brewing Coffee Maker (a$260 value) and a $200 VISAS Gift Card. Other prizes include give baskets, theater tickets, Chicago White Sox Tickets and more. There will also be beverages and snacks and ‘Super Goodie Bags’ to the first 100 attendees containing discount coupons and freebies (limit one bag per family). Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For additional information, call 708-283-5617 or e-mail [email protected]. To pre-register for the event and see a complete prize list, visit: http://2013ddmmadness-es2.eventbrite.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 8 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 8 at 11 a.m. – CSI Park Forest “Who Killed Robert Prentice — Do you have what it takes to solve the crime? Drop by and pick up your very own official crime investigation packet. We will investigate the crime and all the possible suspects.
- Monday, July 8 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 8 at 6 p.m. – Teen Ductigami — Teens, this is your time to shine! This week, learn to use duct tape to make crafts. Registration required.
- Tuesday, July 9 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 9 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 9 at 6 p.m. — Travel Film Series: “Sleepless in Seattle” — After his wife Maggie passes away, Sam Baldwin and his adolescent son Jonah relocate from Chicago to Seattle to escape the grief associated with Maggie’s death. Eighteen months later, Sam is still grieving and can’t sleep. Although Jonah misses his mother, he wants his father to get a new wife despite Sam having not even contemplated dating again. On Christmas Eve, Sam, on Jonah’s initiative, ends up pouring his heart out on a national radio talk show about his magical and perfect marriage to Maggie, and how much he still misses her. Among the many women who hears Sam’s story and falls in love with him solely because of it is Annie Reed, a Baltimore based newspaper writer. Annie’s infatuation with Sam’s story and by association Sam himself is despite being already engaged.
- Tuesday, July 9 at 8 p.m. — Ravinia Tickets: Music of the Baroque Orchestra and Chorus — Register to receive two free tickets. Pick up tickets at the Information Zone.
Music of the Baroque Orchestra and Chorus perform. Handel: Israel in Egypt
Location: Ravinia in Highland Park, IL
Ravinia Festival Official Site Link: http://www.ravinia.org/default.aspx
- Wednesday, July 10 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 10 at 10:30 a.m. – Basic First Aid for Kids — Learn basic first aid procedures like how to clean a cut, treat an insect bite, how to stop a bloody nose and lots of other useful tips. The instructor for this class is Captain Mike Wheeler of the Park Forest Fire Department. Registration required.
- Wednesday, July 10 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 10 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 10 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.
- Wednesday, July 10 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 10 at 8 p.m. — Ravinia Tickets: Julliard String Quartet — Register to receive two free tickets. Pick up tickets at the Information Zone.
The Julliard Strong Quartet performs.
Beethoven: String Quartet in F Major, Op. 135
Samuel Rhodes: Viola Quintet (Ravinia premiere)
Mozart: String Quintet in D Major, K. 593
Location: Ravinia in Highland Park, IL
Ravinia Festival Official Site Link: http://www.ravinia.org/default.aspx
- Thursday, July 11 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 11 at 6 p.m. – Summer Reading Club — Look up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! Or maybe a balloon or kite! Whatever it is, it’s flying. You’ll see this and other things that fly as we explore books in this family friendly club.
- Thursday, July 11 at 8 p.m. — Ravinia Tickets: Beethoven — Register to receive two free tickets. Pick up tickets at the Information Zone.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s All Beethoven program.
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37
Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55 (“Eroica”) - Location: Ravinia in Highland Park, IL
Ravinia Festival Official Site Link: http://www.ravinia.org/default.aspx - Friday, July 12 at 11 a.m. – Movie Day “Homeward Bound” — Walt Disney studios had previously adapted Sheila Burnford’s classic animal-adventure novel The Incredible Journey in 1963, and the story proves just as durable in this popular 1993 version, in which the heroic trio of animals are given voices provided by Don Ameche, Michael J. Fox, and Sally Field. They don’t actually speak (like the clever critters in Babe), but we hear their "voices" as the lost household pets–Shadow the golden retriever, Chance the bulldog, and Sassy the cat–survive a harrowing series of adventures as they struggle to find their way home. Perfect entertainment for kids, this frequently clever movie offers an abundance of wildlife and beautiful location scenery, and the vocal performances by Ameche, Fox, and Field are surprisingly effective. A hit with parents and children alike, the film was followed by a sequel in 1996.
- Friday, July 12 at 2 p.m. – Get Connected and Read — Drop in and learn how to check out e-books, access free digital magazines, and register for library programs online. Featuring Media on Demand, Zinio, and Evanced.
- Friday, July 12 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.
- Friday, July 12 at 8 p.m. — Ravinia Tickets: Beethoven — Register to receive two free tickets. Pick up tickets at the Information Zone.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s All Beethoven program.
Symphony No. 4 in B-flat Major, Op. 60
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73 (“Emperor”)
Location: Ravinia in Highland Park, IL
Ravinia Festival Official Site Link: http://www.ravinia.org/default.aspx
- Saturday, July 13 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.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
Material World Three Dimensional, Sculptural Artwork – Through July 21
This exhibit features three dimensional, sculptural artwork made with materials as diverse as the artists who created them. Fabric, fiber, clay, glass, fiberglass, steel, aluminum and plaster were used by local, regional, national, and international artists to create pieces that range from 3 1/2 inches to 21 feet. The exhibit will run through July 21, 2013. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.
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 dis. 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.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights
‘Sapphire and Crystals’ – Through July 10
PSC is hosting ‘Sapphire and Crystals,’ work by a collective of African American women artists, through July 10 in the Christopher Art Gallery located on the PSC main campus. The displayed work will be by 13 artists from the Chicago collective and includes paintings, photographs, and sculptures by the exhibiting artists. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-709-3636.
Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights
Annual Exhibit of Insider Art – Through July 20
USC’s annual exhibit of insider art will run through July 20. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.
9th Annual ‘A Little Garden Art’ Garden Walk – Saturday, July 13
Tickets are now on sale for USC’s 9th Annual ‘A Little Garden Art’ Garden Walk which will be held on July 13th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A “sneak peak” of the gardens can be seen at www.unionstreetgallery.org/GardenWalk2013. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event. To purchase tickets or for additional information, visit www.unionstreetgallery.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
Graduate Business Programs Open House – Wednesday, July 17
GSU’s College of Business and Public Administration will host a graduate programs open house on Wednesday, July 17 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria Annex. Information on graduate programs in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management Information Systems, and Accounting, as well as information about the accelerated, on-line MBA in Supply Chain Management will be presented. Academic advisors and admission counselors will also be available to answer questions and discuss admission requirements. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with current students and GSU faculty. Attendees are encouraged to bring official or unofficial transcripts for review. Refreshments will be served and tours of the campus will be offered. For additional information or to RSVP by July 10, call 708-534-4391.
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 http://www.onlineschools.org 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.
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest
Group Silent Meditation – Monday, July 8
Join UUCC on the 2nd and 4th Monday nights from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for a free group silent meditation. Comfortable setting. Bring your own cushion if you wish. For additional information, call Diane at 708-481-5399.
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.
Golf Outings
Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip
Action Sertoma Club’s 13th Annual Golf Outing – Wednesday, July 17
The Action Sertoma Club is hosting their 13th Annual Golf Outing on July 17 at Silver Lake Country Club, 14700 S. 82nd Avenue, Orland Park. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., with a Shotgun Start, Best Ball Format beginning at 9 a.m. The cost is $155 and includes breakfast, lunch, refreshments on the course, cocktails and steak dinner after golf, door prizes, games all day and much more. Men and women golfers are invited to participate. To register, contact Joe Varnauski at 708-921-0159 or e-mail [email protected]. This is Action Sertoma Club’s largest fundraiser and the proceeds benefit individuals with disabilities served by Sertoma Center, Inc.
Green Events
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
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.
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.
West Cook Chapter of Wild Ones, Oak Park
‘Creating Natural Gardens and Landscapes’ – Sunday, July 21
The first meeting of the West Cook Chapter of Wild Ones will be held on Sunday, July 21 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Green Home Experts, 811 South Boulevard, Oak Park. Local Wild Ones member, Stephanie Walquist will give a butterfly presentation. She has been gardening for butterflies and rearing/releasing some species over the years. Stephanie has also been assisting in the installation of a native plant garden at Beye School with the hope of getting other schools and local residents to join in to create wildlife corridors. Plans will also be discussed for future educational programs, seed and plant swaps and field trips. Anyone interested is invited to join the organization. Wild Ones members help and learn from each other – beginners and experienced members alike – about identifying native (and invasive) plants, creating natural landscapes, protecting threatened native species, and dealing with “weed ordinances,” and a lot more. For additional information, or to RSVP for the meeting, contact Pam Todd at [email protected], Ginger Vanderveer at [email protected] or Marni Curtis at [email protected]. Wild Ones began in 1979 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and became a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation in 1990. With approximately 40 active chapters, Wild Ones has approximately 3,000 members across the United States and Canada. For additional information about Wild Ones, visit: www.for-wild.org.
This & That
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 12 beginning at 6 p.m. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.
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.
