Alia Davis (left, behind counter) registers Rhonda Hayslett’s membership at Quality Classic Health & Fitness Center on Saturday, the 4th anniversary of the gym. Earl Davis (right) shows off an award recognizing his stewardship running the business. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—June 11, 2012. Park Forest’s Main Street Nights kicks off Wednesday, June 13th with a ‘Friends of the Aqua Center Benefit’ at the Park Forest Aqua Center, 30 N. Orchard, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Park Forest’s own Dave Rudolf will be the musical performance starting at 7 p.m. The multi-award winning musician brings fun in the sun with his wacky and interactive show for kids of all ages. Bring your bathing suits and join in some fun aquatic activities or just hang out around the pools. Members of the Aqua Center can attend for free while non-members can attend for a fee of $6. For weather related changes or additional information, call 708-283-5647.
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 of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings
The following Park Forest Commissions and Advisory Groups will meet the week of June 11:
- Tuesday, June 12 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission
- Tuesday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. – Commission on Human Relations
The meetings will take place at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Arts & Entertainment
Park Forest Aqua Center, 30 N. Orchard, Park Forest
The 2012 Park Forest Aqua Center Swim Season is here. For the 2012 Season, a new approach to group membership rates is in effect. Swimmers can fill out a membership application and add family or friends to the list at an increased savings per person up to a maximum total of 5. The combination of this new membership approach along with the facility grounds improvements done at the Aqua Center over the past few years make it possible for you to enjoy the beach right here in Park Forest. Additional details on the Park Forest Aqua Center, including Membership Rates and Daily Guest fees, can be found at:
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:
- Tuesday, June 12 at 10:30 a.m. – Fairytale Breakfast Stories. Fairytale stories read in a breakfast atmosphere that emphasizes food. Ages 2-6.
- Tuesday, June 12 at 2 p.m. – E-mail Practice. The first ten people to come may attend these practice sessions. There is no registration for the practice sessions.
- Tuesday, June 12 at 7 p.m. – Food Movie Trivia.
- Tuesday, June 12 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime. For all story lovers Ages 2 thru 12. Every week P.J has a different theme surrounding the stories and craft. Drop-ins welcome.
- Wednesday, June 13 at 2:30 p.m. – Movie Day: ‘Ratatouille.’ Come to the library to watch the movie ‘Ratatouille.’ Remy is a young rat in the French countryside who arrives in Paris, only to find out that his cooking idol is dead. When he makes an unusual alliance with a restaurant’s new garbage boy, the culinary and personal adventures begin despite Remy’s family’s skepticism and the rat-hating world of humans.
- Wednesday, June 13 at 3 p.m. – Get Connected and Read. Drop in and learn how to check out Ebooks and digital audio books, access digital magazines, and register for library programs online. Featuring Digital Library Services: Media on Demand, Zinio, and Evanced.
- Thursday, June 14 at 10:30 a.m. – LapSit. Ages 0-35 months with caregiver. Each week we will read stories, sing songs, and create projects that build pre-reading skills while helping develop coordination skills. Registration please.
- Thursday, June 14 at 2 p.m. – Facebook Practice. The first ten people to come may attend these practice sessions. There is no registration for the practice sessions.
- Thursday, June 14 at 3:30 p.m. – Art Studio — Indulge your creative side with this art-themed program. Kids will share their creativity through painting, drawing, sculpting, or designs.
- Friday, June 15 at 1 p.m. – Learn to use Your Kindle Fire. An introduction to using an Amazon Kindle Fire. Please note: you must bring your own device for this class.
- Friday, June 15 at 2:30 p.m. – Wii Game Day. FUN FRIDAY!!! Come to the library to play your favorite Wii games!
- Saturday, June 16 at 2 p.m. – Celebrating Fathers. Come join us for an exciting afternoon just for Dad. Kids will create special cards and gifts for Dad. Children of all ages are welcome.
For additional information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731. You can also register on-line at www.pfpl.org.
Donut Shop Mystery Club
The Donut Shop Mysteries are a ‘delicious’ series of books by Jessica Beck. Join us as we become acquainted with the main character Suzanne Hart, owner and operator of Donut Hearts coffee shop in April Springs, North Carolina. After her divorce from Max, an out-of-work actor she’s dubbed ‘The Great Impersonator,’ Suzanne decided to pursue her one true passion in life: donuts. So she cashed in her settlement and opened up shop in the heart of her beloved hometown. But when a dead body is dumped on her doorstep like a sack of flour, Suzanne’s cozy little shop becomes an all-out crime scene. Now, everyone in town is dropping by for glazed donuts and gruesome details. The retired sheriff warns her to be careful – and they’re all suspects. Soon Suzanne – who finds snooping as irresistible as donuts – is poking holes in everyone’s alibies. Each book is also filled with scrumptious dessert recipes that readers will be encouraged to try out at home. Don’t be surprised if we don’t visit a donut shop or two to help create the right mood for some of these book discussions. Books are now available at the checkout desk.
Park Forest Library Hosting Summer-Long Student Art Exhibit
The Park Forest Public Library is hosting a summer-long art exhibit featuring the work from students in Park Forest and the surrounding communities. Mrs. Patricia Moore, the director of the Tall Grass Art Association School of Art, curated students’ work from Illinois School in Park Forest, Glenwood Academy and the Tall Grass Art School. Twenty-three works of art are now hanging in the Library’s Ringering Room. The exhibit is open to the public during regular library hours free of charge. The Library is located at 400 Lakewood Blvd. For more information about the exhibit, call 708/748-3731, extension 22, or visit the Library’s website at www.pfpl.org.
Park Forest Recreation & Parks, Park Forest
Senior Trip to the Pyramid House & Lunch — 2nd Date Added – Registration Deadline Monday, June 11
The upcoming Senior trip to the Pyramid House and lunch was so popular, a second trip has been scheduled on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Drive down Dilleys Road and you’ll notice something straight out of the days of the Pharohs in Wadsworth, IL. Join us for this unique tour of The Golden Pyramid House. The Golden Pyramid House was built in 1977 by Jim and Linda Onan as a private residence for his family in Wadsworth, Illinois. And enormous statue of Ramses II guards and featuring a three pyramid garage, this 17,000 square foot 6 story structure that is surrounded by a moat. Visitors can visit King Tuts tomb, tour the inside of the pyramid, and discover exciting artifacts in the gift shop. Following the 2 hour guided tour, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at The Shanty Restaurant (featured on Food Network and ABC – 190 North) where we will dine on soup or salad, and your choice of Whisky Shrimp, Apple-Wood Smoked Pulled Pork, Crab Cake Salad or Chicken Linguini Tomato Vodka. Please mention your entrée preference when registering. Seats are limited, so sign up today. The fee for the trip is $61 which includes round-trip coach bus, admission to the Pyramid House and lunch. The bus will depart from Par Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, at 8 a.m. and return at approximately 4:30 p.m. Registration deadline is Monday, June 11, 2012. Register in-person at the Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department, Village Hall, or over the phone with a credit card by calling 708-748-2005. Reference code 248680-2 when calling to make your reservation.
Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest
Park Forest House Museum – Summer Exhibit Features Early Years of the Aqua Center
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard, is ready for summer visitors. The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or for small groups by appointment. Donation is Adults- $5; 12 & under free with a paying adult. Group tours may be subject to special pricing. The tour is free with the purchase of a Marshall Field’s Park Forest Store brick at 1 for $15; 2 for $25. Convenient, free, street parking is available right outside the front door. The museum is operated by the Park Forest Historical Society and sponsored by Andrew Brown of Central Park Townhomes. This summer the museum is featuring a small display on the early years of the Aqua Center swimming pool complex, once the largest in the state of Illinois. The transcript of an oral history on the Aqua Center is in the living room, illustrated with photos of the original layout. On display in the china cabinet are original badges from the ‘Badge Pool.’ Youngsters used to have to prove they could swim the length of that pool to earn the badge to pin on their swimsuits. For additional information, visit www.parkforesthistory.org.
Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest
Father’s Day Art Sale – Through June 16
You can purchase a memorable gift for your father at Salon Artists Gallery’s art sale which will be held through June 16. Pens, bowls, boxes, pottery, painting, and other handmade items will be included in this special sale. 10% off art objects prices at $30 or more. For gallery hours or additional information, call Patricia Moore at 708-833-5108 or Bev Szaton at 708-748-3946.
‘June Moon’ – Through June 30
Join Salon Artists Gallery for this wonderful exhibit entitled ‘June Moon.’ The exhibit will run through June 30 and is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call Patricia Moore at 708-833-5108 or Bev Szaton at 708-748-3946.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
‘Outside of the Box: Mixed Media Approaches to Photography’ – Through August 5
Tall Grass Arts Association will host ‘Outside of the Box: Mixed media Approaches to Photography’ through August 5. Debate has raged for years about whether photography is a technology or a medium for producing fine art. This juried exhibit will focus on the many inventive ways both traditional and modern photographic processes and materials are being mixed with other mediums to produce fine art. This regional show will feature artists from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit http://www.tallgrassarts.org.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
‘Ways of Making’ National Juried Exhibition – Through June 23
The Visual Arts Gallery at GSU continues its ‘Ways of Making’ series with a National Juried Exhibition will run through June 23. A closing a reception will be held on Saturday, June 23 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with remarks and awards at 6 p.m. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The exhibition series focuses on art making media taught in the art program and includes work on paper, photography, painting, sculpture and digital media. The Visual Arts Gallery is open Mondays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and by appointment. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-534-4021.
Monkey Mind Art Studio, 3 W. Nebraska St., Frankfort
‘Strange & Beautiful’ Paintings & Drawings by Javier Chavira – Through June 14
‘Strange & Beautiful,’ an exhibition of paintings and drawing by Javier Chavira will run through Thursday, June 14. A closing reception will be held on Friday, June 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Gallery. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For Gallery Hours or additional information, call 815-464-8818 or visit www.monkeymindartstudio.com.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights
“Location Impulsion” Exhibit – Through July 26
The PSC Foundation is presenting "Location Impulsion," through July 26, at the Christopher Art Gallery, located on the PSC main campus. The work of artists Bonnie Peterson, Nina Weiss, and Michael X. Ryan will be highlighted during the exhibition, which features their works that are created directly in response to location. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The Christopher Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday. Showings are available by appointment at 708-709-3636. The gallery will be closed on Wednesday, July 4.
Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights
‘A Little Garden Art’ – Tickets Now On Sale
On Saturday, July 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., USG is showcasing eight inspiring gardens in Chicago Heights and Flossmoor. Working artists in every garden reflect the beauty and peace of each environment through painting, drawing, sculpting or the written word. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event. All proceeds from the garden walk benefit USC, a not-for-profit arts center. For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.uniionstreetgallery.org.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Family Development Center (FDC) Open House, June 12 and 13
The FDC at GSU is opening its doors for tours, information, and pre-enrollment screening for pre-kindergarteners. Parents and their three to five year-old children are invited to Visit the FDC on June 12 and 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn about the full and half day pre-kindergarten programs offered at the state-of-the-art facility in University Park. The pre-kindergarten program boasts of a low student to teacher ratio and classrooms led by highly qualified educators who follow an enriching curriculum. Before and after school childcare is available and reduced fees are available to eligible families. For additional information, call 708-235-7300.
Bachelor of Social Work Program Information Session – Tuesday, June 19
GSU will host an information session for the Bachelor of Social Work program offered at Triton College on Tuesday, June 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The information session will take place in the university center located in Building A, Room 105 in the lower level of the library of Triton College, 2000 Fifth Avenue, River Grove. The GSU Social Work program offered at Triton College is a part-time program leading to a bachelor’s degree. To be eligible for the program, prospective students must have completed an associate’s degree or earned a minimum of 60 credits from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Students need not have attended Triton or live in the Triton Community College district to be eligible. Additional information about the GSU Social Work degree program can be found at www.govst.edu/chhs/bsw. For additional information, call 708-534-4086 or e-mail [email protected].
GSU Counseling Workshops to Target Intimacy issues
GSU is offering two workshops for counseling professionals on issues of sex and intimacy. The workshops are sponsored by GSU’s Division of Counseling and Psychology.
- ‘Sex in the Sand: Play Therapy Techniques with Couples’ takes place Thursday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Engbretson Hall. Presenter: Dr. Catherine Ford Sori, GSU Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Counseling. Workshop fee — $65 advance registration; $100 at the door; $20 for graduate students. Lunch is included and 5.5 CEUs are available. To register, contact www.sexinthesand.eventbrite.com.
- ‘New Perspectives on Desire’ will be held Friday, June 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in GSU’s E-Lounge. Presenter: Dr. David Schnarch, world-renowned sex and marital therapist and international best-selling author. Workshop fee — $85 advance registration; $125 at the door; $30 for graduate students. Lunch is included and 6.5 CEUs are available. To register, visit www.gus-desire-schnarch.eventbrite.com.
‘The Literacy Zone’ Reading Tutoring Available at GSU – Enrollment is Limited
GSU’s Graduate Program in Reading is sponsoring The Literacy Zone, a reading tutorial program for students in grades two through five, Mondays through Thursdays, from July 5 through July 25 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This four-week, one-to-one program brings students experiencing reading problems together with teachers who have the skills to help them. Students meet on the GSU campus with certified, experienced teachers enrolled in the Master of Arts Reading Program at GSU. Students are expected to attend every session. Enrollment is limited and based on the number of tutors. There is a $70 registration fee. Students will be accepted in the order in which the completed application and registration fee are received. Transportation is not provided. For additional information, call 708-534-4122 or e-mail [email protected].
Job Search Assistance Every Tuesday At GSU
The Mobile Workforce Center’s mobile unit will be at GSU every Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., parked near the university’s front entrance. Center services include resume development, access to online job boards and websites, instruction in how to conduct an online job search and improve keyboarding skills, and assistance of staff. The center is equipped with 11 computer stations with Internet access, printer, and copy machines, and is wheelchair accessible. Services are free and available to residents in all counties. For additional information, contact the Workforce Services Division of Will County at 815-727-4980.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, 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].
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.
Green Events
Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest
Wednesday Morning Walkers –June 13
Those ages 11 through adult are invited each Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. through June 13, to follow the forest’s spring changes on Thorn Creek’s trails. Trails can be wet or muddy so please wear sturdy shoes. The terrain is moderate. Registration is not required. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.
Feathered Frenzy –Saturday, June 16 — Registration Required
On Saturday, June 16 from 10 a.m. to noon, those of all ages are invited to ‘Feathered Frenzy.’ Family tie is at a frenzied pace for our feathered friends in Will County. This is a perfect opportunity to introduce your family and friends to bird watching on a morning bird hike. Come along with an experienced naturalist to discover what the feathered frenzy is all about. Learn about the birds that you see and hear through exploration that will include a fun activity and a hike. Registration is required. The event is free. The program will include hiking preserve trails over uneven terrain. For additional information or to register, call 708-946-2216.
Healthy Living
Village of Park Forest
39th Annual Farmers’ Market – Every Saturday Through October 27
The 39th Annual Farmers’ Market will be held from 7 a.m. to 12 noon on the corner of Lakewood & Cunningham Drive through October 27. The market offers local fresh vegetables, fruits, organic breads, cookies, specialty produce, garden bedding plants, perennials, garden ornaments, salsas, BBQ pork chops, hamburgers, Polish sausage, fresh tamales, jewelry, funnel cakes, and fundraising products from a variety of individuals and civic groups. For additional information, call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.pfhealth.net.
Church of the Holy Family, 102 Marquette Street, Park Forest
Open House & Health Fair – Saturday, June 16
On Saturday, June 16 from 12 noon until 4 p.m., the Church of the Holy Family will hold an Open House and Health Fair. Events will include:
- Health and Wellness Check for Adults
- Children’s Dental Screening
- Health Vendors and Giveaways
- Adult and Children’s Games
- Free Refreshments
- Tour of the Church
For additional information, call 708-748-1100.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
‘Sexual Intimacy for Individuals and Couples’ – Registration Deadline June 19
Explore one of life’s most complex and personal issues during ‘Sexual intimacy for Individuals and Couples,’ on Thursday, June 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. n the Hall of Honors at GSU. This workshop is ideal for both individuals and couples. With humor and understanding, Dr. David Schnarch, world-renowned sex and marital therapist, and international bet-selling author, will discuss what it means to be sexually normal, have normal problems with intimacy and sex, and how to love on life’s terms. The presentation is sponsored by GSU’s Division of Psychology and Counseling. Admission to the presentation is $20 for single persons and $35 for couples. To register, contact www.gsu-couples-desidre.eventbrite.com/. The registration deadline is June 19.
Free Psychotherapy Available from GSU’s Psychology Program
GSU’s Psychology Department is offering free psychotherapy services to members of the community. Conversations with a psychotherapist can help people cope with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, and life transition problems. Confidential, one-on-one sessions are held with a GSU graduate student in psychology under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Individuals and couples, 18 years and older, are eligible. All sessions are conducted in Matteson, IL. The number of sessions is determined by the client’s needs. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-235-2841.
Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest
Senior Citizen Weekday Lunch 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.
This & That
Park Forest Baseball
Baseball Outing on June 20 – Tickets Now on Sale
Park Forest Baseball will hold a baseball outing on Wednesday, June 20 at Standard Bank Stadium, 14011 S. Kenton, Crestwood, when the Windy City ThunderBolts take on the Traverse City Beach Bums. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are $10. Hot dogs and sodas will be available for $1 each. A portion of all tickets sold will benefit Park Forest Baseball. If 100 tickets are sold, a Park Forest player will get the chance to escort a ThunderBolt player to their position. If 300 tickets are sold, Park Forest Baseball may have a chance at other ThunderBolts in-park activities. Advocate South Suburban Hospital will also be hosting a free health clinic on the ballpark concourse that evening. And after the game, all kids are allowed to run the bases! For additional information or to purchase tickets, call Booster Club Members, Tom Mick at 708-516-7140 or Dan Wieringa at 708-441-5408.
Park Forest Commission on Human Relations
Dance Mania – Learn Ballroom Dancing on June 15
If you love to dance or just want to get out for the night, come and join us every Friday in June from 7 pm. to 10 p.m. at 300 Victory Drive, Park Forest, for ‘Dance Mania.’ We will provide a different dance instructor each Friday. During the first hour, you will be provided lessons and for the remainder of the night, put it into action. We will have a DJ, raffles and much more. Come out and have fun. The cost is $5, package rates are available for the entire month. For additional information, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or e-mail [email protected] or visit the Community Relations tab at www.villageofparkforest.com.
Seeking Nominations for Good Egg Award – Nominations Accepted Through August 13
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 13. 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 – June 15
Join Park Forest’s American Legion Post 1198 for fish, shrimp, wings, beef and appetizers on the first and third Friday of the month throughout the summer. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.
Faith United Protestant Church, 10 Hemlock St., Park Forest
Free Java Tuesdays
All are invited to Faith United Protestant Church for FREE Java Tuesdays. Visitors are asked to go to the Indianwood Boulevard side entrance between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. for free curbside service or to come and sit a bit. The event will continue each Tuesday as a form of outreach to the community throughout the summer and fall. For more information, call 708-747-1330.
Grace United Protestant Church, 266 Somonauk, Park Forest
‘Passport to Adventure’ Vacation Bible School – Registration Required
Fasten your seat belts and join the fun at ‘Passport to Adventure’ Vacation Bible School at Grace United Protestant Church. The adventure will take place on July 9 through July 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each day. Activities will include Bible stories, arts and crafts, games and music. There will be classes for preschool through adult. There is no charge for the program but you must register if you plan on attending. For additional information or to register, call Chris Long at 708-606-9143.
Garden Club of Park Forest
"A Gardener’s Cookbook"
To celebrate their 55th anniversary, the Park Forest Garden Club offers this cookbook filled with memories, gardening tips, flowery sayings and of course recipes. Makes a great gift. All proceeds go to the club and are used toward community contributions. Cookbooks are $9 and are available at the Park Forest Recreation and Parks Department, 350 Victory Drive. Call 708-748-2005 for additional information.
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest
Drumming Circle – Friday, June 15
Join UUCC for a group participation of drumming. Love offering requested of $10. This event is held on the third Friday night of every month. For additional information, call Diane at 708-481-5339.
Sertoma Centre, Inc., 4343 W. 123rd St., Alsip
Good As New Thrift Store – Seeking Donations
The Sertoma Centre’s Good As New Thrift Store, 4331 Lincoln Highway, Matteson, is seeking donations of gently used furniture and other household items in good condition. Proceeds from the sale of items at the Thrift Store go directly to supporting the 14 programs offered by Sertoma Centre. The store also serves as a training program for consumers at Sertoma to allow them to gain experience and transition into permanent retail jobs. The Thrift Store will pick up furniture donations within the south and southwest suburbs of Chicago free of charge. To make an arrangement to make a tax deductible donation of furniture to Good As News, call 708-481-5627. For additional information, to schedule a tour, volunteer or to make a donation, please call Amy Chmura at 708-730-6206 or e-mail [email protected].
Rotary Club of Park Forest
The Rotary Club of Park Forest urges you to purchase a Golden Opportunities 2012 book to help support its youth activities. Books are only $25 and are now available for purchase at the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd.
Donate Unused Air Miles to Support Families of Wounded Servicemembers
"Operation Hero Miles" collects unused frequent flyer miles to help military families visit service members who were injured in Iraq or Afghanistan and are recovering in military hospitals around the world. Airline partners are: AirTran, Alaska Airlines, American, Frontier, Midwest, Northwest, United, and US Airways. To donate airline miles, visit www.FisherHouse.org.
Donate to Troops Serving Abroad
The Village of Park Forest is currently seeking the names and addresses of local military personnel currently serving overseas so that they may receive packaged donations from Park Forest residents. If you are a Park Forest resident and have a family member from your household currently deployed or if you have recently returned from a tour of duty, please call Judi Lancaster at 708-283-5608 or stop by the Manager’s Office at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.
Greening of Park Forest
Sertoma Centre, Inc., 4343 W. 123rd St., Alsip
Recycle Unused Wheelchairs
If you have a used motorized wheelchair that you no longer need and would like to help a person with a disability, the Sertoma Centre will accept your donation. Contact Melanie Jones at 708-730-6206 for additional information.
South Suburban Family Shelter Used Cell Phone Collection Drive
South Suburban Family Shelter (SSFS) is seeking cell phone donations for their ongoing fundraising program. Proceeds from the collection fund the critical programs and services provided to families who experience domestic violence. All victim services are provided free of charge and are available in English and Spanish. Cell phone collection sites currently include:
- SSFS Administrative Office, 18139 Harwood, Homewood, IL
- Bergstein’s NY Deli, 200 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights, IL
- Doyle Designed Salon, 2630 Flossmoor Rd., Flossmoor, IL
All donations are tax deductible and receipts are available at collection sites. For more information about SSFS or the fundraising drive, please contact Ms. Meilach at 708-794-2140, extension 303.
Local Recycling Resources and Proper Disposal of Unused Medicine
Do you have old televisions, computers, video games or other electronics or household appliances that need to be recycled? Want to know how to properly dispose of old or unused medication? Click on the "Recycling" icon found on the top of eNews Park Forest and you will find useful information on proper recycling/disposal that will not only be good for the environment, but in some cases, earn you a few dollars as well.
Safe Disposal Program – Bio-waste
The Park Forest Health Department and Environment Commission have partnered to provide information on the proper disposal of bio-waste such as used syringes or lancets (medical sharps). Begin by purchasing a Sharps container to dispose of your medical sharps for $10 at the Park Forest Health Department. Return the filled container to the Park Forest Health Department and purchase a new container. Call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 for more information.
Recycle Used Cell Phones and Cell Phone Accessories
The Rotary Club of Park Forest is conducting a used cell phone and accessory collection drive to benefit the families and programs of the South Suburban Family Shelter. Donated items can be placed in the collection box located in the lobby of Village Hall. For more information, call Denyse Carreras at 708-283-5603.
Sources: Park Forest 2012 Summer Recreation Programs & More Brochure, 2012 Park Forest Spring/Summer Calendar, Park Forest ‘Discover’ magazine, Rich Township Report, Park Forest Historical Society, Village of Park Forest, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Center for Performing Arts, South Suburban Family Shelter, Park Forest Historical Society, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Illinois Theatre Center, Sertoma Centre, Inc., Union Street Gallery, Monkey Mind Art Studio, Thorn Creek Audubon Society, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.
