In and Around Park Forest Week of June 2, 2014

Photo Gallery: Park Forest Memorial Day Observance 2014

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—June 2, 2014. After a long, cold winter, staff is gearing up for another hot, busy summer at Chicagoland’s premiere outdoor pool, the Park Forest Aqua Center. Now through June 6, take advantage of early bird registration rates and save. Visit the Park Forest Aqua Center June 2 through June 6, between the hours of 12 p.m. and 7 p.m., to register for season passes and swim lessons. As a member at the Park Forest Aqua Center you’ll receive several great perks like access to the Members Only Night on June 6 – a night of fun before the pool opens to the general public.

Opening day at the Park Forest Aqua Center is June 7. For additional information, call 708-748-2005 or visit the Park Forest Aqua Center’s webpage at www.villageofparkforest.com/aquacenter.  

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 Meetings – Monday, June 2 & Saturday, June 7

The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, June 2 at 7 p.m. In addition, the Board will hold a Saturday Morning Rules meeting on June 7 at 10 a.m. Both meetings 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 here.

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

Village Commission & Advisory Boards

The following Park Forest Commissions and Advisory Boards are scheduled to meet the week of June 2:

• Tuesday, June 3 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission
• Thursday, June 5 at 1 p.m. – Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
• Thursday, June 5 at 7 p.m. – Environment Commission

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

Arts & Entertainment

DePaul University Art Museum, 935 West Fullerton, Chicago

Quilt Show ‘From Heart to Hand’ – Through June 22

DePaul University’s Art Museum will unveil a new exhibition, “From Heart to Hand,” will run through June 22 featuring 23 quilts produced by African-American women. Originally organized by the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts in Alabama, the exhibition demonstrates that quilts are not just household goods, but are also a means of personal expression. While quilting has been around in various forms for centuries, Louise Lincoln, Museum Director, explains that it was approximately 15 years ago that the contemporary art world “discovered” the distinctive work of the women in the town of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, who created quilts with intricate patterns that resembled abstract paintings. As the Gee’s Bend artists have become famous, quilt exhibitions have grown in popularity and have been featured in major museums, including the Whitney Museum in New York. The collection on display at DePaul Art Museum will include examples from Gee’s Bend, as well as other styles and subjects from the region of western Alabama, giving viewers rich insight on tradition and community. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/PUx4cp.

The DePaul Art Museum at 935 W. Fullerton, just east of the CTA’s Fullerton ‘L’ stop, is open Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information, call 773-325-7506 or visit www.depaul.edu/museum.

DePaul University Cortelyou Commons, 2324 North Fremont Street, Chicago

Author Sandra Cisneros to Present ‘My Chicago’ – Friday, June 13

Author Sandra Cisneros will discuss her career and award-winning writings in a presentation titled “My Chicago” on June 13 at DePaul University in Cortelyou Commons. Hosted by the School for New Learning, the event will begin with a breakfast at 8:30 a.m., after which, Cisneros will give a talk and sign books. Born and raised in Chicago, Cisneros is a trailblazing author whose prized novels were some of the first to introduce Latina characters into mainstream American fiction. After achieving critical success, she created several innovative programs to jump-start the careers of other Latina and Latino artists. Cisneros’ talent and contributions to literature have been recognized by many national organizations including the National Endowment for the Arts, Before Columbus Foundation, Mexican Fine Arts Center, MacArthur Foundation and Texas Cultural Trust. Her 1984 novel “The House on Mango Street” tells the sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes deeply joyous story of a young girl growing up in a diverse neighborhood in Chicago. In addition to her writing, Cisneros is known for her community service and activism. She supports public libraries, education and literacy efforts, and speaks often about the importance of mentoring and empowering young Latinas. Through her groundbreaking work and selfless encouragement of others, Cisneros has shown how an individual can use personal success to benefit entire communities. She has been recognized by others as an inspiration to writers, readers, young Latinos and to those who understand the power of the literary voice to shape perspectives and inspire others into action. Co-sponsored by DePaul University Department of Latin American and Latino Studies, Center for Latino Research, DePaul Women’s Network and Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement, admission for the event is free and open to the public.

RSVP by calling 312-362-8455 or emailing [email protected]. 

Drama Group, Chicago Heights

‘Taking Steps’ A British Farce from the Stables Theatre-UK – Opens Friday, June 6

The comedy ‘Taking Steps’ will be performed by British actors will run from June 6 to 15 at the Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202 Street, Chicago Heights. ‘Taking Steps’ follows a mismatch of people in one house; Roland wants to buy an old house that was once a brothel for Elizabeth, his new wife of three months. She however is planning to leave him, but when she confides in her brother Mark, things start to go hilariously wrong. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on June 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14 and at 2 p.m. on June 8 and 15. Tickets are $19 for adults, $18 for Seniors (Age 65+), $18 for Students (with Student ID), and $15 for groups of 25+. To purchase tickets online, visit: http://www.dramagroup.org/boxoffice.asp .

For additional information, call 708-755-3444.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

IPO Chamber Players String Trio – Tickets Now on Sale

On Wednesday, June 11 at 7 p.m., the IPO’s annual series of chamber music concerts at the idyllic Ravisloe Country Club, 18231 S. Park Avenue, Homewood, returns for another season. Join friends, superb IPO musicians, and guest artists for diverse and entertaining concerts in one of the most relaxing settings imaginable. General admission tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at https://secure.ticketsage.net/websales.

For additional information, call 708-481-7774.

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

Espirit de Corps Exhibition – Through August 1, 2014

NVAM is celebrating its first anniversary in its Milwaukee Avenue location with its art exhibition, Esprit de Corps, an exhibition highlighting the spirit of creative resilience. Esprit de Corps features art by nine veterans of Vietnam, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terror. The NVAM will be free and open to the public through August 1, 2014. Esprit de Corps is sponsored by Omicron, Bank of America and Paratech Incorporated. Drawing on breakthroughs in using art to assist with reintegration of veterans and for therapeutic expression, Esprit de Corps traces the process and roles of therapeutic art from the act of initial perception through expression of experience to an ultimate communal sharing and understanding of the real impact of war. Featured artists include Joseph Fornelli, Jerry Frech, Jonathan Hancock, Peter Sullivan, Benjamin Suarez, Thomas Gilbertson, Theodore Gostas, Richard Williams and Erica Slone. High resolution images of work in the show are available through the NVAM’s Dropbox. For additional information and hours, visit the museum’s website at www.nvam.org. 

Surrealism and War – Through November 1

Surrealism and War, an exhibition of veterans’ artwork that explores the relationship between surrealism and the experience of war will be on display at the NVAM through November 1. Surrealism and War includes the seminal work “The Earth Lies Screaming” by Jim Leedy, a Korean War veteran who was one of only two Americans invited to participate in the largest Surrealist exhibition ever assembled at the Retretti Art Center, Finland, an exhibition that began with Miro, Dali, and DuChamp, and culminated with several works by Mr. Leedy. Surrealism is an attempt to revolt against the inherent contradictions of a society ruled by rational thought while dominated by war and oppression. Surrealism seeks expression of thought in the absence of all control exercised by reason and free of aesthetic and moral preoccupation. It is this same absence of control exercised by reason that many combat veterans seek to explore and express after their experiences in war. Surrealism and War features the artwork of nine veteran artists that intentionally and unintentionally use and explore Surrealist processes and concepts.  Featured artists include Korean War veteran Jim Leedy, Vietnam War veterans William Dugan, Stan Gillett, Michael Helbing, and Richard Yohnka, Gulf War veteran Ehren Tool, Kosovo veteran Giuseppe Pellicano, and Iraq War veterans David Keefe and Robynn Murray. The National Veterans Art Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. For group admission reservations, call the Museum at 312/326-0270 or visit www.nvam.org. Patrons of the museum can access art from the permanent collection and biographical information on the artists through the NVAM Collection Online, a recently launched online and high-resolution archive of every piece of art in the museum’s permanent collection. The NVAM Collection Online can be found at www.nvam.org.

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

Science Club: You Build It! – Monday June 2 through Thursday, June 5

The Science Club will feature ‘You Build It!’ Monday, June 2 through Thursday, June 5 at 4:30 p.m. each day in the Library’s Kidz Zone. This event is for those in grades 3-6. Join us all week for fun hands-on experiments provided by the Museum of Science and Industry Chicago. Each day we’ll learn about another aspect of engineering and architecture. On the last day, we’ll see who builds the biggest and strongest building of all!

This Week’s Events at the Park Forest Public Library

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

• Tuesday, June 3 at 3:30 p.m. — Teen Civic Art & Engagement — Create and participate in civic art projects. Dining on the Green is located in downtown Park Forest at 349 Main St.
• Wednesday, June 4 at 3: 30 p.m. — Teen Zone at Forest Trail — Area youth are invited to participate in this popular drop-in program. Activities include ping pong, air hockey, pool and open gym. This program is open to all students 7th through 9th grade. NOTE: This program will be held at the Forest Trail Middle School, 215 Wilson Street, Park Forest.
• Thursday, June 5 at 3:30 p.m. – Teen Civic Art & Engagement — Create and participate in civic art projects. Dining on the Green is located in downtown Park Forest at 349 Main St.
• Friday, June 6 at 12 p.m. — D-Day Remembrance: The Longest Day — 1962 epic film recounting the D-Day Invasion.

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

Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest

Step Back Into the 1950s at the 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 Adults $5; Children 12 & 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 at 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, 294 Main Street, Park Forest

‘Natural Woman’ by Donna Radcliffe – Opens June 6

‘Natural Woman’ an exhibit by Donna Radcliffe will open on June 6 and run through June 28. Donna Radcliffe explores nature and natural surroundings with works on canvas and paper. Come and meet the artist at the reception on Friday, June 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with music and refreshments.  Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For additional information and Gallery hours, call 708-833-5108.

Father’s Day Sale

Looking for that special Father’s Day gift? Starting Saturday, June 7, come to Salon Gallery where you can choose from the wonderful array of Dad’s gifts such as pens, bowls and other special items for the male members of the family. For additional information and Gallery hours, call 708-833-5108.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Identity Interpreted and Assumed: Self Portrait’ – Through July 12

Tall Grass Arts Association’s next exhibition is ‘Identity Interpreted and Assumed: Self Portrait’ will run through July 12. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Juror Ruth Crnkovich selected works from 38 artists from around the country who have explored through direct representation and expressive interpretation the self-portrait as a symbol for identity. Crnkovich, well-known in our region for her roles as director and curator at galleries such as South Shore Arts, The Vietnam Veterans Museum, and our own Tall Grass Gallery, is also a respected art appraiser, and she has chosen works that range from literal portraits to mythical role-playing to symbolic meditations on how the artists see themselves. Artists included are: Jamilah Adebesin Mason, Marjorie Anderson, Dale Augustson, Sabine Betschart, Chris Cicala, Catherine Danae, Leonard Ferris, Lynn Garwood, Janet Glazar, Karen Anne Glick, John Gutierrez, Margi Hafer, Linda Lane Haynes, Mike Helbing, Gregg Hertzlieb, Jeanine Hill-Soldner, Fran Hollander, chawne kimber, Kim Laurel, Laura Lein-Svencner, Jean Lewis, Mikelle Lindsey, Carol Luc, Susan Mahan, Claudia McCarthy, Jennifer Meyer, Mary Lou Novak, Alison Oakes, Joseph Perryman, Alicia Post, Mark Reed, Don Sala, and Liz Clayton Scofield.

For additional information please visit the Tall Grass website www.tallgrassarts.org or call the Gallery at 708-748-3377.

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

‘A Little Garden Art’ Garden Walk – Presale Discount Tickets Now on Sale

USG’s annual garden walk, ‘A Little Garden Art’ will be held on Saturday, July 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine. Enjoy an enchanting day in the gardens as you experience some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes here in the south suburbs. Each garden will have a working artist creating art inspired by their surroundings and guests can watch artists working in a variety of media. Completed art will be displayed at Union Street Gallery after the walk in the fall. This is more of a "garden drive" than a walk, so transportation is necessary. Tickets are priced at $20 in advance or $25 the day of the event, but you can purchase a presale voucher now for only $18. For additional information or to purchase advance tickets, call 708-754-2601.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

Job Search Assistance Every Tuesday at GSU

The Mobile Workforce Center’s mobile unit will be at GSU every Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., parked near the university’s front entrance. Center services include resume development, access to online job boards and websites, instruction in how to conduct an online job search and improve keyboarding skills, and assistance of staff. The center is equipped with 11 computer stations with Internet access, printer, and copy machines, and is wheelchair accessible. Services are free and available to residents in all counties. For additional information, contact the Workforce Services Division of Will County at 815-727-4980.

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights

Opt In to Technology at PSC

You can bridge the gap between technology and a new you at PSC’s new Opt In program that consists of two computer training centers and free classes to teach basic technological skills. One location is at the Adult Training and outreach Center in Room A145 at PSC’s main campus. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The other location is at the Matteson Area Center’s Computer Training Lab located at 4821 Southwick Dr., Matteson. Hours for this location are Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. No matter what skill level you have or want to have, Opt In can help. Both computer labs and on-site tutors are free and open to the public.

For additional information, call Lisa Zeigler at 708-709-3548 or e-mail [email protected].

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.

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

Summer Basketball Camp – Camp Begins June 16

The SSC Basketball Program is now accepting registrations for their summer camps in June. The Bulldogs will host two camps–a Championship Basketball Camp from June 16th through June 19th from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., and a Championship Shooting Camp from June 23rd through 26th from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the SSC Fitness Center/Fieldhouse. The camps are designed for Boys and Girls ages 7 – 17, and will be directed by Head Coach John Pigatti and players from the 2014 Bulldog Basketball Team. The cost of the Shooting Camp is $60 and the Basketball Camp is $105, with a special price of $140 for both camps. Campers will need shorts, basketball shoes, and a T-shirt or practice uniform. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase every day of the camps. The main goal of these camps is to provide each individual with an opportunity to become a better player and to have some fun along the way. In order to accomplish these goals, the emphasis will be on the fundamentals of basketball. The 2014 SSC Men’s Basketball Team finished 7th at the National Junior Conference Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Tournament with a final record of 31-6. Coach Pigatti brings over 20 years of college coaching experience from a well-rounded background. He was also the head coach of the Five Star Basketball Post Development Camp where he instructed several top 100 high school players in the country. Pigatti has received six Region IV-A Coach of the Year Awards and has been named IBCA Coach of the Year. 

For more information, or to register for the Basketball Camps, please contact Coach Pigatti at 708-596-2000, ext. 2524 or email [email protected]. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

College for Kids & Day Camp Summer Programs at SSC – Classes Begin June 16

SSC’s Continuing Education Department is offering courses to help fill the summer days with activities that will entertain and challenge children and young adults. The majority of the College for Kids classes scheduled for this summer will begin the week of June 16th at SSC’s Main Campus in South Holland and Oak Forest Center. In addition, SSC will offer a Jam Session Day Camp for $329, beginning on June 30, 2014. This four-week summer school program is less than $5 per hour for academics and fun enrichment programs three days a week. Math will consist of review and instruction of the basic arithmetic skills. In addition to Reading and Math, students will enjoy a variety of other stimulating activities, such as Spanish and Art.

The following Learning Enrichment Classes will be offered for preschoolers at a cost of $39 each:

Jump Start on Reading            
Reading Readiness
ABC’s and 123’s
Dr. Seuss and Mother Goose
Jump Start on Kindergarten

The following classes will be offered for elementary school kids for $69 each:

Well Written Essays
Study Skills
Fun with Phonics
Grammar No Problem
Reading, Accelerated or Refresher
Math Refresher
Pre-Algebra
Spanish

The following high school classes will be offered for $69 each:

Written Essays
Study Skills
Introduction to Algebra
Pre-Algebra/Geometry
Conversational Spanish

Students with classes totaling $100 or more may be eligible for the FACTS deferred tuition payment plan.

Visit “Continuing Education” online at www.ssc.edu for a complete listing of classes, or call 708- 596-2000, extension 2231.

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

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.

Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip

Free Community Education and Prevention Programs about Mental Health

Sertoma Centre’s Mental Health Services facility is offering community mental health seminars, free of charge to community groups, schools, law enforcement agencies, religious organizations, and other community groups at their location in Matteson or facility.  Education Programs will include: Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) which increases public awareness of suicide and improves one’s ability to identify and refer those at risk for suicide. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a public education course that helps participants identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance disorders. Also included is Mental Health First Aid for Youth and Anxiety/Depression Screenings. Thanks to a grant, these educational opportunities are available at no cost to you or your organization.

To arrange a free educational opportunity for your club, group, workplace, organization, or church, call Gia Washington at 708-748-1951, Ext. 418 or email at [email protected].

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 Rich Township Senior Café 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 10 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

Wednesday Morning Walkers – June 4

On Wednesday, June 4 at 9 a.m., enjoy light exercise and experience nature firsthand on Thorn Creek’s winding trails. Trails can be wet or muddy, so please wear sturdy shoes. Terrain is moderator. The Wednesday morning walks will continue each week and walkers new to the program must register two days before they first hike. For additional information, please call 708-747-6320 or e-mail [email protected].

Spend an Afternoon with Friends of Thorn Creek Featuring the Pileated Woodpecker – Sunday, June 8

Old friends and new will join other nature lovers for Friends of Thorn Creek Woods Spring Meeting and Program, on Sunday, June 8 at 1 p.m., at Thorn Creek Nature Center. This event includes a program, hike, refreshments, and a short meeting to enlighten those who’d like to know more about Thorn Creek Nature Center and Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve. A roundtable discussion will feature the Pileated woodpecker, a magnificent crow-sized bird, which is another large animal that has returned to our nature preserve. Our naturalist, Thorn Creek Audubon members and any other interested persons will share information about this woodpecker, its identification, calls, drumming and habits. We’ll explore the differences between local woodpecker species. You are encouraged to bring your own woodpecker photos and to share your observations. Meet with other nature lovers for a short information report about what has been going on in the preserve, plans for the future and how people can help out. “Old” supporters of Friends, bring someone new as a guest. New folks will find out what makes Thorn Creek unique! Members of this historic organization “got the ball rolling” several decades ago to save the woods, and continue to support Thorn Creek Nature Center and Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve. Thorn Creek’s many volunteers are also an indispensable part of what makes Thorn Creek “tick”. After the Pileated woodpecker roundtable, Thorn Creek naturalist April Richards will lead a spring hike.

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, 350 Victory Drive

Clothing, Shoe Recycling at Park Forest Farmers’ Market Beginning June 14

The Park Forest Farmers’ Market will now offer clothing and shoe recycling services from 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday through September. The dates when accepted items may be dropped off are:

– June 14
– July 12
– August 9
– September 13

USAgain, a green, for-profit company committed to protecting the environment, conserving resources, and creating green sector jobs through the collection of textiles for reuse and recycling, has agreed to collect residents’ old shoes and clothing at the Market. Items dropped off will be diverted from landfills to be re-worn, reused or recycled – reducing the carbon footprint of residents. Accepted items include men’s, women’s and kids’ shoes, boots and clothing as well as gloves, hats, bags, purses and belts. Sheets, blankets, drapes and towels are also welcome.

The Park Forest Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays, May through October, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is located at 271 Lakewood Blvd, just across from the Park Forest Police Department. To learn more, call 708-748-1118.

Park Forest 41st Annual Farmers’ Market – Every Saturday through October 25

Park Forest’s 41st Annual Farmers’ Market will take place every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 25. The Market is located across the street from the Park Forest Police Station, 271 Lakewood Boulevard. The Market offers fresh vegetables, fruits, organic breads, salsa, specialty produce, garden bedding plants, perennials, garden ornaments, Amish butter, cheese and pies. A variety of food vendors, jewelry and oils will also be available for purchase. The Market accepts SNAP/Link cards, Senior Nutrition coupons and WIC.

For additional information about the Farmers’ Market, call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118, email [email protected] or visit www.villageofparkforest.com.

This & That

Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 South Orchard Drive, Park Forest

Chat-n-Chew Bazaar – Saturday, June 7

Calvary United Protestant Church will host its annual Chat-n-Chew Bazaar on Saturday, June 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature over 25 vendors, food, games, arts and crafts, music, Zumba and much more. There will also be a blood drive taking place. There will be lots of fun for those of all ages. For additional information, call 708-283-4190.

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, June 6 beginning at 6 p.m. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 South Halsted, Chicago Heights

PSC Foundation Annual Scholarship Classic Golf & Tennis Outing – June 2

The PSC Foundation is hosting the 21st Annual Scholarship Classic on Monday, June 2, 2014. All proceeds from the event will benefit student scholarships at PSC. Breaking tradition, participants of this year’s event have the opportunity to choose between a golf outing at Idlewild Country Club in Flossmoor or a tennis clinic and tournament at Olympia Fields County Club in Olympia Fields. The cost for the golf outing is $200 per golfer, and includes an 11 a.m. grilled lunch in the clubhouse and driving range warm-ups, followed by a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start scramble that includes a cart, contests, and beverages. The scramble will be followed by a 5:30 p.m. cocktail half hour and 6 p.m. buffet dinner and awards presentation. Golfers may also purchase the Diploma Games package for $50, which includes participation in a hole-in-one contest for $5,000 to the first successful contestant, a two-game scratch card, three mulligans (not on hole 3 or 12), and more. All participants in the golf outing also have the opportunity to win a hole-in-one contest sponsored by Arnie Bauer Buick Cadillac GM in Matteson. The prize is a 2014 Buick LaCrosse. The cost for the tennis clinic and tournament is $150 per person, and includes a 10 a.m. cardio clinic with Olympia Fields Country Club pro Wayne Muskievicz, an 11:30 a.m. lunch at Olympia Fields Country Club, a 1 p.m. round robin doubles tournament at Olympia Fields Country Club, and the 6 p.m. buffet dinner and awards presentation at Idlewild Country Club. Participants in the cardio clinic also have the option to skip the doubles tournament and join the golf scramble and lunch at Idlewild Country Club. If not available for golf or tennis, guests can pay $60 per person for the dinner and awards presentation at Idlewild Country Club. Sponsorship opportunities also are available, and will help raise extra scholarship funds. A full list of sponsorship opportunities is online at prairiestate.edu/foundation by visiting Scholarship Events.

For more information or to register for the event, visit www.prairiestate.edu/foundation or email [email protected].

PSC Seeks Nominations for Community Service Awards – Nominations Due By Friday, June 13

Thousands of people in the Prairie State College (PSC) district give generously of their time and talent to make the community a better place. To honor these individuals, PSC is accepting nominations for two community service awards, one to honor a community member and another to honor a PSC graduate. The first is the Dr. James H. Griffith Community Service Award, given to a 2014 PSC graduate. Nominees should be a person or group who has contributed in an extraordinary way to the community. The award is named after former Trustee Dr. James H. Griffith, who served for 25 years on the PSC Board of Trustees. The second award is the Michael R. Monteleone Community Service Award, given to a community member of the PSC district. Nominees must be a person or group who has contributed in an extraordinary way to education through community service, as either a volunteer or a community leader. A nominee’s service efforts should be within the PSC district, although additional activities in other areas would be recognized. Also, the nominee should not be employed in the community service or public service field. The award is named after former Trustee and Board Chair Michael R. Monteleone, who served on the Board of Trustees for 21 years, from 1981 to 2002. All nominations must arrive at the PSC President’s Office no later than Friday, June 13.

To receive a nomination form or for more information, call Pat Trost, executive assistant to the president, at 708-709-3637.

Sertoma Centre, Inc., 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip

2014 High Tea Event to Benefit Community – Wednesday, June 4

Make your reservations now and enjoy a delightful afternoon of fun, food and fashion. Sertoma Centre, Inc. and Sertoma Speech and Hearing Center are hosting this unique event on Wednesday, June 4 at Crystal Tree Country Club, 10700 W 153rd St, Orland Park at 11 a.m. Tickets are $40 per person and include a traditional high tea, music by harpist Amy Lee, raffles, a fashion show by Funkie Fashions and the comedic talents of Tracy DeGraaf. In addition, the event offers an extraordinary selection of vendor tables for guests to peruse including: Funkie Fashions, Lia Sophia, Tealightful Tea, Premiere Design Jewelry, Celebrating Home, 3D Pictures, Gold Canyon Candles, Hollingsworth, Premier Jewelry, Back Beat Photography, Nerium Skin Care, Beijo Bags and Dermatology Associates.  Event sponsors of the High Tea include: Home Helpers and State Farm Insurance Company. The proceeds from this event support the non-profit missions of Sertoma Centre, Inc. and of Sertoma Speech & Hearing Center.

To make reservations please visit www.sertomacenter.org or call 708-599-9500.