Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—May 17, 2010. Rumor has it that Park Foresters should plan on a hot summer this year. Plan on beating the heat by making plans now to be a part of a great summer experience by becoming a member of the Park Forest Aqua Center. You can enjoy the beach right here in Park Forest when you walk into the zero depth pool. There is plenty of shallow water and special water play equipment which make it a great place for toddlers and non-swimmers.
For plenty of action, enjoy the AquaClimb and Drop Slide. Take a ride on the 160 foot water slide or enjoy a fast game of volleyball on the sand court. All of these features are surrounded by a new bathhouse and concession stand, turf, sun decks and beautifully landscaped wood decks. Call 708-748-2005 for a brochure or visit: http://www.villageofparkforest.com.
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 Meetings
Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Boards
The following Village Commission will meet this week:
- Recreations & Parks Advisory Board – Tuesday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m.
- Plan Commission –Tuesday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m. (NOTE: The Plan Commission holds a second meeting each month on an as needed basis. Please call Park Forest Village Hall at 708-748-1112 to verify if this meeting will take place.)
All meetings are held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Village Board 2010/2011 Budget Review Schedule
The Board will convene budget review sessions throughout the month of May where Department personnel will discuss their respective sections of the budget with Board Members.
| Date & Time | Discussion Topics |
| Tuesday, May 18 6:30 p.m | .Health Department; Recreation & Parks; Community Development |
| Saturday, May 22 9:00 a.m. | Outstanding Issues |
| Monday, June 14 8:00 p.m. | First Reading/Public Hearing |
| Monday, June 28 8:00 p.m. | Budget Adoption |
All meetings will be held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Arts and Entertainment
Faith United Protestant Church, 10 Hemlock, Park Forest
Handbell Soloist Performs Friday, May 21
On Friday, May 21 at 7 p.m., handbell soloist Kristine Stout from the Joybell Theater in Nashville, Indiana will present a concert at Faith United Protestant Church. Solo handbell ringing is a fairly rare, graceful form of musical expression. Kristine plays three octaves of Malmark English Handbells employing a unique combination of choreography and traditional handbell weaving techniques. Tickets are $10 and available at the church. 10% of all proceeds will be donated to the Rich Township Food Pantry. For more information call, 708-747-1330.
Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood St., Park Forest
Interpretations in Poetry – Saturday, May 22
On Saturday, May 22 at 6 p.m., the Drama Ministry of Hallelujah Temple pays tribute to modern-day poets through dramatic interpretation; an evening of spoken word and music. For more information, call Myrna Herndon at 708-503-6536.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
Common Ground, Diverse Approaches: Works on Paper – Through June 27
Artists include Mary Bookwalter, Sergio Gomez, Tyler Hewitt, Jane Hudak, Erik LaGattuta, Chelise Slowik, Jerry Slowik, Jeff Stevenson, Jessica VanSwol, and Carol Weber. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, please call 708-748-3377.
Spring 2010 Art Film Discussion Series Continues – Sunday, May 23
Tall Grass’ Spring 2010 Art Film Discussion Series continues on Sunday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m. with the screening of ‘Coco Before Chanel.’ Tom Silva will lead the discussion following the movie. The film will be shown at the Marcus Theatre, 1301 Hilltop Avenue, Chicago Heights. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 708-748-3377.
Park Forest Historical Society
Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard (Corner of Forest & Fir)
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum is in an original rental townhome, built in 1947-1949 by American Community Builders. The museum provides a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane for anyone who lived in the 1950s or 1960s, or for those interested in that period. Visitors are encouraged to open drawers, cupboard and closets to discover period treasures inside. Contents of the house, furnished as though a young veteran and his family of small children occupy it, include dolls, toys, dollhouses, books, dishes, serving pieces, furniture and clothing from the period. When is the last time you said, "Hello," to Howdy Doody?
The Museum is open on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Group tours are by appointment. Call 708-748-3731.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway
‘A Whole New Mind 2010 BRAINSTORM’ – Opens May 24
The Intellectual Life Committee at GSU is sponsoring a national juried art competition titled ‘A Whole New Mind 2010 BRAINSTORM’ from May 24 to June 24 in the Visual Arts Gallery. Fifty-nine art works by 45 artists will compete for $2,000 in prize money. Susan Aurinko (artist, photographer, independent curator, and former owner of FLATFILEgalleries, Chicago) and Tricia Van Eck (Associate Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago) are serving as the competition’s jurors.
A reception and award ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 19 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. This Visual Arts Gallery is open Monday and Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. For an appointment call, 708-534-4021.
Southland Area Theatre Ensemble (SLATE) at GSU
Auditions for “The Wedding Singer” –Tuesday, May 18
SLATE at GSU will be holding auditions for this summer’s musical production of “The Wedding Singer” on Tuesday, May 18, starting at 5 p.m., in Sherman Recital Hall at GSU. Persons wishing to audition should visit the SLATE website at www.slatetheatre.org to download the audition form and view character descriptions and casting requirements. Those auditioning should prepare a one minute vocal selection that best demonstrates their vocal range from either a pop-rock musical such as “The Wedding Singer,” “Footloose,” “Tommy,” “Rent,” or a 1980s pop, rock, or power ballad. They should bring sheet music – singing a cappella will not be permitted – and comfortable clothes and shoes for a dance audition.
Auditions are by appointment only. Interested persons can make appointments by calling the audition hotline at 708-235-2824. In addition, visit the SLATE website to fill out the audition and conflict sheets to turn in when you arrive for auditions. Auditions will last at least 2 hours to allow completion of both the vocal and dance segments. Callbacks are scheduled for Sunday, May 23 and are by invitation only.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
Two Worlds: Old and New – Saturday, May 22
On Saturday, May 22 at 8 p.m. conductor Carmon DeLeone and violinists Hal Grossman and Elizabeth Huffman will perform Two Marches and an Interlude (Francis Poulenc), Concerto for Two Violins (J.S. Bach) and Symphony No. 9 in E minor, op. 95 ‘From the New World (Antonin Dvorak). The concert will take place at the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 18899 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort, IL. Tickets are priced at $50, $40, $30 and $15. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-481-7774 or visit www.ipomusic.org.
Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, IL
Homewood Flossmoor High School Student Exhibition – Friday, May 21
On Friday, May 21 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Union Street Gallery will display fresh new art from the talented art students at Homewood Flossmoor High School The exhibition is for one night only. For more information, call 708-754-2601.
‘Creating While Life is Happening’ – Saturday, May 22
On Saturday, May 22 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Coach Jeff Stevenson will present a workshop titled ‘Creating While Life is Happening.’ The myths and fantasies about the ideal creative moment or the ideal creative place often stand in the way of our creative thinking and our creative work. Although having peace and quiet with uninterrupted blocks of time and well appointed office of studio doesn’t hurt, most of us have demands put upon us that provide interruptions and less than ideal environments. How can we create while life is happening all around us? This workshop will focus on specific techniques that participants will find practical and easy to implement and that will open doors for the creative sprit. Fee is $45. Space is limited. To register, call 708-754-2601 or e-mail [email protected].
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights
Graduating Students Art Exhibit – Through May 20
The creative expressions of 12 graduating students from PSC are on display through May 20 in the college’s Christopher Art Gallery. Works include drawings, paintings, and photographs that feature a range of techniques and subjects. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway
Bike Tour of Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park – Saturday, May 22
Enjoy a tour of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at GSU from your bicycle. Bike the pathways of the park and enjoy a guided tour of many of the 26 pieces of renowned artwork. The bike tour will be held on Saturday, May 22 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Riders will meet outside, on campus, behind the Hall of Governors. There is no charge to participate. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All riders must wear helmets. There will be some riding on public roads. Pre-registration is NOT required. For more information, call 708-534-4486 or visit www.govst.edu/sculpture.
Thorn Creek Audubon Society
Midewin Tallgrass Prairie Trip – Wednesday, May 26
Midewin is the converted Joliet Arsenal, 30 square miles of prairie, where we may see Upland Sandpipers, Shrikes, Wild Turkeys and many migrants and nesters. We will carpool from the Park Forest Library at 7 a.m. or meet at Midewin at 8 a.m. Midewin Center is on the east side of Rte. 53, one mile north of the Wilmington-Peotone Road. We will be done about 11 a.m. Please RSVP Al Thomas at 708-957-9847 or e-mail at [email protected] if you are going either by carpool or on your own.
Holiday Star Theater Scholarship Program for Arts and Media Majors – Application Deadline Monday, May 17
The Holiday Star Theater, 340 Main St., Park Forest, is offering $12,500 in scholarships for the Fall 2010 semester to local high school and college students who plan to or are currently majoring in film production, theater management, performing arts or related fields at a local Chicago-area college or university. Applicants will be evaluated based on a variety of factors including GPA, level of community involvement and other outstanding factors with preference given to residents of Park Forest and its surrounding communities. Additional information and the application form can be downloaded at www.theholidaystartheater.net/scholarship.pdf. Applications must be submitted no later than May 17, 2010.
Park Forest Nurses Club
60th Anniversary Celebration – Thursday, May 20
The Park Forest Nurses Club will celebrate its 60th anniversary on Thursday, May 20th at Carlo’s Restaurant, 560 W. Lincoln Highway, Chicago Heights. ‘Special’ guest and speaker will be Clara Barton, famous army nurse, humanitarian, teacher, and co-founder of the American Red Cross. A ‘wall of memory’ exhibiting photos of members, as well as books depicting the activities of the club will be prominently displayed. The program will also include the awarding of nursing scholarships for deserving area students and installation of Officers for the 2010 – 2011 year. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. For additional information, call Barbara Principali at 708-481-8387.
Shop Locally
Garden Club of Park Forest
Annual Plant Sale – Saturday, May 22
On Saturday, May 22 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Garden Club of Park Forest will hold its Annual Spring Plant Sale at 2 E. Rocket Circle (Lakewood & Rocket Circle) in Park Forest. Plants donated by Club members include: potted perennials – fully matured as well as new growth, bulbs and day lilies, along with miscellaneous items for the garden. For more information, call Margaret Warden at 708-672-7928.
“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.
Park Forest Farmers Market
The Park Forest’s Farmers Market will be held each Saturday through October from 7 a.m. until noon, rain or shine. Fresh garden plants and produce, bakery goods, gourmet cheeses, herbs and eggs will be available for sale. Local businesses will also be on hand with a variety of artwork, garden ornaments, candles and more. Meet your friends at the Farmers Market for breakfast or lunch and shop locally.
During the Farmers Market, local civic groups can give demonstrations, hold fundraisers or other events at no charge but must register in advance. For more information, call 708-748-1118 or visit www.pfhealth.net.
Park Forest Spring Savings Coupons
Spring savings coupons were recently mailed to all Park Forest residents. Participating merchants include: Lifetime Automotive Repair, Quality Classic Health & Fitness Center, The Image of Inc. Barber Shop, Superior Cabinet & Window, Shrimp Max, Freedom Hall, and Last Minute Printing & Copy Center. Remember to support our local Park Forest merchants. If you did not receive coupons in the mail, pick some up at Village Hall.
Holiday Star Theater, 340 Main St., Park Forest
Free Movie Every Tuesday for Seniors
Every Tuesday at 1 p.m., Seniors can attend a free movie at the Holiday Star Theater. Afternoon tea will be served following the movie. Call 708-283-9096 for each week’s scheduled movie.
Free Popcorn Tuesdays
If you love popcorn, bring your own popcorn bowl to the Holiday Star Theater any Tuesday and they will fill it up for you with a drink purchase. For information on ticket prices and/or movie times, call 708-283-9096.
Doomsday Zombie Fest 2010
The Holiday Star Theater will be hosting Doomsday Zombie Fest 2010. The goal is to break the current Guinness World Record for the most Zombies gathered at a single location. Starting Friday, October 22 at 5 p.m., the Holiday Star Theater will be showing Zombie Movies for 72 straight hours on huge outdoor screens. Zombies are encouraged to bring their tents and camp out.
On Saturday, October 23, the attempt to beat the World Record will take place. Bring your best Zombie costume, make-up and props. There will be prizes, contests, ‘Zombie Walk,’ vendors, and on-site make-up artists.
This event is free and open to the public however, the Holiday Star Theater requests that you bring a non-perishable food or household item for charity. Additional information about the event can be found at http://doomsdayzombiefest.com/.
Greening of Park Forest
B3 Bottles, Park Forest
The United Sates leads in consuming bottled water, drinking 26 billion liters a year (that’s only one, 8 ounce glass per day). It is estimated that Americans go through 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour with 86% of the plastic bottles used never getting recycled. B3 Bottles, a local Park Forest business, has a solution to this problem. B3’s stainless steel bottles can be filled with Park Forest’s award winning water or other hot/cold beverages of your choice, and then cleaned and re-used for a lifetime. To learn more about B3 Bottles and pricing information, call Laura Fitzgerald at 708-748-0934.
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.
Go Green with a Free Tote Bag
The Village of Park Forest encourages residents to visit Village Hall to pick up an environmentally friendly canvas bag that can be used for your day-to-day shopping needs. These bags are free while supplies last with only two expectations: 1) that residents have a valid email address so that future environmentally conscious concepts can be shared by the Village’s Environment Commission; and 2) that bags are limited to one per household. For more information on this program, visit the Village Manager’s Office on the second floor of Village Hall of call 708-748-1129.
Healthy Living
Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
Wednesday Morning Walkers – May 19
On Wednesday, May 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., those ages 11 – adult can enjoy light exercise as you meander through Thorn Creek Woods. Experience the arrival of spring first-hand as you walk the 1.5 mile loop with a naturalist. Trails can be wet or muddy so please wear sturdy shoes. Terrain is moderate. The Walkers will meet each Wednesday through June 16 and there is a fee of $2 per week. For more information, call 708-747-6320.
Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (lower level)
H1N1 Vaccine Available at Park Forest Health Department
The Park Forest Health Department has a limited supply of H1N1 vaccines available. H1N1 vaccines will be given by appointment only on Mondays and Fridays while supplies last. The fee for the vaccine is $15 and must be paid in cash at the time the vaccine is given. Medicare primary is accepted and Medicaid accepted for those 6 months through 18 years of age. No Managed Care enrollees accepted.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 708-481-1118. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Babies, Teens and Adults Immunization Clinics
Babies, teens and adult immunization and flu and pneumonia clinics will be held on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details or to schedule an appointment, call 708-748-1118. The Health Department is a low cost provider for children and adult immunizations.
Blood Pressure Screening
A free Blood Pressure Clinic is held at the Park Forest Health Department Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Elevated blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Walk in or call ahead at 708-748-1118.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Free Counseling Services Available
Today, individuals and families face economic and social pressures as well as communication difficulties that frequently disrupt family unity and the ability to cope. Counseling is one of the most important tools for understanding and coping. Free, individual, family and vocational counseling is available through GSU’s Division of Psychology and Counseling as part of its training program for advanced graduate counseling students. Faculty members, who are also licensed counselors, supervise the sessions. Counseling sessions are conducted on campus in total confidentiality. For more information, call 708-534-4545 or visit www.govst.edu/counselinglab.
This & That
Homebuyer’s Workshop – Wednesday, May 19
Are you looking to buy a home and don’t know where to start? Come to Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, on Wednesday, May 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for an informative workshop that will guide you from point A – Z. Call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 to RSVP. This workshop is sponsored by South Suburban Housing.
Park Forest Economic Development & Planning
Business Networking Mix – Wednesday, May 19
On Wednesday, May 19 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., a Business Networking Mix will be held at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest. This free event includes a full complimentary breakfast. Immediately following breakfast will be 30 minutes of lively networking followed by an update on the Village’s economic opportunities. Come and join the fun while expanding your circle of contacts. There will be a $100 advertising bonus for the person who brings the most guests. For additional information or to register, call Monica DeLord at 708-283-5617 or online at http://pfbusinessmix051910.eventbrite.com/
Chicago Sky WNBA Family Night Trip – Saturday, May 22
The Village of Park Forest has teamed with the Chicago Sky WNBA Franchise to offer Family Night on opening night Saturday, May 22 at the Allstate Arena. For just $11, you can experience women’s professional basketball live as the Sky takes on the Indiana Fever. Price includes ticket, round-trip school bus transportation and Park Forest t-shirt. Tickets are limited so don’t hesitate to take advantage of this great offer. Bus departs from Park Forest Village Hall at 5 p.m. and returns at 11 p.m. For more information, contact Kevin Adams at Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department at 708-748-2005.
Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood, Park Forest
Connect Café – Thursday, May 20
On Thursday, May 20 from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m., the Connect Café is a place for the community to hang out, have a cup of coffee, latte, or hot chocolate, listen to music, talk, play a game of chess, or just relax. Kid friendly, also for Mom’s and Dad’s. This event will be held every Thursday. For more information, call 708-748-1995.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway
All Nations for Haiti Fashion Show – Friday, May 21
Supporting the rebuilding and empowerment of Haiti after the devastating earthquake is the goal of the “All Nations for Haiti” Fashion Show at GSU on Friday, May 21 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Sherman Hall. GSU students representing many different nations, will take part in the fashion show. Styles representing various cultures from around the world as well as current fashions will be presented. All proceeds will go to the Joseph Assignment which works closely with relief and development organizations in Haiti. Advance tickets are $10. Tickets purchased at the door are $15. For ticket information, call 708-235-3969.
New Community Church, 245 Monee Rd., Park Forest
Kids Fest – Saturday, May 22
On Saturday, May 22 from 12 noon to 3 p.m., New Community Church presents Kids Fest at Central Park, 410 Lakewood Blvd. Join us for games, exhibits, inflatables, music and food. For more information call Keisha Kellogg at 708-747-1794 or visit www.nccpf.org. Come out for a fin-filled day of activities and fun. This event is free.
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.
Sources: Park Forest 2010 Summer Recreation Programs & More; Park Forest Winter/Spring 2010 Recreation Programs & More, Village of Park Forest, Center for Performing Arts, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Freedom Hall, Tall Grass Arts Association, Union Street Gallery, Park Forest Rotary Club, South Suburban Family Shelter, Park Forest Historical Society, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, and Holiday Star Theater websites.
