In and Around Park Forest Week of May 28, 2012

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—May 28, 2012. On Monday, we will celebrate Memorial Day — a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United State Armed Forces. The Park Forest American Legion will hold a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 28 at 11 a.m. on the Village Green in DownTown Park Forest. A reception will follow at Post 1198, 1631 Western Ave., Chicago Heights. Residents are encouraged to attend.

On Saturday, June 2 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Board Room of Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, Park Forest’s Nurses Plus Home Healthcare will celebrate its 60th Anniversary. Additional information about this event can be found in the ‘Healthy Living’ section.

If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in our community during the upcoming week, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.

Village of Park Forest

Village Hall Closure

Park Forest Village Hall will be closed on Monday, May 28 in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday.

Village Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees will hold a Saturday Morning Rules meeting on June 2 at 10 a.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend. Village Board meetings air live on cable access channels (Channel 4 for Comcast subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T subscribers) as well as on the Village web site at www.villageofparkforest.com.

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

Green Events

Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest

Wednesday Morning Walkers – May 30

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.

Historic Farm Walk to Hornicek Farm – Registration Required

On Sunday, June 3 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., those of all ages can enjoy a summer day on the historic Hornicek Farm nestled in Thorn Creek Woods. Tour the farm buildings and the organic gardens. Wander in the old-fashioned flower gardens. Meet brown egg layers and maybe some blue egg-laying hens. Sip lemonade and listen to old-time music. Meet at the nature center and carpool to the farm. Terrain is moderate. There is a fee of $5 per person. To register, call 708-747-6320.

Thorn Creek Audubon Society (TCAS), Park Forest

Governors State University (GSU) Walk – Sculpture and Birds – Wednesday, May 30

Meet at the east parking lot at GSU, 1 University Parkway, University Park, at 7 a.m. We will follow the sculpture trail where in the past a variety of interesting birds have been seen. Birds that nest in open fields, such as yellow-breasted chats, orchard orioles, kingbirds, sedge wrens and Bell’s vireos may be seen and heard, so brush up on their songs. For additional information, call Aura Duke at 708-748-6407 or Kathy Dehn at 708-672-3491.

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

‘Toxics to Treasure’ Eco-Tour – Saturday, June 9

On Saturday, June 9, the Green Sanctuary and Earth Care Forum of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church will host a ‘Toxics to Treasures’ Eco-Tour. You will spend 3 hours touring southeast Chicago on a comfortable coach bus with the Task Force. Learn about waste management and other industries woven in with natural areas. See the controversial site of the proposed Chicago Police Department outdoor shooting range and the Lucadia coal gasification plant. Based on the participant’s interests, tour leaders and time constraints, the our can also include: CID landfills, water reclamation, Chicago’s auto pound, cluster/superfund site, Paxton landfills, Hegewisch Marsh, Harborside Golf Course, Lake Calumet, Big Marsh, Wolf Lake, and Indian Ridge Marsh. The cost or the Eco-Tour is $30 per person and includes lunch at Club 81, a local establishment. Space is limited. You must call to reserve your seat(s). The bus will depart from UUCC at 10 a.m. and return at approximately 2 p.m. For more information contact Robin at 314-583-2284. You can pay online at: www.setaskforce.blogspot.com.

Arts & Entertainment

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

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

• Tuesday, May 29 at 10:30 a.m. – Preschool Storytime.
• Friday, June 1 at 2:30 p.m. – Wii Game Day

For additional information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.

Library Closure

The Park Forest Library will be closed on Monday, May 28 in honor of the Memorial Day Holiday.

Park Forest Recreation & Parks, Park Forest

Senior Trip to New, Historic Route 66 Tour – Registration Deadline Monday, June 4

On Wednesday, June 13, travel the famous Mother Road with award winning Route 66 author, John Weiss. Visit historic sites (Joliet to Pontiac); enjoy a little shopping in a few quaint towns, and look forward to lots of surprises! Be sure to bring your camera. This “all inclusive” tour includes two snack stops, plus a full family style lunch (broasted chicken, vegetable, mashed potatoes, bread, coleslaw, salad, pop, coffee and tea) at the Route 66 Family Restaurant in Dwight, IL. You will learn and feel the history of this magical ribbon of highway as we “Get your kicks on Route 66!” The trip fee is $67 per person which includes round-trip coach bus, snacks, lunch and the tour. The bus will depart at 8 a.m. from Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, and return at approximately 6:30 p.m. Registration deadline: Monday, June 4, 2012. Register in person at the Recreation & Parks Department at Village Hall or by phone with a credit care by calling 708-748-2005. Mention Code: 248470-1 when registering.

Senior Trip to the Pyramid House & Lunch — 2nd Date Added

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

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard, is decorated to depict life in Park Forest when it was first built. One room represents a classroom in the first school, Forest Boulevard School, which was set up in a row of townhomes in 1949. The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Donation is Adults- $5; 12 & under free. 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. For additional information, visit www.parkforesthistory.org.

Volunteers Needed for Increased Hours and Work on Archival Collection

The Park Forest Historical Society needs many more volunteers to cover the additional hours at the House Museum and to trim, photocopy and label article and documents for the archival collection. Some of the collection is in the Park Forest Library. Projects will include filing photocopied articles and documents at the library, and searching the files for answers to questions from out of town. Publicity volunteers are needed to design or distribute fliers, and help blog and fill in announcements on social media sites. If you have a talent to offer or need to put in some public service time for school, please contact Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252 or contact the society by e-mail through the website at www.parkforesthistory.org.

Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest

“Spring Forward’ Exhibit – Through May 31

Join Salon Artists Gallery for this wonderful exhibit entitled ‘Spring Forward’ which runs through May 31st. The exhibit 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.

‘June Moon’ – Opens Saturday, June 2

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

‘Out of the Box: Mixed Media Approaches to Photography’ – Opens Friday, June 8

Tall Grass Arts Association will host ‘Out of the Box: Mixed media Approaches to Photography’ beginning Friday, June 8 with an opening reception. The exhibit will run 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 and reception are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit http://www.tallgrassarts.org.

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 – Opens Monday, June 4

The PSC Foundation is presenting "Location Impulsion," from June 4 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. An artists’ reception is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, June 9, in the gallery. The exhibit and reception are 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.

Sertoma Centre, Inc., 4343 W. 123rd St., Alsip

Ladies High Tea — Reservations Extended Through May 29

Sertoma Centre and Sertoma Speech and Hearing Center will accept pre-paid reservations for the June 1, 2012 High Tea event until May 29th. Cost is $40 for the event and RSVPs must be received no later than May 29th. The event is held at Crystal Tree Country Club in Orland Park and starts at 11:00 am with a selection of vendors introducing their unique products and services. High Tea will be served at 12:00 and includes musical entertainment, fashion show, and a presentation by Kimberly Bond, owner of Kimberly Bond Boutique. Each guest will receive a complimentary photo and thank you gift for attending. For more information on the High Tea; to request an invitation or to make your reservation, call Special Events & Grants Manager, Regina Robinson at Sertoma Centre, 708-730-6210, Fax: 708-371-9747 or [email protected]. Profits from this event go towards funding programs at Sertoma Centre, Inc. and support for sliding scale fee patients at the Sertoma Speech and Hearing Center.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

‘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.

Healthy Living

Nurses Plus Home Healthcare, Park Forest

60th Anniversary Celebration – Saturday, June 2

On Saturday, June 2 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Board Room of Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, join the staff of Nurses Plus Home Healthcare and the Friends of the Park Forest Health Department as we travel down memory lane and meet with our original founding colleagues, staff, volunteers, patients and providers who have been instrumental I developing and maintaining our Health Department. Silent Auction, hor doevres and light refreshments will be served. Proceeds from the event will offer continued support for the senior bath care program and youth health screenings program. For additional information, call 708-748-1118.

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.

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.

Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest

Senior Citizen Weekday Lunch at the Senior Café

Senior citizens of all income levels are invited to lunch weekdays at the Community Nutrition Network (CNN) site located inside the Rich Township’s Shirley J. Green Senior Center. The CNN site is open to all south suburban residents, including those living outside of Rich Township. Participants must be 60 years of age or older. The suggested donation for lunch is $2.50. Lunch is served Monday through Friday at noon. Bingo begins at 11 a.m. For additional information or to make a reservation for lunch, call 708-747-2700.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)

Assistance With Medications & Health Services

If you, or someone you know, are struggling to pay for medications every month, they may be able to get the medicines they need for free or almost free through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. If you live in Illinois, you can get access to more than 475 public and private program available to help you pay for your medicines. Simply visit http://www.pparx.org/en/click_illinois to find out if you can apply to any of these great programs and to get connected with 10,000 free clinics and doctors.

This & That

Park Forest Commission on Human Relations

Seeking Nominations for Good Egg Award – Starting Friday, June 1

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.

Dance Mania – Every Friday During June

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.

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Estate Sale – June 9 and 10

The Illinois Theatre Center will hold an estate sale on Saturday, June 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 10 from noon to 5 p.m. Items for sale will include pianos, set pieces, props, furniture, vintage clothing, antiques, purses, shoes, jewelry, electronics, records, DVDs, books, art, posters, collectibles, sporting goods, bikes, household items and Illinois Theatre memorabilia. The sale will be held at the Theatre. For additional information, call 708-481-3510.

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.

Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood Street, Park Forest

Refreshing Times Senior’s Ministry – Friday, June 1

On Friday, June 1 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., those 55 and older are invited to join this monthly support fellowship that combines food, interactive Christian Bible study, informative workshops, arts and crafts and birthday celebrations. For additional information, call Mattie Morgan at 708-503-6536.

Park Forest American Legion Post 1198, 1631 Western Ave., Chicago Heights

Friday Fish Fry – June 1

Join Park Forest’s American Legion Post 1198 for fish, shrimp, wings, beef and appetizers on Friday, June 1 beginning at 6 p.m. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.

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

Rainbow Café Monthly Meeting – Saturday, June 2

The Rainbow Café is an opportunity for single or partnered gays, lesbians, bisexuals or other sexual minorities, and their allies, over age 18 to meet one another and socialize in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Those attending are encouraged to bring some non-alcoholic drinks and a dessert or snack to pass, or bring a financial donation. However, neither is mandatory. The Rainbow Café is held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Unitarian-Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest.

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.

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.

First Christian Church, 1045 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights

Huge Book Sale and Café – June 2, 9 and 10

First Christian Church will hold a huge book sale and café on:

• Saturday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Saturday, June 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sunday, June 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (bag sale)

Thousands of books, sorted, categorized and reasonably priced will be available. Rare and vintage books will also be on sale. Other items for sale will include audio books, records, cassettes, CDs, puzzles, greeting cards and DVDs. You can enjoy a bakery item and a beverage in a pleasant setting while browsing through your purchases. For additional information, call 708-754-3792.

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

USG Annual Indoor Garage Sale – June 1 through 3

USG will hold its Annual Indoor Garage Sale on Friday, June 1, Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. The much anticipated sale will include vintage and artsy clothing and other items. All proceeds from the sale go towards supporting USG’s mission to promote art appreciation and art education. For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

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.