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In and Around Park Forest Week of October 5, 2009

Susan White, RN, gives Police Chief Tom Flemin a flu shot

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Susan White, RN, gives Police Chief Tom Fleming a flu shot at the Park Forest Health Department Saturday. (Photo: ENEWSPF)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)— October 5, 2009. One of the things that drew me to the south suburbs many years ago was its dedication to the arts. Recently, I learned about the Union Street Gallery & Studios in neighboring Chicago Heights. Union Street Gallery & Studios is open to all artists, emerging, mid-career and established. The purpose is to support artists by providing a professional environment for the development of creative expression, exhibition opportunities, promotion, and art with private, business, and educational communities to enhance awareness and education of the arts and culture. Beginning this week, we’ll be including information about events at the Gallery and wish to thank Jackie Riffice, Interim Gallery Administrator, for providing this information.

Send information concerning your community activities or events during the upcoming week by e-mail to Rosemary Piser, Associate Editor, with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.

Village of Park Forest Board and Commission Meetings

The following Village Boards and Advisory Groups will meet the week of October 5:

  • Economic Development Advisory Group – Wednesday, October 7 at 7 p.m.

All meetings are held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.

Please note: The Plan Commission and Senior Citizens Advisory Commission meetings that would normally meet on Tuesday, October 6, will not be held due to the Board of Trustees workshop on Strategic Planning scheduled that will be held that evening.

29th Annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service and Parade

On Thursday, October 8, the Park Forest Fire Department will be hosting the 29th Annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service and Parade. This parade of lights-only emergency vehicles is held annually in remembrance of the firefighters who have given their lives to save ours. The memorial service is held at Calvary Church, 425 N. Orchard St., beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the parade should step off at approximately 7 p.m. Additional information about the event is available on the Village’s website, www.villageofparkforest.com. Residents are encouraged to come out to support this touching event and their local firefighters.

Park Forest Fire and Police Memorial Dedication

On Saturday, October 10 at 9 a.m., Mayor John Ostenburg and the Board of Trustees will be hosting a Dedication Ceremony for the Village’s new Fire and Police Memorial. The ceremony will be held at the Memorial site just east of the Fire Station. All are welcome to attend.

Fire Prevention Week

On Saturday, October 10 the Park Forest Fire Department will host the annual Fire Prevention Week Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, please visit: www.villageofparkforest.com.

Healthy Living

Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (lower level)

Immunization and Flu/Pneumonia Clinics

Immunization and flu/pneumonia clinics will be held on: Mondays – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; and Fridays – 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

For details or to schedule an appointment, call 708-748-1118.

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.

Governor’s State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park

National Depression Screening Week

As part of National Depression Screening Week, the Academic Resource Center’s Counseling Center at GSU will host information seminars, provide information, and offer free, confidential depression screening. All Depression Screening Week events and services are free and open to the public. The scheduled events are as follows:

  • Information about depression – October 4 through 8 from noon to 4 p.m., in the Hall of Governors;
  • Bipolar Disorder discussion – October 5 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.;
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder – October 6 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – October 7 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Free depression screening is available on October 8 from 12 noon to 7 p.m. in the Academic Resource Center, B1215. The screening involves completing a brief questionnaire and a conversation with a mental health professional. The questionnaire results are anonymous and confidential. The mental health professional will offer next step suggestions if they are warranted.

For more information, call 708-235-2228.

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

Periodontal Screenings –Through October 26

PSC dental hygiene students are looking for community volunteers to enhance their clinical learning experience. For a $35 fee, clients get a thorough cleaning by a student dental hygienist, a full set of X-rays, mouth impressions and a consultation with the periodontist on staff. Services are available on Mondays, September 21 through October 26 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Appointments are required. No walk-ins will be permitted. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call the college’s dental hygiene department at 708-709-3707.

Arts and Entertainment

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

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

  • Monday, October 5 at 10:45 a.m. — Morning Story Times for children 3 to 6;
  • Tuesday, October 6 at 7 p.m. – Pajama Storytime for Children;
  • Wednesday, October 7 at 10:30 a.m. – Lap Sit Storytime for children 3 and under;
  • Wednesday, October 7 at 11:45 a.m. – Toddler Art for children ages 2 – 4;
  • Friday, October 9 at 4 p.m. – Teen Booktalks; and
  • Saturday, October 10 at 11 a.m. – Free Fall Craft Program.

For more information, call 708-748-3731, extension 20.

Union Street Gallery & Studios, 1527 Otto Bloulevard, Chicago Heights

Poetry Night – October 9

Poets and poetry lovers are invited to the inaugural event: Union Street Gallery Poetry on Friday, October 9 beginning at 6 p.m. Share your latest work during Open Mic, view the National Juried Art Exhibition, “Assume Nothing,” and enjoy the work of featured poet, Luis Valadez.

‘Beauteous Bountiful Bras’ Exhibit and Silent Auction – October 9

Support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and attend this exhibit that supports the Union Street Gallery and the Cancer Support Center of Homewood. On Friday, October 9 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. the exhibit will open with a Silent Auction. The exhibit will continue through November 14.

For more information about these or upcoming events, visit the Union Street Gallery website at: www.unionstreetgallery.org or call 708-754-2601. Gallery Hours are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and the second Friday of each month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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

Gabriel Villa Art Exhibit

In conjunction with its third annual Arts Fest, GSU is hosting an exhibition of the work of Chicago artist, Gabriel Villa. Gabriel Villa’s work is multifaceted, employing new imagery, themes, and formal strategies and powerful imagery as a direct result of the influence of his adopted home, Chicago. The exhibit will continue through October 23 at GSU’s Visual Arts Gallery which is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 708-534-4017.

Latino Film Festival

GSU’s Second Annual Latino Film Festival will showcase films that highlight the Latino art, culture, and society from Spanish-speaking countries in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. Films are subtitled in English and will be shown in Engbretson Hall. The film schedule is as follows:

  • October 12 at 4:45 p.m. – “Sonar no Cuesta Nada,” a film from Argentina and Columbia. Rated R.
  • October 13 at 4:45 p.m. – “La Mirada de Clara,” a film from Argentina. Rated R

For more information, call 708-534-4553.

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Way, Park Forest

A Shayna Maidel – Through October 11

A Shayna Maidel dramatizes the saga of the Weiss family, Polish Jews whose lives are irrecoverably altered by the Holocaust. The New York Times described this play as “…a powerful, deeply affecting portrait of a family, which conveys the aftermath of the Holocaust through a poignant, imaginatively conceived examination of one divided family’s experience. A tribute to the sustaining power of family and to man’s indominatability.” A Shayna Maidel will open September 25 and run through October 11. Tickets range from $19 – $21. There is a $1 discount for students and senior citizens at all performances. For more information, call 708-481-3510.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Way

“Here & Now: Annual Gallery Artists’ Exhibit” – Through November 21

View current works by fifty of the Tall Grass Arts Association’s Juried Artists. Viewing hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 708-748-3377.

“Is Anybody There?”

Tall Grass Arts Association’s 2009 Art Film series will begin on Sunday October 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Marcus Theatre, 1301 Hilltop Avenue, Chicago Heights. The series opens with the independent British Feature, “Is Anybody There?” starring two-time Academy Award winner Sir Michael Caine in what has been heralded as the performance of his career. The film is in English and runs 95 minutes. A discussion will follow the film.

Additional films in the series include “Away We Go,” staffing Maya Rudolph on November 8, “Whatever Works,” starring Larry David on December 13 and “Moon” starring Sam Rockwell and Kevin Spacey on January 10.

This four-film subscription series cost is $28. Subscriptions are on sale in the Tall Grass Gallery and will be on sale in the lobby prior to the screening of the film. Individual tickets are $8 per film and will be available at the box office the day of the film. For additional information, call the Tall Grass Gallery at 708-748-3377.

Weavers Guild South

Weavings & Diversities/09 Holiday Boutique

On Saturday, October 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. think about starting your holiday shopping at The Weavers Guild South’s Holiday Boutique which will feature wearable art, scarves, hats, jewelry, table linens, handmade baskets, and ceramics. The event will be held at Flossmoor Community Church Community House, 847 Hutchinson, Flossmoor, IL.

Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University

Jeff Corwin – October 17

Join Emmy award winning Jeff Corwin, creator, producer and host of Animal Planet’s The Corwin Experience and Corwin’s Quest for an afternoon of eco-adventure with wild stories from around the world, video clips and some of his favorite animal guests. Call 708-235-2222 for more information or to purchase tickets visit the Center’s website at: http://www.centertickets.net/.

Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Boulevard

2009 – 2010 Season

Regular and subscriber tickets are now on sale for the 2009 – 2010 season. Events at the newly remodeled Nathan Manilow Theatre include: Second City 50th Anniversary Show; Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues Band; Windham Hill Winter Solstice Concert; Funkadesi; Switchback; and Abraxas.

The Senior Series events are: Radio’s Good Old Days; Nancy Hays – “I Love America”; “A White Christmas”; Banjo Buddies Dixieland Jazz Band; “The Rat Pack Jazz Quartet”; and Megon McDonough, “Her Way.”

Children’s Theatre events are: Writing Our World; and Animal Tales & Dinosaur Scales.

Tickets can be ordered by mail, phone or fax, on the web, or in person. Box office hours are: Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The box office is closed on Wednesday and Sunday. For more information, call the box office at 708-747-0580 or visit the website at: www.freedomhall.org.

Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard (Corner of Forest & Fir)

Relive your childhood memories or show your children/grandchildren what it was like to live in the ‘good old days’ by visiting the Park Forest House Museum. 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.

Educational Lectures

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

A Forgotten Injustice

The Title V-Latino Center for Excellence at GSU is sponsoring a special presentation by journalist Vicente Serrano of his documentary expose, “A Forgotten Injustice” on Thursday, October 8 at 4 p.m. in the Center for Performing Arts. Serrano will answer questions and discuss his research after the film. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 708-534-4553.

Public Comments Sought By October 12

As part of the comprehensive evaluation conducted by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, GSU is seeking public comments about the university. Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the university or its academic programs and should include your name, address, and telephone number of the submitting individual. Comments will not be treated as confidential. Comments may be submitted by October 12, 2009 through the Commission’s website at www.ncahlc.org (click File Third-Party Comments) or by mail to:

Public Comments on Governors State University
The Higher Learning Commission
20 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602.

This and That

Park Forest Chess Challenge Tournament

The first Park Forest Chess Challenge Tournament will be held on Saturday, October 17 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at Dining on the Green in Park Forest. The challenge is organized by the Park Forest Chess Program, an affiliate of the US Chess Federation. Registration fee is $5 per person and all ages are invited. However, children under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information or to pre-register for the tournament, visit the Park Forest Village Hall website at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com.

Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 N. Orchard

Putting Your House In Order

Calvary United Protestant Church is offering a free seminar, “Putting Your House In Order,” on Saturday, October 10 beginning at 9 a.m. Funeral Directors, Hospital Chaplains and Ministers will give brief presentations with time for questions and answers focused on the topics of Living Wills, Hospice Care, Funerals followed by Interment or Cremations and Memorial Services as well as thoughts about how to leave wishes and instructions for families to help them as they arrange the Memorial or Funeral Service. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. For additional information or to pre-register, please call 708-748-6261.

Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood Boulevard

Girlfriend’s Unlimited Shopping

On Wednesday, October 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., all ladies are invited to attend Girlfriends Unlimited. This monthly gathering features cool themes, awesome speakers, and serious fellowship. The October topic is all about shopping. Learn how to shop healthy and smart. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Adult and children’s programs start at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 708-748-1995.

New Community Church, 245 Monee Road

Women’s Empowerment Fair

On Friday and Saturday, October 9 and 10th, join us for a day of workshops on finance, legal advice, education for the family, medical and much more. For more information or to register, call 708-481-1305. Time for the event is yet to be determined.

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road

Friends of Thorn Creek Annual Meeting

On Saturday, October 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. join the Friends of Thorn Creek Board and members for their annual meeting. Following the meeting, there will be a presentation by a naturalist on the Thorn Creek floodplain ecosystem. For more information, call 708-747-6320.

Village of Park Forest Economic Development

Business Person of the Year

Nominate the person you believe should be named Park Forest’s Business Person of the Year. Nomination forms can be found on the Village of Park Forest web site (www.villageofparkforest.com). Nomination forms are due October 30. For more information, call Sandra Zoellner at 708-283-5623.

Prairie State College Job Fair

Employers looking for candidates to fill open positions are encouraged to register for the Prairie State College annual job fair which is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21 from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. The job fair is an opportunity for employers to meet and interview potential employees. The fair is open to currently enrolled students, alumni, and community members. Registration is $75 per company and includes seating and lunch for two representatives, table covering, and signage. Each additional representative attending the fair is $25. To register for the job fair, call Tanya Norfleet at 708-709-3755 or visit www.prairiestate.edu and click on the “Save the Date: Fall 2009 Job Fair” icon.

Shop Park Forest First!

Park Forest Farmers’ Market – Through the End of October

The 36th Annual Park Forest Farmers’ Market will be held on Saturday’s from 7:00 a.m. to Noon through the end of October. Vendors from across Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan will have a tremendous array of fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, breads, cheese, organic eggs and meat, and the “best pork chop sandwiches in the universe.” Come early and enjoy a breakfast burrito and cup of coffee while you shop the Market. The Market is located in the parking lot of the Eagle Movie Theater at the corner of Lakewood Boulevard and Cunningham Drive in DownTown Park Forest.

Greening of Park Forest

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.

Human Interest

“The Pantry” of Rich Township

Fundraiser – November 14

“The Pantry" of Rich Township is a not-for-profit organization that provides food at no cost to over 750 low-income families who reside in the 10 surrounding communities of Rich Township

Help support the mission of “The Pantry” by purchasing a Carson’s Community Day Book for only $5.00. Coupons can be used at any Carson Pirie Scott location on November 14 beginning at 6 a.m. when numerous discounts and savings can be obtained through the various offers detailed in the coupon book.

Coupon books can be purchased at the Economic Development and Planning Office on the 2nd floor of Park Forest Village Hall. For more information about “The Pantry” or the fundraiser, call 708-748-6722.

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: Village of Park Forest Weekly Manager’s Report, 2009 Autumn Recreation Programs, Park Forest Fall/Winter 2009 Calendar of Events, Park Forest Library, Tall Grass Arts Association, Center for Performing Arts, Prairie Sate College, Governors State University, Illinois Theatre Center, Union Street Gallery & Studios, and Park Forest Historical Society Web sites.

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