In and Around Park Forest Week of August 8, 2011

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—August 8, 2011.  Park Forest’s final Main Street Nights concert for the 2011 season will take place on Wednesday, August 10 with a performance by Lynne Jordan and the Shivers and the screening of the animated movie ‘Despicable Me.’

In addition, tickets are now on sale for Park Forest American Legion Post 1198 outdoor concert fundraiser being held on Saturday, August 27 to benefit Honor Flight Chicago, an organization that helps send World War II veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit their memorial.

Additional information about these events can be found in the ‘Arts & Entertainment’ Section below.
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 Meetings

Village Board Meeting – Monday, August 8

The Village Board will meet on Monday, August 8 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr. 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.

Village of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings

The following Park Forest Advisory Boards will meet the week of August 8:

• Tuesday, August 9 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission
• Tuesday, August 9 at 7:30 p.m. – Commission on Human Relations

The meetings will take place at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr. Residents are encouraged to attend.

Arts & Entertainment

Village of Park Forest

Final 2011 Main Street Nights Event – Wednesday, August 10

Main Street Nights, one of Park Forest’s most popular summer events, will present its final concert on Wednesday, August 10 in the Park Forest DownTown Village Green located at the intersection of Cunningham and Main Streets. The entertainment will be held rain or shine. Beginning at 7 p.m., powerhouse singer Lynne Jordan and the Shivers will perform everything from Bach to rock and big band to blues and gospel. At dusk, the animated movie ‘Despicable Me’ will be shown. The movie is Rated PG and tells the story of a criminal mastermind who uses a trio of orphan girls as pawns for a grand scheme and finds himself profoundly changed by the growing love shared between them.

So grab a blanket, pack a snack, and enjoy some fun entertainment with family and neighbors. For additional information, call the Recreation office at 708-748-2005 or call the recorded message at 708-283-5647 for weather related changes or cancellations. In case of rain, performances will be moved to Dining on the Green, 349 Main St. – adjacent from the Village Green.

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

Outdoor Concert Fundraiser to Benefit Honor Flight Chicago – Tickets Now on Sale

The Park Forest American Legion will hold an Outdoor Concert Fundraiser on Saturday, August 27 beginning at 5 p.m. at the Lodge, 1631 Western Ave., Chicago Heights. Proceeds from the event will benefit Honor Flight Chicago that recognizes our veterans, particularly those who served in World War II, for their sacrifices and achievements by flying them to Washington, DC to see their memorial. The event will feature a night of live music, dancing, raffles and lots of fun. Music will be provided by:

• Richie Z – The World’s Greatest One Man Band,
• The Rockets – 50’s and 60’s Rock and Roll, and
• Rico Quinn – 60’s and 70’s Blues and Rock and Roll.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For additional information or to purchase tickets, please call the Post at 708-481-3055 or George Kovach at 708-724-6781.
If you cannot attend the fundraiser but would like to make a donation to Honor Flight Chicago, visit: www.honorflightchicago.org.

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

Youth Services Programs

On-going Youth Services Programs will resume on September 12. For questions or additional information, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.

Library Closure

The Park Forest Library will be closed Sundays during the summer.

Park Forest Recreation & Parks

August Senior Trip — Historic Route 66 Tour – Registration Deadline Friday, August 12

On Wednesday, August 24 you can 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 you “Get your kicks on Route 66.” Tickets are $65 and include round-trip coach bus, snacks, lunch, and the tour. The bus will depart from Freedom Hall at 8 a.m. and return at approximately 6 p.m. Purchase tickets at the Recreation & Parks Department at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, or by phone with a credit card by calling 708-748-2005. Mention Code 248370-1.

Salon Artists Gallery, 249 Main St., Park Forest

‘Flowers & Gardens’ Exhibit –Through August 31

An exhibit titled ‘Flowers & Gardens’ runs through Wednesday, August 31. Gallery hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, call Pat Moore at 708-833-5108 or Bev Szaton at 708-748-3946.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Summer Music Series at Ravisloe Country Club – Concert #4 ‘Mozart, Mendelssohn, Glazunov’ – Wednesday, August 10

Imagine a warm summer evening, stars in the sky, and glorious melodies floating above the courtyard of a Spanish villa. Welcome to Summer Music at Ravisloe, an intimate series of summer concerts presented by chamber ensembles of the IPO. On Wednesday August 10 at 7:30 pm, concert #4, the series finale, will be presented by chamber ensembles of the IPO. Selections to be performed include ‘Divertimento in B-flat Major, K. 137’ by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, ‘Quartet in D Major, Op. 44, No. 1’ by Felix Mendelssohn, ‘Novelettes’ by Alexander Glazunov, and tangos.

Ravisloe Country Club is located at 18231 Park Ave., Homewood. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased by calling the IPO Box Office at 708-481-7774 or on-line at: http://ipomusic.org/

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

2011 Summer Film Series Final Screening – Sunday, August 14

The Tall Grass Arts Association will conclude its 2011 Summer Film Series on Sunday, August 14 with the screening of the film ‘Welcome to the Rileys’ at 6:30 p.m. at the Marcus Theatre Chicago Heights, 1301 Hilltop Ave., Chicago Heights. A discussion facilitated by a guest speaker will follow the film. ‘Welcome to the Rileys’ is an emotional journey that takes us through grief, self-reinvention and healing and stars James Gandolfini, Melissa Leo and Kristin Stewart. The film is rated R. Tickets are $9 and can be purchased at the Marcus Theatre box office. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.

Garden Club of Park Forest

Donations Still Needed to Help Beautify Park Forest Blue Star Marker

In 1945, the National Council of Garden Clubs started the Blue Star Marker project as a way to honor members of the Armed Forces. Signs with big blue stars were purchased by garden clubs and placed in all states along major highways to honor all members and branches of the military. The Blue Star Marker that belongs to the Garden Club of Park Forest was moved last fall to the corner of Orchard Avenue and Lakewood Boulevard – across the street from the Park Forest Library. In cooperation with the Village of Park Forest and American Legion Post #1198, the Park Forest Garden Club has designed new foundations and perennial plantings for this very large site. The first phase of the project will cost $5,000 to implement. If you would like to help with this very worth-while cause, you can make a tax-deductible contribution. Checks should be made out to the Garden Club of Park Forest with ‘Blue Star Marker Project’ written in the memo section and sent to: Loretta Madix, Treasurer, 125 Sycamore, Frankfort, IL 60423.

Park Forest Historical Society, 400 Forest Blvd., Park Forest

Park Forest House Museum – Every Saturday

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Blvd. Park Forest, is open Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment. It is an original rental townhome decorated as it might have looked from 1946 – 1953 during the first five years of Park Forest. Donation is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. For additional information, visit www.parkforesthistory.org or call Jane Nicoll, Museum Director, at 708-481-4252 or email at [email protected].

Bricks from Former Marshall Field’s Store for Sale

Bricks from the former Marshall Field’s Store in DownTown Park Forest are on sale at the Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard. Bricks are $15 each or two for $25. Each brick comes with a certificate of authenticity and a brief history of the store. Bricks can be purchased at the Museum during Museum hours which are Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For additional information, visit: www.parkforesthistory.org.

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

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park Sponsors Autumn Art Odyssey to St. Louis – Registration Deadline Friday, August 12

Art enthusiasts can travel to St. Louis for a weekend of art, architecture, and award-winning design during a September trip sponsored by the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at GSU. The Art Odyssey will depart for St. Louis on Friday, September 9 and return to GSU on Sunday, September 11. The Art Odyssey includes the Fall Preview Reception and Cocktail party at the St. Louis Contemporary Art Museum, and visits to the Mildred Land Kemper Museum, the Laumeier Sculpture Park, the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts, and the St. Louis Citygarden. Two art experts will address the group. Travelers will stay two nights at the boutique Moonrise Hotel in St. Louis’ fashionable Delmar Loop neighborhood. Sunday brunch and dinner, as well as lunches on Friday and Saturday are included. Cost of the trip is $549 or $659 per person, depending on whether participants want a single or double occupancy hotel room. The price of the trip also includes round trip luxury motorcoach service from either GSU or Valparaiso, Indiana, and all admission fees to museums and other venues. Friday and Saturday night dinners are planned, but optional for an additional charge. The registration deadline is August 12. Additional information about the Art Odyssey can be found at www.govst.edu/sculpture Click on ‘Road Trips’ in the ‘Programs and Events’ section for a link to the Art Odyssey brochure. For additional information about the trip of the sculpture park, call 708-534-4486.

Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park

Opera Up Close Lyric Opera Preview — Tickets Now on Sale

On Sunday, September 18 at 4 p.m. you can add some grandeur to your afternoon with this preview event of the Lyric Opera’s 57th season. Singers from Lyric Opera of Chicago perform selections from the upcoming 2011-2012 Lyric season, including highlights from:  Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann, Verdi’s Aida, Jerome Kern’s Showboat, and more. Viennese pastries and coffee will be offered during this intimate performance on The Center’s stage. Tickets are $37. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-235-2222 or visit: www.centertickets.net.

CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead

Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, August 11

CAUTION will be playing every Thursday night beginning at 9 p.m. at Harte’s Saloon, 9858 S. Artesian. If you are a fan of the Grateful Dead, Phish and great musical jams, check out this band. For more information, call Harte’s Saloon at 708-424-2618.

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

Exhibition Opportunity for Fall National Juried Exhibit – Entry Deadline August 17

Artists are invited to submit works for Union Street Gallery’s Annual Fall National Juried Exhibit ‘Being Human.’ Any interpretation of the exhibit’s title is welcome as long as the human figure plays a clearly defined role in the work’s composition or subject. Reponses may be realistic or expressive, in any medium or style, and may illustrate any aspect of human form, alone or in actual or invented environments, situations or narratives. The Entry deadline is Wednesday, August 17. For additional information, please see the prospectus at www.unionstreetgallery.org or call the gallery at 708-754-2601.

Monkey Mind Art Studio, 3 West Nebraska St., Frankfort

Call for Artists for "Off the Wall for Fall" Exhibit –Application Deadline Monday, August 15

Monkey Mind Art Gallery is currently looking for artists to show in their “Off the Wall for Fall” exhibit that will take place September 1 through September 24 during the downtown Frankfort Fall Fest. Application and a detailed prospectus must be submitted no later than Monday, August 15. For additional e-mail [email protected]. Click for Application, in excel Application in word  and detailed prospectus.

“The Meaning of Things” by Jeff Stevenson –Through Sunday, August 28

“The Meaning of Things,” a mixed media assemblage art work by Jeff Stevenson will run through Sunday, August 28. A closing reception will be held Sunday, August 28 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. . For additional information or gallery hours, call 815-464-8818 or visit www.monkeymindartstudio.com.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

School Registration for 2011 – 2012 School Year

Matteson School District 162 Registration

In-person student registration for Matteson School District 162’s 2011-2012 school year will be held at the District Office, 4601 Sauk Trail, Richton Park, on the following days:

Monday	August 8th	8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.	6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday	August 9th	8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.	6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday	August 10th	8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.	6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Until August 10, fee totals include:

Early Childhood and kindergarten through third grade: $78

Grades 4-6: $81

Grades 7-8: $91

Fees paid after August 11 or later:

Early Childhood and kindergarten through third grade: $88

Grades 4-6: $91

Grades 7-8: $100

PTO/PTL fees per PTO are $10 at all grade levels.

Student registration fees for returning students may be mailed or dropped off at the District Office, 4601 Sauk Trail in Richton Park. Families should include the Student Registration Fee Form with their payment.  New students to the district may register at their school, the district office, or at the In-Person Student Registration. All checks or money orders should be made payable to Matteson School District 162. A single check or money order may be used for an entire family.

Fees may also be paid online with VISA and MasterCard using the District 162 webstore, which is on the school district website: www.sdl62.org

General information concerning registration and fee payment for the 2011-2012 school year is available by calling the Matteson School District Office at (708) 748-0100. Any person with special circumstances that may require individual attention such as payment plans, partial waivers, or similar circumstances may utilize the hours noted above or may contact the school district business office to set up an appointment after August 10, 2011.

Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163 Registration

Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163’s registration for the 2011-2012 school year is under way at Forest Trail Middle School, 215 Wilson Street, Park Forest.

Registration for new students and kindergarten students is Wednesday, August 17, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Questions regarding registration should be directed to (708) 668-9408. The first day of school is Thursday, August 25.

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

Alternative Teacher Certification Information Session – Tuesday, August 9

Information sessions about earning elementary or middle school teacher certification will be held on Tuesday, August 9 beginning at 7 p.m. in GSU’s Engbretson Hall. The Alternative Teacher Certification program offers three ways to earn certification and embark on a new, rewarding career in education. The program is open to college graduates with five years work experience after receiving a bachelor’s degree. The application deadline for the program which will begin in Spring 2012 is December 15, 2011.  For additional information, call 708-534-4399 or visit www.govst.edu/altcert.

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.

Free Early Childhood Education Workshop – Friday, August 12

GSU’s Family Development Center will host a free early childhood education workshop on Friday, August 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Sherman Hall presented by the ‘ooey gooey ladyÒ,’ Lisa Murphy. In her presentations, Murphy uses humor and real life anecdotes to engage workshop attendees and share information and activities that combine learning, laughter, and play. This workshop will benefit early childhood educators and students as well as childcare providers and parents and grandparents. For additional information or to register, call 708-235-7300 or visit www.govst.edu/children.

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 2 p.m. at the Leonard Robinson Family Services Center, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park. Participants will learn Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet skills, résumé building skills, and more. Classes are open only to residents of Rich Township. For additional information, call Mark Mason or Joe Moran at 708-748-6722.

Green Events

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

Women of the Woods Nature Retreat – Saturday, August 13

Celebrate the beauty of the woods in this relaxing program for women that will be held on Saturday, August 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This program will include hikes, nature journaling, woodland meditation, woods lore and much more. Discover how to remain connected to the earth in this new and exciting nature retreat. Space is limited so be sure to sign up early. There is a fee of $10 per person and the event is for adults only. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.

Nature Camp for Seniors – Thursday, August 25 — Registration Required

Did you go to camp when you were a kid? Or maybe you never did and were always jealous of your friends that got to spend the summer away at camp. If so, on Thursday, August 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., you can join naturalists as you spend the morning creating crafts to take home and stroll through the woods learning fascinating woods lore. Lunch will be provided. This even is for adults 50 years and older. There is a fee of $7 per person. Registration is required. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.

Thorn Creek Audubon Society, Park Forest

Field Trip to Markham-Gensburg Prairie – Saturday, August 13

On Saturday, August 13 at 8 a.m., come and see the prairie in full bloom, with perhaps some butterflies and insects among the flowers. Meet at the parking lot at the north end of Whipple street. Whipple is one block east of Kedzie on 159th Street. Look for the McDonald’s at the corner of Whipple and 159th and turn north there. For additional information, call Charles Habecker at 708-747-6061.

Park Forest Farmers’ Market

The Farmers’ Market will be held each Saturday through October, rain or shine, from 7 a.m. to 12 noon in the Holiday Star Theater parking lot (across the street from the Park Forest Police Department). Enjoy fresh produce, locally grown and just picked, organic produce, cheese, bakery goods along with an array of plants for your garden.

Park Forest Environment Commission

Rain Barrel Sales at Farmers Market – August & September Sales Dates

The Park Forest Environment Commission has rescheduled its August and September rain barrel sales dates. Rain barrels will be available to purchase for $55 each at the Farmers’ Market on:

• Saturday, August 13, and
• Saturday, September 10.

For additional information on rain barrels, please e-mail Jim Saxton at [email protected].

Healthy Living

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

Senior Citizen Weekday Lunch

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.

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

School Physicals for 2011 – 2012 School Year

Preschool, Kindergarten, Sixth and Ninth Grade children of Park Forest and the surrounding area can get a school physical for the 2011 – 2012 school year at the Park Forest Health Department. Parents must bring child’s immunization record at appointment time. For additional information and the dates/times when school physicals will be given, visit: www.villageofparkforest.com/index.php.

Walk-In Flu & Pneumonia Clinic

On Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. flu and pneumonia immunizations will be available while supplies last. For fee information or questions, call the Park Forest Health Department at 708-748-1118.

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.

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 programs 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

Nominations for Good Egg Award – Nominations Due Friday, August 12

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 Friday, August 12. To request a nomination form, contact Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or e-mail [email protected].

Wine & Chocolate Tasting – Friday, August 12

A Wine and Chocolate Tasting will take place on Friday, August 12 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 300 Victory Dr., Park Forest. Tickets are priced at $20 each and can be purchased at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr. For additional information, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or e-mail [email protected].

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.

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.

Cook County Commission Holding Low-Cost Rabies Vaccine & Microchip Clinics

Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy is currently sponsoring clinics that provide low-cost rabies vaccines and microchips for dogs, cats and ferrets. The clinics are for Cook County residents only and will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through November 9, from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at various locations throughout the County. Vaccines and microchips will be provided for dogs and cats for $7 for a one-year vaccine; $21 for a three-year vaccine; $9 for ferrets one-year vaccine; and $10 for microchip identification. Mobile clinic services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Pet owners must present a valid Driver’s License or State ID as proof of residency. For public safety, all pets must be leashed or caged at all times. For additional information, including a listing of dates and locations, or for transportation assistance, click here.

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 2011 Summer Recreation Programs & More Brochure; 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., CAUTION, Union Street Gallery, Monkey Mind Art Studio, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.