In and Around Park Forest Week of July 5, 2010

R-Gang performs last Wednesday for Main Street Nights. This week’s fesitivities include a Progressive Business After Hours which the public is encouraged to attend. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Video: 4th of July Fireworks in Park Forest (Video)
Photo Gallery: 4th of July in Park Forest 2010

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—July 5, 2010. The Park Forest Beautification Awards Program recognizes resident’s continuing efforts to maintain and improve their properties. Volunteer surveyors and judges will survey the entire Village during the summer months. The awards ceremony will be held at Freedom Hall on October 24. If you would like to volunteer to help judge, call the Recreation & Parks Office at 708-748-2005. Letters recommending a specific property may be sent to the Beautification Awards Program, c/o C. Hoff, Recreation & Parks Dept., 350 Victory Dr., Park Forest, IL 60466.

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 Board Meeting

The Village Board is scheduled to hold a Rules Meeting on Saturday, July 10 at 10 a.m. at Village Hall. 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.

Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Boards

The following Village Commissions will meet this week:

Plan Commission – Tuesday, July 6 at 7 p.m.
Youth Commission – Tuesday, July 6 at 7 p.m.
Economic Development Advisory Group – Wednesday, July 7 at 7 p.m.

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

Arts & Entertainment

Main Street Nights – Wednesday, July 7

Spear-It Drum & Dance Troupe; Rich East Drumline; and Muzicnet

Starting at 7 p.m., Spear-It Drum & Dance Troupe will kick-off the evening with vibrant music, dance and costumes performing non-traditional African and Middle-Eastern inspired rhythms with American influence. At 7:20 p.m., the Rich East Drumline will help get the beat hotter as the percussion section gets your mojo working. The talented musicians of Park Forest’s very own Muzicnet will perform smooth jazz, Blues and old Gospel at 7:45 p.m.

Grab a blanket, pack a snack and position yourself in Park Forest’s DownTown Village Green, (Cunningham and Main Streets) for FREE entertainment. In case of rain, performances will be moved to Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd. Call the recorded message at 708-283-5647 for weather-related changes or cancellations. For additional information, call the Recreation office at 708-748-2005.

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

Park Forest Library Reopens Tuesday, July 6

As part of the continuing renovations at the Park Forest Library, the building is temporarily closed to allow for asbestos abatement and to erect some necessary partition walls before the final phase of construction can be completed. The library will reopen on Tuesday, July 6 at 10 a.m. Books and other library materials may be returned during this time at the book drop located on the west side of the building near the rear entrance. During the closing no book donations can be accepted. For more information, call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.

This Week at the Park Forest Library

Tuesday, July 6:
- 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wii/Movie Event
- 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. PJ Storytime
Wednesday, July 7:
- 1:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Lap, Sit, Storytime
- 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Toddler Art
- 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Do You Have Stage Fright?
- 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Crafty
Thursday, July 8:
- 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Discovery Time
- 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Teen Madness
Friday, July 9:
- 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Don’t Be Afraid of Horror Movies
- 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Frightful Changes

For more information, call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Summer Fest Musical Fund Raiser – Tickets Now on Sale

A fundraiser benefiting the South Suburban Hunger Network will be held on Saturday, July 24 at the Illinois Theatre Center. Tickets are $20 and include light appetizers, desserts, wine, pop and water. The event and musical are family friendly. Tickets are on sale at the Rich Township Food Pantry, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park, IL.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 267 Artists Walk, Park Forest

“Fabulously Focused” Exhibit Opens Friday, July 9

“Fabulously Focused,” an exhibit of current works of Tall Grass Gallery Artists will open on Friday, July 9 with a reception from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Eleven new artists have successfully completed the jurying process and were invited to participate in the exhibit. “Whirling Ocean Life,” an abstract watercolor by Charlotte Sasser will be raffled off during the run of the exhibit. The event if free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.

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.

Center For Performing Arts at GSU, 1 University Parkway

Peter Pan – Tickets Now On Sale

Peter Pan, the classic adventure about a boy who won’t grow up, comes to the Center for Performing Arts at GSU for a single performance on Thursday, July 15 at 11 a.m. Tickets are $9 each for individuals and $7 each for groups of 20 or more. For tickets, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.

Tickets Now on Sale for 2010-2011 Season

The Center for Performing Arts recently mailed information about events for the 2010-2011 Season. Artists range from musical performers, ballet, plays, cabaret acts and events especially for children. Special offers are provided for those purchasing 3, 4, or 5 shows in the series including 15% off regular ticket prices, priority seating, ticket exchange privileges and dining discounts. Treat yourself to this amazing 16th Season at the Center and give back to your community at the same time. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.

CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead

Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, July 8

CAUTION will be playing every Thursday night 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, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, IL

‘Not Far Off’ by Nina Weiss – Through July 9

Union Street Gallery is proud to announce its presentation of ‘Not Far Off’ a solo exhibit of recent landscapes in oil by nationally recognized artist Nina Weiss. A reception will be held on Friday, July 9 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For gallery hours or additional information, call 708-754-2601.

‘The Past and The Promise’ – Introspective Photography by John Spomar – Through July 9

‘The Past and The Promise,’ a solo exhibit of black and white photography by regional artist John Spomar II will be shown through July 9. A reception will be held on Friday, July 9 from 6 p.m. to 9.p.m. For gallery hours or additional information, call 708-754-2601.

‘Synergy, Works by Union Street Artists’ – Through July 29 at Prairie State College

‘Synergy, Works by Union Street Artists,’ is a diverse collection of drawings, paintings, mixed media, and sculpture pieces by nine of the resident studio artists of Union Street Gallery. The exhibit will be on display from June 21 through July 29 at Prairie State College’s Christopher Art Gallery, located at the college’s main campus, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, June 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 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. Visits can be made by appointment. For more information about the exhibit, or to make an appointment for a visit, contact the Prairie State College Foundation at 708-709-3636.

‘A Little Garden Art’ Garden Walk – Saturday, July 10

Union Street Gallery will present its 6th Annual ‘A Little Garden Art’ Garden Walk on Saturday, July 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ten beautiful and unique gardens from Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Frankfort and Olympia Fields are lined up for your pleasurable viewing. A working artist will be present at each garden making art inspired by the gardens and the gardeners. Each garden will also be hosted by volunteers and gardeners who will guide and answer your questions. Come to the Gallery in the morning before you head out for the gardens for some coffee and donuts. You can also view the landscape and garden paintings by nationally recognized artist Nina Weiss. The Gallery will be open at 8:45 a.m. the day of the event. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the Garden Walk. For additional information, call 708-754-2601.

Holiday Star Theater, 340 Main St., Park Forest

Free Movie Camp – Kids Movies Every Tuesday at 9:30 AM

Starting this month, the Holiday Star Theater in Park Forest, IL will begin showing a free movie for kids every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. For details, call the theater at (708) 283-9098. The Holiday Star Theater is located at 340 Main Street, Park Forest, IL.

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/.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

Chicago Bulls Youth Basketball Camp – Registration Deadline July 10

Registration is under way for this summer’s Chicago Bulls Youth Basketball Camp, co-sponsored by Governors State University (GSU) and the Village of Matteson. The camp will take place July 12 through 16 at GSU, 1 University Parkway. The weeklong camp is a great opportunity for boys and girls ages 6 through 14 to improve their fundamental skills in ball handling, shooting, passing, defense, and rebounding. Players will be divided into two groups; Rookies (ages 6 to 8) and Veterans (ages 9 to 14) so that every child receives appropriate attention and instruction. Sessions are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. daily. Participants will receive a Chicago Bulls Training Academy basketball, gym bag, T-shirt, player evaluation, and graduation certificate. Space is limited and registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration deadline is July 10. Registration forms are available in GSU’s Recreation and Fitness Center of by calling 708-748-1080.

AARP Safe Driving Program – Tuesday, July 6

The AARP Safe Driving Classes will be held on Tuesday, July 6 at 9 a.m. at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. The course qualifies seniors for a discount on the liability portion of their car insurance. The discount is good for three years, but you must contact your insurance company. The fee for the class is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Payment by check ONLY, must be brought to class, along with your AARP membership card. Call the Rich Township Senior Center at 708-748-5454 or Brenda Walker at the Park Forest Health Department at 708-748-1118 to make your reservation.

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

Job Hunters Bootcamp – Thursday, July 8

On Thursday, July 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., GSU, State Representative Debbie Halvorson (IL-11) and other public and private organizations will provide resources to members of the community seeking employment and those looking to start their own businesses. The event will take place at GSU’s University Park campus. The event will offer participants a chance to better prepare themselves for the changing job market with practical advice from a number of area professionals. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops on topics ranging from navigating the job market online to finance and budgeting. Participants are encouraged to bring their resumes for review. Representatives from the VA and Illinois Department of Security will also discuss programs offered to veterans of the armed services. Small business owners and those looking to start their own businesses will have an opportunity to connect with representatives from GSU’s CenterPoint Small Business Development Center and the U.S. Small Business Administration to gain insight and information on how to get a business started and growing. For more information or to register, call 815-726-4998 or visit www.halvorson.house.gove/bootcamp.

Film & Discussion on Minority Access to Higher Education – Wednesday, July 14

On Wednesday, July 14 at 5 p.m. in Engbreston Hall, GSU will host the film “Storming the Gates,” a 25 minute documentary film, on minority access to higher education. A panel discussion will follow to discuss the film. Panelists will include education leaders and experts, many who appear in the documentary. The film was produced by the Illinois African American and Latino Higher Education Alliance (IALHEA) which chronicles the African American and Latino quest for access and equality in Illinois colleges and universities. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-534-4552.

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

Kids@College Program – Begins July 12

Kids@College is a three-week summer enrichment program for children entering 2nd through 7th grade. The program will be held Monday through Thursday, July 12 – 29 from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at PSC’s Adult Training and Outreach Center located on the college’s main campus. The day is split into two sections. Morning classes include language arts, math, computers, reading, art and science. Afternoon classes include sports taught by physical education instructors and classes such as first aid, babysitting, Spanish, and study skills. More information about the Kids@College program is available in the summer class schedule at www.prairiestate.edu/bus/bus-kids.html or call Mike Moody at 708-709-7711 or email at [email protected].

Shop Locally

Park Forest Business After Hours – Wednesday, July 7

The Village of Park Forest invites all residents and business professionals to get acquainted with Park Forest’s fabulous DownTown business community at the Business After Hours taking place on Wednesday, July 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event allows residents the opportunity to tour DownTown businesses and engage with employees of those businesses. In the process, residents become more familiar with the many great services and product available right here in Park Forest and become eligible for great giveaways.

The event begins at Dining on the Green, 249 Main Street with registration. Participation is free. Following registration, participants will be provided an area map. By visiting as many of the participating DownTown businesses on the map as possible, residents increase their chances to win great prizes once crossing the finish line. Bring your signed map back to Dining on the Green to find out what you’ve won. And plan on sticking around DownTown Park Forest for Main Street Nights and enjoy live music and fun for the family. For additional information about Business After Hours, call Monica DeLord at 708-283-5617.

Good as New Thrift Store, 4331 E. Lincoln Highway, Matteson

Customer Appreciation Month

July is Customer Appreciation Month at the Good as New Thrift Store. During the entire month of July, customers will receive free candles just for shopping. When a customer spends as little as $10, they select a free small candle, spend $25 and choose a free medium candle, and by spending $50 you will receive a large candle. In addition to selling donated items, the Good as New Thrift Store also has a New Is Good department which features brand new merchandise at great prices. And 100% of the proceeds from the purchases made at Good as New Thrift Store are used to support programs for individuals with disabilities provided by the Sertoma Centre, Inc. Store hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For additional information, call Karey Wentz at 708-481-5627.

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 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.

Governors State University, 1 University Parkway , University Park, IL

Farm Fresh Market –Thursday, July 8

Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables are coming to GSU at its first-ever outdoor farmers market on Thursday, July 8 at the south end of Parking Lot D. Hours are 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. The Farmers Market will be held on Thursdays through September.

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

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

Back to School Physicals

Low cost school physicals and immunizations are available at the Park Forest Health Department. For more information, please call 708-748-1118 or visit www.pfhealth.net.

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.

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

Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood, Park Forest

Connect Café – Thursday, July 8

On Thursday, July 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 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 or visit www.celebration4.org.

Girlfriends Unlimited – Friday, July 9

On Friday, July 9 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Girlfriends Unlimited is a chance for women of all ages to get together and grow in all areas of their life. This event will include children and youth programming, dinner included. For more information, call 708-748-1995 or visit www.celebration4.org.

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.

Park Forest Bark District, 218 St. & Wildwood Dr., Park Forest

One Year Anniversary Extravaganza – Saturday, July 10

On Saturday, July 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., grab your canine companion and come celebrate the Bark District’s one year anniversary and have a ‘fur’bulous time. This event will feature giveaways, specialty dog vendors, silent auction, contests and more. The contests will include owner/dog look alike, most unique talent and best costume. For additional information, contact the Recreation & Parks office at 708-748-2005 or email [email protected].

2010 Good Egg Award – Nominations Due August 9

The Park Forest Commission on Human Relations is accepting nominations for the Good Egg Award which recognizes leadership and community service that has had a significant impact on fostering inter-group relations and equal opportunity in the South Suburbs.

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.

Residents may nominate one or more individuals by writing to Evelyn Sterling, Community Relations Coordinator, Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive, Park Forest, IL 60466 or by email to [email protected]. The deadline for nomination is August 6, 2010. Download the nomination form at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com.

Winners of the award will be notified by the Commission on Human Relations Chair, Alfreda Keller. For more information contact Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621.

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.