Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– You should have received your 2010 Census form this week in the mail. The 2010 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Census data are used to apportion congressional seats to states, to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to tribal, state and local governments each year and to make decisions about what community services to provide. The 2010 Census form will be one of the shortest in U.S. history, consisting of 10 questions, taking about 10 minutes to complete. Strict confidentiality laws protect the respondents and the information they provide. For further information or assistance with completing your census form, visit: http://2010.census.gov. Assistance is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Russian.
If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in our community during the upcoming week, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.
Village of Park Forest Meetings
Village Board Meeting
The Village Board is scheduled to meet on Monday, March 22 at 8 p.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 Recreation & Parks Department
Chess Challenge Tournament – Saturday, March 27
The Village of Park Forest, an affiliate of the United States Chess Federation, will hold a chess challenge on Saturday, March 27 at 10 a.m. at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest. This is a 4/SS G/45 USCF-rated tournament. Participants must be USCF members. If you are not a member, yearly memberships or a onetime tournament registration will be available at an extra fee. Participants must bring their own clock. Concessions will be sold during the event. On-site registration will begin at 9 a.m. and all players must be checked in by 9:45 a.m. The tournament fee is $5 and can be paid in advance by cash, check or credit card. Only cash will be accepted for registration the day of the event. For details on joining the USCF, please visit their website at www.uschess.org. For additional information or to register, please contact the Recreation & Parks Department at 708-748-2005.
Healthy Living
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.
Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (lower level)
H1N1 Vaccine Available at Park Forest Health Department
The Park Forest Health Department has a limited supply of H1N1 vaccines available. H1N1 vaccines will be given by appointment only on Mondays and Fridays while supplies last. The fee for the vaccine is $15 and must be paid in cash at the time the vaccine is given. Medicare primary is accepted and Medicaid accepted for those 6 months through 18 years of age. No Managed Care enrollees accepted.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 708-481-1118. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Babies, Teens and Adults Immunization Clinics
Babies, teens and adult immunization and flu and pneumonia clinics will be held on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details or to schedule an appointment, call 708-748-1118. The Health Department is a low cost provider for children and adult immunizations.
Blood Pressure Screening
A free Blood Pressure Clinic is held at the Park Forest Health Department Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Elevated blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Walk in or call ahead at 708-748-1118.
Arts and Entertainment
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard
The following event will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:
- Wednesday, March 24 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Kids Crafts: I Spy Puzzles.
The following event will be held this week at the Sergeant Means Park, 20712 Western Ave., Olympia Fields, IL:
- Wednesday, March 24 at 10:30 a.m. – The Big Read presents a book discussion on Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon. For more information, call the Park Forest Library’s Adult Services Department at 708-748-3731.
Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, March 18
The Library’s Potpourri of Lectures series continues this week at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. This week’s lecture is:
- Thursday, March 25 at 10:30 a.m. – “Arthur C. Clarke” by Richard Fox, Lecturer on Physics and Astronomy. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information on this event, please call the Library’s Adult Services Department 708-748-3731.
Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Way, Park Forest
“No Way to Treat a Lady” – Tickets Now on Sale
This slightly twisted musical comedy is based on the best-selling novel (and hit film) about a publicity seeking actor-turned-serial killer who’s a master of disguises, and the hapless NYPD detective who hunts him down. It’s a devilish blend of humor, romance and murder. Opens April 16 and runs through May 2.
Performances are Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8 PM, and Sundays at 2:30 & 7:30 PM. Tickets are priced at $21 on Fri. & Sat., $19 at all other times. There is a $1 discount for students and seniors (65+). The Illinois Theatre Center is located in Downtown Park Forest at 371 Artists Walk (off Indianwood Blvd., adjacent to Village Hall). For tickets, call 708-481-3510.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 467 Artists Way, Park Forest
“Something Jazzy” – Through April 11
The Tall Grass Arts Association will host an exhibit entitled “Something Jazzy” 2010 Invitational. There is something jazzy in all of us. It is our rhythm, our muse, our passion. It is the interpretation of the sounds of jazz and a reflection of our soul. The gallery is open to the public, free of charge. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit the website at www.tallgrassarts.org
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
Fateful Pairs – Tickets Now on Sale
On Saturday, April 10 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 11 at 3 p.m., Conductor, Carmon DeLeone and the Orchestra will perform Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to West Side Story, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 in D Major, op. 36, Stephen Gerber’s Vivace from Concerto for Two Horns (Midwest Premiere featuring John & Laura Fairfield on horns), and P.I. Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy.
The event will be held at Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort, IL. Tickets range in price from $50 to $15. For more information, call 708-481-7774 or visit www.ipomusic.org.
Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway
Lisa Williams – Thursday, March 25
Internationally acclaimed medium and clairvoyant, Lisa Williams, will appear on Thursday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. Ms. Williams has an amazing ability to communicate with loved ones and friends who have passed on to the ‘other side.’ In additional to appearances on Oprah, Good Morning America, Larry King Live, and Jimmy Kimmel Live, Lisa published her first book with Simon and Shuster in 2008. Her TV series, Voices from the Other Side, premiered on Lifetime television in October 2008. Ms. Williams will be doing readings for members of the audience (please note that purchasing a ticket does not guarantee a reading). Tickets are $58.50 for the main floor and $38.50 in the balcony. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or email [email protected]
The Millers – Saturday, March 27
As part of the Center’s Cabaret Series, on Saturday, March 27 at 8 p.m., The Millers (formerly the Clayton Miller Band) will perform. This electrifying Blues band has opened for or shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, John Popper of Blues Traveller, Alicia Keys, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Buddy Buy, Ricky Skaggs in addition to being seen on TV’s America’s Got Talent, The Ellen Show and The Today Show. During the Cabaret Series, guests can enjoy bar service in a cabaret setting. Tickets are $37 and include your first drink. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or email [email protected].
Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd, Park Forest
Megon McDonough, “Her Way – An Interesting Bunch of Gals” – Tickets Now on Sale
As part of its Senior Series, Megon McDonough will perform on April 5 at 11 a.m. The performance will highlight some of the most prolific and memorable female singers of the last 60 years. The stage is set for a fabulously engaging and ultra-amusing morning of entertainment with the powerhouse ensemble, Big City Jazz. Tickets are $10.00. For more information or to order tickets, please call 708-747-0580.
Abraxas – Tickets Now on Sale
On Saturday, April 10 at 8 p.m., experience a musical tribute to Carlos Santana covering five decades of Santana hits. Inspired by the incredible intensity of his music, Abraxas shares a passion for recreating the electrifying sounds of Carlos Santana. Audiences, without exception have been awed by the authentic Santana sound that Abraxas delivers during their stunning shows. With Abraxas, it’s all there: the propulsive Latin percussion, the fiery lead guitar work, the ‘groove’ that connects the soul of the audience. Tickets are $23. For more information or to order tickets, please call 708-747-0580.
Park Forest Historical Society
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.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway
2010 Illinois Community College Juried Student Art Exhibition – Through March 26
GSU will host the 2010 Illinois Community College Juried Art Exhibition from March 4 through March 26 in the Visual Arts Gallery. This exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the creative work of young artists and to get a glimpse of the extraordinary talent in our region. Exhibiting artists include students from 18 Illinois community colleges including Joliet Junior College, Kankakee Community College, Parkland Community College, and South Suburban College among others. Selected works by student artists will include painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, and ceramics. A closing reception to celebrate the show and the artists and present merit awards will be held on Friday, March 26 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the E-lounge. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, call 708-534-4017.
“Art on Campus” Exhibit – Through March 31
GSU and the South Suburban Collaborative Arts Guild (CAG) are joining forces to present “Art on Campus.” The exhibit, featuring the paintings, photography, and poetry of seven members of the CAG, runs through March 31 in the GSU main entrance Atrium Gallery and the Upstairs Gallery at the Center for the Performing Arts. The CAG is part of Union Street Gallery, Chicago Heights and provides area artists a platform to develop their creativity, exhibit their art, and conduct business as professional artists. For more information, call 773-398-5765.
Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, IL
Image Attitude Impression – Through April 9
This National Juried Exhibit presents a broad range of works that address and question identity, role-playing, transformation, masquerade, and relationship. The collection of sixty-six works chosen for the exhibit by juror Geoffrey Bates is a complex mix of dark humor, visual puzzles, haunting memories and bizarre dreams. For more information or to hear gallery hours, call 708-754-2601.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
Spring Clean-Up Day – Saturday, March 27
On Saturday, March 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. you are invited to participate in the annual spring cleaning of Thorn Creek Nature Center. All ages are welcome but children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. There will be indoor and outdoor work to be done in preparation for the spring season. Spring Clean-Up Day is a great way to fulfill community service obligations. For more information, please call 708-747-6320.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway
GSU Education Administration Program Cohort Information Sessions – Registration Required
Representatives from GSU will host information sessions for certified teachers interested in earning a Master of Arts in Educational Administration with coursework leading to Type 76 Certification. Registration in programs beginning Fall 2010 ensures completion of a graduate program prior to state mandated changes to principal preparation programs. Coursework will be presented in cohort format, which enables students enrolled in the program to complete their degree on a predetermined schedule. Master of Arts in Educational Administration programs are open to certified teachers with two years experience.
The information session for the cohort classes located at South Suburban College Center, 16333 Kilbourne Street, Oak Forest, will be held on Thursday, April 22 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Room 5150. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school for six semesters.
The information session for cohort located at GSU will be on Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in room D1496. Classes will be held on Saturdays for six semesters.
For more information or to reserve a seat, call 708-534-6979.
Criminal Justice Career Fair – Thursday, March 25
On Thursday, March 25 from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., GSU’s Office of Career Services is sponsoring a free Criminal Justice Career Fair. Current students, alumni and community members interested in finding employment in law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and related fields are encouraged to attend. Potential employers will be on hand from both public and private sectors. For more information, call 708-235-3974.
Undergraduate Open House – Saturday, March 27
On Saturday, March 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., GSU will host Instant Decision Day: An Undergraduate Open House. The free event is open to all students looking to transfer into one of GSU’s bachelor’s degree completion programs. Prospective students are encouraged to bring official or unofficial transcripts. Admission counselors and academic program advisors will be on hand to review transcripts and provide students with an instant decision on whether or not they could be admitted to the university. GSU offers 22 baccalaureate degree completion programs for students with either 60 college credit hours or an associate’s degree. Programs are offered by the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Public Administration, Education, and Health and Human Services. For more information, contact the GSU Office of Admission at 708-534-4490.
Free Computer Workshops
GSU’s Library is offering free computer workshops to members of the community, students, staff, and faculty. Workshop topics include blogging, PowerPoint Basic, APA style formatting, plagiarism detection, and several workshops on genealogy. The workshops will take place in March and April and are open to the public. Advance registration is recommended but not required. For more information and a complete schedule of workshops, visit www.govst.edu/library or call 708-235-7514.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights
Information Sessions for Truck Driver Training Program – Thursday, March 25
PSC is paving the path for those interested in a career as a truck driver with its truck driver training program. Classes run year round with new sessions beginning every month. Information sessions for the program are scheduled for Thursday, March 25 at 2 p.m. in Room 133 of the Adult Training and Outreach Center. The program is designed to prepare unemployed or under-employed individuals for the commercial driver’s license testing so they can obtain professional truck driver positions with over-the-road trucking companies. Classes are taught by professionals who have years of teaching and over-the-road driving experience. Job placement assistance is available upon completion of the program. Students must be 21 years of age or older, hold a valid State of Illinois license, and meet Department of Transportation medical requirements to enroll in the program. For more information, call Dave Wilkinson, program coordinator, at 708-709-7811.
Holiday Star Theater Scholarship Program for Arts and Media Majors
The Holiday Star Theater, 340 Main St., Park Forest, is offering $12,500 in scholarships for the Fall 2010 semester to local high school and college students who plan to or are currently majoring in film production, theater management, performing arts or related fields at a local Chicago-area college or university. Applicants will be evaluated based on a variety of factors including GPA, level of community involvement and other outstanding factors with preference given to residents of Park Forest and its surrounding communities. Additional information and the application form can be downloaded at www.theholidaystartheater.net. Applications must be submitted no later than May 17, 2010.
Shop Locally
Park Forest Holiday Coupons
Even though the holidays are over, your Park Forest Holiday shopping coupons are still valid. Park Forest residents should have received coupons in the mail from eleven Park Forest businesses for specials, offers and promotions – some of which will be honored through mid 2010. Participating businesses include: Lifetime Automotive Repair, 7-Eleven, Taco Bell, Tower Cleaners, The Children’s House, Cricket, Quality Classic Health & Fitness Center, Cedarwood Cooperative, Park Forest Auto Service, Inc., State Farm Insurance – Michael Jordan, Agent and Remedy Salon. Resolve to shop first in Park Forest during 2010.
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.
Greening of Park Forest
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.
This & That
Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, IL
Sell Your Gold at Union Street Gallery – Saturday, March 27
On Saturday, March 27 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., bring in your gold, silver or platinum jewelry to Union Street Gallery and sell it to Shane’s Pawn Shop for cash or check on the spot. David Schoeneman, owner of Shane’s Pawn Shop, will donate a portion of each sale to Union Street Gallery. So clean out your drawers and jewelry boxes and bring in your items to the Gallery and earn some money for yourself and for Union Street. For more information, call 708-754-2601.
Sertoma Centre, 4343 W. 123rd St., Alsip
Seeking Next Champion Firehouse Chef
On Saturday, May 15, the Sertoma Centre will hold its Big Event 2010 at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park, IL If you consider yourself the best firehouse chef in the city or suburbs, then this competition is for you. Chefs must prepare sample size portions for 500 people, and will be reimbursed up to $500 for food expenses. Every chef will also receive a ‘thank-you’ basket chockfull of brand new cooking items for participating. To complete, please complete an official Big Event 2010 Registration Form by April 1, 2010. Forms can be found at www.sertomacentre.org or call Melanie Jones at 708-730-6206. All proceeds from this event will benefit programs at Sertoma Centre in Alsip and Matteson for over 650 individuals with developmental, physical, emotional disabilities and/or mental illness.
Donate Unused Air Miles to Support Families of Wounded Servicemembers
“Operation Hero Miles” collects unused frequent flyer miles to help military families visit service members who were injured in Iraq or Afghanistan and are recovering in military hospitals around the world. Airline partners are: AirTran, Alaska Airlines, American, Frontier, Midwest, Northwest, United, and US Airways. To donate airline miles, visit www.FisherHouse.org.
Donate to Troops Serving Abroad
The Village of Park Forest is currently seeking the names and addresses of local military personnel currently serving overseas so that they may receive packaged donations from Park Forest residents. If you are a Park Forest resident and have a family member from your household currently deployed or if you have recently returned from a tour of duty, please call Judi Lancaster at 708-283-5608 or stop by the Manager’s Office at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.
Sources: Park Forest Discovery Magazine, 2010 Winter/Spring Recreation Programs, Park Forest Fall/Winter 2009 Calendar of Events, Rep. A. DeLuca, Park Forest Library, Village of Park Forest, Center for Performing Arts, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Freedom Hall, Illinois Theatre Center, Tall Grass Arts Association, Union Street Gallery, Park Forest Rotary Club, South Suburban Family Shelter, Sertoma Centre, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, and Park Forest Historical Society websites.
