Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of March 8, 2010


Deana Williams

Park Forest’s own Deana Williams sings at Saturday’s Haiti Relief performances at Freedom Hall. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—March 8, 2010. The former Eagle Theater, 340 Main St. in DownTown Park Forest has been renamed Holiday Star Theater and is getting a makeover. Kenny Yochelson, the new owner, has spent over $100,000 on renovations so far and additional work will be done over time. In addition to showing movies on the theater’s five screens, Mr. Yochelson plans on showing movies outdoors and starting a cereal club on Saturday mornings during the summer where children can attend dressed in their PJs and watch old-time cartoons while enjoying a bowl of cereal. A “Zombie Fest” is being planned for later this year in which people can take part in a 72-hour movie marathon and try to set a world record. Click on the Holiday Star Theater icon on the top of Enews Park Forest’s front page to see movie times and additional information.

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 8 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 Commissions & Advisory Boards

The following Village Commissions will meet the week of March 8:

  • Youth Commission – Tuesday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Commission on Human Relations – Tuesday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m.

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

Volunteers Needed

Sertoma Club, 4343 W. 123rd Street, Alsip

The Sertoma Centre is a not-for-profit agency that provides opportunities to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve personal success. For the past eight years, various vendors participating in the Housewares Show being held at McCormick Place in Chicago donate various items to the Sertoma Centre in addition to five other charities. The Sertoma Centre is looking for people willing to donate one evening of their time on March 16 to join other volunteers for a bus ride to McCormick Place and help pack the donated items. Each volunteer will be assigned an appropriate task for each person’s skill level and ability. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to participate. Coach buses will leave the Sertoma Centre at 4 p.m. SHARP on March 16 and return by 9:30 p.m. Participants will receive a boxed dinner during the ride to Chicago. If you can volunteer, call Diane Sak, the event manager, at 708-481-5627 or visit www.sertomacentre.org and click on the “McCormick Place Housewares Show Packing” icon. The deadline for volunteers is Tuesday, March 9.

Healthy Living

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

Village of Park Forest Community Relations

Murder In Three Acts – A Whodunit You-Solve-It Event – Saturday, March 13

Come join us on Saturday March 13 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for an afternoon of murder and mystery where you get to help solve the crime. Murder in Three Acts is a play performed by The Mystery Shop where the audience investigates the crime between acts by questioning suspects, examining evidence and ‘buying’ information with Mystery Bucks. The first 25 people to arrive will receive a free gift. The event is free for those ages 16 and up. Registration deadline is Wednesday, March 10. For additional information, call the Village’s Parks and Recreations Department at 708-748-2005.

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

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

  • Wednesday, March 10 at 2 p.m. – Film Documentary and Discussion. View the documentary film of the life of Dashiell Hammett.
  • Friday, March 12 at 4 p.m. – Young Mystery Writers Workshop. Meet Chet Gecko and play a special Scramble-A-Mystery Game.
  • Sunday, March 14 at 3 p.m. – Old Time Radio. Those Were the Days Radio Players will reenact two old radio shows. Recommended for those 16 and older.

For more information on these activities, call 708-748-3731.

Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, March 11

The Library’s Potpourri of Lectures series continues this week at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. This week’s lecture is:

Thursday, March 11 at 10:30 a.m. – “Reflections on Kyrgyzstan” Speakers Jan and Stan Moore, who recently taught English in universities in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and Almaty, Kazakhstan, under Fulbright auspices, will be the speakers. The lecture will focus on politics, geopolitics and pedagogy in the Central Asian republics newly independent of Russia. 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

“Last of the Red Hot Lovers” – Through March 21

Barney Cashman is a middle-aged, overweight married man who’s never strayed from his wife. It’s the late 1960’s, and the sexual revolution is in full swing. Barney’s attempts to get in on the action come to hilarious life in Neil Simon’s “Last of the Red Hot Lovers.”
“The Last of the Red Hot Lovers” runs through Sunday, March 21. Performances are Wed. through Sat. 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. 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

Mozart Light and Dark – Saturday, March 13

On Saturday, March 13 at 8 p.m., Victor Yampolsky will conduct W. A. Mozart’s Symphony No. 38 in D Major, K. 504, ‘Prague,’ and Requiem, K. 626. This program offers Mozart in two extremes, the light face of his ‘Prague’ Symphony and the intense and reverent Requiem, which lay incomplete on his deathbed. 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

Neal Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway – Sunday, March 14

On Sunday, March 14 at 4 p.m., enjoy brilliantly revived arrangements of Broadway classics featuring the actual stars of shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Jekyll & Hyde and more. Tickets range in price from $46 to $26. In addition, you can enjoy a delicious, pre-theater dinner at Scrementi’s Restaurant , 3760 Chicago Rd., Steger. The menu includes salad, beef, pasta, chicken, coffee and dessert for $25 per person (excluding tax/tip). Advance dinner reservations are required and can be made at the Center’s box office. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or email [email protected].

The Millers – Tickets Now On Sale

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].

Los Lobos, With Special Guests The Mojo Daddies – Tickets Now on Sale

On Saturday, March 20 at 8 p.m., Los Lobos, with special guests The Mojo Daddies will perform. With three Grammys under their belts and chart toppers like Mariachi Suite, Kiko and the Lavender Moon, La Baba/Charlena and fan favorite Good Morning Aztlan, Los Lobos is ready to rock The Center. Tickets are priced at $56, $49 and $36. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or email [email protected].

Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd, Park Forest

“The Rat Pack Jazz Quartet” – Tuesday, March 9

As part of its Senior Series, Chicago’s crooner, Frank Lamphere and an ultra-swinging jazz band, will perform great renditions of Frank, Dean, Bobby Darin, Tony Bennet, and more, with some of the hottest jazzy instrumentals anywhere on Tuesday, March 9, at 11:00 a.m. at Freedom Hall’s Nathan Manilow Theatre. Medleys of Sinatra and Dean Martin with a few Elvis tunes thrown are sure to warm up a winter’s day. Tickets are $8.00. For more information or to order tickets, please call 708-747-0580.

Switchback – Saturday, March 13

On Saturday, March 13 at 8 p.m., celebrate St. Patrick’s Day when Switchback performs at Freedom Hall’s Nathan Manilow Theatre. Original Americana, traditional Celtic, plus a few nods to genres off the beaten path will be delivered by these two excellent musicians who create a full-band sound. The Irish Music Association has lauded them as Top Duo for 2008. 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 – Opens March 12

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.

Brunch To ‘Dye’ For — Saturday, March 13

On Saturday, March 13 from noon to 2 p.m., learn to dye a favorite piece of clothing or fabric. Add hand painting and stamping. Event will be presented by Dorita Fuller. Bring your own item or purchase other ‘blanks’ onsite. A donation of $2 is requested. Call the Gallery to reserve a spot at 708-754-2601.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

South Suburban Earth Science Club – Tuesday, March 9

The South Suburban Earth Science Club will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd., Park Forest. Guests and members are encouraged to bring rocks, fossils and minerals for identification and share any travels or hunts they have taken part in. The public is welcome to attend. For additional information, call 708-822-0361 or e-mail [email protected].

Rich East High School, 300 Sauk Trail, Park Forest

Community Classes – Saturday, March 20

As part of its receiving a $232,000 School Improvement Grant from the Illinois State Board of Education, Rich East High School is sponsoring a series of classes that will be open to all Park Forest residents, including Rich East students. The next series of classes will be held on Saturday, March 20 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Classes in the following areas will be available:

  • Computer Proficiency,
  • Careers that Work,
  • Yoga, Line Dancing Boot Camp,
  • Weight Training,
  • Culinary Arts/Soul Kitchen,
  • Chorus (Join the Rich East Community Choir), and
  • Reading.

Lunch will be served and daycare provided. For more information, call 708-679-6100 weekdays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

March of Spring Woodland Hike – Register Now

On Sunday, March 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., join a naturalist on the first full day of spring and unearth spring’s woodland surprises. Search for early spring flowers, the first migrant birds and other signs of spring. This event is open to all ages. Participants should plan on dressing for the weather. There is a fee of $5 per person or $15 for the entire family. Registration is required. For additional information, or to register please call 708-747-6320.

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway

Leadership Dialogue – Saturday, March 13

Learning more about what makes leaders successful is integral to becoming a successful leader and understanding the roll character plays in our leaders. A Leadership Dialogue discussion of “Passion and Principal: John and Jessie Fremont, the Couple Whose Power, Politics, and Love Shaped 19th Century America” by Sally Denton will be led by Dr. Paul Craig, on March 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Hall of Honors at GSU. The event is free and open to the public. Participants are asked to pre-register and be familiar with the book. For additional information or to pre-register, call 708-534-4024 or visit www.gsu-mile.org.

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.

State Representative Al Riley to Award Eight Scholarships – Application Deadline March 19

State Representative Al Riley will award eight individual one-year tuition waivers to students residing in the 38th District. Waivers are available for attendance at the University of Illinois (any campus), and any other Illinois public universities including Chicago State, Eastern Illinois, Governors State, Illinois State, Northern Illinois, Northeastern Illinois, Southern Illinois (both campuses) and Western Illinois University.

Each waiver is good for one full year of tuition, including summer sessions. This scholarship does not waive student fees, housing, or book expenses.
All applications must be postmarked or delivered to the district office by 4:00 p.m. on March 19th, 2010.
For additional details or to download the application, visit the Village of Park Forest’s website at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com.

2010 General Assembly Scholarship Program – Application Deadline March 19

State Representative Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) is accepting applications for the 2010 General Assembly Scholarship Program. The scholarships are available to residents of the 80th district and will cover one year of tuition for the following universities:

  • University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign, Chicago & Springfield)
  • Chicago State University
  • Eastern Illinois University
  • Governors State University
  • Northern Illinois University
  • Northeastern Illinois University
  • Southern Illinois University
  • Western Illinois University

All applications must be returned to Representative DeLuca’s District office by Friday, March 19. For more information or to receive an application, please call 708-672-0200 or visit www.housedem.state.il.us/members/delucaa.

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.

Last Minute Printing & Copy Center, 301 Liberty Dr. – Now Open

Last Minute Copy Shop of Steger has now expanded to Last Minute Printing & Copy Center and has opened in DownTown Park Forest. They are a one-stop shop to serve all their customer’s needs. Last Minute Printing & Copy Center uses high-speed color and black-and-white digital technology to complement traditional offset printing services and offer a more complete range of services to their customers including: graphic design, corporate branding, marketing, full color UV Gloss and silk laminated product lines, short–run digital printing, wide-format printing, specialty items, full color plaques, screen printing, embroidery and more. The owners, Michiel and Shon Burnett are Park Forest residents.

Shrimp Max, 347 Liberty Dr. — Now Open

Looking for alternatives to burgers and fries? Visit Park Forest’s newest fast food restaurant, Shrimp Max. Shrimp Max offers a wide range of food including shrimp, catfish, perch, salmon, chicken, Italian beef, an assortment of sides and desserts. Shrimp Max can also cater your next party. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 708-283-9503.

Park Forest Subway, 22301 Central Park Ave. — Reopened

Renovations Completed to Better Serve Customers

The Park Forest Subway Restaurant has reopened following an interior renovation. The renovations intended to provide better service to residents, includes the addition of two brand new handicap-accessible bathrooms for public use. If you haven’t been to the Park Forest Subway, please be sure to stop by at 22301 Central Park Avenues (near Taco Bell, &-Eleven and Cricket).

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

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, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Tall Grass Arts Association, Union Street Gallery, Park Forest Rotary Club, South Suburban Family Shelter, and Park Forest Historical Society websites.


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