Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of October 19, 2009


Heather and Mario Carlasare

Heather and Mario Carlasare perform at Freedom Hall Sunday. (Photo: ENEWSPF)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)— October 19, 2009. Just two more Saturdays remaining before another season of the Park Forest Farmers Market comes to a close. Make it a point to stock up on jams, jellies, cheeses and other items to get you through the winter. Also keep in mind that several vendors have unique items for sale that can be purchased for holiday gift giving.

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

Village of Park Forest Board and Commission Meetings

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

  • Housing Authority – Thursday, October 22 at 7 p.m.
  • Plan Commission – Tuesday, October 20 at 7 p.m. (Note: the Plan Commission meets on the 3rd Tuesday on an as-needed basis. Please contact Village Hall at 708-748-1112 to verify that the Commission will meet.)

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

Healthy Living

Cook County Health and Hospital System Town Hall Meeting

The Cook County Health and Hospitals System is holding a series of Town Hall meetings to solicit public comments on its Strategic Plan. On Monday, October 19 at 6 p.m., the first Town Hall will be held at South Suburban College, 15800 South State Street, South Holland. Recommendations included in the draft Strategic Plan include the creation of “hubs” of patient care at Provident, Oak Forest and Stroger Hospitals and the elimination of inpatient care at Oak Forest and Provident Hospitals. This is the community’s last chance to be heard. The draft Strategic Plan can be viewed at: www.cookcountyhealth.net.

League of Women Voters of Park Forest Health Care Reform Presentation

Confused about the health care reform proposals being developed by Congress? To help explain the proposed legislation, the League of Women Voters of the Park Forest area will host a program on Sunday, October 25 at 2 p.m. in the Board Room of Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend this informative event. Dr. Nike Mourikes from Physicians for a National Health Program will explain the plan that this group of physicians supports and why. Physicians for a National Health Program is an organization of 17,000 doctors who advocate for single-payer national health insurance. For more information, visit: www.pnhp.org or call 312-782-6006.

Cook County Department of Public Health Seeks Volunteers for H1N1 Vaccinations

The Cook County Department of Public Health is initiating a voluntary school-based H1N1 mass vaccination campaign and is seeking the public’s help. Licensed healthcare providers are needed to volunteer in vaccinating school-aged children in the community.
For information, or to register as a volunteer, visit www.cookcountypublichealth.org or call Jeannette Tandez, Volunteer Coordinator at 708-492-2820. Individuals may also email [email protected] for details.

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

Babies, Teens and Adults Immunization Clinics – NEW HOURS

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.

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

Periodontal Screenings –Through October 26

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

Arts and Entertainment

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

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

  • Monday, October 19 at 10:45 a.m. — Morning Story Times for children 3 to 6;
  • Tuesday, October 20 at 7 p.m. – Pajama Storytime for Children;
  • Wednesday, October 21 at 10:30 a.m. – Lap Sit Storytime for children 3 and under;
  • Wednesday, October 21 at 11:45 a.m. – Toddler Art for children ages 2 – 4;
  • Thursday, October 22 at 3:30 p.m. – Kid’s Crafts for children;
  • Friday, October 23 at 4 p.m. – Teen Booktalks; and
  • Saturday, October 24 at 2 p.m. – Pumpkin Fest 2009 – an afternoon of family fun including pumpkin carving demonstrations.

In addition, due to the library renovation, the following activity will be held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive:

  • Thursday, October 23 at 10:30 a.m. – Potpourri of Lectures – Building the World’s Largest Science Museum in Taiwan by Richard Norton, architect. Light refreshments will be served.

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

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Way

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

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

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

Faces – Through October 31

Faces, a solo graduate exhibition by Patty McWilliams, M.A. McWilliams creates larger than life paintings that offer the viewer a chance to experience each individual’s vibration, essence and beauty.

‘Beauteous Bountiful Bras’ Exhibit – Through November 11

Support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and attend this exhibit that supports the Union Street Gallery and the Cancer Support Center of Homewood. Regional artists transformed a simple undergarment into a work of art.

Accusation – Through October 31

Terry Dixon’s work will be featured. Dixon explores the use of text, raw materials and high contrast abstracted photography, juxtaposed with acrylic inks, pencil and metal.

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

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

Gabriel Villa Art Exhibit – Through October 23

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

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Way, Park Forest

Copenhagen – Tickets Now on Sale

In 1941 German physicist Werner Heisenberg went to Copenhagen to see his Danish Counterpart, Niels Bohr. Together they had revolutionized atomic science in the 1920s, but now they were on opposite sides of a world war. In this incisive Tony Award Wining Drama, Copenhagen, by Michael Frayn features two men who meet in a situation fraught with danger in hopes of discovering why we do what we do. The New York Times says Copenhagen is “the most invigorating and ingenious play of ideas in many a year. An electrifying work of art.” Copenhagen opens on October 30 and runs through November 15.

Tickets range from $19 – $21. There is a $1 discount for students and senior citizens at all performances. For more information, call 708-481-3510.

Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University

Dave Rudolf’s Halloween Spooktacular – October 31

Dave Rudolf will entertain goblins of all ages with his ghost—definitely not very scary—fun songs and stories to raise the hair on your funny bone. The event will be held on Saturday, October 31 at 11 a.m.

Kids come dressed in costume can share the stage with Dave.

  • See the Ghastly Ghoul Limbo.
  • Help collect Skeleton Bones.
  • Thrill to the Flying Eyeballs.
  • Watch in Amazement as kids do “The Frankenstein Dance.”

Tickets for the Spooktacular range from $10.50 to $15.50.

A post-show trick-or-treat party will be held in the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. Kids will be invited to trick-or-treat at selected sculptures, where Ghosts and Goblins will explain the sculptures to the trick-or-treaters and give them candy treats to take home.

  • Games
  • Fun
  • Surprises for everyone

Tickets for the after-party are $10. Space is limited so make your reservations early.

Call 708-235-2222 for more information or to purchase tickets visit the Center’s website at: http://www.centertickets.net/.

Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Boulevard

Radio’s Good Old Days – October 20

Turn back the clock and turn on your imagination and revisit the golden days of radio on Tuesday, October 20 at 11 a.m. Tickets are $10. For more information call the Freedom Hall box office at 708-747-0580 or visit the website at www.freedomhall.org .

Second City – October 23

On October 23, Chicago’s legendary comedy theatre The Second City will appear at Freedom Hall in Park Forest at 8 pm. This special performance will feature some of the best sketches, songs, and improvisations from The Second City’s fifty year history. The Second City is truly a Chicago landmark and a national treasure.

Tickets for The Second City are $25 and can be purchased at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest, IL. For more information call the Freedom Hall box office at 708-747-0580 or visit the website at www.freedomhall.org.

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

Relive your childhood memories or show your children/grandchildren what it was like to live in the ‘good old days’ by visiting the Park Forest House Museum. The Museum is open on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Group tours are by appointment. Call 708-748-3731.

Educational Lectures

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

Illinois Exposition College Fair

High school students and their parents can visit with more than 100 representatives from in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities at its annual Illinois College Exposition College Fair on Tuesday, October 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the atrium of the college. The fair is free and open to the public. For a complete listing of colleges and universities participating in the event, visit: www.prairiestate.edu and click on “College Fair: Oct. 20.” For additional information, call 708-709-3506.

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

Chicago Southland Manufacturing Summit

On Friday, October 23, members of the Chicagoland business, industry and entrepreneurship communities will have the opportunity to meet and discuss the issues and concerns of establishing, maintaining, and growing manufacturing in today’s economy at the Chicago Southland Manufacturing Summit. The Summit begins with a networking breakfast at 8:30 a.m. The program begins at 9 a.m. The Summit includes speaker William A. Strauss, Senior Economist/Economic Advisor for the Federal Reserve of Chicago. The event is free and advance registration is strongly recommended. For additional information or to register, call 708-922-4671 or email [email protected]. Event information can also be found at: www.eventbrite.com/event/451017004.

This and That

St. Irenaeus Church, 78 Cherry St., Park Forest

29th Annual Spaghetti Dinner

On Sunday, October 25 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., come and feast at St. Irenaeus’ 29th Annual Spaghetti Dinner taking place in the gym. Tickets for this all-you-can-eat event are $8 for adults and $3 for children under 12. For more information, call Tony Mielcarz at 708-748-2848 or the Rectory at 708-748-5891.

Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood Blvd., Park Forest

5th Quarter – October 24

On Saturday, October 24 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., come to the 5th Quarter – a cool time for teens to hang out after the Rich East Football games. Event will include games, food, basketball, music, entertainment, and much more. Open to all Park Forest teens. Call 708-748-1995 for your free ticket.

Park Forest Beautification Awards Reception – October 25

On Sunday, October 25 at 2 p.m.. the Park Forest Beautification Awards Committee will host the annual Beautification Awards reception at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard. Residents are invited to attend.

Village of Park Forest Economic Development

Business Person of the Year – Nominations Due October 30

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

Shop Park Forest First!

Park Forest Auto Service, Inc.

Park Forest Auto Service, Inc. is now open at 84 South Orchard Drive (formerly known as Nu-Tech Auto). Use this Park Forest business for all general auto service that you need. You can contact them at 708-679-1850.

Park Forest Farmers’ Market – Through the End of October

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

Greening of Park Forest

Local Recycling Resources and Proper Disposal of Unused Medicine

Do you have old televisions, computers, video games or other electronics or household appliances that need to be recycled? Want to know how to properly dispose of old or unused medication? Click on the “Recycling” icon found on the top of eNews Park Forest and you will find useful information on proper recycling/disposal that will not only be good for the environment, but in some cases, earn you a few dollars as well.

Safe Disposal Program – Bio-waste

The Park Forest Health Department and Environment Commission have partnered to provide information on the proper disposal of bio-waste such as used syringes or lancets (medical sharps). Begin by purchasing a Sharps container to dispose of your medical sharps for $10 at the Park Forest Health Department. Return the filled container to the Park Forest Health Department and purchase a new container. Call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 for more information.

Recycle Used Cell Phones and Cell Phone Accessories

The Rotary Club of Park Forest is conducting a used cell phone and accessory collection drive to benefit the families and programs of the South Suburban Family Shelter. Donated items can be placed in the collection box located in the lobby of Village Hall. For more information, call Denyse Carreras at 708-283-5603.

Go Green with a Free Tote Bag

The Village of Park Forest encourages residents to visit Village Hall to pick up an environmentally friendly canvas bag that can be used for your day-to-day shopping needs. These bags are free while supplies last with only two expectations: 1) that residents have a valid email address so that future environmentally conscious concepts can be shared by the Village’s Environment Commission; and 2) that bags are limited to one per household. For more information on this program, visit the Village Manager’s Office on the second floor of Village Hall of call 708-748-1129.

Human Interest

Rotary Club of Park Forest

Golden Opportunities Fundraising Project

Looking for a unique gift for a friend, family member or co-worker? Golden Opportunities coupon books make a great gift. Golden Opportunities is the only coupon book that offers coupons at favorite local restaurants, movies, groceries, sporting events and much more. Coupons are valid once a month and a single coupon can offer you hundreds of dollars in savings. Customers can receive 50% off and 2 for 1 discounts. Golden Opportunities Books are $25. Proceeds from the sales support the Rotary Club of Park Forest’s Early Act program – a school-wide service club for elementary students from ages 5 to 13. Books can be purchased by calling Jerome Brown at 773-416-1441.

“The Pantry” of Rich Township

Fundraiser – November 14

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

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

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

Donate Unused Air Miles to Support Families of Wounded Servicemembers

“Operation Hero Miles” collects unused frequent flyer miles to help military families visit service members who were injured in Iraq or Afghanistan and are recovering in military hospitals around the world. Airline partners are: AirTran, Alaska Airlines, American, Frontier, Midwest, Northwest, United, and US Airways. To donate airline miles, visit www.FisherHouse.org.

Donate to Troops Serving Abroad

The Village of Park Forest is currently seeking the names and addresses of local military personnel currently serving overseas so that they may receive packaged donations from Park Forest residents. If you are a Park Forest resident and have a family member from your household currently deployed or if you have recently returned from a tour of duty, please call Judi Lancaster at 708-283-5608 or stop by the Manager’s Office at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.

Sources:Village of Park Forest Weekly Manager’s Report, 2009 Autumn Recreation Programs, Park Forest Fall/Winter 2009 Calendar of Events, Rotary Club of Park Forest, Cook County Health and Hospital System, League of Women Voters of Park Forest, Park Forest Library, Tall Grass Arts Association, Center for Performing Arts, Prairie Sate College, Governors State University, Illinois Theatre Center, Union Street Gallery & Studios, and Park Forest Historical Society websites.


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