In and Around Park Forest Week of September 3, 2012

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—September 3, 2012. Many of us consider Labor Day as the holiday that marks the end of summer. While it will be hard to think of summer ending when the forecast is for another 90 degree day for this holiday, we know that the cold days of winter are right around the corner. Sadly, many of our veterans who have fought so bravely to protect our freedom in the United States, will find themselves homeless this winter. Rotary Clubs have joined together with the Hines and Jesse Brown Medical Centers, several Chicago area veterans groups and community organizations to collect coats, hats, and gloves for distribution to our veterans at the annual Stand Down Day event. The organizing partners of Stand Down Day are expecting more than 850 veterans to attend this year’s event. The Park Forest Rotary Club is collecting coats, hats and gloves in good condition to provide to the veterans. Additional information about Stand Down Day as well as information about where you can drop off your donated items are in the ‘This & That’ Section. In addition, volunteers will be needed to help out at the Stand Down Day event. If you are interested in volunteering, please call Tom Mick at 708-748-1129.

If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in our community during the upcoming week, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.

Village of Park Forest

Village Hall Closure & Garbage Collection for Single Family Homes

Village Hall will be closed on Monday, September 3, in observance of Labor Day. Garbage collection for single family homes, usually collected on Tuesday, will be moved back to Wednesday.   

Village Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees will meet on Tuesday, September 4 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. 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 villageofparkforest.com.

To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site at: villageofparkforest.com and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.

Village of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings

The following Park Forest Commissions and Advisory Boards will meet the week of September 3:

• Tuesday, September 4 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission
• Wednesday, September 5 at 7 p.m. – Economic Development Advisory Group
• Thursday, September 6 at 1 p.m. – Senior Citizen Advisory Commission
• Thursday, September 6 at 7 p.m. – Environment Commission

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

Arts & Entertainment

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

57th Annual Park Forest Art Fair – September 15 & 16

The 57th Annual Park Forest Art Fair will be held in DownTown Park Forest on Saturday and Sunday, September 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. In addition to a variety of fine art, the fair will feature a variety of live music from jazz to folk and activities for the children. Both the music fest and art fair are free and open to the public. There will also be food vendors selling a variety of foods and dessert and back by popular demand, a wine tasting. For additional information, call the Tall Grass Art Gallery at 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.

‘Luminosity’ – Through October 7

‘Luminosity,’ the Gallery Artists Annual Exhibit runs through October 7. The exhibit features more than 50 artists. The works presented are in a variety of media including watercolors, oils and acrylics, and photography pastels and pencil. In addition to the two-dimension works, there are several three dimensional works including hand-painted gourds and painted porcelain. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information and Gallery hours, call 708-748-3377 or visit http://www.tallgrassarts.org.

Village of Park Forest

Senior Trip to Springfield, Illinois – Registration Deadline Monday, September 10

On Thursday, September 20, the bus will leave at 6 a.m. from Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, and head to our state’s capitol – Springfield, Illinois. Now is the time to tour our State Capitol in Springfield. This motor coach tour is designed with you in mind. We will visit the new Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, the Old States Capitol, and the New State Capitol with a visit to a State Representative, the Lincoln Home, Lincoln Tomb and the World War II/Vietnam and Korean War Memorials and the Illinois State Museum. Walking is at a minimum as our motor coach will drop and pick us up right near each attraction. The day is complete with lunch and dinner. The bus will return to Village Hall at approximately 9:30 p.m. The fee is $89 per person and includes round-trip motor coach transportation, admission and dinner (lunch is on your own). Registration deadline is Monday, September 10, 2012. Register at Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department at Village Hall, or call 708-748-2005 to register over the phone with a credit card.  Mention Code: 348420-1 when registering.

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

Library Closure – Monday, September 3

The Park Forest Library will be closed on Monday, September 3, in observance of Labor Day.

“Those Were the Days’ Radio Players – Sunday, September 9

‘Those Were the Days’ Radio Players will be featured on Sunday, September 9 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Ringering Room. ‘Those Were the Days’ Radio Players are a popular Chicago area group which re-enacts radio programs from the golden days of radio. In these programs they act out 1940s radio to give us a feel for the time before television. It was a world where the listener’s imagination created the video, and sometimes it was a picture that even today’s video wizards would have a hard time matching. For additional information, call 708-748-3731.

Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

2012 – 2013 Season Announced – Tickets Now on Sale

Tickets for Freedom Hall’s Nathan Manilow Theatre 2012 – 2013 Season are now available.
Main series events are:

• Second City for PRESIDENT — October 19 at 7:30 p.m.
• C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band – November 2 at 7:30 p.m.
• Peter Mayer ‘Stars and Promises’ – December 22 at 7:30 p.m.
• Masters of Motown – February 22 at 7:30 p.m.
• Hank and my Honky Tonk Heroes – March 23 at 7:30 p.m.
• Julie Fowlis: Music of the Scottish Isles – April 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Family Theatre series events are:

• Kids for PRESIDENT – October 26 at 7 p.m.
• The Rainbow Fish – February 15 at 7 p.m.

Senior series events are:

• Travis LeDoyt ‘Tribute to the King’ – October 9 at 11 a.m.
• Mike Toomey’s TV & Me – November 13 at 11 a.m.
• ‘Home for the Holidays’ featuring Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael – December 11 at 11 a.m.
• Metro Jazz Voices: Four-part Harmony, Love Songs for Valentines — February 5 at 11 a.m.
• Switchback – American Roots – Celtic Soul – March 12 at 11 a.m.
• Billy Elton – Celebrating the Music of Billy Joel and Elton John – April 9 at 11 a.m.

If you purchase 3 or more Main series events, you are considered a subscriber and are entitled to reduce ticket price (NOTE: Senior series and Family Theatre are not included). For ticket prices and additional information, call 708-503-7737 or visit www.freedomhall.org.

Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest

Park Forest House Museum – Summer Exhibit Features Early Years of the Aqua Center

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard, is ready for summer visitors. The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or for small groups by appointment. Donation is Adults- $5; 12 & under free with a paying adult. Group tours may be subject to special pricing. The tour is free with the purchase of a Marshall Field’s Park Forest Store brick at 1 for $15; 2 for $25. Convenient, free, street parking is available right outside the front door. The museum is operated by the Park Forest Historical Society and sponsored by Andrew Brown of Central Park Townhomes. This summer the museum is featuring a small display on the early years of the Aqua Center swimming pool complex, once the largest in the state of Illinois. The transcript of an oral history on the Aqua Center is in the living room, illustrated with photos of the original layout. On display in the china cabinet are original badges from the ‘Badge Pool.’ Youngsters used to have to prove they could swim the length of that pool to earn the badge to pin on their swimsuits. For additional information, visit www.parkforesthistory.org.

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

‘Carts & Cocktails’ – Saturday, September 8

On Saturday, September 8 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., BMO Harris Banks will present its annual benefit fundraiser ‘Carts & Cocktails.’ As part of its celebration of the 30th anniversary of Martin Puryear’s installation of “Bodark Arc” at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, guests will enjoy an an engaging afternoon featuring a conversation with Michael Darling, James Alsdorf Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. Following cocktails and hors d’oevres in a lakeside tent, guests will take a golf cart tour of the sculpture park. After the tour, the event will conclude with desserts n the tent. Tickets for the event are $100 per person. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-534-4486 or visit www.govst.edu/sculpture.

Center for Performing Arts at GSU Announces 2012 – 2013 Season

As GSU’s Center for Performing Art’s begins its 18th season, audiences will again experience the best in music, dance, theater, family fare, opera, and children’s programming. The 2012 – 2013 season has it all. Performances this season include:

• Friday, September 21 at 8 p.m. – Broadway’s Next H!T Musical,
• Sunday, September 30 at 4 p.m. – Opera Up Close returns with the Lyric Opera Preview,
• Saturday, October 12 at 8 p.m. – Muntu Dance Theatre,
• Tuesday, October 30 at 7 p.m. – U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus gives a free performance,
• Saturday, November 3 at 8 p.m. – [title of show],
• Sunday, November 11 at 4 p.m. – The Three Divas!,
• Saturday, November 17 at 8 p.m. – Speaking in Tongues: The Chronicles of Babel,
• Saturday, December 1 at 11 a.m. – A Christmas Carol,
• Saturday, December 8 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. – The Nutcracker performed by Salt Creek Ballet,
• Sunday, January 13 at 4 p.m. – The Voice! A Celebration in Song,
• Saturday, January 26 at 8 p.m. – Braid Tales,
• Friday and Saturday, February 1 & 2 – Assassins,
• Sunday, February 3 at 4 p.m. at 4 p.m. – A Night at the Operetta,
• Friday, February 15 at 7 p.m. – DRUM Line Live,
• Saturday, February 15 at 8 p.m. – The Flowering Tree,
• Saturday, March 9 at 2 p.m. – The Sing-a-Long Sound of Music,
• Sunday, March 10 at 4 p.m. – DuSable to Obama: Music from Chicago’s Black Metropolis,
• Saturday, March 23 at 11 a.m. – Aesop’s Dinosaur Puppets – The Grasshopper and the Ant
• Thursday, March 28 at 7 p.m. – Celtic Crossroads,
• Friday, May 10 at 7 p.m. – The Piano Men – A Musical Journey through the ‘70s Featuring the Music of Billy Joel and Elton John,
• Wednesday, April 17 at 7 p.m. – Ed Asner as FDR, and
• Saturday, May 4 at 11 a.m. – The Wizard of Oz.

Discounts apply for purchasing tickets for multiple shows. For additional information about performances, ticket prices, or to purchase tickets, call the box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.

Drama Group Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd Street, Chicago Heights

Tickets Now Available for 2012 – 2013 Season—Season Ticket Discounts Through September 21

The Drama Group has been ‘Ringing Broadway to the South Suburbs since 1931.’ For a limited time only, you can purchase tickets for the very best of local theatre and save over 35% in individual ticket prices. Purchase a season ticket by September 21 and you will receive a Subscriber Discount Card, which includes special discount offers from local businesses, restaurants and services as well as one free ticket per order to one of the shows. Performances for the 2012 – 2013 season are:

• November 30 through December 9 – ‘12 Angry Men’,
• February 15 through 24 – ‘Superior Donuts’,
• May 3 through 4 – ‘The Wiz’,
• June 7 through 16 – ‘God of Carnage’,
• August 2 through 11 – ‘West Side Story.’

The Drama Group Daytime Children’s Theatre will present:

• November 14 through 18 – ‘Winnie the Pooh & Friends Birthday Tail’, and
• March 20 through 24 – ‘The Adventures of Pinocchio.’

For additional information, ticket prices, or to purchase tickets, call 708-755-3444 or visit www.dramagroup.org.

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

Photographer of the Year and 2012 Annual Student Exhibition – Through September 30

The Christopher Art Gallery at PSC is hosting the Photographer of the Year and 2012 Annual Student Exhibition through Sunday, September 30. The exhibit includes drawings, painting, photographs, and mixed media works that were produced by PSC students in the 2011 – 2012 academic year. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery Hours, please visit: http://prairiestate.edu/artgallery/.

Anime Club Hosting Maneki Neko Con Convention – Tickets Limited to First 700 Registrants

The PSC Anime Club is hosting Maneki Neko Con, an Anime/Sci-Fi convention from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.. on Saturday, September 29 at PSC’s main campus, 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights. The convention features classes and workshops focusing on anime, art, science fiction, fantasy, costuming, writing, and Japanese culture related topics. The convention will be followed by a 6:30 p.m. masquerade, limited to the first 400 attendees in line. Tickets are limited to the first 700 registrants, so pre-registration by September 12 is recommended. The cost for adults 18-years old or older is $20. A discounted rate of $15 is available to students at any school or military service members. The cost for children 7 to 11 years old is $5, and children up to 6 years old are admitted free, but still need to register. Group rates are available to schools. Lunch is available for purchase at the cafeteria on campus. For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit www.prairiestate.edu/animeclub or e-mail [email protected]. Registration forms can be mailed in or brought to the Business Office on campus.

Monkey Mind Art Studio, 3 West Nebraska, Frankfort, IL

‘Seasons of My Life’ – Through October 8th

The exhibit ‘Seasons of My Life’ will be featured at the Gallery through October 8. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 815-464-8818 or visit www.monkeymindartstudio.com.

Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights

‘Blur’ – Through September 8

‘Blur’ is an exhibit featuring the art by twenty-three artists from the Midwest region that captures, portrays and illustrates motion. The exhibit was juried by Jeff Stevenson, Director of the Visual Arts Gallery at Governors State University. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For Gallery hours or additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit http://www.unionstreetgallery.org.

‘If Life Were Still’ – Through September 8

‘If Life Were Still’ presents the works of three painters – Lorraine Sack, Richard Laurent, and Tanya Gadbaw – who interpret the inherent beauty, mystery, personal memories and visual metaphors revealed through the centuries-old tradition of recording particular details of specific objects.   All three artists are painters, working in oils, focusing on factual and expressive depictions of objects – their symbolic significance, the emotions they stir, and the visual challenges they inspire.   The exhibit will and run through September 8. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For Gallery hours or additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit http://www.unionstreetgallery.org.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

Veterans Appreciation Day – Thursday, September 6

GSU is hosting a Veterans Appreciation Day on Thursday, September 6 at its main campus in University Park. All events are free and open to the public. Scheduled events are:

• Veterans Employment Workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Room D1246. Veterans will get tips to help them find or change jobs, and learn about programs that are available to them.
• Veterans Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in GSU’s Hall of Governors. This fair will showcase resources for veterans.
• Dedication of GSU’s new Veterans Resource Center at 2:15 p.m.

Interested persons should RSVP to Keith White, Coordinator of Veterans Affairs at 708-235-2223 or e-mail [email protected].

GSU Offers Computer Networking Series

Computer Network training is now available at GSU this fall. The Computer Networking Series enables participants to gain career enhancing skills through non-credit courses. Students will receive training preparing them for certifications in Comptia’s A+ and Cisco’s Certified Network Administration. Courses may be taken individually or in sequence, depending on individual career and education goals. Course topics include Computer Hardware, Networking Fundamentals, Networking Switches and Routing, Wireless Networking, Windows Seven Operating System, and Windows Server Operating System. For additional information about the Computer Networking Series, contact the School of Continuing Education at 708-534-4099.

Job Search Assistance Every Tuesday at GSU

The Mobile Workforce Center’s mobile unit will be at GSU every Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., parked near the university’s front entrance. Center services include resume development, access to online job boards and websites, instruction in how to conduct an online job search and improve keyboarding skills, and assistance of staff. The center is equipped with 11 computer stations with Internet access, printer, and copy machines, and is wheelchair accessible. Services are free and available to residents in all counties. For additional information, contact the Workforce Services Division of Will County at 815-727-4980.

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

Opt In to Technology at PSC

You can bridge the gap between technology and a new you at PSC’s new Opt In program that consists of two computer training centers and free classes to teach basic technological skills. One location is at the Adult Training and outreach Center in Room A145 at PSC’s main campus. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The other location is at the Matteson Area Center’s Computer Training Lab located at 4821 Southwick Dr., Matteson. Hours for this location are Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. No matter what skill level you have or want to have, Opt In can help. Both computer labs and on-site tutors are free and open to the public. For additional information, call Lisa Zeigler at 708-709-3548 or e-mail [email protected].

Rich Township Free Basic Computer Classes for Adults

Rich Township is offering free basic computer skill classes for adults every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Leonard Robinson Family Services Center, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park. Participants will learn Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet skills, résumé building skills, and more. Classes are open only to residents of Rich Township. For additional information, call Mark Mason or Joe Moran at 708-748-6722.

Online Educational Resources

Online college programs are a great way for today’s busy people to complete or earn a degree. To find an online college program in Illinois, visit http://www.onlineschools.org/guides/Illinois/ where you will find a compilation of every college program offered online in Illinois offered on a full or part-time basis.

Top U.S. Universities

Choosing what college or university to attend can be a very daunting experience. With educational costs continually increasing, it’s more important than ever to choose a university that meets your specific educational needs. At http://www.topschools.com/, you will find a comprehensive resource that ranks each university throughout the nation by size, degrees offered, tuition costs, admission, graduation and retention rates.

Green Events

Village of Park Forest

Donations Needed to Help Rebuild Central Park Wetlands Observation Deck

As Park Forest residents know, a fire occurred in the Central Park Wetlands on June 27 that resulted in approximately $10,000 in damages. Unfortunately, the deductible on the Village’s insurance policy is higher than the damages, so an insurance claim cannot be made. The observation deck was used by many in the south suburbs – young and old alike, to enjoy the beauty of the Central park Wetlands’ variety of native plants and view the more than 100 species of birds that have been identified by volunteers from the Thorn Creek Audubon Society. In the true spirit of Park Forest, a grassroots effort to rebuild the observation deck has been started by George and Connie Manno. In addition, the Environment Commission, Recreation & Parks Advisory Board and Park Forest Rotary Club are assisting with the fundraising. If you would like to contribute to the fund, please send a check payable to the Village of Park Forest indicating in the memo section ‘observation deck donation’ and send to:

Village of Park Forest
Recreation & Parks Department
350 Victory Drive
Park Forest, IL 60466.

Park Forest Environment Commission

Rain Barrel Sale

The Park Forest Environment Commission is currently holding a sale on rain barrels for a cost of $30 each – reduced from $55. The sale price is for rain barrels currently in stock. Rain barrels are used to collect and store rain water, typically from rooftops. However, unique ways can be devised to harvest water into a rain barrel as you can see at the community garden located at the Park Forest Fire Station. The collected water is then used for watering lawns and gardens. To purchase a barrel, see staff at the Recreation & Parks Department at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. For additional information about rain barrels, e-mail Commissioner Jim Saxton at [email protected].

Thorn Creek Audubon Society (TCAS), Park Forest

Glyn and Sylvia Dawson to Discuss the Seasons at Wooded Island & Jackson Park – Wednesday, September 5

On Wednesday, September 5 at 7 p.m. at the Wetlands Discovery Center, 90 N. Orchard Drive (located at the Park Forest Aqua Center), Glyn and Sylvia Dawson will discuss the seasons at Wooded Island and Jackson Park. The event is free and open to the public.

Field Trip to Wooded Island – Saturday, September 9

The Field Trip scheduled for Saturday, September 9 will be at Wooded Island at Jackson Park. Wooded Island is a migratory bird paradise and a history buff magnet. We may see as many as 30 or 40 species in a morning, fall migrants and songbirds, then have brunch at a site chosen by Glyn and Sylvia Dawson. Meet at the Clarence Darrow Bridge (1537 E. 60th Street, Chicago) at 7 a.m. or at the Park Forest Library parking lot, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, at 6 a.m. to car pool. For additional information, please call Charles Habecker at 708-747-6061.

Thorn Creek Audubon Society 2012 Fall Bird Seed Sale

Thorn Creek Audubon Society (TCAS) 2012 Bird Seed Sale is one of the organization’s primary fund-raising projects. Proceeds from last fall’s sale helped fund the 2011 – 12 grants for south suburban projects benefiting the environment totaling $2,000. The DeLong Company, one of the largest in the Midwest, will supply the seed this fall. All orders must be received by October 1st. Pick-up date is Saturday, October 27 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Park Forest Aqua Center, 30 N. Orchard Drive. All orders MUST be picked up on delivery day. For a complete list of available items and pricing, visit: thorncreekaudubonsociety.org. For additional information, call Al Thomas at 708-957-9847.

Sauk-Calumet group of Illinois Sierra Club, Matteson, IL

Monthly Meeting – Monday, September 10

The Sauk-Calumet Group of the Illinois Sierra Club will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, September 10 at 7:15 p.m. at the Frankfort Public Library, 2119 Pfeiffer Road (just off Route 30). The program will be on reptiles of the Chicago area. Herpetologist Mark Bavetz will share picture and information about both the common and the rare reptile species of the Chicagoland region. Come and learn about creatures that live in our area but which we rarely see. Sierra Club meetings are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Patrick Coffey at [email protected].

Healthy Living

Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Wednesday Morning Walkers – Begins Wednesday, September 5

Beginning Wednesday, September 5 and continuing each Wednesday through November 14, those 11 through adult can follow the forest’s fall changes, enjoy light exercise and experience nature firsthand on Thorn Creek’s autumn trails. The walk will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. each week. Trails can be wet or muddy, so please wear sturdy shoes. The terrain is moderate. Registration is not required. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.

Village of Park Forest

39th Annual Farmers’ Market – Every Saturday Through October 27

The 39th Annual Farmers’ Market will be held from 7 a.m. to 12 noon on the corner of Lakewood & Cunningham Drive through October 27. The market offers local fresh vegetables, fruits, organic breads, cookies, specialty produce, garden bedding plants, perennials, garden ornaments, salsas, BBQ pork chops, hamburgers, Polish sausage, fresh tamales, jewelry, funnel cakes, and fundraising products from a variety of individuals and civic groups. For additional information, call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.pfhealth.net.

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

Free Psychotherapy Available from GSU’s Psychology Program

GSU’s Psychology Department is offering free psychotherapy services to members of the community. Conversations with a psychotherapist can help people cope with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, and life transition problems. Confidential, one-on-one sessions are held with a GSU graduate student in psychology under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Individuals and couples, 18 years and older, are eligible. All sessions are conducted in Matteson, IL. The number of sessions is determined by the client’s needs. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-235-2841.

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

Senior Citizen Weekday Lunch at the Senior Café

Senior citizens of all income levels are invited to lunch weekdays at the Community Nutrition Network (CNN) site located inside the Rich Township’s Shirley J. Green Senior Center. The CNN site is open to all south suburban residents, including those living outside of Rich Township. Participants must be 60 years of age or older. The suggested donation for lunch is $2.50. Lunch is served Monday through Friday at noon. Bingo begins at 11 a.m. For additional information or to make a reservation for lunch, call 708-747-2700.

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 program available to help you pay for your medicines. Simply visit click_illinois to find out if you can apply to any of these great programs and to get connected with 10,000 free clinics and doctors.

This & That

Park Forest Rotary Club

Winter Clothing Items Needed to Distribute to Homeless Veterans at November Stand Down Day

Stand Down Day is a time when homeless veterans from the Chicago land area will have access to comprehensive social and medical services that help to prepare them for the harsh winters of Chicago. The veterans will also be treated to a hot meal from Robinson’s Ribs. Rotary Clubs have joined together with the Hines and Jesse Brown Medical Centers, several Chicago area veterans groups and community organizations to collect coats, hats, and gloves for distribution to our veterans at this annual event. The organizing partners of Stand Down Day are expecting more than 850 veterans to attend this year’s event. The Park Forest Rotary Club will be collecting coats, hats and gloves in good condition to provide to the veterans. Donated items can be dropped off at:

• Village Manager’s Office, 2nd floor of Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, or
• Tower Cleaners, 230 Forest Boulevard, in DownTown Park Forest.

Donations should be made by November 5. In addition, volunteers are needed to help at the Stand Down Day event. If you would like to volunteer, please call Tom Mick, at 708-748-1129.

Park Forest Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG)

Seeking Nominations for 2012 Business Person of the Year – Nomination Deadline is October 31

The Park Forest Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) seeks nominees from individuals, civic groups, and businesses to recognize a Park Forest business owner who is committed to community service.  Do you know a Park Forest business owner who has made a difference for you or someone you know?  Submit your completed nomination form to EDAG in care of the Village of Park Forest no later than October 31, 2012.  Contact Sandra Zoellner at [email protected] or 708-283-5623.

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

Friday Fish Fry – September 7

Join Park Forest’s American Legion Post 1198 for fish, shrimp, wings, beef and appetizers on Friday, June 1 beginning at 6 p.m. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.

Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 N. Orchard, Park Forest

Annual Neighborhood Block Part – Saturday, September 8

On Saturday, September 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Calvary United Protestant Church will host its annual Neighborhood Block Party. There will be many activities and games for those of all ages. For additional information, call 708-748-6261.

Faith United Protestant Church, 10 Hemlock St., Park Forest

Free Java Tuesdays

All are invited to Faith United Protestant Church for FREE Java Tuesdays. Visitors are asked to go to the Indianwood Boulevard side entrance between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. for free curbside service or to come and sit a bit. The event will continue each Tuesday as a form of outreach to the community throughout the summer and fall. For more information, call 708-747-1330.

Garden Club of Park Forest

"A Gardener’s Cookbook"

To celebrate their 55th anniversary, the Park Forest Garden Club offers this cookbook filled with memories, gardening tips, flowery sayings and of course recipes. Makes a great gift. All proceeds go to the club and are used toward community contributions. Cookbooks are $9 and are available at the Park Forest Recreation and Parks Department, 350 Victory Drive. Call 708-748-2005 for additional information.

Sertoma Centre, Inc., 4343 W. 123rd St., Alsip

Good As New Thrift Store – Seeking Donations

The Sertoma Centre’s Good As New Thrift Store, 4331 Lincoln Highway, Matteson, is seeking donations of gently used furniture and other household items in good condition. Proceeds from the sale of items at the Thrift Store go directly to supporting the 14 programs offered by Sertoma Centre. The store also serves as a training program for consumers at Sertoma to allow them to gain experience and transition into permanent retail jobs. The Thrift Store will pick up furniture donations within the south and southwest suburbs of Chicago free of charge. To make an arrangement to make a tax deductible donation of furniture to Good As News, call 708-481-5627. For additional information, to schedule a tour, volunteer or to make a donation, please call Amy Chmura at 708-730-6206 or e-mail [email protected].

Rotary Club of Park Forest

The Rotary Club of Park Forest urges you to purchase a Golden Opportunities 2012 book to help support its youth activities. Books are only $25 and are now available for purchase at the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd.

Donate Unused Air Miles to Support Families of Wounded Servicemembers

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

Donate to Troops Serving Abroad

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

Greening of Park Forest

Sertoma Centre, Inc., 4343 W. 123rd St., Alsip

Recycle Unused Wheelchairs

If you have a used motorized wheelchair that you no longer need and would like to help a person with a disability, the Sertoma Centre will accept your donation. Contact Melanie Jones at 708-730-6206 for additional information.

South Suburban Family Shelter Used Cell Phone Collection Drive

South Suburban Family Shelter (SSFS) is seeking cell phone donations for their ongoing fundraising program. Proceeds from the collection fund the critical programs and services provided to families who experience domestic violence. All victim services are provided free of charge and are available in English and Spanish. Cell phone collection sites currently include:

• SSFS Administrative Office, 18139 Harwood, Homewood, IL
• Bergstein’s NY Deli, 200 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights, IL
• Doyle Designed Salon, 2630 Flossmoor Rd., Flossmoor, IL

All donations are tax deductible and receipts are available at collection sites. For more information about SSFS or the fundraising drive, please contact Ms. Meilach at 708-794-2140, extension 303.

Local Recycling Resources and Proper Disposal of Unused Medicine

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

Safe Disposal Program – Bio-waste

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

Recycle Used Cell Phones and Cell Phone Accessories

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

Sources: Park Forest 2012 Autumn Recreation Programs & More Brochure, 2012 Park Forest Spring/Summer Calendar, Park Forest ‘Discover’ magazine, Rich Township Report, Park Forest Historical Society, Village of Park Forest, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Center for Performing Arts, South Suburban Family Shelter, Park Forest Historical Society, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Illinois Theatre Center, Sertoma Centre, Inc., Union Street Gallery, Monkey Mind Art Studio, Thorn Creek Audubon Society, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.