Brenda Walker (left) and Fatima Yamuut staff the Village of Park Forest’s booth at Saturday’s Farmers Market, which runs every Saturday for the next 6 months. (Photo: ENEWSPF)
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—May 7, 2012.
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 Board Meeting
The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, May 7 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 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 (link opens to correct page).
Village of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings
The following Park Forest Commissions will meet the week of May 7:
- Tuesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission
- Tuesday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m. – Commission on Human Relations
The meetings will take place at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Green Events
League of Women Voter of the Park Forest Area
Educational Meeting on Global Climate Change – Wednesday, May 9
The League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area will host an educational meeting on the topic of Global Climate Change on Wednesday, May 9, at 7:00 PM at the Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard in Park Forest. The guest speaker will be Richard Treptow, Ph.D., professor emeritus of chemistry and environmental science at Chicago State University, and member of the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Sauk-Calumet Sierra Club. He will give a presentation on the causes, consequences and cures for global climate change. The League of Women Voters, based on its studies and positions to protect our environment and our natural resources, supports efforts to curb global climate change. This educational meeting is open to the public and anyone interested in the topic is encouraged to attend to learn more about this important issue. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization which encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Anyone interested in promoting responsible government is invited to be a member. For more information about the program or membership in the League, please contact Mary Lubertozzi, 708-747-1359.
Sauk-Calumet Group of the Illinois Sierra Club, Matteson
‘Greenfire’ to be Screened at Monthly Meeting – Monday, May 14
The Sauk-Calumet Group of the Illinois Sierra Club will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, May 14 at 7:15 p.m. at the Frankfort Public Library, 21119 Pfeiffer Road (just off Route 30). The newly released documentary, “Greenfire” will be screened. “Greenfire” explores the life and legacy of famed conservationist Aldo Leopold and the many ways his land ethic philosophy influences the modern environmental movement and our lives today. Learn how Leopold’s vision of a community that cares about both people and land offers inspiration and insight for the future. The meeting is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Patrick Coffey at [email protected].
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest
Wednesday Morning Walkers – May 9
Those ages 11 through adult are invited each Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. through June 13, to follow the forest’s spring changes on Thorn Creek’s trails. Trails can be wet or muddy so please wear sturdy shoes. The terrain is moderate. Registration is NOT required. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.
Thorn Creek Audubon Society (TCAS), Park Forest
Field Trip to Lake Renwick/Lockport Prairie – Wednesday, May 9
On Wednesday, May 9 at 8 a.m., bring your lunch and meet us at the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard for the field trip to Lake Renwick and Lockport Prairie. We’ll make a brief stop to check the birds at Lockport Prairie before going to the Rookery. After the Rookery, we will stop at Pilcher Park Nature Center grounds for lunch while watching more woodland birds, such as warblers and vireos, towhees, grosbeaks and maybe a pileated woodpecker. TCAS volunteers will lead a bird walk and present an interpretive talk about the rookery. Scopes will be provided for close-up viewing of many herons, egrets, cormorants and other wildlife which nest on the island and around the lake. For additional information, call Aura Duke at 08-748-6407.
Field Trip to McGinnis Slough – Saturday, May 12
On Saturday, May 12 at 8 a.m., we will meet at the McGinnis Slough parking lot, about 137th Street on the west side of LaGrange Road (Route 45). Although the McGinnis sign may not be visible, there is a turn land into the preserve. If time permits, we may go on to McLaughry Springs and Swallow Cliff. We will be looking for migrating warblers and nesting birds. For additional information, call Mary Anne McLean at 708-672-5494.
Arts & Entertainment
Park Forest Recreation & Parks
Senior Trip to the Pyramid House – Limited Seating – Registration Deadline Monday, May 7
On Tuesday, May 22, drive down Dilleys Road and you’ll notice something straight out of the days of the Pharohs in Wadsworth, Illinois when you join us for this unique tour of the Gold Pyramid House. The Gold Pyramid House was built in 1977 by Jim and Linda Onan as a private residence for his family. This 17,000 square foot, 6 story structure is surrounded by a moat and features a three pyramid garage. Visitors can visit King Tuts tomb, tour the inside of the pyramid, and discover exciting artifacts in the gift shop. Following the 2 hour guided tour, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at the Shanty Restaurant (featured on Food Network and ABC’s ‘190 North’) where we will dine on soup or salad, and your choice of Whisky shrimp, Apple-wood smoked pulled pork, crab cake salad or chicken linguini tomato vodka. Please mention your entrée preference when registering.
Tickets are $61 per person and includes round-trip coach bus, admission and lunch. The bus will depart at 8 a.m. from Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, and return at 4:30 p.m. You can register in-person at the Recreation & Parks Department at Village Hall, or by calling 708-748-2005 to register over the phone with a credit card. Please mention code 248680-1 when registering. Seating is limited. Registration deadline is Monday, May 7.
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:
- Monday, May 7 at 10:30 a.m. – Preschool Storytime
- Monday, May 7 at 1:30 p.m. – Basic Mouse – Registration Required.
- Monday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. – Jazz on Monday Nights: Duke Ellington
- Tuesday, May 8 at 10:30 a.m. – Preschool Storytime
- Tuesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. – Pajama Storytime – For all story lovers Ages 2 thru 12. Drop-ins welcome.
- Tuesday, May 8 at 7:15 p.m. – Microsoft PowerPoint – Registration Required.
- Wednesday, May 9 at 1 p.m. – Fine Art Matinee: Eugene Delacroix.
- Wednesday, May 9 at 3:30 p.m. – Breaktime! Ages 6 & Up. Stop in to see what we’re doing — crafts, games, more.
- Wednesday, May 9 at 6 p.m. – Basic Mouse Practice Session — The first ten people to come may attend these practice sessions. There is no registration for the practice sessions.
- Wednesday, May 9 at 7 pm. – Climate Change: The Earth Calls to Us — A presentation on the causes, consequences and cures. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area. Scientists report that the earth’s average temperature has increased over the past one hundred years. Polar ice caps are melting, mountain glaciers are receding, and sea levels are rising. These observations are evidence that global warming is occurring and causing Earth’s climate to change. Floods, droughts and hurricanes are becoming more severe. Scientists are concerned that these changes will bring hardships to humans and all other living creatures. SPEAKER: Richard S. Treptow, Ph.D., professor emeritus of chemistry at Chicago State University, is an environmentalist and member the Union of Concerned Scientists.
- Thursday, May 10 at 10:30 a.m. – LapSit – Ages 0 – 35 months with caregiver. Registration Required.
- Thursday, May 10 at 11:15 a.m. – Toddler Art – Ages 2-4 with caregiver. Registration Required.
- Thursday, May 10 at 3:30 pm. – Microsoft PowerPoint Practice Session — The first ten people to come may attend these practice sessions. There is no registration for the practice sessions.
- Friday, May 11 at 4 p.m. – Teen Time – Ages 12 & up. Wii games, classic TV reruns, board game competitions, teen crafts.
- Saturday, May 12 at 1:30 p.m. – Introduction to Databases. Registration Required.
For additional information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
‘A Night at the Opera’ – Saturday, May 12
Tickets are now on sale for ‘A Night at the Opera’ which will be performed on Saturday, May 12 at 8 p.m. at Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 S. Harlem Avenue, Frankfort. A murderous mistress, a tempestuous gypsy slain, and an eligible bachelor bearing a silver rose for a lucky mistress. No, you’re not watching The Bachelor or Cougartown…this is opera at its best! Music Director Laureate Carmon DeLeone conducts a program of operatic works for orchestra. From the jealous and love obsessed characters of these operas, to the melodramatic film music of Legrand, these works will have you begging for the night’s drama and intrigue to continue. Tickets are priced at $30, $40 and $50. For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit: http://www.ipomusic.org/.
Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest
Park Forest House Museum – Decorated for Easter
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard, is decorated to depict life in Park Forest when it was first built. One room represents a classroom in the first school, Forest Boulevard School, which was set up in a row of townhomes in 1949. The museum is currently decorated with honeycomb and die cut period decorations and Easter baskets. On display are hand-painted, hollow eggs brought from the Orient after World War II. The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Donation is Adults- $5; 12 & under free. 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 available right outside the front door. For additional information, visit www.parkforesthistory.org.
Volunteers Needed for Increased Hours and Work on Archival Collection
The Park Forest Historical Society needs many more volunteers to cover the additional hours at the House Museum and to trim, photocopy and label article and documents for the archival collection. Some of the collection is in the Park Forest Library. Projects will include filing photocopied articles and documents at the library, and searching the files for answers to questions from out of town. Publicity volunteers are needed to design or distribute fliers, and help blog and fill in announcements on social media sites. If you have a talent to offer or need to put in some public service time for school, please contact Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252 or contact the society by e-mail through the website at www.parkforesthistory.org.
Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest
“Spring Forward’ Exhibit – Through M ay 31
Join Salon Artists Gallery for this wonderful exhibit entitled ‘Spring Forward’ which runs through May 31st. For additional information or Gallery hours, call Patricia Moore at 708-833-5108 or Bev Szaton at 708-748-3946.
Art Sale: Mother’s Day Gifts – Through May 12
Purchase a memorable gift for your mother at Salon Artists Gallery’s Mother’s Day Art Sale. The sale will run through May 12. 10% off art objects priced at $30 or more. Pens, bowls, boxes, pottery, painting and other handmade items will be included in this special offer. For additional information or Gallery hours, call Patricia Moore at 708-833-5108 or Bev Szaton at 708-748-3946.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
‘Data Screens Machines’ First-Ever New Media Arts Show – Through May 27
Tall Grass Arts Association will host its first ever New Media Arts exhibition in its 56-year history. ‘Data Screens Machines’ will feature eight artists from around the U.S. and was curated by artist Joseph Pankowski. The exhibit will run through May 27. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit http://www.tallgrassarts.org/.
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Dr., Park Forest
‘Let’s Dance’ Spring Fling Dance at UUCC – Saturday, May 12
UUCC’s ‘Let’s Dance’ Spring Fling will be held on Saturday, May 12 at the church, 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest. Dance and fitness instructor Riley Wimes will give ‘Swing’ dance lessons from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. with no previous dance experience required. At 8 p.m., Johnny Rohlfs with ‘Let’s Party D-J Service’ will provide dance music until 11 p.m. Tickets are $12 and include dance lessons and snacks. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Narski Music & Chicago’s Smooth 87.7 FM Presents: A Celebration of Chicago Artists—Tickets Now on Sale
Narski Music & Chicago’s Smooth 87.7 FM Presents: ‘A Celebration of Chicago Artists’on Saturday, May 26 at 7 p.m. The event will be hosted by 87.7 FM’s Rick O’Dell. ‘A Celebration of Chicago Artists’ will feature Bass Guitarist Michael Manson; Comedian Ron Baker, Jr.; Saxophonist"Carlos Cannon"; Jazz/Funk KeyboardistChris Allison; Grammy Nominee Guitarist Paul Richmond; Vocalist "Babi Doll"; and SaxophonistMarqueal Jordan. Regular Admission tickets are $38 and General Admission Tickets are $27. Limited VIP Seats are available for $54 and include priority seating, backstage pass, meet and greet with the artists, and food and beverages. To purchase tickets, visit: www.centertickets.net or by calling 708-235-2222.
Monkey Mind Art Studio, 3 W. Nebraska St., Frankfort
‘Pouring Paint’ Exhibit by Watercolorist Sandy Newell – Through May 12
‘Pouring Paint,’ an exhibit by watercolorist Sandy Newell will run through May 12. For Gallery Hours or additional information, call 815-464-8818 or visit monkeymindartstudio.com.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights
Artwork by Graduating PSC Students on Display – Through May 24
Works of art from nine graduating PSC students will be on display through May 24 in the Christopher Art Gallery, located on PSC main campus. The featured works include drawings, painting, photography, and mixed-media pieces by the students, who are completing degrees in fine arts, graphic communications, and photography. Students whose art will be displayed are Carol Bruns and David Koenig of Beecher; Shane Senesac of Crete; April Grammer of Flossmoor; Samantha Cook and Norman Harris of Matteson; Jeanette Howard of Richton Park; Alan Bulava of South Chicago Heights; and Sybil Moore of Steger. The event is free and open to the public. Hours for the Christopher Art Gallery are Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visits also can be made by appointment. For additional information about the exhibit, or to make an appointment for a visit, call the PSC Foundation at 708-709-3636.
Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights
Homewood-Flossmoor High School AP Art Exhibit – May 16 through May 19
USC presents the current work of the Homewood Flossmoor High School AP Art Students beginning May 16. The exhibit will run through May 18. An artist’s reception will be held on Friday, May 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.
Speakers Publishers & Authors Association (SPAA), Chicago Heights
‘Mama Didn’t Lie” – Saturday, May 12
SPAA proudly presents the exhilarating stage play ‘Mama Didn’t Lie’ at the Bloom Trail Auditorium 22331 Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago Heights. Written, produced and directed by ‘Pastor Mike’, ‘Mama Didn’t Lie’ is the ultimate Mother’s Day stage play. Performances will be held on Saturday, May 12 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Advance tickets are $20 and $15 for Seniors or $25 at the door. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-785-7371 or visit www.createdbychrist.org or www.thespaa.org.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Park Forest Economic Development and Planning, 350 Victory Drive, Park Forest
Small Business Web Series – Thursday, May 10
Area business people are invited to join us for the third, and final small business web series, ‘Worker Classification: Employee of Independent Contractor.’ The webinar is part of the IRS National Webinars geared to the small business professional while also taking advantage of a great networking opportunity. This free webinar will be held on Thursday, May 10 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Boardroom of Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. One of the biggest tax issues for companies is determining whether workers are employees or independent contractors. Learn what the law says in general about how to tell the difference. Also learn how to request a determination from the IRS for your workers. For additional information or to register for this event, please contact Monica DeLord at 708-283-5617. Make it a brown bag lunch and we’ll provide the beverages. Walk-ins accepted.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
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.
Healthy Living
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 http://www.pparx.org 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
First Baptist Church of Park Forest, 80 N. Orchard Drive, Park Forest
Mothers and Daughters Luncheon & Program – Saturday, May 12
On Saturday, May 12 at 11 a.m., join us for a short program followed by lunch celebrating Mothers and Daughters. Please wear a hat. Call Sandra Richards to register at 708-748-2566 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.fbcparkforest.org.
Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 S. Orchard, Park Forest
W.O.M.E.N. Community Outreach – Saturday, May 12
On Saturday, May 12 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Calvary United Protestant Church, women of the South Suburban area are invited to attend W.O.M.E.N. W.O.M.E.N. is open to women of the community to work as a peer spiritual support group of women. It is a time to eat, share and discuss issues that affect the female gender of all ages. Each participant will receive an opportunity to win a gift certificate to Tender Care Day Care in Park Forest for children ages 4 years to 12 years. For additional information or to reserve your spot please call 708-748-6261. This event is held on the second Saturday of each month.
Park Forest Nurses Club, Park Forest
Annual Banquet – Thursday, May 17
The Park Forest Nurses Club will host its final annual banquet on Thursday, May 17 at Carlo Lorenzetti’s restaurant, 560 W. Lincoln Highway, Chicago Heights. Cocktails will be served at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Nursing scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 will be awarded to ten area students at the banquet. The Club, formed in 1950 and incorporated in 1958, will restructure following the close of its 2011 – 2012 year. For additional information, call Barbara Principali at 708-481-8387.
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.
Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest
South Suburban Senior Fair – Friday, May 11
The South Suburban Senior Fair will be held on Friday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Rich Township Shirley J. Green Senior Center. The Senior Fair is a joint venture between the Park Forest Rotary Club, Park Forest Senior Commission and Rich Township Senior Center. This event features more than 25 businesses, organizations and services that hold seniors as their main priority. Come out and gather information and talk with experts in the field of senior services. You may also win a raffle or a door prize. Coffee and refreshments will be served. At noon, lunch will be served in the Rich Township Senior Café for $2.50. If you would like lunch, please call 708-747-2700 to make your reservation. The only requirement to have lunch is that you or your spouse be age 60 or older. For additional information, call 708-748-5454.
Park Forest American Legion Post 1198, 1631 Western Ave., Chicago Heights
Friday Fish Fry – May 11
Join Park Forest’s American Legion Post 1198 for fish, shrimp, wings, beef and appetizers every Friday in the month of May. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.
Temple Anshe Shalom, 20820 South Western Ave., Olympia Fields
Interfaith Family Fun & Nosh – Saturday, May 12
On Saturday, May 12 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Temple Anshe Shalom will host an ‘Interfaith Family Fun & Nosh.’ This fun, family program will include music, food and a craft project. Parents are invited to come with their children, and grandparents are invited too. Jewish or not, enjoy Shabbat as a family while you learn, sing and have a great afternoon at Temple Anshe Shalom. Don’t miss out on this fun afternoon for Interfaith Families. For additional information, call Felicia Ross at 847-239-6988 or e-mail [email protected]. To register, visit: www.urj.org/chicagonosh.
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 Winter/Spring Recreation Programs & More Brochure, 2011/2012 Park Forest Fall/Winter 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.
