Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of May 21, 2012


Officers John DeCeault and William Busse
Officer John DeCeault hones his muscles playing with a tractor tire. Officer William Busse looks on. (Photo: Rich Whitehead)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—May 21, 2012. Community gardens are sprouting up all over Park Forest. There is still time for you to get involved whether you want to utilize a Village lot to plant our own garden or join one of the existing gardening groups. For additional information about the community garden project, call Rosemary Piser at 708-747-1991.

Don’t forget to allow for some extra commuting time if you travel on Orchard Drive. Traffic on Orchard Drive is now northbound only. Look for the ‘Detour’ signs that have been posted throughout the Village. You’ll find updated information on the Orchard Drive construction project on the Village of Park Forest’s website, www.villageofparkforest.com.

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

Park Forest Village Hall will be closed on Monday, May 28 in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday.

Green Events

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest

Wednesday Morning Walkers – May 23

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 Bartel Grassland – Wednesday, May 23

On Wednesday, May 23 at 7 a.m., meet at the Bartel parking lot, corner of Vollmer Road and Central Avenue, to see nesting grassland birds such as bobolinks, Eastern meadowlarks, savannah and Henslow’s sparrows and perhaps harriers. For additional information, call Charlie Habecker at 708-747-6061.

Field Trip to Gibson Woods – Saturday, May 26

On Saturday, May 26 at 9 a.m., we’ll meet at Gibson Woods. Because of a bridge out on Indianapolis Boulevard, directions are more complicated than usual. Take Route 30 to Indianapolis Boulevard (Route 41) to Ridge Road. At Ridge, go east (right) past the first stop light; the road immediately makes a ‘V’, so keep to the left. You will then be on Highway Avenue. Take Highway to Kennedy Avenue, turn north (left) on Kennedy and go to 164th Street. Turn right on 165th Street and go to Parrish. Make a left on Parish and go to the nature center at the end of the street. To car pool, call Mary Ann McLean at 708-672-5494 or Charlie Habecker at 708-747-6061.

Arts & Entertainment

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

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

  • Monday, May 21 ALL DAY – Friends Book Discussion: "Room" by Emma Donoghue.
  • Monday, May 21 at 2 p.m. – Basic E-mail – Registration Required.
  • Wednesday, May 23 at 6 p.m. – Basic E-mail Practice Session — The first ten people to come may attend these practice sessions. There is no registration for the practice sessions.
  • Thursday, May 24 at 3:30 p.m. – Microsoft Word Practice Session — The first ten people to come may attend these practice sessions. There is no registration for the practice sessions.
  • Friday, May 25 at 1 p.m. – Senior Travelogue: Morocco.

For additional information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.

Library Closure

The Park Forest Library will be closed on Sunday, May 27 and Monday, May 28 in honor of the Memorial Day Holiday.

Park Forest Commission on Human Relations, Park Forest

Multi-Cultural Event – Saturday, May 26

On Saturday, May 26 from noon to 2 p.m., at Dining on the Green Banquet Hall, 349 Main Street, Park Forest, come out and join us as we celebrate our diversity in Park Forest. We will have tastings of the different foods, history facts and performances on different cultures in the area. For additional information, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or e-mail [email protected].

Park Forest Recreation & Parks, Park Forest

Senior Trip to New, Historic Route 66 Tour – Registration Deadline Monday, June 4

On Wednesday, June 13, travel the famous Mother Road with award winning Route 66 author, John Weiss. Visit historic sites (Joliet to Pontiac); enjoy a little shopping in a few quaint towns, and look forward to lots of surprises! Be sure to bring your camera.  This “all inclusive” tour includes two snack stops, plus a full family style lunch (broasted chicken, vegetable, mashed potatoes, bread, coleslaw, salad, pop, coffee and tea) at the Route 66 Family Restaurant in Dwight, IL. You will learn and feel the history of this magical ribbon of highway as we “Get your kicks on Route 66!” The trip fee is $67 per person which includes round-trip coach bus, snacks, lunch and the tour. The bus will depart at 8 a.m. from Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, and return at approximately 6:30 p.m. Registration deadline:  Monday, June 4, 2012.  Register in person at the Recreation & Parks Department at Village Hall or by phone with a credit care by calling 708-748-2005. Mention Code: 248470-1 when registering.

Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest

Park Forest House Museum

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 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 is 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 May 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.

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

“Forks Over Knives” Film Screening & Discussion – Saturday, May 26

On Saturday, May 26, at 7:00 p.m. the movie “Forks Over Knives” will be shown. A discussion will follow the film screening. “Forks Over Knifes” examines the profound claim that most, if not all of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed by rejecting the standard American diet of animal-based and processed foods. It is educational, entertaining, and life-saving. In addition to looking at facts and research, this film traces the journey of several Americans as they move to a whole food plant-based diet, and the extraordinary medical results that follow. Roger Ebert says: “Here is a film that could save your life.” The event is free and open to the public. Complimentary coffee, tea and popcorn will be provided. Optional donations will be accepted. 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 —Saturday, May 26

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

‘Strange & Beautiful’ Paintings & Drawings by Javier Chavira – Through June 14

‘Strange & Beautiful,’ an exhibition of paintings and drawing by Javier Chavira will run through Thursday, June 14. A closing reception will be held on Friday, June 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Gallery. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For Gallery Hours or additional information, call 815-464-8818 or visit www.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.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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/en/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

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.

First Baptist Church of Park Forest, 80 North Orchard Drive, Park Forest

Rummage Sale to Support the Tabitha Food Pantry – Saturday, May 26

On Saturday, May 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., First Baptist Church of Park Forest will hold a Rummage Sale to support the Tabitha Food Pantry. There will be both new and used items for sale including Beanie Babies. Table space is available for a $15 donation per table. If the church supplies the table, the donation is $25.  A letter will be provided for any unsold items donated to the pantry. For additional information, call 708-748-2566.

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

Friday Fish Fry – May 25

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.

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.

Park Forest Baseball

Baseball Outing on June 20 – Tickets Now on Sale

Park Forest Baseball will hold a baseball outing on Wednesday, June 20 at Standard Bank Stadium, 14011 S. Kenton, Crestwood, when the Windy City ThunderBolts take on the Traverse City Beach Bums. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are $10. Hot dogs and sodas will be available for $1 each. A portion of all tickets sold will benefit Park Forest Baseball. If 100 tickets are sold, a Park Forest player will get the chance to escort a ThunderBolt player to their position. If 300 tickets are sold, Park Forest Baseball may have a chance at other ThunderBolts in-park activities. Advocate South Suburban Hospital will also be hosting a free health clinic on the ballpark concourse that evening. And after the game, all kids are allowed to run the bases! For additional information or to purchase tickets, call Booster Club Members, Tom Mick at 708-516-7140 or Dan Wieringa at 708-441-5408.

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.

Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights

‘Beautiful Junque’ USG Annual Indoor Garage Sale – Donations Now Being Accepted

It is that time of year again. USG is collecting new and used items to sell in the annual indoor garage sale fundraiser. This year, proceeds from the sale will help USG with much needed building repairs. Donations can be made on Wednesday & Thursday, noon to 5 p.m.; Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations must be in bags or boxes. No clothing (other than vintage clothing), broken electronics, or big, heavy furniture will be accepted. Accessories like belts, scarves, shoes, etc. will be accepted. Volunteers are also needed to help set-up, work the sale, and clean-up afterwards. Have fun, meet new people, and support USG. For additional information or questions, please call 708-754-2601.

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 Summer 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.


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