The Human Relations Commission dedicated the Lincoln Highway sign last week on Juneteenth, June 19. (Left to right) Gary Kopycinski, Jenise Ervin, Randy Simmons Jr., Randy Simmons Sr., Jane Nicoll, Mamie Rogers, John Ostenburg, Jim Garrett, Tom Mick, Shannon Bond, Alice Drake, Bonita Dillard, Ken Kramer, Robert McCray, and Evelyn Sterling. (ENEWSPF)
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—June 18, 2012. Hard to believe that the fourth of July is right around the corner. Rather than travel, you can celebrate 4th of July at home in Park Forest. Due to the major construction on Orchard Drive and several other streets in the area around Central Park, the 4th of July parade has been cancelled for this year. Other events have been relocated this year but as in the past, Park Forest’s 2012 4th of July celebration will be a great community event. You’ll find details about the festivities in the ‘Arts & Entertainment’ section.
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, June 25 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.
Arts & Entertainment
Village of Park Forest
Main Street Nights – Wednesday, June 27
Main Street Nights continues at Park Forest’s DownTown Village Green (Cunningham & Main Streets) rain or shine. On Wednesday, June 27 at 7 p.m., award-winning Little Nashville will present a family-focused show that features the stylings of today’s country music coupled with contagious lyrics that children of all ages are sure to enjoy. At 7:45 p.m., Denny Diamond will not only perform the music of Neil Diamond but also music made famous by Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Ricky Nelson to name a few.
In case of rain, performance will be moved to Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street, Call the recorded message at 708-283-5647 for weather related changes or cancellations. For additional information, call the Recreation & Parks Department at 708-748-2005. E vents are subject to change. PLEASE NOTE: Chairs will NOT be provided. Please bring your own chair or blanket.
2012 Park Forest Aqua Center Swim Season Underway
Beat the heat the summer at the Park Forest Aqua Center. For the 2012 Season, a new approach to group membership rates is in effect. Swimmers can fill out a membership application and add family or friends to the list at an increased savings per person up to a maximum total of 5. The combination of this new membership approach along with the facility grounds improvements done at the Aqua Center over the past few years make it possible for you to enjoy the beach right here in Park Forest. The Park Forest Aqua Center is located at 30 N. Orchard. Additional details on the Park Forest Aqua Center, including Membership Rates and Daily Guest fees, can be found at:
2012 4th of July Festivities in Park Forest
Due to the major construction on Orchard Drive and several other streets around Central Park, Park Forest’s 4th of July parade has been cancelled for this year. 2012 events and locations are:
From 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., the pre-fireworks activities will take place in DownTown Park Forest at the Village Green on Main Street. There will be local food vendors, and a live performance by local favorites BBI. BBI will lay down the classics from Motown, R&B, rock and roll, to current dance hits.
At approximately 9:15 p.m., the fireworks show will begin. The 2012 fireworks location is Rich East High School.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to limited public parking near the school, residents are encouraged to park in one of the two large lots at the east and west corners of Orchard Drive and Indianwood Boulevard (the sites of the former Orchard Fresh Market/Sterk’s and Marshall Field’s). Due to the proximity of the fireworks, residents will not be allowed near the Sauk Trail/Indianwood areas of Rich East. Additionally, there will be no parking in the teacher’s lot off of Sauk Trail. Limited parking will be available in the lot on Westwood Drive. Seating will only be permitted in the grass located east of the track and in the football bleachers. Seating will not be permitted on the Rich East game football and soccer fields.
Fireworks will be viewable from the Village’s DownTown, where residents are encouraged to come for pre-fireworks fun and stay for the show.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
Summer Music at Ravisloe – Begins Wednesday, July 11
On Wednesday, July 11 at 7 p.m., ‘Strings and Friends’ an evening of classics will take place at Ravisloe Country Club, 18231 Park Avenue, Homewood. The program will include: Serenade for Flute, Violin, & Viola in D major, Op. 25 by Ludwig van Beethoven; Phantasy Quartet for Oboe, Violin, Viola, and Cello, Op. 2 by Benjamin Britten; and Oboe Quartet in F major, K. 370 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This concert will be held indoors. Programs and artists subject to change. General admission tickets are $25 and can be purchased at https://secure.ticketsage.net/EventsPage.aspx?PerfID=180665&ws=1. For additional information, call 708-481-7774 or visit www.iopmusic.org.
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:
- Monday, June 25 at 10:30 a.m. – Wake Up Stories for those pre-K aged. Drop-in for surprise book selections.
- Monday, June 25 at 3 p.m. – Writer’s Block Writing Club. Kids are given a topic to write about, followed by a discussion. Ages: 8-18.
- Monday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m. – Chess Instruction. Open to all ages.
- Monday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m. – Chess Free Play. Open to all ages.
- Tuesday, June 26 at 10:30 a.m. – Fairytale Breakfast Stories. Fairytale stories read in a breakfast atmosphere that emphasizes food. Ages 2-6.
- Tuesday, June 26 at 10:30 a.m. – Donut Shop Mystery Book Club. Discussion about the Donut Shop Mystery Series by Jessica Beck. You may check out the books from the Patron Services desk.
- Tuesday, June 26 at 6 p.m. – Classis Food Cinema Presents: Eat, Drink, Man, Woman. A senior chef lives with his three grown daughters; the middle one finds her future plans affected by unexpected events and the life changes of the other household members. Spoken in Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles. NOTE: Due to ratings, children under 17 must be accompanies by a parent or guardian.
- Tuesday, June 26 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime. For all story lovers Ages 2 thru 12. Every week P.J has a different theme surrounding the stories and craft. Drop-ins welcome.
- Wednesday, June 27 at 2 p.m. – It’s Okay to Play with Your Food Art Event — For once in your life, it’s okay to play with food! An afternoon of hands-on crafts that are inspired by different foods, such as spaghetti made of yarn, and other crafts made with macaroni noodles. All ages welcome.
- Wednesday, June 27 at 3 p.m. – Get Connected and Read. Drop in and learn how to check out Ebooks and digital audio books, access digital magazines, and register for library programs online. Featuring Digital Library Services: Media on Demand, Zinio, and Evanced.
- Thursday, June 28 at 2 p.m. – Melikin Puppet Show. Feast your eyes on a special "Reading is so Delicious" Puppet show. Join Melikin Puppets as they serve up a tasty performance.
- Friday, June 29 at 1 p.m. – Senior Travelogue: Iceland.
- Friday, June 29 at 2:30 p.m. – Movie Day: ‘The Princess and the Frog’ — A fairy tale set in Jazz Age-era New Orleans and centered on a young woman named Tiana and her fateful kiss with a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again.
For additional information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731. You can also register on-line at www.pfpl.org.
Park Forest Library Hosting Summer-Long Student Art Exhibit
The Park Forest Public Library is hosting a summer-long art exhibit featuring the work from students in Park Forest and the surrounding communities. Mrs. Patricia Moore, the director of the Tall Grass Art Association School of Art, curated students’ work from Illinois School in Park Forest, Glenwood Academy and the Tall Grass Art School. Twenty-three works of art are now hanging in the Library’s Ringering Room. The exhibit is open to the public during regular library hours free of charge. The Library is located at 400 Lakewood Blvd. For more information about the exhibit, call 708/748-3731, extension 22, or visit the Library’s website at www.pfpl.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.
Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest
Trip to Barrington’s Sanfillippo Estate – Reservations Now Being Accepted
On Wednesday, July 18 at 9:30 a.m., the bus will depart from the Rich Township Senior Center for a tour of Barrington’s Sanfillippo Estate. The 3-hour tour begins in the Sanfillippo Estate’s main residence, where we will view and learn about the collection of automated music machines, their history, restoration efforts, as well as the opulent details of the residence’s French Second Empire setting. Selections include: early Edison and Victrola phonographs, Barrel Organs, Disk Players, Violin Machines and Nickelodeons. The tour includes the Carousel Pavilion where you’ll enjoy hearing a selection of Dance Organs, Band Organs, Calliopes and Fairground Organs. Prior to the tour, you will enjoy a delightful luncheon at the Grill 111 restaurant. You will need to make an entrée choice of roast pork loin, chicken parmesan or parmesan crusted tilapia. The bus will return to the Rich Township Senior Center at approximately 6:30 p.m. The cost of the trip is $67 per person and includes round-trip bus transportation, lunch and the Estate tour. Reservations can be made by phone only by calling 708-748-5454. Payment must be made within three days of making your reservations.
Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest
‘June Moon’ – Through June 30
Join Salon Artists Gallery for this wonderful exhibit entitled ‘June Moon.’ The exhibit will run through June 30 and is free and open to the public. 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
‘Outside of the Box: Mixed Media Approaches to Photography’ – Through August 5
Tall Grass Arts Association will host ‘Outside of the Box: Mixed media Approaches to Photography’ through August 5. Debate has raged for years about whether photography is a technology or a medium for producing fine art. This juried exhibit will focus on the many inventive ways both traditional and modern photographic processes and materials are being mixed with other mediums to produce fine art. This regional show will feature artists from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit http://www.tallgrassarts.org.
Monkey Mind Art Studio, 3 W. Nebraska St., Frankfort
‘Explorarama’ – Through July 11
‘Explorarama’ an exhibit of photography will run through July 11. The exhibit is 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
“Location Impulsion” Exhibit – Through July 26
The PSC Foundation is presenting "Location Impulsion," through July 26, at the Christopher Art Gallery, located on the PSC main campus. The work of artists Bonnie Peterson, Nina Weiss, and Michael X. Ryan will be highlighted during the exhibition, which features their works that are created directly in response to location. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The Christopher Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday. Showings are available by appointment at 708-709-3636. The gallery will be closed on Wednesday, July 4.
Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights
‘Insider Art’ –Through July 21
‘Insider Art,’ the annual exhibit of work by USG Studio & Guild Artists will run through July 21. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.
‘A Little Garden Art’ – Tickets Now On Sale
On Saturday, July 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., USG is showcasing eight inspiring gardens in Chicago Heights and Flossmoor. Working artists in every garden reflect the beauty and peace of each environment through painting, drawing, sculpting or the written word. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event. All proceeds from the garden walk benefit USC, a not-for-profit arts center. For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Information Session on Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DrOt) Degree Program – Saturday, June 30
GSU’s Occupational Therapy Department will host an information session on the DrOT degree program on Saturday, June 30 from noon to 2 p.m. in room G127. The session is designed to help certified and licensed occupational therapists consider doctoral education as an integral step in their professional development. Current GSU DrOT students and recent graduates will discuss their experiences in the program, answer questions, and share strategies for excelling in the program. Please RSVP to the Department of Occupational Therapy at 708-534-7293. For additional information, call Dr. Melanie Ellexson at [email protected].
‘The Literacy Zone’ Reading Tutoring Available at GSU – Enrollment is Limited – Classes Begin July 5
GSU’s Graduate Program in Reading is sponsoring The Literacy Zone, a reading tutorial program for students in grades two through five, Mondays through Thursdays, from July 5 through July 25 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This four-week, one-to-one program brings students experiencing reading problems together with teachers who have the skills to help them. Students meet on the GSU campus with certified, experienced teachers enrolled in the Master of Arts Reading Program at GSU. Students are expected to attend every session. Enrollment is limited and based on the number of tutors. There is a $70 registration fee. Students will be accepted in the order in which the completed application and registration fee are received. Transportation is not provided. For additional information, call 708-534-4122 or e-mail [email protected].
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.
Green Events
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest
‘American Autumn: an Occudoc’ Movie & Discussion – Save the Date
On Saturday, July 28 at 7 p.m., the documentary film ‘American Autumn: an Occudoc’ will be screened at UUCC. What would a world look like that had a culture and an economic system that placed human need above corporate greed, and how do we bring that world into being? Shot on the front lines and meeting spaces of the Occupy Movement in NYC, Boston, and Washington, D.C. from the earliest days through the end of January 2012 and written, directed and produced by activist, writer and filmmaker Dennis Trainor, Jr., ‘American Autumn: an Occudoc’ is an inside-looking-out view of the Occupy Movement. A discussion will follow the film screening. Writer, Director Dennis Trainor, Jr. has been invited to join the discussion by Skype. A trailer of the film can be viewed at www.occupy.com/article/american-autumn. Coffee, tea and popcorn will be served. The event is free and open to the public. Optional donations are welcome. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest
Women of the Woods: A Nature Retreat – Saturday, June 30 — Registration Required
On Saturday, June 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., adult women can celebrate the beauty of the summer solstice woods in this program for women only! Discover the naturalist in you as you explore the woods, observing birds and insects, identifying trees and flowers, following tracks and much more. This retreat is held indoors and outdoors on natural surface trails across uneven terrain. There is a fee of $10 per person. Registration is required. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.
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
Park Forest Commission on Human Relations
Dance Mania – Learn Line Dancing on June 29
If you love to dance or just want to get out for the night, come and join us every Friday in June from 7 pm. to 10 p.m. at 300 Victory Drive, Park Forest, for ‘Dance Mania.’ We will provide a different dance instructor each Friday. During the first hour, you will be provided lessons and for the remainder of the night, put it into action. We will have a DJ, raffles and much more. Come out and have fun. The cost is $5, package rates are available for the entire month. For additional information, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or e-mail [email protected] or visit the Community Relations tab at www.villageofparkforest.com.
Seeking Nominations for Good Egg Award – Nominations Accepted Through August 13
The Park Forest Commission on Human Relations is looking for people who have gone beyond the call of duty for the Good Egg Award. The award honors youth and adults who have made an extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of life in their communities through human relations and human rights advocacy. The deadline for nominations is Monday, August 13. To request a nomination form, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or e-mail [email protected] or visit the Community Relations tab at www.villageofparkforest.com.
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.
Grace United Protestant Church, 266 Somonauk, Park Forest
‘Passport to Adventure’ Vacation Bible School – Registration Required
Fasten your seat belts and join the fun at ‘Passport to Adventure’ Vacation Bible School at Grace United Protestant Church. The adventure will take place on July 9 through July 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each day. Activities will include Bible stories, arts and crafts, games and music. There will be classes for preschool through adult. There is no charge for the program but you must register if you plan on attending. For additional information or to register, call Chris Long at 708-606-9143.
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.
Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood Street, Park Forest
Spoken Word Set – Friday, June 29
On Friday, June 29 at 9 p.m., an evening of spoken word and music will take place as the Drama Ministry of Hallelujah Temple pays tribute to modern-day poets. For additional information, call Myrna Herndon at 708-503-6536.
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2901 Western Avenue, Park Forest
Last Saturday Potluck – Saturday, June 30
On Saturday, June 30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., bring a dish to share and come for an evening of fun. Activities include games, movies and speakers. This event is held on the last Saturday of each month. Each month is a little different from the previous month. For additional information, call Brenda Lamon at 708-747-8388 or visit www.trinityparkforest.org.
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 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.
