Park Forest Police Corporal Richard "Richie" Oldenburg, retiring with more than 30 years service to the residents of the village, was honored at a Village Board meeting in July. (Photo: ENEWSPF)
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—July 30, 2012. The 2012/2013 Park Forest Business Resource Guide was recently mailed to all residents. The directory is a listing of businesses that are located in Park Forest along with the goods and services being provided. As Mayor Ostenburg points out in his message contained in the directory, shopping locally helps reduce your travel expenses and benefits the environment by reducing carbon emissions while helping to generate sales taxes that bolster the overall municipal economy. In addition, supporting local businesses is an economic development tool for the Village to show potential businesses that our community supports its businesses and that they should also locate in Park Forest. If you have not received a copy of the directory, stop by Village Hall and pick one up.
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 hold a Saturday Morning Rules Meeting on August 4 at 10 a.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: Documents 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 July 30:
- Wednesday, August 1 at 7 p.m. – Economic Development Advisory Group
- Thursday, August 2 at 1 p.m. – Senior Citizen Advisory Commission
- Thursday, August 2 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
Village of Park Forest
Main Street Nights – Wednesday, August 1
Main Street Nights continues at Park Forest’s DownTown Village Green (Cunningham & Main Streets) rain or shine. On Wednesday, August 1 at 7 p.m. ‘The Rope Warrior’ will perform a high-energy show of trick rope techniques to a kaleidoscope of music performed with power, finesse and breakneck speed. At 7:45 p.m. Silk and Smooth will serve up some hot jazz, R & B and funk.
In case of rain, performances 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.
Beat the Heat at the Park Forest Aqua Center
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:
Wine & Chocolate Tasting – August 10
On Friday, August 10 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., a wine and chocolate tasting will take place at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street, Park Forest. For additional information, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or e-mail [email protected].
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library: (NOTE: The Library will open at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31.)
- Monday, July 30 at 6:30 p.m. – Chess Instruction. Open to all ages.
- Monday, July 30 at 6:30 p.m. – Sumer Reading Finale. Wacky World of Dave Rudolph. Tickets required. Prizes will be awarded to the top readers!
- Monday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m. – Chess Free Play. Open to all ages.
- Tuesday, July 31 at 6 p.m. – Introduction to Facebook. Patron must have an active e-mail account to participate in the class.
- Tuesday, July 31 at 6:30 p.m. – Classic Food Cinema presents: ‘The Big Night.’ The brothers in Big Night–chef Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and businessman Secondo (Tucci)–have come to New Jersey to open a bistro named The Paradise that serves the finest in traditional, authentic Italian cuisine. Their every move is foiled by rival restaurant Pascal’s, which serves mile-high servings of spaghetti and meatballs and flasks of bad Chianti at exorbitant prices. Primo is disgusted by the fact that Americans want cheap pasta instead of risotto, so Secondo hatches a plan to boost business: rumor has it bandleader Louis Prima is travelling through and will dine at The Paradise that very night. Secondo gambles to bring the finest dinner ever cooked–at the risk of losing his shirt and being reduced to exile to the old country with his tail between his legs. PLEASE NOTE: Due to ratings, we ask that children under 17 be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Tuesday, July 31 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, August 1 at 2 p.m. – Movie Day: ‘Rio.’ This comedy-adventure centers on Blu, a flightless macaw who acts more human than bird. When Blu, the last of his kind, discovers there’s another and that she’s a she – he embarks on an adventure to magical Rio. There, he meets Jewel and a menagerie of vivid characters who help Blu fulfill his dream and learn to fly.
- Thursday, August 2 at 10:30 a.m. – LapSit Story Time. Ages 0-35 months with caregiver. Each week we will read stories, sing songs, and create projects that build pre-reading skills while helping develop coordination skills. Registration please.
- Thursday, August 2 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art. Ages 2-4 with caregiver. Each week we will read stories, sing songs, and create projects that build pre-reading skills while helping develop coordination skills. Registration please.
- Friday, August 3 at 2:30 p.m. – Wii Game Day. Come to the library to play your favorite Wii games.
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.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
‘Brass for All Seasons – Tickets Now On Sale
On Wednesday, August 8 at 7 p.m., ‘Brass for All Seasons’ will take place at Ravisloe Country Club, 18231 Park Avenue, Homewood. The always popular IPO Brass IPO Brass Quintet will perform seasonal works from across the musical spectrum, including Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons,’ Gershwin’s ‘Summertime,’ ‘Brass Calendar’ by Peter Schickele, classics by Shubert, Grieg, Kosma, Gassi and John Philip Sousa’s ‘Starts and Stripes Forever.’ This concert will be held outdoors and seating will be provided. General admission tickets are $25 and can be purchased at: https://secure.ticketsage.net/EventsPage. For additional information, call 708-481-7774 or visit www.iopmusic.org.
Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest
‘Red, White & Blue’ Exhibit – Through July 31
Join Salon Artists Gallery for this wonderful exhibit entitled ‘Red, White & Blue’ that will run through Tuesday, July 31. For Gallery hours, contact Patricia Moore at 708-833-5108 or Bev Szaton at 708-748-3946.
‘Dog Days & Green Things’ – Opens August 1
‘Dog Days & Green Things’ exhibit opens on Thursday, August 1 and will run through August 31. This wonderful exhibit includes 18 different artists. For Gallery hours, contact 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.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
‘So Real’ Exhibition – Opens August 1
The GSU Visual Arts Gallery will present ‘So Real,’ a show featuring artwork by Anthony Adcock, Amanda Grieve, and Renee McGinnis who exploit realism for their own purposes. The exhibit will feature contemporary paintings that explore current cultural topics using traditional, time-tested techniques and materials. The exhibition will open on Wednesday, August 1 and run through August 30. A reception will take place on Wednesday, August 29 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery Hours, call 708-534-4021 or visit www.govst.edu/gallery.
Southland Theatre Ensemble to Perform ‘Legally Blonde: the Musical’ – Final Performances on August 4 & 5
The Southland Area Theatre Ensemble (SLATE) at GSU will present ‘Legally Blonde: the Musical’ as its 2012 summer production. Performance dates are August 4 (7:30 p.m.) and 5 (2 p.m.) at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts. ‘Legally Blonde: the Musical’ is a fresh and fast paced evening of musical fun, stylishly wrapped up in a smart pink bow. Elle Woods is the college sweetheart and homecoming queen who doesn’t take no for an answer. So when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her for someone ‘serious,’ Elle puts down her credit cards, hits the books, and heads for Harvard Law School. ‘Legally Blonde’ offers theatergoers an evening of guilty pleasure fun that should not be missed. Tickets are priced at $22 and can be purchased at: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase.
Monkey Mind Art Studio, 3 W. Nebraska St., Frankfort
‘In Feminae, Arts, Vivo, Et Vino Veritas’ – Through August 23
‘In Feminae, Arts, Vivo, Et Vino Veritas’ (In Women, art, life, and wine are truth) will run through August 23. Featured Artists are: Denise Burklow, Ellen Curley, Sherri Denault, Margie Glass-Sula, Jan Glazer, Jane Haley, Lisa Henley, Candice James, Jean Janssen, Carla Kroll, Kamisha Langsdale, Patty McWilliams, Jeanne Monohan, Lorayne Pagast, Dorothy Green, Mary Weeks, and Jeanine Young. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For Gallery Hours or additional information, call 815-464-8818 or visit www.monkeymindartstudio.com.
Donated Items Needed for Garage Sale
Monkey Mind Art Studio will be hosting its first Garage Sale to help fundraise money for its art school scholarships and art gallery. The Garage Sale will be held on Friday, August 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday, August 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations of art, gently used/new art supplies, picture frames, movies/music/books, home and garden decors, collectibles and vintage clothing are needed. You can drop off items during the month of August during regular gallery hours and by appointment. The gallery is also looking for volunteers to help label, price, sort and sell. For Gallery Hours or additional information, call 815-464-8818 or visit www.monkeymindartstudio.com.
Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights
‘If Life Were Still’ – Opens August 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 open on August 8 and run through September 8. An opening reception will be held on Friday, August 10 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Both the exhibit and the reception are 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
Bachelor of Social Work Program Information Session at Triton –July 31
GSU will host an information session for the Bachelor of Social Work program offered at Triton College on July 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the University Center located in Building A, Room 105 in the lower level of the library at Triton College, 2000 Fifth Avenue, River Grove. The GSU Social Work program offered at Triton College is a part-time program leading to a bachelor’s degree. To be eligible for the program, prospective students must have completed an associate’s degree or earned a minimum of 60 credits from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Students need not have attended Triton or live in the Triton Community College district to be eligible. Additional information about the GSU Social Work degree can be found at www.govst.edu/chhs/bsw. For additional information, call 708-534-4086 or e-mail [email protected].
CenterPoint Workshop on Starting Businesses – Wednesday, August 1
On Wednesday, August 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Richton Park Community Center, 4455 Sauk Trail, Elliott Johnson, Regional Representative for GSU CenterPoint, will present a free Starting a Business in Illinois workshop. The workshop will focus on personal, financial, and legal aspects of starting a business. Participants will learn what steps to take and what resources are available to assist new business owners succeed in today’s challenging economic climate. For additional information, contact CenterPoint at 708-534-4927 or visit www.centerpointgsu.com.
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
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. A grassroots effort to rebuild the observation deck has been started by George and Connie Manno. If you would like to contribute to the fund started by the Manno Family, please contact:
- Dave Bartlett, Chair Park Forest Environment Commission at 708-481-6628 or e-mail [email protected].
- Glenna Hennessy, Chair, Park Forest Recreation & Parks Advisory Board at 708-481-6563 or e-mail [email protected].
- Tiffani Graham, President, Park Forest Rotary Club at 708-748-1577 or e-mail [email protected].
- Tom Mick, Village Manager at 708-748-1129 or e-mail [email protected].
Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
Nature Camp for Seniors – Registration Required
On Thursday, August 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. those 50 years and up can attend that Nature Camp for Seniors. Did you go to camp when you were a kid? Or maybe you never did and were always jealous of your friends that got to spend the summer away at camp. If so, then this fun-filled popular program is for you. Join naturalists as you spend the morning creating crafts to take home and strolling through the summer woods. Lunch will be provided. There is a fee of $7 per person. Registration is required. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.
Thorn Creek Audubon Society (TCAS), Park Forest
Plants and Birds After 10 Years of Restoration – Saturday, August 4
On Saturday, August 4 at 8 a.m., Stephen Packard, director of Audubon Chicago Region, will present a ‘wrap-up’
Second Annual Hummingbird Festival to be Held at Wetland Discovery Center – Save the Date
Those who are fascinated by our smallest birds will have a chance to see Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at close range and even ‘adopt’ one at the Second Annual Hummingbird Festival on August 18 from 4 pm. to 7 p.m. The Festival will be held at the Wetland Discovery Center at the Park Forest Aqua Center, 30 N. Orchard. Bird Expert Vernon Kleen will band some of the birds that visit the Hummingbird Garden planted there. The birds will be captured in remote-controlled traps attached to the Center’s hummingbird feeders, weighed, sexed and measured, and then banded so avian scientists can learn more about them, especially their migration patterns. Kleen is one of the few licensed hummingbird banders in Illinois.
Anyone who attends has the opportunity to ‘adopt’ one of the tiny creatures by making a $5 donation to the Illinois Audubon Land Acquisitions Fund. Donors will receive a special adoption certificate and have the privilege of holding, then releasing, their own bird as it continues to migrate south for the winter. Those adopting birds will be notified if their bird is recaptured. The $5 fee goes to purchase land in Illinois for wildlife preservation.
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 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
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.
Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood Street, Park Forest
Refreshing Times Senior Ministry – August 3
On Friday, August 3 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. adults 55 and older are invited to join us for this monthly support and fellowship that combines food, interactive Christian Bible stud, informative workshops, arts and crafts and birthday celebrations. This event is held on the first Friday of each month. For additional information, call Mattie Morgan at 708-503-6536.
Park Forest American Legion Post 1198, 1631 Western Ave., Chicago Heights
Friday Fish Fry – August 3
Join Park Forest’s American Legion Post 1198 for fish, shrimp, wings, beef and appetizers on Friday, August 3 beginning at 6 p.m. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Dr., Park Forest
First Friday Adult Game Night – August 3
On Friday, August 3 at 6:30 p.m. come and enjoy an evening of playing games. We have lots of games but feel free to bring something if you wish. This event is for adults only and is held on the first Friday of each month.
Rainbow Café Monthly Meeting – Saturday, August 4
The Rainbow Café is an opportunity for single or partnered gays, lesbians, bisexuals or other sexual minorities, and their allies, over age 18 to meet one another and socialize in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Those attending are encouraged to bring some non-alcoholic drinks and a dessert or snack to pass, or bring a financial donation. However, neither is mandatory. The Rainbow Café is held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Unitarian-Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest.
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 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.
