Main Street Nights drew attentive crowds this year. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—August 12, 2013. Hard to believe that summer is quickly drawing to a close. Those living in the Midwest know that you need to do as much outdoor activity as possible before those cold, winter days arrive and the Park Forest Parks and Recreation Department is offering two trips to help give you lots of great memories of ‘Summer 2013.’ A Senior trip will take place on August 28th to beautiful Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for a day of boating aboard the U.S. Mailboat, lunch, sightseeing and shopping.
If boating is not your ‘cup of tea,’ then join the fun on Friday, August 23rd for a trip to the Mexican Fiesta International Expo where you will enjoy the sound, culture, and taste of Mexico at Milwaukee’s beautiful lakefront.
The registration deadline for both of these events is Friday, August 16. You can find additional details about these trips 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 not on Monday, August 12.
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: villageofparkforest.comVillage Government and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.
Village Commission & Advisory Boards
The following Park Forest Commissions are scheduled to meet the week of August 12:
- Tuesday, August 13 at 6:30 p.m. – Commission on Human Relations
- Tuesday, August 13 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission
- Wednesday, August 14 at 7 p.m. – Economic Development Advisory Board
The meetings will be held at Park Forest Village Hall and residents are encouraged to attend.
Arts & Entertainment
Park Forest Recreation & Parks
Senior Trip Cruise & Lunch Aboard U.S. Mailboat in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin – Registration Deadline Friday, August 16
Join us on Wednesday, August 28th as we travel to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for a cruise on the exciting U.S. Mailboat. In addition to front row shoreline views, the unique mail delivery will have you on the edge of your seat. After the excitement of the tour, we will satisfy our hunger at Popeye’s restaurant where you can choose between rotisserie chicken or beef teriyaki kabobs (rice pilaf, a vegetable, salad, dessert and beverages are also included). After lunch you will have approximately two hours to explore the shops and scenes of Lake Geneva. Please mention meal preference when registering. Registration deadline is Friday, August 16th. The bus will depart from Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive at 6:30 a.m. and return to Village Hall at approximately 6:30 p.m. The cost of the trip is $86 per person. 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 note: We will need name, address, home phone number, emergency number, and signed waiver for each person registering for the trip. Mention Code: 248010-1 when you register. For additional information, call 708-748-2005 or visit www.villageofparkforest.com.
Trip to the Mexican Fiesta International Expo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Registration Deadline Friday, August 16
On Friday, August 23rd the Mexican Fiesta International Expo will bring the sound, culture, and taste of Mexico to Milwaukee’s lakefront. Join in on the fun as we celebrate the fun, food, Mariachi and Fiesta. The festival honors culture, tradition and family. Mexican Fiesta encourages individuals from all ethnic backgrounds to share in the beauty of Mexico’s rich history, art, music and food. Fee includes round-trip motor coach transportation and admission. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration deadline: Friday, August 16. The cost of the trip is $40 (all ages). The bus will depart from Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, at 9 a.m. and return to Village Hall at approximately 7:30 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 note: We will need name, address, home phone number, emergency number, and signed waiver for each person registering for the trip. Mention Code: 247520-1 when you register. For additional information, call 708-748-2005 or visit www.villageofparkforest.com.
Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
Library Board of Trustee Meeting – Thursday, August 15
The Park Forest Public Library Board of Trustees is elected to set policies and oversee the operation of the Library. Trustees receive no payment for their service. The Trustees will meet in the library at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 15 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meetings are open to the public. The meeting agenda includes an opportunity for audience members to address the Board.
This Week’s Events at the Park Forest Public Library
The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Public Library:
- Monday, August 12 at 11 a.m. — CSI Park Forest: “Here with the Clues” — Do you have what it takes to solve the crime? Drop by and pick up your very own official crime investigation packet. We will investigate the crime and all the possible suspects.
- Wednesday, August 14 at 8 p.m. — Ravinia Tickets: Valdimir Feltsman — Register to receive two free tickets. Pick up tickets at the Information Zone.
Vladimir Feltsman performs.
Haydn: Keyboard Sonata No. 31in A-flat Major, Hob. XVI:46
Schubert: Piano Sonata No. 4 in A Minor, D. 537 (Op. 164)
Liszt: Ballade No. 2 in B Minor, S. 173
Liszt: Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude, S. 173m No. 3
Scriabin: Vers la Flamme, Op. 72
Location: Ravinia in Highland Park, IL
Link: Ravinia Festival Official Site
For additional information or to register for certain events, please call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org/
Museum Adventure Pass
Visit your library and check out a museum! View the list of
participating museums for details on each destination. Find out what discoveries await you, get directions to the museum, and review each museum’s pass entry offer (including any restrictions that may apply). Come into the library with your Park Forest library card
to check out a pass today.
Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest
Park Forest House Museum
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum at 141 Forest Blvd, Park Forest, is open Wednesday and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the museum can also be open for groups by appointment, at other times. Donation is $5 for adults; children 12 and under free with an adult. Scout and school tours are priced individually. For details, to arrange a special group tour, or to volunteer, visit the Park Forest Historical Society website, www.parkforesthistory.org, or call Jane Nicoll, 708-481-4252.
Park Forest Plaza Print for Sale
Annabelle Gould’s print of the Park Forest Plaza is available for sale at the Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard. The vibrant print is from an original watercolor, showing kids and their moms in the Park Forest Plaza, in front of the old Holiday Theatre and Golden Hanger Shop. The print can be purchased at the House Museum during normal hours of operation on Wednesdays and Saturdays or through the Society’s online store on their website at www.parkforesthistory.org. Prints are $15 each. Online purchases also required an additional $6 fee for postage and handling. For additional information on other items for sale by the Society, visit www.parkforesthistory.org.
Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest
Senior Trip to Arlington Race Track – Thursday, August 15
On Thursday, August 15, join the Rich Township Seniors on a trip to beautiful Arlington Park Racecourse. The trip includes: admission to the park, daily racing guide, two-hour buffet and three-hour soft drink package – all in an air-conditioned room. The Governor’s Room is regally bred to entertain you, offering a stately balcony with stunning views of the track, table buffet and multiple flat screen TVs. You are able to place your bets without leaving the room. The cost of the trip is $68 per person. We will depart from the parking lot of the Rich Township Senior Center at 10 a.m. and return at approximately 7 p.m. Please call 708-748-5454 to make your reservations. Please Note: Arlington Park enforces a strict dress code of business casual. Shorts and tennis shoes are NOT allowed.
Salon Artists Gallery, 249 Main Street, Park Forest
“Abstracts and Abstractions” – Through August 30
Artist, Peter Wilhel will exhibit his abstracts with unusual design and materials through August 30. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call Patricia Moore at 708-833-5108 or Bev Szalon at 708-748-3946 or visit www.salonartistsgallery.com.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
‘Showing Off’ – Annual Gallery Artists’ Exhibition – Through September 22
Tall Grass Arts Association’s annual Gallery Artists’ Exhibition ‘Showing Off’ will be featured through September 22. This show is a varied collection of work in all media, created by our Tall Grass Juried Artists that has never been exhibited in the gallery before. There are 3 exciting raffle opportunities available during this exhibit. Visit the gallery for your chance to win. Raffle drawings will take place at the exhibit closing September 22, 2013 at 4 p.m. Winners need not be present. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information, visit www.tallgrassarts.com or call 708-748-3377.
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest
Drumming Circle – Friday, August 16
Join UUCC on Friday, August 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a group participation of drumming. Loving offering of $10 is requested. This event is held on the third Friday of each month. For additional information, call Diane at 708-481-5339.
Dances of Universal Peace – Saturday, August 17
On Saturday, August 17 at 1 p.m., join UUCC for an afternoon of dancing. This event is held on the third Saturday of each month. For additional information, call Diane at 708-481-5339.
‘Today We Saw the Face of God’ – Movie Screening & Discussion – Saturday, August 24
On Saturday, August 24 UUCC will host a screening of the documentary film ‘Today We Saw the Face of God.’ The film takes a surprisingly hopeful look into the power of human connection in the fact of unimaginable suffering, as seen through the eyes of medical mission volunteers in Haiti at the time of tragedy during the earthquake in January 2010. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with an optional vegetarian pot luck dinner. At 7 p.m. the movie will be shown. A discussion will follow the film featuring Director/Producer Mercedes Kane. The event is free and open to the public. Coffee and tea will be provided. Bring a vegetarian pot luck dish or snack to share. Optional donations are welcome. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
‘Laff Session’ – Tickets Now on Sale
It’s time to laugh out loud at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts when the Student Senate presents ‘Laff Session.’ This evening full of talented professional comedians will take place on Friday, August 30 beginning at 7 p.m. Featured performers include B Cole, a BET Comic View All Star who appeared on Def Comedy Jam; Brandon ‘Hot Sauce’ Glover, who has appeared at Chicago’s Just for Laughs Festival; Marc Henderson from BET Comic View; Da Wildcat from BET Comic View; and Hozay. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased on-line at www.centertickets.net or by calling 708-235-2222.
South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 South State Street, South Holland
‘Rinnio Della Vita’ Art Exhibit – Opens Monday, August 19
The Art & Design Department of SSC will present an exhibition entitled ‘Rinnio Della Vita’ beginning Monday, August 19 in the college’s Dorothea Thiel Gallery. The exhibit will run through September 12. There will be an artist reception for the artists Anne Farley Gaines and Geoffrey Novelli on September 12 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The Thiel Gallery is on the fourth floor I the Art & Design hallway and is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, call 708-596-2000, extension 2445.
National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM), 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago
‘Tenacity and Truth: People, Places and Memories’ – Through Labor Day
NVAM will host the exhibit ‘Tenacity and Truth: People, Places and Memories’ on through Labor Day, September 2, 2013. The exhibit features work that was created by artists both trained and untrained who share in the overwhelming need to express their experiences through a visual language and explores the creative process behind veteran art. For additional information, visit the museum’s website at www.nvam.org.
‘Not About Bombs’ – Through Fall 2013
The NVAM will host the opening of ‘Not About Bombs,’ a celebrated exhibit featuring the work by five Iraqi women artists through Fall 2013. The show will be open to the public through Fall 2013. For additional information, visit the museum’s website at www.nvam.org.
Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Blvd, Chicago Heights
Javier Chavira’s Exhibit ‘Disparate Images’ – Through September 7
Javier Chaviera’s exhibit ‘Disparate Images’ at USG will run through September 7. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Javier Chavira is an artist who has no misgivings about creating images that straddle the line between realism and abstraction. He is as much at home with the technical rigor of academic tradition as he is with the liberating nature of formalism. ‘Disparate Images’ is a collection of works created between 2006 and 2013 that highlight his virtuosity of employing various materials and displays a range of representational and abstract forms. A prolific artist, Javier has exhibited nationally and internationally and his work is in numerous public and private collections. Aside from being an active artist, Javier is also an educator. He is an Associate Professor of Painting and Drawing at Governors State University, Illinois, a position he’s held since 2003. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.
Regional Juried Exhibit ‘Fluidity’– Through September 7
‘Fluidity,’ a regional exhibit juried by Renee Klyczek Nordstrom, will run at USG through September 7. The exhibit is free and open to the public. ‘Fluidity’ is an exhibit of art that is fluid, calm, subdued, and peaceful. The exhibit will include 30 works of art by 29 talented artists form the Midwest region. Art exhibiting includes painting, photography, sculpture, digital art, and mixed media. Exhibiting Artists are:Richard Benoit, Cynthis Brinich- Langlois, Carol Brockman, Rexanne Coad, June Finnegan, Alicia Forestall-Boehm, Kate Froemling, Paulina Gal, Margie Glass Sula, Lea Goldman, Kim Guare, John Gutierrez, Janet Hamilton, Sharon Harper, Donna Hoyle, Mark Kennedy, Mary Jane King, Linda Lane Haynes, Paula Mattson, Claudia McCarthy, Ahavani Mullen, Gina Robbins, Leon Sarantos, Stephan Smith, Kati Toivanen, BJ Wooley, Rachel Yurkovich, and Susan Wungluck Zale. 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
Secretary of State Services at GSU – Tuesday, August 27
The Secretary of State’s Mobile Service Unit will be at GSU on Tuesday, August 27 from 1 p.m. to7 p.m. in the Hall of Governors. Services available include driver’s license and State ID renewal, replacement, and corrections; vehicle sticker sales; passenger and b-tuck license plates; vehicles title and registration; parking placards for persons with disabilities; and organ/tissue donor information. In addition, vision tests and the written driver’s license exam can be taken. No driving tests will be given. The services provided are available to all qualified Illinois residents. State law allows driver’s license renewal up to one year in advance. Proper identification is required for new and duplicate driver’s licenses and state ID cards. Acceptable forms of payment include personal checks, cash, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards. For additional information, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.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
New Directions Information Session for Returning Adult Students – Tuesday, August 13
PSC is hosting a New Directions Information Session for Returning Adult Students on Tuesday, August 13 at 6 p.m. in the Conference Center on the PSC main campus. Returning adult students should attend New Directions to find out more about the many academic programs and resources available at PSC. Individuals who attend the New Directions Information Session will be entered into a drawing for a free, three-credit hour class good for one year. To register for the event, visit prairiestate.edu/returning. For additional information, call Diane Janowiak at 708-708-3603 or e-mail [email protected], or Tamika Montgomery at 708-709-3512, e-mail [email protected].
Opt In to Technology at PSC
You can bridge the gap between technology and a new you at PSC’s new Opt In program that consists of two computer training centers and free classes to teach basic technological skills. One location is at the Adult Training and outreach Center in Room A145 at PSC’s main campus. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The other location is at the Matteson Area Center’s Computer Training Lab located at 4821 Southwick Dr., Matteson. Hours for this location are Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. No matter what skill level you have or want to have, Opt In can help. Both computer labs and on-site tutors are free and open to the public. For additional information, call Lisa Zeigler at 708-709-3548 or e-mail [email protected].
Rich Township Free Basic Computer Classes for Adults
Rich Township is offering free basic computer skill classes for adults every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Leonard Robinson Family Services Center, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park. Participants will learn Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet skills, résumé building skills, and more. Classes are open only to residents of Rich Township. For additional information, call Mark Mason or Joe Moran at 708-748-6722.
Online Educational Resources
Online college programs are a great way for today’s busy people to complete or earn a degree. To find an online college program in Illinois, visit http://www.onlineschools.org/guides/Illinois/ where you will find a compilation of every college program offered online in Illinois offered on a full or part-time basis.
Top U.S. Universities
Choosing what college or university to attend can be a very daunting experience. With educational costs continually increasing, it’s more important than ever to choose a university that meets your specific educational needs. At http://www.topschools.com/, you will find a comprehensive resource that ranks each university throughout the nation by size, degrees offered, tuition costs, admission, graduation and retention rates.
Healthy Living
Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive, Park Forest
School Physical Examinations By Appointment Only – Through September 6
If your child is going into Preschool, Kindergarten, 6th or 9th grade, they are in need of a physical. Schedule your appointment with the Park Forest Health Department today. You do not have to live in Park Forest, but must bring your child’s immunization records at appointment time. Appointment dates vary between Fridays (1 p.m. to 6 p.m.), Tuesdays (12 noon to 5 p.m.) and Saturdays (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Free for Medicaid participants. No HMO or managed care accepted. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-748-1118.
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.
Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard, Park Forest
CPR Classes
CPR classes are available at the Park Forest Fire Department. Click on the following link for more details: http://pffd.vopf.com/cpr-classes.html
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.
Green Events
Thorn Creek Audubon Society (TCAS), Pak Forest
Third Annual Hummingbird Festival – Saturday, August 17
The Third Annual Hummingbird Festival will bring bird bander Vernon Kleen back to the Wetland Discover Center at the Park Forest Aqua Center, 30 N. Orchard, on Saturday, August 17 from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. With the help of the TCAS’s Hummingbird Helpers, Kleen will capture and band the birds that come to the many feeders there. The event is free and open to the public. At last year’s Festival, 22 ruby-throated hummingbirds were captured and banded by Kleen, one of the few licensed hummingbird banders in Illinois. Anyone may ‘adopt’ a bird, paying a fee of $5 and filling out a form which is kept on file. Donors receive a special ‘adoption certificate,’ and if the ‘adopted’ bird is recaptured, that person will be notified when and where it was caught. The event is sponsored by the Park Forest Recreation and Parks Department, the TCAS and the Illinois Audubon Society. Donations go to purchase land in Illinois for wildlife preservation.
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
Junior Ecologists Club – Saturday, August 17
On Saturday, August 17 from noon to 3 p.m., children ages 9 through 12 are invited to participate in fun-filled nature activities. Club members will uncover the mysteries of nature first-hand while exploring the preserve, tracking changes, working on projects and assisting with nature center programs. There is no fee for this program but registration required 2 days before program day by calling 708-747-6320.
Experience the Thorn Creek Nature Center
Thorn Creek Nature Center is housed in a historic building, originally Immanuel Lutheran Church of Matteson, Illinois built in 1862, and later Village Bible Church of Park Forest. A gothic frame country church, its notable architectural features include curved ceiling, tongue-and-groove paneling and a raised pulpit. Its current attractions are displays of the preserve’s flora and fauna, a bird feeder viewing area, Eugene E. Schwartz reference library and an expanded children’s section. The Nature Center is open Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Trails are open daily year-round, dawn to dusk. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.
Village of Park Forest
Park Forest Farmers’ Market 40th Season – Every Saturday Through October 26
Every Saturday morning through October 26th, you’ll find that the Park Forest Farmers’ Market has something for everyone. The Market opens at 7 a.m. and ends at noon. Rain or shine, come and enjoy fresh produce, bakery items, gourmet cheeses, and herbs. In addition, your favorite local businesses set up shop under their awnings with artwork, garden ornaments, candles and more! Come to the Market and see what’s new and take time to meet new friends, chat, browse, have breakfast or lunch, and shop around. Local civic groups are welcome to give demonstrations, hold fundraisers and other small events at the Market for no charge but must be registered in advance. The Park Forest Farmers’ Market is located in the parking lot one block east of Walgreens; just across from the Park Forest Police Department. Electronic payment (debit and credit cards) as well as Link, WIC and Senior program coupons now accepted. For more information, call 708-748-1118 or visit the Farmers’ Market page at www.pfhealth.net.
This & That
Church of the Holy Family, Sauk Trail & Orchard Drive, Park Forest
Yard & Bake Sale – Friday & Saturday, August 16, 17
Join the Church of the Holy Family on Friday and Saturday, August 15 and 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day for this vast indoor “yard” and bake sale. Super sale, low prices, high quality items including: clothing, housewares and furnishings. Lunch will be available in the lower level of the Church. Come early, shop, enjoy lunch and shop again. Bring friends and neighbors. For additional information, call 708-283-7118 or visit www.holyfamilyparkforest.org.
Park Forest American Legion Post 1198, 1631 Western Ave., Chicago Heights
Friday Fish Fry
Join Park Forest’s American Legion Post 1198 for fish, shrimp, wings, beef and appetizers on Friday, August 16 beginning at 6 p.m. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.
First Christian Church, 1045 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights
‘Last Huge Book Sale, Bake Sale and Café’ – August 17 & 18
The First Christian Church will hold its ‘Last Huge Book Sale, Bake Sale and Café.’ The event will take place on:
- Saturday, August 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Sunday, August 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Bag Sale)
The sale will include thousands of books sorted and categorized; rare and vintage books; audio books, records, cassettes, CDs, puzzles, greeting cards and DVDs. All items are $1 or less. Special bargains will be available on August 17th and 18th. Enjoy a bakery item and a beverage I a pleasant setting while browsing through your purchases at the Café. For additional information, call 708-754-3792.
VFW Post #331, 22341 Governors Highway, Richton Park
Stand Down 2013 Outreach Program for Homeless Veterans – Donations Accepted Through September 4
VFW Post #331 is hosting, Stand Down 2013 in Richton Park – an outreach program for Homeless Veterans seeking rest, hope and fellowship. Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy is collecting toiletries and sundry items for the Veterans outreach event. Donations of gently used men’s clothing are needed. Donations must be received before Wednesday, September 4 at Commissioner Murphy’s District Office, 5404 W. 127th Street in Crestwood. All items will be packaged and given away to the homeless veterans.
“Stand Down – Richton Park” a veterans outreach event, will be held on September 7thy at the VFW Post 311, 22341 Governors Highway from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free health screenings, haircuts, clothing and meals will be provided. Many Social Service agencies and Veteran coordinators will be available for helpful information and services. For additional information, call Patrice at Commissioner Joan Murphy’s Office at 708-389-2125. If you wish to volunteer for the event, call Bill Browne at 708-705-6090 or e-mail [email protected].
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.
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 Summer 2013 Recreation Programs & More Brochure, 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.
