Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of July 6, 2009


The Merry Wives of Windsor

The cast of the Merry Wives of Windsor takes a bow, concluding this year’s free Shakespeare in the Park from ITC. (Photo: ENEWSPF)

Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– July 6, 2009. If the weather forecast is correct, our break from the summer heat will be over this week, so consider taking advantage of the ‘cool’ activities occurring this week in and around Park Forest.

Send information concerning your community activities or events during the upcoming week by e-mail to Rosemary Piser, Associate Editor, with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.

Village of Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Groups

The following Park Forest Commissions will meet this week:

  • Plan Commission – Tuesday, July 7 at 7 P.M.; and
  • Senior Citizens Advisory Commission – Tuesday, July 7 at 7 P.M.

All Commission and Advisory Group meetings are held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Center. Residents are encouraged to attend.

Park Forest Aqua Center, 30 N. Orchard

Beat the heat and come to the Aqua Center. Be a part of a great summer experience and get the best buy for your money by becoming a member. Daily guest passes available for $10/person and $5/person after 5 PM. A valid photo ID is required for entry.

Park Forest Economic Development

Neighborhood Meeting – Thursday, July 9

The Village of Park Forest Board’s next Neighborhood Meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 9 at Hope Lutheran Church, 424 Indianwood Boulevard. Invited residents will be those living south of Sauk Trail, west of Indianwood and north of the Will County line. Letters of invitations will be mailed out this week to residents in this part of the community.

In an effort to improve communication with citizens, the Village of Park Forest implemented the Neighborhood Meeting Program in 2004. Since then, Village Officials have facilitated meetings in all neighborhoods across the community, and in most cases, have been into each neighborhood twice since the inception of the program. The meetings are held with the intent to provide residents with an opportunity to have their voices heard and questions answered by the Mayor, Village Trustees, Village Manager, Department Heads, and other members of the Village Staff. Typically, the meetings draw 50 to 100 citizens and in some cases, the attendance has been upward of 200 residents. Questions regarding the Neighborhood Meeting Program can be directed to the Village Manager’s Office at 708-748-1129.

Business After Hours – Wednesday, July 22

Once again, the Economic Development and Planning Department will co-host a Business After Hours with the Matteson Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC). MACC is located in DownTown Park Forest and serves the communities of Park Forest, Olympia Fields, Richton Park, Matteson, and University Park. This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, July 22, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Dining on the Green. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit many of the DownTown businesses, enjoy good food and fellowship, and win exciting raffle prizes. Park Forest residents are encouraged to attend and then stay for the Main Street Nights on the Village Green from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (lower level)

AARP Safe Driving Class — Savings on Car Insurance

The AARP Safe Driving Class will be held in the Board Room of Park Forest Village Hall on Wednesday and Thursday, July 8 and 9. The class will be from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day. You must attend both sessions in order to become certified. The classes are under the direction of AARP and are designed to update you on the driving rules. The course can qualify seniors for a discount on the liability portion of their car insurance. The discount is good for three years. The fee for this class is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Payment, by check ONLY, must be brought to class. AARP members should bring their membership cards. Call 708-748-5454 to make your reservation.

Arts and Entertainment

Main Street Nights

Grab a blanket, pack a snack and position yourself in the Park Forest DownTown Village Green (Cunningham and Main Streets) for seven FREE nights of entertainment. Refreshments will be sold. Performances last approximately 45 – 60 minutes. In the event of rain, performances will be moved to Dining on the Green, 349 Main St. Call 708-283-5647 for weather-related changes. For additional information, call the Recreation office at 708-748-2005.

Wednesday, July 8

7:00 P.M. – Ken Schultz

Ken uses his elastic, comedic face to paint a permanent smile on the faces of everyone.

7:45 P.M. – “1969”

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Woodstock. 1969’s music will take you back as you find yourself dancing and singing along like its 1969 all over again.

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

Another week filled with activities at the Park Forest Library. The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:

  • Monday, July 6 at 10:45 a.m. – Morning Story Times. Stories for children 3 to 6.
  • Tuesday, July 7 at 8:00 a.m. – Tuesday Morning Walkers. Meet in the north parking lot.
  • Tuesday, July 7 at 7:00 p.m. – Pajama Storytime for Children. Come dressed for bed.
  • Wednesday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m. – Lap Sit Story Times. For children 3 and under.
  • Wednesday, July 8 at 11:45 a.m. – Toddler Art. For children 3 to 6.

For more information on these events, call 708-748-3731.

Tall Grass Gallery, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

With These Hands – 2009 Sculpture Invitational – July 10 thru September 13

A varied compilation of sculptural works will be shown by artists Joshua Andres, Patrician Bohannon, Louis Greer, John Hansen, Angela Lee, Michele P. Owens, Michael Ruback, Eric Steele, Jan Stewart, Grant White, and Robert Williams. An opening reception will be held on Friday, July 10 from 7 PM to 9 PM. Admission is free to the public. Gallery hours are 11 AM to 4 PM Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call 708-748-3377.

Jazz in the Park for Charity 2009 – Tickets on Sale Now

Jazz in the Park for Charity 2009 will be held on Sunday, July 26 at Bicentennial Park, 301 W. 203rd St., Olympia Fields, IL. Featured performers include Nick Colionne, the Afro-Semitic Experience and Ava Logan. Tickets are $50 per person and doors open at 2 PM. Ticket price includes food from local restaurants. A silent auction will also be held. Proceeds from the event will benefit local non-for-profit organizations. For more information, call 708-283-8450 or visit www.jazzintheparkforcharity.com.

Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University

“Into the Woods” – Tickets on Sale Now

Tickets go on sale beginning on Monday, June 15 for the Southland Area Theatre Ensemble (SLATE) at GSU’s summer production of “Into the Woods.” The production will take place on Friday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 15, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $18 to $21 and tickets for children under 16 are $16 to $19. Tickets may be purchased by calling The Center box office at 708-235-2222 or online at www.slatetheatre.org.

Cinderella – Tickets on Sale Now

Cinderella will be performed on Thursday, July 23 at 11 a.m. Summer camp groups, families and individuals are welcome. This performance provides an ideal field trip experience. Tickets are only $7 each for groups of 20 or more and $9 each for individuals. For more information or to purchase tickets, call The Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.

Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard (Corner of Forest & Fir)

Relive your childhood memories or show your children/grandchildren what it was like to live in the ‘good old days’ by visiting the Park Forest House Museum. The Museum is open on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Group tours are by appointment. Call 708-748-3731.

This and That

Phone Bill Clinics Sponsored by State Rep. DeLuca and Citizens Utility Board (CUB)

Get a free analysis of your phone bill to show how you can reduce costs of service and alert you to any phone scams that may be charged to your bill. These free clinics will be held on Friday, July 10 at:

9 AM – 11 AM and 2 PM – 4 PM, Crete Township Meeting Room, 1367 Wood Street, Crete, IL, and

9 AM – 11 AM and 2 PM – 4 PM, Bloom Township Center, 425 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights.

Attendees should bring a copy of their phone bill. For more information or to RSVP for the clinic, call 708-672-0200.

Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd.

Summer Safari: Earthkeepers – July 7th – July 10th, 9 AM – 1 PM

Discover what it takes to protect the environment through exploring Thorn Creek Woods. This will be a four day camp for children ages 5 – 7 years. Snacks and backpacks provided. Cost is $55 per child. For more information, call 708-747-6320.

Village of Park Forest Commission on Human Relations

Good Egg Award

Do you know someone who went beyond the call of duty? The Commission on Human Relations is looking to honor an individual or individuals who have made an impact in race relations, good neighborliness, human relations, and/or is a proponent of diversity in the South Suburbs. Nomination forms are to be submitted by August 3. Nomination forms can be found on the Village of Park Forest web site (www.villageofparkforest.com), or by emailing Evelyn Sterling at [email protected], or calling 708-283-5621.

Shop Park Forest First!

Park Forest Farmers’ Market

The 36th Annual Park Forest Farmers’ Market will be held on Saturday’s from 7:00 a.m. to Noon through the end of October. Vendors from across Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan will have a tremendous array of fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, breads, cheese, organic eggs and meat, and the “best pork chop sandwiches in the universe.” Come early and enjoy a breakfast burrito and cup of coffee while you shop the Market. The Market is located in the parking lot of the Eagle Movie Theater at the corner of Lakewood Boulevard and Cunningham Drive in DownTown Park Forest.

Greening of Park Forest

Rain Barrels For Sale at July 11 Farmers’ Market

Rain barrels have become the “must have” item for Park Forest residents. The Park Forest Environment Commission and the Park Forest Recreation and Parks Department are facilitating the sale of rain barrels for $49 each. Residents interested in buying rain barrels can visit the Recreation and Parks window on the main floor of Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, to order a barrel in the color of their choice (terra cotta, gray, black or blue) and pick them up at the Farmers’ Market on Saturday, July 11th, August 1st or September 5th. You can also purchase a rain barrel at the Farmers’ Market with colors limited to the stock-on hand. Common rain barrel accessories will also be available for sale at the Farmers’ Market. Payment can be made in either cash or personal check. For further information, call Village Hall at 708-748-2005.

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.

Go Green with a Free Tote Bag

The Village of Park Forest encourages residents to visit Village Hall to pick up an environmentally friendly canvas bag that can be used for your day-to-day shopping needs. These bags are free while supplies last with only two expectations: 1) that residents have a valid email address so that future environmentally conscious concepts can be shared by the Village’s Environment Commission; and 2) that bags are limited to one per household. For more information on this program, visit the Village Manager’s Office on the second floor of Village Hall of call 708-748-1129.

Human Interest

Cell Phone Drive to Benefit Victims of Domestic Violence – Through August 1

State Representative Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago heights) has launched a cellular phone drive in conjunction with Verizon Wireless to support the national HopeLine Program which benefits victims of domestic violence. Used or unwanted cell phones can be donated at one of the drop boxes at the following locations:

  • Park Forest Village Hall – 350 Victory Drive, Park Forest, IL;
  • Chicago Heights City Hall – 1601 Chicago Road, Chicago Heights, IL;
  • South Chicago Heights Village Hall – 3317 Chicago Road, South Chicago Heights, IL;
  • Steger Village Hall – 35 W. 34th St., Steger, IL; and
  • Crete Village Hall – 524 W. Exchange St. Crete, IL.

For more information, call 708-672-0200.

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.

Sources: Village of Park Forest Weekly Manager’s Report; State Representative Anthony DeLuca, State Representative Al Riley, Spring/Summer 2009 Calendar of Events, Park Forest Library, Tall Grass Arts Association, Center for Performing Arts, and Park Forest Historical Society websites.


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