Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of November 16, 2009


St. Mary's School Veterans Day Ceremony 2009

Students from St. Mary’s School sing at a ceremony honoring Veterans last Monday in Village Hall. (Photo: ENEWSPF)

Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– November 16, 2009. This week, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra opens its 32nd Anniversary Season. The 75-member Orchestra, led by Music Director Carmon DeLeone, is the largest performing arts organization in the Chicago Southland providing professional, orchestral music of beauty and excellence to the region. Information about this Season’s events are listed in the “Arts and Entertainment” section of this article.

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 Advisory Board and Commission Meetings

The following Village Commissions will meet the week of November 16:

  • Plan Commission – Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m. (NOTE: The second monthly meeting of the Plan Commission is held on an as needed basis. Please call Village Hall at 708-748-1112 to verify if the meeting will be held.)

All meetings are held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.

Healthy Living

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

Cook County Department of Public Health Prepares to Distribute H1N1 Vaccine

The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) officials are preparing a multifaceted approach to distribute the H1N1 influenza vaccine in suburban Cook County. The situation is fluid because the exact arrival time and quantity of vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is unknown. Residents are encouraged to contact the CCDPH for updated information at www.cookcountypublichealth.org or by e-mail: [email protected]. You can also call the CCDPH Flue Hotline at 708-742-2828 or the Park Forest Health Department at 708-748-1118 for updates.

Babies, Teens and Adults Immunization Clinics

Babies, teens and adult immunization and flu and pneumonia clinics will be held on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details or to schedule an appointment, call 708-748-1118. The Health Department is a low cost provider for children and adult immunizations.

Blood Pressure Screening

A free Blood Pressure Clinic is held at the Park Forest Health Department Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Elevated blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Walk in or call ahead at 708-748-1118.

Arts and Entertainment

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

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

  • Monday, November 16 at 10:45 a.m. – Morning Story Times for children ages 3 to 6;
  • Tuesday, November 17 at 7 p.m. – Pajama Storytime for Children;
  • Wednesday, November 18 at 11:45 a.m. – Toddler Art for children ages 2 – 4;
  • Thursday, November 19 at 10:30 a.m. – Discovery Time for children ages 2 – 6;
  • Thursday, November 19 at 7 p.m. – Family Reading Night which includes a Reader’s Theater and Book Swap;
  • Friday, November 20 at 3:30 p.m. – Video Game Friday – Mario Cart Wii for kids and teens; and
  • Saturday, November 21 at 2 p.m. – All About Thanksgiving – an afternoon of Thanksgiving fun for the entire family. To register, call 708-748-3731, extension 20.

In addition, due to the library renovation, the following activity will be held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive:

  • Thursday, November 19 at 10:30 a.m. – Listen to Old Time Radio Themes – presented by Jerry Shnay. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, call 708-748-3731, extension 20.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Way

“Here & Now: Annual Gallery Artists’ Exhibit” – Through November 21

View current works by fifty of the Tall Grass Arts Association’s Juried Artists. Viewing hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 708-748-3377.

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Way, Park Forest

Archy and Mehitabel – Tickets Now on Sale

Archy, a cockroach with the soul of a poet, types by diving head first onto the keys, so he can’t use the shift key to make capital letters. Mehitabel is a free-spirited alley cat who’s unlucky in love. Archy would like her to settle down and be a respectable house cat, but Mehitabel refuses to change her ways. Their adventures come to the stage accompanied by a lively, jazzy musical score. It’s a holiday treat for the whole family. The play opens on December 4 and runs through December 20.

Tickets range from $19 – $21. There is a $1 discount for students and senior citizens at all performances. For more information, call 708-481-3510.

Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University

Chicago College of Performing Arts – Free Concert, November 16

On Monday, November 16 at 7:30 p.m., the Chicago College of Performing Arts will perform a free concert. Stephen Squires will conduct the orchestra which includes faculty soloists Chris Martin, trumpet and Jay Friedman, trombone, performing Concerto for Trumpet and Trombone, and Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 “Eroica.” Seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. For additional information, call 708-235-2222 or email [email protected].

Snow White – November 21

On Saturday, November 21 at 11 a.m., the musical adaptation of the classic Grimm’s fairy tale, Snow White will be performed. The musical features a script with lovable characters portrayed by an ensemble of live actors and wonderful puppets. Follow along as Snow White meets her pint-sized friends, takes the apple from the Evil Queen, receives a kiss from the Prince, and lives happily ever after. This faithful rendition of the fairy tale will inspire young audiences to read the original. Tickets range in price from $10.50 to $15.50. Special birthday party packages are available. For more information, 708-235-2222 or email [email protected].

Holiday Hop – Tickets Now on Sale

On Saturday, December 5 at 8 p.m., it’s a rockin’, smooth and soulful holiday to remember with three great ‘50s and 60’s chart-topping groups performing under one roof. Enjoy a non-stop sing along song list with favorites like The Great Pretender, Only You, My Girl, Charlie Brown, Yakety Yak, Please Mr. Postman, a few holiday surprises and more. Tickets range in price from $32 – $52. For more information, 708-235-2222 or email [email protected].

Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Boulevard

Windham Hill Winter Solstice Concert – Tickets Now on Sale

On Saturday, December 12 at 8 p.m., enjoy the talents of Barbara Higbie and Samite as they illuminate your winter evening with cool rhythms of the snow covered north, the vibrant winters of Africa, and the awe inspiring beauty of the sky with this multi-media musical performance. Tickets are $25.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 708-747-0580 or visit: www.freedomhall.org.

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights

“As Time Goes By”

Beginning on Monday, November 16 through December 17 in PSC’s Christopher Art Gallery, “As Time Goes By” will be held. Seven artists of the Mythopian Artists’ Group are featured in this exhibit. The artists work with an array of media including oil and acrylic paintings and drawings, hand made prints, and digital art. Naomi Maurer, arts writer and curator, called the work, ‘imaginative and beautifully executed.”

An artist’s reception will be held on Thursday, November 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Hours for the Christopher Art Gallery are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. Visits can also be made by appointment. For more information about the exhibit or to schedule an appointment for a visit, contact the PSC Foundation at 708-709-3636.

U Got Jokes Thanxs Giving Comedy Feast – November 21

On Saturday, November 21 enjoy an evening of laughs at the U Got Jokes Thanxs Giving Comedy Feast being held at the Homewood Hotel, 17400 South Halsted Street, Homewood, IL. The event will be hosted by Joe Joe the Entertainer and includes comedians Reggie Reg, Keith Hale, Darren Marlar, Big Will, and Sundi Foluke.

Tickets for the VIP Dinner Reception and Show which begins at 6:30 p.m. are $40. The menu, catered by Taste of New Orleans Café, includes fried chicken wings, macaroni and cheese, greens, sweet potatoes, rolls, pink lemonade and tropical punch.

Show tickets for the comedy event which begins at 8 p.m. are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Ticket locations are:

Deshazer’s Barber Shop, 1815 W. 170th St., Hazel Crest, 708-715-0778;

Living Word Book Store, 937 East Sibley, Dolton, 708-841-8400; and

Last Minute Copy Shop, 3334 Chicago Road, Steger, 708-335-2091.

Tickets can be also be ordered online at: http://www.myspace.com/ugotjokeschicago. For additional information, call 708-715-0778.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Season Opening Rhapsody – November 21 & 22

Two orchestral masterworks, Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 and Revel’s incandescent and impressionistic Daphnis & Chloe Suite frame a pair of devilishly difficult works for piano and orchestra. Not to be missed, soloist Natasha Paremski is “a young pianist of prodigious technique and striking stage presence.” (Washington Post). Concerts will be held on Saturday, November 21 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 3 p.m. Concert tickets range in price from $30 – $50. The concert will be held at the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort, IL. For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit the Orchestra’s website at: http://www.ipomusic.org/.

An opening night pre-concert dinner will be held at the Prestwick Country Club on November 21 beginning at 5 p.m. Tickets for the gala are $80 per person which includes dinner and dessert reception and post-concert reception. A guest appearance will be made by soloist Natasha Paremski. (Note: Opening night concert tickets sold separately.)

A post-concert reception will be held at Lincoln-Way North with tickets priced at $15 per person. Enjoy the company of your closet IPO friends, conductor Carmon DeLeone, and guest soloist Natasha Paremski after the concert with some savory sweets and delicious drinks.

Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood St.

Dinner Theatre – November 21 and 22

The annual fall production from the Hallelujah Temple Drama Team will take place on Saturday, November 21 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, November 22 at 4:30 p.m. For additional information, call 708-503-6536.

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.

Educational Lectures

Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Boulevard

On Wednesday, November 18 at 10 a.m. the Southland Community Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago will present a lecture titled, “The Legacy of Spiderwoman” Navajo Weaving and Other Spinoffs” by Hertha Pacola of Orland Park. This event is the second in a series of six lectures that will be given over the next several months. The program is preceded by coffee at 9:30 a.m. Tickets are $8 (checks only) payable at the door. For additional information, call Sonya Monroe at 708-754-6992.

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park

CenterPoint At GSU Sponsors Veterans Entrepreneurial Boot Camp – November 18

CenterPoint is hosting its semiannual, award winning Veterans Entrepreneurial Boot Camp on Wednesday, November 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. The Boot Camp is offered at no cost to veterans or the families/business partners of those serving in the military. Designed by military veterans, the full-day event offers support to the families and business partners of our servicemen and women currently on active duty. The day features presentations and seminars from industry professionals, opportunities for free on-on-one counseling, lunch with a panel of ex-military business owners who share their entrepreneurial journey, and access to CenterPoint’s numerous entrepreneurial services and resources. Seating is limited to 100 participants and pre-registration is required.

For more information or to register, call 708-534-4929 or visit www.centerpointgsu.com.

Park Forest Nurses Club

“Mechanisms of Heart Failure”

On Thursday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m., the Park Forest Nurses Club will meet at Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 N. Orchard Dr. (Lincoln Highway and Orchard Dr.). Clarissa Miller, RN, MS, CNP, will discuss “Mechanisms of Heart Failure.” All Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses, active or inactive, are invited to attend. For additional information, call Barbara Principali at 708-481-8387.

Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road

Little Twigs Nature Playtimes – November 19

On November 19 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. children ages 2 – 4 will participate in a hands-on exploratory program which teaches young children about the environment through stories, hikes and crafts. Snacks will be provided. Fee is $5 per child (parents free). For more information, call 708-747-6320.

Junior Ecologists Club – November 21

On Saturday, November 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, children ages 11 – 15 can discover the woods in a new way and join naturalists to explore the woods and track seasonal changes. Fee is $5. For more information, call 708-747-6320.

This and That

Senior Trip to the Museum of Science & Industry – Registration Deadline November 24

On Wednesday, December 9 at 10:30 a.m. buses will be leaving Freedom Hall for lunch and a visit to the Museum of Science & Industry where the annual Christmas Around the World event will be taking place. First up, lunch at the Piccolo Mondo where you will enjoy an Italian lunch of salad, pasta with your choice of marinara or pesto sauce, and spumoni for dessert. After lunch enjoy time on your own at the Museum. The event price includes a ticket for the Museum’s new White House Exhibit, a 60’ x 20’ replica of the White House decorated for the Christmas season. Buses will return to Freedom Hall at approximately 5 p.m. Fee for the event is $56 which includes coach bus, lunch, general admission to the Museum and admission to the White House Exhibit.

To register, call the Village of Park Forest’s Recreation and Parks Department at 708-748-2005. You can register in person or over the phone with a credit card. Registration deadline is Tuesday, November 24.

Rainbow Café

Monthly Meeting – November 21

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. at the Unitarian-Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Dr. For more information, call 708-481-5539 and connect to the Rainbow extension.

Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main St., Park Forest

Holiday Arts Sale – November 20 Through December 19

On Friday, November 20 from 12 noon to 9 p.m. join us for the opening reception of the 17th Annual Salon Artists Art Sale. The event will feature many artists with pottery, photography and much more. For additional information or daily business hours, call 708-833-5108.

Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights

Annual Exhibit for Art Lovers and Gift Givers – Through December 31

View art form at its finest. An eclectic display of touchable, viewable, wearable, admirable and pleasurable work from more than 30 regional artists. Perfect for gift giving and collecting. Price ranges that appeal to all pocketbooks.

Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, Noon to 4 p.m. and the second Friday of the month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 708-754-2601.

Park Forest Historical Society, 400 Lakewood Blvd.

Park Forest Hall of Fame Nominations

Know a person who has made a substantial, beneficial, and consistent contribution to the life and well-being of Park Forest over a considerable span of time? Why not nominate them for possible induction into the Park Forest Hall of Fame? Nominees may now live elsewhere or be deceased. Individuals or couples may be nominated. Inductees will be chosen from among the eligible nominees by the Park Forest Historical Society and announced publicly early in 2010. To nominate someone, complete a nomination form found on the Historical Society’s website: http://www.parkforesthistory.org/. Nominations must be received by December 15, 2009.

Greening of Park Forest

Energy Fair – November 21

On Saturday, November 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., CEDA is sponsoring an Energy Fair at the Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Attendees will receive a free energy conservation kit and learn how to reduce their heating bills. For information, call 708-754-4575 or visit http://www.cedaorg.net.

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.

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

Holiday Mail for Heroes

The American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes, Inc. have joined forces to invite the public to ‘send a touch of home’ to U.S. service members and veterans across the country and abroad through the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign. Now in its third year, the program provides Americans with the opportunity to extend holiday greetings and thanks to service members and veterans. The public can participate in the campaign by sending holiday cards with personal messages to a special post office box through Monday, December 7. Holiday cards should be addressed and sent to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456.

Please be sure to affix adequate postage. For reasons of processing and safety, participants are asked to refrain from sending “care packages,” monetary gifts, using glitter or including any inserts with the cards. For more information and card requirements, please visit www.redcross.org/holidaymail.

Rotary Club of Park Forest

Golden Opportunities Fundraising Project

Looking for a unique gift for a friend, family member or co-worker? Golden Opportunities coupon books make a great gift. Golden Opportunities is the only coupon book that offers coupons at favorite local restaurants, movies, groceries, sporting events and much more. Coupons are valid once a month and a single coupon can offer you hundreds of dollars in savings. Customers can receive 50% off and 2 for 1 discounts. Golden Opportunities Books are $25. Proceeds from the sales support the Rotary Club of Park Forest’s Early Act program – a school-wide service club for elementary students from ages 5 to 13. Books can be purchased by calling Jerome Brown at 773-416-1441.

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.

Sources: Village of Park Forest Weekly Manager’s Report, 2009 Autumn Recreation Programs, Park Forest Fall/Winter 2009 Calendar of Events, Rotary Club of Park Forest, Park Forest Library, Tall Grass Arts Association, Center for Performing Arts, Prairie Sate College, Governors State University, Illinois Theatre Center, Union Street Gallery, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, and Park Forest Historical Society websites.


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