Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Park Forest goblins and ghouls can go trick or treating on Saturday, October 31 between the hours of 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Motorists are asked to use extra caution and look carefully for children crossing the streets. Additional Halloween activities are detailed below.
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.
Halloween Activities
Annual Park Forest Safe Halloween
The Annual Park Forest Safe Halloween is scheduled for Saturday, October 31 in DownTown Park Forest. The events include safe Trick-or-Treating at store fronts throughout the DownTown from 5 p.m to 6 p.m. and a costume judging contest starting at 6:15 p.m. in the Field’s Building. For more information, call the Community Policing Division of the Park Forest Police Department at 708-748-9536.
Halloween Events at the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard
Trick or Treat – Friday, October 30
The Library will host Trick or Treat from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a costume contest beginning at 4:15 p.m. For more information, call 708-748-3731.
Halloween Crafts – Saturday, October 31
The Library will host Halloween Crafts from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For registration or more information call, 708-748-3731, extension 20.
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road
Ghosts and Goblins and Ghouls, Oh My
On Saturday, October 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., bring the entire family out for an evening of “spooky” fun. Participate in the pumpkin carving contest, listen to slightly spooky stories and go for a Halloween hike in the woods. Costumes are encouraged for this family event. Tickets are $5 per person or $15 for the entire family. Registration is required and space is limited. Call 708-747-6329 for reservations.
New Community Church, 245 Monee Rd.
Spark In the Dark
On Friday, October 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. bring your family and friends for a Halloween party. Events include crafts, skits and Goody Bags. For more information, call 708-481-1305.
First Baptist Church, 80 N. Orchard
Alternative to Halloween Trick or Treating
On Saturday, October 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. attend a safe alternative to Halloween trick or treating. A night of games, food and prizes are planned. Costumes are optional. Participants must pre-register by calling 708-748-2566.
13th Annual Halloween Family Fun Fest at Prairie State College (PSC)
Young ghosts and goblins and their parents are invited to enjoy a Halloween extravaganza filled with candy, hay rides, carnival games, and more at PSC, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. The Fest will be held on Friday, October 30 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the PSC gym. Halloween Family Fun Fest is for children through age 12. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. In addition to fun and games, the Chicago Heights police and fire departments are planning presentations about fire and personal safety. For more information about the event, call 708-709-3500.
Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University Presents Dave Rudolf’s Halloween Spooktacular
Dave Rudolf will entertain goblins of all ages with his ghost—definitely not very scary—fun songs and stories to raise the hair on your funny bone. The event will be held on Saturday, October 31 at 11 a.m.
Kids come dressed in costume can share the stage with Dave.
- See the Ghastly Ghoul Limbo.
- Help collect Skeleton Bones.
- Thrill to the Flying Eyeballs.
- Watch in Amazement as kids do "The Frankenstein Dance."
Tickets for the Spooktacular range from $10.50 to $15.50.
A post-show trick-or-treat party will be held in the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. Kids will be invited to trick-or-treat at selected sculptures, where Ghosts and Goblins will explain the sculptures to the trick-or-treaters and give them candy treats to take home.
- Games
- Fun
- Surprises for everyone
Tickets for the after-party are $10. Space is limited so make your reservations early.
Call 708-235-2222 for more information or to purchase tickets visit the Center’s website at: http://www.centertickets.net/.
Village of Park Forest Board and Commission Meetings
The following Village Board will meet the week of October 26:
- Cable Commission – Wednesday, October 28 at 7 p.m.
All meetings are held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Healthy Living
Daylight Savings Time Begins
Don’t forget to turn your clocks back 1 hour before you go to bed on Saturday, October 31. And when you awake in the morning refreshed from that extra hour of sleep, don’t forget to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. It has been reported that half of America’s smoke detectors are not working because of old, disconnected or missing batteries.
Cook County Department of Public Health Seeks Volunteers for H1N1 Vaccinations
The Cook County Department of Public Health is initiating a voluntary school-based H1N1 mass vaccination campaign and is seeking the public’s help. Licensed healthcare providers are needed to volunteer in vaccinating school-aged children in the community.
For information, or to register as a volunteer, visit www.cookcountypublichealth.org or call Jeannette Tandez, Volunteer Coordinator at 708-492-2820. Individuals may also email [email protected] for details.
Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (lower level)
Babies, Teens and Adults Immunization Clinics – NEW HOURS
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 Idols Auditions
The Village of Park Forest and Park Forest Community Ambassadors present the first Park Forest Idols event on Saturday, January 16, 2010 at Freedom Hall’s Nathan Manilow Theatre. This event is open to Park Forest residents only and is limited to singing and dancing acts. Auditions will take place on November 20 and 21 at Village Hall. Audition entry forms are available at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com/clientuploads/Economic_Development/FinalEntryReleases.pdf or call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621. Entry forms must be submitted no later than November 9, 2009. The first prize winner will receive $300 for each category, second place prize is $100 and third place is a Gift Certificate for the FieldCrest School of Performing Arts.
Tickets for the January 16 event are $5 in advance and $10 at the door. Proceeds will be donated to the Tall Grass Arts Association and Illinois Theatre Center.
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard
The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:
- Monday, October 26 at 10:45 a.m. — Morning Story Times for children 3 to 6;
- Tuesday, October 27 at 7 p.m. – Pajama Storytime for Children;
- Wednesday, October 28 at 10:30 a.m. – Lap Sit Storytime for children 3 and under;
- Wednesday, October 28 at 11:45 a.m. – Toddler Art for children ages 2 – 4; and
- Thursday, October 29 at 10:30 a.m. – Discovery Time for children ages 2 – 6;
In addition, due to the library renovation, the following activity will be held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive:
- Thursday, October 29 at 10:30 a.m. – Bicycling in Classical Greece by Al Sturges. 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.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
“Faith Journey” by Patricia Watkins
“Faith Journey,” a solo exhibition of paintings by Patricia Watkins, will be on display from October 26 to November 2 at the Visual Arts Gallery at GSU. The opening reception is Friday, October 30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The Visual Arts Gallery is open Monday and Wednesday, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call, 708-534-4017, or visit: www.gsuvisualartsgallery.blogspot.com.
Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Way, Park Forest
Copenhagen – Opens October 30
In 1941 German physicist Werner Heisenberg went to Copenhagen to see his Danish Counterpart, Niels Bohr. Together they had revolutionized atomic science in the 1920s, but now they were on opposite sides of a world war. In this incisive Tony Award Wining Drama, Copenhagen, by Michael Frayn features two men who meet in a situation fraught with danger in hopes of discovering why we do what we do. The New York Times says Copenhagen is “the most invigorating and ingenious play of ideas in many a year. An electrifying work of art.” Copenhagen opens on October 30 and runs through November 15.
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
A Tribute To Motown Greats – Tickets On Sale Now
Take a trip back in time when Motown was king as talented Chicagoland vocalists perform classic hits, such as Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles’ Tears of a Clown, Stevie Wonder’s Uptight (Everything’s Alright), Gladys Knight & the Pips’ Midnight Train to Georgia, and many more. Ticket prices range from $43 to $23. A $50 celebration ticket includes pre-show reception and post-show party with the cast. Call 708-534-4128 for tickets.
Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Boulevard
Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues Band – Tickets Now On Sale
On Saturday, November 7 at 7 p.m., two time Grammy nominee blues harmonica legend Billy Branch, an ambassador of Chicago Blues, and the Sons of Blues will perform. Tickets are $25.
A pre-concert Blues Harmonica Workshop will be held on November 7 at 3 p.m. where participants can learn how to play the harmonica from blues legend Billy Branch. Billy Branch developed the “Blues in Schools” program over 25 years ago and has taught students all over the world. Beginners and experienced, young or old can participate. Tickets for the workshop are $23. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 708-503-7737 or visit: www.freedomhall.org.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights
Poetry Reading and Discussion
Kimberly Johnson and Jay Hopler, published poets who have each won prestigious writing awards, will participate in a poetry reading and discussion on Tuesday, October 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Barnes and Nobles Reading Room located on PSC’s main campus. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 708-709-3500.
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
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Vets 4 Vets
“Recognizing the Need for Peer Support for Returning Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans” is the topic of an important, free seminar to be held at GSU on Tuesday, October 27 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Cafeteria Annex. The seminar will focus on understanding the need and benefit of peer support for vets, developing ways that the university and the GSU Counseling Department can help veterans and their families, and establishing a peer support network on campus. Representatives from the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and VETNET will be on hand to assist veterans in registering for benefits, receiving information about VA services and other services available for veterans and their families.
This and That
Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood St.
Fall Festival
The Youth Department presents an indoor carnival and festival on Friday, October 30 at 6 p.m. Children of all ages are welcome for games, face painting, karaoke and treat bags. For more information, call 708-503-6536.
Shop Park Forest First!
Park Forest Farmers’ Market – Through the End of October
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
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
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.
“The Pantry” of Rich Township
Fundraiser – November 14
“The Pantry" of Rich Township is a not-for-profit organization that provides food at no cost to over 750 low-income families who reside in the 10 surrounding communities of Rich Township
Help support the mission of “The Pantry” by purchasing a Carson’s Community Day Book for only $5.00. Coupons can be used at any Carson Pirie Scott location on November 14 beginning at 6 a.m. when numerous discounts and savings can be obtained through the various offers detailed in the coupon book.
Coupon books can be purchased at the Economic Development and Planning Office on the 2nd floor of Park Forest Village Hall. For more information about “The Pantry” or the fundraiser, call 708-748-6722.
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, Cook County Health and Hospital System, League of Women Voters of Park Forest, Park Forest Library, Tall Grass Arts Association, Center for Performing Arts, Prairie Sate College, Governors State University, Illinois Theatre Center, and Park Forest Historical Society websites.
