As Park Foresters begin to feel winter’s chill, a blast from the sultry day’s of summer. The temperature on First Midwest Bank’s sign read 98° on August 10. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)
Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)-November 15, 2010. Hard to believe that the holiday season is right around the corner. When doing your holiday shopping, especially for those that seem to have everything, consider gifting tickets to an upcoming concert at one of our many local venues or artwork or crafts at one of the local galleries or any number of things from our local businesses. You’ll find an array of ideas in the many events and activities in this week’s column.
In addition, Southland Caterers is offering a great Thanksgiving special so you can avoid all the fuss and mess of cooking your Thanksgiving dinner. Details can be found in the "This & That" section below.
If your club, not-for-profit community organization or school 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. (Please note: This is the last week eNews Park Forest will carry information from for-profit businesses in this column. Remember, advertising on eNews Park Forest starts at $35 per month for a quarter business card size ad! And that $35 includes a page on ENEWSPF which business owners can edit at will!)
Community Forum at Rich East – Monday, November 15
A special community forum is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, November 15 at Rich East High School, 300 Sauk Trail. The forum will be held in the east cafeteria. School administrators, staff members and Rich Township School District 227 board members will be on hand to talk about achievements at the school and ways to keep improving. For additional information, call 708-679-6100.
Village of Park Forest Meetings
Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Boards
The following Advisory Board will meet this week:
- Recreation and Parks Advisory Board – Tuesday, November 16 at 7 p.m.
The meeting will be held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Arts & Entertainment
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:
- Monday, November 15 at 10:30 a.m. – Storytime for children ages 2 and older
- Monday, November 15 at 3:30 p.m. – Free Homework Helpers
- Tuesday, November 16 at 3:30 p.m. – Free Homework Helpers
- Tuesday, November 16 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
- Wednesday, November 17 at 10:15 a.m. – Lap Sit Story Times for those ages 3 and under
- Wednesday, November 17 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those ages 2 to 4
- Thursday, November 18 at 10:15 a.m. – Children’s Discovery Time for those ages 3 to 5 years.
- Thursday, November 18 at 3:30 p.m. – Free Homework Helpers
- Thursday, November 18 at 7 p.m. – Family Reading Night
For more information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.
Senior Travelogue: New Zealand – Wednesday, November 17
On Wednesday, November 17 at 10 a.m., the Park Forest Library is sponsoring a Senior Travelogue: New Zealand at the Shirley Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive.
Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, November 18
The fall Potpourri of Lectures series resumes on Thursday, November 18 at 10:30 a.m. with a lecture entitled "My Mortal Enemy": Willa Cather’s watershed novel by Professor John Flannigan at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Light refreshments will be served. For additional information, call Mary VanSwaol at the Park Forest Library at 708-748-3731, extension 24.
Bountiful Holidays – Saturday, November 20
Bountiful Holidays will be featured at the Park Forest Library on Saturday, November 20 at 2:30 p.m. The program will be full of ideas for family games, treats, and a memorable centerpiece that kids can create. The event is for those 6 y ears of age and up. For additional information, call Sharon O’Leary, Youth Services, at 708-748-3731.
Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department
December Senior Trip to Theatre at the Center – Register Deadline November 22
On Wednesday, December 15, the Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department is sponsoring the December Senior Trip to the Theatre at the Centre, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana for lunch and the play, "It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas." You will enjoy lunch before the show which will be your choice of London Broil or Roast Turkey with Stuffing as the main entrée, accompanied by salad, two side dishes and dessert. After lunch, you can sit back and enjoy the play which is the musical version of the holiday favorite "A Miracle on 34th Street." Tickets are $64 per person and include round-trip coach bus, lunch and the play ticket. The bus will depart from Freedom Hall at 11:15 a.m. and return at approximately 5 p.m. You can register in person or over the phone with a credit card by calling the Recreation & Parks Office at 708-748-2005. Please mention your entrée preference with registering. Tickets are non-refundable. The registration deadline is Monday, November 22.
Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walk, Park Forest
Annual Gala & Auction – Sunday, November 21
On Sunday, November 21 at 2:30 p.m., join us at Olympia Fields Country Club, 2800 Country Club Dr., Olympia Fields for the Annual Gala & Auction. For additional information, call 708-481-3510 or visit www.ilthctr.org.
"The Apple Tree" – Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets are now on sale for "The Apple Tree," a delightful musical comedy that consists of three one-act musicals based on stories by Mark Twain, Frank R. Stockton, and Jules Feiffer. The songs are by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof). The play will open on Friday, December 3 and run through Sunday, December 19. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $22 on Friday and Saturday, $20 at all other times, with a $1 discount for students and seniors. For tickets, call (708) 481-3510 or visit www.ilthctr.org.
Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main St., Park Forest
20th Annual Holiday Arts Sale – Opens Friday, November 19
Salon Artists Gallery’s 20th Annual Holiday Arts Sale will begin with an opening reception on Friday, November 19 from Noon to 9 p.m. where you can meet the artists. Live music will also be performed on November 19 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Original one-of-a kind artwork that will make unique gifts, will be available at affordable prices. Jewelry will be 10% off and paintings 20% off. This event will continue through Wednesday, December 22 and is free and open to the public. Project Share Food Pantry donations are welcome. Gallery hours are Tues and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday and Friday from Noon to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 4 p.m. For additional information, call 708-833-5108 or 708-748-3946
Tall Grass Arts Association, 267 Artists Walk, Park Forest
"Americana: Folk Art" – Through November 28
"Americana: Folk Art," an exhibit of American and decorative objects from private collections, will run through November 28. Objects on exhibition mainly derive from the Collections of John Cain, Executive Director of the South Sore Arts; Dr. Jan and Peter Hudak, of Crete, and Dr. Arthur and Marilyn Bourgeois, of Richton Park, Art Professors at Governors State University and Arthur Bourgeois and Thomas Lanham of the Field Museum curated the exhibit. The event if free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.
Park Forest Historical Society
Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard (Corner of Forest & Fir)
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum is in an original rental townhome, built in 1947-1949 by American Community Builders. The museum provides a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane for anyone who lived in the 1950s or 1960s, or for those interested in that period. Visitors are encouraged to open drawers, cupboard and closets to discover period treasures inside. Contents of the house, furnished as though a young veteran and his family of small children occupy it, include dolls, toys, dollhouses, books, dishes, serving pieces, furniture and clothing from the period. When is the last time you said, "Hello," to Howdy Doody?
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.
Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Blvd., Park Forest
Peter Mayer’s "Stars and Promises" – Tickets Now on Sale
On Saturday, December 4 at 8 p.m., the 10th anniversary of Peter Mayer’s annual celebration of Christmas, "Stars and Promises," will take place. In 1999 Peter, singer/songwriter, and the lead guitarist for Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, and his brother, Jim Mayer, took carols such as "What Child is This," "Joy to the World," and "Little Drummer Boy," and original compositions such as "Sing Joy" and "This Christmas" and placed them in musical settings that traced their upbringing and musical influences from a childhood in India to their journeys into jazz, rock, folk, and classical directions. The show will feature musical highlights from years past and new. Tickets are $28. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-503-7737 or visit www.freedomhall.org to order tickets online.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
Harris Holiday Concert – Tickets Now on Sale
On Saturday, December 18 at 3 p.m., bring family and friends to the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s annual crowd pleaser – an event for all ages. The concert will be held at Lincoln-Way East Performing Arts Center, 201 Colorado Ave., Frankfort, IL. Hubert the Lion will greet you before the concert, and then get into the spirit of the season in style and song. In addition to perennial favorite holiday tunes, sing-alongs and magical moments for orchestra and chorus, new this season, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra brings you Scrooge!, a musical version of the classic Charles Dickens tale. Tickets are priced at $30 and $40 and are selling quickly. For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s website at: http://ipomusic.org/ or call 708-481-7774.
Holiday Star Theater, 340 Main St., Park Forest
Monday Night Football
Watch Monday Night Football games for free at the Holiday Star. Bring your own bowl and we’ll fill it up with popcorn (with the purchase of at least a medium drink). For additional information, call the theater at 708-283-9098.
Discount Pricing for Children
Children wearing the Holiday Star Baseball Jersey will pay only $1 for admission to the theater. For additional information, call the theater at 708-283-9098.
Center For Performing Arts at GSU, 1 University Parkway, University Park
DanceArt 10th Anniversary Celebration – Rescheduled Event
In celebration of its 10th Anniversary, DanceArt will hold a special presentation and live performance at GSU on Monday, November 22 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. A reception will be held immediately following the presentation. The mission of DanceArt is to bring high quality, inclusive dance education to children in the Chicago region, who would otherwise not experience the world of dance. Both the performance and reception are free and open to the public. For additional information, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222.
Annual Holiday Production of The Nutcracker – Tickets Now on Sale
On Saturday, December 11 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., the Salt Creek Ballet along with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform The Nutcracker. There will be special holiday concessions and photos with Santa. Tickets start at $25 for adults and $20 for those 16 and under. You can save 15% off your Nutcracker tickets when purchased by November 19 with code: XMAS. Â For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.
"The Fantastic Toyshop" – Tickets Now on Sale
On Saturday, December 18 at 3 p.m., celebrate the holiday season and the joy of giving with the story of a struggling toy shop owner who helps a mysterious customer find the perfect toy. Tickets start at $10.50. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
"Tellebration!" Storytelling Festival — Saturday, November 20
On Saturday, November 20 at 7 p.m., five master storytellers will delight and captivate the audience at "Tellebration!," a free, international event hosted by GSU in the Sherman Recital Hall. "Tellebration!" storytelling presentations will take place simultaneously across the United States and in a number of foreign countries with GSU being one of the 400 official sites around the world hosting storytelling events on the same day. Storytellers at the GSU event are: Reverend Linda L. Briggs, Neil Whitam, Karen Slager, Daniel Hechenberger and Lynne Clayton. The event is free however, voluntary donations of non-perishable food items or money can be made for the benefit of the Rich Township Food Pantry. For additional information, call 708-534-3075.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights
‘Shifting Paradigms’ Exhibit – Opens November 15
‘Shifting Paradigms,’ an art exhibit featuring two PSC alumni opens on Monday, November 15 and will run through Wednesday, December 15 at the college’s Christopher Art Gallery. An artists’ reception is scheduled for Thursday, November 18 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The exhibit will feature photographs by PSC alumni Margaret Patton of Frankfort, and Karen Sparrow or Portage, Indiana. Both Sparrow’s and Patton’s photographs reconstruct images to present a distinct view of an alternate reality. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visits can also be made by appointment. For additional information or to make an appointment for a visit, call the PSC Foundation at 708-709-3636.
Grammy Award Winner & Songwriter Bill Miller to Perform at PSC
On Monday, November 22 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Bill Miller will perform his original Native American songs at PSC’s Pioneer Café located on the college’s main campus. The event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the Campus Programming Board in celebration of Native American Heritage Month. For additional information, call Helen Manley at 708-709-3910 or e-mail at [email protected].
Marian Catholic High School, 700 Ashland Ave., Chicago Heights
8th Annual Holiday Madrigal Dinner – Tickets Now on Sale
On Friday, December 10 and Saturday, December 11 at 6:30 p.m. each evening, the Marian Catholic Fine Arts Department will present its 8th Annual Holiday Madrigal Dinner in the Marian Band Room. The evening will feature beautiful music, moving storytelling, court entertainers and delicious food and drink. Tickets are $25 and include a full dinner and copy of the Madrigal Singers CD. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Because of high demand and limited seating, all ticket orders must be paid in full in advance of the event. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call Michelle Howisen at 708-756-9442.
Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights
Either/Or – Through November 20
Either/Or features work from talented artists from all over the country will run through November 20. The work chosen embodies the spectrum of ideas the exhibit title alludes to. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information and gallery hours, call 708-754-2601 or visit: www.unionstreetgallery.org.
CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead
Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, November 18
CAUTION will be playing every Thursday night at Harte’s Saloon, 9858 S. Artesian. If you are a fan of the Grateful Dead, Phish and great musical jams, check out this band. For more information, call Harte’s Saloon at 708-424-2618.
"U Got Jokes" – Day After Thanx Giving Comedy Show – Tickets Now on Sale
On Friday, November 26 and Saturday, November 27 at 8 p.m. & 10 p.m., "U Got Jokes" presents its Day After Thanx Giving Comedy Shows at the Taste of New Orleans Café, 9034 S. Commercial Ave., Chicago. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door with a meal for an additional $25. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-510-9712 or 708-275-5127.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Park Forest Nurses Club Meeting – Thursday, November 18
The Park Forest Nurses Club will meet on Thursday, November 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 N. Orchard Dr. (corner of Lincoln Highway and Orchard Dr.). Guest speaker, Dr. Shanaz Azad, M.D., will discuss "Vaccines." Dr. Azad, who specializes in internal medicine, is also Board Certified in Infectious Disease. 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 Rd., Park Forest
Little Twigs Nature Playtimes – Through November 18
Each Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. through November 18, young children ages 2 – 4 can participate in this hands-on exploratory program that teaches young children about the environment through hikes, stories and crafts. There is a fee of $5 per child (no fee for parents). Bring your child or grandchild out for this wonderful program. Snacks are provided. Registration is not required. For more information, call 708-747-6320.
Junior Ecologist Club – Saturday, November 20
On Saturday, November 20 from 9 a.m. to Noon, children ages 11 to 15 can discover the woods in a new way and join naturalists to explore the woods and track seasonal changes. This event is held on the 3rd Saturday of each month. There is a fee of $5 per child per month. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.
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 2 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.
Healthy Living
Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
Wednesday Morning Walkers – Through November 17
Those ages 11 through adult can enjoy light exercise as you meander through Thorn Creek Woods every Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. through 8:30 a.m. through November 17. Experience the arrival of fall first hand as you walk the 1 mile loop through woodlands and ravines. Trails can be wet or muddy, so please wear sturdy shoes. Terrain is moderate. Registration is not required. For more information, call 708-747-6320.
Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (lower level)
Walk-In Flu & Pneumonia Clinic
On Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. flu and pneumonia immunizations will be available while supplies last. For fee information or questions, call the Park Forest Health Department at 708-748-1118.
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.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Free Counseling Services Available
Today, individuals and families face economic and social pressures as well as communication difficulties that frequently disrupt family unity and the ability to cope. Counseling is one of the most important tools for understanding and coping. Free, individual, family and vocational counseling is available through GSU’s Division of Psychology and Counseling as part of its training program for advanced graduate counseling students. Faculty members, who are also licensed counselors, supervise the sessions. Counseling sessions are conducted on campus in total confidentiality. For more information, call 708-534-4545 or visit www.govst.edu/counselinglab.
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 programs 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.
This & That
Southland Caterers, 319 Main St., Park Forest
Thanksgiving Special
Why rush around this Thanksgiving fighting the crowds at the grocery stores and creating a huge mess in the kitchen that you have to clean up later? Sit back, uncork a bottle of wine and relax this Thanksgiving and let Southland do the cooking. All food is prepared fresh with attention to detail. Your guests will think you slaved for hours in the kitchen preparing this meal. Call before Monday, November 22 to order your special holiday meal which consists a whole 12/14 pound turkey, your choice of slow-roasted or deep fried; choice of old-fashioned sage dressing or corn bread dressing; choice of candied sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese; choice of broccoli with seasoned breadcrumbs, green bean casserole or mixed greens; choice of home baked pumpkin or sweet potato pie; fresh baked rolls; gravy; and cranberry sauce – enough food to serve approximately 12 to 14 guests. The package price is $135. Order by November 17 and receive 10% off your order. To place your order or for additional information, call Nick at 708-283-8272.
Church of the Holy Family, Sauk Trail & Orchard Dr., Park Forest
Thanksgiving Pie Auction – Saturday, November 20 & Sunday, November 21
On Saturday, November 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, November 21 from Noon to 2 p.m., come and participating in an auction of homemade pies for Thanksgiving dinner. Traditional and other flavors will be available. Taste a piece of pie and a cup of coffee or tea for a suggested donation of only $1.50. Whole pies will be available for sale. Proceeds benefit Holy Family Community Music Outreach. For additional information, call Cathy Grismeyer at 708-748-1100 or visit www.holyfamilyparkforest.org.
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.
Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood, Park Forest
C4 Underground Youth Gathering – Every Tuesday & Thursday
Youths in grades 6 and up are welcome to join us every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for fun and games, group discussion and a variety of activities. For more information, call Celebration Ministries at 708-748-1995.
Roots and Wings, 215 Nashua St., Park Forest
Current Events Topic Group – Every Monday
Join us every Monday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. as we gather to talk about God, us, the world and how they all work together. Roots and Wings is located behind Celebration Ministries. For more information, contact Celebration Ministries at 708-748-1995.
Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Dr., Park Forest
Holiday Craft Bazaar & Bake Sale – Friday, November 19
On Friday, November 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., come and join us for a delightful day of shopping, treats and good company at the Holiday Craft Bazaar and Bake Sale. For additional information, call 708-748-5454.
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.
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
Holiday Sale – Now in Progress
The Park Forest’s Library’s annual holiday sale is now is progress. Items available include bags of pecans for $9; calendars for $6; Friends of the Library Mugs for $6; Pecans & Calendar for $14; Pecans & Mug for $14; and Mug & Calendar for $11. Buy now for a great holiday gift. See Patron Services for a full selection of pecans.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Arts & Crafts Fair – Tuesday, November 16
On Tuesday, November 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in GSU’s Hall of Governors, the University’s Civil Service Senate is sponsoring a Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair. All proceeds from this event are used for the Civil Service Senate Educational Assistance Fund. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-235-3978.
Student Regional Table Tennis Tournament – Saturday, November 20
GSU will host the Student Regional Table Tennis Tournament on Saturday, November 20 beginning at 9:30 a.m. Eleven tables, seven teams, 50 competitors, and one day of rapid, high level table tennis competition will be featured. Spectators are welcome for this free event.
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
B3 Bottles, Park Forest
The United Sates leads in consuming bottled water, drinking 26 billion liters a year (that’s only one, 8 ounce glass per day). It is estimated that Americans go through 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour with 86% of the plastic bottles used never getting recycled. B3 Bottles, a local Park Forest business, has a solution to this problem. B3’s stainless steel bottles can be filled with Park Forest’s award winning water or other hot/cold beverages of your choice, and then cleaned and re-used for a lifetime. To learn more about B3 Bottles and pricing information, call Laura Fitzgerald at 708-748-0934.
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.
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.
Sources: Park Forest 2010 Autumn Recreation Programs & More; Park Forest Fall/Winter 2010-2011 Recreation Programs & More; Village of Park Forest, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Center for Performing Arts, Union Street Gallery, Park Forest Rotary Club, South Suburban Family Shelter, Park Forest Historical Society, Illinois Theatre Center, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, CAUTION, Sertoma Centre, Inc., Tall Grass Arts Association, and Holiday Star Theater websites.
