The Brass and Former Brass on stage at the Police Awards Ceremony, November 2010. Chief Fleming is on the far left. To his right: Deputy Chief Mike McNamara, Robert Maeyama, Francis DioGuardi, South Holland Deputy Police Chief Greg Baker, John Lancaster, Maurice Fuentes, and Deputy Chief Cliff Butz (standing) (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—November 22, 2010. Wishing all our eNews Park Forest readers a blessed Thanksgiving Holiday. Beginning this week, In & Around Park Forest will include a “Holiday Gift Ideas & Events” section to announce events and shopping opportunities in Park Forest and the surrounding suburbs. Remember to shop locally this holiday season.
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 Meetings
Village Board Meeting
The Village Board is scheduled to meet on Monday, November 22nd at 8 p.m.. Meetings are held at Village Hall. Residents are encouraged to attend. Village 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 atwww.villageofparkforest.com.
To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.
Village Hall Closure
Park Forest Village Hall will be closed on Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Holiday Gift Ideas & Events
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.
Center For Performing Arts At GSU, 1 University Parkway, University Park
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Park Forest Historical Society (PFHS)
Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard (Corner Of Forest & Fir) — Holiday Events
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum will have Thanksgiving decorations on display through November.
Advance tickets are now on sale for the December exhibit, “Step Back into a 1950s Christmas,” open Saturdays December 4, 11, and 18. Tickets are $3.00 for adults; children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Tickets can be purchased from PFHS Board Members which are listed in the Historical Society section of eNews ParkForest.
The Museum is open on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Group tours are by appointment. Call 708-481-4252.
“America’s Original GI Town: Park Forest, Illinois (Creating The North American Landscape)
,” 2nd Edition – Now On Sale
Signed copies of “America’s Original GI Town: Park Forest, Illinois (Creating the North American Landscape)
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
Decorate The Library – Saturday, November 27
On Saturday, November 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., join us as we dress the Youth Services Department in its holiday fiery. Make two ornaments – one for your tree and one for ours or create a Chanukah-inspired wreath. For more information, call Sharon O’Leary at 708-748-3731.
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.
Rotary Club Of Park Forest
29th Annual Poinsettia Sale Fundraiser
This fundraiser began as a unique effort to meet personal and professional holiday season decorating needs. At the time of it’s inception, no other club was selling poinsettias and delivered them at no additional cost! Twenty-eight years later we still offer beautiful, affordable plants personally delivered by our dedicated Rotarians at no extra cost! For church deliveries we can accommodate delivery to coincide with your church’s holiday decorating timeframe. All profits go directly to fund the club’s local service projects that benefit the youth and elderly and to Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate polio worldwide.
Orders may be faxed, mailed or called in: Order Form available here.
For additional information, contact Denyse Carreras at: [email protected]
Golden Opportunities
Are you looking for a unique gift for a friend, family member or co-worker? 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 Opportunity 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. The Rotary Club of Park Forest sponsors two clubs at Forest Trail Junior High School in Park Forest. Books can be purchased by calling Jerome Brown at 773-41601441 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main St., Park Forest
20th Annual Holiday Arts Sale – Through December 22
Salon Artists Gallery’s 20th Annual Holiday Arts Sale is now in progress and will continue through Wednesday, December 22. 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. 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
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 22 at 10:30 a.m. – Storytime for children ages 2 and older
- Monday, November 22 at 3:30 p.m. – Free Homework Helpers
- Tuesday, November 23 at 3:30 p.m. – Free Homework Helpers
- Tuesday, November 23 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
- Wednesday, November 24 at 10:15 a.m. – Lap Sit Story Times for those ages 3 and under
- Wednesday, November 24 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those ages 2 to 4
For more information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.
Library Closure
The Park Forest Library will be closed on Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26 for the Thanksgiving Day Holiday.
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
“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.
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 throughNovember 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.
Center For Performing Arts At GSU, 1 University Parkway, University Park
DanceArt 10th Anniversary Celebration – Monday, November 22
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.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
“Waiting For Superman” Film Screening – Register By November 29
On Wednesday, December 1 at 5 p.m. at the Holiday Star Theater, 340 Main Street, Park Forest, GSU’s Metropolitan Institute for Leadership in Education (MILE) is sponsoring a special screening of the documentary film “Waiting for Superman” by Davis Guggenheim. A panel discussion of the issues will follow the film screening. Panelists will include Dr. Kamala Buckner, Superintendent of Thornton Township High School District; Dr. Gregory Jackson, Superintendent of Ford Heights District 169; Jim Broadway, Publisher, State School News Service; Dr. Lantina Koster, Member, Illinois State Board of Education; and Dr. Blondean Davis, CEO, Southland College Prep Charter School. Admission to the film is $10. Admission to the film panel discussion and refreshments is $20. Advance registration is required by November 29 to 708-534-4024 or by e-mail at: [email protected].
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights
‘Shifting Paradigms’ Exhibit –Through December 15
‘Shifting Paradigms,’ an art exhibit featuring two PSC alumni is now in progress and will run through Wednesday, December 15 at the college’s Christopher Art Gallery. 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 Performs Monday, November 22
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].
“U Got Jokes” – Day After Thanx Giving Comedy Show – Friday & Saturday, November 26/27
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
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
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
Park Forest Historical Society (PFHS)
Nominations For The Park Forest Hall Of Fame Now Being Accepted
Nominations for the Park Forest Hall of Fame are being accepted through December 15th. Nomination forms and Guidelines can be found at the 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Blvd., Park Forest on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the lobby of Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd., or on the Society’s website at www.parkforesthistory.org. Nominations can only be made through submission of the form. The 2011 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on April 3, 2011 at Freedom Hall.
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.
Men’s Breakfast Fellowship – Saturday, November 27
On Saturday, November 27 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., men of all ages can join in the Men’s Ministry for food and discussion on a variety of topics. This event is held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. 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.
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2901 Western Ave., Park Forest
Last Saturday Potluck – Saturday, November 27
On Saturday, November 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., bring a dish to share and come for an evening of fun. Activities include games, movies and speakers. For additional information, please contact Reverend Linda Johnson Seyenkulo at 708-747-8388 or visit www.trinityparkforest.org. This event is held on the last Saturday of each month.
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 Forestresident 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.
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, South Suburban Family Shelter, Park Forest Historical Society, Illinois Theatre Center, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, Sertoma Centre, Inc., Rotary Club of Park Forest, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.
