Six-year-old Ava Cesar (center) of Park Forest attends Tattler’s Chili Book-Off Saturday with mom, Trish Ryan (right) and Danielle Mitich of Hegwish. The annual event raises money for the Park Forest Library. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)
Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)-November 8, 2010. On Monday, November 8 at 7 p.m., the Village of Park Forest will honor its military personnel who are serving or have served in recent conflicts including the Iraq War and the War on Terror. The event will take place in the Board Room of Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr. All veterans are invited. Residents are encouraged to attend this event and show your support for our military personnel.
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 Board Meeting scheduled for Monday, November 8 has been canceled.
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 Closing – Thursday, November 11
Park Forest Village Hall will be closed on Thursday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Boards
The following Commission will meet this week:
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Commission on Human Relations – Wednesday, November 10 at 7:30 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 8 at 10:30 a.m. – Storytime for children ages 2 and older
- Monday, November 8 at 3:30 p.m. – Free Homework Helpers
- Tuesday, November 9 at 3:30 p.m. – Free Homework Helpers
- Tuesday, November 9 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
- Wednesday, November 10 at 10:15 a.m. – Lap Sit Story Times for those ages 3 and under
- Wednesday, November 10 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those ages 2 to 4
- Friday, November 12 at 3 p.m. – Happy Birthday – Celebrate the birthday of famous children’s authors.
For more information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.
Library Closing – Thursday, November 11
The Park Forest Library will be closed on Thursday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department
December Senior Trip to Theatre at the Center – Register Now
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 Real Thing" – Through Sunday, November 14
Tom Stoppard’s Tony Award Winning comedy "The Real Thing" will run through November 14. Stoppard, who won an Oscar for the movie "Shakespeare in Love," has created a brilliant play-within-a-play about love, truth and illusion. Legendary London theatre critic Sheridan Morley described the "The Real Thing’ as "…a play which reminds you why you go to the theatre and why you fall in love. And why, just sometimes, it is all worth the effort." 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.
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.
Art Film Discussion Series– Sunday, November 14
‘A Prophet,’ will be shown on Sunday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Marcus Theatre, 1301 Hilltop Ave., Chicago Heights. A facilitated discussion will follow the film. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.
Park Forest Historical Society
‘America’s Original GI Town’ By Gregory Randall – Saturday, November 13
On Saturday, November 13 at 2:30 p.m., at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr., author Gregory Randall will return to Park Forest to present the updated edition of his now classic book, ‘America’s Original GI Town.’ Copies of the book will be for sale at $24.95 with a book signing taking place after the lecture. For additional information, please call Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252 or e-mail at [email protected].
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
War Bonds – Tuesday, November 9
The Senior Series at Freedom Hall continues on Tuesday, November 9 at 11 a.m. with "War Bonds" featuring the songs and letters of World War II, a musical journey through the war that redefined the world. "War Bonds" is a well crafted work that leaves audiences with smiles and tears. Tickets are $11. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-503-7737 or visit www.freedomhall.org to order tickets online.
Marcya Daneille Featuring Wycliffe Gordon – Saturday, November 13
On Saturday, November 13 at 8 p.m., jazz vocalist and Park Forest native, Marcya Daneille will perform with featured guest, famed trombonist, Wycliffe Gordon, a veteran member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet, accompanied by a quintet of the finest jazz artists from America. Daneille’s melodious voice has been described a "the perfect blend of Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and Sara Vaughan with a dash of Billie Holiday." 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
33rd Anniversary Season Opening Night Manhattan Maestros – Saturday, November 13
On Saturday, November 13 at 8 p.m., ring in the 33rd Anniversary Season with this all-orchestral program of Dvorak, Mahler, Strauss, and Tchaikovsky. Each composer conducted the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and left an indelible mark on this country’s symphonic tradition with works like Dvorak’s vivacious Carnival Overture and Tchaikovsky’s fateful Symphony No. 4. The orchestra celebrates Mahler’s 150th birthday and the 100th anniversary of his death with his most famous work, the Adagietto from Symphony No. 5. Carmon DeLeone will conduct the orchestra. Tickets are priced at $30 and $25. 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 Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s website at: http://ipomusic.org/ or call 708-481-7774.
Opening Night Gala Dinner – Saturday, November 13
On Saturday, November 13 at 5 p.m. at Prestwick Country Club, 601 Prestwick Drive, Frankfort, IL, celebrate the start of another season with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra by attending the pre-concert opening night dinner. A cash bar will be available. Dinner tickets are $80 per person and do not include concert tickets. 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
DRUMLine Live – Friday, November 12
Back by popular demand, on Friday, November 12 at 7 p.m., the raw energy and atmosphere of the popular movie comes to the stage with a large cast of performers from America’s historically black colleges and universities. Tickets range in price from $39 to $46. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.
All Around Ralph’s World – Saturday, November 13
On Saturday, November 13 at 3 p.m., Chicago’s kid-rock sensation and Playhouse Disney music star, Ralph Covert will perform his greatest hits and songs from his new album ‘All Around Ralph’s World.’ Tickets range in price from $14.50 to $19.50. Family four-pack tickets are $45 and if purchased before November 10, you can have the chance to upgrade to box seats and win fun stuff from Ralph’s World. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.
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 11
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.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
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.
Secrets of the Woods – Saturday, November 13 – Registration Required
On Saturday, November 13 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., join a naturalist for a hike through Thorn Creek Woods and unravel the mysteries of life in the woods. This program is fun for the entire family. There is a fee of $5 per person or $15 for the entire family. Registration is required. For more information or to register, 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)
Flu & Pneumonia Clinic
On Mondays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., flu and pneumonia immunizations will be available while supplies last. Appointments MUST be made in advance. For fee information or to schedule an appointment, call the Park Forest Health Department at 708-748-1118. Hours of the Health Department are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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
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 13
On Saturday, November 13 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., join the Men’s Ministry for food and discussion on a variety of topics. All ages are welcome. 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.
Church of the Holy Family, Sauk Trail & Orchard Dr., Park Forest
High Tea – Saturday, November 13
On Saturday, November 13 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., experience the elegance of a traditional English High Tea. Savor a delightful variety of tea foods. Learn the history of tea through the ages, while enjoying a musical interlude. Tickets are $12 and advance ticket purchase is suggested. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-748-1100.
St. Mary’s School, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest
Harvest Festival Craft Fair – Saturday, November 13
On Saturday, November 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., join us for a day of shopping, food and fun. Shop our artists, crafters and vendors and then stop by the ‘council café’ for lunch or a snack. Take a chance at our grand raffle drawing to win a multitude of prizes. For more information, call 708-748-6686 or visit www.stmaryparkforest.org.
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.
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.
