Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of October 25, 2010


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Kevin Headley (standing) of Park Forest confers with Mike Jordan at the St. Irenaeus Spaghetti Dinner Sunday. (Photo: ENEWSPF)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—October 25, 2010. The Village of Park Forest is sponsoring the 2010 Safe Halloween Festivities on Sunday, October 31 in DownTown Park Forest. More than 500 ‘goblins and ghosts’ and their families participated in last year’s festivities. Details on the 2010 event can be found in the “Halloween Events” section below. Drivers are reminded to be on the look-out for trick or treaters on Sunday to help ensure that everyone has a safe and fun-filled Halloween.

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.

Park Forest Farmers Market – Final Saturday, October 30

The Park Forest’s Farmers Market ends the 2010 season on Saturday, October 30 from 7 a.m. until noon, rain or shine. Fresh garden plants and produce, bakery goods, gourmet cheeses, herbs and eggs will be available for sale. Local businesses will also be on hand with a variety of artwork, garden ornaments, candles and more. Meet your friends at the final Farmers Market for breakfast or lunch and shop locally.

Village of Park Forest Meetings

Village Board Meeting

The Village Board is scheduled to meet on Monday, October 25 at 8 p.m. 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 at www.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.

Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Boards

The following Village Commissions and Boards will meet this week:

  • Cable Communications Commission –Wednesday, October 27 at 7 p.m.

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

Halloween Events

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

Halloween Costume Contest – Friday, October 29

On Friday, October 29 at 4:30 p.m., children ages 0 to 16 can wear their Halloween costumes to the library and have a chance to win a pumpkin in the Youth Services Department. For additional information, call 708-748-3731.

Halloween Crafts – Saturday, October 30

On Saturday, October 30 at 2 p.m., children of all ages can participate in holiday craft making in the Youth Services Department. For additional information, call 708-748-3731.

CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead

Halloween Bash – Saturday, October 30

CAUTION will be celebrating Halloween by playing two sets on Saturday, October 30 at Harte’s Saloon, 9858 S. Artesian.  The first set will feature songs from the Dead’s record Europe72. There will be a $10 cover charge. For more information, call Harte’s Saloon at 708-424-2618.

Park Forest 2010 Safe Halloween Festivities, Sunday, October 31

DownTown Park Forest will be the location for the Village’s 2010 Safe Halloween Festivities on Sunday, October 31. The fun begins at 2 p.m. with a Candy Walk. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. there will be a variety of fun activities and from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., a free movie will be shown at the Holiday Star Theater, 340 Main Street. In addition, there will be a costume contest for all ages, a mini-haunted maze, and a raffle where you may win a gift basket, gift card or other great prizes. For additional information, call 708-283-5621 or visit the Village’s web site at: www.villageofparkforest.com.

Pumpkin Carving Contest

You can show off your pumpkin carving skills at the Pumpkin Carving Contest that is part of the Village of Park Forest’s 2010 Safe Halloween Festivities. Each contestant is expected to come on October 31 with their pumpkin ready to enter. To enter, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 today as there are only 12 contestant slots available.

Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 N. Orchard Dr., Park Forest

Trick Or Treat – Sunday, October 31

On Sunday, October 31 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., parents can bring their children to Trick or Treat in a safe environment. Call Dudley Elvery at 708-748-6261 for additional information.

Arts & Entertainment

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

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

  • Monday, October 25 at 10:30 a.m. – Story Time for children ages 2 and older
  • Monday, October 25 at 3:30 p.m. – Free Homework Helpers
  • Tuesday, October 26 at 3:30 p.m. – Free Homework Helpers
  • Tuesday, October 26 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
  • Wednesday, October 27 at 10:15 a.m. – Lap Sit Story Times for those ages 3 and under
  • Wednesday, October 27 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those ages 2 to 4
  • Thursday, October 28 10:15 a.m. – Discovery Time for those ages 3 to 5
  • Thursday, October 28 at 3:30 p.m. – Free Homework Helpers

For more information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.

Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, October 28

The fall Potpourri of Lectures series continues on Thursday, October 28 at 10:30 a.m. with a lecture by world traveler, Yuan Liang, entitled “The Building of the Mackinac Bridge” 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.

Park Forest Library & Park Forest Economic Development and Recreation & Parks Departments

Murder at the Library: An Interactive Mystery Play – Saturday, October 30

On Saturday, October 30 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Murder at the Library: An Interactive Mystery Play will take place at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest. Participants will figure out just who committed the ‘crime.’ There will be lots of fun, prizes and food for all. The event is open for those ages 10 and up (those ages 10 – 17 must be accompanied by an adult). There is a fee of $5 per person. Pre-register at the Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department in Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. For additional information, call 708-748-2005.

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” – Opens Friday, October 29

Tom Stoppard’s Tony Award Winning comedy “The Real Thing” opens on Friday, October 29 and 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.

Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest

Art Trek – Through October 31

Join us for this fine art exhibition and demonstrations within the Chicago Southland Community. This event will continue through October 31 in over 38 locations. Demonstrations include painting, jewelry making, and much more. Call 708-833-5108 or 708-748-3946 for more information, the different locations. Along with daily business hours.

“Icons” – Through October

“Icons” exhibit at Salon Artists Gallery runs through October. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and Saturdays, and 12 Noon to 4 p.m. on Fridays. For more information, call Pat Moore or Bev Szaton at 708-833-5108.

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

War Bonds – Tickets Now on Sale

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 – Tickets Now on Sale

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.

Park Forest Economic Development & Planning

Park Forest Idols Outreach – Apply for Auditions by November 5

Singers and dancers of all ages can pick up an entry form to apply for an audition for the Park Forest Idols competition to be held on Saturday, January 22, 2011. Auditions are limited to Park Forest residents only. Applications for auditions must be submitted no later than Friday, November 5. Forms can be picked up at the Economic Development & Planning Office of Village Hall, or by e-mail at [email protected]. For additional information, call 708-283-5621.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Symphony of Style: The Best of Friends Fashion Show & Luncheon – Saturday, October 30

The Friends of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) invite you to join them for Symphony of Style, the 20th Annual Best of Friends Fashion Show and Luncheon to be held on Saturday, October 30 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Idlewild Country Club, 19201 Dixie Highway, Flossmoor. The gala begins with shopping, an open bar and time to connect with old and new friends before the scrumptious luncheon followed by a gala stream of fashions. Raffle tickets sold by Friends and ushers will offer guest chances to win one of five elegant theme baskets, including “Chef’s Table,” “How Does Your Garden Grow,” “Night at the Opera,” and more. Hansen’s Villa in Manhattan, My Sisters and Me Boutique in Frankfort, and Kluger Furs in Flossmoor will provide the fashions and accessories for the models, all from our own Southland. All proceeds benefit the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and its educational programs, including musical scholarships for Junior High School students. Contact the IPO office at 708-481-7774 for ticket information.

Holiday Star Theater, 340 Main St., Park Forest

60th Anniversary Gala Event – Thursday, October 28

On Thursday, October 28 at 6:30 p.m., the Holiday Star Theater invites you to be a part of its 60th Anniversary Event and re-opening. The first movie featured at the Theater on October 28, 1950, “Tight Little Island,” will be shown in honor of the anniversary. For additional information, call the theater at  (708) 283-9098.

Center For Performing Arts at GSU, 1 University Parkway

‘Shoufou Alwawa Wayn’ (Where Does It Hurt?) – Saturday, October 30

On Saturday, October 30 at 8 p.m., ‘Shoufou Alwawa Wayn,’ by AJYAL Theatrical Group, will be performed. AJYAL Theatrical Group, the first Arab-American theatre group in North America, has been in existence since 1988, staging many comedy productions over the years. Just when we thought that Im Hussein, Im Elias, and their families were finally settled into the American way of life and had put all their troubles behind them, the global economy takes a nosedive. If you’ve been following their comical cultural adjustments to American life, you can anticipate some hilarious situations in ‘Shoufou Alwawa Wayn’ when they face foreclosure and a host of related money problems. Tickets range in price from $75 to $40. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.

Ailey II Dance Company – Tickets Now on Sale

On Saturday, November 6 at 8 p.m., the Ailey II Dance Company will perform “Revelations” choreographed by Alvin Ailey. Richard Christiansen, Chicago Tribune, says “Revelations” is one of the more moving works of the 20th century. Tickets range in price from $53 to $15. Groupon Patrons can redeem Groupon certificate on the night of the show, or by calling the Box Office at 708-235-2222 for information on your seats. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.

On-Site Soup and Salad Café will be available at 6 p.m. for $19 per person. The menu features chili and the fixins’, two soups, homemade breads, Caesar salad, make-your-own salad, desserts, coffee, tea and water. Advance reservations are required by calling 708-235-2222.

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at GSU

Neil Goodman Sculptures On Display Through October

Five dramatic sculptures by Chicago artist Neil Goodman are currently on display at GSU’s Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. Goodman’s sculptures have been commissioned and collected by museums, corporations, convention centers, parks, synagogues, universities and private residences. For more information about Neil Goodman in the Park call 708-534-4486 or visit [email protected].

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

2010 Regional College and University Faculty Exhibition – Through Thursday, October 28

The 2010 Regional College and University Faculty Exhibition is being held at GSU’s Visual Arts Gallery through Thursday, October 28. Works of local college and university art instructors, including photography, painting printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, digital imaging, drawing and mixed media will be featured. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information, or Gallery hours, call 708-534-4017 or visit www.gsuvisualartsgallery.blogspot.com.

Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, IL

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, October 28

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.

Greater Chicago Food Depository

Los Lobos Benefit Concert – Tickets Now on Sale

On Saturday, November 6 at the Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield, Chicago, Los Lobos will play a Concert with all proceeds benefiting the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Back Yard Tire Fire will be the opening band. Doors will open at 7 p.m. The show is for those 18 and over. General admission tickets are $35 (plus applicable fees), and VIP tickets $74 (plus applicable fees). For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit: http://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/site/Calendar?view=Detail&id=109083&AddInterest=1321

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.

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway

Undergraduate Program Open House – Saturday, October 30

On Saturday, October 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., GSU’s Office of Admission and Student Recruitment is hosting an Undergraduate Program Open House and Instant Decision Day in the Hall of Honors and Cafeteria Annex. Representatives from the Offices of Admission, Financial Aid, and Career Services will be on hand to answer questions and guide prospective students through the application process. Academic advisors will be available to answer questions about bachelor’s degree programs offered in the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Public Administration. Education, and Health and Human Services. Applications will be accepted and processed immediately. Attendees are asked to bring official or unofficial transcripts. The undergraduate application fee is $25. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 708-534-4490.

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

Park Forest Economic Development Advisory Group

Nominate a Business Person of the Year in Park Forest – Nominations Due October 29

Do you know a Park Forest business owner who has made a difference for you or someone you know? The Park Forest Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) seeks nominees from individuals, civic groups, and businesses to recognize a Park Forest business owner who is committed to community service. Submit a completed nomination form to EDAG in care of the Village of Park Forest no later than Friday, October 29. Nomination forms can be found at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com. (PDF) For additional information, contact Sandra Zoellner at 708-283-5623 or by e-mail at [email protected].

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.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 2901 Western Ave., Park Forest

Last Saturday Pot Luck – Saturday, October 30

On Saturday, October 30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., come bring a dish to share and an evening of fun. Activities include games, movies and speakers. For additional information, please call Reverend Linda Johnson Seyenkulo at 708-747-8388. This event is held on the last Saturday of each month.

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, IL

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, Holiday Star Theater, and Greater Chicago Food Depository websites.


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