Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—April 18, 2011. The Park Forest area is gearing up to celebrate Earth Week 2011. Mayor Ostenburg will be making a resolution recognizing the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day at this week’s meeting of the Village Board. And a variety of Earth Week activities happening around town can be found in the “Green Events” section below.
In addition, an important meeting is being held on Tuesday, April 19 at South Suburban College to seek the public’s input on the decennial process of redrawing congressional and state legislative boundaries. For additional information on this meeting, see the “This and That” section below.
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
Village Board Meetings
The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, April 18 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. 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 live through the ENEWSPF portal on the Village website.
To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site through the ENEWSPF portal and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.
Village of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings
The following Park Forest Commission will meet the week of April 18:
- Thursday, April 21 at 6 p.m. – Housing Authority
The meeting will take place at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Green Events
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Earth Day Celebration – Thursday, April 21
GSU’s annual Earth Day celebration offers practical demonstrations in environmental sustainability as well as music, wild animal exhibits, children’s theater, and organic food served on eco-friendly products.
The celebration takes place Thursday, April 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the patio by the lake, just outside GSU’s Hall of Governors. All events and demonstrations are free and open to the public.
New events have been added to this year’s Earth Day. Big Run Wolf Ranch will give demonstrations of its wild animals, including wolves and a bear. Food items include buffalo mini burgers, organic hot dogs and potato chips, and hummus on pita bread. Kidworks Touring Theatre will present a show on global warming and a GSU student will demonstrate beekeeping. A number of demonstrations are planned on sustainability topics such as composting, organic and community farming, manure, and garden stakes. Alternative fuel vehicles will be on display. Jewelry made from recycled materials and other eco-products will be available. In addition, tours of the area’s natural history including a visit to the university’s biology field station and tours of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park will be offered.
Earth Day will include stations for recycling batteries, pharmaceuticals, and cell phones. Other activities throughout the week will focus on sustainability and environmental awareness. The Biology Club’s Thorn Creek clean-up is scheduled for Tuesday, April 19. A recycled art show opens Wednesday in the Hall of Governors and young students at GSU’s Family Development Center will help plant trees on Friday.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights
Celebrate Earth Week – April 18 – 21
PSC invites all its employees, students, alumni, and supporters to celebrate Earth Week. The week’s activities include the screening of environmental movies, a poetry contest, sale of eco-friendly products, presentations and breakfast and lunch specials in the Pioneer Café using organic or sustainable food items, served on biodegradable plates and containers. For a full list of all PSC Earth Week activities, visit: www.prairiestate.edu/sustainability/
Thorn Creek Audubon Society
Field Trip to Miller Beach – Wednesday, April 20
On Wednesday, April 20 at 7 a.m., meet at the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd., where we will car pool to Miller Beach and adjacent Paul Douglas Preserve. We may see woodpeckers, songbird migrants and diving ducks. Participants should be prepared for inclement weather and the possibility of wet conditions. Binoculars are advised. To get directions or for additional information, call Al Thomas at 708-957-9847.
Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest
Earth Day: Woods Music Concert – Friday, April 29
On Friday, April 29 at 5 p.m., those of all ages are invited to celebrate Earth Day and the grandeur of spring in style. Join local musicians as they donate their musical talents for a toe-tapping evening of fun and music. Beverages and refreshments will be served. Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 per child. Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance. All proceeds will benefit Thorn Creek Nature Center. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-747-6320.
Park Forest Environment Commission & Unitarian Universalist Church
“Vanishing of the Bees” – Save the Date
A screening of the environmental film “Vanishing of the Bees” will take place on Saturday, May 28 at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 70 Sycamore, Park Forest. Honeybees have been mysteriously disappearing across the planet, literally vanishing from their hives. Known as Colony Collapse Disorder, this phenomenon has brought beekeepers to crisis in an industry responsible for producing apples, broccoli, watermelon, onions, cherries and a hundred other fruits and vegetables. Commercial honeybee operations pollinate crops that make up one out of every three bites of food on our tables.
Vanishing of the Bees follows commercial beekeepers David Hackenberg and Dave Mendes as they strive to keep their bees healthy and fulfill pollination contracts across the U.S. The film explores the struggles they face as the two friends plead their case on Capitol Hill and travel across the Pacific Ocean in the quest to protect their honeybees. Filming across the US, in Europe, Australia and Asia, this documentary examines the alarming disappearance of honeybees and the greater meaning it holds about the relationship between mankind and mother earth. As scientists puzzle over the cause, organic beekeepers indicate alternative reasons for this tragic loss. Conflicting options abound and after years of research, a definitive answer has not been found to this harrowing mystery.
A discussion will follow the screening of the film. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. You may bring a snack to share if desired. Donations will be accepted. For additional information, call Rosemary Piser at 708-747-1991.
Arts & Entertainment
League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area (LVWPA) and Village of Park Forest
27th Annual Park Forest House Tour – Recommend a House by May 1
LVWPA and the Village of Park Forest have announced that the 27th Annual Park Forest House Tour will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2011. The tour will feature houses, condominiums and townhouses in Park Forest that have been remodeled or renovated as well as newer homes that have been built in the Village. The LVWPA and the Village encourage residents to recommend houses, condominiums and townhouses to be included in this year’s tour. Residences of all areas of Park Forest are welcome. Those recommendations should be submitted to Barbara Moore, House Tour Committee Chair, at 708-481-5151 or by e-mail at [email protected] no later than Sunday, May 1. The Committee will finalize the list of homes by May 15, 2011. Advance tickets for the self-guided tour will go on sale on May 15 and can be purchased from LVWPFA members or at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive for $10. Day-of-tour tickets will be available at Village Hall on June 5 for $15.00.
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:
- Monday, April 18 at 10:30 a.m. – AM Storytime for children ages 2 and up
- Monday, April 18 at 3:30 p.m. – Tutoring Available
- Monday, April 18 at 6:30 p.m. – Jazz on Monday Nights: Big Bands
- Tuesday, April 19 at 1:30 p.m. – Computer Class: Email 1: Signing up for an Account *
- Tuesday, April 19 at 3:30 p.m. – Tutoring Available
- Tuesday, April 19 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
- Wednesday, April 20 at 10:15 a.m. – LapSit for those 0 to 35 months
- Wednesday, April 20 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those 2 to 4
- Wednesday, April 20 at 1 p.m. – Opera in the Afternoon: Il Re Rastore
- Thursday, April 21 at 3:30 p.m. – Tutoring Available
- Friday, April 22 at 3:30 p.m. – Earth Day Crafts
- Saturday, April 23 at 2 p.m. – Fluffy Bunny Cupcake Decorating
For more information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.
* NOTE: Those wishing to attend computer classes must pre-register. Contact the Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731 to register.
Library Closure – Sunday, April 24
The Library will be closed on Sunday, April 24 for Easter.
Museum Adventure Passes – Presented by Macy’s — Available at Park Forest Library
Check out free passes to area museums with your library card. Ask at the Patron Services desk for more details. There is a limited amount of passes and are available first come, first serve and are good through August 31, 2011. For a list of participating museums, to find out what discoveries await you, get directions to the museum, and review each museum’s pass entry offer, including any restrictions that may apply, visit http://www.museumadventure.org/
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
’25 Years with Carmon’ – Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets are now on sale for ’25 Years with Carmon’ which will be held on Saturday, May 21 at 8 p.m. at Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 S. Harlem, Frankfort. We honor the Silver Anniversary of our Music Director, Carmon DeLeone, and his contributions to the Chicago Southland with works by Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin! Guest soloists for the concert include pianist Kevin Cole and vocalist Benjamin Warschawski. Works to be performed include: Bernstein‘s Overture to Candide and selections from Mass “Make our Garden Grow” from Candide and Gershwin’s Cuban Overture and Rhapsody in Blue. Tickets are $30, $40, and $50 and can be purchased at: https://secure.ticketsage.net.
Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists’ Walkway, Park Forest
“The Glorious Ones” – Through May 1
Now playing through May 1 at the Illinois Theatre Center is “The Glorious Ones,” based on the novel by Francine Prose. “A wooden stage, an audience, and a great actor. This, my friends, is my idea of heaven!” These are the opening lines of the musical valentine to the actor’s life. Both slapstick and serious, the story follows the adventures of a traveling band of comic actors in 16th century Italy – the original Commedia dell’ Arte troupe, as they search for immorality and love. Along the way, they reshape the nature of comedy for all time, on a journey that leads right to present day. This bawdy, boisterous musical features a terrific score from the Tony Award winning composer and lyricist of “Ragtime,” “Once on This Island,” and “Seussical.” Performances will be on Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8 PM, and Sundays at 2:30 & 7:30 PM. Tickets are priced at $22 on Friday and Saturday and $20 all other times. There is a $1 discount for students and seniors.
For tickets, phone 708-481-3510.
Wine Tasting Saturday, April 30 to Benefit Illinois Theatre Center
The Illinois Theatre Center is facing some hard financial times. To help, the Rotary of Park Forest is sponsoring a wine tasting and light appetizer reception prior to the production of “The Glorious Ones” on Saturday, April 30 from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. The event will be held at the Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery, 367 Artists Walk, in DownTown Park Forest. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 per couple.
For additional information, or to purchase tickets, call 708-481-3510.
Salon Artists’ Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest
New Artists Exhibit – Through April 30
The New Artists Exhibit is now open at Salon Artists’ Gallery and will run through April 30. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-703-7806.
Park Forest Historical Society, 400 Forest Blvd., Park Forest
Park Forest House Museum Decorated for Easter Through April
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Blvd. Park Forest, is decorated for a 1950s Easter through April. Decorations include Easter die cuts, honeycomb rabbits and baskets, plastic and tin decorations, children’s books and Easter baskets with candy available in the 1950s. Also on display is a set of hand-blown, hand-painted eggs brought back from World War II Japan. The Museum is open on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment. Donation is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. For additional information, visit www.parkforesthistory.org or call Jane Nicoll, Museum Director, at 708-481-4252 or email at [email protected].
Bricks from Former Marshall Field’s Store for Sale
Bricks from the former Marshall Field’s Store in DownTown Park Forest are on sale at the Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard. Bricks are $15 each or two for $25. Each brick comes with a certificate of authenticity and a brief history of the store. Bricks can be purchased at the Museum during Museum hours which are Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For additional information, visit: www.parkforesthistory.org.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 36 Artists Walk, Park Forest
“Half the Sky” Exhibit Celebrations Women’s History Month – Through May 8
“Half the Sky” an exhibit celebrating Women’s History will run through May 8. “Half the Sky” derives its name from the Chinese saying that “women hold up half the sky.” It is a celebration of Women’s History Month with a national juried exhibit. For additional information or gallery hours, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Southland Theatre Ensemble (SLATE) Holding Auditions for ‘Ragtime’
SLATE at Governors State University has announced that it will present the musical ‘Ragtime’ as its 2011 summer production. Auditions will take place May 18 and 19 in GSU’s Sherman Recital Hall. There are roles for six principal cast members, 10 supporting players, and 23 ensemble members. Persons wishing to audition should be prepared to present a one minute song selection that demonstrates their vocal range. A dance call will follow the vocal audition. For additional information or to schedule an audition, visit: www.slatetheatre.org
Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park
“Mama’s Night Out” – Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets are now on sale for “Mama’s Night Out” which will take place on Mother’s Day Eve, Saturday, May 7 at 8 p.m. The tree finalists from Nick at Nite’s “The Search for the Funniest Mom in America” will share big laughs in one great girls’ night out. The will be a complimentary pre-show girl party with drink specials, raffle prizes, beauty treatments and more. Tickets are priced at $44, $37, and $29. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-235-2222 or visit: www.centertickets.net.
CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead
Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, April 21
CAUTION will be playing every Thursday night beginning at 9 p.m. 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.
Monkey Mind Art Studio & Gallery, 3 W. Nebraska St., Frankfort
‘Persona’ – By Even Jensen – Through April 23
The exhibit ‘Persona’ by Eve Jensen will run through April 23rd. Eve Jensen’s work includes paintings and drawings. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call the Gallery at 815-464-8818 or visit: www.monkeymindartstudio.com.
Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights
“Into Bhutan” – Through May 14
“Into Bhutan,” an exhibit of photographs and traditional arts from the country of Bhutan is now showing through May 14. “Into Bhutan” draws you in to the magic of the country of Bhutan with its gently flapping prayer flags, friendly and charming people, incredible biodiversity and majestic mountains. Its deeply lived spirituality is evident everywhere. Bhutan is isolated in the Himalayan mountains south of Tibet and north of India. Bhutan only opened itself to visitors in the late 1970s. Even now the number of guests permitted each year is highly regulated. For a schedule of related events, visit: www.unionstreetgallery.org.
For Gallery hours or additional information, call 708-754-2601.
“Into Harmony” – Through May 14
“Into Harmony” located on the second floor of the Gallery features the work of Union Street Gallery Studio Artists and Guild Artists. The exhibit will run through May 14. For Gallery hours or additional information, call 708-754-2601.
Richton Park Library, 405 Sauk Trail, Richton Park
Spoken-Word Poetry Slam – Entry Deadline April 25
On Saturday, April 30 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., students and adults are encouraged to come and express themselves in poem, song, rap or spoken-word. Winners from the Poetry Contest will also be announced and patrons will have a chance to meet talented poets, spoken-word artists and authors and win great prizes, including autographed books. Featured poetic authors include: Cornellious “See” Flowers, author of ‘Writing with My Eyes,” Yvonne D. Bailey, author of “Finding My Voice, Peace by Piece,” and Justin Z. Stingley, author of “Love and Life.” Those wishing to enter the poetry contest must submit their entry by Monday, April 25.
For additional information on the contest, visit: www.richtonparklibrary.org.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest
Little Twigs Nature Playtimes –Thursday, April 21
Little Twigs Nature Playtimes will be held on Thursday, April 21 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This hand-son exploratory program teaches young children about the environment through hikes, stories and crafts. Bring your child or grandchild out for this wonderful program. Snacks will be provided. This event will be held each Thursday through June 9. There is a fee of $5 per child per week – parents are free. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.
Park Forest Nurses Club
Monthly Meeting – Thursday, April 21
The Park Forest Nurses Club will meet on Thursday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 N. Orchard Drive, Park Forest (corner of Lincoln Highway and Orchard Drive). Dr. Chris Urello, Director of St. James Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Unit will discuss “Sleep Apnea.” All Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses, active or inactive, are invited to attend. For additional information, call 708-481-8387 or visit www.pfnurses.org.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Chicago Architecture – Then & Now – Wednesday, April 20
GSU Honors Program continues its special community lecture series with “The 1909 Burnham Plan Then and Today: Chicago Architectural and Spatial Development.” Jenifer Masengarb, the Chicago Architectural Foundation’s Senior Director of Educational Research will lead the free presentation on Wednesday, April 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Sherman Recital Hall. For additional information, call 708-534-4578.
Infant & Toddler Childcare Now Available
GSU’s Family Development Center (FDC) has opened an Illinois State licensed childcare facility for infants, toddlers, and two year olds. The little ones are cared for in specially equipped classrooms of eight children, each staffed with two teachers. The infant and toddler childcare center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. FDC staff have been extensively and specially trained to care for young children. Licensure required extensive review by the State. The FDC also offers full and half day pre-kindergarten, three or five days a week and childcare for three to five year olds and before and after school childcare for five to twelve year olds. Several special grants are available to assist eligible families with infant, toddler childcare costs. Discounts are also offered for GSU students and staff. For additional information or to register your child, call 708-235-7300.
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 Rd., Park Forest
Wednesday Morning Walkers –Wednesday, April 20
On Wednesday, April 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., those ages 11 – adult can enjoy light exercise as you meander through Thorn Creek Woods. Experience the arrival of spring first hand as you walk the 1.5 mile loop with a naturalist. Trails can be wet or muddy, so please wear sturdy shoes. Terrain is moderate. This event will take place each Wednesday through June 9th and there is a fee of $2 per week per person. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.
Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest
Senior Citizen Weekday Lunch
Senior citizens of all income levels are invited to lunch weekdays at the Community Nutrition Network (CNN) site located inside the Rich Township’s Shirley J. Green Senior Center. The CNN site is open to all south suburban residents, including those living outside of Rich Township. Participants must be 60 years of age or older. The suggested donation for lunch is $2.50. Lunch is served Monday through Friday at noon. Bingo begins at 11 a.m. For additional information or to make a reservation for lunch, call 708-747-2700.
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
Public Hearing on Redrawing Congressional and State Legislative Boundaries – Tuesday, April 19
On Tuesday, April 19 beginning at 4 p.m. at South Suburban College’s Kindig Performing Arts Center, 15800 S. State St., South Holland, a hearing will be held in compliance with the Redistricting Transparency and Public Participation Act to help legislators in redrawing the boundaries of Illinois’ legislative and congressional districts. These changes will remain in effect for the next 10 years. Residents are encouraged to attend the hearing and offer their suggestions on how legislative boundaries should be drawn as lawmakers prepare to draft new maps this year. For additional information on the redistricting process and a schedule of additional hearing dates, visit: www.ilhousedems.com/redistricting. For additional information on the hearing, to RSVP your attendance or to join the list of those who wish to give testimony, please call 217, 782-4040.
Park Forest Economic Development and Planning
Business Networking Mix – Wednesday, May 4
On Wednesday, May 4 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., you can expand your circle of contacts by attending the Park Forest Business Networking Mix at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest. This free event includes a full complimentary breakfast. For additional information, or to RSVP for the event, phone 708-283-5617 or visit: http://pfmaybusinessmix.eventbrite.com. There is a $100 Advertising Bonus Prize for the person who brings the most guests.
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 – Saturday, April 23
On Saturday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. men of all ages are invited to join the Men’s Ministry for food and discussion on a variety of topics. This event is held on the second and fourth 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.
“Dance With Me” Family Dance – Tickets Now On Sale
Roots and Wings and B.A.S.E. program present their First Annual “Dance With Me” Family Dance on Saturday, May 7. The event will be held at Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood, Park Forest. Come and enjoy music and dancing, photo fun and other activities. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets are priced at $8.00 per couple and $1 for each additional family member. For additional information or to purchase tickets, contact Celebration ministries at 708-748-1995.
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2901 Western Ave., Park Forest
Easter Breakfast – Sunday, April 24
On Sunday, April 24 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., come for worship and have some breakfast before or after the service. For additional information, please call 708-747-8388 or visit www.trinityparkforest.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
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 201 Winter-SpringRecreation Programs & More; Park Forest Fall/Winter 2010-2011 Recreation Programs Brochure; Rich Township Report; Thorn Creek Audubon Society, Chicago Blu Grill and Bar, Unitarian Universalist Community Church, Park Forest Historical Society, Village of Park Forest, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Center for Performing Arts, South Suburban Family Shelter, Park Forest Historical Society, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Sertoma Centre, Inc., CAUTION, Monkey Mind Art Gallery & Studio, Union Street Gallery, Richton Park Library, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.
