Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of April 25, 2011


Ostenburg, Richardson, Smart Tracks ribbon cutting
Mayor Ostenburg and Denise Richardson at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Smart-Tracks Family Center in DownTown Park Forest. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– April 25, 2011. One of the best features of living in Park Forest is that there are many ways for everyone to help shape our community. Park Forest residents of all ages including high school and college students who are looking to be active in making a difference in our community are encouraged to apply to become a Park Forest Ambassador. For additional information, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or email at [email protected].

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.

A New Addition to Planet Earth

It was a very special Earth Day for my dear friends Shawn Carroll and Kim Kavalauskas who welcomed their son Rider Patrick Carroll to planet earth last Friday. The future rock star weighed in at 7 pounds 6 ounces and is 19.5 inches long. Both Mom and little Rider are doing well and celebrated Easter at home. The Carroll and Kavalauskas families are over the moon with happiness from this wonderful addition to the clan.

Congratulations one and all.

Village of Park Forest

Village of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings

The following Park Forest Commission will meet the week of April 25:

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

The meeting will take place at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr. Residents are encouraged to attend.

Hydrant Flushing – April 26 through April 28

Hydrants are flushed to remove rust and sediment from the water system. During this operation, your water may become discolored from rust. It is safe for drinking and cooking, but will stain clothing during washing. On your area’s date for flushing, the Village recommends that you do not wash clothes. If your laundry becomes discolored, keep the items wet and pickup free cleaner at Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr. Flushing takes place from 8 p.m. to midnight. The schedule is as follows:

  • Tuesday, April 26 – All streets north of Canadian National Railroad, Ash Street and Eastgate Subdivision
  • Wednesday, April 27 – Between the Canadian National Railroad & Sauk Trail
  • Thursday, April 28 – From Sauk Trail southward.

Green Events

Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 180 W. Joe Orr Rd., Chicago Heights, IL

Free Responsible Electronics Recycling Event – April 29 & April 30

Habitat for Humanity Chicago South Suburbs has announced a new partnership with Vintage Tech Recyclers, an R2/ISO 14001 and WBENC Certified company, for local businesses and consumers to drop-off old electronics for recycling. Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore will conduct a kickoff collection event at the ReStore on Friday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Items accepted are: computers, laptops, monitors, LCD’s, cell phones, printers, scanners, modems, CD drives, cables, keyboards, mice, TV’s VCR’s, DVD players, camcorders, cameras, game players and joysticks, telephones, pagers, answering machines, typewriters, calculators, adding machines, fax machines, copiers and postage meters. For additional information about Responsible Electronic Recycling, visit: www.vintagetechrecyclers.com.
For additional recycling options, see the ‘Greening of Park Forest’ section below.

Thorn Creek Audubon Society

Field Trip to Le Vasseur Park– Wednesday, April 27

On Wednesday, April 27 at 7 a.m., meet at the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd., where we will car pool to Le Vasseur Park located south on Route 40 from the intersection with I-57. We will be watching for warblers and many other migrating birds along the Kankakee River. Participants should be prepared for inclement weather and the possibility of wet conditions. Binoculars are advised. To get directions or for additional information, call Mary Anne McLean at 708-672-5459.

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

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists’ Walkway, Park Forest

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.

“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.

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 25 at 10:30 a.m. – AM Storytime for children ages 2 and up
  • Monday, April 25 at 3:30 p.m.  – Tutoring Available
  • Monday, April 25 at 12 p.m. – Friends Book Discussion “In the Sanctuary of Outcasts” by Neil White
  • Tuesday, April 26 at 1:30 p.m. – Computer Class:  Email 2: Using Your Account *
  • Tuesday, April 26 at 3:30 p.m. – Tutoring Available
  • Tuesday, April 26 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
  • Wednesday, April 27 at 10:15 a.m. – LapSit for those 0 to 35 months
  • Wednesday, April 27 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those 2 to 4
  • Thursday, April 28 at 3:30 p.m. – Create Your Own Crafts, see what you can create with leftovers
  • Thursday, April 28 at 3:30 p.m. – Tutoring Available
  • Thursday, April 28 at 7:15 p.m. – Computer Class: Microsoft PowerPoint *
  • Friday, April 29 at 1 p.m. – Senior Travelogue: Film about Toronto, Canada
  • Friday, April 29 at 4 p.m. – Happy Birthday to You

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.

Mother’s Day Tea – Registration Required

Join us on Saturday, May 7 at 2 p.m. for a light afternoon tea complete with tastes of sandwiches and pastries. You’ll learn about the history of tea and tea etiquette. Then the kids will make a special gift for Mom while Mom relaxes and makes a scrapbook page. Grandmas and Aunties are also welcome! Registration in the Youth Services Department is required by Thursday, May 5. For additional information or to register by phone, call 708-748-3731.

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/EventsPage.aspx?PerfID=87713

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 Skyan 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

Northshore Concert Band Spring Concert – Wednesday, April 27

The 110-member Northshore Concert Band will join musicians of the Marian Catholic Symphonic Band for a special concert on Wednesday, April 27 at 8 p.m. at GSU. Northshore Concert Band performs throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and has become internationally known and respected for its musical excellence, leadership in community music, and service to music education. Marian Catholic Symphonic Band director, Greg Bimm welcomes the opportunity to co-host a concert with one of the most influential and respected symphonic bands in the country. Tickets are $5 and are available at the door or from any Marian Catholic band student.

“Sea Change: Cultural Evolution in the Early 21st Century” – Wednesday, April 27

The final program in GSU’s Honors Program lecture series is “Sea Change: Cultural Evolution in the Early 21st Century.” Jim Kenney, co-founder and executive director of Common Ground and founder of the Inter-Religious Engagement Project, will lead the discussion on Wednesday, April 27 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Hall of Honors.

“LeNouveau Cirque” Art Exhibit – Opens Sunday, May 1

The Visual Arts Gallery at GSU is pleased to present new printmaking work from “LeNouveau Cirque,” the thesis exhibition of graduate student Diana Lynch. The exhibit will be on display from May 1 through May 7. A public reception will be held on Thursday, May 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to celebrate the artist and her achievement.  These events are free and open to the public. The Gallery is located in the E wing of the University and is open Monday and Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 9 p.m. For additional information, call 708-534-4021.

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 beginning at 6:30 p.m. with drink specials, raffle prizes, beauty treatments and more. Exquisite boutique items will be available to purchase. 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 28

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.

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

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

“How Understanding Emotional Intelligence Can Improve Results in Business and Education” – Monday, May 2

Noted author, economist, and educator Dr. Daniel Goleman will speak at GSU on Monday, May 2 in the Center for Performing Arts. His presentation entitled “How Understanding Emotional Intelligence Can Improve Results in Business and Education” will draw on the research and conclusions presented in his best-selling book “Emotional Intelligence.” According to Goleman, emotional intelligence is a greater determinant of success than IQ or graduate school. Two and a half CEUs and CPDUs are available for people attending the lecture. Dr. Goleman will sign books and CDs following the presentation. Seating is limited. Tickets are $25 and registration is required. To register, call 708-534-4024 or email registration to [email protected].

CenterPoint at GSU

Veterans Entrepreneurial Boot Camp – Limited Seating – Pre-Registration Required

CenterPoint at GSU is hosting its semiannual, award-winning Veterans Entrepreneurial Boot Camp on Wednesday, May 18 from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The Veterans Entrepreneurial Boot Camp is offered at no cost to veterans. Families and business partners of those serving in the military may attend for $25. The event is co-sponsored by Phoenix Business Solutions, Accion Chicago, GSU, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Designed by military veterans, this event is the only one of its kind to be held in the Chicago southland and offers support to the families and business partners of our service men and women currently on active duty.

The day features presentations and seminars from industry professionals, opportunities for free one-on-one counseling, breakfast with a panel of ex-military business owners who share their entrepreneurial journey, and access to CenterPoint’s numerous entrepreneurial services and resources. Seating is limited to 100 participants and pre-registration is required. For additional information or to register, call 708-534-4929 or visit www.centerpointgsu.com.

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 27

On Wednesday, April 27 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

2011 South Suburban Diversity Dinner – Thursday, April 28

You are invited to the 2011 South Suburban Diversity Dinner that will be held on Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m. at Rich East High School, 300 Sauk Trail, Park Forest. Join the crowd for a free meal and celebrate and discuss differences and similarities. Be sure to RSVP at 708-679-6100.

Talala Elementary School, 430 Talala St., Park Forest

Annual Chat-n-Chew Bazar – Saturday, April 30

On Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., come join the crowd at Talala Elementary for the Annual Chat-n-Chew Bazar and support the Talala PTO. Over 60 vendors will participate selling crafts, health products and food. There will be games for the kids. This unique event will also meet your shopping needs. For additional information, call 708-283-4190.

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.

Park Forest Community Relations

Mother & Daughter’s Brunch and Magic Show – Saturday, May 7

A Mother and Daughter Brunch and Magic Show will be held on Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. If you are looking to have a day out with your mother, daughter or a few girlfriends, be sure to join us. Tickets are $15 per person. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or email [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.

 “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

Last Saturday Potluck – Saturday, April 30

On Saturday, April 20 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. This event is held on the last Saturday of each month. 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.


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