Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of April 4, 2011


Kids on "tire swing" in Central Park
Kids on a tire swing in Central Park. Can spring be far behind? From left to right, Enrique, age 7, Jamie, a Mom, Kimora, age 5, and Ricco, age 2. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)-April 4, 2011. As we watch the events unfold in many countries, we see scores of individuals who are willing to lay down their lives so others can be able to hold democratic elections to determine those that will lead them. It should serve as a reminder on how fortunate we are to live in a country that affords us this right.

Don’t forget to exercise your right to vote this Tuesday, April 5th. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you’re not sure where your polling place is located, visit: www.cookcountyclerk.com/elections.

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 4 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 here on the Village web site.

To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site here and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.

Village of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings

The following Park Forest Commissions and Advisory Boards will meet the week of April 4:

  • Tuesday, April 5 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission
  • Wednesday, April 6 at 7 p.m. – Economic Development Advisory Group
  • Thursday, April 7 at 1 p.m. – Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
  • Thursday, April 7 at 7 p.m. – Environment Commission

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

Park Forest Baseball Turns 60 – Seeks Your Memories

Park Forest Baseball is looking for contact information from any former player, manager, coach, board member, or volunteer of Park Forest Baseball since 1951 so they can plan a celebration at Opening Day ceremonies. Any news articles, items of special interest, or anecdotes and stories would be greatly appreciated. To provide information, call Mary Kay Joens at 708-503-1944 or e-mail [email protected].

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 4 at 10:30 a.m. – AM Storytime for children ages 2 and up
  • Monday, April 4 at 3:30 p.m.  – Tutoring Available
  • Tuesday, April 5 at 1:30 p.m. – Computer Class: Mouse Basics *
  • Tuesday, April 5 at 3:30 p.m. – Tutoring Available
  • Tuesday, April 5 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
  • Wednesday, April 6 at 10:15 a.m. – LapSit for those 0 to 35 months
  • Wednesday, April 6 at 11 a.m. – Craft in America/Made in Park Forest
  • Wednesday, April 6 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those 2 to 4
  • Thursday, April 7 at 3:30 p.m. – Tutoring Available
  • Thursday, March 31 at 7:15 p.m. – Computer Class: Microsoft Word 1 *

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.

Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, April 7

The Potpourri of Lectures series continues on Thursday, April 7 at 10:30 a.m. with “The Bartel Grasslands” by Dick Riner, President of the Thorn Creek Audubon Society. The lecture will be held in the Library’s Ringering Room.

Park Forest Recreation & Parks

April Senior Trip to the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center – Registration Deadline Wednesday, April 13

The April Senior Trip to the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center will be held on Wednesday, April 27. The trip will take you to the town of Skokie, Illinois where you will enjoy lunch at the beautiful Zhivago’s Restaurant with your choice of Beef Stroganoff a la St. Petersburg, or Chicken Mediterranean (chicken breast marinated in herbs and grilled veggies). After lunch you will tour the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center.

Architect Stanley Tigerman created this three-part building, dedicated to holocaust survivors. The museum tells the story of the Holocaust through richly designed, interactive exhibitions that will both move and inspire you. The fee for the trip is $55.00 which includes round-trip coach bus, lunch and admission to the museum. The bus will depart from Freedom Hall at 10 a.m. and return at approximately 5 p.m. Registration deadline is Wednesday, April 13.

You can register in person at the Recreation and Parks Department at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, or over the phone with a credit card at 708-748-2005. Please mention Code 148660-1 and your choice of lunch entrée when registering.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Heavenly Voices’ – Saturday, April 9

Tickets are now on sale for ‘Heavenly Voices’ to take place on Saturday, April 9 at 8 p.m. at the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19000 S. Harlem, Frankfort. The transcendent qualities of the music on this program infuse one with emotional extremes: joy and sorrow, elegy and ecstasy. Soprano NaGuanda Nobles sings the Vocalise, a song without words replete with lush melodies, while Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, offers a glimpse of the heaven through a child’s innocent eyes. Bach’s masterwork, Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, completes this selection of heavenly music. Tickets are $30, $40 and $50 and can be purchased online at: https://secure.ticketsage.net/EventsPage.aspx?ws=1

Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Blvd,. Park Forest

Bonnie Koloc – Saturday, April 9

Tickets are now on sale for the Bonnie Koloc concert that will take place on Saturday, April 9 at 8 p.m. The enduring and versatile voice of Bonnie Koloc has been heard in Chicago since 1968. In time her folk-oriented style merged with jazz and blues. Bonnie continues to pursue her music, performing and recording. She has recorded thirteen albums, most recently “Beginnings” (2009), a CD of selections from early live performances. Tickets are $23. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-747-0580 or visit: www.freedomhall.org.

Mac Frampton – Tickets Now on Sale

On Tuesday, April 12 at 11 a.m., Mac Frampton will perform as part of Freedom Hall’s Senior Series. A tour de force – from Rhapsody in Blue to Blue Suede Shoes, Mac Frampton redefines the piano with power, precision, and playfulness. After seeing pianist Mac Frampton in concert, you will wonder how is it possible for one man to make so much music, with so much energy, and have so much fun doing it! Tickets are $11. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-747-0580 or visit: www.freedomhall.org.

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists’ Walkway, Park Forest

“The Glorious Ones” – Tickets Now on Sale

Tickets are now on sale for “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.”

The play will open on April 15 and run through May 1. 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.

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

Tall Grass Film Series – “Tamara Drewe” – Sunday, April 10

The Tall Grass Arts Association’s Film Series concludes with the screening of “Tamara Drewe” on Sunday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Marcus Theater, 1301 Hilltop Avenue, Chicago Heights. A discussion will follow the film. Tickets are $9.

“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.

Unitarian Universalist Church, 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest

Edgar’s Place Coffee House Presents An Evening of Celtic Music– Saturday, April 9

On Saturday, April 9 at 8 p.m. welcome spring with the last concert of the 2010 – 2011 season featuring two of Edgar’s favorite bands. Innisfree is a 5 piece band that plays traditional Celtic music featuring dulcimers, violin, guitar, mandolin, tin whistle and bodhran. Glen Ayre is a 3 piece traditional Celtic music band and features flute, guitar, mandolin, violin and tin whistle. Come to listen, sing along and maybe even dance for a lively evening of pure joy. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. For additional information, please call 708-481-5399.

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

“Cinema Speaks to Change” – Wednesday, April 6

GSU’s Honors Program continues its special community lecture series with “Cinema Speaks to Change,” a presentation by Ignatiy Vishnevetsky, film critic and co-host of ‘Ebert Presents’ on WTTW. The lecture will be held on Wednesday, April 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Hall of Honors. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Jukebox Musical Theatre Camp at GSU – Limited Registration

Young singers and dancers will have a “Glee”-ful experience at this summer’s Jukebox Musical Theatre Camp at GSU. Local school-age children will learn and perform songs from the hit TV show “Glee” during the four-day camp, from June 20 to 24. The camp concludes with a one-night-only show at 7 p.m. Friday, June 24 at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts. During the camp, students will learn songs, choreography, and scenes from “Glee” and other rock and roll musicals. Professional coaches will work with campers on scene study, voice, diction, improvisation, singing and dancing.

The Center is currently accepting registration for children ages 8 to 15. Camp is six hours a day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. The weeklong camp costs $235 which includes materials, a camp t-shirt, and four tickets to the final performance. To register a camper, contact Burt Dikelsky, The Center’s executive director, at 708-235-2238. Parents should act quickly to enroll their youngsters as registration is limited to 48 campers.

All Student Art Exhibit – Through April 15

Art Forum, the GSU art student organization, and the GSU Visual Arts Gallery are hosting the annual All Student Exhibition through April 15. The juried competition showcases the best work of GSU graduate and undergraduate students from all disciplines, including at least one film student who submitted a short video piece in the exhibit. The Visual Arts Gallery is open Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday, from noon to 9 pm.

Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park

‘Beauty and the Beast’ – Saturday, April 9

‘Beauty and the Beast’ will be performed on Saturday, April 9 at 3 p.m. Audiences of all ages will have a roaring good time following this tale of the macho Beast and the object of his affection. Tickets are priced at $15.50, $11.50, and $10.50. Special birthday packages are also available. To purchase tickets, visit: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?orgid=21840&pid=6793889 or call 708-235-2222.

‘In The Mood’ – Sunday, April 10

Tickets are now on sale for ‘In The Mood,’ which will be performed on Sunday, April 10 at 4 p.m. Reminisce about the good ol’ days of the Greatest Generation with this musical revue filled with big brass, big band, and big sound. Tickets are priced at $44, $37, and $29. Pre-show dining is available at Scrementi’s, 3760 Chicago Rd., Steger, for $25 per person. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-235-2222 or visit: www.centertickets.net.

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights

“Verge” Local High School Art Exhibition – Awards Reception Thursday, April 7

Works of art created by talented students from five local high schools are now on display at PSC’s juried art exhibition titled “Verge.” Young artists from schools across PSC’s district including Homewood-Flossmoor, Marian Catholic, Bloom Township, Rich East and Beecher High Schools are featured. The exhibit runs through April 14 in PSC’s Christopher Art Gallery. A reception will be held on Thursday, April 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the awards ceremony and announcement of winners taking place at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visits can also be made by appointment. For additional information or to make an appointment for a visit, contact the PSC Foundation at 708-709-3636.

CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead

Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, April 7

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.

Green Events

Thorn Creek Audubon Society

Field Trip to Monee Reservoir & Raccoon Grove – Saturday, April 9

On Saturday, April 9 at 8 a.m., meet in the Monee Reservoir parking lot which is located west of Rt. 50 off Pauling Rd. Possible sightings include bluebirds, green herons, red-headed woodpeckers, teal and other migrating ducks as well as song birds. Following bird-watching, we will go to Raccoon Grove to see spring wildflowers. The field trip is open to all interested birders. Participants should be prepared for inclement weather and the possibility of wet conditions. Binoculars are advised.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

The Adult Learning Exchange (T.A.L.E.) Spring 2011 Classes Begin Friday, April 8

T.A.L.E., a partnership program of JCC Chicago and GSU, will hold five classes on Fridays, April 8 through May 27 (8-week session) at GSU, 1 University Parkway.
Two Friday morning classes scheduled are:

  • “Introduction to Geology” (Friday, 10 a.m. – noon), facilitated by Myras Osman and Erma Amstadter; and
  • “Film Series: Faith and Morality in Cinema” (Friday, 9:30 a.m. – noon) facilitated by Suzanne Patterson.

Friday afternoon classes scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. are:

  • “Hands-On Color Theory” facilitated by Diane DuBois;
  • “Abraham Lincoln,” facilitated by William Mitchell; and
  • “In Search of Justice,” facilitated by Keith Kemp and Larry Levinson, PhD.

For additional information, questions about the courses or the program itself, please contact Suzanne Patterson at 708-420-0563 or e-mail [email protected].

Civic Reflection Seminar – Tuesday, April 12

GSU is hosting the Civic Reflection Seminar, an opportunity for service professionals and community members to discuss civic engagement, service learning, and how they can make a positive impact on the Chicago Southland region. A number of area service organizations will participate in the seminar, which takes place on Tuesday, April 12 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in GSU’s Hall of Honors. Topics will include: “What are the needs of the community?”, “What can service agencies do to increase civic engagement?”, and “How can community members become engaged?”

Service organization exhibits will follow the seminar. The community is encouraged to join student, faculty and service organizations in this important discussion on civic reflection. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Sheree Sanderson at [email protected].

Paralympic Athlete to Share Story and Wisdom – Monday, April 11

Actor, patient advocate, and Paralympic athlete John Siciliano will discuss his life-altering accident and the road to recovery and success at an appearance on Monday, April 11 at a.m. in GSU’s Sherman Hall. After his car was hit by a drunk driver, Siciliano’s right leg was amputated above the knee. He worked hard to excel as an athlete, receiving tremendous support from his physical therapist and prosthetist. In 1996, he broke the 200-meter record at the Paralympic trials and was named to the U.S. Paralympic team. Siciliano has received numerous awards for his athletic achievements and work as patient advocate. As an actor he has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including NCIS. ER, and Scrubs. The event is free and open to the public.

Substitute Teacher Academy – Register Now – Limited Seating

GSU is sponsoring a daylong Substitute Teacher Academy with Resources on April 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Hall of Honors in order to help develop successful substitute teachers. This workshop will help experienced and new substitutes to increase their knowledge and skills. The registration fee is $50 which includes lunch and all materials. Seating is limited to 40 registrants. Advance registration is required. For additional information or to register, call 708-534-4024.

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

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

Faith United Protestant Church, 10 Hemlock St., Park Forest

Free Java Tuesdays

All are invited to Faith United Protestant Church for FREE Java Tuesdays. Visitors are asked to go to the Indianwood Boulevard side entrance between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. for free curbside service or to come and sit a bit. The event will continue each Tuesday as a form of outreach to the community throughout the summer and fall. For more information, call 708-747-1330.

Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood, Park Forest

C4 Underground Youth Gathering – Every Tuesday & Thursday

Youths in grades 6 and up are welcome to join us every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for fun and games, group discussion and a variety of activities. For more information, call Celebration Ministries at 708-748-1995.

Men’s Breakfast Fellowship – Saturday, April 4

Men of all ages are welcome to join the Men’s Ministry on Saturday, April 4 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. There will be food and discussion on a variety of topics. This event is held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.  For more information, call Celebration Ministries at 708-748-1995.

Roots and Wings, 215 Nashua St., Park Forest

Current Events Topic Group – Every Monday

Join us every Monday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. as we gather to talk about God, us, the world and how they all work together. Roots and Wings is located behind Celebration Ministries. For more information, contact Celebration Ministries at 708-748-1995.

Scrapping Sisters – Monday, April 4

Join the Scrapping Sisters on Monday, April 4 from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. and show your scrapbooking talent. Food will be provided. Feel free to bring a side dish to share or provide a donation for food and supplies. This event is held on the 1st Monday of every month. For more information, call 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.

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.

Rich Township Senior Services

Free Income Tax Preparation for Those Over 60

Free income tax preparation (including electronic filing) is available through Thursday, April 15 for those 60 years of age and older. This service will be provided at the Leonard Robinson Family Center, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Call the Rich Township Senior Center at 708-748-5454 to make an appointment.

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, Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, Sertoma Centre, Inc., CAUTION, Monkey Mind Art Gallery & Studio, Union Street Gallery, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.


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