Children play musical chairs at Ash Street Cooperative’s Old Fashion Block Party Saturday. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—August 16, 2010. The Park Forest Youth Commission will be holding their 11th annual Youth Day Celebration on Saturday, August 28 on the Village Green in DownTown Park Forest. This year’s theme is “Back to School” and will feature great giveaways, food and outstanding entertainment. If you are interested in participating as a vendor or entertainer, please contact Kevin Adams at 708-748-2005. Be sure to plan on coming out to help celebrate our youth.
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 Board Meeting
The Village Board is scheduled to meet on Monday, August 16 at 8 p.m. at Village Hall. Residents are encouraged to attend. Village Board meetings air live on cable access channels (Channel 4 for Comcast subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T subscribers) as well as on the Village web site at www.villageofparkforest.com.
To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=BoardMtgArchive&category=Village%20Government and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.
Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Boards
The following Village Commissions will meet this week:
- Plan Commission – Tuesday, August 17 at 7:00 p.m. (NOTE: The Plan Commission holds a second meeting each month on an as-needed basis. Please call Village Hall at 708-748-1112 to verify if this meeting will be held.)
- Housing Authority – Thursday, August 19 at 6 p.m.
All meetings are held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.
‘Green’ Events
B-52 Document Shredding & Recycling
Free Document Shredding Event – Saturday, August 21
On Saturday, August 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Rich Township parking lot, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park, residents will be able to drop off their documents, including bank statements, financial records, legal documents, and other personal information, for free shredding by B-52 Document Shredding & Recycling, a division of Skyline Disposal, Inc. Documents will be placed in secure bins and then shredded. This event is not for general newspaper recycling. B-52 is a company that specializes in confidentiality. So take advantage of this opportunity and start gathering up the papers you wish to have shredded. For more information, please call 708-754-5460.
Arts & Entertainment
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard
This Week at the Park Forest Library
| Tuesday, August 17 | 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Wii Game, Backyard Baseball-Sandlot Sluggers |
| Saturday, August 21 | 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Back to School Crafts |
For more information, call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.
Summer Reading Paperwork Due Date – Wednesday, August 18
All Summer Reading paperwork MUST be turned in by Wednesday, August 18. No prizes or raffle tickets will be available after that date. For more information, call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.
“Real Men Don’t Cry: The War Within” – Saturday, August 21
On Saturday, August 21 at 7 p.m., the Village of Park Forest will present Dexter Overall’s stageplay, “Real Men Don’t Cry: The War Within” at Freedom Hall’s Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest. This phenomenal play is back with an all new cast and new scenes. Awarded the Best Drama of 2009 by the Illinois Skyway Writers Competition. Tickets are $10 for children and $15 for adults. Group rates are available. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 708-291-0545.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 267 Artists Walk, Park Forest
“Fabulously Focused” Exhibit Now Open
“Fabulously Focused,” an exhibit of current works of Tall Grass Gallery Artists is currently open. Eleven new artists have successfully completed the jurying process and were invited to participate in the exhibit. “Whirling Ocean Life,” an abstract watercolor by Charlotte Sasser will be raffled off during the run of the exhibit. The event if free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.
Park Forest Historical Society
Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard (Corner of Forest & Fir)
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum is in an original rental townhome, built in 1947-1949 by American Community Builders. The museum provides a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane for anyone who lived in the 1950s or 1960s, or for those interested in that period. Visitors are encouraged to open drawers, cupboard and closets to discover period treasures inside. Contents of the house, furnished as though a young veteran and his family of small children occupy it, include dolls, toys, dollhouses, books, dishes, serving pieces, furniture and clothing from the period. When is the last time you said, "Hello," to Howdy Doody?
The Museum is open on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Group tours are by appointment. Call 708-748-3731.
Center For Performing Arts at GSU, 1 University Parkway
All Star Night of Blues – Tickets Now on Sale
On Saturday, September 11 at 7:30 p.m., Electro Glide Records presents an All-Star Blues Jam that you won’t want to miss. Hosted by Electro Glide Records guitar sensation, Jimmy Warren, with his "rockin style" of blues, the evening includes performances by:
- Lonnie Brooks, a blues legend recently inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame who is known for his "Louisiana Swamp Style";
- Larry McCray, "The Delta Hurricane," known for his electrifying guitar solos and powerful vocals; and
- Chris Beard, a bluesman that is known both for his "down-and-dirty" traditional blues and his showmanship.
Before the Jimmy Warren Band and the all-star cast takes the stage, The Catch Blues Band and Big Dog Mercer will warm up the crowd with a few songs to pave the way for an unbelievable evening of blues at its best.
Tickets prices are $20, $25, and $30. To purchase tickets, visit: http://www.centertickets.net/tickets_events.aspx?id=36856
Tickets Now on Sale for 2010-2011 Season
The Center for Performing Arts is now selling series tickets for the 2010-2011 Season. Artists range from musical performers, ballet, plays, cabaret acts and events especially for children. Special offers are provided for those purchasing 3, 4, or 5 shows in the series including 15% off regular ticket prices, priority seating, ticket exchange privileges and dining discounts. Treat yourself to this amazing 16th Season at the Center and give back to your community at the same time. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.
Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at GSU
Neil Goodman Sculptures On Display Through October
Five dramatic sculptures by Chicago artist Neil Goodman are currently on display at GSU’s Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. Goodman’s sculptures have been commissioned and collected by museums, corporations, convention centers, parks, synagogues, universities and private residences. For more information about Neil Goodman in the Park call 708-534-4486 or visit [email protected].
CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead
Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, August 19
CAUTION will be playing every Thursday night at Harte’s Saloon, 9858 S. Artesian. If you are a fan of the Grateful Dead, Phish and great musical jams, check out this band. For more information, call Harte’s Saloon at 708-424-2618.
“Chicago Heights” Makes Chicago Debut – Tickets Now on Sale
“Chicago Heights,” a film made by students and faculty in the Master of Fine Arts program at Governors State University (GSU) will make its Chicago debut at the 2010 Black Harvest Film Festival at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State Street, Chicago. Screenings of the film will take place on Saturday, August 28 and Wednesday, September 1 at 8:15 p.m. “Chicago Heights” is an award-winning, short, experimental, black and white feature film made with a $1,000 budget for food, equipment on loan from GSU and during the free time of the all volunteer cast and crew. Director Daniel Nearing, associate professor at GSU, and actor Andre Truss, will be present for audience discussion after the screening on Saturday night. Producer-cinematographer Sanghoon Lee, assistant professor at GSU, will participate in the audience discussion on Wednesday. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $7 for students and are available through Ticketmaster. For additional information about the film visit www.923Films.com
Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, IL
Regional Call for Artists
Regional Artists are encouraged to submit entries to “Objects of Affection,” a juried exhibition dedicated to the study, portrayal, and artistic interpretation of arranged objects. This exhibit will celebrate the still life from classic to contemporary and will be held from August 27 through September 24. The exhibit is open to all media and Midwest artists within a reasonable driving distance of the Gallery are encouraged to enter. The Jurors will be a committee of Union Street Gallery Studio Artists. All work must be hand delivered by August 20 and 21. A prospectus can be found at: http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/artist.htm under ‘Artists & Opportunities.’ For additional information, call 708-754-2601.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights
High School Seniors Offered Free Course – Register Through August 23
PSC is offering high school seniors, the class of 2011, the opportunity to take one course with no charge for tuition. To be eligible, students must live within the PSC district, have a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, and obtain permission from their high school. Students who take advantage of the free course during the fall before their senior year, and earn a B or better, are eligible for a second tuition-free course in the spring. For more information about the free course, please contact Beth Wyack at 708-709-7776. Registration for fall courses is currently underway and continues until August 23.
Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest
Nature Camp for Seniors – Registration Required
On Thursday, August 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., those 50 years of age and up can discover the secrets of the woods as you explore Thorn Creek Woods from top to bottom in a new way. This program will take you outside for a portion of the day. There is a fee of $5 per person and registration is required. For more information or to register, call 708-747-6320.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL
Free Early Childhood Education Workshop – Friday, August 20
Kathy Poelker of Look at Me Productions, Inc., will lead a music-focused workshop on Friday, August 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in GSU’s Sherman Hall. Poelker is an award-winning children’s recording artist, author, consultant, and creator of educational music for early childhood. Her workshop will illustrate how music can and should be incorporated into the early childhood classroom to create a stimulating learning environment. The workshop is free and open to early childhood education students and educators. This event is sponsored by GSU’s Family Development Center. For more information or to register, call 708-235-7300 or visit www.govst.edu/children.
Free Basic Computer Classes for Rich Township Residents
Rich Township is offering free basic computer skills 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, resume building skills, and more. For additional information, call Mark Mason or Joe Moran at 708-748-6722.
Shop Locally
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.
Park Forest Farmers Market
The Park Forest’s Farmers Market will be held each Saturday through October from 7 a.m. until noon, rain or shine. Fresh garden plants and produce, bakery goods, gourmet cheeses, herbs and eggs will be available for sale. Local businesses will also be on hand with a variety of artwork, garden ornaments, candles and more. Meet your friends at the Farmers Market for breakfast or lunch and shop locally.
During the Farmers Market, local civic groups can give demonstrations, hold fundraisers or other events at no charge but must register in advance. For more information, call 708-748-1118 or visit www.pfhealth.net.
Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL
Farm Fresh Market –Thursday, August 19
Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables are coming to GSU at its first-ever outdoor farmers market on Thursday, August 19 at the south end of Parking Lot D. Hours are 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. The Farmers Market will be held on Thursdays through September.
Healthy Living
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL
Healthy Families, Health Communities Event – Saturday, August 21
Promoting good health with information and conversation is the focus of a day of workshops at the Healthy Families, Healthy Communities event on Saturday, August 21 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at GSU. The event is free and includes workshops on asthma, obesity, mental health, diabetes, STI/HIV, heart disease, yoga, substance abuse, men’s health, oral hygiene, and entitlement programs and healthcare benefits. Important information on these and additional topics will be provided as well as opportunities to ask questions. The event is sponsored by the Chicago Southland Health Conference, a collaboration between Aunt Martha’ Health Center in Chicago Heights, TCA Health, Inc., in Chicago, Family Christian Health Center in Harvey, and Christian Community Health Center in South Holland. Pre-registration is available through each organization or by email to [email protected]. Free transportation between the University Park Metra station and the university will be provided by GSU. For additional information, call 708-534-4551.
Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (lower level)
Back to School Physicals
Low cost school physicals and immunizations are available at the Park Forest Health Department. For more information, please call 708-748-1118 or visit www.pfhealth.net.
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.
Greening of Park Forest
B3 Bottles, Park Forest
The United Sates leads in consuming bottled water, drinking 26 billion liters a year (that’s only one, 8 ounce glass per day). It is estimated that Americans go through 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour with 86% of the plastic bottles used never getting recycled. B3 Bottles, a local Park Forest business, has a solution to this problem. B3’s stainless steel bottles can be filled with Park Forest’s award winning water or other hot/cold beverages of your choice, and then cleaned and re-used for a lifetime. To learn more about B3 Bottles and pricing information, call Laura Fitzgerald at 708-748-0934.
Sertoma Centre, Inc., 4343 W. 123rd St., Alsip, IL
Recycle Unused Wheelchairs
If you have a used motorized wheelchair that you no longer need and would like to help a person with a disability, the Sertoma Centre will accept your donation. Contact Melanie Jones at 708-730-6206 for additional information.
South Suburban Family Shelter Used Cell Phone Collection Drive
South Suburban Family Shelter (SSFS) is seeking cell phone donations for their ongoing fundraising program. Proceeds from the collection fund the critical programs and services provided to families who experience domestic violence. All victim services are provided free of charge and are available in English and Spanish. Cell phone collection sites currently include:
- SSFS Administrative Office, 18139 Harwood, Homewood, IL
- Bergstein’s NY Deli, 200 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights, IL
- Doyle Designed Salon, 2630 Flossmoor Rd., Flossmoor, IL
All donations are tax deductible and receipts are available at collection sites. For more information about SSFS or the fundraising drive, please contact Ms. Meilach at 708-794-2140, extension 303.
Local Recycling Resources and Proper Disposal of Unused Medicine
Do you have old televisions, computers, video games or other electronics or household appliances that need to be recycled? Want to know how to properly dispose of old or unused medication? Click on the “Recycling” icon found on the top of eNews Park Forest and you will find useful information on proper recycling/disposal that will not only be good for the environment, but in some cases, earn you a few dollars as well.
Safe Disposal Program – Bio-waste
The Park Forest Health Department and Environment Commission have partnered to provide information on the proper disposal of bio-waste such as used syringes or lancets (medical sharps). Begin by purchasing a Sharps container to dispose of your medical sharps for $10 at the Park Forest Health Department. Return the filled container to the Park Forest Health Department and purchase a new container. Call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 for more information.
Recycle Used Cell Phones and Cell Phone Accessories
The Rotary Club of Park Forest is conducting a used cell phone and accessory collection drive to benefit the families and programs of the South Suburban Family Shelter. Donated items can be placed in the collection box located in the lobby of Village Hall. For more information, call Denyse Carreras at 708-283-5603.
Go Green with a Free Tote Bag
The Village of Park Forest encourages residents to visit Village Hall to pick up an environmentally friendly canvas bag that can be used for your day-to-day shopping needs. These bags are free while supplies last with only two expectations: 1) that residents have a valid email address so that future environmentally conscious concepts can be shared by the Village’s Environment Commission; and 2) that bags are limited to one per household. For more information on this program, visit the Village Manager’s Office on the second floor of Village Hall of call 708-748-1129.
This & That
Yard Sale at Ash Street Cooperative Saturday, August 21
Ash Street Cooperative will hold a Yard Sale this Saturday, August 21, 2010, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Members will have tables throughout the cooperative curb-side. All are invited.
The Ash Street Cooperative office is located at 137 Ash Street, Park Forest, IL 60466-1447. For more information call (708) 747-9600.
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
Connect Café – Thursday, August 19
On Thursday, August 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., the Connect Café is a place for the community to hang out, have a cup of coffee, latte, or hot chocolate, listen to music, talk, play a game of chess, or just relax. Kid friendly, also for Mom’s and Dad’s. This event will be held every Thursday. For more information, call 708-748-1995 or visit www.celebration4.org.
Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood St., Park Forest
Women’s Weekend – Friday & Saturday, August 20 & 21
Whether spiritual and natural or physical and emotional, the Women’s Weekend is designed to strengthen and encourage women of all ages. With guest speakers and enriching workshops, this weekend is open to all. The event will kickoff at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 20 with workshops taking place beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, For additional information, call Sandra Green at 708-503-6536.
Illinois Department on Aging Senior Hall of Fame – Nominations Due Monday, August 23
The Illinois Department on Aging now has applications available to nominate candidates for this year’s Senior Hall of Fame Awards. The annual award honors the contributions of older persons in the state. The award, established in 1994 by the Illinois General Assembly, recognizes adults 65 or older who excel in the categories of Community Service, Education, Performance and/or Graphic Arts, and Labor Force. Eligibility is based on the nominee’s past and present accomplishments in the category of choice. Candidates must be current Illinois residents or a former citizen, who has lived in the state most of his/her life. Nominations are also accepted for posthumous awards. Nomination forms are available by calling the Senior HelpLine at 800-252-8966 or at http://www.state.il.us/aging. Nomination forms will be accepted through August 23 with the awards program set for October.
Tattlers, 90 S. Orchard, Park Forest
12th Annual Golf Outing – Saturday, August 21
Tattlers’ 12th Annual Golf Outing will be held on Saturday, August 21 at Minne Monesse Golf Course, 15944 E. Six Mile Grove Rd., Grant Park, IL. There is a fee of $80 per golfer which includes 18 holes, cart, goody bag, cocktails or beers at Minne and Tattlers, dinner, cash prizes for Low Gross, Low Net, Long Drive, Straight Drive, Closet to Pin, optional skins game, dinner at Tattlers and a fantastic prize table. Those wishing not to golf, can join us for dinner and the excitement of the after-party for $20 which includes dinner, two cocktails or beers and prize table. To register or for additional information, call Barb Gallagher at 708-651-0519.
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.
Sources: Park Forest 2010 Summer Recreation Programs & More; Park Forest Winter/Spring 2010 Recreation Programs & More, Village of Park Forest, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Union Street Gallery, Park Forest Rotary Club, South Suburban Family Shelter, Park Forest Historical Society, Illinois Theatre Center, CAUTION, Sertoma Centre, Inc., Tall Grass Arts Association, websites.
