Time for a walk, run, or bike ride? (Photo: ENEWSPF)
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—August 19, 2013. Anyone who says that there is nothing to do in Park Forest clearly does not read this column! The Village’s Recreation and Parks Department has announced several new fall trips including lunch at the Cheesecake Factory following a taping of the Judge Mathis show, a day of Big Ten Football at Soldier Field, and bingo and a White Sox Game. Tickets for these events will sell out fast, so if you’re interested, check out the details in the ‘Arts & Entertainment’ section and reserve your place today.
The annual Park Forest Youth Day event will be held on Saturday, August 24 in DownTown Park Forest. There will be lots of fun for those of all ages. Learn more about the event in the ‘This & That’ section.
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 Meeting
The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, August 19 at 7 p.m. at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend. Board meetings air live on cable access channels (Channel 4 for Comcast subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T subscribers) as well as on the Village web site at www.villageofparkforest.com.
To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.
Neighborhood Meeting – Tuesday, August 20
The Board of Trustees will hold a neighborhood meeting on Tuesday, August 20 at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, beginning at 6 p.m. This meeting is for residents living in the Park Forest Cooperatives.
Arts & Entertainment
Park Forest Recreation & Parks
Trip to Judge Mathis Taping and Lunch at Cheesecake Factory – Thursday, September 12
On Thursday, September 12, join us as an audience member on the Judge Mathis show. We will spend approximately 4.5 hours at the studio and afterwards have a late lunch at the Cheesecake Factory where you will have your choice of a sandwich, cheesecake and a beverage. We will department from Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive at 8:45 a.m. and return at approximately 5:30 p.m. The cost of the trip is $68 per person. You can register in-person at the Recreation & Parks Department at Village Hall or by calling 708-748-2005 to register over the phone with a credit card. Please note: We will need name, address, home phone number, emergency number, and signed waiver for each person registering for the trip. Mention Code: 348720-1 when you register. For additional information, call 708-748-2005 or visit www.villageofparkforest.com.
University of Illinois Football Game at Soldier Field — Saturday, September 14
On Saturday, September 14 you can experience Big Ten football live as the Fighting Illini meet the Washington Huskies at Soldier Field. This is a premium outing so limited seats are available. As an added bonus, pregame tailgating (food and games) is also include3d in your ticket price. Round trip school bus transportation is also included. The bus will depart from Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, at 2 p.m. and return at approximately 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $56 per person. You can register in-person at the Recreation & Parks Department at Village Hall or by calling 708-748-2005 to register over the phone with a credit card. Please note: We will need name, address, home phone number, emergency number, and signed waiver for each person registering for the trip. Mention Code: 347530-1 when you register. For additional information, call 708-748-2005 or visit www.villageofparkforest.com.
Enjoy Bingo and a White Sox Game – Wednesday, September 18
Join us on Wednesday, September 18 for an afternoon of food, fun, bingo and baseball. The trip includes buffet lunch, beer, wine and soft drinks, bingo, afternoon baseball game and transportation. We will depart from Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, at 10 a.m. and return at approximately 5 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person. You can register in-person at the Recreation & Parks Department at Village Hall or by calling 708-748-2005 to register over the phone with a credit card. Please note: We will need name, address, home phone number, emergency number, and signed waiver for each person registering for the trip. Mention Code: 348730-1 when you register. For additional information, call 708-748-2005 or visit www.villageofparkforest.com.
Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
This Week’s Events at the Park Forest Public Library
The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Public Library:
- Tuesday, August 20 at 6:30 p.m. — Have Book, Will Travel Book Club: "The Paris Wife" — We’ll be reading the "The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain. Though deeply in love, the Hemingway’s are ill prepared for the hard-drinking, fast living, and free-loving life of Jazz Age Paris. Eventually they find themselves facing the ultimate crisis of their marriage: a deception that will lead to the unraveling of everything they’ve fought so hard for.
- Thursday, August 22 at 11 a.m. — Learn to Use Your Kindle Fire — Venture into the library and learn how to master your Kindle Fire. Learn how to download e-books on your tablet with confidence. Come explore the basics and beyond. Registration required.
- Saturday, August 24 at 10 a.m. — Celebration Children’s Choir Rehearsal — Calling all kids! Do you LOVE to sing? Are you between ages 4 and 17?
Join Park Forest Library’s Celebration Children’s Choir! Final Performance at PFPL Sunflower Festival on Saturday, September 7th. For more information call 708-748-3731 ex. 20.
For additional information or to register for certain events, please call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org/
Museum Adventure Pass
Visit your library and check out a museum! View the list of
participating museums for details on each destination. 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). Come into the library with your Park Forest library card
to check out a pass today.
Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest
Park Forest House Museum
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum at 141 Forest Blvd, Park Forest, is open Wednesday and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the museum can also be open for groups by appointment, at other times. Donation is $5 for adults; children 12 and under free with an adult. Scout and school tours are priced individually. For details, to arrange a special group tour, or to volunteer, visit the Park Forest Historical Society website, www.parkforesthistory.org, or call Jane Nicoll, 708-481-4252.
Park Forest Plaza Print for Sale
Annabelle Gould’s print of the Park Forest Plaza is available for sale at the Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard. The vibrant print is from an original watercolor, showing kids and their moms in the Park Forest Plaza, in front of the old Holiday Theatre and Golden Hanger Shop. The print can be purchased at the House Museum during normal hours of operation on Wednesdays and Saturdays or through the Society’s online store on their website at www.parkforesthistory.org. Prints are $15 each. Online purchases also required an additional $6 fee for postage and handling. For additional information on other items for sale by the Society, visit www.parkforesthistory.org.
Salon Artists Gallery, 249 Main Street, Park Forest
“Abstracts and Abstractions” – Through August 30
Artist, Peter Wilhel will exhibit his abstracts with unusual design and materials through August 30. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call Patricia Moore at 708-833-5108 or Bev Szalon at 708-748-3946 or visit www.salonartistsgallery.com.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
‘Showing Off’ – Annual Gallery Artists’ Exhibition – Through September 22
Tall Grass Arts Association’s annual Gallery Artists’ Exhibition ‘Showing Off’ will be featured through September 22. This show is a varied collection of work in all media, created by our Tall Grass Juried Artists that has never been exhibited in the gallery before. There are 3 exciting raffle opportunities available during this exhibit. Visit the gallery for your chance to win. Raffle drawings will take place at the exhibit closing September 22, 2013 at 4 p.m. Winners need not be present. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information, visit www.tallgrassarts.com or call 708-748-3377.
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest
‘Today We Saw the Face of God’ – Movie Screening & Discussion – Saturday, August 24
On Saturday, August 24 UUCC will host a screening of the documentary film ‘Today We Saw the Face of God.’ The film takes a surprisingly hopeful look into the power of human connection in the fact of unimaginable suffering, as seen through the eyes of medical mission volunteers in Haiti at the time of tragedy during the earthquake in January 2010. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with an optional vegetarian pot luck dinner. At 7 p.m. the movie will be shown. A discussion will follow the film featuring Director/Producer Mercedes Kane. The event is free and open to the public. Coffee and tea will be provided. Bring a vegetarian pot luck dish or snack to share. Optional donations are welcome. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
‘Laff Session’ – Tickets Now on Sale
It’s time to laugh out loud at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts when the Student Senate presents ‘Laff Session.’ This evening full of talented professional comedians will take place on Friday, August 30 beginning at 7 p.m. Featured performers include B Cole, a BET Comic View All Star who appeared on Def Comedy Jam; Brandon ‘Hot Sauce’ Glover, who has appeared at Chicago’s Just for Laughs Festival; Marc Henderson from BET Comic View; Da Wildcat from BET Comic View; and Hozay. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased on-line at www.centertickets.net or by calling 708-235-2222.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights
Photographer of the Year & 2013 Annual Student Art Exhibition – Opens Monday, August 26
PSC’s Christopher Art Gallery is hosting the Photographer of the Year and 2013 Annual Student Exhibition from Monday, August 26 through Thursday, September 19. An opening reception will be held on Wednesday, August 28 from noon to 2 p.m. The exhibit includes drawings, paintings, photographs, and mixed-media works that were produced by PSC students in the 2012 -2013 academic year. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For Gallery hours or additional information, call 708-709-3636.
South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 South State Street, South Holland
‘Rinnio Della Vita’ Art Exhibit – Opens Monday, August 19
The Art & Design Department of SSC will present an exhibition entitled ‘Rinnio Della Vita’ beginning Monday, August 19 in the college’s Dorothea Thiel Gallery. The exhibit will run through September 12. There will be an artist reception for the artists Anne Farley Gaines and Geoffrey Novelli on September 12 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The Thiel Gallery is on the fourth floor I the Art & Design hallway and is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, call 708-596-2000, extension 2445.
National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM), 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago
‘Tenacity and Truth: People, Places and Memories’ – Through Labor Day
NVAM will host the exhibit ‘Tenacity and Truth: People, Places and Memories’ on through Labor Day, September 2, 2013. The exhibit features work that was created by artists both trained and untrained who share in the overwhelming need to express their experiences through a visual language and explores the creative process behind veteran art. For additional information, visit the museum’s website at www.nvam.org.
‘Not About Bombs’ – Through Fall 2013
The NVAM will host the opening of ‘Not About Bombs,’ a celebrated exhibit featuring the work by five Iraqi women artists through Fall 2013. The show will be open to the public through Fall 2013. For additional information, visit the museum’s website at www.nvam.org.
Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Blvd, Chicago Heights
Javier Chavira’s Exhibit ‘Disparate Images’ – Through September 7
Javier Chaviera’s exhibit ‘Disparate Images’ at USG will run through September 7. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Javier Chavira is an artist who has no misgivings about creating images that straddle the line between realism and abstraction. He is as much at home with the technical rigor of academic tradition as he is with the liberating nature of formalism. ‘Disparate Images’ is a collection of works created between 2006 and 2013 that highlight his virtuosity of employing various materials and displays a range of representational and abstract forms. A prolific artist, Javier has exhibited nationally and internationally and his work is in numerous public and private collections. Aside from being an active artist, Javier is also an educator. He is an Associate Professor of Painting and Drawing at Governors State University, Illinois, a position he’s held since 2003. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.
Regional Juried Exhibit ‘Fluidity’ – Through September 7
‘Fluidity,’ a regional exhibit juried by Renee Klyczek Nordstrom, will run at USG through September 7. The exhibit is free and open to the public. ‘Fluidity’ is an exhibit of art that is fluid, calm, subdued, and peaceful. The exhibit will include 30 works of art by 29 talented artists form the Midwest region. Art exhibiting includes painting, photography, sculpture, digital art, and mixed media. Exhibiting Artists are: Richard Benoit, Cynthis Brinich- Langlois, Carol Brockman, Rexanne Coad, June Finnegan, Alicia Forestall-Boehm, Kate Froemling, Paulina Gal, Margie Glass Sula, Lea Goldman, Kim Guare, John Gutierrez, Janet Hamilton, Sharon Harper, Donna Hoyle, Mark Kennedy, Mary Jane King, Linda Lane Haynes, Paula Mattson, Claudia McCarthy, Ahavani Mullen, Gina Robbins, Leon Sarantos, Stephan Smith, Kati Toivanen, BJ Wooley, Rachel Yurkovich, and Susan Wungluck Zale. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Secretary of State Services at GSU – Tuesday, August 27
The Secretary of State’s Mobile Service Unit will be at GSU on Tuesday, August 27 from 1 p.m. to7 p.m. in the Hall of Governors. Services available include driver’s license and State ID renewal, replacement, and corrections; vehicle sticker sales; passenger and b-tuck license plates; vehicles title and registration; parking placards for persons with disabilities; and organ/tissue donor information. In addition, vision tests and the written driver’s license exam can be taken. No driving tests will be given. The services provided are available to all qualified Illinois residents. State law allows driver’s license renewal up to one year in advance. Proper identification is required for new and duplicate driver’s licenses and state ID cards. Acceptable forms of payment include personal checks, cash, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards. For additional information, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
Job Search Assistance Every Tuesday at GSU
The Mobile Workforce Center’s mobile unit will be at GSU every Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., parked near the university’s front entrance. Center services include resume development, access to online job boards and websites, instruction in how to conduct an online job search and improve keyboarding skills, and assistance of staff. The center is equipped with 11 computer stations with Internet access, printer, and copy machines, and is wheelchair accessible. Services are free and available to residents in all counties. For additional information, contact the Workforce Services Division of Will County at 815-727-4980.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights
Building Trades, Painting & Drywall Pre-Apprenticeship Program Orientation and Testing – Thursday, August 29
PSSC is holding an orientation and testing session for the Building Trades, Painting & Drywall Pre-Apprenticeship Program from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 29 in the Conference Center Heritage Room on PSC’s main campus. To qualify to participate, attendees must be 18 years or older and bring a valid driver’s license or state ID. Participants will take reading and math tests. The eight week program begins September 9 and is offered tuition free to accepted applicants. It includes six weeks of training in the classroom and two weeks practicing the skills learned, and is offered in partnership with PSC and the South Suburban Community Development Corp. For additional information, call Lisa Zeigler at 708-709-3548 or e-mail [email protected].
PSC President Dr. Terri Winfree Guest Speaker for Matteson Business Association Breakfast – Thursday, August 22
PSC President Dr. Terri Winfree will be the guest speaker during the Matteson Business Association’s 4th Anniversary and Business Appreciation Breakfast on Thursday, August 22 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Matteson Holiday Inn, 500 Holiday Inn Drive. The morning begins with breakfast and networking, followed by an introduction of Winfree presented by Matteson Village President Andre Ashmore. Winfree will discuss internships, job placement and training, as well as other services and programs PSC offers that could be of assistance to program attendees. For additional information, call 708-283-4765.
Opt In to Technology at PSC
You can bridge the gap between technology and a new you at PSC’s new Opt In program that consists of two computer training centers and free classes to teach basic technological skills. One location is at the Adult Training and outreach Center in Room A145 at PSC’s main campus. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The other location is at the Matteson Area Center’s Computer Training Lab located at 4821 Southwick Dr., Matteson. Hours for this location are Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. No matter what skill level you have or want to have, Opt In can help. Both computer labs and on-site tutors are free and open to the public. For additional information, call Lisa Zeigler at 708-709-3548 or e-mail [email protected].
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 12 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.
Online Educational Resources
Online college programs are a great way for today’s busy people to complete or earn a degree. To find an online college program in Illinois, visit http://www.onlineschools.org/guides/Illinois/ where you will find a compilation of every college program offered online in Illinois offered on a full or part-time basis.
Top U.S. Universities
Choosing what college or university to attend can be a very daunting experience. With educational costs continually increasing, it’s more important than ever to choose a university that meets your specific educational needs. At http://www.topschools.com/, you will find a comprehensive resource that ranks each university throughout the nation by size, degrees offered, tuition costs, admission, graduation and retention rates.
Healthy Living
Park Forest Police Department
Bike Safety Event — August 24
The Park Forest Police Department and State Farm Agent Bree Breedlove will be hosting a Bicycle Safety Program on August 24, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the State Farm Office, 2562 Western Avenue, Park Forest. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. for youths between 5-15 years old. There will be a bicycle inspection and an obstacle course. A picture ID card and a gift bag will be given to each participant at the completion of the course. All participants should bring their bikes. A helmet is also recommended. Parents must register children and be present during the event. For more information click here. For questions contact Officer Julius Moore at 708-748-9536 or [email protected]
South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 South State Street, South Holland
What Businesses Should Know About Healthcare Reform Workshop – Thursday, September 12
SSC’s College of Business & Career Institute (BCI) presents a Breakfast with BCI Workshop titled “What Businesses Should Know about Healthcare Reform” on Thursday, September 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the College’s Heritage Room. Topics will include: Health Insurance Exchanges; Health Plan Choices and Premium Costs; Small Business Tax Credits; and New Taxes and fees built in your insurance premiums. Butch Zemar, an expert on healthcare insurance will conduct the workshop. The cost of the event and refreshments is $15 per person, or $10 per person if three or more individuals from the same company attend. To register, please call 708-596-2000, ext. 2346 or e-mail [email protected].
Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive, Park Forest
School Physical Examinations By Appointment Only – Through September 6
If your child is going into Preschool, Kindergarten, 6th or 9th grade, they are in need of a physical. Schedule your appointment with the Park Forest Health Department today. You do not have to live in Park Forest, but must bring your child’s immunization records at appointment time. Appointment dates vary between Fridays (1 p.m. to 6 p.m.), Tuesdays (12 noon to 5 p.m.) and Saturdays (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Free for Medicaid participants. No HMO or managed care accepted. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-748-1118.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Free Psychotherapy Available from GSU’s Psychology Program
GSU’s Psychology Department is offering free psychotherapy services to members of the community. Conversations with a psychotherapist can help people cope with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, and life transition problems. Confidential, one-on-one sessions are held with a GSU graduate student in psychology under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Individuals and couples, 18 years and older, are eligible. All sessions are conducted in Matteson, IL. The number of sessions is determined by the client’s needs. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-235-2841.
Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard, Park Forest
CPR Classes
CPR classes are available at the Park Forest Fire Department. Click on the following link for more details: http://pffd.vopf.com/cpr-classes.html
Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest
Senior Citizen Weekday Lunch at the Senior Café
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.
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 program 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.
Green Events
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
Experience the Thorn Creek Nature Center
Thorn Creek Nature Center is housed in a historic building, originally Immanuel Lutheran Church of Matteson, Illinois built in 1862, and later Village Bible Church of Park Forest. A gothic frame country church, its notable architectural features include curved ceiling, tongue-and-groove paneling and a raised pulpit. Its current attractions are displays of the preserve’s flora and fauna, a bird feeder viewing area, Eugene E. Schwartz reference library and an expanded children’s section. The Nature Center is open Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Trails are open daily year-round, dawn to dusk. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.
Village of Park Forest
Park Forest Farmers’ Market 40th Season – Every Saturday Through October 26
Every Saturday morning through October 26th, you’ll find that the Park Forest Farmers’ Market has something for everyone. The Market opens at 7 a.m. and ends at noon. Rain or shine, come and enjoy fresh produce, bakery items, gourmet cheeses, and herbs. In addition, your favorite local businesses set up shop under their awnings with artwork, garden ornaments, candles and more! Come to the Market and see what’s new and take time to meet new friends, chat, browse, have breakfast or lunch, and shop around. Local civic groups are welcome to give demonstrations, hold fundraisers and other small events at the Market for no charge but must be registered in advance. The Park Forest Farmers’ Market is located in the parking lot one block east of Walgreens; just across from the Park Forest Police Department. Electronic payment (debit and credit cards) as well as Link, WIC and Senior program coupons now accepted. For more information, call 708-748-1118 or visit the Farmers’ Market page at www.pfhealth.net.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 South Halsted, Chicago Heights
Fall Gardening Program “Successful Gardening: The Final Harvest’ – Registration Currently Underway
New gardeners can learn how to get the most out of their gardens at PSC’s fall program “Successful Gardening: The Final Harvest” that will be held on Saturday, September 7 from 9 a.m. to noon in room K 115 located in PSC’s K-Building. Students will learn what to do with their excess harvest, including cooking, freezing and canning. They also will learn how to prepare their garden for the next growing se3ason. How to replace nutrients, remove plants, compost and prepare soil will be demonstrated. The fee for this non-credit class is $29. For additional information or to register, call 708-709-3750 or visit www.prairiestate.edu/ced.
This & That
Park Forest Youth Commission
Youth Day – Saturday, August 24
The Park Forest Youth Commission will host its annual Youth Day on Saturday, August 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the DownTown Village Green, Cunningham & Main Streets. Activities will include music, food and games. For additional information, call Kevin Adams at 708-748-2005.
Park Forest American Legion Post 1198, 1631 Western Ave., Chicago Heights
Friday Fish Fry
Join Park Forest’s American Legion Post 1198 for fish, shrimp, wings, beef and appetizers on Friday, August 23 beginning at 6 p.m. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.
VFW Post #331, 22341 Governors Highway, Richton Park
Stand Down 2013 Outreach Program for Homeless Veterans – Donations Accepted Through September 4
VFW Post #331 is hosting, Stand Down 2013 in Richton Park – an outreach program for Homeless Veterans seeking rest, hope and fellowship. Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy is collecting toiletries and sundry items for the Veterans outreach event. Donations of gently used men’s clothing are needed. Donations must be received before Wednesday, September 4 at Commissioner Murphy’s District Office, 5404 W. 127th Street in Crestwood. All items will be packaged and given away to the homeless veterans.
“Stand Down – Richton Park” a veterans outreach event, will be held on September 7thy at the VFW Post 311, 22341 Governors Highway from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free health screenings, haircuts, clothing and meals will be provided. Many Social Service agencies and Veteran coordinators will be available for helpful information and services. For additional information, call Patrice at Commissioner Joan Murphy’s Office at 708-389-2125. If you wish to volunteer for the event, call Bill Browne at 708-705-6090 or e-mail [email protected].
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.
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.
Sources: Park Forest Summer 2013 Recreation Programs & More Brochure, Park Forest ‘Discover’ magazine, Rich Township Report, 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, Illinois Theatre Center, Sertoma Centre, Inc., Union Street Gallery, Monkey Mind Art Studio, Thorn Creek Audubon Society, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.
