Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of August 2, 2010


Guitarra Azul

Guitarra Azul entertains at Main Street Nights. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)— August 2, 2010. For those that have children returning to school soon, keep in mind that Governor Quinn recently enacted legislation that created a statewide sales tax holiday from August 6 through 15 to help families pay for back-to-school essentials. During this first-ever statewide sales tax holiday in Illinois, the 5 percent state portion of sales taxes collected at retail registers will be waived, while local government sales taxes will continue to be collected. Virtually all of the supplies that schools require children to have on the first day of school like paper, binders, pens, pencils, crayons, rulers, etc. will be eligible for the reduced sales tax rate. In addition, clothing that costs less than $100 per item, such as shoes, outerwear, uniforms, gloves, hats and mittens, are also eligible. The sales tax holiday does not apply to some items such as computers (including peripherals and supplies such as ink, flash drives and cables), and items needed for aftershool activities.   

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.

Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Boards

The following Village Commissions will meet this week:

  • Plan Commission – Tuesday, August 3 at 7 p.m.
  • Economic Development Advisory Group – Wednesday, August 4 at 7 p.m.
  • Senior Citizens Advisory Commission – Thursday, August 5 at 1 p.m.

Environment Commission – Thursday, August 5 at 7 p.m. (NOTE:  The Environment Commission will hold its August meeting outdoors in the DownTown Village Green.  In the event of rain, the meeting will be held at Village Hall.)

All meetings are held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.  Residents are encouraged to attend.

‘Green’ Events

Park Forest Environment Commission

‘Breaking Away’ Environmental Movie Screening – Thursday, August 5

The Park Forest Environment Commission and Holiday Star Theater will screen the movie “Breaking Away” on Thursday, August 5 outdoors in the DownTown Village Green at 7 p.m. Tickets are $4 per person. Restrooms and concessions will be available inside the Holiday Star Theater. In case of rain, the movie will be shown indoors. For additional information, call 708-283-9096.

Rain Barrel Sale – Saturday, August 7

On Saturday, August 7, the Park Forest Environment will hold its monthly rain barrel sale at the Farmers Market. Rain barrels are priced at $55 (55 gallon barrel) and $45 (30 gallon barrel). Rain barrel accessories such as bases, diverter attachments and netting will also be available for sale. Saturday’s sale is limited to the colors on-hand. If you wish to order a specific color, please stop by the Recreation & Parks Department at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive to order the color of your choice. Tumbling composters will also be available for sale for $110.

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

Final 2010 Main Street Nights Event – Wednesday, August 4

Soda and Screening of Movie ‘Up’

Starting at 7 p.m., Soda will capture your heart and soul with one of the most diverse playlists. From Johnny Cash to Dave Matthews, to Styx and John Mayer, this band can do it all. At dusk, the PG rated movie ‘Up’ will be shown.

Grab a blanket, pack a snack and position yourself in Park Forest’s DownTown Village Green, (Cunningham and Main Streets) for this FREE entertainment. In case of rain, performances will be moved to Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd. Call the recorded message at 708-283-5647 for weather-related changes or cancellations. For additional information, call the Parks & Recreation office at 708-748-2005.

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

This Week at the Park Forest Library

Tuesday, August 3 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Wii/Movie Event
  7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. PJ Storytime
Wednesday, August 4 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Lap, Sit Storytime
  11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Toddler Art
Thursday, August 5 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Summer Reading Finale

For more information, call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.

Jazz in the Park for Charity – Sunday, August 8

Nationally renowned jazz musicians Nick Colionne, Bethany Pickens and Corey Wilkes will headline this year’s Jazz in the Park for Charity at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 8 at Olympia Field’s Bicentennial Park located on 203rd Street between Governors Highway and Kedzie Avenue. The event benefits area not-for-profit organizations. In addition to live jazz performance, the afternoon will feature food from fine local restaurants and a silent auction. Tickets are $50 per person. To purchase tickets or for additional information, visit www.jazzintheparkforcharity.com.

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

The Wedding Singer – Through August 7

The Southland Area Theatre Ensemble (SLATE) at GSU will present the musical comedy “The Wedding Singer” as its 2010 summer production. The play will be performed on Friday, August 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 7 at 7:30 p.m. “The Wedding Singer,” based on the popular tale of romance in the hit 1998 film starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore has been nominated for five Tonys during its celebrated run on Broadway. Tickets are $18 and $21 for adults and $16 and $19 for students. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.

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].

2010 Autumn Art Odyssey – Registration Deadline, August 11

Pack your overnight bag for the 2010 Autumn Art Odyssey, an unforgettable trip to some of the Midwest’s greatest art and architectural treasures being held on September 9 and 10. Participants will examine the relationship between art and architecture as they visit two Frank Lloyd Wright masterworks in southern Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the Lynden Sculptural Park. Cost of the 2010 Autumn Art Odyssey is $295, which represents the actual expenses for the two-day excursion and includes round-trip bus transportation, various tours, overnight lodging at Milwaukee’s historic Pfister Hotel, and box lunch on the first day of the trip. A deposit of $100 is due by Wednesday, August 11. For more information about 2010 Autumn Art Odyssey, call 708-534-4486 or visit [email protected].

CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead

Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, August 5

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.

Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, IL

Annual Garage Sale – Donate Your ‘Stuff’

 On Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Union Street Gallery will hold its annual Garage Sale. You got stuff? We need your stuff! Despite all the fun, unique and vintage items already received, the Gallery is still in need of more stuff to sell. Clean out your closet, raid grandma’s attic and bring it to the Gallery. All donations are tax deductible and the Gallery will provide you with a receipt. No clothes, TVs, computers or big, heavy furniture can be accepted. For more information, call 708-754-2601.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest

Roots and Shoots – Saturday, August 7

On Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. to Noon, children ages 5 through 10 are encouraged to explore the environment, their community and the world around them in this monthly program. There is a monthly fee of $5 per child. For more information, call 708-747-6320.

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 5

Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables are coming to GSU at its first-ever outdoor farmers market on Thursday, August 5 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

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.

Fresh Produce Available for Low-Income Families – Wednesday, August 4

The Greater Chicago Food Depository offers a Fresh Produce Day for low-income residents on a the first Wednesday of every month, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the transportation garage of Rich Township, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park. Please note that doors do not open until 9:30 a.m. All south suburban residents in need are eligible to pick up a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. For additional information, call Pantry Director Vicki Sline at 708-748-6722.

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.

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

Park Forest Recreation & Parks, 350 Victory Dr., Park Forest

Lake Geneva Luncheon Cruise Senior Trip – Register by Friday, August 6

On Friday, August 13, you can relax and enjoy all the scenic beauty of the lake as you cruise around Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. You will view all the surrounding unique estates including Black Pointe Estate, the Yerkes Observatory and villages of Williams Bay and Fontana. Enjoy a buffet lunch which includes an entrée, fruit, sides and dessert. After the cruise, take some time to visit the 54th Annual Lake Geneva Antique Show & Sale where 25 outstanding dealers will be selling jewelry, silver, glass, china, furniture, linen and art in Lake Geneva’s beautiful Horticultural Hall and historic Episcopal Church building. There is a fee of $74 per person which includes coach bus, luncheon cruise, and admission to the show. Register by Friday, August 6 at the Recreation & Parks Department at Park Forest Village Hall. For additional information or to register by phone with a credit card, call 708-748-2005.

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 5

On Thursday, August 5 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

Refreshing Times Senior Ministry – Friday, August 6

On Friday, August 6 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., adults 55 and older are invited to join this monthly support fellowship that combines food, interactive Christian bible study, informative workshops, arts and crafts and birthday celebrations. For more information, call Mattie Morgan at 708-503-6536.

Back to School Fun Night – Friday, August 6

On Friday, August 6 at 7 p.m., the Education Department of Hallelujah Temple will give out school supplies, screen a movie, and provide parents with practical information in preparation for the new school year. For more information, call Reece Dickens at 708-503-6536.

2010 Good Egg Award – Nominations Due August 9

The Park Forest Commission on Human Relations is accepting nominations for the Good Egg Award which recognizes leadership and community service that has had a significant impact on fostering inter-group relations and equal opportunity in the South Suburbs.

The award honors youth and adults, who have made an extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of life in their communities through human relations and human rights advocacy.

Residents may nominate one or more individuals by writing to Evelyn Sterling, Community Relations Coordinator, Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive, Park Forest, IL 60466 or by email to [email protected]. The deadline for nomination is August 6, 2010. Download the nomination form at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com.

Winners of the award will be notified by the Commission on Human Relations Chair, Alfreda Keller. For more information contact Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621.

Illinois Department on Aging Senior Hall of Fame – Nominations Due 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, Holiday Star Theater websites.


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