In and Around Park Forest Week of August 29, 2011

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)-August 29, 2011. The Park Forest Commission on Human Relations will present the ‘2011 Good Egg Awards’ to Regin Oni and Bets Hofsommer during a ceremony in their honor at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. The ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on Monday, September 12 prior to the Village Board Meeting. Residents are encouraged to attend. If you plan on attending, please RSVP by contacting Evelyn Sterling, Community Relations Coordinator at 708-283-5621.

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 Meetings

Village of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings

The following Park Forest Advisory Boards will meet the week of August 25:

• Thursday, September 1 at 1 p.m. – Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
• Thursday, September 1 at 7 p.m. – Environment Commission

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

Arts & Entertainment

Village of Park Forest & Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 N. Orchard Dr., Park Forest

4th Annual Good Neighbor Day – Saturday, September 10

Join us for a day of food, fun and games at the 4th Annual Good Neighbor Day that will take place on Saturday, September 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of Calvary United Protestant Church (corner of Orchard Drive & Route 30 – Lincoln Highway). The event is free and open to the public.

Village of Park Forest Charity Softball Game – Rescheduled for Saturday, September 17

Due to last Saturday’s rainy weather, the Charity Softball Game between the Park Forest Fire and Police Departments has been rescheduled to Saturday, September 17 beginning at 6 p.m. at Central Park, 420 Lakewood Boulevard. A cash raffle will be held with the proceeds to benefit the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Burn Camp and Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.). First prize is $1,000; Second prize is $500; Third and Fourth prizes are $250. Raffle tickets are $5 each and can be purchased now or at the event. For additional information on the day’s events or to purchase raffle tickets, contact the Fire Department at 708-748-5605 or the Police Department at 708-748-9536.

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

Youth Services Programs

On-going Youth Services Programs will resume on September 12. For questions or additional information, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.

Library Closure

The Park Forest Library will be closed Sundays during the summer.

Park Forest Recreation & Parks

October Senior Trip – Spirit of Chicago Lunch Cruise – Tickets Now on Sale

Tickets are now on sale for the Spirit of Chicago Lunch Cruise that will take place on Thursday, October 13. True to its name, the Spirit of Chicago is a lively and engaging ship that provides the friendly atmosphere Chicago is known for. Not only does it offer great views of Chicago’s magnificent skyline, it also features unique entertainment put on by the talented wait staff. You’ll enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat lunch buffet featuring a bountiful array of freshly-made salads and entrees; a dessert station that is sure to please anyone’s sweet tooth; DJ entertainment; and great singing and dancing numbers. Coffee, tea, and iced tea are included. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages can be purchased at an additional cost. After the cruise you’ll have time on your own to enjoy Navy Pier’s shops, recreational and exhibition facilities. Tickets are $70 and include round-trip coach bus, the cruise, lunch and show. The bus will depart from Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd., at 10:30 a.m. and return at approximately 5 p.m. Registration deadline is Monday, September 26. Keep in mind that this trip fills up quickly, so register early. Tickets can be purchased at the Recreation and Parks Department of Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, or by phone with a credit card by calling 708-748-2005. Mention code 348600-1.

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

6th Annual Appearance of Barbary Coast Dixieland Band – Tickets Now on Sale

The 6th Annual Appearance of the Barbary Coast Dixieland Band will take place on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at Faith United Protestant Church. The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band has been together since 1967. Elected to the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 2001 and rated among the finest entertainers in the Midwest, the band has played everywhere from the Mississippi paddlewheel boats and the Minnesota State Fair, to Nagasaki, Japan. Tickets are $12 per person. 10% of the proceeds of the event will be donated to the Rich Township Pantry. Tickets sell quickly, so get yours today. Call the Church Office at 708-747-1330 to purchase tickets or for additional information. To learn more about the Barbary Coast Dixieland Band, visit www.barbary-coast.com.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

13th Annual ‘Swingin’ With the Symphony’ Golf Outing – Tickets Now on Sale

On Sunday, September 18, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra will present its 13th Annual ‘Swingin’ With the Symphony’ Golf outing at Lincolnshire Country Club, 390 E. Richton Rd., Crete, IL. Registration and check in begin at 11 a.m. with lunch served at 11:30 a.m. Shotgun start will begin at noon. At 5 p.m., cocktails will be served followed by dinner and prizes. Single Golfer Reservation is $150 which includes lunch, golf, cart and dinner. Dinner only tickets are $50 which includes dinner with a cash bar available. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and its education programs. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-481-7774 or visit www.ipomusic.org.

Garden Club of Park Forest

Donations Still Needed to Help Beautify Park Forest Blue Star Marker

In 1945, the National Council of Garden Clubs started the Blue Star Marker project as a way to honor members of the Armed Forces. Signs with big blue stars were purchased by garden clubs and placed in all states along major highways to honor all members and branches of the military. The Blue Star Marker that belongs to the Garden Club of Park Forest was moved last fall to the corner of Orchard Avenue and Lakewood Boulevard – across the street from the Park Forest Library. In cooperation with the Village of Park Forest and American Legion Post #1198, the Park Forest Garden Club has designed new foundations and perennial plantings for this very large site. The first phase of the project will cost $5,000 to implement. If you would like to help with this very worth-while cause, you can make a tax-deductible contribution. Checks should be made out to the Garden Club of Park Forest with ‘Blue Star Marker Project’ written in the memo section and sent to: Loretta Madix, Treasurer, 125 Sycamore, Frankfort, IL 60423.

Park Forest Historical Society, 400 Forest Blvd., Park Forest

Park Forest House Museum – Every Saturday

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Blvd. Park Forest, is open Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment. It is an original rental townhome decorated as it might have looked from 1946 – 1953 during the first five years of Park Forest. 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.

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

2011 – 2012 Season Tickets Now on Sale

Tickets for the 2011 – 2012 Season at Freedom Hall’s Nathan Manilow Theatre are now on sale. Select only three entertainment events and you qualify as a series Subscriber. Not only will you save money by becoming a Subscriber, you will have first choice of seats. There is a liberal ticket exchange policy for Subscribers and you’ll never hear, “Sorry, Sold Out” for the event of your choice. The Main Series performances include: Abraxas – Santana Tribute Band; The Marcy Daneille ‘6’ featuring Chris Greene; Peter Mayer ‘Stars and Promises’; Hot 8 Brass Band; Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago; and LUMA. The Senior Series performances are ‘3 Blonde Moms’; Mac Frampton; Maureen Christine’s Holiday Harmonies; Ryan DeHues; The Dooley Brothers; and The New Invaders. The Family Theatre will present ‘Masked Marvels & Wondertales,’ and ‘The Great Green Adventures of R-Man.

For additional information on the scheduled entertainment events or to purchase tickets, call 708-747-0580 or visit: www.freedomhall.org

Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park

Opera Up Close Lyric Opera Preview — Tickets Now on Sale

On Sunday, September 18 at 4 p.m. you can add some grandeur to your afternoon with this preview event of the Lyric Opera’s 57th season. Singers from Lyric Opera of Chicago perform selections from the upcoming 2011-2012 Lyric season, including highlights from: Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann, Verdi’s Aida, Jerome Kern’s Showboat, and more. Viennese pastries and coffee will be offered during this intimate performance on The Center’s stage. Tickets are $37. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-235-2222 or visit: www.centertickets.net.

Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights

‘Collective’ – Through September 24

This year’s Studio and Guild Artists Exhibit ‘Collective’ will and run through Saturday, September 24. The theme addresses the idea of a number of individuals joined together, sharing common interests or goals, but also suggests that the works themselves will all have a number of elements or motifs that are repeated and joined within each single piece. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information, call the Gallery at 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

‘Debut’ – Through September 24

‘Debut’ is an exhibit featuring pieces of art created by Union Street Gallery Members who are artists runs through Saturday, September 24. This exhibit is very diverse, featuring quality work from both emerging artists and professional artists. Members exhibiting hail from as local as Chicago Heights and from as far as Pennsylvania. Exhibiting artists are Max Victor Alper, CouSandra Armstron, Dale Augustson, Claudia Craemer, Karen DalSanto-Edelbrock, Pam Eberlin, Nancy Frazier, Margie Glass-Sula, Helen Hnatusko, Peggy Lehocky, Selma Lisit, Harriet Miller, Jim O’Leary, Cheryl Osby, Gisele Perreault, and Emmanuel Turner.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

Adult Learning Exchange Fall 2011 Schedule of Classes

The Adult Learning Exchange (T.A.L.E.) will hold five classes on Fridays, September 9th – October 28th (8-week session) at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL. Three Friday morning classes are scheduled:

• “Freud” with facilitators Keith Kemp and Karen Pedigo PhD, Clinical Psychologist, 10:00a.m. – 12:00 noon;
• “Topics in Science” with facilitator Al Sturges, 10:00a.m. – 12:00 noon; and
• Film Series: “Fast Forward” with facilitator Suzanne Patterson, 9:30a.m. – 12:00 noon

Friday afternoon classes (1 p.m. -3 p.m.) will be:

• “Socrates V:Aspects of Love” with facilitator Diane Moses, and
• “Melville as Cultural Criticism” (Moby Dick) with facilitator D. Stanley Moore

T.A.L.E. is a partnership program of JCC Chicago and Governors State University. These programs are designed to provide an opportunity for adults in the greater South Suburban and Northwest Indiana region to find pleasure in intellectual challenges and the acquisition and sharing of knowledge.
Download the brochure at http://www.gojcc.org/downloads/adult/TALEBrochure.pdf
For more information, questions about courses or the program itself, please contact Suzanne Patterson at [email protected] or at 708-420-0563.

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

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.

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.

Green Events

Thorn Creek Audubon Society (TCAS)

Hummingbird Events – September 7 and September 8

On Wednesday, September 7 at 7 p.m., Thorn Creek Audubon Society will sponsor a slide program on hummingbirds and hummingbird festivals in Illinois. Vernon Kleen, a retired avian ecologist, will explain the status of hummingbirds in Illinois, hummingbird banding, and what happens at hummingbird festivals. The program will be held at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd., Park Forest.

On Thursday, September 8 at 10 a.m., a Hummingbird Festival will take place where area birders will have a chance to learn about hummingbirds and see them at close range. Hummingbirds will be captured and banded by Vernon Kleen who is one of only three licensed hummingbird banders in Illinois. Participants will have a chance to adopt a hummer by making a $5 contribution to the Illinois Audubon Land Acquisition Fund. Donors will receive a special adoption certificate with information about their bird. If the bird is recaptured, the donor will be notified. This program, sponsored by TCAS and the Village of Park Forest, will take place at the Park Forest Wetland Discovery Center, 30 N. Orchard, Park Forest (next to the Park Forest Aqua Center).

Both programs are free and open to the public. For additional information, call TCAS at 708-748-6407.

Park Forest Farmers’ Market

The Farmers’ Market will be held each Saturday through October, rain or shine, from 7 a.m. to 12 noon in the Holiday Star Theater parking lot (across the street from the Park Forest Police Department). Enjoy fresh produce, locally grown and just picked, organic produce, cheese, bakery goods along with an array of plants for your garden.

Park Forest Environment Commission

Rain Barrel Sales at Farmers Market –Final 2011 Sales Date Saturday, September 10

The Park Forest Environment Commission will hold its final rain barrel sale for the 2011 season at the Farmers Market on Saturday, September 10. For additional information on rain barrels, please e-mail Jim Saxton at [email protected].

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)

School Physicals for 2011 – 2012 School Year – Final Date for Physicals September 9

Preschool, Kindergarten, Sixth and Ninth Grade children of Park Forest and the surrounding area can get a school physical for the 2011 – 2012 school year at the Park Forest Health Department. Parents must bring child’s immunization record at appointment time. For additional information and the dates/times when school physicals will be given, visit: www.villageofparkforest.com.

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

Prairie State College, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights

Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. to Speak on Race Relations – Thursday, September 1

Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D. 2nd, IL) will speak on “The State of Race Relations Today” on Thursday, September 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Prairie State College. A question and answer session will follow. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call Eugene Dumas at 708-709-3797 or e-mail at [email protected].

The Park Forest Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG)

Seeking Nominees for Park Forest Business Person of the Year Award

Do you know a Park Forest business owner who has made a difference for you or someone you know? You can nominate individuals, civic groups, and/or businesses who are committed to community service to receive this year’s award. Completed nomination forms should be submitted to EDAG in care of the Village of Park Forest no later than October 31, 2011. Contact Sandra Zoellner at [email protected] or 708-283-5623 for additional information.

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.

Rainbow Café

Monthly Meeting – Saturday, September 3

The Rainbow Café is an opportunity for single or partnered gays, lesbians, bisexuals or other sexual minorities, and their allies, over age 18 to meet one another and socialize in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Those attending are encouraged to bring some non-alcoholic drinks and a dessert or snack to pass, or bring a financial donation. However, neither is mandatory.
The Rainbow Café is held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Unitarian-Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore, Park Forest.

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.

Cook County Commission Holding Low-Cost Rabies Vaccine & Microchip Clinics Through November 9

Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy is currently sponsoring clinics that provide low-cost rabies vaccines and microchips for dogs, cats and ferrets. The clinics are for Cook County residents only and will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through November 9, from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at various locations throughout the County. Vaccines and microchips will be provided for dogs and cats for $7 for a one-year vaccine; $21 for a three-year vaccine; $9 for ferrets one-year vaccine; and $10 for microchip identification. Mobile clinic services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Pet owners must present a valid Driver’s License or State ID as proof of residency. For public safety, all pets must be leashed or caged at all times. For additional information, including a listing of dates and locations, or for transportation assistance, click here.

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.

Sources: Park Forest 2011 Summer Recreation Programs & More Brochure; Rich Township Report; Park Forest Historical Society, Village of Park Forest, Governors State University, Center for Performing Arts, South Suburban Family Shelter, Park Forest Historical Society, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Illinois Theatre Center, Sertoma Centre, Inc., CAUTION, Union Street Gallery, Monkey Mind Art Studio, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.