Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of August 9, 2010


Foot path

A foot and bike bridge crosses a creek in one of the Village’s many parks. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)— August 9, 2010. In just a matter of weeks, many will be sending their children away to college. Parents are reminded to take some time to discuss common sense fire safety with their children. While children may be well-versed with your home fire safety plan, it’s safe to assume that during the exciting days ahead, this may not be a priority concern for those experiencing college for the first time. The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall has provided some good information about fire safety in an article you can find here.

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 9 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 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:

  • Youth Commission – Tuesday, August 10 at 7 p.m.
  • Commission on Human Relations – Tuesday, August 10 at 7:30 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.

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.

Fundraising Event

Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood, Park Forest

Back to School Bash & Bike-A-Thon for Alex – Saturday, August 14

On Saturday, August 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Celebration Ministries is hosting a Back to School Bash & Bike-A-Thon fundraiser for Alex, the 10 month old son of Homewood residents Myriam and Gerald Hilton. Baby Alex is battling histiocytosis, a rare and potentially fatal blood disorder. Twenty percent of the proceeds raised will go to the Histiocytosis Association of America with the remaining funds going to assist Alex’s family with the cost of his daily care and treatment. The afternoon will also feature the opportunity to register to become a bone marrow donor. The event will begin at 10 a.m. with the Park Forest Fire Department sharing bicycle safety tips. In addition, there will be food, music, games, a jumpy house and raffles available through the day. Activities are free and there is a nominal charge for food. A $10 donation is requested but not required. For more information about the fundraiser, call Megan Miller at 708-341-0841 or visit: www.savemyalex.com.

Arts & Entertainment

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

This Week at the Park Forest Library

Friday, August 13 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Afternoon at the Movies

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

Sgt. Means Park, 20712 Western Ave., Olympia Fields

2nd Annual Wine, Concert Movie in the Park – Friday, August 13

On Friday, August 13 beginning at 7 p.m., the 2nd Annual Wine, Concert Movie in the Park event will take place at Sgt. Means Park in Olympia Fields. Music and wine tasting for the adults will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. while children can enjoy themselves on the inflatable jump. At dusk, the academy award winning movie ‘Up’ will be shown. There is a fee of $4 per person prior to the event with the admission being $5 the day of the event. Kids under 4 are free. Bring the whole family and your lawn chairs for one of your last summer outings under the stars. For more information, visit: http://www.olympiafieldsparkdistrict.org/Sgt-Means-history.htm

Great Day of Music & Love with Dunmore Music – Saturday, August 14

On Saturday, August 14 beginning at 5 p.m., Dunmore Music will present a Great Day of Love and Music in the Village Green in DownTown Park Forest, Cunningham & Main Streets. Performances will include Samotta Acklin, former Ink Spot, Joe Cato, Brenda Morris Williams, Rev. Maurice Jackson, Chuck Finley, John Gaden, Karan Ren’e, 8 year old, Kenari Allison and the cast of great people from Dunmore Music. A donation of $10 is requested.

Rock-N-Roll McDonalds, Lincoln Hwy. & Western Ave., Olympia Fields

2nd Annual ‘McBash’ – Saturday, August 14

On Saturday, August 14 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Randy Conn, owner/operator of the Olympia Fields Rock-N-Roll McDonalds, will hold its 2nd Annual McBash. The live entertainment will include blues band, Mo Beats, classic rock by Steve Lyell, Soulful Bliss that performs the music of Michael Jackson, Deuces Wild, Circle and, Jerry Vernon and Acie. People will need to bring their lawn chairs and appetites to the event. There will be ‘chair side’ car hops to take your orders and dancers from South Suburban Sports Complex will perform. Admission is free. For more information, visit: www.mcillinois.com/10743.

“Real Men Don’t Cry: The War Within” – Tickets Now on Sale

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

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 12

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’ – Saturday, August 14

 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

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

Trail Work Day – Saturday, August 14

On Saturday, August 14 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., those 15 years and older can give back to Thorn Creek Woods and help staff and volunteers with much needed trail repairs. Community service groups are welcome. Please call ahead to Tara Janisch at 708-747-6320.

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

Free Early Childhood Education Workshops

Lisa Murphy, the Ooey Gooey Lady® will present two free workshops on August 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and August 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in GSU’s Sherman Hall. Murphy, a well-known early childhood educator and strong advocate of play based learning, uses humor and real life anecdotes to engage workshop attendees and share information and activities that combine learning, laughter and play. She offers inspiration and a wealth of hands-on activities for early childhood educators to use to crate child-centered, play-based learning. The workshops are 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 12

Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables are coming to GSU at its first-ever outdoor farmers market on Thursday, August 12 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.

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

Community Relations & Park Forest Ambassadors

Wine & Chocolate Tasting – Friday – August 13

On Friday, August 13, beginning at 7 p.m., come to the Wine & Chocolate Tasting at Tall Grass Association & Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walk in DownTown Park Forest. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. If your purchase 4 or more tickets, the ticket price is $10. Tickets can be purchased at the Village of Park Forest or online for a nominal fee at: www.myeasytix.com. If you missed this event in the past, you do not want to miss this one.

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 12

On Thursday, August 12 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.

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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