In and Around Park Forest Week of December 12, 2010

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—December 12, 2010. Do you have a family recipe that you would like to share with others in Park Forest? On Wednesday, December 15, the Park Forest Library will begin accepting your recipes for inclusion in a community cookbook. For more information about this project, contact the Adult Services desk at the Library at 708-748-3731.

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 Meetings

Village Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, December 13 at 8 p.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. 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.

The agenda for Monday’s meeting is available here. (Note: This link goes directly to the current board agenda. If accessed after this week, this link will point to the agenda for the next meeting).

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 and Boards will meet this week:

• Commission on Human Relations – Tuesday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m.
• Housing Authority – Thursday, December 16 at 6 p.m.

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

Holiday Gift Ideas & Events

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

Nancy Hays Christmas Show –Tuesday, December 14

On Tuesday, December 14 at 11 a.m., audience favorite Nancy Hays and the Robert Benson Ensemble return to share their passion and excellence in a live performance of holiday standards and American holiday classics, concluding with a holiday sing along to put you in the mood for this wonderful season of hope, peace and joy. Tickets are $11. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-503-7737 or visit www.freedomhall.org to order tickets online.

Center For Performing Arts at GSU, 1 University Parkway, University Park

"The Fantastic Toyshop" –Saturday December 18

On Saturday, December 18 at 3 p.m., celebrate the holiday season and the joy of giving with the story of a struggling toy shop owner who helps a mysterious customer find the perfect toy. Tickets start at $10.50. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.

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.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Harris Holiday Concert –Saturday, December 18 & Sunday, December 19

On Saturday, December 18 and Sunday, December 19 at 3 p.m., bring family and friends to the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s annual crowd pleaser – an event for all ages. The concert will be held at Lincoln-Way East Performing Arts Center, 201 Colorado Ave., Frankfort, IL. Hubert the Lion will greet you before the concert, and then get into the spirit of the season in style and song. In addition to perennial favorite holiday tunes, sing-alongs and magical moments for orchestra and chorus, new this season, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra brings you Scrooge!, a musical version of the classic Charles Dickens tale. Tickets are priced at $30 and $40 and are selling quickly. For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s website at: http://ipomusic.org/ or call 708-481-7774.

League of Women Voters of Park Forest

Holiday Get Together, Monday, December 13

On Monday, December 13 at 6:30 p.m., the League of Women Voters of Park Forest is hosting a Holiday Get Together at 622 Old Forge Lane, University Park. Bing a friend who is interested in the League and some holiday food to share.

Monkey Mind Art Studio & Gallery, 3 W. Nebraska, Frankfort, IL

First Annual Holly Daze Extravaganza – Through December 21

Monkey Mind Art Studio & Gallery is holding its 1st Annual holly Daze Extravaganza through December 21. Art supply gift packs and gift certificates good towards classes, workshops, art supplies and art are available for holiday gift giving. The Gallery will also be holding special studio events throughout the month featuring artists, classes, teachers and practitioners associated with Monkey Mind. If the Holidays are beginning to Daze you, stop by for a glass of wine, walk around the gallery and let us be a part of your holiday stress relief. For a complete list of events, gallery hours, and coupon to receive an additional 10% off of art supplies, visit: http://www.monkeymindartstudio.com.

Park Forest Historical Society (PFHS)

Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard (Corner of Forest & Fir) — Holiday Events

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum will have Thanksgiving decorations on display through November.
Advance tickets are now on sale for the December exhibit, "Step Back into a 1950s Christmas," open Saturday December 18. Tickets are $3.00 for adults; children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Tickets can be purchased from PFHS Board Members which are listed in the Historical Society section of eNews Park Forest.

The Museum is open on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Group tours are by appointment. Call 708-481-4252.

America’s Original GI Town: Park Forest, Illinois (2nd edition) – Now on Sale

Signed copies of America’s Original GI Town: Park Forest, Illinois, by Gregory Randall, are for sale at the 1950s Park Forest House Museum, Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for $25 per copy. A portion of the book sales will benefit the PFHS

Bricks from DownTown Marshall Fields Store for Sale

The PFHS will be selling bricks from the old Marshall Field’s department store in Park Forest on Saturdays during December at the House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard. Bricks will be available for $15 each or two for $25 and come with a certificate of authenticity.

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

“The Santa Clause” Movie Marathon – Saturday, December 18

On Saturday, December 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. “The Santa Clause” movie marathon will be held at the Library. Enjoy live holiday music, hot cocoa, and cookies. For those ages 4 to 104.

Holiday Sale – Now in Progress

The Park Forest’s Library’s annual holiday sale is now is progress. Items available include bags of pecans for $9; calendars for $6; Friends of the Library Mugs for $6; Pecans & Calendar for $14; Pecans & Mug for $14; and Mug & Calendar for $11. Buy now for a great holiday gift. See Patron Services for a full selection of pecans.

Rich Township Offering Free Bus Service for the Holidays – December 13 through December 23

Rich Township is offering senior citizens and disabled residents free transportation during the holiday season for their shopping needs. Free bus service will be provided for shopping only from Monday, December 13 through Wednesday, December 23. Call 708-748-6727 at least one hour in advance to reserve a ride. In order for the Township to accommodate all of its customers, please limit parcels to only two packages per ride during this very busy season.

Rotary Club of Park Forest

29th Annual Poinsettia Sale Fundraiser

This fundraiser began as a unique effort to meet personal and professional holiday season decorating needs. At the time of its inception, no other club was selling poinsettias and delivered them at no additional cost! Twenty-eight years later we still offer beautiful, affordable plants personally delivered by our dedicated Rotarians at no extra cost! For church deliveries we can accommodate delivery to coincide with your church’s holiday decorating timeframe. All profits go directly to fund the club’s local service projects that benefit the youth and elderly and to Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate polio worldwide.

Orders may be faxed, mailed or called in. ORDER FORM

For additional information, contact Denyse Carreras at: [email protected]

Golden Opportunities

Are you looking for a unique gift for a friend, family member or co-worker? Golden Opportunities is the only coupon book that offers coupons at favorite LOCAL restaurants, movies, groceries, sporting events and much more! Coupons are valid once a month and a single coupon can offer you hundreds of dollars in savings. Customers can receive 50% off and 2 for 1 discounts. Golden Opportunity Books are $25. Proceeds from the sales support the Rotary Club of Park Forest’s Early Act program – a school-wide service club for elementary students from ages 5 to 13. The Rotary Club of Park Forest sponsors two clubs at Forest Trail Junior High School in Park Forest. Books can be purchased by calling Jerome Brown at 773-41601441 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main St., Park Forest

20th Annual Holiday Arts Sale – Through December 22

Salon Artists Gallery’s 20th Annual Holiday Arts Sale is now in progress and will continue through Wednesday, December 22. Original one-of-a kind artwork that will make unique gifts, will be available at affordable prices. Jewelry will be 10% off and paintings 20% off. Project Share Food Pantry donations are welcome. Gallery hours are Tues and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday and Friday from Noon to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 4 p.m. For additional information, call 708-833-5108 or 708-748-3946

Tall Grass Arts Association, 267 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Mini-Gallery/Gift Shop

Why not give a gift for the holidays that is unique, handcrafted and exceptionally high quality? The annual holiday show of gallery artists will feature smaller, more affordable art, perfect for gift-giving such as hand blown glass, stained glass and origami ornaments, jewelry, scarves, pens, prints, paintings, cards, boxes, ceramic casseroles, mugs and much more. 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.

Thorn Creek Audubon Society (TCAS), Park Forest

‘Natural’ Christmas Gift Ideas

For Christmas ideas that give back to nature, TCAS offers a variety of cards that can be sent for the holidays or may also be used for small gifts. Holiday cards featuring birds such as geese and cardinals are available at $4 for a packet of six, including envelopes. Other cards feature six different flowers of nearby Raccoon Grove, taken by former TCAS member Warren Buck. New this year is a set of cards with pictures of Japanese flower arrangements, Ikebana, done by TCAS member Charles Habecker. Birdhouses for Eastern Bluebirds and one for House Wrens at $15 each are also available. All can be purchased by calling Aura Duke at 708-748-6407.

Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights

"Twelfth Month" – Through December 23

Union Street Gallery’s Annual Holiday Exhibit and Sale, "Twelfth Month" is open to the public through Thursday, December 23. Come and experience the exhibit with family and friends, shop the boutiques and find unique, affordable holiday gifts made by local artists. While at Union Street, enjoy free hot chocolate, coffee, and snacks. For additional information or gallery hours, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

Arts & Entertainment

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:

• Monday, December 13 at 10:30 a.m. – Storytime for children ages 2 and older
• Tuesday, December 14 at 3:30 p.m. – Free Homework Helpers
• Tuesday, December 14 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
• Tuesday, December 14 at 7 p.m. – Restaurant Reviewers Circle for adults. Reviewing Flavor Restaurant.
• Wednesday, December 15 at 10:15 a.m. – Lap Sit Story Times for those ages 3 and under
• Wednesday, December 15 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those ages 2 to 4
• Wednesday, December 15 at 2 p.m. – Drop-In Kids Recipe Craft
• Wednesday, December 15, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Recipe Card Craft. Drop in to create a beautiful recipe card craft to give as a gift or hang on a tree.
• Thursday, December 16 at 3:30 p.m. – Free Homework Helpers

For more information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.

Senior Travelogue

On Friday, December 17 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Shirley Green Sr. Center, 297 Liberty Dr., a video of travel to the Great Parks of Alaska will be shown.

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walk, Park Forest

"The Apple Tree" – Through Sunday, December 19

"The Apple Tree," a delightful musical comedy that consists of three one-act musicals based on stories by Mark Twain, Frank R. Stockton, and Jules Feiffer runs through Sunday, December 19. The songs are by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof). Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $22 on Friday and Saturday, $20 at all other times, with a $1 discount for students and seniors. For tickets, call (708) 481-3510 or visit www.ilthctr.org.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 267 Artists Walk, Park Forest

"Presents – Small Works for the Holidays" – Through January 16

"Presents – Small Works for the Holidays," featuring media and work not seen in the gallery before runs until Sunday, January 16, 2011. 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.

"Chicago Heights" at Gene Siskel Film Center – Through December 16

"Chicago Heights," an independent feature film will screen at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., Chicago through December 16. Governors State University associate professor Daniel Nearing and assistant professor Sanghoon Lee adapted "Winesburg, Ohio" by Sherwood Anderson, shifting the story from rural Ohio to suburban Chicago Heights. They produced "Chicago Heights" using students and resources from the new Master in Fine Arts in Independent Film and Digital Imaging program at GSU. For details on the film and to see the trailer, cast, and crew, visit www.923Films.com. For tickets and show time, visit Ticketmaster or the Gene Siskel Film Center website at www.siskelfilmcenter.org.

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights

‘Shifting Paradigms’ Exhibit –Through Wednesday, December 15

‘Shifting Paradigms,’ an art exhibit featuring two PSC alumni is now in progress and will run through Wednesday, December 15 at the college’s Christopher Art Gallery. The exhibit will feature photographs by PSC alumni Margaret Patton of Frankfort, and Karen Sparrow or Portage, Indiana. Both Sparrow’s and Patton’s photographs reconstruct images to present a distinct view of an alternate reality. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visits can also be made by appointment. For additional information or to make an appointment for a visit, call the PSC Foundation at 708-709-3636.

Rich Township Senior Chorus

Singers Needed

The Rich Township Senior Chorus is looking for people who love to sing. Any senior resident living in the south suburbs is welcome to join. The chorus performs twice a month for senior facilities throughout the south suburbs. For additional information about joining the chorus, call 708-748-5454.

CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead

Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, December 16

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.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

Consumer Fraud & Identify Theft Seminar – Wednesday, December 15

On Wednesday, December 15 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., State Representative Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) and a representative from Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s Office will host a Consumer Fraud and Identify Theft Seminar at Lynwood Village Hall, 21460 Lincoln Highway, Lynwood, IL. The purpose of the Seminar is to inform local citizens on the steps they can take to better protect themselves from various types of consumer fraud, including identity theft. The Seminar is free and open to the public. For additional information or to RSVP, call Representative DeLuca’s constituent service office at 708-672-0200.

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

Reading Tutoring Available – Limited Space

GSU’s Graduate Program in Reading is sponsoring The Literacy Zone, a reading tutorial program for students in grades six through high school on Tuesday, from February 1 through April 26 from 4:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This 12-week, one-to-one program brings students experiencing reading problems together with teachers who have the skills to help them. Students meet on the GSU campus will certified, experienced teachers enrolled in the Master of Arts Reading Program at GSU. Enrollment is limited and based on the number of tutors. Students will be accepted in the order in which the completed application and registration fee are received. There is a $70 registration fee. Snacks are provided at each session. Transportation is not provided. For additional information or to register, call 708-534-4122.

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

Junior Ecologist Club – Saturday, December 18
On Saturday, December 18 from 9 a.m. to Noon, children ages 11 – 15 can discover the woods in a new way and join naturalists to explore the woods and track seasonal changes. This event is held on the third Saturday of each month and there is a fee of $5 per child per month. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.

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

University of Illinois at Chicago

“Wild Things” A Chicago Wilderness Conference for People and Nature – Register Now

Early registration is now being accepted for the “Wild Things’ Wilderness Conference which will be held on March 5, 2011 at the University of Illinois at Chicago. This day-long conference will bring together the region’s best experts, most dedicated volunteers and anyone interested in nature. There will be technical presentations and interactive workshops of interest for everyone from beginners to experts. Topics include habitat management, advocacy, wildlife conservation, education, art, culture, history, backyard and neighborhood ecology. Register early through January 30 for only $28 at www.habitatproject.org. For questions or additional information, call 847-328-3910, extension 21 or email [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)

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

Park Forest Historical Society (PFHS)

Nominations for the Park Forest Hall of Fame Now Being Accepted Through December 15

Nominations for the Park Forest Hall of Fame are being accepted through December 15th. Nomination forms and Guidelines can be found at the 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Blvd., Park Forest on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the lobby of Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd., or on the Society’s website at www.parkforesthistory.org. Nominations can only be made through submission of the form. The 2011 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on April 3, 2011 at Freedom Hall.

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

C4 Underground Youth Gathering – Every Tuesday & Thursday

Youths in grades 6 and up are welcome to join us every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for fun and games, group discussion and a variety of activities. For more information, call Celebration Ministries at 708-748-1995.

Roots and Wings, 215 Nashua St., Park Forest

Current Events Topic Group – Every Monday

Join us every Monday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. as we gather to talk about God, us, the world and how they all work together. Roots and Wings is located behind Celebration Ministries. For more information, contact Celebration Ministries at 708-748-1995.

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.

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.

Sources: Park Forest 2010 Autumn Recreation Programs & More; Park Forest Fall/Winter 2010-2011 Recreation Programs & More; Rich Township Report; Village of Park Forest, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Center for Performing Arts, South Suburban Family Shelter, Park Forest Historical Society, Illinois Theatre Center, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, Sertoma Centre, Inc., Rotary Club of Park Forest, Union Street Gallery, Monkey Mind Art Studio & Gallery, CAUTION, Thorn Creek Audubon Society, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.