Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—February 1, 2010. At 7:30 AM EST on Tuesday, February 2 in Pennsylvania Punxsutawney Phil will emerge while observers anxiously look to see if his shadow appears. Legend has it that if Phil sees his shadow we can anticipate six more weeks of winter. Groundhogs throughout the United States will similarly look for their shadows in an effort to predict the start of Spring. But while we long for Spring, don’t forget that this season will make additional demands on our schedules as we prepare for gardening season. So make the most of this time and experience some of the activities and events occurring in our community this week or in the near future.
Please Note: Until February 19th e-mail information concerning your community activities or events being held during the upcoming week to Gary Kopycinski at [email protected] with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd.
Temporary Closing for On-Going Renovation Project Through February 15
As part of its continuing renovations, the Park Forest Library is temporarily closed as of Sunday, January 31 to allow Phase 1 of the project to be completed. The library will remain closed until Monday, February 15 at 10 a.m. Books and other materials may be returned during this time at the library’s book drop which is located on the west side of the building near the rear entrance. During the closing, no book donations can be accepted. For more information, please call 708-748-3731, or visit the library’s website at: www.PFPL.org.
Park Forest Teacher’s Institute Day February 2
Gainers Gymnastics, 300 Victory Dr., Park Forest
Educational, recreational and cultural activities will be provided along with healthy snacks. Gainers provides a safe environment for children when school is not in session. For more information, call Judy or Karon at 708-481-2261.
Village of Park Forest Meetings
Village Board Meeting
The Village Board is scheduled to meet on Monday, February 1 at 8 p.m. In addition, a Rules Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 9 at 10 a.m. All Board meetings are held at Village Hall and 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 Boards and Commissions will meet the week of February 1:
- Plan Commission – Tuesday, February 2 at 7 p.m.
- Economic Development Advisory Group – Wednesday, February 3 at 7 p.m.
- Senior Citizens Advisory Commission – Thursday, February 4 at 1 p.m.
- Environment Commission – Thursday, February 4 at 7 p.m.
The meetings will be held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Healthy Living
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway
Blood Drive – February 3
GSU’s Masters in Occupational Therapy student organization and Heartland Blood Centers are co-hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, February 3 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Engbretson Hall on the GSU campus. Community members are encouraged to donate blood. No appointment is required. Donors are reminded to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water prior to donating. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 100 pounds and be in good health. Sixteen year olds may donate with parental consent. A photo ID is required. For additional information, please call 708-534-5000.
Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (lower level)
H1N1 Vaccine Available at Park Forest Health Department
The Park Forest Health Department has a limited supply of H1N1 vaccines available. H1N1 vaccines will be given by appointment only on Mondays and Fridays while supplies last. The fee for the vaccine is $15 and must be paid in cash at the time the vaccine is given. Medicare primary is accepted and Medicaid accepted for those 6 months through 18 years of age. No Managed Care enrollees accepted.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 708-481-1118. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
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.
Arts and Entertainment
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard
Even though the Library will be closed for renovations this week, the Potpourri of Lectures series will be held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. This week’s lecture is:
- Thursday, February 4 at 10:30 a.m. – “Life in Saudi Arabia; the Country, the Culture and My Daughter’s Life in Riyadh” by Andrea Gibb. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information on this event, please call 708-748-3731.
Grande Prairie Choral Arts, 200 Somonauek, Park Forest
Love Songs from Across the Ages
On Saturday, February 14 at 4 p.m. enjoy Valentines Day with the Grande Prairie Singers and your favorite Valentine listening to Madrigals from the High Renaissance and Early Baroque periods, Brahms’ waltzes, and Romantic Part Songs, a beautiful genre that American singers rarely get to sing. The event will be held at Rich South High School Auditorium, 500 Sauk Trail, Richton Park. Concert tickets are $20. Treat your Valentine to a pre-concert dinner – ask about our optional combination ticket! Tickets can be purchased on-line at: http://www.grandeprairiechoral.org/ or call 708-481-8684.
Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Way, Park Forest
“Crumbs From the Table of Joy” – Through February 14
From the winner of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama (“Ruined”) comes the tale of a recently widowed Black man who moves with his two teenaged daughters from Florida to Brooklyn in the turbulent 1950s. The New York Post described this unique theatre piece this way: “Imagine a pairing between Tennessee Williams and Lorraine Hansberry – a glass menagerie in the sun…a small window into the past – and this almost voyeuristic view is worth attention.” The play will run through February 14.
Tickets range from $19 – $21. There is a $1 discount for students and senior citizens at all performances. For more information, call 708-481-3510.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 467 Artists Way, Park Forest
“Something Jazzy” – Opening Reception February 12
The Tall Grass Arts Association will host an exhibit entitled “Something Jazzy” 2010 Invitational. There is something jazzy in all of us. It is our rhythm, our muse, our passion. It is the interpretation of the sounds of jazz and a reflection of our soul. Opening reception will be held on Friday, February 12 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Exhibit dates are February 12 to April 11. The gallery is open to the public, free of charge. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit the website at www.tallgrassarts.org
Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway
Rachael Price – Tickets Now On Sale
As part of the Center’s Cabaret Series, on Saturday, February 27 at 8 p.m., 23 year-old jazz vocalist, Rachael Price will perform. With command performance for legends Sir Elton John at the Society of Singers and Robert Goulet for the famed Schubert Organization among others, Ms. Price is making her mark on today’s jazz scene. During the Cabaret Series, guests can enjoy bar service in a cabaret setting. Tickets are $37 and include your first drink. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or email [email protected].
Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd, Park Forest
Banjo Buddies Dixieland Jazz Band – February 2
As part of its Senior Series, Banjo Buddies Dixieland Jazz Band will perform on Tuesday, February 2, at 11:00 a.m. at Freedom Hall’s Nathan Manilow Theatre. With eight albums and over two decades performing around the world, this high-energy Dixieland show band has a unique style of music with a contemporary feel that appeals to all ages. Dixieland jazz to swing, blues, big band tunes presented in a most entertaining fashion. Tickets are $8.00. For more information or to order tickets, please call 708-747-0580.
Funkadesi – Tickets Now On Sale
Five time winner of the Chicago Music Awards, Funkadesi will take the stage at Freedom Hall’s Nathan Manilow Theatre on Saturday, February 20 at 8 p.m. Funkadesi is a blend of Latin, African and contemporary funk in an uplifting show. Tickets are $23. For more information or to order tickets, please call 708-747-0580.
Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard (Corner of Forest & Fir)
Experience 1950s Valentines Day
During February, the 1950s Park Forest House Museum has a Valentines Day theme. The classroom is decorated for a Valentines Day party with vintage valentines and crepe paper candy baskets, and construction paper heart-shaped valentine “mailboxes” on each desk. Red honey comb and puffy hearts are hung around the room. Vintage valentines are on display throughout the house. 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.
Prairie State College (PSC) Christopher Art Gallery, 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights
“We the People Who Are Blacker than Blue” – Through February 19
“We the People Who Are Blacker than Blue” featuring new works by Floyd Atkins will be held from January 19 through February 19 in PSC’s Christopher Art Gallery. This exhibit is one of a number of events being held on campus to celebrate Black History Month. An artists’ reception will take place on Thursday, February 4 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visits can be made by appointment. For more information about the exhibit, or to make an appointment for a visit, contact the PSC Foundation at 708-709-3636.
Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, IL
The Positive Image – Through February 26
An exhibit of regional contemporary photography will demonstrate that photographers are magicians, invoking dreams, memories and strange, invented realms all through the camera’s lens. The exhibit runs through February 26. A reception will be held on February 12 from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. For more information or to hear gallery hours, call 708-754-2601.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Rich East High School, 300 Sauk Trail, Park Forest
Community Classes – Saturday, February 6
As part of its receiving a $232,000 School Improvement Grant from the Illinois State Board of Education, Rich East High School is sponsoring a series of classes that will be open to all Park Forest residents, including Rich East students. The next series of classes will be held on Saturday, February 6 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Classes in the following areas will be available:
- Computer Proficiency,
- Careers that Work,
- Yoga, Line Dancing Boot Camp,
- Weight Training,
- Culinary Arts/Soul Kitchen,
- Chorus (Join the Rich East Community Choir), and
- Reading.
Lunch will be served and daycare provided. For more information, call 708-679-6100 weekdays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
Roots and Shoots – February 6
Children ages 5 – 10 are encouraged to explore the environment, their community and the world around them on Saturday, February 6 from 10 a.m. to Noon. There is a fee of $5 per child. No charge for parents. For additional information, please call 708-747-6320.
Metamorph-A-What? – February 7
Insects undergo amazing changes as they morph from young to adult. On Sunday, February 7 from 1 p.m to 3 p.m., discover the amazing world of metamorphosis as you explore the incredible lives of insects. There is a fee of $5 per person and registration is required. For additional information or to register, please call 708-747-6320.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway
2010 Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park Docent Training Begins February 4
Volunteer docents at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park help park visitors understand its 26 pieces of art, and the meaning and motivations behind the art and the artists. Training for the 2010 class of docents begins February 4. Volunteers interesting in learning about art and sharing their knowledge are encouraged to join. The orientation consists of seven evening sessions from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. spread over a 12-week period and a morning tour of the sculpture park on April 17 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Light refreshments and materials are provided. Advance registration and a $30 fee are required. For more information on the park docent program and other volunteer opportunities, call 708-534-4486, e-mail [email protected], or visit the park website at www.govst.edu/sculpture.
“Conversation with Doug Glanville” – February 5
Doug Glanville, former outfielder for the Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies, will host a “Conversation with Doug Glanville” on Friday, February 5 at 3:30 p.m. in Engbretson Hall. Glanville will speak about his commitment to his education and about earning his bachelor’s degree before beginning his Major League Baseball career. He will also discuss the high and low points of his professional athletic career and reflect on the current state of pro baseball.
Glanville currently writes “Heading Home,” an op-ed column for the New York Times, and is the author of the soon-to-be released book based on his columns, “The Game from Where I Stand.” He is also a contributor to XM Radio’s “MLB Home Plate – Power Alley” and Comcast SportsNet Chicago and founder of GK Alliance, LLC, a green-friendly real estate development company in the western suburbs. Mr. Glanville will also be the recipient of an honorary degree at GSU’s 2010 Winter Commencement ceremony.
GMAT Prep Classes Begin February 7 – Register Now
GSU’s College of Business and Public Administration (CBPA) is offering GMAT preparation courses. The non-credit courses prepare students who plan to take the GMAT, an admission requirement for many graduate programs. Both the Basic Math Refresher and the GMAT Prep Series will be offered. Fees for the Basic Math Refresher are $150. Fees for the GMAT Prep Series are $300. Both courses may be taken for $425 – a savings of $25. Classes will be offered on Saturdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27 and March 6 and 13 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in room B2202. Registration and payment are required before the first class. For more information or to register, contact the CBPA Advising Office at 708-534-4391 or [email protected].
Substitute Teacher Academy with Resources Workshop – February 20
GSU is hosting a one-day Substitute Teacher Academy with Resources workshop on February 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The workshop teaches new subs what to expect, what to do in an emergency, how to maintain classroom control, and how to follow the teacher’s lesson plans. Registration is limited to 40 participants.
The State of Illinois offers substitute teacher certification to those with a bachelor’s degree in any subject. Instruction on how to apply for the certificate is also included in the presentation. Participants must hold a bachelor’s degree and register by February 15. The $50 registration fee includes lunch and materials. For more information or to register, call 708-534-4024.
2010 General Assembly Scholarship Program
State Representative Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) is accepting applications for the 2010 General Assembly Scholarship Program. The scholarships are available to residents of the 80th district and will cover one year of tuition for the following universities:
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign, Chicago & Springfield)
- Chicago State University
- Eastern Illinois University
- Governors State University
- Northern Illinois University
- Northeastern Illinois University
- Southern Illinois University
- Western Illinois University
All applications must be returned to Representative DeLuca’s District office by Friday, March 19. For more information or to receive an application, please call 708-672-0200 or visit www.housedem.state.il.us/members/delucaa.
Shop Locally
Park Forest Holiday Coupons
Even though the holidays are over, your Park Forest Holiday shopping coupons are still valid. Park Forest residents should have received coupons in the mail from eleven Park Forest businesses for specials, offers and promotions – some of which will be honored through mid 2010. Participating businesses include: Lifetime Automotive Repair, 7-Eleven, Taco Bell, Tower Cleaners, The Children’s House, Cricket, Quality Classic Health & Fitness Center, Cedarwood Cooperative, Park Forest Auto Service, Inc., State Farm Insurance – Michael Jordan, Agent and Remedy Salon. Resolve to shop first in Park Forest during 2010.
Last Minute Printing & Copy Center, 301 Liberty Dr. – Now Open
Last Minute Copy Shop of Steger has now expanded to Last Minute Printing & Copy Center and has opened in DownTown Park Forest. They are a one-stop shop to serve all their customer’s needs. Last Minute Printing & Copy Center uses high-speed color and black-and-white digital technology to complement traditional offset printing services and offer a more complete range of services to their customers including: graphic design, corporate branding, marketing, full color UV Gloss and silk laminated product lines, short–run digital printing, wide-format printing, specialty items, full color plaques, screen printing, embroidery and more. The owners, Michiel and Shon Burnett are Park Forest residents.
Shrimp Max, 347 Liberty Dr. — Now Open
Looking for alternatives to burgers and fries? Visit Park Forest’s newest fast food restaurant, Shrimp Max. Shrimp Max offers a wide range of food including shrimp, catfish, perch, salmon, chicken, Italian beef, an assortment of sides and desserts. Shrimp Max can also cater your next party. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 708-283-9503.
Park Forest Subway, 22301 Central Park Ave.
Renovations Planned to Better Serve Customers
The Park Forest Subway Restaurant is closed temporarily as they undergo an interior renovation. The renovation is to provide better service to residents by adding two brand new handicap-accessible bathrooms for public use. If you haven’t been to the Park Forest Subway, please be sure to stop by at 22301 Central Park Avenues (near Taco Bell, &-Eleven and Cricket).
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.
Greening of Park Forest
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
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: Village of Park Forest Weekly Manager’s Report, Park Forest Discovery Magazine, 2010 Winter/Spring Recreation Programs, Park Forest Fall/Winter 2009 Calendar of Events, Rep. A. DeLuca, Park Forest Library, Center for Performing Arts, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Freedom Hall, Illinois Theatre Center, Tall Grass Arts Association, Union Street Gallery, Park Forest Rotary Club, South Suburban Family Shelter, and Park Forest Historical Society websites.
