In and Around Park Forest Week of February 14, 2011

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—February 14, 2011 The Park Forest Recreation and Parks Department’s next Senior Trip will be to the Chicago Flower and Garden Show. Details about the event can be found in the “This & That” section below. The registration deadline is Friday, February 18.

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

Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Boards

The following Village Commissions and Boards will meet this week:

• Plan Commission – Tuesday, February 15 at 7 p.m. (Note: The Plan Commission holds a second meeting each month on an as needed basis. Please call Village Hall at 708-748-1112.)
• Housing Authority –Thursday, February 17 at 6 p.m.

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

Arts & Entertainment

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

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

• Monday, February 14 at 10:30 a.m. – AM Storytime for children ages 2 and up
• Tuesday, February 15 at 6:30 p.m. – Blues for Tuesday: Muddy Waters
• Tuesday, February 15  at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
• Wednesday, February 16 at 10:15 a.m. – Lapsit for infants through age 3
• Wednesday, February 16 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those ages 2 through 5
• Friday, February 18 at 3:30 p.m. – After School Board Games
• Saturday, February 19 at 2 p.m. – Black history Month Scavenger Hunt

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

Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, February 17

The Potpourri of Lectures kicks off on Thursday, February 17 with Professor Jack Bloom of Indiana University Northwest and his talk on the Poland Solidarity Union. Each week features a different speaker on a variety of topics. Lectures will be held in the Library’s Ringering Room.

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

Children’s Theatre “Madeline and the Bad Hat” – Friday, February 18

On Friday, February 18 at 7 p.m., bring the children to see “Madeline and the Bad Hat,” an original musical based upon the much-loved book. This gently amusing tale of enemies-become-friends will charm and entertain children and parents alike. Tickets are $7. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-747-0580 or visit: www.freedomhall.org.

Casey Driessen and the Colorfools – Saturday, February 19

On Saturday, February 19 at 8 pm. witness the Grammy nominated, inventive genre-warping fiddler Casey Driessen and his band the Colorfools. In Driessen’s hands the fiddle is a percussion instrument as well as a breathtaking melodic lead, a synthesizer and a songstress. He has performed with Steve Earle, Tim O’Brien, Bela Fleck, John Mayer, and countless others. Tickets are $20. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-747-0580 or visit: www.freedomhall.org.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Carnival of Venice Dinner Party and Benefit – Tickets Now on Sale

On Sunday, February 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Dr., Tinley Park, come to ‘A Casually Festive Benefit.’ The evening includes an exclusive live auction, silent auction, live entertainment and dancing. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. Cash bar available. Tickets are $65 per person ($40 tax-deductible). Proceeds support the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra Performances and Youth Education programs. To purchase tickets, visit: https://secure.ticketsage.net/EventsPage.aspx?ws=1.

Famous Fives – Tickets Now on Sale

On Saturday, March 5 at 8 p.m. at the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19000 S. Harlem, Frankfort, guest conductor Victor Yampolsky and the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra will present famous fifth symphonies. The evening will begin with Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major followed by Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 in D minor. Tickets are priced at $50, $40, and $30 and can be purchased online at: https://secure.ticketsage.net/EventsPage.aspx?ws=1

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

Step Back Into a 1950s Valentine’s Day at the Park Forest House Museum

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard, Park Forest, will be decorated throughout February with vintage valentines and decorations. The one-room classroom will be decorated for a 1950’s Valentine’s Day party with crepe paper, candy baskets, and construction paper hearts.
The Museum is open on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment. 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.

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

“Girls on the Wall” Film Screening – Monday, February 21

As part of GSU’s African American History Month activities, there will be a special screening and discussion of the 2010 Emmy Award winning independent film “Girls on the Wall.” The event will be held on Monday, February 21 at 4:30 p.m. in Engbretson Hall. A discussion of the film led by Mariame Kaba will follow. Kaba is Executive Director of Project Nia, which facilitates the creation of community-focused responses to youth violence and crime. “Girls on the Wall” follows incarcerated teenage girls as they work toward redemption through the creation and production of a musical based on their lives. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-534-4552.

Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park

Frank Catalano Quartet –Saturday, February 19

The Center’s popular Cabaret series continues on Saturday, February 19 at 8 p.m. with the Frank Catalano Quartet. A favorite at the Green Mill, Catalano has played with jazz and music greats from Santana and Tito Puente to Von Freeman and David Sanborn. Tickets are $37. You can also enjoy snacks and cocktail service during the Cabaret shows. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or visit: www.centertickets.net.

Dennis DeYoung “The Music of Styx Unplugged” – Tickets Now on Sale

On Saturday, February 26 at 8 p.m., experience a rare and intimate acoustic evening of all your favorite Styx classics, showcasing Dennis DeYoung on grand piano, plus August Zadra and Jimmy Leahey on acoustic guitars/vocals and Craig Carter on bass/vocals. Highlights of this acoustic format allows the purity of DeYoung’s distinctive tenor to shine along with soaring four-part harmonies, great musicianship and great songs. Special guest opening band is The Mojo Daddies. Tickets are priced at $46, $49, $56. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or visit: www.centertickets.net.

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

23rd Annual Jazz Fest – Friday, February 18

PSC’s 23rd Annual Jazz Fest which will be held on Friday, February 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the PSC auditorium. The event will feature the talents of Chicago trumpeter Orbert Davis and New Orleans saxophonist Ed Petersen as well as Larry Gray on bass, PSC’s professor of music Valerie Nicholson on piano, and Joel Spencer on drums. This is an event not to be missed. General admission tickets are priced at $12; students and senior citizens are $8. Tickets are available in advance in the PSC Business Office Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets will also be available at the door. For additional information on the Jazz Festival, call 708-709-3500.

CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead

Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, February 17

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.

Together We Cope, 17010 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park

Annual Dinner Dance & Silent Auction – Tickets Now on Sale

Tickets are now on sale for Together We Cope’s Annual Dinner Dance & Silent Auction which will be held on Friday, February 25 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Odyssey Country Club, 19110 Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park. Guests can walk the red-carpet “Academy Awards” style, dance to the varied contemporary -sounds of Connexion, sample culinary delights, and out-bid their friends on one of the 100+ auction items, including airline tickets and vacation condo stays. Master of Ceremonies for the event is local comedian Brian Hicks. Tickets are $75 each. Tables of ten can be purchased for $700. Together We Cope is a nonprofit agency that offers assistance to families in temporary crisis from 27 south suburban communities. For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit: www.toghetherwecope.com.

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.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

Park Forest Nurses Club to Meet on February 17

The Park Forest Nurses Club will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m. at Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 Orchard, Park Forest (east corner of Lincoln Hwy. and Orchard Dr.). Lois Levin CDE, will discuss “What’s New in Diabetic Treatment.” All RN’s and LPN’s active or inactive, are invited to attend. For additional information, call 708-481-8387. Be sure to check out the Club’s new website at 222.pfnursesclub.org.

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

Junior Ecologist Club – Saturday, February 19

On Saturday, February 19 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. There is a fee of $5 per child per month. For additional information, call 747-6320.

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

Information Session on Nursing Programs – Thursday, February 17

GSU’s Nursing Department will host an Open House/Information Session for individuals interested in learning more about RN-to BSN, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs on Thursday, February 18 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Hall of Honors. Nursing faculty members and an advisor will be available for individual consultation. Light refreshments will be provided. For additional information, contact Vanyette Exton at 708-534-4040 or [email protected].

Infant & Toddler Childcare Now Available

GSU’s Family Development Center (FDC) has opened an Illinois State licensed childcare facility for infants, toddlers, and two year olds. The little ones are cared for in specially equipped classrooms of eight children, each staffed with two teachers. The infant and toddler childcare center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. FDC staff have been extensively and specially trained to care for young children. Licensure required extensive review by the State. The FDC also offers full and half day pre-kindergarten, three or five days a week, and childcare for three to five year olds and before and after school childcare for five to twelve year olds. Several special grants are available to assist eligible families with infant, toddler childcare costs. Discounts are also offered for GSU students and staff. For additional information or to register your child, call 708-235-7300.

2011 Illinois General Assembly Scholarship Program – Applications Now Accepted

Applications for the 2011 Illinois General Assembly Scholarship Program will be accepted through Friday, March 18. The scholarships are available to residents of the 80th District and will cover one-year of tuition to the following universities:

• University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign, Chicago & Springfield)
• Chicago State University
• Eastern Illinois University
• Governors State University
• Illinois State University
• Northern Illinois University
• Northeastern Illinois University
• Southern Illinois University
• Western Illinois University.

Eight recipients will receive one-year tuition, including summer semester. Fees, books, room and board are not covered.  For additional information or to receive an application, call State Representative Anthony DeLuca’s constituent service office at 708-672-0200 or visit www.housedem.state.il.us/members/delucaa.

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

Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest

“A Chemical Reaction: The Story of a True Green Revolution” – Movie & Discussion, Saturday, February 26

On Saturday, February 26 at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest, the movie, A Chemical Reaction will be screened followed by a discussion. A Chemical Reaction tells the story of a doctor and community who came together to ban the use of chemical lawn pesticides and herbicides in their community, fighting big chemical companies, and demonstrating the power of people to join together to effect great change in society. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Bring a snack or non-alcoholic drink to share if you wish. Optional donations will be accepted.

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

Village of Park Forest Parks and Recreation

Senior Trip – Chicago Flower & Garden Show at Navy Pier – Registration Deadline Friday, February 18

On Wednesday, March 9 come and experience the 2011 Chicago Flower and Garden Show. This event will have over 30 garden displays keeping with the 2011 theme, "The Sport of Gardening." There will be over 100 vendors of gardening, landscaping and horticulture products and services, along with educational seminars, interactive gardening workshops, cooking demonstrations and more! You will also have time to explore Navy Pier’s wide variety of shops and the Stained Glass Windows Museum. Lunch is on your own, and there are plenty of restaurants to select from with food ranging from casual cuisine to fine dining. The bus will depart from Freedom Hall at 9 a.m. and return at 4 p.m. The event fee is $38 and includes round-trip coach bus and admission to the Flower Show.

Registration Deadline: Friday, February 18, 2011. Register at the Recreation & Parks Department, Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, Park Forest, IL 60466 or by calling 708-748-2005 Register in person or over the phone with a credit card. Event Code: 148580-1

Registration for Park Forest Baseball and Park Forest Hurricanes In Progress

Registration for Park Forest Baseball and the Park Forest Hurricanes, the new youth tackle football and cheerleading program is now in progress. The registration schedule is:

Park Forest Baseball
Saturday,  February 26  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday,  March  5       1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Park Forest Hurricanes
Saturday, February 19  11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, March 19      11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Registration will take place at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, for all dates. For additional information, see: http://www.villageofparkforest.com/index.php?src=news&refno=867&category=Headlines

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.

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.

Governor’s State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park

National Collegiate Table Tennis Association Regional Tournament – Saturday, February 19

Collegiate table tennis competition comes to GSU on Saturday, February 19 beginning at 9:30 a.m. with the National Collegiate Table Tennis Association Regional Tournament. More than 50 competitors from eight schools will compete for the regional championship and the chance to attend the National Championship in April. Spectators are welcome and admission is free.

“Share the Love” Diaper Drive – Through February 24

Students in GSU’s Social Work Student Organization are sponsoring “Share the Love,” collecting diapers for families in need, now through Thursday, February 24. Diaper donations can be made to designated boxes at GSU and will be given to the South Suburban Family Shelter in Homewood and Women of Power in Chicago. For additional information, call 815-549-6450.

Rich Township Senior Services

Free Income Tax Preparation for Those Over 60

Free income tax preparation (including electronic filing) is available through Thursday, April 15 for those 60 years of age and older. This service will be provided at the Leonard Robinson Family Center, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Call the Rich Township Senior Center at 708-748-5454 to make an appointment.

Sertoma Centre, 4343 W. 123rd St., Alsip

Volunteers Needed for Annual Trip to Housewares Show

Sertoma Centre is looking for people willing to donate one evening of their time on Tuesday, March 8th. Join other volunteers for a bus ride to McCormick Place in Chicago, IL and a few hours of packing vendor booths at the International Housewares Show. For nine years, Sertoma Centre has been fortunate enough to be one of only five charities allowed to receive donations from the vendors at this trade show. This community service agency is dedicated to serving individuals with developmental, physical, emotional disabilities and/or mental illness and always grateful to those who consistently support them.

The coach buses will leave Sertoma Centre, 4343 W. 123rd St, Alsip at 4 p.m. SHARP and return by 9:30 p.m. (You must arrive at Sertoma no later than 3:45 p.m.). Participants will receive a boxed dinner during the ride into Chicago. Sertoma staff will find the appropriate job for each person’s skill level and ability, and will accommodate anyone who is interested in joining us. Participants must be 18 years of age. Register as a volunteer by Tuesday, March 2nd, 2011 by contacting Karey Wentz, Thrift Store Manager at (708) 481-5627, [email protected]. or Melanie Jones, Director of Advancement & Communications at 708-730-6206, [email protected]. For additional information visit www.sertomacentre.org home page and click on the Housewares Show Volunteer Information link

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 201 Winter-SpringRecreation Programs & More; Park Forest Fall/Winter 2010-2011 Recreation Programs Brochure; Rich Township Report; Park Forest Historical Society, Village of Park Forest, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Center for Performing Arts, South Suburban Family Shelter, Park Forest Historical Society, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, Sertoma Centre, Inc., CAUTION, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.