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In and Around Park Forest Week of February 15, 2010


Park Forest library

The Park Forest Library is set to re-open Monday at 10 a.m. The renovated computer area, shown during construction and nearly completed, now is brightly, but efficiently, lit. (Photo montage: ENEWSPF)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—February 15, 2010. Believe it or not, the National Weather Service says there is a 50 percent possibility of more snow in the Park Forest area for President’s Day. The sky will be cloudy, with a high near 26. The wind will be north northwest, between 10 and 15 mph. Monday night calls for scattered snow showers, cloudy, with a low around 14. Wind chill values be as low as zero. The wind will be northwest, between 10 and 15 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%. Click here for Park Forest weather forecasts beyond the night of Monday, Feb. 15.

Please Note: Until February 19, email 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.

Park Forest Library Re-Opens Monday, February 15

As part of its continuing renovations, the Park Forest Library was temporarily closed from Sunday, January 31 to allow Phase 1 of the project to be completed. The library will re-open Monday, February 15 at 10 a.m. For more information, please call 708-748-3731, or visit the library’s website at: www.PFPL.org.

Village of Park Forest Meetings

Village Board Meeting

chief wilcox

Click on the above image to view the Board of Trustees Meeting from February 1st. Items on the agenda included:

  1. A Resolution Adopting Administrative Procedures for Compliance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act
  2. A Resolution Authorizing an Easement between the Village and Calvary United Protestant Church
  3. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 42 ("Fire Prevention and Protection") (Foreign Fire Insurance)

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. Currently the Village has a year of meetings archived.

The next meeting of the Village Board will be Saturday, February 20, at 8:00 a.m. in the Board Room. The board will meet for a six month review of the budget and will consider budget ammendments. The Village Board will meet Monday, February 22, at 8:00 p.m. in the Board Room. The board will begin with a Rules Meeting that will be immediately followed by a Regular Meeting.

Building Permits Issued in January

The Village Manager reports that in the month of January a total of 24 building permits were issued for a total new construction cost valuation of $154,970 with $4,345 collected in fees.

Silent Auction Open Until February 20

Bidding has started in the Silent Auction for those interested in being a model for the next DownTown Mural. This opportunity is available to all. Park Forest residents can enter the raffle, which gives the opportunity to pose for one figure in the mural to a lucky winner. Those interested in simply supporting the mural or one of the artists featured in the mural can also donate as a sponsor. See the Village’s web site at www.villageofparkforest.com for full details.

Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Boards

The following Village Boards and Commissions will meet the week of February 15:

  • Housing Authority – February 18 at 6:00 p.m.

The meetings will be held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.

Crime Free Housing Seminar – February 27th

The Park Forest Police Department is preparing to host another Crime Free Housing Seminar for rental property owners on February 27th. The six-hour session educates Park Forest landlords on the Crime Free Housing ordinance, keeping them in compliance of a requirement that all landlords attend one session every three years. The seminar also provides imporant information on how to screen tenants, maintain rental properties and tips on how to reduce the likelyhood of problematic rental units from forming. More information on the passing of the Crime Free Housing Ordinance in 2007 is available here.

The seminar will be on Saturday February 27th, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Dining on the Green. The address is 349 Main Street, Park Forest Illinois 60466. This seminar is for Landlords, Managers, and/or Owners only. Please no tenants.

Contact Natasha McElroy, [email protected], for more information.

Michael Jackson: The Humanitarian & Musical Genius, Feb. 27th

The Park Forest Commission on Human Relations will be celebrating Black History Month with a program on Saturday, February 27, 2010. This year’s theme is entitled: “Michael Jackson: The Humanitarian & Musical Genius”. This celebration will be located at Freedom Hall’s Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410Lakewood Blvd., in Park Forest from 2-4 p.m.

This event will be hosted by Gi-Gi Hightower and consists of performances by Dance Expressions, Rich East Pom Pom Team, Rico, Michael Jackson impersonator and much more. The event is free to the public. During the show the Commission will honor the Crisis Center for South Suburbia, Rodney Walker and Michael McGrone for their Humanitarian efforts.

For more information contact Evelyn Sterling, Community Relations Coordinator, at 708.283.5621 or email [email protected].

Concerned Park Forest Parents: Save Talala School

The Crete-Monee School District 201-U Board of Education has announced that it will reduce the budget for the 2010-2011 school year.

Concerned parents, staff and community members are invited to voice their input during the public comment portion of the meeting. The district has announced the possible closure of Talala Elementary School and re-opening as a District All-Day Kindergarten Program. This will mean that all Will County Park Forest students will be bussed to various schools within the district.

Please voice your opinions at the meeting on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 6:30 pm at Crete-Monee High School located at 1515 West Exchange St. Crete, IL

Healthy Living

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway

Business Graduate Program Open House

Saturday, February 20, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

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.

Park Forest Nurses Club to Meet Thursday, Feb. 18

The Park Forest Nurses Club will meet Thursday, February 18, 7:30 p.m. at Calvary United Protestant Church, Lincoln Highway and Orchard Drive. Dr. Shanaz Azad MD. will discuss "H1N1Flu." All Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses are invited to attend. For further information, contact Barbara Principali at (708) 481-8387.

Arts and Entertainment

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” – Through April 11

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 was held on Friday, February 12 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Exhibit dates are now through 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 – Saturday, February 27, 2010, 8 p.m.

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

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

"Egypt: Ancient and Modern" – Potpourri talk and slide show at Park Forest Village Hall, Thursday, Feb. 18th, 2010, at 10:30 am

Walter Falk, formerly professor of history at Harold Washington College, and Gretchen Falk, formerly reference librarian at Park Forest Public Library will discuss and illustrate aspects of ancient and modern Egyptian life gathered as a result of their recent trip down the Nile.

NOTE THE CHANGE OF LOCATION due to construction at the Park Forest Public Library.

Southland Community Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago

The Southland Community Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago invites the residents of the Southland area to two Lecturer’s Choice programs:

  • "Voices and Vistas in Russian Art" by Stanley and Janice Moore is the fourth in a series of six presentations. It will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2010.
  • The fifth lecture in the series is titled, "Renaissance Florence and Art of the Medici" and is presented by Louis and Ruth Foster. March 3, 2010 is the date for this presentation.

Both study groups are held at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd., Park Forest, IL. The programs will begin at 10:00 a.m.. and are preceded by coffee at 9:30 a.m. Tickets are $8.00 (checks only) payable at the door. Call Sonya Monroe (708-754-6992) for further information.

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Junior Ecologists Club – February 20

On the third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m.–noon, age 11–15, $5 per child per month. Discover the woods
in a new way and join naturalists to explore the woods and track seasonal changes.

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway

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 Programs

State Rep. Al Riley

State Representative Al Riley will award eight individual one-year tuition waivers to students residing in the 38th District. Waivers are available for attendance at the University of Illinois (any campus), and any other Illinois public universities including Chicago State, Eastern Illinois, Governors State, Illinois State, Northern Illinois, Northeastern Illinois, Southern Illinois (both campuses) and Western Illinois University.

Each waiver is good for one full year of tuition, including summer sessions. This scholarship does not waive student fees, housing, or book expenses.

All applications must be postmarked or delivered to the district office by 4:00 p.m. on March 19th, 2010.

Click to download the following attachments:

State Rep. Anthony DeLuca

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 at 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.


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