Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of February 21, 2011


Chief Bob Wilcox, FF/P Edward Wright
Firefighter/Paramedic Edward (right) was named Park Forest Firefighter of the Year. Story here. (ENEWSPF)

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)-February 21, 2011. The Village of Park Forest will be hosting the Park Forest Chess Challenge Tournament on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street. You can find additional information on how to register for this United States Chess Federation tournament in the "This & That" Section below.

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, February 21 at 7 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.
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.

Arts & Entertainment

Village of Park Forest & Commission on Human Relations

"Motown to Yo’ Town" – Black History Month Celebration – Saturday, February 26

On Saturday, February 26 from 2 pm. To 4 p.m. at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd., join us as we honor artists, comedians, actors and humanitarians, 1970 until today. There will be special guest appearances. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

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

Annual Dinner Dance & Silent Auction – Friday, February 25

Together We Cope’s Annual Dinner Dance & Silent Auction 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.

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

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

  • Monday, February 21 at 10:30 a.m. – AM Storytime for children ages 2 and up
  • Monday, February 21 at 6:30 p.m. – Jazz on Monday Nights: the sweet voice of Miss Sarah Vaughn
  • Tuesday, February 22 at 6:30 p.m. – Blues for Tuesday: Muddy Waters
  • Tuesday, February 22  at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
  • Wednesday, February 23 at 10:15 a.m. – Lapsit for infants through age 3
  • Wednesday, February 23 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those ages 2 through 5
  • Wednesday, February 23 at 1 p.m. – Opera in the Afternoon: Carmen
  • Friday, February 25 at 1 p.m. – Senior Travelogue: Festival of the Worlds
  • Friday, February 25 at 4 p.m. – Happy Birthday to You: Laura Ingalls Wilder 2/7, Judy Blume 2/12
    Langston Hughes 2/1, and Jerry Spinelli 2/1
  • Saturday, February 26 at 2 p.m. – African American Traditions in Cooking – Family Program

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 24

The Potpourri of Lectures continues on Thursday, February 24 with "Changing China: A Traveler’s Perspective" by Walter and Gretchen Falk, retired professor and retired librarian respectively. The lecture will be held in the Library’s Ringering Room.

Free Computer Classes – Register Now

The Library will be offering free computer classes beginning March 3. Please call the Adult Services Department at 708-748-3731, extension 24, for a complete schedule of classes and to register.

 Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Carnival of Venice Dinner Party and Benefit – Sunday, February 27

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.

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.

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

2011 Illinois Community College Juried Art Exhibition – Through Saturday, February 26

GSU’s Visual Arts Gallery is hosting the 2011 Illinois Community College Juried Art Exhibition through Saturday, February 26. The exhibition includes artwork from 99 students representing 16 Illinois community colleges including College of DuPage, Joliet Junior College, Kankakee Community College, Prairie State College, South Suburban College, and the City Colleges of Chicago. Selected works include painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, and ceramics. A closing reception to celebrate the show and the artists and present merit awards will be held on Saturday February 26 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the E-Lounge. The Visual Arts Gallery is open Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 9 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

"Minority Art: Inspiration, Obligation" – Monday, February 28

In celebration of African American History Month, the art exhibition "Minority Art: Inspiration, Obligation" will be featured with a discussion and reception on Monday February 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with remarks at 7 p.m. The event will be held at GSU’s Visual Arts Gallery on the college’s main campus. This art exhibition will feature the work of world-renowned artist Kehinde Wiley and is on loan from the Rhona Hoffman Gallery in Chicago. The exhibit also includes the works of regional artists who are African American, or who are doing artwork about the African American experience. An informal discussion will address issues faced by minority artists, from finding inspiration in their minority status and culture to the pitfalls of feeling creatively stuck or obligated to produce art on limited subjects. The event and reception are free and open to the public.

Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park

Dennis DeYoung "The Music of Styx Unplugged" –Saturday, February 26

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.

CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead

Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, February 24

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.

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, and 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].

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

Education Employment/Internship Fair – Tuesday, February 22

On Tuesday, February 22 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., GSU’s Office of Career Services is sponsoring an employment fair for people interested in jobs and internship opportunities in education and related fields. The event will be held in the Hall of Governors. Current students, alumni, and community members are invited to attend. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-235-3974.

Free Genealogy Workshops – Begin Thursday, February 24

GSU is offering four genealogy workshops this spring which may be taken singly or as a series. They are free and open to the public. Workshops being offered are:

  • "Starting Your Family Tree" — Thursday, February 24 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in room D24018. This workshop will help beginners by providing a comprehensive check list of questions to ask relatives, what documents to collect, and where to find them.
  • "Using FamilySearch.org in Your Genealogy Research" – Thursday, March 10 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Computer Lab (D2435). Participants will learn how to find birth, marriage, and death certificates from indexes, online websites, county offices and archive depositories.  Basic computer skills are required for this workshop.
  • "Breaking Down Those Brick Walls in Your Genealogy" – Thursday, April 21 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Computer Lab (D2435). This workshop will help remove roadblocks that may make the discovery of valuable family information difficult. Basic computer skills are required.

Registration may be made online at www.govst.edu/library/workshops or by calling 708-235-7527.

Business and Public Administration Grad Programs Open House – Saturday, February 26

On Saturday, February 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., GSU’s College of Business and Public Administration is hosting a graduate program open house. Faculty, advisors, administrators, and current students will be on hand to discuss master’s degree programs in accounting, business administration (MBA), management information systems, and public administration. Participants will also be able to apply for program admission. Breakfast will also be served. The event is free and open to the public and will be held on the university’s main campus. For additional information and to RSVP, please call 708-534-4391 or e-mail [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.

Healthy Living

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

Workshop Targets Eating Disorders – Thursday, February 24

As part of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, GSU will host an informative workshop on eating disorders on Thursday, February 24 from noon to 1 p.m. in Room B1241. The workshop will include explanations of the causes, effects and treatments of eating disorders, and an opportunity for participants to ask questions. The workshop is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 708-235-7334.

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

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 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, March 5 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Park Forest Hurricanes
Saturday, March 19 from 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

Registration for the Park Forest Chess Challenge Tournament

The Park Forest Chess Challenge Tournament will take place on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest. The tournament fee is $5. Since this is a 4/SS G/45 United States Chess Federation (USCF) tournament, you must be a USCF member to participate. If you are not a USCF member, yearly membership or a onetime tournament registration will be available at an additional fee. For details on joining the USCF, visit their website at www.uschess.org Tournament registration can be made in advance at the Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department at Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr. where payment can be made by credit card, check or cash. Registration on the day of the event will be by cash only and will begin at 9 a.m. All players must check in by 9:45 a.m. Tournament time is 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All participants must provide their own clock. Concessions will be sold at the event. For additional information, please call the Recreation and Parks Department at 708-738-2005.

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.

Men’s Breakfast Fellowship – Saturday, February 26

On Saturday, February 26 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., join the Men’s Ministry for food and discussion on a variety of topics. Men of all ages are welcome. This event is held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. 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.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 2910 Western Ave., Park Forest

Last Saturday Potluck – Saturday, February 26

On Saturday, February 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., bring a dish to share and come for an evening of fun. Activities include games, movies and speakers. For additional information, contact Reverend Linda Johnson Seyenkulo at 708-747-8388.

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

 "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.


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