Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of February 22, 2010


Genesis

Park Forest Firefighters responded to a house fire in the 100 block of Sauk Trail Saturday afternoon. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—February 22, 2010. Recently returned home to Park Forest after spending a few weeks in Europe. One of the highlights of the trip was attending the Eric Clapton & Jeff Beck concerts at London’s O2 Arena. But you don’t have to travel abroad to find quality entertainment or some special activity to attend as there is much to do right here in our own backyards.

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 Village Board is scheduled to meet on Monday, February 22 at 8 p.m. at Village Hall. Residents are encouraged to attend. Village Board meetings air live on cable access channels (Channel 4 for Comcast subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T subscribers) as well as on the Village web site at www.villageofparkforest.com. The complete agenda for the meeting can be downloaded here.

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.

Healthy Living

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway

Eating Disorder Awareness Workshop – Thursday, February 25

As part of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, GSU is hosting an informative workshop on eating disorders on Thursday, February 25 from noon until 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 sponsored by GSU’s Academic Resource Center and is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 708-235-2228.

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

Village of Park Forest Community Relations

“Michael Jackson: The Humanitarian & Musical Genius” – Saturday, February 27

The Park Forest Commission on Human Relations will be celebrating Black History Month on Saturday, February 27 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Freedom Hall’s Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Blvd. This year’s theme is entitled: “Michael Jackson: The Humanitarian & Musical Genius.” The 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 and open 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 at 708-283-5621.

Comedy & Variety Shows to Benefit Haiti Relief Fund

Leaders in the southern suburbs are coming together to raise money for Haiti following a devastating earthquake that claimed thousands last month.

A South Suburban Haiti Relief Fund Event will take place March 5th and 6th at Freedom Hall Theatre, 410 Lakewood Blvd., in Park Forest. The two-day fundraising event will feature a comedy show on Friday, March 5th at 8 p.m. and a variety show on Saturday, March 6th at 5 p.m. Both shows are expected to last an hour and a half.

Celebrity performers featured on BET’s Comic View and HBO’s Bad Boys of Comedy have confirmed for the comedy show portion of the event. Performers include: Kevin Williams, Kendall Ferguson, Vince Acevedo, Lady Lunchebell, B-Cole, Erika Edwards, Lucky Luciano and Tyron Foston.

Top talent from last month’s Park Forest Idol competition will perform at the variety show, with area jazz bands and professional vocalists also added to the bill. Performers include Deata, Opal, Monique, Keata, Robert & Park Forest Idols: Gabriel Velez & Deana Williams.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 by visiting Village Hall in Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive. Tickets purchased on the day of the event will be $15.

Tickets can be purchased online at the Village of Park Forest’s website: www.villageofparkforest.com. General donations will also be accepted.

Organizers hope to raise $5,000 toward relief efforts.

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

The Library’s Potpourri of Lectures series will be held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. This week’s lecture is:

Thursday, February 25 at 10:30 a.m. – “Make Sure You Count When the Lines Are Drawn: Census 2010 & Redistricting” by Mary Schaafsma, the True Count Census Manager for the League of Women Voters of Illinois. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information on this event, please call the Library’s Adult Services Department 708-748-3731.

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Way, Park Forest

“Last of the Red Hot Lovers” – Tickets Now on Sale

Barney Cashman is a middle-aged, overweight married man who’s never strayed from his wife. It’s the late 1960’s, and the sexual revolution is in full swing. Barney’s attempts to get in on the action come to hilarious life in Neil Simon’s “Last of the Red Hot Lovers.”

“The Last of the Red Hot Lovers” runs from Friday, March 5 through Sunday, March 21. Performances are Wed. through Sat. evenings at 8 PM, and Sundays at 2:30 & 7:30 PM. Tickets are priced at $21 on Fri. & Sat., $19 at all other times. The Illinois Theatre Center is located in Downtown Park Forest at 371 Artists Walk (off Indianwood Blvd., adjacent to Village Hall). For tickets, 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. 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

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

“The Rat Pack Jazz Quartet” – Tickets Now on Sale

As part of its Senior Series, Chicago’s crooner, Frank Lamphere and an ultra-swinging jazz band, will perform great renditions of Frank, Dean, Bobby Darin, Tony Bennet, and more, with some of the hottest jazzy instrumentals anywhere on Tuesday, March 9, at 11:00 a.m. at Freedom Hall’s Nathan Manilow Theatre. Medleys of Sinatra and Dean Martin with a few Elvis tunes thrown are sure to warm up a winter’s day. Tickets are $8.00. 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.

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway

“Art on Campus” Exhibit – Through March 31

GSU and the South Suburban Collaborative Arts Guild (CAG) are joining forces to present “Art on Campus.” The exhibit, featuring the paintings, photography, and poetry of seven members of the CAG, runs through March 31 in the GSU main entrance Atrium Gallery and the Upstairs Gallery at the Center for the Performing Arts. The CAG is part of Union Street Gallery, Chicago Heights and provides area artists a platform to develop their creativity, exhibit their art, and conduct business as professional artists. For more information, call 773-398-5765.

Faith United Protestant Church, 10 Hemlock St., Park Forest

Faith Jazz Night to Benefit PADS – Tickets Now on Sale

Faith United Protestant Church is sponsoring a Jazz Night Fundraiser on Friday, March 5. A family style dinner will be served at Scrementi’s Restaurant, 3750 Chicago Road, Steger, IL. There will be a cash bar at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. The Peter Sliwka Jazz Trio will perform from 7:15 p.m to 9:15 p.m. Tickets are $30, with 10% of the net profit going to the PADS program at Faith United Protestant Church. Tickets are available at the church, 10 Hemlock Street, Park Forest. For additional information, call 708-747-1330.

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. For more information or to hear gallery hours, call 708-754-2601.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

Village of Park Forest Business Connection

Motivational Presentation by Levar Fisher – Register By March 1

On Thursday, March 4 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. join us at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest, for an inspiring and thought provoking presentation on how to overcome adversity in these economic times by Levar Fischer. Mr. Fisher, a Park Forest business owner and retired NFL player, has taken his leadership role from captaining two NFL teams, to the stage as a sought-after motivational speaker. His amazing story has inspired audiences nationwide and has received accolades from notables like author and speaker, Les Brown and Florida Sate Football Coach, Chuck Amato. The event includes a full complimentary breakfast. Space is limited and registration must be received no later than Monday, March 1. For additional information or to make a reservation, call 708-283-5617.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 467 Artists Way, Park Forest

Tax Workshop for Artists – Saturday, February 27

Tall Grass Arts Association will host a workshop for artists on Saturday, February 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Tall Grass Gallery. The workshop leader is Julie Herwitt, CPA. This informative workshop will cover basic income tax issues and record keeping for professional artists. The cost of the workshop is $10 for members of the Tall Grass Arts Association and $20 for non-members. Those who become first time members of the Association ($40) will receive free admission to the workshop. The registration fee includes a packet of accounting/bookkeeping information. Checks should be made out to the Tall Grass Arts Association and mailed to Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, P.O. Box 776, Park Forest, IL 60466. Receipt of a check will ensure space in the workshop. For additional information, call the Gallery at 708-748-3377 during Gallery hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

EEWW…What’s That Smell Dusk Hike – Friday, February 26

On Friday, February 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. discover the most fascinating and earliest blooming wildflower, Skunk Cabbage. Named for its fetid odor and leafy growth, Skunk Cabbage is quite an amazing plant that blooms through snow and ice. Registration is $5 per person or $15 for the entire family. Registration is required. For additional information or to register, please call 708-747-6320.

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway

Leadership Dialogue

Learning more about what makes leaders successful is integral to becoming a successful leader and understanding the roll character plays in our leaders. A Leadership Dialogue discussion of “Passion and Principal: John and Jessie Fremont, the Couple Whose Power, Politics, and Love Shaped 19th Century America” by Sally Denton will be led by Dr. Paul Craig, on March 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Hall of Honors at GSU. The event is free and open to the public. Participants are asked to pre-register and be familiar with the book. For additional information or to pre-register, call 708-534-4024 or visit www.gsu-mile.org.

Free Computer Workshops

GSU’s Library is offering free computer workshops to members of the community, students, staff, and faculty. Workshop topics include blogging, PowerPoint Basic, APA style formatting, plagiarism detection, and several workshops on genealogy. The workshops will take place in February, March and April and are open to the public. Advance registration is recommended but not required. For more information and a complete schedule of workshops, visit www.govst.edu/library or call 708-235-7514.

Interdisciplinary Studies Portfolio Workshop – Saturday, March 6

GSU’s College of Arts and Sciences will hold a Prior Learning Portfolio Workshop on Saturday, March 6 from 10 a.m. to noon. Attendees will learn how to develop a portfolio of prior learning to apply toward a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. The two-hour session includes an explanation of the portfolio submission process. The cost of the workshop is $50 which includes materials. For more information or to register, call 708-534-4092.

State Representative Al Riley to Award Eight Scholarships

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. For additional details or to download the application, visit the Village of Park Forest’s website at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com.

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.

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

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway

African Market – Tuesday, February 23

As part of its celebration of Black History Month, GSU will host an African Market with Afro centric products for sale on Tuesday, February 23 from noon to 6 p.m. in the Hall of Governors. For more information, call 708-235-2228.

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: Park Forest Discovery Magazine, 2010 Winter/Spring Recreation Programs, Park Forest Fall/Winter 2009 Calendar of Events, Rep. A. DeLuca, Park Forest Library, Village of Park Forest, 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.


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