In and Around Park Forest Week of February 28, 2011

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—February 28, 2011. The Sierra Club, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, the Southeast Environmental Task Force and Little Village Environmental Justice Organization will hold an Environmental Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, March 3 at 7 p.m. at The Zone, 11731 S. Avenue O, Chicago to discuss the proposed Leucadia Coal – Gasification Plant. All are welcome to attend.

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 hold a Saturday morning rules meeting on Saturday, March 5 at 10 a.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: villageofparkforest.com and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.

Village of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings

The following Park Forest Advisory Boards and Commissions will meet the week of February 28:

• Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission
• Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission
• Wednesday, March 2 at 7 p.m. – Economic Development Advisory Board
• Thursday, March 3 at 1 p.m. – Senior Citizens Advisory Board
• Thursday, March 3 at 7 p.m. – Environment Commission

All meetings will take place at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr. Residents are encouraged to attend.

Candidate Forum – Tuesday, March 1

The next Candidate Forum, hosted by the Kiwanis Club, will be held on Tuesday, March 1 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Matteson Hotel and Convention Center (formerly the Matteson Holiday Inn), 500 Holiday Plaza Drive, Matteson. The forum will last two hours. The first 15 minutes will be for the Library Board candidates followed by 45 minutes for the three unopposed Village Trustee candidates. The last hour will be for the two mayoral candidates. Residents are encouraged to attend. Additional Candidate Forums are currently scheduled for March 20 and March 27.

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 28 at 10:30 a.m. – AM Storytime for children ages 2 and up
• Monday, February 28 at Noon – Friends Book Discussion of ‘Small Island’ by Andrea Levy
• Tuesday, March 1 at 1:30 p.m. – Computer Class: Mouse Basics
• Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
• Wednesday, March 2 at 10:15 a.m. – Lapsit for infants through age 3
• Wednesday, March 2 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those ages 2 through 5
• Wednesday, March 2 at 11 a.m. – Crafts in America/Made in Park Forest
• Thursday, March 3 at 7:15 p.m. – Computer Class: Microsoft Word 1

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, March 3

The Potpourri of Lectures continues on Thursday, March 3 with “Art Restoration: A Creative Craft” by Professor Hal Rogoff of Columbia College. The lecture will be held in the Library’s Ringering Room.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Famous Fives –Saturday, March 5

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

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

Banjo Buddies Dixieland Band – Tuesday, March 8

The Theatre’s Senior Series continues on Tuesday, March 8 at 11 a.m. with a performance by the Banjo Buddies Dixieland Band. Eight albums and over two decades of performing around the world, this high-energy Dixieland show band has a unique style with a contemporary feel that appeals to all ages. Dixieland jazz to swing, blues, and big band tunes will be presented in a most entertaining fashion. Tickets are $9. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-747-0580 or visit: www.freedomhall.org.

Occidental Brothers Dance Band International – Tickets Now on Sale

On Saturday, March 12 at 8 p.m., the Occidental Brothers will perform at Freedom Hall. The Occidental Brothers’ blend a high-energy soukous, rootsy Ghanaian Highlife and African Jazz conjures sounds of the golden age of the African guitar band. Tickets are $20. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-747-0580 or visit: www.freedomhall.org.

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists’ Walkway, Park Forest

“Boeing Boeing” by Marc Camoletti – Opens March 4

“Boeing Boeing,” a play by Marc Camoletti will open on Friday, March 4 and run through Sunday, March 20. This hysterical farce by the author of “Don’t Dress for Dinner” depicts the adventures of a jet-setting Parisian architect as he attempts to juggle affairs with three beautiful stewardesses – one American, one Italian and one German. This is France’s most popular comedy and has broken box office records around the world, including the recent Tony Award winning Broadway revival. Performances are Wednesday thru Saturday evenings at 8 PM, and Sundays at 2:30 & 7:30 PM.  Tickets are priced at $22 on Friday and Saturday and $20 all other times.  There is a $1 discount for students and seniors.   For tickets, phone 708-481-3510.

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

Park Forest House Museum

Take a trip back in time and visit the 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard, Park Forest. The 1950s Park Forest House Museum is in an original rental townhome as it might have been in 1948-1953. 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.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 36 Artists Walk, Park Forest

“Half the Sky” Exhibit Celebrations Women’s History Month

“Half the Sky” an exhibit celebrating Women’s History will run through May 8. “Half the Sky” derives its name from the Chinese saying that “women hold up half the sky.” It is a celebration of Women’s History Month with a national juried exhibit. For additional information or gallery hours, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.

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

“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

Ava Logan – Tickets Now on Sale

The Cabaret Series continues with Ava Logan on Saturday, March 19 at 8 p.m. From appearances at Andy’s Jazz Club and Green Dolphin Street to her portrayals of jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald and Nancy Wilson, Logan is a favorite of Chicago jazz fans. Tickets are $37. Snacks and cocktail service will be available. 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, March 3

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.

Monkey Mind Art Studio & Gallery, 3 W. Nebraska St., Frankfort

“Three Eyes to the World” Photography Exhibit – Through March 12

“Three Eyes to the World,” a photographic exhibit by Stuart Pearson will be featured through Saturday, March 12. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday’s from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or by appointment. For additional information, call the Gallery at 815-464-8818 or visit: www.monkeymindartstudio.com.

Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights

“Words & Numbers” – Opening Reception Friday, March 4

An opening reception for the exhibit “Words & Numbers” will be held on Friday, March 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Union Street Gallery. “Words & Numbers” focuses on the visual signs and symbols of written language, offering artists the opportunity to explore letters, words and numbers that represent various functions and meanings, abstractions and emotions, thoughts and reactions. Incorporating glimpses of our written language in art, along with other elements of our visual vocabulary, leads to a broader voice for expression of ideas. “Words & Numbers’ features the work of 40 artists from 20 different states and encompasses a wide range of media, technique and style. The exhibit will run through April 2. For gallery hours or additional information, call at 7070754-2601 or visit: www.unionstreetgallery.org.

Green Events

Thorn Creek Audubon Society Monthly Meeting – Wednesday, March 2

Judy Pollock will discuss “Helping Local Migratory Birds” at Thorn Creek Audubon Society’s meeting on Wednesday, March 2 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Park Forest Aqua Center’s Wetlands Discovery Center, 30 North Orchard Drive. Judy Pollock is Director of Bird Conservation for Audubon Chicago Region and a coordinator of the Illinois Important Bird Areas program. She will show slides of some of the migrants that pass through our community and discuss their natural history. She will also explain local efforts to conserve them and suggest ways that we can help them survive their difficult journey as they pass through our yards.

University of Illinois at Chicago

“Wild Things” A Chicago Wilderness Conference for People and Nature –Saturday, March 5

The “Wild Things’ Wilderness Conference 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.  For questions or additional information, call 847-328-3910, extension 21 or email [email protected].

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

Roots and Shoots – Saturday, March 5

On Saturday, March 5 from 10 a.m. to noon, children ages 5 – 10 are encouraged to explore the environment, their community and the world around them. This event is held on the first Saturday of each month and there is a fee of $5 per child per month. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.

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

Civic Reflection Workshop – Tuesday, March 1

On Tuesday, March 1 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Hall of Honors, GSU is sponsoring a Civic Reflections Workshop. Civic reflection helps create an understanding of the importance and value of community service to both the individual who volunteers and the society who benefits. Facilitators Dr. Lorri Glass, Dr. Larry Levinson, and Sheree Y. Sanderson, members of GSU’s Civic Reflection Team, will lead the discussions. Civic Reflection workshops are held in collaboration with the Illinois Campus Compact, which is a coalition of college and universities, including GSU, that work together to promote the civic development of students and the university as an active member of its community. The workshop is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Sheree Sanderson at 708-534-4552.

Master of Arts Program Information Session – Monday, March 7

GSU’s College of Education will host information sessions for certified teachers interested in earning a Master of Arts in Reading in an on-campus graduate cohort program beginning in Fall 2011. An optional Bilingual/English Second Language endorsement will also be offered. For convenience, two information sessions will be held on March 7 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Both sessions will be held in room D34015. The cohort is open to only 20 successful graduate applicants. The program consists of twelve courses that lead to K-12 certification as a reading specialist, which is required for literacy coach and similar positions. The BL/ESL endorsement requires an additional six courses. Financial aid is available to qualified applicants. For additional information and to register for the information session, contact John Powers at 708-534-6363 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.

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

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, March 5, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Park Forest Hurricanes
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: 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.

Rainbow Café

Monthly Meeting – Saturday, March 5

The Rainbow Café is an opportunity for single or partnered gays, lesbians, bisexuals or other sexual minorities, and their allies, over age 18 to meet one another and socialize in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Those attending are encouraged to bring some non-alcoholic drinks and a dessert or snack to pass, or bring a financial donation. However, neither is mandatory.
The Rainbow Café is held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Unitarian-Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore, Park Forest.

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.

Coffee House/Karaoke Night – Friday, March 4

On Friday, March 4 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Celebration Ministries will host a coffee house and karaoke night. Come sing, dance, read, play a game or sit back and relax. Fun for everyone. This event is held on the first Friday 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.

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.

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 – Tuesday, March 8

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, Monkey Mind Art Gallery & Studio, Union Street Gallery, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.