Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– January 11, 2010. At last Saturday’s New Resident Reception, Mayor Ostenburg spoke about the many diverse activities that occur regularly in Park Forest and how fortunate we are to live in a community that supports the arts. If you haven’t participated in any community events in the past, resolve to make 2010 the year that you do.
Send information concerning your community activities or events during the upcoming week by e-mail to Rosemary Piser at [email protected] with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.
Village of Park Forest Meetings
Village Board Meeting
The next meeting of the Village Board is scheduled for Monday, January 11 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.
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.
Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Boards
The following Village Commissions will meet the week of January 11:
- Commission on Human Relations – Tuesday, January 12 at 7:30 p.m.
- Youth Commission – Tuesday, January 12 at 7:00 p.m.
All meetings are held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Healthy Living
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
Park Forest Idols Competition – January 16
Tickets are now available for the first annual Park Forest Idols competition to be held at Freedom Hall, on January 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 if purchased in advance of the event and $10 at the door. All proceeds will be donated to the Illinois Theatre Center and Tall Grass Arts Association. Thirteen Park Forest residents have been selected as finalists for this competition. Judges for the final competition include: Mayor John Ostenburg, Village Trustee Mae Brandon, State Representative William Davis and three-time Grammy Winner, Gospel Singer, Darrius Brooks. Call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or email [email protected] to purchase tickets.
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard
The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:
- Monday, January 11 at 10:45 a.m. – Morning Story Times for children ages 3 and up.
- Tuesday, January 12 at 7 p.m. – Pajama Storytime for Children.
- Wednesday, January 13 at 10:30 a.m. – Lap Sit Storytime for children 3 and under.
- Wednesday, January 13 at 11:45 a.m. – Toddler Art for children ages 2 – 4.
- Thursday, January 14 at 10:20 a.m. – Discovery Time for children ages 2 to 6. Activities include singing, story telling, craft making and more.
For more information on these activities, call 708-748-3731.
Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Way, Park Forest
“Crumbs From the Table of Joy” – Tickets Now on Sale
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 from January 29 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.
Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway
“Die Fledermaus” – January 17
On Sunday, January 17 at 4 p.m. one of opera’s greatest hits by Johann Strauss, Jr. will be performed. Die Fledermaus is set in romantic Vienna and filled with champagne, frivolity, mistaken identities and a grand ball. Tickets range in price from $46 to $26. A pre-show dining event will take place at Scrementi’s located in Steger at a cost of $25 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or email [email protected].
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago – Tickets Now on Sale
On Saturday, January 23 at 8 p.m., Chicago’s celebrated international dance company returns to The Center for the first time since 2001 and will showcase a preview of a new work plus classic pieces. Tickets range in price from $53 to $33. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or email [email protected].
Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard (Corner of Forest & Fir)
Relive your childhood memories or show your children/grandchildren what it was like to live in the ‘good old days’ by visiting the Park Forest House Museum. 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.
Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, IL
The Positive Image – Opens January 15
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 will run from January 15 through February 26. Receptions will be held on January 15 and February 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information or to hear gallery hours, call 708-754-2601.
Hat Making Workshop and Fundraiser
On Saturday, January 23 from noon to 2 p.m., fiber artist Jill DeBardelaben will teach you how to make your own cocktail hat. Ms. DeBardelaben is skilled in reclaiming lost fabrics, trinkets and treasures. Her hats are eclectic layers of fabrics, feathers, buttons and leathers. Nothing mad about this hatter…just eco-friendly and leading edge. You can bring your own materials or purchase them at the Gallery. All proceeds benefit the Union Street Gallery. Workshop fee is $20. Optional embellishments can be purchased for $8 to $10. Registration is required and class is limited to 20. For more information or to register, call 708-754-2601.
Educational Lectures
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway
GMAT Prep Classes Begin February 7 – Register Now
GSU’s College of Business and Public Administration (CBPA) is offering GMAT preparation courses. The non-credit courses prepare students who plan to take the GMAT, an admission requirement for many graduate programs. Both the Basic Math Refresher and the GMAT Prep Series will be offered. Fees for the Basic Math Refresher are $150. Fees for the GMAT Prep Series are $300. Both courses may be taken for $425 – a savings of $25. Classes will be offered on Saturdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27 and March 6 and 13 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in room B2202. Registration and payment are required before the first class. For more information or to register, contact the CBPA Advising Office at 708-534-4391 or [email protected].
South Suburban Earth Science Club
Monthly Meeting – January 12
The South Suburban Earth Science Club will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest. Members will share their projects, such as jewelry making and information about the upcoming fossil, gem and mineral shows. A table will be available for members and guests to exhibit their minerals, rock and fossil specimens. The meeting is open to the public. Freedom Hall is handicap accessible. For more information, call 708-822-0361.
Park Forest Toastmasters
Meeting January 15
Want to overcome your fear of public speaking or hone skills you’ve already developed? The Park Forest Toastmasters meet from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the first and third Fridays of the month at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest. Participants learn how to overcome their fear of giving speeches. Guests are invited, and there is no fee to visit. For more information, call 708-283-0138.
Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
Junior Ecologist Club Meeting January 16
On Saturday, January 16 from 10 a.m. to noon, children ages 5 – 10 are encouraged to explore the environment, their community and the world around them. Fee is $5 per child – parents are free. For more information, call 708-747-6320.
Rich Township Area AARP Chapter 4576 Meeting January 19
The Rich Township Area AARP will meet on Tuesday, January 19 at 1:15 p.m. at the Shirley J. Green Center, 297 Liberty, in DownTown Park Forest. The program will be “Senior Power” and how to achieve it by Earl and Alia Davis of Quality Classic Health & Fitness Center located on DownTown Park Forest. All those interested are invited to attend, including those from outside Rich Township. The facility is handicapped accessible. For more information, call 708-748-1104.
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.
Shrimp Max, 347 Liberty Dr., Park Forest — 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.
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
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
Secretary of State Services – January 12
The Secretary of State’s Mobile Service Unit will be at GSU on Tuesday, January 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Hall of Governors. Services available include driver’s license renewal, replacement, and corrections; State ID card renewal, replacement and corrections; vehicle sticker sales; passenger and b-truck license plates, vehicle title and registration, parking placards for persons with disabilities, and organ/tissue donor information. In addition, vision tests and the written driver’s license exam can be taken. No driving tests will be given.
The services are available to all qualified Illinois residents. State law allows driver’s license renewal up to one year in advance. Proper identification is required for new and duplicate diver’s licenses and state ID cards. Acceptable forms of payment include personal checks, cash, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards. For more information, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
Rainbow Café
Monthly Meeting – January 16
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. at the Unitarian-Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Dr. For more information, call 708-481-5539 and connect to the Rainbow extension.
Coco Key Water Resort Outing – Registration Deadline January 14
Forget the cold, winter weather at Illinois’ largest indoor water resort. On Saturday, January 30, take a dip in Loco’s Lagoon Wave Beach, float on the Coconut Grove Adventure River, hang out at Parrot’s Perch, and ride the four waterslides. Every day is a bright, sunny 84 degrees at Coco Key. The fee is $16 for children ages 0 – 2 and $38 for those ages 3 – Adult. The fee includes school bus transportation and admission; lunch is on your own. All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult (4 children per adult). Registration deadline is January 14. For more information or to register, call the Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department at 708-748-2005.
Good Neighbor Business of the Year Awards
Know a local business person who goes above and beyond what their job asks them to do? State Representative Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) is now accepting nominations for his newly-created Good Neighbor Business of the Year Awards. Nominations must be received by January 31, 2010. For more information on the Award, or to obtain a nomination form, call 708-672-0200.
Donate Unused Air Miles to Support Families of Wounded Service Members
“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, 2010 Winter/Spring Recreation Programs, Park Forest Fall/Winter 2009 Calendar of Events, Rotary Club of Park Forest, Park Forest Library, Tall Grass Arts Association, Center for Performing Arts, Governors State University, Illinois Theatre Center, Union Street Gallery, and Park Forest Historical Society websites.
