In and Around Park Forest Week of January 14, 2013

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—January 14, 2013. With predictions of much colder weather this week, help warm yourself up by thinking about spring activities! Nothing says ‘springtime’ like baseball and registration for the 2013 season of Park Forest Baseball is now in progress at Park Forest Village Hall. This program is open to both boys and girls from age 4 through 14. For additional information on the dates and times of registration, see the ‘This & That’ section.

Seed and flower catalogs are arriving in the mail which means the gardening season is right around the corner. All gardeners know that good soil is the key to a successful garden. To help you learn how to make healthy soil along with helping to make a healthy environment, the Park Forest Environment Commission is hosting an educational forum on ‘Composting’ on Saturday, January 19 at 10:30 a.m. at the Park Forest Public Library. Kate Bradley, a composting specialist from the University of Illinois Extension Service will show participants how to turn their fruit, vegetable and yard trimmings into a dark, crumbly, sweet-smelling soil conditioner. We’ll also be discussing the Environment Commission’s plans for its 2013 Composting Project. Additional information about the event can be found in the ‘Green Events’ section.

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

Village of Park Forest

Village Commission & Advisory Boards

The following Park Forest Advisory Group will meet the week of January 14:

• Tuesday, January 16 at 7 p.m. – Recreation & Parks Advisory Board

Arts & Entertainment

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

This Week’s Events at the Park Forest Public Library

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

• Monday, January 14 at 10:30 a.m. – Imagine! Create! Participate! — This program is designed for children ages 3-5 and will include not only a story, but the use of their imaginations. It’s designed to help children develop their creativity while interacting and connecting to other children in the community. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.
• Tuesday, January 15 at 10:30 a.m. – Movement & Me — Come in and enjoy time with your preschooler during this class combining movement with adventure and stories. Exercise is a key to living a healthy lifestyle. In this class parents and caregivers are able to move with their children while having a great time. (Ages 3-5). Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.
• Tuesday, January 15 at 6:30 p.m. – Fun With Scrabble — Love Scrabble? Join us for a fun evening of Scrabble! We will play classic Scrabble as well as different variants of the standard board game.
• Tuesday, January 15 at 6:30 p.m. – P.J. Story Time — Wear your pajamas & come join us for stories, crafts & games. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.
• Wednesday, January 16 at 10:30 a.m. — Art Club (Ages 2 – 5) — Do you love art? Well this club is for you and all creative kids are welcome. Come on in and join the club where you can discover new books, make wonderful art and meet new friends. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.
• Wednesday, January 16 at 5 p.m. – Art Club (Grades K – 3) — Do you love art? Well this club is for you and all creative kids are welcome. Come on in and join the club where you can discover new books, make wonderful art and meet new friends. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.
• Wednesday, January 16 at 6 p.m. – Art Club (Grades 4 – 6) — Do you love art? Well this club is for you and all creative kids are welcome. Come on in and join the club where you can discover new books, make wonderful art and meet new friends. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.
• Wednesday, January 16 at 7 p.m. – Reader’s Theater — Do you love dancing, acting, and singing? Would you like to put on a show for your friends and family to see? Join us every Wednesday for Reader’s Theater, where we will bring out the artist in you! (Ages 5 & Up). Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.
• Thursday, January 17 at 10:30 a.m. – Mother Goose Time — During this 30-minute session, babies and their parents will share nursery rhymes, finger plays, songs, music and age-appropriate books. For babies ages 2 and under accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.
• Thursday, January 17 at 5 p.m. – LEGO Club — Play and learn with LEGOs at the Park Forest Public Library! The creations the children make will be on display at the library. For boys and girls in Kindergarten through 5th Grade. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31. The library is looking for donations of new or used LEGOs. Please contact the library if you would like to help with this project.
• Thursday, January 17 at 7 p.m. – Knit Lit — Please join our brand-new discussion group for knitters and readers of knitting fiction. We will exchange stories, share our favorite book moments, and even swap knitting ideas. Read any fiction or non-fiction knitting selection and come back to join us for a great evening. Multiple book selections are available for checkout at Patron Services.
• Friday, January 18 at 1 p.m. – Senior Travelogue — Cruising the Windward Islands of the Caribbean: Martinique to Grenada
• Friday, January 18 at 3 p.m. – Wii Games — Meet up with your friends at the Park Forest Public Library for some gaming fun. The library will provide some games — YOU bring a friend. If you have a favorite game, bring it along to teach and share. Join us after school as we take a little time to have some fun! Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 3
• Saturday, January 19 at 11 a.m. – Art Club (Grades K – 3) — Do you love art? Well this club is for you and all creative kids are welcome. Come on in and join the club where you can discover new books, make wonderful art and meet new friends. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.
• Saturday, January 19 at 12 p.m. – Art Club (Grades 4 – 6) — Do you love art? Well this club is for you and all creative kids are welcome. Come on in and join the club where you can discover new books, make wonderful art and meet new friends. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.

For additional information, please call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org/

Sharing the Warmth – Through February 10

For each new warm item you bring in to the Library to donate, (anything like hats, mittens, slippers, socks, ear muffs, etc.) we will clear $2.00 in Park Forest Library fines. Help us share the warmth this winter, all items will be donated to those in need.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Classical II’ – Saturday, January 19

On Saturday, January 19 at 8 p.m., the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra will present ‘Classical II’ at the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 S. Harlem Avenue, Frankfort. Under the musical direction of David Danzmayr, the orchestra’s selections will include: ‘Water Music,’ byGeorge Frideric Handel, ‘Lamer,’ byClaude Debussy, ‘Four Sea Interludes’ from Peter Grimes, and ‘The Lark Ascending’by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Tickets are priced at $55, $45 and $35 and can be purchased online at http://www.ipomusic.org.

Park Forest Recreation & Parks

February Senior Trip – Macy’s on State Street – Register by Monday, January 28

Come join us on Friday, February 15 for a day at Macy’s on State Street. The bus will depart at 9:30 a.m. from Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive and head to Macy’s where we will begin with the history and architecture tour of the historic State Street store. Highlights include the breathtaking Tiffany vaulted ceiling, the iconic Great Clocks, the graceful Burnham fountain and the world-renowned Walnut Room restaurant. Following this we will enjoy a delectable lunch at the Walnut Room where you can chose between their famous chicken pot pie of the butternut squash tortellacci (please provide menu choice when you register). After, we will enjoy the Window Magic Tour where we will learn how a special team works to create displays ranging from romantic Valentine themed windows to Macy’s famous holiday displays. We will have 90 minutes of shopping time at the end of the day. The bus will return to Village Hall at approximately 5:30 p.m. The trip fee is $69 per person which includes round-trip bus transportation and lunch. Register at the Recreation & Parks Department at Village Hall or by phone with a credit card at 708-748-2005. Mention code 148700-1 when registering. We will need the name, address, home phone number, emergency number and meal choice for each person registering for the trip.

Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest

Park Forest Plaza Print for Sale

Annabelle Gould’s print of the Park Forest Plaza is available for sale at the Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard. The vibrant print is from an original watercolor, showing kids and their moms in the Park Forest Plaza, in front of the old Holiday Theatre and Golden Hanger Shop. The print can be purchased at the House Museum during normal hours of operation on Wednesdays and Saturdays or through the Society’s online store on their website at www.parkforesthistory.org. Prints are $15 each. Online purchases also required an additional $6 fee for postage and handling. For additional information on other items for sale by the Society, visit www.parkforesthistory.org.

Step Back into the 1950s at the Park Forest House Museum

Step Back into the 1950s at the 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of 21st century and revisit your past in this gem of a museum, just down the street. The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays in December from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., or by appointment. The admission is $5 for adults; 12 and under are free. The museum tour is free with the purchase of a Marshall Field’s Brick. Park Forest related gift ideas are available at the museum and in the online store at www.parkforesthistory.org. Convenient street parking is available in front of the museum. For additional information, call 708-481-4252.

Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest

Barbara Leahy-Edwards Exhibit – Through January 31

Salon Artists Gallery is currently exhibiting the paintings of Barbara Leahy-Edwards through January 31. Barbara’s artwork is a celebration of an individual’s unique ability to achieve. The cylinder shapes and/or circles of color represent the hope, passion, drive, emotion and will that can be found in every person. At the same time the shapes symbolize the formation of a person’s inner spirit. Gallery hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, call 708-835-5108.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Luise Renner Retrospective’ – Opens January 25

The exhibit, ‘Luise Renner Retrospective,’ will open at Tall Grass Arts Association on Friday, January 25, with an opening reception from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Tall Grass Gallery.  It will run through March 31.    The exhibit was curated by Richard Schmidt with assistance from Richard Renner.  It will feature the two and three-dimensional works of artist/illustrator Luise Renner who frequently exhibited in galleries in the Chicago area and southern suburbs.  Luise died in December of 2009 at the young age of 63. She left behind a large body of work.   This is the first time some of her works have been exhibited.  The exhibit is dedicated to her memory and presented in homage to her.   The Tall Grass Gallery is located in Downtown Park Forest, adjacent to Village Hall.  Gallery hours are 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.  The Gallery is open to the public, free of charge.  For additional information, call the gallery at 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.

Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park

Electrifying ‘Braid Tales’ Brings Language, Stories of the Streets to GSU’s Center for Performing Arts – Saturday, January 26

Powerful poetry, incredible footwork, and vibrant urban culture come together in ‘Braid Tales’ at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts for one performance only on Saturday, January 26 at 8 p.m. Through hip hop theater, spoken word, and intricate graffiti art, ‘Braid Tales’ brings the language and stories of the streets to life. This electrifying double bill features a diverse explosion of genres and styles influenced by classical music, hip hop, jazz and modern dance. A multi-dimensional street art production, ‘Braid Tales’ weaves real life stories through the lens of the Kuumba Lynx Peace Poets and Chicago’s nationally-renowned FootworKINGz. The South Shore Drill Team is also featured in this exciting show. Tickets for ‘Braid Tales’ are $30, $10 for college students, and $5 for high school students. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call the GSU Center Box Office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net. ‘Braid Tales’ includes adult language and is not recommended for children under 15.

Pre-performance Discussion of ‘Braid Tales’ – Thursday, January 24

A pre-performance discussion ‘Braid Tales’ will take place on Thursday, January 24 at 5 p.m. in Engbretson Hall at GSU. The panel discussion is free and open to the public.

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, 1 University Parkway, University Park

Annual Winter Walk and Chili Dinner – Saturday, January 26

Blow off some cabin fever and join us on Saturday, January 26 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., for the Annual Winter Walk and Chili Dinner. Participants should meet in the Hall of Governors located in the G-Wing of Governors State University. Geoff Bates, Director and Curator at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park will lead the tour of artworks, including Yvonne Domenge’s ‘Wind Waves.’ The park is quiet and the sculpture stands in stark contrast to the snow. Board member Leona Calvin and her husband George will provide us with a dinner featuring George’s delicious chili when we return to the building. In the event that the temperature outside is 20 degrees of below for the high temperature that day, the event will be cancelled. The event is free but reservations are required by Friday, January 18. To make a reservation, please call 708-534-3084. The event is limited to the first 35 people who register.

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted Street, Chicago Heights

‘Evocative’ Art Exhibit at Christopher Art Gallery – Through January 30

The PSC Foundation is presenting the art exhibit ‘Evocative’ through January 30th in the Christopher Art Gallery on the Chicago Heights campus. This exhibition of sculpture, ceramics, paintings, photographs, prints, and mixed media works was chosen by juror Paul Klein of Klein Artist Works. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or gallery hours, call 708-709-3636.

Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights

‘Upgrade & Breakdown’ – Opens January 16

‘Upgrade & Breakdown’ featuring the works of Josh Bindewald and Christopher Cannon will open on January 16 and run through February 16. An opening reception will be held on Friday, January 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The exhibit features printmaking and mixed media art that addresses humankind’s propensity to upgrade and break down the world around us. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For gallery hours and additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

‘Urban Myths’ – Opens January 16

‘Urban Myths’ featuring art by the internationally recognized printmaker Michael Goro will open on January 16 and run through February 16. An opening reception will be held on Friday, January 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Goro’s solo exhibit will present twenty-five of his intensely detailed, large-scale intaglio prints, as well as several images from preparatory stages of his printmaking process. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For gallery hours and additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago

IN WAR Series – Through Memorial Day 2013

In light of the ongoing war in Afghanistan and the rising need for mental health care for returning veterans, the National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM) is proud to hold its third annual IN WAR series in its new location at 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago. The third annual INWAR series examines intergenerational trauma: the passing of mass traumas from one generation to the next. Trauma takes a profound psychological and physical toll on survivors that has ramifications for decades. For additional information about the exhibit or museum hours, visit: www.nvam.org.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

Open House for New Mindfulness and Psychotherapy Certificate Program –Registration Required

GSU’s College of Education and College of health and Human Services have joined forces to present an exciting new program – the first of its kind in the Midwest. An Open House for the new Mindfulness and Psychotherapy Certificate Program will be held on Friday, February 1 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the E-Lounge at GSU. An overview of this two-year, 18 credit hour program, which will begin in the Summer of 2013, will be presented at the Open House. Participants will have the chance to meet faculty and other prospective applicants. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Individuals eligible to enroll in this program include: post-master’s level practitioners with a degree in mental health or allied health professions who have access to clinical populations and; current master’s level GSU students enrolled in clinically-oriented programs who are in their final year of advanced clinical practicum. To register for the Open House or for additional information, call Dr. Maristela Zell at 708-235-2235 or e-mail [email protected].

Veterans Writing Groups at GSU

GSU is inviting veterans to join a new Veterans Writing Group, where they will discover the craft of narrative writing in a small, supportive group environment. Groups will meet for six-week workshops beginning in January to learn new skills and share camaraderie with other vets. There is no charge for participation in the Veterans Writing Group. To register, contact Robin Thompson at 708-534-4581 or e-mail [email protected].

Job Search Assistance Every Tuesday at GSU

The Mobile Workforce Center’s mobile unit will be at GSU every Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., parked near the university’s front entrance. Center services include resume development, access to online job boards and websites, instruction in how to conduct an online job search and improve keyboarding skills, and assistance of staff. The center is equipped with 11 computer stations with Internet access, printer, and copy machines, and is wheelchair accessible. Services are free and available to residents in all counties. For additional information, contact the Workforce Services Division of Will County at 815-727-4980.

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights

Opt In to Technology at PSC

You can bridge the gap between technology and a new you at PSC’s new Opt In program that consists of two computer training centers and free classes to teach basic technological skills. One location is at the Adult Training and outreach Center in Room A145 at PSC’s main campus. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The other location is at the Matteson Area Center’s Computer Training Lab located at 4821 Southwick Dr., Matteson. Hours for this location are Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. No matter what skill level you have or want to have, Opt In can help. Both computer labs and on-site tutors are free and open to the public. For additional information, call Lisa Zeigler at 708-709-3548 or e-mail [email protected].

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 12 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.

Online Educational Resources

Online college programs are a great way for today’s busy people to complete or earn a degree. To find an online college program in Illinois, visit http://www.onlineschools.org/guides/Illinois/ where you will find a compilation of every college program offered online in Illinois offered on a full or part-time basis.

Top U.S. Universities

Choosing what college or university to attend can be a very daunting experience. With educational costs continually increasing, it’s more important than ever to choose a university that meets your specific educational needs. At http://www.topschools.com/, you will find a comprehensive resource that ranks each university throughout the nation by size, degrees offered, tuition costs, admission, graduation and retention rates.

Healthy Living

Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest

‘Dr. Fuhrman’s Immunity Solution’ – Saturday, January 26

On Saturday, January 26 at 7 p.m. UUCC will screen the movie ‘Dr. Fuhrman’s Immunity Solution.’ Come learn how you can improve your health and longevity with nutrition that boosts your immune system and protects against disease. Dr. Joel Fuhrman, M.D., is a specialist in the prevention and reversal of disease, and educates and inspires us to take charge of our health, diet and well-being. Free coffee, tea, and popcorn will be served. A lively discussion will follow the movie. The event is free and open to the public. Optional donations will be accepted. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit: www.uuccpf.org.

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

Free Psychotherapy Available from GSU’s Psychology Program

GSU’s Psychology Department is offering free psychotherapy services to members of the community. Conversations with a psychotherapist can help people cope with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, and life transition problems. Confidential, one-on-one sessions are held with a GSU graduate student in psychology under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Individuals and couples, 18 years and older, are eligible. All sessions are conducted in Matteson, IL. The number of sessions is determined by the client’s needs. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-235-2841.

Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard, Park Forest

CPR Classes

CPR classes are available at the Park Forest Fire Department. Click on the following link for more details: http://pffd.vopf.com/cpr-classes.html

Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest

Senior Citizen Weekday Lunch at the Senior Café

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.

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 program 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.

Green Events

Park Forest Economic Development

January Business Breakfast ‘Getting Ahead of the Green Curve’ – Thursday, January 17 — Registration Required

Park Forest’s January Business Breakfast will present ‘Getting Ahead of the Green Curve’ on Thursday, January 17 at Dining on the Green Banquet Hall, 349 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest. A complimentary full breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. with the presentation beginning at 8:30 a.m. Sarah Coulter, LEED AP, the Village’s Sustainability Coordinator will discuss the fundamentals of sustainability, the role of business and sustainability, the rapidly developing market for products and practices, best practices from leading green business communities and how local businesses can get involved in Park Forest’s Sustainability Plan. For additional information or to register call 708-283-5617 or e-mail [email protected]. Online registration can be done at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com.

Park Forest Environment Commission

‘Composting’ Educational Forum – Saturday, January 19

The Park Forest Environment Commission invites you to attend an educational forum on ‘Composting’ to be held on Saturday, January 19 at 10:30 a.m. at the Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard. Kate Bradley, Master Gardener, composter and traveling chef from the University of Illinois Extension Service will discuss how composting is nature’s way of recycling and is the key to healthy soil and a healthy environment. Participants will learn how to turn their fruit, vegetable and yard trimmings into a dark, crumbly, sweet-smelling soil conditioner. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Experience the Thorn Creek Nature Center

Thorn Creek Nature Center is housed in a historic building, originally Immanuel Lutheran Church of Matteson, Illinois built in 1862, and later Village Bible Church of Park Forest. A gothic frame country church, its notable architectural features include curved ceiling, tongue-and-groove paneling and a raised pulpit. Its current attractions are displays of the preserve’s flora and fauna, a bird feeder viewing area, Eugene E. Schwartz reference library and an expanded children’s section. The Nature Center is open Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Trails are open daily year-round, dawn to dusk. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.

Thank You Thorn Creek Volunteers – Registration Required by January 17

On Saturday, January 19 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., those of all ages are invited to the Thank You party for Thorn Creek Volunteers. In the event of snow, the date will be changed to Saturday, January 26 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers will gather for a fun-filled afternoon with chili pot luck, awards, and of course, a hike in Thorn Creek Woods. We’ll even have a business meeting of Friends of Thorn Creek Woods, so everyone can keep up with what’s going on at the Preserve. BYOW = Bring Your Own Whatever for the chili pot luck. This program will be held indoors. Hiking is on a natural surface trails across uneven terrain. The event is free but registration is required by Thursday, January 17. To register, please call 708-747-6320.

This & That

Habitat for Humanity Chicago South Suburbs, 139 W. Joe Orr Road, Chicago Heights

Homeownership Orientation on January 26 – Registration Required

If you want to be a homeowner by participating in the Habitat for Humanity home ownership program, you are invited to attend the next orientation session which will be held on Saturday, January 26 at 10 a.m. Habitat for Humanity provides an interest free mortgage for qualified families. Habitat offers a “hand-up,” not a “hand-out.” Each family partner will be expected to pay for their home. Usually, mortgage payments are less than the amount now paid for rent. All partner families must save $1,500 to cover closing costs and be willing to provide a minimum of 400 hours of sweat equity. To qualify, a family must have an income level falling in a particular range based on family size. To learn more about Habitat for Humanity or to register for the orientation, call 708-756-2015. Leave your name and mailing address and you will be sent an invitation to the orientation.

Park Forest Baseball

Registration for 2013 Season – Now on Progress

Registration for the 2013 season of Park Forest Baseball is now in progress. This program is open to both boys and girls from age 4 through 14. The registration will be at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive on the following Saturdays:

• Saturday, January 26 from noon to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, February 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Saturday, February 23 from noon to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Friday, March 15 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Complete details about registration can be found at www.ParkForestBaseball.org or call Alan or Mary Kay Joens at 708-503-1944.

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.

Park Forest American Legion Post 1198, 1631 Western Ave., Chicago Heights

Friday Fish Fry – Friday, January 18

Join Park Forest’s American Legion Post 1198 for fish, shrimp, wings, beef and appetizers on Friday, January 18 beginning at 6 p.m. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.

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.

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights

Get Your Taxes Done for Free at PSC

PSC in conjunction with the Center for Economic Progress (CEP) is offering opportunities for individuals and families meeting certain criteria to get their taxes done for free. The tax assistance will be available beginning January 26 through April 13. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free assistance is available to individuals with incomes less than $25,000; for families with income level less than $50,000. The service is offered on a first come, first serve basis. To ensure the process goes smoothly, bring the following information: all W-2s and 1099s (if any), social security cards of Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for all family members; valid photo ID; copy of last year’s tax return (if available); bank account number and routing number for direct deposit of your refund; property tax bill; and the amount spent on college expenses. Other options offered during the tax preparation session include free help filing an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) claim, open a bank or savings account to deposit your refund, or obtain a prepaid debit card for your refund. If you have any questions, call 888-827-8511.

Sertoma Centre, Inc., 4343 W. 123rd St., Alsip

Good As New Thrift Store – Seeking Donations

The Sertoma Centre’s Good As New Thrift Store, 4331 Lincoln Highway, Matteson, is seeking donations of gently used furniture and other household items in good condition. Proceeds from the sale of items at the Thrift Store go directly to supporting the 14 programs offered by Sertoma Centre. The store also serves as a training program for consumers at Sertoma to allow them to gain experience and transition into permanent retail jobs. The Thrift Store will pick up furniture donations within the south and southwest suburbs of Chicago free of charge. To make an arrangement to make a tax deductible donation of furniture to Good As News, call 708-481-5627. For additional information, to schedule a tour, volunteer or to make a donation, please call Amy Chmura at 708-730-6206 or e-mail [email protected].

Rotary Club of Park Forest

The Rotary Club of Park Forest urges you to purchase a Golden Opportunities 2012 book to help support its youth activities. Books are only $25 and are now available for purchase at the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd.

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.

Sources:

Park Forest Winter-Spring 2013 Recreation Programs & More Brochure, Park Forest ‘Discover’ magazine, 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, Illinois Theatre Center, Sertoma Centre, Inc., Union Street Gallery, Monkey Mind Art Studio, Thorn Creek Audubon Society, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.