In and Around Park Forest Week of January 16, 2012

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—January 16, 2012. The Village of Park Forest and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) will be conducting a series of focus groups this week in order to continue to solicit resident input on the Village’s Sustainability Plan. Details about these focus groups can be found in the ‘Green Events’ section below.

If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in our community during the upcoming week, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.

Village of Park Forest

Village Hall Closure

Park Forest Village Hall will be closed on Monday, January 16 in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.

Village Board Meeting

The Village Board will meet on Tuesday, January 17 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend. Village Board meetings air live on cable access channels (Channel 4 for Comcast subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T subscribers) as well as on the Village web site at www.villageofparkforest.com.

To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.

Village of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings

The following Park Forest Advisory Board will meet the week of January 16:

• Tuesday, January 17 at 7 p.m. – Recreation Parks Advisory Board

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

Green Events

Village of Park Forest

Sustainability Focus Groups

In an effort to continue to obtain as much resident input as possible on the development of the Village’s Sustainability Plan, a series of focus groups have been scheduled to take place the week of January 16. All focus groups will take place in the Board Room at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. The schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday, January 18 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Transportation
• Wednesday, January 18 from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. – Education
• Thursday, January 19 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Economic Development
• Thursday, January 19 from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. – Green Buildings/Energy

Residents are encouraged to attend.

Village of Park Forest Sustainability Plan

In April of this year, the Village of Park Forest was selected by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to participate in a local technical assistance program for the purpose of creating a Sustainability Plan.  CMAP received a three-year $4.25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to implement their adopted regional comprehensive plan, GO TO 2040.  They are using this grant to fund around 60 local planning projects throughout the Chicago Metropolitan Area that will be instrumental in the implementation of the GO TO 2040 Plan.  CMAP staff assistance is being provided to prepare the Sustainability Plan at no cost to the Village. A Sustainability Assessment has been developed over the past several months. The next step in developing the Sustainability Plan is to develop strategies to help implement the Vision and Goals contained in the Sustainability Assessment.  The public’s input is needed to ensure that this step in the Plan reflects the community’s desires for a sustainable community.  To that end, all residents and Park Forest business owners are invited to participate in a public assessment tool.  This survey will take should take no more than 15 minutes to complete, unless you have a lot of input to share. Please use the following link to access the assessment tool – http://parkforest.metroquest.com/

Share this information with your Park Forest friends and family.  This assessment will be available through March 2012. If you have any questions about the Sustainability Plan process, please feel free to contact Hildy Kingma, AICP, Director of Economic Development and Planning.  Hildy can be reached at [email protected] or 708-283-5622.

To learn more about the Sustainability Plan Project, visit: http://www.villageofparkforest.com.

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

‘Earth: The Operators’ Manual’ – Free Movie & Discussion – Saturday, January 28

On Saturday, January 28 at 7 p.m., UUCC will screen the movie ‘Earth: The Operators’ Manual.’ The film screening will be followed by a discussion led by Jeff Green. Things that are important to us, like cars and computers, come with manuals. So why not a manual for the most complex operating system of all – the Earth? Is the planet due for an oil change? What do we need to do to keep Earth operating at peak performance? These are some of the questions addressed in ‘Earth: The Operators’ Manual. This film shown on PBS, will leave you amazed at the beauty and bounty of the planet, inspired by human ingenuity and optimistic about the future. Free coffee, tea, and popcorn will be provided. Bring a snack to share if you wish. Optional donations will be gratefully accepted. For additional information, call 708-481.5339.

Park Forest Environment Commission & Park Forest Garden Club

‘Natural Lawn Care Basics’ – Save the Date

The Park Forest Environment Commission and Park Forest Garden Club invite you to attend a free educational forum on ‘Natural Lawn Care Basics’ that will be held on Saturday, February 4 at 10 a.m. in the Ringering Room of the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard. Speaker Rachel Rosenberg, Executive Director of Safer Pest Control Project, will help you to discover the health and environmental impacts of conventionally maintained lawns and the benefits of a natural lawn care approach. A status report on the 2012 Park Forest Community Garden project will also be provided. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call Rosemary Piser at 708-747-1991.

Arts & Entertainment

Village of Park Forest Community Relations

‘Battle of the South Suburbs’ – Saturday, January 21

The ‘Battle of the South Suburbs,’ formerly known as Park Forest Idols, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 21 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd., Park Forest. Tickets are $5 in advance of the event, and $10 at the door and are available at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Get your tickets early as the event sold out early last year. For additional information, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or e-mail [email protected].

Village of Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department, Park Forest

February Senior Trip to Art Institute of Chicago & High Tea at Drake Hotel – Registration Deadline Monday, January 23

The Senior Trip to the Art Institute of Chicago and High Tea at the Drake Hotel will be held on Wednesday, February 1. From popular Rembrandt masterpieces to recent works by lesser-known artists, the Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the finest art collections in the world. You will have 2 hours to explore the museum on your own. Or you may also take this as an opportunity to visit the shops or sights of Chicago during the Art Institute timeframe or grab a light snack before tea on your own. Following the Art Institute, at 2 pm, we will journey to the historic Drake Hotel for High Tea in the renowned Palm Court. Hear the heavenly sounds of a live harp while enjoying a traditional English afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, fruit breads, scones and French pastries. The trip is $65 per person and includes roundtrip transportation departing at 10:30 a.m. from Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd., and returning at approximately 5 p.m. Registration deadline is Monday, January 23 – but don’t wait as these trips fill up fast and seating is limited. For additional information or to register by phone with a credit card, call 708-748-2005 or sign up in person at the Recreation & Parks desk at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

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

• Tuesday, January 17 at 10:30 a.m. – Preschool Storytime
• Tuesday, January 17 at 7 p.m. – Pajama Storytime – For all story lovers Ages 2 thru 12. Drop-ins welcome.
• Wednesday, January 18 at 2 p.m. – Learn to Use Your Kindle – An introduction to using an Amazon Kindle. Please note: you must bring your own device for this class.
• Wednesday, January 18 at 3:30 p.m. – Breaktime! – Ages 6 & Up. Stop in to see what we’re doing — crafts, games, more.
• Thursday, January 19 at 10:30 a.m. – LapSit – Ages 0 – 35 months with caregiver. Registration please.
• Thursday, January 19 at 11:15 a.m. – Toddler Art – Ages 2-4 with caregiver. Registration please.
• Friday, January 20 at 4 p.m. – Teen Time – Ages 12 & up. Wii games, classic TV reruns, board game competitions, teen crafts.
• Saturday, January 21 at 10:30 a.m. – Learn to Use Your Kindle – An introduction to using an Amazon Kindle. Please note: you must bring your own device for this class.
• Saturday, January 21 at 2 p.m. – A Page in My Life: Scrapbooking Workshop – Ages 15 & Up.
• Saturday, January 21 at 2 p.m. – E-Reader Demonstration – Drop in and learn about accessing these new digital library titles. We’ll also have a sampling of E-readers for you to look at, and an experienced user here to help you find your way through many of the features on each reader.
• Saturday, January 21 at 2 p.m. – Kids Kindle Demonstration — Drop in and learn about accessing these new digital library titles. We’ll also have a sampling of E-readers for you to look at, and an experienced user here to help you find your way through many of the features on each reader.

For more information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.

Library Closure –Monday, January 16

The Park Forest Library will be closed on Monday, January 16 in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walkway, Park Forest

‘Broke-Ology’ by Nathan Louis Jackson –Tickets Now on Sale

Tickets are now on sale for Nathan Louis Jackson’s ‘Broke-Ology’ which will open on January 27 and run through February 12. This exciting new play is a stirring portrait of an African-American family. When a college student returns to his Kansas City home to help his brother care for their ill father, they find themselves strangely at odds. The New York Time described it as ‘A moving exploration of how time and circumstance – and the hard fact of poverty – can diminish hope, divide loving siblings, and ultimately extinguish life itself.” Tickets are priced at $22 and $20. There is a $1 discount for students and seniors. For additional information, show times, or to purchase tickets, call 708- 481-3510 or visit www.ilthctr.org.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘No Place Like Home’ – Tickets Now on Sale

Join us for a "world cruise" for the senses when Markand Thakar, music director of the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, leads the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra in a program bursting with melody. Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man heralds the equality and nobility of mankind as the U.S. was thrust into World War II; Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, one of classical music’s greatest hits, is Russian to the core; and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8 is a lively sketch of his beloved Bohemia. The concert will be held at Trinity Christian College’s Ozinga Chapel, 6601 W. College Drive, Palos Heights. Tickets are priced at $30 and $25 and can be purchased at: https://secure.ticketsage.net. For additional information, call 708-481-7774 or visit www.ipomusic.org.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artist Walk, Park Forest

‘African Expressions’ Art and Artifacts of Africa – Opens January 20

‘African Expressions,’ an exhibit featuring arts and artifacts of Africa, will open on Friday, January 20 and run through March 18. The exhibit will feature Neolithic artifacts through 20th century sculpture, metal work, figurative wood sculpture and prestige items. A reception will be held on Friday, February 3 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For Gallery hours or additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit: www.tallgrassarts.org.

Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park

‘Tad in 5th City’ – Saturday, January 21

Tickets are now on sale for ‘Tad in 5th City’ which will be performing on Saturday, January 21 at 8 p.m. ‘Tad in 5th City’ tells the story about African-American life on Chicago’s West Side in 1978. It is an unflinching depiction of poverty paired with genuine warmth. Tickets are priced at $49, $39, $34, $30 and $28 for students. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.

Golden Dragon Acrobats – Tickets Now On Sale

On Sunday, January 29 at 3 p.m. celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Golden Dragon Acrobats!  They represent the best of a time honored tradition that began more than twenty-five centuries ago. The Golden Dragon Acrobats are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today.  Tickets range in price from $44 to $15. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-235-2222 or visit: http://www.centertickets.net.

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

‘Ways of Making: Photography’ – Through Friday, February 3

The Visual Arts Gallery at GSU is currently presenting ‘Ways of Making: Photography,’ featuring the work of artists Myra Green and Cecil McDonald, Jr. through Friday, February 3. A closing reception celebrating the exhibition will be held on Thursday, February 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The exhibit and the reception are free and open to the public. The Visual Arts Gallery is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and by appointment. For additional information, call 708-534-4021 or visit www.govst.edu/gallery.

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park Annual Winter Walk and Chili Dinner – Saturday, January 28 – Reservations Required

The Annual Winter Walk and Chili Dinner will be held on Saturday, January 28 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The tour will leave from the GSU’s Hall of Governors, D-Wing. The event is free and open to the public. If high temperatures are forecast below 20 degrees, the Winter Walk will be rescheduled for the next day, Sunday, January 29. Reservations are limited to 35 and are required. Please call the Sculpture Park RSVP Line at 708-534-3084 with your name, contact number, and number of guests or contact [email protected] for additional information.

South Suburban PADS

‘N’awlins’ Style Fundraiser’ – Tickets Now on Sale

South Suburban PADS will be holding ‘N’awlins’ Style Fundraiser’ on Saturday, February 11 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 115 Bourbon Street, 13359 Merrionette Park, IL. South Suburban PADS is an emergency shelter program that has operative in the South and Southwest suburbs of Chicago since 1990. It is an interfaith effort that provides food, shelter and hospitality to men, women and children with no place to live. Tickets are $45 per person and include wine, beer and soda bar, buffet meal of local favorites and Cajun cuisine. Special Guest Master of Ceremony will be Andrea Darias of WGN Radio. Dress is casual chic, costumes are encouraged. Advance ticket purchase is required. Tickets can be purchased at www.sspads.org.  For additional information, call 708-754-4357.

Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights

‘I Shall Be Released’ Regional Juried Exhibit – Through February 11

‘I Shall Be Released’ a Regional juried exhibit will run through Saturday, February 11. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

The Sculpture of Howard Haarer & Rob Millard-Mendez – Through February 11

The sculpture of Howard Haarer and Rob Millard-Mendez will be exhibited through Saturday, February 11. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood St., Park Forest

Martin Luther King Recognition Program – Monday, January 16

Hallelujah Temple’s Education Department invites you to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. in his contribution to the civil rights movement on Monday, January 16 at 11 a.m. The event will feature tributes, salutes, songs and poetry. For additional information, call 708-503-6536.

Park Forest Nurses Club, Park Forest

Meeting Scheduled for Thursday, January 19

The Park Forest Nurses Club will meet on Thursday, January 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 N. Orchard Drive (corner of Lincoln Highway and Orchard Drive). “Plagiocephaly” (flat head syndrome) will be the topic presented by Jackie Rycyna, Clinical Education Representative of Cranial Technologies, Inc. All Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses, active or inactive, are invited to attend. For additional information, call 708-481-8387 or visit: www.pfnursesclub.org.

Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Winter Night Hike – Saturday, January 28 – Registration Required

Thorn Creek Nature Center’s Winter Night Hike will take place on Saturday, January 28 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This event is free and open to all ages. Registration is required. As the sun goes down many animals are just becoming active and, even though it is hard to see them with the fading light, you know they are there because of their calls. Join us as we walk through the twilight in anticipation of the night sounds. Come dressed for the weather. Participants should be able to walk a mile outdoors on uneven and possibly snow-covered ground. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.

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

Final Forum on Jewish/Palestine Conflict – Sunday, January 22

UUCC will close its series of free forums on the Jewish/Palestine conflict on Sunday, January 22 beginning at 11:30 a.m.  ‘Israel and Palestine’ will be presented by Brett Cohen, an activist in Stand with Us, a more militant pro-Israel point of view regarding the ‘2 State’ solution. For additional information, call 708-277-5923.

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

CenterPoint Offers January Workshops on Starting Businesses

CenterPoint at GSU is sponsoring six ‘Starting a Business in Illinois’ workshops in January for Chicago Southland residents. The free two-hour workshops focus on personal, financial, and legal aspects of starting a business. Participants will learn what steps to take and what resources are available to assist new business owners succeed in today’s challenging economic climate. Workshops will be presented on:

• Monday, January 16 at 7 p.m. at the Oak Lawn Public Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave., Oak Lawn.
• Wednesday, January 18 at 9 a.m. at the Kallsen Center in Tinley Park Village Hall, 16250 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park.
• Monday, January 23 at 1p.m. at the Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st St., Palos Heights.
• Tuesday, January 31 at 6:30 p.m. n the Home Glen Public Library, 14320 W. 151st St., Home Glen.

For additional information, call 708-534-4927 or visit: www.centerpointgsu.com.

Reading Tutoring Available at GSU

GSU’s Graduate Program in Reading is sponsoring The Literacy Zone, a reading tutorial program for students in grades six through high school, on Tuesdays from January 24 through April 17 from 4:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This 12-week, one-to-one program brings students experiencing reading problems together with teachers who have the skills to help them. Students meet on the GSU campus with certified, experienced teachers enrolled in the Master of Arts Reading Program at GSU. Enrollment is limited and based on the number of tutors. Students will be accepted in the order in which the completed application and registration fee are received. There is a $70 registration fee. Snacks are provided at each session. Transportation is not provided. For additional information or to register, call 708-534-4122 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.

Representative Anthony DeLuca, Chicago Heights

2012 General Assembly Scholarship Program – Applications Accepted Through March 15

Representative Anthony DeLuca is accepting applications for the 2012 General Assembly Scholarship program through Thursday, March 15 at 4:30 p.m. The scholarships are available o residents of the 80th District and will cover one year of tuition to the following universities:

• University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, and 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 708-672-0200 or visit www.housedem.state.il.us/members/delucaa/index.htm.

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted Street, 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 2 p.m. at the Leonard Robinson Family Services Center, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park. Participants will learn Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet skills, résumé building skills, and more. Classes are open only to residents of Rich Township. For additional information, call Mark Mason or Joe Moran at 708-748-6722.

Healthy Living

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

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.

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.

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 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

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

Secretary of State Services Available at GSU – Tuesday, January 17

The Secretary of State’s Mobile Service Unit will be at GSU on Tuesday, January 17 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 provided 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 driver’s licenses and state ID cards. Acceptable forms of payment include personal checks, cash, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards. For additional information, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

Park Forest Baseball

Registration for 2012 Season – Now in Progress

Registration for Park Forest Baseball’s 2012 Season will be held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 11 and Saturday, March 3. There will also be registration held on Saturday, January 28 and Saturday, February 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Village Hall. Players are required to furnish a birth certificate. Fees vary by division, with a refundable participation fee of $25 and a fundraising requirement of selling one box of candy. A complete uniform is provided and teams play approximately 20 games during the season. Park Forest Baseball is part of the Greater South Suburban Baseball League, which is made up of Hazel Crest, Richton Park, Glenwood, University Park, OTYA, Matteson, Matteson-Olympia Fields, Chicago Heights, and South Chicago Heights. For additional information, call Alan or Mary Kay Joens at 708-503-1944 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.ParkForestBaseball.org.

Village of Park Forest Economic Development, 350 Victory Dr., Park Forest

Park Forest January Business Breakfast – RSVP by Friday, January 20

The Park Forest January Business Breakfast will be held on Wednesday, January 25 beginning at 8 a.m. at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street, DownTown Park Forest. Micheael E. Wojcik, Senior Vice President of the Horton Group, will give an informative presentation that will assist with preparing your business for the coming years regarding the Health Care Reform Act. This free event includes a complimentary full breakfast. Please RSVP by Friday, January 20 online at http://www.villageofparkforest.com , by phone at 708-283-5671, or e-mail [email protected].

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.

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.

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 2011 Autumn Recreation Programs & More Brochure, 2011/2012 Park Forest Fall/Winter Calendar,  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.