Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– January 18, 2010. In the wake of the recent disaster in Haiti, the Village of Park Forest would like to offer the following information on a few organizations currently collecting funds towards relief efforts.
- The American Red Cross has always been at the forefront of delivering aid in times of catastrophe, be it domestic or abroad. To donate through the Red Cross, visit the Red Cross web site at: www.redcross.org. Additionally, interested donors can also text ‘HAITI’ to 90999 on their cell phone and $10.00 will be automatically given to the American Red Cross.
- Doctors Without Borders is a worldwide organization which provides medical relief and support to those in need. It is believed that the Haiti earthquake has severely disabled almost all medical facilities in the region and the ability to deliver such services. Doctors Without Borders volunteers are already in Haiti with additional staff and volunteers currently being deployed to address the widespread medical needs. To donate to this organization, visit their web site at: www.doctorswithoutborders.org and click on the ‘Donate’ link at the top of the home page.
- CNN has posted an extensive listing of reputable charitable organizations that are providing relief and support to those in Haiti. This list can be found at: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/impact/.
Park Forest resident Ross Brazzale visited Haiti in August as part of Engineers Without Borders where he and the group installed a solar panel in a school in Pignon. Ross has additional recommendations for donations:
- Community Coalition for Haiti, which acts as an umbrella organization for churches etc. doing work down there. “They’re definitely a heaving hitting organization with people already down there,” Brazzale says: http://www.cchaiti.org
- Haiti Outreach is the organization Brazzale and his group partnered with on their trip to Haiti. “They have a SOLID in country network,” he says. They have information about their efforts on their website: http://www.haitioutreach.org
Park Forest residents are reminded to make donations only to trusted organizations which have been thoroughly researched and found to be reputable. The FBI has issued a warning to the public to watch out for scams, especially when donating to relief efforts online. Additionally, the public should be leery of unsolicited e-mails or phone calls related to relief effort outlets.
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
Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Boards
The following Village Commissions will meet the week of January 18:
- Plan Commission – Tuesday, January 19 at 7:00 p.m. Please note that the Plan Commission holds a second meeting each month on an as needed basis. Please call Village Hall at 708-748-1112 to verify that this meeting will be held.
All meetings are held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.
School Holiday Camp – Dr. King’s Birthday
On Monday, January 18, Gainers Gymnastics, 300 Victory Drive will provide educational, recreational and cultural activities along with healthy snacks. Gainers provides a safe environment for children when school is not in session. For more information, call Karon at 708-481-2261.
Martin Luther King Program
Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood St., Park Forest
On Monday, January 18 at 11:00 a.m., celebrate the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King with songs, speeches and reflection. For more information, call 708-503-6536.
Village of Park Forest Chess Challenge – January 23
The Park Forest Chess Challenge Tournament will be held on Saturday, January 23 at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street, in DownTown Park Forest. Tournament time is 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Players must check in by 9:45 a.m. and provide your own clock. This is a 4/SS G/45 United States Chess Federal (USCF)-rated tournament.
The tournament is open to all ages. However, children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration fee is $5.00. In addition, participants must be USCF members. If you are not a member, yearly memberships or a onetime tournament registration will be available at an additional fee. Concessions will be sold at the event.
For information on joining the USCF, please visit their website at: www.uschess.org. For additional information or to pre-register, contact the Village of Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department at 708-748-2005.
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 Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard
The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:
- Tuesday, January 19 at 7 p.m. – Pajama Storytime for Children.
- Wednesday, January 20 at 10:30 a.m. – Lap Sit Storytime for children 3 and under.
- Wednesday, January 20 at 11:45 a.m. – Toddler Art for children ages 2 – 4.
- Thursday, January 21 at 10:30 a.m. – Discovery Time for children ages 2 to 6. Activities include singing, story telling, craft making and more.
Please Note: The library will be closed on Monday, January 18 in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.
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
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago – Saturday, January 23
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].
Harmonious Wail – Tickets Now on Sale
As part of the Center’s Cabaret Series, Harmonious Wail will perform smoldering vocals laced among the jazzy mandolin and guitar on Saturday, January 30 at 8:00 p.m. Harmonious Wail has been described as an infectious blend of continental jazz, swing, gypsy music and melodic vocals. During the Cabaret Series, guests can enjoy bar service in a cabaret setting. Tickets are $37 and include your first drink. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or email [email protected].
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Way, Park Forest
Romantic Rivals – Wagner & Brahms – Tickets Now On Sale
Richard Wagner and Johannes Brahms had one of the fiercest artistic rivalries in the 19th Century. Composers and listeners of the day fell rank and file behind each to declare theirs the greatest composer. On Saturday, January 30 at 8:00 p.m., conductor Leslie B. Dunner, Music Director of the Joffrey Ballet, conducts this program of Romantic masters in orchestration and emotional expression. Numbers to be performed include Wagner’s Overture to “The Flying Dutchman,” Entrance of the Gods Into Valhalla, Dawn and Sigfried’s Rhine Journey, and Brahms’ Tragic Overture and Symphony No. 3 in F Major. The concert will be held at the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort, IL. Tickets range in price from $50 to $15. To obtain tickets, visit www.iipomusic.org. For additional information, please call 708-481-7774.
Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd, Park Forest
Banjo Buddies Dixieland Jazz Band – Tickets Now on Sale
As part of its Senior Series, Banjo Buddies Dixieland Jazz Band will perform on Tuesday, February 2, at 11:00 a.m. at Freedom Hall’s Nathan Manilow Theatre. With eight albums and over two decades performing around the world, this high-energy Dixieland show band has a unique style of music with a contemporary feel that appeals to all ages. Dixieland jazz to swing, blues, big band tunes presented in a most entertaining fashion. Tickets are $8.00. For more information or to order tickets, please call 708-747-0580.
Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard (Corner of Forest & Fir)
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.
Prairie State College (PSC) Christopher Art Gallery, 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights
“We the People Who Are Blacker than Blue” –Opening January 19
“We the People Who Are Blacker than Blue” featuring new works by Floyd Atkins will be held from January 19 through February 19 in PSC’s Christopher Art Gallery. This exhibit is one of a number of events being held on campus to celebrate Black History Month. An artists’ reception will take place on Thursday, February 4 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visits can be made by appointment. For more information about the exhibit, or to make an appointment for a visit, contact the PSC Foundation at 708-709-3636.
Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, IL
The Positive Image – Through February 26
An exhibit of regional contemporary photography will demonstrate that photographers are magicians, invoking dreams, memories and strange, invented realms all through the camera’s lens. The exhibit runs through February 26. A reception will be held on 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 & Opportunities
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].
Dr. Harry Wong – Insight to Educators – January 28
Dr. Harry Wong, one of the most admired educational speakers of our times and author of “The First Days of School” will review strategies and offer insight to educators on Thursday, January 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Center for Performing Arts at GSU. Dr. Wong’s presentation is sponsored by the Metropolitan Institute for Leadership in Education (MILE) of the College of Education. The fee for this daylong presentation is $50 per person. For more information or to register, visit www.gsu-mile.org or call 708-534-4024.
Substitute Teacher Academy with Resources Workshop – February 20
GSU is hosting a one-day Substitute Teacher Academy with Resources workshop on February 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The workshop teaches new subs what to expect, what to do in an emergency, how to maintain classroom control, and how to follow the teacher’s lesson plans. Registration is limited to 40 participants.
The State of Illinois offers substitute teacher certification to those with a bachelor’s degree in any subject. Instruction on how to apply for the certificate is also included in the presentation. Participants must hold a bachelor’s degree and register by February 15. The $50 registration fee includes lunch and materials. For more information or to register, call 708-534-4024.
Park Forest Stamp Club – Meeting January 19
The Park Forest Stamp Club will meet on Tuesday, January 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd., Park Forest. The club has members dedicated to all levels of Philately, ranging from beginners to highly advanced collectors. The Park Forest Stamp Club was founded in 1960 and is open to anyone interest in stamp collecting. Call Duane Larson at 708-503-9552 or Paul Larsen at 708-747-1444 for additional information.
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.
Park Forest Nurses Club
H1N1 Discussion – January 21
The Park Forest Nurses Club will meet on Thursday, January 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 N. Orchard St. (corner of Lincoln Highway and Orchard Dr.). Dr. Shanaz Azad, M.D. will discuss H1N1 influenza. All Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses are invited to attend. For further information, please call Barbara Principali at 708-481-8387.
2010 General Assembly Scholarship Program
State Representative Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) is accepting applications for the 2010 General Assembly Scholarship Program. The scholarships are available to residents of the 80th district and will cover one year of tuition for the following universities:
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign, Chicago & Springfield)
- Chicago State University
- Eastern Illinois University
- Governors State University
- Northern Illinois University
- Northeastern Illinois University
- Southern Illinois University
- Western Illinois University
All applications must be returned to Representative DeLuca’s District office by Friday, March 19. For more information or to receive an application, please call 708-672-0200 or visit www.housedem.state.il.us/members/delucaa.
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
South Suburban Family Shelter Used Cell Phone Collection Drive
South Suburban Family Shelter (SSFS) is seeking cell phone donations for their ongoing fundraising program. Proceeds from the collection fund the critical programs and services provided to families who experience domestic violence. All victim services are provided free of charge and are available in English and Spanish. Cell phone collection sites currently include:
- SSFS Administrative Office, 18139 Harwood, Homewood, IL
- Bergstein’s NY Deli, 200 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights, IL
- Doyle Designed Salon, 2630 Flossmoor Rd., Flossmoor, IL
All donations are tax deductible and receipts are available at collection sites. For more information about SSFS or the fundraising drive, please contact Ms. Meilach at 708-794-2140, extension 303.
Local Recycling Resources and Proper Disposal of Unused Medicine
Do you have old televisions, computers, video games or other electronics or household appliances that need to be recycled? Want to know how to properly dispose of old or unused medication? Click on the “Recycling” icon found on the top of eNews Park Forest and you will find useful information on proper recycling/disposal that will not only be good for the environment, but in some cases, earn you a few dollars as well.
Safe Disposal Program – Bio-waste
The Park Forest Health Department and Environment Commission have partnered to provide information on the proper disposal of bio-waste such as used syringes or lancets (medical sharps). Begin by purchasing a Sharps container to dispose of your medical sharps for $10 at the Park Forest Health Department. Return the filled container to the Park Forest Health Department and purchase a new container. Call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 for more information.
Recycle Used Cell Phones and Cell Phone Accessories
The Rotary Club of Park Forest is conducting a used cell phone and accessory collection drive to benefit the families and programs of the South Suburban Family Shelter. Donated items can be placed in the collection box located in the lobby of Village Hall. For more information, call Denyse Carreras at 708-283-5603.
Go Green with a Free Tote Bag
The Village of Park Forest encourages residents to visit Village Hall to pick up an environmentally friendly canvas bag that can be used for your day-to-day shopping needs. These bags are free while supplies last with only two expectations: 1) that residents have a valid email address so that future environmentally conscious concepts can be shared by the Village’s Environment Commission; and 2) that bags are limited to one per household. For more information on this program, visit the Village Manager’s Office on the second floor of Village Hall of call 708-748-1129.
This & That
Good Neighbor Business of the Year Awards – Nominations Due January 31
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 Servicemembers
“Operation Hero Miles” collects unused frequent flyer miles to help military families visit service members who were injured in Iraq or Afghanistan and are recovering in military hospitals around the world. Airline partners are: AirTran, Alaska Airlines, American, Frontier, Midwest, Northwest, United, and US Airways. To donate airline miles, visit www.FisherHouse.org.
Donate to Troops Serving Abroad
The Village of Park Forest is currently seeking the names and addresses of local military personnel currently serving overseas so that they may receive packaged donations from Park Forest residents. If you are a Park Forest resident and have a family member from your household currently deployed or if you have recently returned from a tour of duty, please call Judi Lancaster at 708-283-5608 or stop by the Manager’s Office at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.
Sources: Village of Park Forest Weekly Manager’s Report, 2010 Winter/Spring Recreation Programs, Park Forest Fall/Winter 2009 Calendar of Events, Rep. A. DeLuca, Park Forest Nurses Club, Park Forest Library, Center for Performing Arts, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Freedom Hall, Illinois Theatre Center, Union Street Gallery, Park Forest Rotary Club, South Suburban Family Shelter, and Park Forest Historical Society websites.
