In and Around Park Forest Week of January 24, 2011

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—January 24, 2011. Looking for a way to get out of the “winter doldrums”? Why not start planning a picnic at Somonauk, Central or Logan pavilions in Park Forest? Picnic permits for 2011 dates in the pavilions will be issued beginning Saturday, February 5 at Village Hall. For information on the permit procedure, call the Recreation and Parks Department at 708-748-2005 or visit: http://www.villageofparkforest.com.

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 Board Meeting

The meeting of the Village Board of Trustees scheduled for Monday, January 24 has been cancelled as there is not sufficient business to warrant the meeting.

Volunteer Board and Commission Meetings

The Park Forest Cable Commission will meet Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in the board room at Village Hall.

Arts & Entertainment

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

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

• Monday, January 24 at 6:30 p.m. – Jazz on Monday Nights: Count Basie
• Tuesday, January 25  at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
• Wednesday, January 26 at 10:15 a.m. – Lapsit for infants through age 3
• Wednesday, January 26 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those ages 2 through 5
• Wednesday, January 26 at 1 p.m. – Opera in the Afternoon: Puccini’s Madame Butterfly
• Wednesday, January 26 at 7 p.m. – Edible Mysteries Book Discussion for those 16 and older – Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke
• Saturday, January 29 at 2 p.m. – Party Planning on a Budget – Ages 8 to 108

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

New Library Hours Now in Effect

Please remember that the new Library hours begin this week. The new hours are:

• Monday thru Thursday – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (during the school year)

Soup Collection

The Library is currently collecting can soups for the Rich Township Food Pantry. Put your contributions in the shopping cart located near the Library’s front desk.

Community Cookbook –Last Call – Recipes Needed By Saturday, January 29

Do you have a family recipe that you would like to share with others in Park Forest?  The Park Forest Library is accepting your recipes for inclusion in a community cookbook through January 29. Drop off your favorite recipe at the Adult Services desk. For more information or questions about this project, call 708-748-3731.

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

Step Back Into a 1950s Valentine’s Day at the Park Forest House Museum

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard, Park Forest, will be decorated throughout February with vintage valentines and decorations. The one-room classroom will be decorated for a 1950’s Valentine’s Day party with crepe paper, candy baskets, and construction paper hearts.
The Museum is open on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment. Donation is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. For additional information, visit www.parkforesthistory.org or call Jane Nicoll, Museum Director, at 708-481-4252 or email at [email protected].

Bricks from Former Marshall Field’s Store for Sale

Bricks from the former Marshall Field’s Store in DownTown Park Forest are on sale at the Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard. Bricks are $15 each or two for $25. Each brick comes with a certificate of authenticity and a brief history of the store. Bricks can be purchased at the Museum during Museum hours which are Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For additional information, visit: www.parkforesthistory.org.

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

Maureen Christine “People Will Say We’re in Love” – Tickets Now on Sale

Freedom Hall’s Senior Series continues on Tuesday, February 8 at 11 a.m. when the ever popular Maureen Christine and band return with an all new musical program featuring the songs of Rodgers, Hammerstein and Hart. Enjoy the favorite melodies including: Grand Night for Singing, Sound of Music Medley, Something Wonderful and You’ll Never Walk Alone. Tickets are $9. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-747-0580 or visit: www.freedomhall.org.

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walk, Park Forest

“Intimate Apparel” – Opens Friday, January 28

“Intimate Apparel” by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Lynn Nottage opens on Friday, January 28 and will run through February 13. In New York City in 1905, Ester, a black seamstress sews ‘intimate apparel’ for clients ranging from wealth white ladies to Harlem prostitutes. Her gifted hands and sewing machine are the tools she uses to fashion her dreams from the whole cloth of her life’s experiences. “A poignant commentary on an era when the cut and color of one’s dress – and of course, skin – determined whom one could marry, sleep with and event talk to in public” according to Variety. Tickets are priced at $20 and $22. There is a $1 discount for students and seniors 65 and older. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-481-3510 or visit www.ilthctr.org.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Naked: Drawing by the Life Drawing Group ‘A Happening’ – Friday, January 28

Tall Grass Arts Association is currently hosting an informal exhibit of the work of the Tall Grass Life Drawing Class through February 6. The exhibit will feature ‘A Happening’ on Friday, January 28 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Clothed models will be present and attendees will be invited to try their hand at drawing the gesture of the model’s pose in two minutes. Easels and art materials will be provided. The models will select their favorite works from among the works created by the participants. Those drawings will be added to the exhibit. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For additional information, visit: www.tallgrassarts.org.

Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park

“The Wizard of Oz” – Tickets Now on Sale

The Missoula Children’s Theatre will present “The Wizard of Oz” on Friday, February 11 at 7 p.m. The story is as familiar as it is beloved. That nasty tornado carries Dorothy and her canine pal, Toto from the friendly confines of her Kansas home to a fabled fantasy of mystery and magic in the land of Oz. Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion will head down the Yellow Brick Road on a journey to find the Wizard. General admission tickets are $10. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or visit: www.centertickets.net.

Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies – Tickets Now on Sale

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day treat?  Savor the timeless music of jazz legend Duke Ellington’s Tony Award-winning revue, Sophisticated Ladies on Saturday, February 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets are priced at $46, $39, and $31. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or visit: www.centertickets.net.

Rich Township Senior Chorus

Singers Needed

The Rich Township Senior Chorus is looking for people who love to sing. Any senior resident living in the south suburbs is welcome to join. The chorus performs twice a month for senior facilities throughout the south suburbs. For additional information about joining the chorus, call 708-748-5454.

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

In House IV— Through February 3

In House IV, an art exhibit showcasing the talents of PSC’s art faculty mentors, is now open and will run through Thursday, February 3 in the Christopher Art Gallery, located on the college’s main campus. An artists’ reception will be held on Thursday, January 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The gallery will not be open on Monday, January 17. Visits can also be made by appointment. For more information about the exhibit, or to make an appointment for a visit, contact the Prairie State College Foundation at 708-709-3636.

Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights

 “Dialogue” Exhibition – Through February 12

“Dialogue” an exhibition of more than 30 large scale abstract expressionist paintings by Patricia Moore along with the work of 14 regional sculptors is now taking place at Union Street Gallery. For additional information or gallery hours, phone 708-754-2601 or visit: www.unionstreetgallery.org.

CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead

Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, January 27

CAUTION will be playing every Thursday night at Harte’s Saloon, 9858 S. Artesian. If you are a fan of the Grateful Dead, Phish and great musical jams, check out this band. For more information, call Harte’s Saloon at 708-424-2618.

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

Exhibition of Work by Mixed Media Artist Sarah Ogren – Through February 4

The work of mixed media artist Sarah Ogren is currently being exhibited at the Gallery and will run through February 4th. Sarah Ogren has a background I Professional Counseling and her art focuses on the idea of human beings possessing a secret life within themselves. “Collage for me is representative of the layers of human experience. The animal heads are a kind of mask. A way of presenting to the world what we want others to see and not having to reveal our true selves” according to Ogren. The event is free and open to the public and beverages and snacks will be served. In addition, on February 5th the artist will be hosting a one-day workshop which includes altering furniture pieces and found sculptural pieces. For additional information or gallery hours, call 815-464-8818.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

Build A Birdhouse Workshop – Registration Required by Saturday, February 5

On Saturday, February 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., those ages 10 through adult can learn about the myriad of cavity nesters and build a birdhouse to take home with you and help encourage birds to nest in your backyard. Sign up early as space is limited for this program. There is a fee of $10 per bird house. Registration and payment are required by Saturday, February 5. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.

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

Information Session for Master of Public Administration (MPA) Degree Program – Thursday, January 27

On Thursday, January 27 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., GSU will host an information session for the MPA degree program. Prospective students are encouraged to attend the walk-in session. Advisors and administrators will be on hand to discuss the Program. The application fee will be waived for MPA applications submitted at the information session. The event is open to the public and will be held at Station 3 of the Orland Park Fire Protection District, 15101 Wolf Road, Orland Park. Information about the MPA program is available at www.govst.edu/cbpa/mpa. For addition information about the event or to RSVP, call 708-534-4088.

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park 2011 Docent Orientation – Registration Required

Looking for a good way to expand your horizons, meet people, and serve as an ambassador at one of the Chicago Southland’s premier cultural institutions? Orientation sessions begin on Thursday, February 3 for the 2011 docent class at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park located at GSU. Docents guide visitors through the nationally acclaimed sculpture park, home to 27 masterworks by some of the world’s great contemporary artists. Seven docent orientation sessions will take place over a 12-week period. Sessions will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on February 3, and 17; March 3, 17, and 31; April 14, and 27; and May 7. Advance registration and a $35 fee are required. For additional information, call 708-534-4486, email [email protected] or visit the park Web site at www.govst.edu/sculpture.

Infant & Toddler Childcare Now Available

GSU’s Family Development Center (FDC) has opened an Illinois State licensed childcare facility for infants, toddlers, and two year olds. The little ones are cared for in specially equipped classrooms of eight children, each staffed with two teachers. The infant and toddler childcare center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. FDC staff have been extensively and specially trained to care for young children. Licensure required extensive review by the State. The FDC also offers full and half day pre-kindergarten, three or five days a week, and childcare for three to five year olds and before and after school childcare for five to twelve year olds. Several special grants are available to assist eligible families with infant, toddler childcare costs. Discounts are also offered for GSU students and staff. For additional information or to register your child, call 708-235-7300.

2011 Illinois General Assembly Scholarship Program – Applications Now Accepted

Applications for the 2011 Illinois General Assembly Scholarship Program will be accepted through Friday, March 18. The scholarships are available to residents of the 80th District and will cover one-year of tuition to the following universities:

• University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign, Chicago & Springfield)
• Chicago State University
• Eastern Illinois University
• Governors State University
• Illinois State University
• Northern Illinois University
• Northeastern Illinois University
• Southern Illinois University
• Western Illinois University.

Eight recipients will receive one-year tuition, including summer semester. Fees, books, room and board are not covered.  For additional information or to receive an application, call State Representative Anthony DeLuca’s constituent service office at 708-672-0200 or visit www.housedem.state.il.us.

Rich Township Free Basic Computer Classes for Adults

Rich Township is offering free basic computer skill classes for adults every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Leonard Robinson Family Services Center, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park. Participants will learn Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet skills, résumé building skills, and more. Classes are open only to residents of Rich Township. For additional information, call Mark Mason or Joe Moran at 708-748-6722.

Green Events

University of Illinois at Chicago

“Wild Things” A Chicago Wilderness Conference for People and Nature – Register Now

Early registration is now being accepted for the “Wild Things’ Wilderness Conference which will be held on March 5, 2011 at the University of Illinois at Chicago. This day-long conference will bring together the region’s best experts, most dedicated volunteers and anyone interested in nature. There will be technical presentations and interactive workshops of interest for everyone from beginners to experts. Topics include habitat management, advocacy, wildlife conservation, education, art, culture, history, backyard and neighborhood ecology. Register early through January 30 for only $28 at www.habitatproject.org. For questions or additional information, call 847-328-3910, extension 21 or email [email protected].

Healthy Living

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

Senior Citizen Weekday Lunch

Senior citizens of all income levels are invited to lunch weekdays at the Community Nutrition Network (CNN) site located inside the Rich Township’s Shirley J. Green Senior Center. The CNN site is open to all south suburban residents, including those living outside of Rich Township. Participants must be 60 years of age or older. The suggested donation for lunch is $2.50. Lunch is served Monday through Friday at noon. Bingo begins at 11 a.m. For additional information or to make a reservation for lunch, call 708-747-2700.

Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (lower level)

Walk-In Flu & Pneumonia Clinic

On Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. flu and pneumonia immunizations will be available while supplies last. For fee information or questions, call the Park Forest Health Department at 708-748-1118.

Babies, Teens and Adults Immunization Clinics

Babies, teens and adult immunization and flu and pneumonia clinics will be held on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details or to schedule an appointment, call 708-748-1118. The Health Department is a low cost provider for children and adult immunizations.

Blood Pressure Screening

A free Blood Pressure Clinic is held at the Park Forest Health Department Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Elevated blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Walk in or call ahead at 708-748-1118.

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

Free Counseling Services Available

Today, individuals and families face economic and social pressures as well as communication difficulties that frequently disrupt family unity and the ability to cope. Counseling is one of the most important tools for understanding and coping. Free, individual, family and vocational counseling is available through GSU’s Division of Psychology and Counseling as part of its training program for advanced graduate counseling students. Faculty members, who are also licensed counselors, supervise the sessions. Counseling sessions are conducted on campus in total confidentiality. For more information, call 708-534-4545 or visit www.govst.edu/counselinglab.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)

Assistance With Medications & Health Services

If you, or someone you know, are struggling to pay for medications every month, they may be able to get the medicines they need for free or almost free through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. If you live in Illinois, you can get access to more than 475 public and private programs available to help you pay for your medicines. Simply visit http://www.pparx.org/en/click_illinois to find out if you can apply to any of these great programs and to get connected with 10,000 free clinics and doctors.

This & That

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

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park’s Annual Winter Walk – Saturday, January 29

On Saturday, January 29 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., experience a winter landscape filled with great art and the beauty of nature at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park’s annual winter walk. The Park’s permanent collection includes 27 pieces by nationally and internationally recognized artists. A collection of five pieces by Chicago-area artist Neil Goodman is on loan to the Park through next fall. Visitors should meet inside the Hall of Governors near the sculpture Art Ark by Terrence Karpowicz. Participants should dress for winter weather and be prepared to walk at least 90 minutes. The tour will be held, snow or shine, unless the daytime high temperature is predicted to be below 20F. For addition information, call 708-534-4486 or visit: www.govst.edu/sculpture.

Faith United Protestant Church, 10 Hemlock St., Park Forest

Free Java Tuesdays

All are invited to Faith United Protestant Church for FREE Java Tuesdays. Visitors are asked to go to the Indianwood Boulevard side entrance between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. for free curbside service or to come and sit a bit. The event will continue each Tuesday as a form of outreach to the community throughout the summer and fall. For more information, call 708-747-1330.

Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood, Park Forest

C4 Underground Youth Gathering – Every Tuesday & Thursday

Youths in grades 6 and up are welcome to join us every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for fun and games, group discussion and a variety of activities. For more information, call Celebration Ministries at 708-748-1995.

Roots and Wings, 215 Nashua St., Park Forest

Current Events Topic Group – Every Monday

Join us every Monday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. as we gather to talk about God, us, the world and how they all work together. Roots and Wings is located behind Celebration Ministries. For more information, contact Celebration Ministries at 708-748-1995.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 2901 Western Ave., Park Forest

Last Saturday Potluck – January 29

On Saturday, January 29, bring a dish to share and come for an evening of fun. Activities include games, movies and speakers. Please contact Reverend Linda Johnson Seyenkulo at 708-747-8388 or visit www.trinityparkforest.org. This event is held on the last Saturday of each month.

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.

Donate Unused Air Miles to Support Families of Wounded Servicemembers

"Operation Hero Miles" collects unused frequent flyer miles to help military families visit service members who were injured in Iraq or Afghanistan and are recovering in military hospitals around the world. Airline partners are: AirTran, Alaska Airlines, American, Frontier, Midwest, Northwest, United, and US Airways. To donate airline miles, visit www.FisherHouse.org.

Donate to Troops Serving Abroad

The Village of Park Forest is currently seeking the names and addresses of local military personnel currently serving overseas so that they may receive packaged donations from Park Forest residents. If you are a Park Forest resident and have a family member from your household currently deployed or if you have recently returned from a tour of duty, please call Judi Lancaster at 708-283-5608 or stop by the Manager’s Office at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.

Greening of Park Forest

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

Recycle Unused Wheelchairs

If you have a used motorized wheelchair that you no longer need and would like to help a person with a disability, the Sertoma Centre will accept your donation. Contact Melanie Jones at 708-730-6206 for additional information.

South Suburban Family Shelter Used Cell Phone Collection Drive

South Suburban Family Shelter (SSFS) is seeking cell phone donations for their ongoing fundraising program. Proceeds from the collection fund the critical programs and services provided to families who experience domestic violence. All victim services are provided free of charge and are available in English and Spanish. Cell phone collection sites currently include:

• SSFS Administrative Office, 18139 Harwood, Homewood, IL
• Bergstein’s NY Deli, 200 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights, IL
• Doyle Designed Salon, 2630 Flossmoor Rd., Flossmoor, IL

All donations are tax deductible and receipts are available at collection sites. For more information about SSFS or the fundraising drive, please contact Ms. Meilach at 708-794-2140, extension 303.

Local Recycling Resources and Proper Disposal of Unused Medicine

Do you have old televisions, computers, video games or other electronics or household appliances that need to be recycled? Want to know how to properly dispose of old or unused medication? Click on the "Recycling" icon found on the top of eNews Park Forest and you will find useful information on proper recycling/disposal that will not only be good for the environment, but in some cases, earn you a few dollars as well.

Safe Disposal Program – Bio-waste

The Park Forest Health Department and Environment Commission have partnered to provide information on the proper disposal of bio-waste such as used syringes or lancets (medical sharps). Begin by purchasing a Sharps container to dispose of your medical sharps for $10 at the Park Forest Health Department. Return the filled container to the Park Forest Health Department and purchase a new container. Call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 for more information.

Recycle Used Cell Phones and Cell Phone Accessories

The Rotary Club of Park Forest is conducting a used cell phone and accessory collection drive to benefit the families and programs of the South Suburban Family Shelter. Donated items can be placed in the collection box located in the lobby of Village Hall. For more information, call Denyse Carreras at 708-283-5603.

Go Green with a Free Tote Bag

The Village of Park Forest encourages residents to visit Village Hall to pick up an environmentally friendly canvas bag that can be used for your day-to-day shopping needs. These bags are free while supplies last with only two expectations: 1) that residents have a valid email address so that future environmentally conscious concepts can be shared by the Village’s Environment Commission; and 2) that bags are limited to one per household. For more information on this program, visit the Village Manager’s Office on the second floor of Village Hall of call 708-748-1129.

Sources: Park Forest 201 Winter-SpringRecreation Programs & More; Park Forest Fall/Winter 2010-2011 Recreation Programs Brochure; Rich Township Report; Park Forest Historical Society, Village of Park Forest, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Center for Performing Arts, South Suburban Family Shelter, Park Forest Historical Society, Illinois Theatre Center, Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, Sertoma Centre, Inc., Union Street Gallery, Monkey Mind Art Studio & Gallery, CAUTION, and Tall Grass Arts Association Web sites.