Jerry Shnay, Secretary of the Park Forest Historical Society, with Ann and Peter Catlow at Sunday’s 25th Anniversary celebration of the Historical Society. The Catlows, formerly of Park Forest, traveled from Fontana, Wisconsin for the event. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)
Update: Please note the change in date of the first Candidate Forum from Feb. 6 to Feb. 13.
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—January 31, 2011 The first Candidate Forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area will be held on Sunday, February 13 at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. The forum will begin at 2 p.m. and will last two hours. The first 15 minutes will be for the Library Board candidates followed by 45 minutes for the three unopposed Village Trustee candidates. The last hour will be for the two mayoral candidates. Residents are encouraged to attend. Additional Candidate Forums are currently scheduled for March 1 and March 27.
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 Meetings
Village Board Meeting
The Board of Trustees will hold a Saturday Rules meeting on Saturday, February 5 at 10 a.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Boards
The following Village Commissions and Boards will meet this week:
- Plan Commission – Tuesday, February 1 at 7 p.m.
- Youth Commission – Tuesday, February 1 at 7 p.m.
- Economic Development Advisory Group – Wednesday, February 2 at 7 p.m.
- Senior Citizens Advisory Commission – Thursday, February 4 at 1 p.m.
- Environment Commission – Thursday, February 4 at 7 p.m.
All meetings are held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Arts & Entertainment
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:
- Tuesday, February 1 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
- Wednesday, February 2 at 10:15 a.m. – Lapsit for infants through age 3
- Wednesday, February 2 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those ages 2 through 5
- Friday, February 4 at 4 p.m. – Cooking Up a Mystery book discussion for those ages 8 to 18
For more information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.
Community Open House – Saturday & Sunday, February 5 and 6
You’re invited to the official open house of the Park Forest Public Library! The library has been completely renovated, and you are welcome to come in and see the improvements. The following programs will be offered on Saturday and Sunday for the whole family to enjoy:
Saturday, February 5
All-Day Valentine Crafts
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM — All agesBlack History Treasure Hunt
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM — Test your knowledge of black history and fine tune your research skills to go on this history scavenger hunt. Ages 6-18, Parent help needed for players 10 and under.Around the World Reader’s Theater
11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM — Including Tales from Africa, England, and more. Ages 8-108SkippyJon Jones
Have your picture taken with SkippyJon Jones, that hyperactive Siamese cat with the oversize ears. Special SkippyJon Jones story hours: 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM for all agesEasy Crock Pot Soups & More
2:00 PM — We’ll show you some simple recipes that your family can assemble quickly. Suggested donation for program: We are accepting cans of soup to be donated to the local food pantry. Ages 8-108, Please register.Miles Davis Documentary
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Discussion to follow.Craft Table and Computer Demonstrations
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM — Drop in to make a craft or learn something new on the computer.Sunday, February 6
Around the World Reader’s Theater
1:30 PM and 3:30 PM — You are the stars! Ages 8-108All-Day Valentine Crafts
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM — All AgesSkippyJon Jones story hour
3:00 PM — All agesSoweto Gospel Choir Film
1:30 PM – 4:00 PM — Ringering Room
For more information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library at 708-748-3731.
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.
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” – Through February 13
“Intimate Apparel” by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Lynn Nottage is now playing through Sunday, 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.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
Carnival of Venice Dinner Party and Benefit – Tickets Now on Sale
On Sunday, February 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Dr., Tinley Park, come to ‘A Casually Festive Benefit.’ The evening includes an exclusive live auction, silent auction, live entertainment and dancing. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. Cash bar available. Tickets are $65 per person ($40 tax-deductible). Proceeds support the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra Performances and Youth Education programs. To purchase tickets, visit: https://secure.ticketsage.net/EventsPage.aspx?ws=1.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
Naked: Drawing by the Life Drawing Group – Through Sunday, February 6
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 is free and open to the public. For additional information or gallery hours, 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.
Wine Tasting – Saturday, February 5
On Saturday, February 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., join Union Street Gallery and Fresh Starts Restaurant & Wine Shop for a special evening of art, wine, and live music. Fresh Starts is hosting the wine tasting to celebrate the breathtaking paintings of Patricia Moore coupled with the works of 14 Regional Sculptors being shown as part of the “Dialogue” exhibition. Pat Moore and many of the sculptors will be available to meet guests and discuss the artwork. In addition, Pat will be creating caricature portraits from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The music of cellist Erica Lessie will add to the pleasures of the evening. Entry to the exhibition is free and the wine-tasting is $5. However, if you make a reservation for dinner or appetizers at Fresh Starts, 1040 Sterling Ave., in downtown Flossmoor on February 5, you will receive a voucher admitting you free of charge to the evening’s Gallery Wine Tasting. For additional information, phone 708-754-2601 or visit: www.unionstreetgallery.org.
CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead
Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, February 3
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.
Together We Cope, 17010 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park
Annual Dinner Dance & Silent Auction – Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets are now on sale for Together We Cope’s Annual Dinner Dance & Silent Auction which will be held on Friday, February 25 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Odyssey Country Club, 19110 Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park. Guests can walk the red-carpet “Academy Awards” style, dance to the varied contemporary -sounds of Connexion, sample culinary delights, and out-bid their friends on one of the 100+ auction items, including airline tickets and vacation condo stays. Master of Ceremonies for the event is local comedian Brian Hicks. Tickets are $75 each. Tables of ten can be purchased for $700. Together We Cope is a nonprofit agency that offers assistance to families in temporary crisis from 27 south suburban communities. For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit: www.toghetherwecope.com.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest
Roots and Shoots – Saturday, February 5
On Saturday, February 5 from 10 a.m. to noon, children ages 5 – 10 are encouraged to explore the environment, their community and the world around them. This event is held on the first Saturday of each month and there is a fee of $5 per child per month. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.
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.
Village of Park Forest & Habitat for Humanity Chicago South Suburbs
A Different Approach to Marketing Your Business – RSVP by Monday, February 7
On Thursday, February 10 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street, Park Forest, learn how to raise company awareness, improve employee morale, and connect with your customers. A presentation will be made by David Tracy, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity. Complimentary full breakfast will be provided. RSVP by Monday, February 7 online at: http://pf2011FebBreakfast.eventbrite.com, by phone at 708-283-5617, or email to [email protected].
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park 2011 Docent Orientation – Sessions Begin February 3
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 website at www.govst.edu/sculpture.
“Civil Rights, Accessibility, and the Effect and importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act” – Friday, February 4
On Friday, February 4 at 3:30 p.m. in GSU’s Hall of Honors, Marca Bisto, advocate for equal rights and equal access for people with disabilities, will deliver a presentation on civil rights, accessibility, and the effect and importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The presentation is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-534-4130.
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/members/delucaa.
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
Thorn Creek Audubon Society
Vernon Kleen to Discuss Hummingbirds of Illinois at February 2 Meeting
On Wednesday, February 2 beginning at 7 p.m., the Thorn Creek Audubon Society will feature Vernon Kleen, one of only three licensed hummingbird banders in Illinois, discussing the status of hummingbirds in Illinois. The meeting will take place at the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd. The meeting is open to the public and refreshments will be served.
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
Village of Park Forest
Picnic Permit Lottery – Saturday, January 5
Picnic permits for 2011 dates at Somonauk, Central and Logan 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/index.php?src=news&refno=728&category=News
Rainbow Café
Monthly Meeting – Saturday, February 5
The Rainbow Café is an opportunity for single or partnered gays, lesbians, bisexuals or other sexual minorities, and their allies, over age 18 to meet one another and socialize in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Those attending are encouraged to bring some non-alcoholic drinks and a dessert or snack to pass, or bring a financial donation. However, neither is mandatory.
The Rainbow Café is held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Unitarian-Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore, Park Forest.
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.
Coffee House/Karaoke Night – Friday, February 4
On Friday, February 4 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Celebration Ministries will host its monthly coffee house and karaoke night. Come sing, dance, reads, play a game or sit back and relax. Fun for everyone. 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.
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 websites.
