Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of July 11, 2011


Colleen Beecher, Eric Muchnik and Marie Powers at the Aqua Center
Colleen Beecher (left) of Park Forest, Eric Muchnik and Marie Powers of Old Matteson, enjoy some afternoon rays at the Park Forest Aqua Center Sunday. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—July 11, 2011. On Monday, July 11, Park Forest Village Staff and representatives from Baxter & Woodman will conduct a public outreach meeting to discuss the Village’s exploration of a Quiet Zone for the CN railroad crossing on Western Avenue. This outreach endeavor is consistent with the Village Board’s goal for heightening public awareness of Village operations and decision making.  Details about the meeting can be found in the “Village Meetings” topic 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 Meetings

Park Forest Community Outreach Meeting – Monday, July 11

A Community Outreach Meeting will be held on Monday, July 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, to determine if a quiet zone can and should be established at the Western Avenue railroad crossing. The meeting will include informational details, handouts and visuals for any members of the community who might want to learn more about what the Village is considering with the Quiet Zone initiative. Residents are encouraged to attend.

Village Board Meeting – Monday, July 11

The Village Board will meet on Monday, July 11 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. 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.

Development of the Village of Park Forest’s Sustainability Plan

The Village of Park Forest is working closely with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to create a Sustainability Plan for the community – an important element in Mayor Ostenburg’s initiative to make Park Forest a model community for sustainability. It is also a key part of CMAP’s implementation of their recently adopted GO To 2040 Plan, the first regional comprehensive plan since Daniel Burnham’s famous Plan for Chicago. When completed, Park Forest’s Sustainability Plan will become a model for the development of similar plans throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Resident input is vital in the development of this Plan.
Do you want to lower the cost of your home’s utility bills? Is it important to you that the Village’s abundant open space is here for years to come? Would you like to have more options for transportation (transit, biking, and walking)? If you have an opinion on these or other sustainability-related topics, please plan on attending one of the public meetings to help create a long-range vision for a sustainable Park Forest. Public meetings being held this week are:

  • Tuesday, July 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Workshop for Young Adults between the ages of 13 and 20 at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street.
  • Thursday, July 14 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Public Kick-Off Workshop at Dining on the Green, 349 Man Street.

Both events are free and open to the public. Sign-in for each event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. For additional information, please contact Jessica Simoncelli, CMAP Community Outreach Specialist at 312-386-9631 or e-mail [email protected].
To learn more about CMAP’s GO TO 2040 Plan, visit http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/2040/main

Village of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings

The following Park Forest Commissions and Advisory Boards will meet the week of July 11:

  • Tuesday, July 12 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission
  • Tuesday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m. –Commission on Human Relations

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

Arts & Entertainment

Village of Park Forest

Main Street Nights – Wednesday, July 13

Main Street Nights, one of Park Forest’s most popular summer events, continues on Wednesday, July 6 in the Park Forest DownTown Village Green located at the intersection of Cunningham and Main Streets. The entertainment is held rain or shine. This week beginning at 7 p.m., Park Forest’s Little Tykes Cheerleaders will show off some of their best moves. At 7:20 p.m., the Rich East Drumline will get your mojo working and at 7:45 p.m., Old Tapo Imi, a pop tropical show band like no other, will take the stage. So grab a blanket, pack a snack, and enjoy some fun entertainment with family and neighbors. For additional information, call the Recreation office at 708-748-2005 or call the recorded message at 708-283-5647 for weather related changes or cancellations. In case of rain, performances will be moved to Dining on the Green, 349 Main St. – adjacent from the Village Green.

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

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

  • Monday, July 11 at 10:30 a.m. – AM Storytime: Cottage Tales for those ages 2 – 7
  • Monday, July 11 at 2 p.m. — Ready to Read, Read to Me. Volunteers available to listen to summer readers practicing aloud. Small children may have stories read to them.
  • Tuesday, July 12 at 3:30 p.m. – Wii Games
  • Tuesday, July 12 at 7 p.m. – PJ Story time
  • Tuesday, July 12 at 7:14 p.m. – Adult Book Discussion “Wizard of Earthsea” by Ursula LeGuin
  • Wednesday, July 13 at 10:15 a.m. – LapSit for those 0 – 35 months with caregiver.
  • Wednesday, July 13 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those 2 – 5 with caregiver.
  • Wednesday, July 13 at 2 p.m. – Ye Merry Olde Sidewalk Faire – Fantasy Sidewalk Challenges, art competition, music, drawings and more. For those of all ages. *
  • Thursday, July 14 at 1 p.m. – Shakespeare on the Screen “Much Ado About Nothing”
  • Thursday, July 14 at 2 p.m. – Medieval Crafts: Wire Jewelry. Especially for teens; minimum of 8 needed *
  • Friday, July 15 at 2:30 p.m. – Movie Day: “Princess Bride” – Rated PG

*Please register at the Youth Services Department

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

Library Closure

The Park Forest Library will be closed Sundays during the summer.

Salon Artists Gallery, 249 Main St., Park Forest

Celebration of Liberty & Freedom – Through July 30

An exhibit titled ‘A Celebration of Liberty & Freedom’ will run through Saturday, July 30. Gallery hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, call Pat Moore at 708-833-5108 or Bev Szaton at 708-748-3946.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Summer Music Series at Ravisloe Country Club – Concert #2 ‘Brass Through the Ages’ – Wednesday, July 13

Imagine a warm summer evening, stars in the sky, and glorious melodies floating above the courtyard of a Spanish villa. Welcome to Summer Music at Ravisloe, an intimate series of summer concerts presented by chamber ensembles of the IPO. On Wednesday July 13, 2011 at 7:40 pm, concert #2 will be presented by chamber ensembles of the IPO. From the Renaissance antiphonal music of St. Marks Cathedral in Venice, through the works of Baroque, Classical and Romantic composers for brass, listen as the Illinois Philharmonic Brass Quintet travels through time! Second half highlights include jazz standards of Duke Ellington and Fats Waller, plus sounds from Motown and the Temptations!

Ravisloe Country Club is located at 18231 Park Ave., Homewood. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased by calling the IPO Box Office at 708-481-7774 or on-line at: http://ipomusic.org/

Garden Club of Park Forest

‘Safe Gardening’ – Tuesday, July 12

If you have any concerns about digging in your yard, come and hear David Van-wy’s presentation ‘Safe Gardening’ on Tuesday, July 12 at noon at Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood Blvd., Park Forest. For additional information about the event, call Alice Michalak at 708-748-3654.

Donations Needed to Help Beautify Park Forest Blue Star Marker

In 1945, the National Council of Garden Clubs started the Blue Star Marker project as a way to honor members of the Armed Forces. Signs with big blue stars were purchased by garden clubs and placed in all states along major highways to honor all members and branches of the military. The Blue Star Marker that belongs to the Garden Club of Park Forest was moved last fall to the corner of Orchard Avenue and Lakewood Boulevard – across the street from the Park Forest Library. In cooperation with the Village of Park Forest and American Legion Post #1198, the Park Forest Garden Club has designed new foundations and perennial plantings for this very large site. The first phase of the project will cost $5,000 to implement. If you would like to help with this very worth-while cause, you can make a tax-deductible contribution. Checks should be made out to the Garden Club of Park Forest with ‘Blue Star Marker Project’ written in the memo section and sent to: Loretta Madix, Treasurer, 125 Sycamore, Frankfort, IL 60423.

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

Park Forest House Museum – Every Saturday

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Blvd. Park Forest, is open Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment. It is an original rental townhome decorated as it might have looked from 1946 – 1953 during the first five years of Park Forest. 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.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 36 Artists Walk, Park Forest

 “Shouts and Whispers: a Lifetime in Photography: by Donald Kouba” Exhibit – Through July 17

“Shouts and Whispers: a Lifetime in Photography“ by Donald W. Kouba will run through July 17. The exhibit is comprised of photographs derived from a variety of themed series or visual movements. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or gallery hours, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.

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

“Don’t Shoot The Messenger” Student Art Exhibit – Through Tuesday, July 12

GSU is pleased to present the work of Wayon Collins in his graduate thesis exhibition “Don’t Shoot The Messenger.” The exhibition will be on display through Tuesday, July 12 in the university’s Visual Arts Gallery which is located adjacent to the E Lounge. A reception celebrating the artist and his work will be held on Tuesday, July 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Both the reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. The Visual Arts Gallery is open Monday and Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, from noon to 6 p.m., and by appointment. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.gsuvisualartsgallery.blogspot.com or call 708-534-4021.

Author Jonathan Lippincott to Discuss Monumental Artwork – Thursday, July 14

Author Jonathan Lippincott, a witness to the creation of some of the 20th century’s most monumental works of art, will discuss his book, “Large Scale: Fabricating Sculpture in the 1960s and 1970s,” on Thursday, July 14 from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. at GSU’s Sherman Hall. Lippincott’s father Donald was a founder of the Lippincott Foundry in North Haven. The Lippincott Foundry was an important center for monumental sculpture during a period that has been called the golden age of public art. Books will be available for purchase at the event. Lippincott will sign books following his presentation. There is a fee of $5 for the general public; students with an ID can attend the event for free.

Exhibition of Artwork of Jeff Stevenson – Opens Friday, July 15

The artwork created by Jeff Stevenson during his recent Ragdale Foundation residency will be on exhibit at the GSU Visual Arts Gallery from Friday, July 15 through Saturday, July 30. A reception and open house will be held on Sunday, July 17 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. During his residency, Stevenson’s main project was a 42-inch by 30-foot long mixed media work on paper, “Finding the Line” which will be on display with his additional works. Stevenson is a GSU lecturer and director of the Visual Arts Gallery. The Visual Arts Gallery is open Monday and Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, from noon to 6 p.m., and by appointment. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.gsuvisualartsgallery.blogspot.com or call 708-534-4021.

Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Thursday, July 14

On Thursday, July 14 at 11 a.m., the mysterious Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his coveted, curious chocolate factory…and only five children will be let inside! When-good hearted dreamer Charlie Bucket discovers his lucky golden ticket to the factory gates, it takes him and his grandfather into a world where everything is delicious (rumor has it you can even eat the dishes). Tickets are priced at $7 each for groups of 20 or more or $9 for individual tickets. To purchase tickets, visit www.centertickets.net or call 708-235-2222.

Ragtime The Musical – Tickets Now On Sale

‘Ragtime,’ based on the best-selling novel by E.L. Doctorow, is the powerful story of three groups of people coming together in early 20th century America – well-off WASPs, African-Americans and Eastern European immigrants. Coalhouse Walker, a brilliant Harlem musician, is at the center of the story, which also includes historical characters like Henry Ford, Booker T. Washington and Harry Houdini. Following its 1998 Broadway debut, ‘Ragtime’ won Tony awards for Best Book and Best Score. ‘Ragtime’ will be performed on Saturday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday July 31 at 2 p.m., Saturday, August 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, August 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are priced at $22 for adults and $19 for Seniors and Students. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-235-2222 or visit: www.centertickets.net.

CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead

Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, July 14

CAUTION will be playing every Thursday night beginning at 9 p.m. 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.

Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights

“Voyages” a Solo Exhibit by Sergio Gomez – Through August 6

USG is proud to present “Voyages,” a one-man exhibit of drawings and paintings by Sergio Gomez. The exhibit will run through August 6. The exhibition is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-754- 2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org

Monkey Mind Art Studio, 3 West Nebraska St., Frankfort

“My Journey” by Artist Sherri Danault – Through July 15

“My Journey” an exhibit by artist Sherri Danault will run through July 15th. In her artwork, Danault explores the quiet beauty of the past, the present and the future. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information or gallery hours, call 815-464-8818 or visit www.monkeymindartstudio.com.

“The Meaning of Things” by Jeff Stevenson – Opens Sunday, July 17

“The Meaning of Things,” a mixed media assemblage art work by Jeff Stevenson opens Sunday, July 17 at 6:30 p.m. and will run through Sunday, August 28. A closing reception will be held Sunday, August 28 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. . For additional information or gallery hours, call 815-464-8818 or visit www.monkeymindartstudio.com.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

Free LSAT Preparation Class at GSU – Limited Seating Available

GSU is offering a free Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) preparation class. The course begins with a mandatory pre-test on Saturday, August 20 at 9 a.m. in room B2203. After the pre-test, classes will be held on Mondays, beginning August 22 through April 30 from 7:30 to 10:20 p.m. in room B2203. Class work will focus on the three main areas of the test: reading comprehension, logic reasoning, and analytical reasoning. While many test prep services charge $1,000 or more for LSAT prep classes, GSU is offering this class at no charge. Advance registration is required and seats are limited. For additional information or to register, call 708-235-3963 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.

Green Events

Park Forest Farmers Market

The Farmers’ Market will be held each Saturday through October, rain or shine, from 7 a.m. to 12 noon in the Holiday Star Theater parking lot (across the street from the Park Forest Police Department). Enjoy fresh produce, locally grown and just picked, organic produce, cheese, bakery goods along with an array of plants for your garden. In addition, the Park Forest Environment Commission will be on hand on the first Saturday of each month selling rain barrels.

Healthy Living

St. James Health & Wellness Institute, 100 West 197th Pl., Chicago Heights

‘Eating Local’ Nutrition Workshops

Come discover the benefits of ‘Eating Local’ at the Nutrition Workshops to be held at St. James Health & Wellness Institute. The Nutrition Workshops will be conducted on Monday, July 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and Tuesday, July 19 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Information will be provided about Farmers Markets, CSAs, Co-ops, local organizations and restaurants that support local farms. There is a fee of $5 for Members and $15 for Non-Members. A minimum of 4 participants is required for each workshop. You may sign up and pay the fee at the Institute’s Front Desk. For additional information, call 708-755-3020.

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)

School Physicals for 2011 – 2012 School Year

Preschool, Kindergarten, Sixth and Ninth Grade children of Park Forest and the surrounding area can get a school physical for the 2011 – 2012 school year at the Park Forest Health Department. Parents must bring child’s immunization record at appointment time. For additional information and the dates/times when school physicals will be given, visit: www.villageofparkforest.com.

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

Church of the Holy Family, Sauk Trail & Orchard Dr., Park Forest

Yard and Bake Sale with Silent Auction – Saturday, July 16

On Saturday, July 16 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Church of the Holy Family and St. Margaret’s Guild is once again presenting a vast indoor ‘yard’ sale and bake sale. Lunch will be sold between 11:30 .m. and 1 p.m. Shop, eat, and shop again! For additional information, call Beverly Sailer at 708-283-7118.

Park Forest Recreation & Parks

Community Day with the Chicago Sky – Tickets Now on Sale

Come celebrate Community Day with the WNBA’s Chicago Sky on Tuesday, July 19th at 7:30 p.m. The game will be opened with an Anthem sung by a Park Forest resident and special performance for half-time with the Park Forest Cheerleaders. The game will be televised on ESPN. Tickets are $20 which includes game ticket, T-shirt, and round-trip transportation to the Allstate Arena. Tickets can be purchased at the Recreation and Park desk at Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr. For additional information, call 708-748-2005.

Park Forest Commission on Human Relations

Seeking Nominations for Good Egg Award

The Park Forest Commission on Human Relations is looking for people who have gone beyond the call of duty for the Good Egg Award. The award honors youth and adults who have made an extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of life in their communities through human relations and human rights advocacy. The deadline for nominations is Friday, August 12. To request a nomination form, contact Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or e-mail [email protected].

Wine & Chocolate Tasting – Tickets Now on Sale

A Wine and Chocolate Tasting will take place on Friday, August 12 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 300 Victory Dr., Park Forest. Tickets are priced at $20 each and can be purchased at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr. For additional information, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 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.

Cook County Commission Holding Low-Cost Rabies Vaccine & Microchip Clinics

Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy is currently sponsoring clinics that provide low-cost rabies vaccines and microchips for dogs, cats and ferrets. The clinics are for Cook County residents only and will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through November 9, from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at various locations throughout the County. Vaccines and microchips will be provided for dogs and cats for $7 for a one-year vaccine; $21 for a three-year vaccine; $9 for ferrets one-year vaccine; and $10 for microchip identification. Mobile clinic services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Pet owners must present a valid Driver’s License or State ID as proof of residency. For public safety, all pets must be leashed or caged at all times. For additional information, including a listing of dates and locations, or for transportation assistance, click here.

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 Summer Recreation Programs & More 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 Philharmonic Orchestra, Illinois Theatre Center, Sertoma Centre, Inc., CAUTION, Union Street Gallery, Monkey Mind Art Studio, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.


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