In and Around Park Forest Week of July 12, 2010

Trustees Gary Kopycinski and Mae Brandon cut the ribbon dedicating the new shelter at the Park Forest Bark District as resident Lynn Wessely (seated) joins the fun. (Photo: Emily Kenny)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—July 12, 2010. Park Forest residents were recently mailed the Business Resource Guide for 2009/2010 and Summer Savings coupons. As Mayor Ostenburg has frequently pointed out, local purchasing contributes to Park Forest’s tax base. Property owners where Park Forest businesses are located pay real estate taxes to the Village and school districts. In addition, businesses that sell goods also contribute to the Village’s sales tax base. Both of these resources are vital in controlling the amount of property taxes that are paid by homeowners. So when you are shopping, please consider shopping locally first. If you have not received either of these mailings, stop by Village Hall to pick up your copies.

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 Village Board will not meet on Monday, July 12 at 8 p.m. at Village Hall. The Board will meet instead beginning at 5:30 p.m. for a workshop to discuss possible sale of the old Wildwood School building, which the Village now owns. More information on that workshop is on the eNews Park Forest Community Calendar.

Ordinarily, Village Board meetings air live on cable access channels (Channel 4 for Comcast subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T subscribers) as well as on the Village web site at www.villageofparkforest.com.

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

Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Boards

The following Village Commissions will meet this week:

• Youth Commission – Tuesday, July 13 at 7 p.m.
• Commission on Human Relations – Tuesday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m.

All meetings are held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.

Arts & Entertainment

Main Street Nights – Wednesday, July 14

Ken Schultz and Creole Stomp

Starting at 7 p.m., Ken Schultz, the Flying Fool, will dazzle the audience with his time tested clean and positive fun including juggling, physical comedy, humor and improvisation. At 7:45 p.m., Creole Stomp will bring the excitement of Louisiana Creole, Cajun and Zydeco music to the stage.

Grab a blanket, pack a snack and position yourself in Park Forest’s DownTown Village Green, (Cunningham and Main Streets) for FREE entertainment. In case of rain, performances will be moved to Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd. Call the recorded message at 708-283-5647 for weather-related changes or cancellations. For additional information, call the Recreation office at 708-748-2005.

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

This Week at the Park Forest Library

For more information, call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Summer Fest Musical Fund Raiser – Tickets Now on Sale

A fundraiser benefiting the South Suburban Hunger Network will be held on Saturday, July 24 at the Illinois Theatre Center. Tickets are $20 and include light appetizers, desserts, wine, pop and water. The event and musical are family friendly. Tickets are on sale at the Rich Township Food Pantry, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park, IL.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 267 Artists Walk, Park Forest

“Fabulously Focused” Exhibit Now Open

“Fabulously Focused,” an exhibit of current works of Tall Grass Gallery Artists is currently open. Eleven new artists have successfully completed the jurying process and were invited to participate in the exhibit. “Whirling Ocean Life,” an abstract watercolor by Charlotte Sasser will be raffled off during the run of the exhibit. The event if free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.

Park Forest Historical Society

Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard (Corner of Forest & Fir)

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum is in an original rental townhome, built in 1947-1949 by American Community Builders. The museum provides a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane for anyone who lived in the 1950s or 1960s, or for those interested in that period. Visitors are encouraged to open drawers, cupboard and closets to discover period treasures inside. Contents of the house, furnished as though a young veteran and his family of small children occupy it, include dolls, toys, dollhouses, books, dishes, serving pieces, furniture and clothing from the period. When is the last time you said, "Hello," to Howdy Doody?

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.

Center For Performing Arts at GSU, 1 University Parkway

Peter Pan – Thursday, July 15

Peter Pan, the classic adventure about a boy who won’t grow up, comes to the Center for Performing Arts at GSU for a single performance on Thursday, July 15 at 11 a.m. Tickets are $9 each for individuals and $7 each for groups of 20 or more. For tickets, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.

Tickets Now on Sale for 2010-2011 Season

The Center for Performing Arts recently mailed information about events for the 2010-2011 Season. Artists range from musical performers, ballet, plays, cabaret acts and events especially for children. Special offers are provided for those purchasing 3, 4, or 5 shows in the series including 15% off regular ticket prices, priority seating, ticket exchange privileges and dining discounts. Treat yourself to this amazing 16th Season at the Center and give back to your community at the same time. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at GSU

Trip to Calder Exhibit – Saturday, July 17

Whimsical cats and performing seals; spiraling spiders and flying fish – view artist Alexander Calder’s three-dimensional representation of such fantastic animals when GSU’s Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park hosts a trip to “Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form, Balance, Joy” at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago on Saturday, July 17. The trip begins at 9:10 a.m. when participants depart from the Flossmoor Metra Station. After arriving at Millennium Station, they will travel to the Museum of Contemporary Art via the CTA Red Line. After viewing the exhibition, participants will have lunch at The Elephant and Castle, a nearby London-style pub, and then head back to the Loop to view Calder’s towering Flamingo in Federal Plaza. The tour will arrive back in Flossmoor at 5:23 p.m. No advance reservations are required. Admission to the Museum is $12 ($7 for seniors) and participants should have money for train fare and lunch. For more information about the trip, call 708-534-4486.

CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead

Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, July 15

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.

Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, IL

 ‘Synergy, Works by Union Street Artists’ – Through July 29 at Prairie State College

‘Synergy, Works by Union Street Artists,’ is a diverse collection of drawings, paintings, mixed media, and sculpture pieces by nine of the resident studio artists of Union Street Gallery. The exhibit will be on display from June 21 through July 29 at Prairie State College’s Christopher Art Gallery, located at the college’s main campus, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, June 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 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. Visits can 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.

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

Summer Concert – Monday, July 12

On Monday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m., PSC’s Jazz Pioneers Combo and the Extreme Big Band will perform in the college’s auditorium located in the Business and Community Education Center of PSC’s main campus. The concert is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-709-3500 or visit www.prairiestate.edu/music/newsevents.html.

Holiday Star Theater, 340 Main St., Park Forest

13th Day – Tuesday, July 13

The 13th Day, a dramatic retelling of the experiences of three shepherd children between May and October 1917 will be shown on Tuesday, July 13 at 7 p.m. In a world torn apart by persecution, war and oppression, 3 children in Fatima, Portugal were chosen by God to offer an urgent message of hope to the world. Amazon Editors say, “The 13th Day is the best film ever made about Fatima the most beautiful and effective, as well as one of the most historically accurate.” Standard ticket prices for this movie. Those interested should be encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.

Free Movie Camp – Kids Movies Every Tuesday at 9:30 AM

The Holiday Star Theater is showing a free movie for kids every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. For details, call the theater at  (708) 283-9098.

Free Movie Every Tuesday for Seniors

Every Tuesday at 1 p.m., Seniors can attend a free movie at the Holiday Star Theater. Afternoon tea will be served following the movie. Call 708-283-9096 for each week’s scheduled movie.

Free Popcorn Tuesdays

If you love popcorn, bring your own popcorn bowl to the Holiday Star Theater any Tuesday and they will fill it up for you with a drink purchase. For information on ticket prices and/or movie times, call 708-283-9096.

GLBT Movie Series

The Holiday Star celebrates the richly diverse cultures and people that make up the Park Forest community. As part of our ongoing effort to provide entertainment for each of its members, we will begin showing a series of gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender (GLBT) movies on Saturday nights. For shows and show times, please call the theater for details at 708-283-9096.

Doomsday Zombie Fest 2010

The Holiday Star Theater will be hosting Doomsday Zombie Fest 2010. The goal is to break the current Guinness World Record for the most Zombies gathered at a single location. Starting Friday, October 22 at 5 p.m., the Holiday Star Theater will be showing Zombie Movies for 72 straight hours on huge outdoor screens. Zombies are encouraged to bring their tents and camp out.

On Saturday, October 23, the attempt to beat the World Record will take place. Bring your best Zombie costume, make-up and props. There will be prizes, contests, ‘Zombie Walk,’ vendors, and on-site make-up artists.

This event is free and open to the public however, the Holiday Star Theater requests that you bring a non-perishable food or household item for charity. Additional information about the event can be found at http://doomsdayzombiefest.com/.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

Film & Discussion on Minority Access to Higher Education – Wednesday, July 14

On Wednesday, July 14 at 5 p.m. in Engbreston Hall, GSU will host the film “Storming the Gates,” a 25 minute documentary film, on minority access to higher education. A panel discussion will follow to discuss the film. Panelists will include education leaders and experts, many who appear in the documentary. The film was produced by the Illinois African American and Latino Higher Education Alliance (IALHEA) which chronicles the African American and Latino quest for access and equality in Illinois colleges and universities. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-534-4552.

Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road

Firefly Night Hike – Friday, July 16

Fireflies or lightening bugs, no matter what you call them, their flashing light can be seen throughout summer nights. On Friday, July 16 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., join a naturalist on this popular night hike and discover why fireflies flash back and forth to each other and what it all means. There is a fee of $5 per person and family rates apply. Registration is required. For more information or to register, call 708-747-6320.

ME4E (Multidisciplinary Education for the Environment)

Rain, Rain Don’t Go Away – Register at Park Forest Village Hall

You’ve seen them on your Park Forest vehicle sticker, at the Aqua Center gazebo and on sale at the Farmers Market – rain barrels can save you money while helping the environment. If you have a rain barrel or would like to use one but are just not sure how to start, come to this program on Saturday, July 24 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Wetland Discovery Center located in the northwest corner of the Park Forest Aqua Center, 30 N. Orchard. No gutters – no problem – you can plant a rain garden. Just outside the Wetland Discovery Center, participants can take a peek at a newly created rain garden. All participants will be entered to win an overflow barrel. There is a fee of $8 for adults. You can register at the Parks & Recreations desk at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive or call 708-748-2005.

Shop Locally

Good as New Thrift Store, 4331 E. Lincoln Highway, Matteson

Customer Appreciation Month

July is Customer Appreciation Month at the Good as New Thrift Store. During the entire month of July, customers will receive free candles just for shopping. When a customer spends as little as $10, they select a free small candle, spend $25 and choose a free medium candle, and by spending $50 you will receive a large candle. In addition to selling donated items, the Good as New Thrift Store also has a New Is Good department which features brand new merchandise at great prices. And 100% of the proceeds from the purchases made at Good as New Thrift Store are used to support programs for individuals with disabilities provided by the Sertoma Centre, Inc. Store hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For additional information, call Karey Wentz at 708-481-5627.

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.

Park Forest Farmers Market

The Park Forest’s Farmers Market will be held each Saturday through October from 7 a.m. until noon, rain or shine. Fresh garden plants and produce, bakery goods, gourmet cheeses, herbs and eggs will be available for sale. Local businesses will also be on hand with a variety of artwork, garden ornaments, candles and more. Meet your friends at the Farmers Market for breakfast or lunch and shop locally.

During the Farmers Market, local civic groups can give demonstrations, hold fundraisers or other events at no charge but must register in advance. For more information, call 708-748-1118 or visit www.pfhealth.net.

Governors State University, 1 University Parkway , University Park, IL

Farm Fresh Market –Thursday, July 15

Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables are coming to GSU at its first-ever outdoor farmers market on Thursday, July 15 at the south end of Parking Lot D. Hours are 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. The Farmers Market will be held on Thursdays through September.

Greening of Park Forest

B3 Bottles, Park Forest

The United Sates leads in consuming bottled water, drinking 26 billion liters a year (that’s only one, 8 ounce glass per day). It is estimated that Americans go through 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour with 86% of the plastic bottles used never getting recycled. B3 Bottles, a local Park Forest business, has a solution to this problem. B3’s stainless steel bottles can be filled with Park Forest’s award winning water or other hot/cold beverages of your choice, and then cleaned and re-used for a lifetime. To learn more about B3 Bottles and pricing information, call Laura Fitzgerald at 708-748-0934.

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.

Healthy Living

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

Back to School Physicals

Low cost school physicals and immunizations are available at the Park Forest Health Department. For more information, please call 708-748-1118 or visit www.pfhealth.net.

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.

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

Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood, Park Forest

Connect Café – Thursday, July 15

On Thursday, July 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., the Connect Café is a place for the community to hang out, have a cup of coffee, latte, or hot chocolate, listen to music, talk, play a game of chess, or just relax. Kid friendly, also for Mom’s and Dad’s. This event will be held every Thursday. For more information, call 708-748-1995 or visit www.celebration4.org.

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.

Rainbow Café

Monthly Meeting – Saturday, July 17

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 3rd Saturday of each month at the Unitarian-Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Dr. For more information, call 708-481-5539 and connect to the Rainbow extension.

Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood St., Park Forest

Vacation Bible School – Begins Monday, July 19

Weeklong Christian-based activities for children ages 3 – 15 are planned for Vacation Bible School which will be held from July 19 through July 23 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day. Games, prizes, bible stories, music and arts and crafts are just a few of the planned activities. Lunch is served daily. The program is open to all. For more information, call Beverly Reed or Reece Dickens at 708-503-6536.

2010 Good Egg Award – Nominations Due August 9

The Park Forest Commission on Human Relations is accepting nominations for the Good Egg Award which recognizes leadership and community service that has had a significant impact on fostering inter-group relations and equal opportunity in the South Suburbs.

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.

Residents may nominate one or more individuals by writing to Evelyn Sterling, Community Relations Coordinator, Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive, Park Forest, IL 60466 or by email to [email protected]. The deadline for nomination is August 6, 2010. Download the nomination form at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com.

Winners of the award will be notified by the Commission on Human Relations Chair, Alfreda Keller. For more information contact Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621.

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: Park Forest 2010 Summer Recreation Programs & More; Park Forest Winter/Spring 2010 Recreation Programs & More, Village of Park Forest, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Union Street Gallery, Park Forest Rotary Club, South Suburban Family Shelter, Park Forest Historical Society, Illinois Theatre Center, CAUTION, Sertoma Centre, Inc., Tall Grass Arts Association, Holiday Star Theater websites.