Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of July 18, 2011


Etel Billig voting
Illinois Theatre Center co-founder Etel Billig answers a question electronically at the public meeting hosted by CMAP. Etel and 50 other participants gave their input on creating a sustainability plan for Park Forest. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—July 18, 2011.  Park Forest’s DownTown Business District will be hosting its ‘Midsummer Madness’ event on Wednesday, July 20. This fun and free event offers participants over 20 chances to win fabulous prizes. To learn more about ‘Midsummer Madness,’ see the “This & That” Section below.

Also, if you’re one of the many people in the area looking for a job, the Mobile Workforce Center’s mobile unit will be at Governor’s State University every Tuesday offering an array of services to help you with your job search. The center is equipped with 11 computer stations with Internet access, printer, and copy machines, and is wheelchair accessible. For additional information about the services offered by the Mobile Workforce and weekly hours, see the “Educational Lectures & Opportunities” Section 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

Open House Honoring Police Chief Thomas Fleming – Monday, July 18

There will an open house at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street, on Monday, July 18th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in honor of Chief Fleming’s retirement.  All are welcome to join in congratulating Chief Fleming.

Village Meetings

Village Board Meeting – Monday, July 18

The Village Board will meet on Monday, July 18 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.

Village of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings

The following Park Forest Advisory Boards will meet the week of July 18:

  • Tuesday, July 19 at 7 p.m. – Recreation & Parks Advisory Board

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

Western Avenue Quiet Zone Proposal – Public Comment Period

On Monday, July 11, the Village held a public meeting to inform the public that the Village is in the planning process to create a new Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Quiet Zone at the CN Railroad crossing on Western Avenue. This meeting provided Park Forest residents, property owners and others impacted by the at-grade railroad crossing some basic information about the process to establish a quiet zone. Those in attended were able to submit written comments on the project. Residents who were not able to attend the public meeting and would like to submit comments can do so on the comment form below.

Click to download the form. 

Please print the form and mail the completed form to the address noted.  Residents can also email comments directly to Hildy Kingma, Director of Economic Development and Planning, at [email protected].   For questions about this process, call 708-283-5622. Comments should be submitted no later than Monday, July 25, 2011.

Arts & Entertainment

Village of Park Forest

Main Street Nights – Wednesday, July 20

Main Street Nights, one of Park Forest’s most popular summer events, continues on Wednesday, July 20 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., local talent from DownTown’s Fieldcrest School of Performing Arts will kick off the evening showcasing the best from their 2011 performance. At 7:20 p.m., the Illinois Theatre Center will preview songs from their Summerfest musical production. At 7:45 p.m., Prairie State’s Southland Jazz Ensemble – professional jazz musicians from Chicago and the south-metro region – will play some hard-driving swing, intricate Latin grooves and tender ballads.
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 18 at 10:30 a.m. – AM Storytime: Cottage Tales for those ages 2 – 7
  • Monday, July 18 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 19 at 3:30 p.m. – Wii Games
  • Tuesday, July 19 at 7 p.m. – PJ Story time
  • Wednesday, July 20 at 10:15 a.m. – LapSit for those 0 – 35 months with caregiver.
  • Wednesday, July 20 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those 2 – 5 with caregiver.
  • Wednesday, July 20 at 2 p.m. – Castle Building Competition. You be the architect of a royal abode. Rules for construction given when registering for competition. Ages 2–5; 6–8; 9–18. *
  • Thursday, July 21 at 2 p.m. – Medieval Crafts: Medieval Games.  Especially for teens; minimum of 8 needed *
  • Friday, July 22 at 2:30 p.m. – Movie Day: “Dragonheart” – Rated PG-13
  • Saturday, July 23 at 11 a.m. – Summer Scrapbooking *

*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.

August Senior Trip — Historic Route 66 Tour – Register by Friday, August 12

On Wednesday, August 24 you can travel the famous Mother Road with award winning Route 66 author, John Weiss. Visit historic sites (Joliet to Pontiac); enjoy a little shopping in a few quaint towns, and look forward to lots of surprises. Be sure to bring your camera. This ‘all inclusive’ tour includes two snack stops, plus a full family style lunch (broasted chicken, vegetable, mashed potatoes, bread, coleslaw, salad, pop, coffee and tea) at the Route 66 Family Restaurant in Dwight, IL. You will learn and feel the history of this magical ribbon of highway as you “Get your kicks on Route 66.” Tickets are $65 and include round-trip coach bus, snacks, lunch, and the tour. The bus will depart from Freedom Hall at 8 a.m. and return at approximately 6 p.m. Purchase tickets at the Recreation & Parks Department at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, or by phone with a credit card by calling 708-748-2005. Mention Code 248370-1.

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.

Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd., Park Forest

The Peter Mayer Group – Tickets Now on Sale

Guitarist, vocalist, songwriter Peter Mayer brings a multi-faceted writing style, distinctive voice and inspired musicianship, along with a group of musicians that are electrifying in live performance to his return to Freedom Hall’s Nathan Manilow Theatre on Thursday, July 28 at 7:30 p.m. This is one of the select summer shows that will be recorded live for the group’s CD to be released later this year. Joining Peter are R. Scott Bryan (Sheryl Crow, Jeff Coffin) on percussions, Marc Torlina (Chuck Berry, Neil Sedaka) on bass, Chris Walters (Bela Fleck, Alabama) on keyboards, and Maggie Estes (Leahy, Mike Snyder) on violin. Tickets are $25. There are also a limited number of tickets available for $40 which includes admission to the concert on July 28, as well as an intimate rehearsal and unique “question and answer” opportunity with Peter on July 27 at 3 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www.freedomhall.org or call 708-747-0580.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Summer Music Series at Ravisloe Country Club – Concert #3 ‘Mozart and Schubert’ – Tickets Now on Sale

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 27, 2011 at 7:30 pm, concert #3 will be presented by chamber ensembles of the IPO. Selections to be performed include ‘Flute Quartet no. 1 in D Major’ by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and ‘Octet for Winds’ by Franz Shubert.
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

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.

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

Exhibition of Artwork of Jeff Stevenson – Through Saturday, July 30

The artwork created by Jeff Stevenson during his recent Ragdale Foundation residency will be on exhibit at the GSU Visual Arts Gallery through Saturday, July 30. The exhibit is 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

Ragtime The Musical – Opens Saturday, July 30

‘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 30 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.

Tickets for 2011 – 2012 Season Now on Sale

Feel the thrill of a whole new entertainment experience. The Center’s 2011 – 2012 Season offers all forms of entertainment for those of all ages. Highlights of the season include ‘The Ultimate Thriller Michael Jackson Tribute,’ Golden Dragon Acrobats,’ and ‘The Color Purple.’ See the full season lineup at www.centertickets.net/tickets_events.aspx?id=3129
Order tickets before July 29, using special code EARLY, and save up to $5 per ticket plus mix-n-match 3 or more shows to receive a $10 gift voucher for future Center shows. For additional information, call the box office at 708-235-2222 or order tickets online at www.centertickets.net

CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead

Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, July 21

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

 “The Meaning of Things” by Jeff Stevenson –Through Sunday, August 28

“The Meaning of Things,” a mixed media assemblage art work by Jeff Stevenson 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

Job Search Assistance Every Tuesday at GSU

The Mobile Workforce Center’s mobile unit will be at GSU every Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3P30 p.m., parked near the university’s front entrance. Center services include resume development, access to online job boards and websites, instruction in how to conduct an online job search and improve keyboarding skills, and assistance of staff. The center is equipped with 11 computer stations with Internet access, printer, and copy machines, and is wheelchair accessible. Services are free and available to residents in all counties. For additional information, contact the Workforce Services Division of Will County at 815-727-4980.

Master of Business Administration Open House – Tuesday, July 19

GSU’s College of Business and Public Administration is hosting a Master of Business Administration (MBA) open house on Tuesday, July 19 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Tinley Park Holiday Inn and Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Dr., Tinley Park. Faculty, advisors, administrators, and current students will be on hand to discuss the program. Participants will also be able to apply for program admission. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-534-4391 or e-mail [email protected].

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 – July 18 & July 19

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

Park Forest Recreation & Parks

Community Day with the Chicago Sky – Tuesday, July 19

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].

Park Forest DownTown Business District ‘Midsummer Madness’ – Wednesday, July 20

The ‘Midsummer Madness’ event will be held on Wednesday, Jul 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest. This fun and free event offers participants over 20 changes to win fabulous prizes. Start by registering at Dining on the Green to get your map. Visit as many participating DownTown District Businesses on your map as you can to earn your chance at a prize. Bring your signed map back to Dining on the Green by 6:30 p.m. to see if you have won. Save time and pre-register on-line at http://ddmmadness.eventbrite.com. For additional information, call 708-283-5617.

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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