Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of July 2, 2012


Solar rainbow over Park Forest
A rare solar rainbow over Park Forest last week. The heat is on. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—July 2, 2012. Park Forest residents are reminded that due to construction projects around the Village, the July 4th fireworks will be displayed at Rich East High School rather than in Central Park. The Village is encouraging residents to enjoy the music and food vendors on the Village Green and to stay in place to observe the fireworks as they are displayed just to the west. A test run of fireworks took place with this past week’s Main Street Nights and the fireworks will be clearly visible from the Village Green.  Additional details about Park Forest’s July 4th festivities can be found in the ‘Arts & Entertainment’ section.

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 Hall Closure

Park Forest Village Hall will be closed on Wednesday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day Holiday.

Village Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees will hold a Saturday morning rules meeting on July 7 at 10 a.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. 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.

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

Village of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings

The following Park Forest Commissions and Advisory Groups will meet the week of July 2:

  • Tuesday, July 3 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission
  • Thursday, July 5 at 1 p.m. — Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
  • Thursday, July 5 at 7 p.m. – Environment Commission

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

Arts & Entertainment

Village of Park Forest

4th of July Festivities in Park Forest

Due to the major construction on Orchard Drive and several other streets around Central Park, Park Forest’s 4th of July parade has been cancelled for this year. 2012 events and locations are:

From 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., the pre-fireworks activities will take place in DownTown Park Forest at the Village Green on Main Street. There will be local food vendors, and a live performance by local favorites BBI. BBI will lay down the classics from Motown, R&B, rock and roll, to current dance hits.

At approximately 9:15 p.m., the fireworks show will begin. The 2012 fireworks location is Rich East High School.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to limited public parking near the school, residents are encouraged to park in one of the two large lots at the east and west corners of Orchard Drive and Indianwood Boulevard (the sites of the former Orchard Fresh Market/Sterk’s and Marshall Field’s).  Due to the proximity of the fireworks, residents will not be allowed near the Sauk Trail/Indianwood areas of Rich East.  Additionally, there will be no parking in the teacher’s lot off of Sauk Trail. Limited parking will be available in the lot on Westwood Drive.  Seating will only be permitted in the grass located east of the track and in the football bleachers. Seating will not be permitted on the Rich East game football and soccer fields.

Fireworks will be viewable from the Village’s DownTown, where residents are encouraged to come for pre-fireworks fun and stay for the show.  Please be sure to bring your own chairs/blankets as the Village will NOT be providing seating.

2012 Park Forest Aqua Center Swim Season Underway

Beat the heat the summer at the Park Forest Aqua Center. For the 2012 Season, a new approach to group membership rates is in effect. Swimmers can fill out a membership application and add family or friends to the list at an increased savings per person up to a maximum total of 5. The combination of this new membership approach along with the facility grounds improvements done at the Aqua Center over the past few years make it possible for you to enjoy the beach right here in Park Forest. The Park Forest Aqua Center is located at 30 N. Orchard. Additional details on the Park Forest Aqua Center, including Membership Rates and Daily Guest fees, can be found at:

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Summer Music at Ravisloe – Begins Wednesday, July 11

On Wednesday, July 11 at 7 p.m., ‘Strings and Friends’ an evening of classics will take place at Ravisloe Country Club, 18231 Park Avenue, Homewood. The program will include: Serenade for Flute, Violin, & Viola in D major, Op. 25 by Ludwig van Beethoven; Phantasy Quartet for Oboe, Violin, Viola, and Cello, Op. 2 by Benjamin Britten; and Oboe Quartet in F major, K. 370 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This concert will be held indoors. Programs and artists subject to change. General admission tickets are $25 and can be purchased at https://secure.ticketsage.net.

For additional information, call 708-481-7774 or visit www.iopmusic.org.

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

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

  • Monday, July 2 at 10:30 a.m. – Wake Up Stories for those pre-K aged. Drop-in for surprise book selections.
  • Monday, July 2 at 3 p.m. – Writer’s Block Writing Club. Kids are given a topic to write about, followed by a discussion. Ages: 8-18.
  • Monday, July 2 at 6:30 p.m. – Chess Instruction. Open to all ages.
  • Monday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m. – Chess Free Play. Open to all ages.
  • Tuesday, July 3 at 2 p.m. – Sandwich a Good Book Club. Love books? Come to this monthly book club, just for kids. For ages 8-18.
  • Tuesday, July 3 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime. For all story lovers Ages 2 thru 12. Every week P.J has a different theme surrounding the stories and craft. Drop-ins welcome.
  • Thursday, July 5 at 10:30 a.m. – LapSit. Ages 0-35 months with caregiver. Each week we will read stories, sing songs, and create projects that build pre-reading skills while helping develop coordination skills. Registration please.
  • Thursday, July 5 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art. Ages 2-4 with caregiver. Each week we will read stories, sing songs, and create projects that build pre-reading skills while helping develop coordination skills. Registration please.
  • Thursday, July 5 at 3:30 p.m. – Art Studio. Indulge your creative side with this art-themed program. Kids will share their creativity through painting, drawing, sculpting, or designs.
  • Friday, July 6 at 2:30 p.m. – Wii Game Day. Come to the library to play your favorite Wii games.

For additional information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.  You can also register on-line at www.pfpl.org.

Park Forest Library Hosting Summer-Long Student Art Exhibit

The Park Forest Public Library is hosting a summer-long art exhibit featuring the work from students in Park Forest and the surrounding communities. Mrs. Patricia Moore, the director of the Tall Grass Art Association School of Art, curated students’ work from Illinois School in Park Forest, Glenwood Academy and the Tall Grass Art School. Twenty-three works of art are now hanging in the Library’s Ringering Room. The exhibit is open to the public during regular library hours free of charge. The Library is located at 400 Lakewood Blvd. For more information about the exhibit, call 708/748-3731, extension 22, or visit the Library’s website at www.pfpl.org.

Library Closure

The Park Forest Library will be closed on Wednesday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day Holiday.

Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest

Park Forest House Museum – Summer Exhibit Features Early Years of the Aqua Center

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard, is ready for summer visitors. The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or for small groups by appointment. Donation is Adults- $5; 12 & under free with a paying adult. Group tours may be subject to special pricing. The tour is free with the purchase of a Marshall Field’s Park Forest Store brick at 1 for $15; 2 for $25. Convenient, free, street parking is available right outside the front door. The museum is operated by the Park Forest Historical Society and sponsored by Andrew Brown of Central Park Townhomes. This summer the museum is featuring a small display on the early years of the Aqua Center swimming pool complex, once the largest in the state of Illinois. The transcript of an oral history on the Aqua Center is in the living room, illustrated with photos of the original layout. On display in the china cabinet are original badges from the ‘Badge Pool.’ Youngsters used to have to prove they could swim the length of that pool to earn the badge to pin on their swimsuits. For additional information, visit www.parkforesthistory.org.

Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest

Trip to Barrington’s Sanfillippo Estate – Reservations Now Being Accepted

On Wednesday, July 18 at 9:30 a.m., the bus will depart from the Rich Township Senior Center for a tour of Barrington’s Sanfillippo Estate. The 3-hour tour begins in the Sanfillippo Estate’s main residence, where we will view and learn about the collection of automated music machines, their history, restoration efforts, as well as the opulent details of the residence’s French Second Empire setting. Selections include: early Edison and Victrola phonographs, Barrel Organs, Disk Players, Violin Machines and Nickelodeons. The tour includes the Carousel Pavilion where you’ll enjoy hearing a selection of Dance Organs, Band Organs, Calliopes and Fairground Organs. Prior to the tour, you will enjoy a delightful luncheon at the Grill 111 restaurant. You will need to make an entrée choice of roast pork loin, chicken parmesan or parmesan crusted tilapia. The bus will return to the Rich Township Senior Center at approximately 6:30 p.m. The cost of the trip is $67 per person and includes round-trip bus transportation, lunch and the Estate tour. Reservations can be made by phone only by calling 708-748-5454. Payment must be made within three days of making your reservations.

Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest

‘Red, White & Blue’ Exhibit – July 3 through 31

Join Salon Artists Gallery for this wonderful exhibit entitled ‘Red, White & Blue’ that will open on Tuesday, July 3 and run through Tuesday, July 31. The Gallery will be open 10 a.m. to 12 noon on July 3rd, closed on July 4th and reopen through July e1. For Gallery hours, contact Patricia Moore at 708-833-5108 or Bev Szaton at 708-748-3946.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Outside of the Box: Mixed Media Approaches to Photography’ – Through August 5

Tall Grass Arts Association will host ‘Outside of the Box: Mixed media Approaches to Photography’ through August 5. Debate has raged for years about whether photography is a technology or a medium for producing fine art. This juried exhibit will focus on the many inventive ways both traditional and modern photographic processes and materials are being mixed with other mediums to produce fine art. This regional show will feature artists from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit http://www.tallgrassarts.org.

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

Southland Theatre Ensemble to Perform ‘Legally Blonde: the Musical’ – Tickets Now on Sale

The Southland Area Theatre Ensemble (SLATE) at GSU will present ‘Legally Blonde: the Musical’ as its 2012 summer production. Performance dates are July 28 (7:30 p.m.) and 29 (2 p.m.), and August 4 (7:30 p.m.) and 5 (2 p.m.) at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts. ‘Legally Blonde: the Musical’ is a fresh and fast paced evening of musical fun, stylishly wrapped up in a smart pink bow. Elle Woods is the college sweetheart and homecoming queen who doesn’t take no for an answer. So when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her for someone ‘serious,’ Elle puts down her credit cards, hits the books, and heads for Harvard Law School. ‘Legally Blonde’ offers theatergoers an evening of guilty pleasure fun that should not be missed. Tickets are priced at $22 and can be purchased at: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase.

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

‘Explorarama’ – Through July 11

‘Explorarama’ an exhibit of photography will run through July 11. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For Gallery Hours or additional information, call 815-464-8818 or visit www.monkeymindartstudio.com.

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

“Location Impulsion” Exhibit – Through July 26

The PSC Foundation is presenting "Location Impulsion," through July 26, at the Christopher Art Gallery, located on the PSC main campus. The work of artists Bonnie Peterson, Nina Weiss, and Michael X. Ryan will be highlighted during the exhibition, which features their works that are created directly in response to location. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The Christopher Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday. Showings are available by appointment at 708-709-3636. The gallery will be closed on Wednesday, July 4.

Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights

‘A Little Garden Art’ – Saturday, July 7

On Saturday, July 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., USG is showcasing eight inspiring gardens in Chicago Heights and Flossmoor. Working artists in every garden reflect the beauty and peace of each environment through painting, drawing, sculpting or the written word. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event. All proceeds from the garden walk benefit USC, a not-for-profit arts center. For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

‘Insider Art’ –Through July 21

‘Insider Art,’ the annual exhibit of work by USG Studio & Guild Artists will run through July 21. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

Bachelor of Social Work Program Information Sessions at Triton – July 10 & July 31

GSU will host information sessions for the Bachelor of Social Work program offered at Triton College on July 10 and July 31. Each session will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the University Center located in Building A, Room 105 in the lower level of the library at Triton College, 2000 Fifth Avenue, River Grove. The GSU Social Work program offered at Triton College is a part-time program leading to a bachelor’s degree. To be eligible for the program, prospective students must have completed an associate’s degree or earned a minimum of 60 credits from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Students need not have attended Triton or live in the Triton Community College district to be eligible. Additional information about the GSU Social Work degree can be found at www.govst.edu/chhs/bsw. For additional information, call 708-534-4086 or e-mail [email protected].

Graduate Programs Open House – Saturday, July 14

GSU’s College of Business and Public Administration is hosting a graduate programs open house on Saturday, July 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Faculty, advisors, administrators, and current students will be on hand to discuss master’s degree programs in accounting, business administration, management information systems, and public administration. Various specialization areas are available for business administration, including corporate entrepreneurship and supply chain management. A new online cohort for supply chain management will begin in January 2013. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information and to RSVP please call 708-534-4391 or e-mail [email protected].

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 3:30 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.

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

Opt In to Technology at PSC

You can bridge the gap between technology and a new you at PSC’s new Opt In program that consists of two computer training centers and free classes to teach basic technological skills. One location is at the Adult Training and outreach Center in Room A145 at PSC’s main campus. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The other location is at the Matteson Area Center’s Computer Training Lab located at 4821 Southwick Dr., Matteson. Hours for this location are Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. No matter what skill level you have or want to have, Opt In can help. Both computer labs and on-site tutors are free and open to the public. For additional information, call Lisa Zeigler at 708-709-3548 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 12 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

Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest

‘American Autumn: an Occudoc’ Movie & Discussion – Save the Date

On Saturday, July 28 at 7 p.m., the documentary film ‘American Autumn: an Occudoc’ will be screened at UUCC. What would a world look like that had a culture and an economic system that placed human need above corporate greed, and how do we bring that world into being? Shot on the front lines and meeting spaces of the Occupy Movement in NYC, Boston, and Washington, D.C. from the earliest days through the end of January 2012 and written, directed and produced by activist, writer and filmmaker Dennis Trainor, Jr., ‘American Autumn: an Occudoc’ is an inside-looking-out view of the Occupy Movement. A discussion will follow the film screening. Writer, Director Dennis Trainor, Jr. has been invited to join the discussion by Skype. A trailer of the film can be viewed at www.occupy.com/article/american-autumn. Coffee, tea and popcorn will be served. The event is free and open to the public. Optional donations are welcome. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

Thorn Creek Audubon Society (TCAS), Park Forest

Butterfly Walk at Bartel Grassland – Saturday, July 7

On Saturday, July 7 at 10 a.m., Mary Anne McLean will point out some of our butterflies at Bartel Grassland, such as monarchs, black and tiger swallowtails, and Eastern tailed blues. The program is free and open to the public. The parking lot for Bartel Grassland is located at the intersection of Flossmoor Rd and Central Avenue in Matteson, Illinois.

Healthy Living

Village of Park Forest

39th Annual Farmers’ Market – Every Saturday Through October 27

The 39th Annual Farmers’ Market will be held from 7 a.m. to 12 noon on the corner of Lakewood & Cunningham Drive through October 27. The market offers local fresh vegetables, fruits, organic breads, cookies, specialty produce, garden bedding plants, perennials, garden ornaments, salsas, BBQ pork chops, hamburgers, Polish sausage, fresh tamales, jewelry, funnel cakes, and fundraising products from a variety of individuals and civic groups. For additional information, call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.pfhealth.net.

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

Free Psychotherapy Available from GSU’s Psychology Program

GSU’s Psychology Department is offering free psychotherapy services to members of the community. Conversations with a psychotherapist can help people cope with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, and life transition problems. Confidential, one-on-one sessions are held with a GSU graduate student in psychology under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Individuals and couples, 18 years and older, are eligible. All sessions are conducted in Matteson, IL. The number of sessions is determined by the client’s needs. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-235-2841.

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

Senior Citizen Weekday Lunch at the Senior Café

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.

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 program 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 Community Relations

Family Game Night – Friday, July 6

On Friday, July 6 at 7 p.m. in Park Forest’s DownTown Village Green (Cunningham and Main Streets), bring your whole family and join us as we compete as families for prizes. Whether its Taboo, Spades, Uno or Wii, we will have a variety of games, pizza and lots of fun. If you have a traditional game in your family and would like to share, bring that along as well. Come out and let’s just have some fun. The event is free. For additional information, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or e-mail [email protected] or visit the Community Relations tab at www.villageofparkforest.com.

Park Forest Commission on Human Relations

Seeking Nominations for Good Egg Award – Nominations Accepted Through August 13

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 Monday, August 13. To request a nomination form, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or e-mail [email protected] or visit the Community Relations tab at www.villageofparkforest.com.

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.

Grace United Protestant Church, 266 Somonauk, Park Forest

‘Passport to Adventure’ Vacation Bible School – Registration Required

Fasten your seat belts and join the fun at ‘Passport to Adventure’ Vacation Bible School at Grace United Protestant Church. The adventure will take place on July 9 through July 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each day. Activities will include Bible stories, arts and crafts, games and music. There will be classes for preschool through adult. There is no charge for the program but you must register if you plan on attending. For additional information or to register, call Chris Long at 708-606-9143.

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.

Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood Street, Park Forest

Refreshing Times Senior Ministry – July 6

On Friday, July 6 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. adults 55 and older are invited to join us for this monthly support and fellowship that combines food, interactive Christian Bible stud, informative workshops, arts and crafts and birthday celebrations. This event is held on the first Friday of each month. For additional information, call Mattie Morgan at 708-503-6536.

Park Forest American Legion Post 1198, 1631 Western Ave., Chicago Heights

Friday Fish Fry – July 6

Join Park Forest’s American Legion Post 1198 for fish, shrimp, wings, beef and appetizers on Friday, June 1 beginning at 6 p.m. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.

Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Dr., Park Forest

Rainbow Café Monthly Meeting – Saturday, July 7

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 Drive, Park Forest.

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

Good As New Thrift Store – Seeking Donations

The Sertoma Centre’s Good As New Thrift Store, 4331 Lincoln Highway, Matteson, is seeking donations of gently used furniture and other household items in good condition. Proceeds from the sale of items at the Thrift Store go directly to supporting the 14 programs offered by Sertoma Centre. The store also serves as a training program for consumers at Sertoma to allow them to gain experience and transition into permanent retail jobs. The Thrift Store will pick up furniture donations within the south and southwest suburbs of Chicago free of charge. To make an arrangement to make a tax deductible donation of furniture to Good As News, call 708-481-5627. For additional information, to schedule a tour, volunteer or to make a donation, please call Amy Chmura at 708-730-6206 or e-mail [email protected].

Rotary Club of Park Forest

The Rotary Club of Park Forest urges you to purchase a Golden Opportunities 2012 book to help support its youth activities. Books are only $25 and are now available for purchase at the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd.

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 2012 Summer Recreation Programs & More Brochure, 2012 Park Forest Spring/Summer Calendar, Park Forest ‘Discover’ magazine, 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., Union Street Gallery, Monkey Mind Art Studio, Thorn Creek Audubon Society, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.


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