Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of July 21, 2014


Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience
Grammy Award winning Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience performs at Main Street Nights. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—July 21, 2014. The League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area is hosting their annual Summer Breakfast on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 9:00 AM at the Park Forest Discovery Center. Rob Gunther, Director of the Village of Park Forest’s Parks and Recreation Department, will discuss the Village’s plans to revitalize the parks. This includes a completely new approach to some of the playgrounds, centered on natural playgrounds. Additional information about the event can be found in the ‘This & That’ section.

Want to thank our eNews readers for all their positive thoughts and prayers during my recent hospitalization. Happy to report that thanks to the generosity of others who donated blood, I’m on the mend and hope to be back working full-time on eNews this week. If you are able, please consider making a blood donation. You never know when you or someone you hold dear may find themselves in need of your gift.

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 Board Meeting –Monday, July 21

The Board of Trustees will meet on July 21 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend. 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 here.

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

Village Commission & Advisory Boards

The following Park Forest Commission is scheduled to meet the week of July 21:

  • Wednesday, July 23 at 7 p.m. – Cable Communications Commission

The meeting will be held at Park Forest Village Hall and residents are encouraged to attend.

Arts & Entertainment

Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park

‘In the Heights’ – Opens July 25

‘In the Heights,’ presented by Southland Area Theatre Ensemble (SLATE), will be performed on July 25 & 26 at 8 p.m. and July 27 at 2 p.m. at the Center for Performing Arts. Winner of 4 Tony Awards include Best Musical (2008), ‘In the Heights’ tells the story of New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood – it’s a community on the brink of change, where the biggest struggles are deciding which traditions you take with you and which ones you leave behind. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll leave with a renewed sense of home and family. Tickets are $25. The box office is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and two hours prior to performances. For more information, contact the box office at www.centertickets.net or call 708-235-2222.

DePaul University Art Museum, 935 West Fullerton, Chicago

‘The Common Citizenship of Forms’ New Sculpture by Jeff Carter – Through August 31

‘The Common Citizenship of Forms’ will be exhibited at the DePaul University Art Museum through August 31. Using ready-to-assemble components from the global home-furnishings store Ikea and, Jeff Carter repurposes them into architectural models that are simultaneously familiar and a bit different. Carter is an associate professor in the department of Art Media and Design at DePaul’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. His constructions replicate buildings from the now-demolished Michael Reese Hospital campus on the South Side of Chicago, exploring the formal vocabulary of Bauhaus architecture while also considering the dilemma of modern material culture: Can mass-produced consumer goods be “good” design? Which is more socially useful: inexpensive products to buy or artisanal production and jobs? The DePaul Art Museum is located just east of the CTA’s Fullerton ‘L’ stop, is open this summer on Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. It will be closed Monday and Tuesday. For more information, call 773-325-7506 or visit http://museums.depaul.edu.

‘Fires Will Burn’ Politically Engaged Art from the Permanent Collection – Through December 21

‘Fires Will Burn’ will be exhibited through December 21 at DePaul University Art Museum. Drawing on DePaul’s own collection, this exhibition surveys a wide range of political expression, touching on racial prejudice, immigration issues and opposition to war. It includes Diego Rivera’s painting of the Mexican Revolution; John Wilson’s searing “Down by the Riverside,” a suite of etchings about slavery; and Gerda Meyer Bernstein’s powerful installation of “The Justice Chair.” Also included in this exhibition is a seldom-seen portfolio of prints by Chicago artists protesting the Vietnam War. Although the works vary widely in subject, scale and medium, the artists share the conviction that visual images can help to bring about social change. The DePaul Art Museum is located just east of the CTA’s Fullerton ‘L’ stop, is open this summer on Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. It will be closed Monday and Tuesday. For more information, call 773-325-7506 or visit http://museums.depaul.edu.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

New Comma Baroque – Wednesday, July 23

On Wednesday, July 23 at 7 p.m., at Ravisloe Country Club, 18231 S. Park Avenue, Homewood, acclaimed Chicago-based ensemble New Comma Baroque makes its Ravisloe debut in a program of virtuosic music by German composer Georg Phillip Telemann. Titled Telemann’s Travels, the program features selections of some of the composer’s most well-known works for baroque violin, viola da gamba, and harpsichord, composed during Telemann’s travels across Europe.
General Admission tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at: https://secure.ticketsage.net/websales.aspx?u=ipo&pid=261737. For additional information, call 708-481-7774.

National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM), 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago

Espirit de Corps Exhibition – Through August 1, 2014

NVAM is celebrating its first anniversary in its Milwaukee Avenue location with its art exhibition, Esprit de Corps, an exhibition highlighting the spirit of creative resilience. Esprit de Corps features art by nine veterans of Vietnam, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terror. The NVAM will be free and open to the public through August 1, 2014. Esprit de Corps is sponsored by Omicron, Bank of America and Paratech Incorporated. Drawing on breakthroughs in using art to assist with reintegration of veterans and for therapeutic expression, Esprit de Corps traces the process and roles of therapeutic art from the act of initial perception through expression of experience to an ultimate communal sharing and understanding of the real impact of war. Featured artists include Joseph Fornelli, Jerry Frech, Jonathan Hancock, Peter Sullivan, Benjamin Suarez, Thomas Gilbertson, Theodore Gostas, Richard Williams and Erica Slone. High resolution images of work in the show are available through the NVAM’s Dropbox. For additional information and hours, visit the museum’s website at www.nvam.org

Surrealism and War – Through November 1

Surrealism and War, an exhibition of veterans’ artwork that explores the relationship between surrealism and the experience of war will be on display at the NVAM through November 1. Surrealism and War includes the seminal work “The Earth Lies Screaming” by Jim Leedy, a Korean War veteran who was one of only two Americans invited to participate in the largest Surrealist exhibition ever assembled at the Retretti Art Center, Finland, an exhibition that began with Miro, Dali, and DuChamp, and culminated with several works by Mr. Leedy. Surrealism is an attempt to revolt against the inherent contradictions of a society ruled by rational thought while dominated by war and oppression. Surrealism seeks expression of thought in the absence of all control exercised by reason and free of aesthetic and moral preoccupation. It is this same absence of control exercised by reason that many combat veterans seek to explore and express after their experiences in war. Surrealism and War features the artwork of nine veteran artists that intentionally and unintentionally use and explore Surrealist processes and concepts. Featured artists include Korean War veteran Jim Leedy, Vietnam War veterans William Dugan, Stan Gillett, Michael Helbing, and Richard Yohnka, Gulf War veteran Ehren Tool, Kosovo veteran Giuseppe Pellicano, and Iraq War veterans David Keefe and Robynn Murray. The National Veterans Art Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. For group admission reservations, call the Museum at 312/326-0270 or visit www.nvam.org. Patrons of the museum can access art from the permanent collection and biographical information on the artists through the NVAM Collection Online, a recently launched online and high-resolution archive of every piece of art in the museum’s permanent collection. The NVAM Collection Online can be found at www.nvam.org.

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

Paws for Fines – Through July 31

Bring in pet food, a new pet toy, collar, leash, dish, etc. and for each item you bring in the Park Forest Public Library will waive $2.00 in Fines (up to 5 items—$10.00). This is however not valid on lost or replacement items. On July 31st, the close of Summer Reading, all items will be donated to the South Suburban Humane Society. Please help our homeless friends.

Portraits in Paws

Do you have a favorite picture of yourself or family with your pet or stuffed friend? Bring it in to the Patron Services desk or email them to [email protected]. We’ll make copies of all pictures and return them to you immediately. Then watch for them on our "Window of Paws."

This Week’s Events at the Park Forest Public Library

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

  • Monday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m. – Movie Madness Monday: ‘Madagascar’ — A pack of not-so-wild animals experience some serious culture shock when they move from the Big Apple to the Mighty Jungle in this computer-animated comedy.
  • Tuesday, July 22 at 1 p.m. — Techie Tuesday — Join our squad of experts as we explore our new gadgets!
  • Tuesday, July 22 at 7 p.m. — Goodnight Zoo — Wear your PJs out on the town! Bring along a fuzzy friend and your blanket too! Stories, crafts, and more… Ages 12 and under.
  • Wednesday, July 23 at 11 a.m. – Storypalooza — Grab some carpet and discover some books you will go wild about! Ages 10 and under.
  • Wednesday, July 23 at 1 p.m. — Paws for a Cause — Help us create a safe secure perching spot for kitties waiting for their forever homes. All forts will be donated to the South Suburban Society. All ages.
  • Thursday, July 24 at 7 p.m. — Knit Lit: The Art of Racing in the Rain — Interested in knitting? Join us for a fun discussion group for knitters and readers. We will exchange stories, share our favorite book moments, and even swap knitting ideas. This month we will be reading The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein.
  • Friday, July 25 at 1 p.m. — Senior Travelogue – Topic to be announced.
  • Saturday, July 26 at 2 p.m. — Digital Petting Zoo — Interested in a tablet, e-reader, or other gadget? Come pet our Smartboard, Kindles, and other digital pets. Library experts will demonstrate how to tame and conquer the wild digital beasts that are all the rage!

For additional information or to register for certain events, please call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org/

Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest

Step Back Into the 1950s at the Park Forest House Museum

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum at 141 Forest Blvd, Park Forest, is open Wednesday and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The museum can also be open for groups by appointment, at other times. Donation is Adults $5; Children 12 & under free with an adult. Scout and school tours are priced individually. For details, to arrange a special group tour, or to volunteer, visit the Park Forest Historical Society website, www.parkforesthistory.org, or call Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252.

Park Forest Plaza Print for Sale

Annabelle Gould’s print of the Park Forest Plaza is available for sale at the Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard. The vibrant print is from an original watercolor, showing kids and their moms in the Park Forest Plaza, in front of the old Holiday Theatre and Golden Hanger Shop. The print can be purchased at the House Museum during normal hours of operation on Wednesdays and Saturdays or through the Society’s online store on their website at www.parkforesthistory.org. Prints are $15 each. Online purchases also required an additional $6 fee for postage and handling. For additional information on other items for sale by the Society, visit www.parkforesthistory.org.

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

‘Material Associations’ Exhibit – Through July 24

PSC is hosting “Material Associations: Works by Iris Goldstein, Laurie LeBreton, Laura Anne Cloud, Donna Hapac, and Gina Lee Robbins,” through Thursday, July 24, in the Christopher Art Gallery, located on the college’s main campus. Beth Shadur, gallery director and exhibit curator, says the works range from sculptures on pedestals or stand-alone works, to relief works hung on the walls. The exhibition features works in a wide range of materials, including clay, plastic fingernails, painted plaster, reeds, abaca paper, and other unusual media. The event 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 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Visits also can be made by appointment. For more information about the exhibit or to make an appointment for a visit, call 708-709-3636.

Roosevelt University Gage Gallery, 18 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Chicago Street Scenes iPhone Photography Exhibit – Through August 30

Shooting from the Hip, an exhibit of iPhone-photographed Chicago street scenes by award-winning Chicago Tribune photographer Scott Strazzante, will be on display through August 30 at Roosevelt University’s Gage Gallery. The exhibit of 50 black-and-white photographs shot by Strazzante with an iPhone that he holds unassumingly just above the hip, captures and celebrates street life – unbeknownst to passersby along the city’s Michigan Avenue as well as nearby downtown locations that are within walking distance of the Gage Gallery. The winner of 11 Illinois Photographer of the Year awards in the last 14 years, including taking top honors the last three years in the Illinois Press Photographers’ Camera Phone category, Strazzante uses an iPhone application called Hipstamatic and a technique in which he never looks at his screen in order to frame and capture photos of people and news as it happens on city streets. Free and open to the public, Shooting from the Hip opens a day before Taste of Chicago and is expected to draw tourists as well as festival goers who are interested in a taste of Chicago’s street scene as well as its food. Gage Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For information, visit www.roosevelt.edu/gagegallery or call 312-281-3220.

Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest

‘Through the Lens of Wynn Hopkins’ – Through July 31

‘Through the Lens of Wynn Hopkins’ will be the featured exhibit throughout the month of July. Join Wynn in celebrating a wonderful exhibition with a reception on July 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring music and refreshments. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For additional information and Gallery hours, call 708-833-5108.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Annual Gallery Artists Exhibit – Opens Friday, July 25

Tall Grass Arts Association’s annual Gallery Artists Exhibit will open on Friday, July 25 and run through September 20. An opening reception will be held on Friday, July 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. In addition, an Open House/Artists’ Talk will be held on Saturday, July 26 at 11 a.m. The exhibit features a varied collection of work created by Tall Grass Juried Artists including works that have never been exhibited in the Gallery before. This exhibit also features several newly juried artists exhibiting in Tall Grass for the first time. The exhibit, reception and Open House are free and open to the public. For additional information please visit the Tall Grass website www.tallgrassarts.org or call the Gallery at 708-748-3377.

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

‘Food for Change’ Free Movie & Discussion – Friday, July 25

‘Food for Change’ will be screened at UUCC on Friday, July 25 at 7 p.m. A discussion will follow the film screening. ‘Food for Change’ is a documentary film about Food Co-Ops as a force for dynamic social and economic change in American culture. It’s a story for our time about what ails our economic system and how to fix it – people working together to satisfy their most basic need. This event is being co-sponsored with the South Suburban Food Co-op. Free coffee, tea, and popcorn will be provided. Optional donations would be appreciated. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org. UUCC is located just east of Western Avenue and south of Steger Road.

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Main Street Nights – Wednesday, July 23

The Village of Park Forest is once again sponsoring free entertainment in downtown Park Forest this summer. The family oriented Main Street Nights features local and regional entertainers on stage in the Village Green located at Cunningham and Victory Boulevard. Vendors include civic groups selling snacks and beverages, plus Dunagains Irish Pub featuring grilled items and sides. Children can play in a bounce house provided by the Wiggle Room. Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy the free entertainment under the stars! In case of rain, performances will be moved to Dining on the Green, next to the outdoor site.

Wednesday, July 23 at 7 p.m., Live Band Karaoke – Combining the silly fun of karaoke with the energy of a live rock band, Live Band Karaoke allows anyone to fulfill their rock and roll fantasy. Singing is only half the fun! Watching others perform as the band rocks out the songs true to the original recording. Live Band Karaoke provides lyric sheets for any song on the list. The lyrics are printed in large type so they are easier to read while singing. There are tons of songs to choose from providing something for everyone.

Wednesday, July 23 at 7:45 p.m. – The Big Boppers – The group was formed in 1989 by John Falstrom (bass guitar) and Frank Anastos (guitar/vocals) as a throwback to their days playing together in their local 1970’s band ‘Midnight Express.’ The Big Boppers play the best rock and roll music from the 1940’s, 1960’s and 1970’s rounding out the Big Boppers in ‘the dynamic’ lead vocals of Fran Green and the ‘legendary’ drumming of Artie Baldacci.

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 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

Registration Open for Fall 2014 Credit & Non-credit Courses

Registration for fall 2014 is open at Prairie State College (PSC). Credit courses begin Monday, Aug. 18. Non-credit courses include a variety of single-day and multiple-session offerings that begin throughout the fall. Both credit and non-credit courses are listed in the fall class schedule, available on the PSC main campus in Chicago Heights. The schedule also is available at area public libraries and online at www.prairiestate.edu/enroll. To register for credit courses, new students must complete an enrollment application in person at the college or online at www.prairiestate.edu/start. Through Friday, Aug. 8, Enrollment Services is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the college is closed on Fridays. Beginning Monday, Aug. 11, Enrollment Services will resume regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Current students can register for credit courses online or in person. Students can register for non-credit courses online or in person. To register online via Instant Enrollment, go to prairiestate.edu and select How To Register for Non-Credit Courses from the A-Z Index. Another option is to complete the registration form available online at prairiestate.edu/noncredit or in the back of the printed course schedule. Students also can register for non-credit courses in person at the Matteson Area Center (MAC), located at 4821 Southwick Drive in Matteson, or in the Enrollment Services Office on the PSC main campus. Through Aug. 8, the MAC is open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Beginning Monday, Aug. 11, the MAC will resume regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. For more information about registering for courses, visit www.prairiestate.edu or call 708-709-3500.

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.

South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 South State Street, South Holland

Fall Open Houses – Through August 7

SSC will be hosting several upcoming program-specific Open Houses for prospective students still weighing their college options for the Fall 2014 Semester, in addition to a comprehensive college-wide Open House on August 7th. The remaining Open House schedule at both the Main Campus in South Holland and the Oak Forest Center is as follows:

Court Reporting/Verbatim Technology Open House — Thursday, July 24, 2014, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Room 5190, Oak Forest Center — Call 708-596-2000, ext. 3217 or email [email protected]

Criminal Justice Open House — Monday, August 4, 2014, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Mi-Jack Room, Main Campus — Call 708-596-2000, ext. 2579 or email [email protected]

Paralegal/Pre-Law Open House — Wednesday, August 6, 2014, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Room 5190, Oak Forest Center — Call 708-596-2000, ext. 2579 or email [email protected]

South Suburban College Open House: Get to Know Your Community College — Thursday, August 7, 2014, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Main Campus Atrium — Call (708) 210-5718 or email [email protected]

Open Registration for the Fall 2014 Semester at SSC is in progress. Fall classes begin Monday, August 18th at the college’s Main Campus and Oak Forest Center. Contact the Office of Admissions at (708) 210-5718 for enrollment information, or visit www.ssc.edu. SSC’s Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.

Fall 2014 Registration – Now in Progress

Open Registration for the Fall 2014 Semester at SSC is in progress. Fall classes begin Monday, August 18th at the college’s Main Campus and Oak Forest Center. SSC will also host an end-of-summer Open House on August 7th from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. featuring tours, demonstrations, and information about the college’s wide range of options, programs and student services. Prospective students ages 18 and over attending the Open House will be entered in a drawing for a trip for two to the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas September 19 and 20th. New students should visit the Admissions Office in Room 2348 to complete the Application Form, or apply online www.ssc.eduto begin the enrollment process. New students will receive an SSC email account and a “My SSC” Username & Password via email which will allow access to the online schedule and class registration. The “My SSC” portal also allows students 24-hour access during college closed periods. Current and prospective students are encouraged to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.govusing institution code 001769. Students who wish to use financial aid as payment for fall classes must have an official high school or GED transcript on file. Official transcripts must have a school seal and graduation date on them. Transcripts can be hand-delivered to the Admissions Office or mailed to: Office of Admissions (15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473). If a transcript is hand-delivered it must be in the original sealed, unopened envelope. Contact the Office of Admissions at 708-210-5718 for enrollment information. SSC’s Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.

Online Educational Resources

Online college programs are a great way for today’s busy people to complete or earn a degree. To find an online college program in Illinois, visit http://www.onlineschools.org/guides/Illinois/ where you will find a compilation of every college program offered online in Illinois offered on a full or part-time basis.

Top U.S. Universities

Choosing what college or university to attend can be a very daunting experience. With educational costs continually increasing, it’s more important than ever to choose a university that meets your specific educational needs. At http://www.topschools.com/, you will find a comprehensive resource that ranks each university throughout the nation by size, degrees offered, tuition costs, admission, graduation and retention rates.

Healthy Living

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.

Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip

Free Community Education and Prevention Programs about Mental Health

Sertoma Centre’s Mental Health Services facility is offering community mental health seminars, free of charge to community groups, schools, law enforcement agencies, religious organizations, and other community groups at their location in Matteson or facility. Education Programs will include: Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) which increases public awareness of suicide and improves one’s ability to identify and refer those at risk for suicide. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a public education course that helps participants identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance disorders. Also included is Mental Health First Aid for Youth and Anxiety/Depression Screenings. Thanks to a grant, these educational opportunities are available at no cost to you or your organization. To arrange a free educational opportunity for your club, group, workplace, organization, or church, call Gia Washington at 708-748-1951, Ext. 418 or email at [email protected].

Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard, Park Forest

CPR Classes

CPR classes are available at the Park Forest Fire Department. Click on the following link for more details: http://pffd.vopf.com/cpr-classes.html

Park Forest Nurses Plus, 350 Victory Drive

School Physicals Available Now – Appointment Required

The Park Forest Health Department Nurses Plus will hold school physicals for children on the following dates this summer: July 19, July 25, August 8, August 9, August 15, and August 23. Times vary. Appointments are required. Physical exams are conducted by a Family Nurse Practitioner. The exams cover: height and weight; screening for lead (6 years old and under only; hemoglobin; urinalysis; and dental exam/cleaning. Parents must bring child’s immunization record to the appointment. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-748-1118.

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 Rich Township Senior Café 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 10 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.

Green Events

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Wednesday Morning Walkers – July 23

On Wednesday, July 23 at 9 a.m., enjoy light exercise and experience nature firsthand on Thorn Creek’s winding trails. Trails can be wet or muddy, so please wear sturdy shoes. Terrain is moderator. The Wednesday morning walks will continue each week and walkers new to the program must register two days before they first hike.

Experience the Thorn Creek Nature Center

Thorn Creek Nature Center is housed in a historic building, originally Immanuel Lutheran Church of Matteson, Illinois built in 1862, and later Village Bible Church of Park Forest. A gothic frame country church, its notable architectural features include curved ceiling, tongue-and-groove paneling and a raised pulpit. Its current attractions are displays of the preserve’s flora and fauna, a bird feeder viewing area, Eugene E. Schwartz reference library and an expanded children’s section. The Nature Center is open Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Trails are open daily year-round, dawn to dusk. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Clothing, Shoe Recycling at Park Forest Farmers’ Market

The Park Forest Farmers’ Market will now offer clothing and shoe recycling services from 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday through September. The dates when accepted items may be dropped off are:
– August 9
– September 13
USAgain, a green, for-profit company committed to protecting the environment, conserving resources, and creating green sector jobs through the collection of textiles for reuse and recycling, has agreed to collect residents’ old shoes and clothing at the Market. Items dropped off will be diverted from landfills to be re-worn, reused or recycled – reducing the carbon footprint of residents. Accepted items include men’s, women’s and kids’ shoes, boots and clothing as well as gloves, hats, bags, purses and belts. Sheets, blankets, drapes and towels are also welcome. The Park Forest Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays, May through October, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is located at 271 Lakewood Blvd, just across from the Park Forest Police Department. To learn more, call 708-748-1118.

Park Forest 41st Annual Farmers’ Market – Every Saturday through October 25

Park Forest’s 41st Annual Farmers’ Market will take place every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 25. The Market is located across the street from the Park Forest Police Station, 271 Lakewood Boulevard. The Market offers fresh vegetables, fruits, organic breads, salsa, specialty produce, garden bedding plants, perennials, garden ornaments, Amish butter, cheese and pies. A variety of food vendors, jewelry and oils will also be available for purchase. The Market accepts SNAP/Link cards, Senior Nutrition coupons and WIC. For additional information about the Farmers’ Market, call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118, email [email protected] or visit www.villageofparkforest.com.

This & That

League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area

Annual Summer Breakfast – Wednesday, July 23

The League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area will host their annual Summer Breakfast on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 9:00 AM at the Park Forest Discovery Center, located in the Aquacenter building at 30 North Orchard. Rob Gunther, Director of the Village of Park Forest’s Parks and Recreation Department, will speak to us about the Village’s plans to revitalize the parks. This includes a completely new approach to some of the playgrounds, centered around natural playgrounds. Following the meeting, those who were interested are invited to walk on the boardwalk in the adjacent Central Park Wetlands. Guests are welcome and anyone interested in the topic is encouraged to attend. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization which encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Anyone interested in promoting responsible government is invited to be a member. For more information about the program or membership in the League, please contact Mary Lubertozzi, 708-747-1359.

Park Forest Baseball League

6th Annual Thunder & Lightning Tournament – Starting Thursday, July 24

Join the Park Forest Baseball League for a tournament for 8 year olds and under. The tournament will begin on Thursday, July 24 at Central Park, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest. This tournament is for All Star teams. For additional information, call Mary Kay Joens at 708-503-1944 or email [email protected] or visit https://www.facebook.com/ParkForestBaseball.

South Suburban College (SSC) Oak Forest Center, 16333 S. Kilbourn Avenue

Business & Career Institute to offer “How to Do More with Less” Hot Topic – Tuesday, July 29

The Business & Career Institute (BCI) of SSC will offer another course in their Hot Topics on the Go sequence geared to provide information for a variety of industry sectors about issues and solve problems associated with business growth. The next Hot Topic is “How to Do More with Less” targeting businesses dealing with cutbacks while seeking profitable growth on Tuesday, July 29th from 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. A continental breakfast will be provided. Hot Topics on the Go sessions are all free of charge and located at the college’s Oak Forest Center. Businesses are constantly under pressure to do more with fewer and less resources, while meeting deliverables, timelines and targets… and the usual solution is to work harder. Working harder, however, is not necessarily the only or best solution. Truly, doing more with less has become a battle cry for today’s companies. So how do successful companies achieve productivity goals out of fewer resources? This is where Lean comes in, a revolutionary approach to thinking and learning that supports the following conditions:

  1. How to create a Lean culture,
  2. How to eliminate waste,
  3. How to motivate to achieve higher levels of productivity and customer satisfaction,
  4. How to sustain the cycle of doing more with less.

“How to Do More with Less” will be presented by Albert Lettman, a Lean expert with over 20 years of experience in Lean principles, ISO 9000/Malcolm Baldridge Assessment, Six Sigma and Shainin. He has personally conducted over 75 Kaizen events and has overseen more than 300 events in his role as a manager/director/consultant. Lettman has proven success in developing and implementing all aspects of Lean principles in a variety of industry sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and government, on the worksite floor and administrative offices, as well as in the classroom. Hot Topics on the Go sessions are free of charge, but reservations are required. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Nancy Burrows at 708-596-2000, ext. 2556 or email [email protected]. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn Avenue, across from the AMC Loews Theater on 167th Street.


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