Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of July 26, 2010


Dave and Ryan Rudolf

Dave Rudolf entertains children and adults at Main Street Nights. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—July 26, 2010. Hard to believe that summer is almost over. So don’t put off taking part in some of the summer events that are taking place in the upcoming weeks in Park Forest or the nearby suburban areas that will give you many warm memories to reflect on during the cold, winter days that will be here before we know it.

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.

Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Boards

The following Village Commission will meet this week:

  • Cable Communications Commission – Wednesday, July 28 at 7 p.m.

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

Arts & Entertainment

Main Street Nights – Wednesday, July 28

Cold Blooded Creatures and Guitarra Azul

Starting at 7 p.m., Jim Nesci returns by popular demand to entertain while educating the audience about reptiles. You will be able to see and touch four types of reptilians. At 7:45 p.m., Guitarra Azul will perform an exciting blend of Rumba, Flamenco, Latin Jazz and World Sounds with intoxicating Latin percussion and fiery Spanish guitars. Featuring their own original compositions as well as the familiar music of world artists like Gypsy Kings, Ottmar Liebert, Santana and other pop groups.

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

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

This Week at the Park Forest Library

Monday, July 26 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The Story Lab
  2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Read Aloud/Read to Me Time
Tuesday, July 27 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Wii/Movie Event
  7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. PJ Storytime
Wednesday, July 28 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Lap, Sit Storytime
  11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Toddler Art
  2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Mad Scientists Laboratory
Thursday, July 29 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Discovery Time
  2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Don’t Be Afraid of Edgar Allan Poe
Friday, July 30 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Frightful Challenges
Saturday, July 31 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Collecting Sports Memorabilia

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

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walk, Park Forest

“The Light in the Piazza” – Opens Friday, July 23

“The Light in the Piazza” is now playing at the Illinois Theatre Center through August 1. “The Light in the Piazza” features music and lyrics by Adam Guettel and book by Craig Lucas, based on Elizabeth Spencer’s novella. The Broadway production won six Tony Awards in 2005, including Best Score. The New York Times called it “The most intensely romantic score of any musical since West Side Story.” Performances will take place on Friday and Saturday, July 30 & 31 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, August 1 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $14 for students or seniors (65+). To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-481-3510.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 267 Artists Walk, Park Forest

“Fabulously Focused” Exhibit Now Open

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

Park Forest Historical Society

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

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

The Museum is open on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Group tours are by appointment. Call 708-748-3731.

Center For Performing Arts at GSU, 1 University Parkway

The Wedding Singer – Opens July 31

The Southland Area Theatre Ensemble (SLATE) at GSU will present the musical comedy “The Wedding Singer” as its 2010 summer production. The play will be performed on Saturday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, August 1 at 2 p.m., Friday, August 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 7 at 7:30 p.m. “The Wedding Singer,” based on the popular tale of romance in the hit 1998 film starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore has been nominated for five Tonys during its celebrated run on Broadway. Tickets are $18 and $21 for adults and $16 and $19 for students. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.

Tickets Now on Sale for 2010-2011 Season

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

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at GSU

Neil Goodman Sculptures On Display Through October

Five dramatic sculptures by Chicago artist Neil Goodman are currently on display at GSU’s Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. Goodman’s sculptures have been commissioned and collected by museums, corporations, convention centers, parks, synagogues, universities and private residences. For more information about Neil Goodman in the Park call 708-534-4486 or visit [email protected].

Eric Clapton’s Crossroads 2010 Guitar Festival

Movie Screening – Tuesday, July 27

If you didn’t have the opportunity to attend the Crossroads Festival in person in June, on Tuesday, July 27 at 7:30 p.m., 475 movie theaters nationwide will present a two-hour HD movie featuring musical performances from the 2010 event. This one-night screening will give fans around the country a chance to experience some of the greatest moments from the festival, including performances by Clapton, ZZ Top, Steve Winwood, BB King, Jeff Beck, Vince Gill, Sheryl Crow, Buddy Guy, John Mayer, and many others. For more information, a list of participating theaters or to purchase advance tickets, visit http://www.fathomevents.com.

CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead

Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, July 29

CAUTION will be playing every Thursday night at Harte’s Saloon, 9858 S. Artesian. If you are a fan of the Grateful Dead, Phish and great musical jams, check out this band. For more information, call Harte’s Saloon at 708-424-2618.

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

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

‘Synergy, Works by Union Street Artists,’ is a diverse collection of drawings, paintings, mixed media, and sculpture pieces by nine of the resident studio artists of Union Street Gallery. The exhibit will be on display through July 29 at Prairie State College’s Christopher Art Gallery, located at the college’s main campus, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visits can be made by appointment. For more information about the exhibit, or to make an appointment for a visit, contact the Prairie State College Foundation at 708-709-3636.

Holiday Star Theater, 340 Main St., Park Forest

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

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

GLBT Movie Series

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

Doomsday Zombie Fest 2010

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

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

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

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

Park Forest Recreation & Parks, 350 Victory Dr., Park Forest

Babysitter/Latchkey Class – Pre-Register Now

Children ages 10 – 14 can now pre-register for this class, taught by the Park Forest Fire Department that will be held on Monday through Friday, August 2 thru 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The course is designed to teach pre-teens and teenagers who provide either self-care or child care for others on how to handle most emergency situations they may encounter. The fee for this course is $15. For more information or to pre-register, call the Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department at 708-748-2005.

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

Over 50 Vendor Fair – Friday, July 30

On Friday, July 30 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., PSC is holding a vendor fair featuring organizations and agencies that serve those aged 50 and older. More than 40 organizations will be represented from various industries including healthcare, senior living, home improvement, financial and education. The event is free and open to the public and will be held in the atrium of the college. To view a complete list of vendors, visit www.prairiestate.edu and click on “Year of the Engaged Older Adult 50+ Resource Fair’ found on the Announcements section or call Julie DeLong at 708-709-7919.

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

Undergraduate Open House – Saturday, July 31

On Saturday, July 31 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., GSU will host a free undergraduate open house for students interested in transferring into one of the college’s bachelor’s degree completion programs. GSU offers 22 bachelor’s degree programs for students with either 60 college credit hours or an associate’s degree. Courses are offered by the GSU’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Public Administration, Education, and Health and Human Services. For more information about the event, contact the GSU Office of Admission at 708-534-4490 or visit www.govst.edu/admission.

Shop Locally

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

Customer Appreciation Month – Final Week

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

Garden Club of Park Forest

“A Gardener’s Cookbook”

To celebrate their 55th anniversary, the Park Forest Garden Club offers this cookbook filled with memories, gardening tips, flowery sayings and of course recipes. Makes a great gift. All proceeds go to the club and are used toward community contributions. Cookbooks are $9 and are available at the Park Forest Recreation and Parks Department, 350 Victory Drive. Call 708-748-2005 for additional information.

Park Forest Farmers Market

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

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

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

Farm Fresh Market –Thursday, July 29

Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables are coming to GSU at its first-ever outdoor farmers market on Thursday, July 29 at the south end of Parking Lot D. Hours are 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. The Farmers Market will be held on Thursdays through September.

Greening of Park Forest

B3 Bottles, Park Forest

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

South Suburban Family Shelter Used Cell Phone Collection Drive

South Suburban Family Shelter (SSFS) is seeking cell phone donations for their ongoing fundraising program. Proceeds from the collection fund the critical programs and services provided to families who experience domestic violence. All victim services are provided free of charge and are available in English and Spanish. Cell phone collection sites currently include:

  • SSFS Administrative Office, 18139 Harwood, Homewood, IL
  • Bergstein’s NY Deli, 200 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights, IL
  • Doyle Designed Salon, 2630 Flossmoor Rd., Flossmoor, IL

All donations are tax deductible and receipts are available at collection sites. For more information about SSFS or the fundraising drive, please contact Ms. Meilach at 708-794-2140, extension 303.

Local Recycling Resources and Proper Disposal of Unused Medicine

Do you have old televisions, computers, video games or other electronics or household appliances that need to be recycled? Want to know how to properly dispose of old or unused medication? Click on the “Recycling” icon found on the top of eNews Park Forest and you will find useful information on proper recycling/disposal that will not only be good for the environment, but in some cases, earn you a few dollars as well.

Safe Disposal Program – Bio-waste

The Park Forest Health Department and Environment Commission have partnered to provide information on the proper disposal of bio-waste such as used syringes or lancets (medical sharps). Begin by purchasing a Sharps container to dispose of your medical sharps for $10 at the Park Forest Health Department. Return the filled container to the Park Forest Health Department and purchase a new container. Call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 for more information.

Recycle Used Cell Phones and Cell Phone Accessories

The Rotary Club of Park Forest is conducting a used cell phone and accessory collection drive to benefit the families and programs of the South Suburban Family Shelter. Donated items can be placed in the collection box located in the lobby of Village Hall. For more information, call Denyse Carreras at 708-283-5603.

Go Green with a Free Tote Bag

The Village of Park Forest encourages residents to visit Village Hall to pick up an environmentally friendly canvas bag that can be used for your day-to-day shopping needs. These bags are free while supplies last with only two expectations: 1) that residents have a valid email address so that future environmentally conscious concepts can be shared by the Village’s Environment Commission; and 2) that bags are limited to one per household. For more information on this program, visit the Village Manager’s Office on the second floor of Village Hall of call 708-748-1129.

Healthy Living

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

Back to School Physicals

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

H1N1 Vaccine Available at Park Forest Health Department

The Park Forest Health Department has a limited supply of H1N1 vaccines available. H1N1 vaccines will be given by appointment only on Mondays and Fridays while supplies last. The fee for the vaccine is $15 and must be paid in cash at the time the vaccine is given. Medicare primary is accepted and Medicaid accepted for those 6 months through 18 years of age. No Managed Care enrollees accepted.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 708-481-1118. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Babies, Teens and Adults Immunization Clinics

Babies, teens and adult immunization and flu and pneumonia clinics will be held on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details or to schedule an appointment, call 708-748-1118. The Health Department is a low cost provider for children and adult immunizations.

Blood Pressure Screening

A free Blood Pressure Clinic is held at the Park Forest Health Department Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Elevated blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Walk in or call ahead at 708-748-1118.

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

Free Counseling Services Available

Today, individuals and families face economic and social pressures as well as communication difficulties that frequently disrupt family unity and the ability to cope. Counseling is one of the most important tools for understanding and coping. Free, individual, family and vocational counseling is available through GSU’s Division of Psychology and Counseling as part of its training program for advanced graduate counseling students. Faculty members, who are also licensed counselors, supervise the sessions. Counseling sessions are conducted on campus in total confidentiality. For more information, call 708-534-4545 or visit www.govst.edu/counselinglab.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)

Assistance With Medications & Health Services

If you, or someone you know, are struggling to pay for medications every month, they may be able to get the medicines they need for free or almost free through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. If you live in Illinois, you can get access to more than 475 public and private programs available to help you pay for your medicines. Simply visit http://www.pparx.org/en/click_illinois to find out if you can apply to any of these great programs and to get connected with 10,000 free clinics and doctors.

This & That

Park Forest Recreation & Parks, 350 Victory Dr., Park Forest

Lake Geneva Luncheon Cruise Senior Trip – Register by Friday, August 6

On Friday, August 13, you can relax and enjoy all the scenic beauty of the lake as you cruise around Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. You will view all the surrounding unique estates including Black Pointe Estate, the Yerkes Observatory and villages of Williams Bay and Fontana. Enjoy a buffet lunch which includes an entrée, fruit, sides and dessert. After the cruise, take some time to visit the 54th Annual Lake Geneva Antique Show & Sale where 25 outstanding dealers will be selling jewelry, silver, glass, china, furniture, linen and art in Lake Geneva’s beautiful Horticultural Hall and historic Episcopal Church building. There is a fee of $74 per person which includes coach bus, luncheon cruise, and admission to the show. Register by Friday, August 6 at the Recreation & Parks Department at Park Forest Village Hall. For additional information or to register by phone with a credit card, call 708-748-2005.

Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood, Park Forest

Connect Café – Thursday, July 29

On Thursday, July 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., the Connect Café is a place for the community to hang out, have a cup of coffee, latte, or hot chocolate, listen to music, talk, play a game of chess, or just relax. Kid friendly, also for Mom’s and Dad’s. This event will be held every Thursday. For more information, call 708-748-1995 or visit www.celebration4.org.

Faith United Protestant Church, 10 Hemlock St., Park Forest

Free Java Tuesdays

All are invited to Faith United Protestant Church for FREE Java Tuesdays. Visitors are asked to go to the Indianwood Boulevard side entrance between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. for free curbside service or to come and sit a bit. The event will continue each Tuesday as a form of outreach to the community throughout the summer and fall. For more information, call 708-747-1330.

First Baptist Church, 80 N. Orchard, Park Forest

Vacation Bible School – Registration Required

A full week of bible based learning with opening program, songs, games, crafts and dinner will take place Monday through Friday, August 2 through 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day. The week will end on Saturday with a picnic for participants and their families. For additional information or to pre-register, call Sandra Richards at 708-748-2566 or e-mail [email protected].

2010 Good Egg Award – Nominations Due August 9

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

The award honors youth and adults, who have made an extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of life in their communities through human relations and human rights advocacy.

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

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

Donate Unused Air Miles to Support Families of Wounded Servicemembers

“Operation Hero Miles” collects unused frequent flyer miles to help military families visit service members who were injured in Iraq or Afghanistan and are recovering in military hospitals around the world. Airline partners are: AirTran, Alaska Airlines, American, Frontier, Midwest, Northwest, United, and US Airways. To donate airline miles, visit www.FisherHouse.org.

Donate to Troops Serving Abroad

The Village of Park Forest is currently seeking the names and addresses of local military personnel currently serving overseas so that they may receive packaged donations from Park Forest residents. If you are a Park Forest resident and have a family member from your household currently deployed or if you have recently returned from a tour of duty, please call Judi Lancaster at 708-283-5608 or stop by the Manager’s Office at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.

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


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