The torch for the Special Olympics made its way north on Western Avenue last week surrounded with police escorts. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—June 13, 2011. Main Street Nights, one of Park Forest’s most popular summer events, begins on June 15 at 7 p.m. in the Park Forest DownTown Village Green located at the intersection of Cunningham and Main Streets. Wonderful, free entertainment will be provided over the next nine weeks – rain or shine. Kicking off the 2011 season will be the top finalists from the 2nd Annual Park Forest Idols at 7 p.m. At 7:45 p.m., the multi-award winning musician, Dave Rudolf, will bring fun in the sun with his wacky and interactive show for kids of all ages. In case of rain, the performance will be moved to Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard. Grab a blanket, pack a snack, and enjoy some fun entertainment with family and neighbors. For additional information, call the Recreation office at 708-748-2005 or call the recorded message at 708-283-5647 for weather related changes or cancellations.
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 of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings
The following Park Forest Commissions and Advisory Boards will meet the week of June 13:
- Tuesday, June 14 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission
- Tuesday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m. – Commission on Human Relations
- Thursday, June 15 at 6 p.m. – Housing Authority
The meetings will take place at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Important Park Forest Community Meeting – Tuesday, June 14
The Village of Park Forest was selected by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to receive technical assistance to develop a housing policy plan. This plan will establish housing policies and strategies for the next 20 years. The next major milestone in this project is a public meeting to be held on Tuesday, June 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest. All members of the Park Forest community are invited to participate in this interactive workshop. Participants will work in small groups to help create a vision for future housing in Park Forest. Refreshments will be provided. For additional information, call Hildy Kingma at 708-283-5622 or e-mail [email protected].
Park Forest Aqua Center, 30 N. Orchard, Park Forest
Just Added – Four Day Introductory Swim Lesson
Four-day introductory swim lessons will be offered Monday, June 20 through Thursday, June 23 from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. each day. There is a fee of $12 for Aqua Center Members and $20 for non-members. Register before June 15 at the Aqua center Front Counter, 30 N. Orchard. For additional information, call 708-747-4940. Click hereto view the Aqua Center website.
Arts & Entertainment
Rotary Club of Park Forest
‘An Evening with the Kings’ Fundraising Event – Saturday, June 18
The Rotary Club of Park Forest will host a fundraising event titled ‘An Evening with the Kings’ on Saturday, June 18. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the adjoining spaces of the Illinois Theatre Center and the Tall Grass Arts Gallery, 371 & 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest. The event will include an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction. Entertainment will feature “Rico” – a Michael Jackson Tribute Artists Extraordinaire and Steve Lydell performing the hits of the 50’s and 60’s. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Proceeds will support the Rotary Club’s charitable endeavors across the Village and the region such as youth literacy programs, scholarships and preserving cultural arts in Park Forest. For additional information about the event, or to purchase tickets, call Club President Dan Graham at 708-748-1577.
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:
- Monday, June 13 at 10:30 a.m. – AM Storytime: Cottage Tales for those ages 2 – 7
- Monday, June 13 at 2 p.m. – Ready to Read, Read to Me. Volunteers available to listen to summer readers practicing aloud. Small children may have stories read to them.
- Tuesday, June 14 at 1 p.m. – Medieval Movie Classics
- Tuesday, June 14 at 2 p.m. – Flag Day Celebration – craft projects and flag dedication *
- Tuesday, June 14 at 3 p.m. – Kid Parade
- Tuesday, June 14 at 7 p.m. – PJ Story time
- Tuesday, June 14 at 7:15 p.m. – Adult Book Discussion ‘Hangman Blind’ by Cassandra Clark
- Wednesday, June 15 at 10:15 a.m. – LapSit for those 0 – 35 months with caregiver.
- Wednesday, June 15 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those 2 – 5 with caregiver.
- Wednesday, June 15 at 1:30 p.m. – Family Feuds – design your own coat of arms workshop *
- Wednesday, June 15 at 2:30 p.m. – Feudal Game Show Competition for those ages 6 and up *
- Thursday, June 16 at 2 p.m. – Medieval Crafts: Weaving – especially for teens; minimum of 8 needed *
- Friday, June 17 at 2:30 p.m. – Movie Day: “Eragon” Rated PG
- Saturday, June 18 at 2 p.m. – Father’s Day Program
*Please register at the Youth Services Department
For more information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.
Library Closing
The Park Forest Library will be closed on Sundays for the summer.
Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main St., Park Forest
‘Art Sale’ – Father’s Day Gifts – June 14 – 18
Purchase a memorable gift for your Father at Salon Artists Gallery. 15% off art objects priced $20 or more. Gallery Hours are Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, noon to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, call Pat Moore at 708-833-5108 or Bev Szaton at 708-748-3946.
Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walk, Park Forest
34th Year of Summer Arts Marathon
The Illinois Theatre Center will begin the 34th year of Project S.A.M. – the Summer Arts Marathon. This highly acclaimed program has given more than 1,200 youngsters the opportunity to explore and gain basic skills in music, dance, drama, art and creative writing under the supervision of trained arts specialists. The program will be held for six weeks, starting Monday, June 20th and running through Friday, July 29th and is open to children age 6 through 12. Participants attend Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Field trips and special guest presentations further enrich this program which culminates in an art exhibit, performing arts presentation and publication of a creative writing magazine. Project S.A.M. meets at the Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walk in DownTown Park Forest. Tuition is $125 per child, which includes refreshments and field trips. There is a $10 discount on additional children from the same family. For additional information or to register call 708-481-3510.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
Summer Music Series at Ravisloe Country Club – Concert #1 – Wednesday, June 15
Imagine a warm summer evening, stars in the sky, and glorious melodies floating above the courtyard of a Spanish villa. Welcome to Summer Music at Ravisloe, an intimate series of summer concerts presented by chamber ensembles of the IPO. On Wednesday June 15, 2011 at 6:00 pm, concert #1 will feature Prairie State College’s Southland Jazz Ensemble. Ravisloe Country Club is located at 18231 Park Ave., Homewood. For additional information or to buy tickets click on the picture below.
Park Forest Historical Society, 400 Forest Blvd., Park Forest
‘The History of the holiday Theater, Part Two’ – Sunday, June 26
The Park Forest Historical Society will present, ‘The History of the Holiday Theater, Part Two’ on Sunday, June 26, at 2:30 p.m. at the Holiday Theater, 340 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest. Willis Johnson, owner and operator from 1981 – 1986, and 1990 into 2002 will be speaking on the many improvements made to the Theater during his ownership. There will also be a discussion about the progress the current management is making in reviving the Theater. For additional information about the program, call Jan Nicoll at 708-481-4252 or visit the Historical Society’s website at www.parkforesthistory.org.
Park Forest House Museum – Every Saturday
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Blvd. Park Forest, is open Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment. It is an original rental townhome decorated as it might have looked from 1946 – 1953 during the first five years of Park Forest. Donation is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. For additional information, visit www.parkforesthistory.org or call Jane Nicoll, Museum Director, at 708-481-4252 or email at [email protected].
Bricks from Former Marshall Field’s Store for Sale
Bricks from the former Marshall Field’s Store in DownTown Park Forest are on sale at the Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard. Bricks are $15 each or two for $25. Each brick comes with a certificate of authenticity and a brief history of the store. Bricks can be purchased at the Museum during Museum hours which are Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For additional information, visit: www.parkforesthistory.org.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 36 Artists Walk, Park Forest
“Shouts and Whispers: a Lifetime in Photography: by Donald Kouba” Exhibit – Through July 17
“Shouts and Whispers: a Lifetime in Photography“ by Donald W. Kouba will run through July 17. The exhibit is comprised of photographs derived from a variety of themed series or visual movements. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or gallery hours, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Brainstorm 2011 National Juried Art Exhibit – Through June 25
Brainstorm 2011, an exhibit of artwork by 28 artists from around the nation runs through June 25 at GSU’s Visual Arts Gallery. A closing reception and awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 25 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 P.m. Refreshments will be served. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-534-4021 or visit www.gsuvisualartsgallery.blogspot.com.
Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park
Jukebox Musical Theatre Camp Presents ‘Glee’ – Tickets Now On Sale
Tickets are now on sale for Jukebox Musical Theatre Camp’s presentation of ‘Glee’ which will take place on Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m. This showcase will be based on the soundtrack of songs from the hot TV show GLEE, such as: Don’t Stop Believin’, Proud Mary, Lean on Me, and more. Tickets are $10. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-235-2222 or visit: www.centertickets.net.
CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead
Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, June 16
CAUTION will be playing every Thursday night beginning at 9 p.m. at Harte’s Saloon, 9858 S. Artesian. If you are a fan of the Grateful Dead, Phish and great musical jams, check out this band. For more information, call Harte’s Saloon at 708-424-2618.
Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights
‘Driving the Dixie’ – Saturday, June 18
Dixie Highway is a Historic Route in the United States, and in Illinois several groups come together every year to "Cruise" the Dixie from Blue Island to Momence. Many of the cars are classics, ranging from Model A Ford’s to anything from the present. Union Street Gallery will be one of the stops along the drive. Inside the gallery will be refreshments, an exhibit on historic Lincoln Highway, and work from USG Studio and Guild Artists. The Gallery will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cars will be coming by at approximately 10 a.m. to noon. All are welcome to come on by to see the cars and experience some Chicago Heights history inside the Gallery. For additional information, call 708-754-2601. For additional information about ‘Driving the Dixie,’ visit www.drivingthedixie.org.
Monkey Mind Art Studio, 3 West Nebraska St., Frankfort
“My Journey” by Artist Sherri Danault – Through July 15
“My Journey” an exhibit by artist Sherri Danault will run through July 15th. In her artwork, Danault explores the quiet beauty of the past, the present and the future. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information or gallery hours, call 815-464-8818 or visit www.monkeymindartstudio.com.
Chicago Far South Suburban Branch of the NAACP
Father’s Day Fundraiser – Thursday, June 16
On Thursday, June 15 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Chicago Far South Suburban Branch of the NAACP is holding a Father’s Day fundraiser at Wendy’s, 170 W. 162nd St., South Holland, IL. There will be plenty of food available for purchase along with music, raffles, games, prizes and much more. For additional information, visit the Chicago Far South Suburban NAACP website at www.naacpcfssb.org
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest
Junior Ecologist Club – Saturday, June 18
On Saturday, June 18 from 9 a.m. to noon, children ages 11 – 15 can discover the woods in a new way and join naturalists to explore the woodland ecosystem and track seasonal changes. This event is held on the third Saturday of each month (Note: there will be no Junior Ecology Club meeting held in July). There is a fee of $5 per child per month. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.
Rich Township Free Basic Computer Classes for Adults
Rich Township is offering free basic computer skill classes for adults every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Leonard Robinson Family Services Center, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park. Participants will learn Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet skills, résumé building skills, and more. Classes are open only to residents of Rich Township. For additional information, call Mark Mason or Joe Moran at 708-748-6722.
Green Events
Park Forest Farmers Market
The Farmers’ Market will be held each Saturday through October, rain or shine, from 7 a.m. to 12 noon in the Holiday Star Theater parking lot (across the street from the Park Forest Police Department). Enjoy fresh produce, locally grown and just picked, organic produce, cheese, bakery goods along with an array of plants for your garden. In addition, the Park Forest Environment Commission will be on hand on the first Saturday of each month selling rain barrels.
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Dr., Park Forest
‘Gas Hole’ Movie Screening and Discussion – Saturday, June 18
On Saturday, June 18 at 7 p.m., UUCC will be screening the movie ‘Gas Hole’ at the church, 70 Sycamore Dr., Park Forest. Find out what the oil companies and the auto industry don’t want you to know. ‘Gas Hole’ is an eye-opening documentary that exposes rich oil companies’ devious dealings, dissects our country’s dependence on foreign pipelines, and explores alternative fuels as a viable solution to our global energy crisis. A discussion will follow the screening of the film. Refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public. Optional donations will be accepted. For additional information, call 708-481-5339.
Healthy Living
Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest
Senior Citizen Weekday Lunch
Senior citizens of all income levels are invited to lunch weekdays at the Community Nutrition Network (CNN) site located inside the Rich Township’s Shirley J. Green Senior Center. The CNN site is open to all south suburban residents, including those living outside of Rich Township. Participants must be 60 years of age or older. The suggested donation for lunch is $2.50. Lunch is served Monday through Friday at noon. Bingo begins at 11 a.m. For additional information or to make a reservation for lunch, call 708-747-2700.
Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (lower level)
Walk-In Flu & Pneumonia Clinic
On Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. flu and pneumonia immunizations will be available while supplies last. For fee information or questions, call the Park Forest Health Department at 708-748-1118.
Babies, Teens and Adults Immunization Clinics
Babies, teens and adult immunization and flu and pneumonia clinics will be held on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details or to schedule an appointment, call 708-748-1118. The Health Department is a low cost provider for children and adult immunizations.
Blood Pressure Screening
A free Blood Pressure Clinic is held at the Park Forest Health Department Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Elevated blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Walk in or call ahead at 708-748-1118.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Free Counseling Services Available
Today, individuals and families face economic and social pressures as well as communication difficulties that frequently disrupt family unity and the ability to cope. Counseling is one of the most important tools for understanding and coping. Free, individual, family and vocational counseling is available through GSU’s Division of Psychology and Counseling as part of its training program for advanced graduate counseling students. Faculty members, who are also licensed counselors, supervise the sessions. Counseling sessions are conducted on campus in total confidentiality. For more information, call 708-534-4545 or visit www.govst.edu/counselinglab.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)
Assistance With Medications & Health Services
If you, or someone you know, are struggling to pay for medications every month, they may be able to get the medicines they need for free or almost free through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. If you live in Illinois, you can get access to more than 475 public and private programs available to help you pay for your medicines. Simply visit http://www.pparx.org/en/click_illinois to find out if you can apply to any of these great programs and to get connected with 10,000 free clinics and doctors.
This & That
Park Forest Commission on Human Relations
Seeking Nominations for Good Egg Award
The Park Forest Commission on Human Relations is looking for people who have gone beyond the call of duty for the Good Egg Award. The award honors youth and adults who have made an extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of life in their communities through human relations and human rights advocacy. The deadline for nominations is Friday, August 12. To request a nomination form, contact Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or e-mail [email protected].
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 Christian Church, 1045 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights
Huge Book and Bake Sale – June 18, June 25 and June 26
First Christian Church will be holding a Huge Book and Bake Sale. Dates and hours of the event are as follows:
- Saturday, June 18 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday, June 25 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sunday, June 26 – Noon to 3 p.m. (Bag Sale)
Thousands of books sorted, categorized and reasonably priced will be offered for sale. Rare and vintage books will also be available. Other items included are Audio Books, Records, Cassettes, CDs, and DVDs. After shopping you can enjoy a bakery item and a beverage in a pleasant setting while browsing through your purchases. For additional information, call 708-654-3792.
Garden Club of Park Forest
"A Gardener’s Cookbook"
To celebrate their 55th anniversary, the Park Forest Garden Club offers this cookbook filled with memories, gardening tips, flowery sayings and of course recipes. Makes a great gift. All proceeds go to the club and are used toward community contributions. Cookbooks are $9 and are available at the Park Forest Recreation and Parks Department, 350 Victory Drive. Call 708-748-2005 for additional information.
Cook County Commission Holding Low-Cost Rabies Vaccine & Microchip Clinics
Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy is currently sponsoring clinics that provide low-cost rabies vaccines and microchips for dogs, cats and ferrets. The clinics are for Cook County residents only and will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through November 9, from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at various locations throughout the County. Vaccines and microchips will be provided for dogs and cats for $7 for a one-year vaccine; $21 for a three-year vaccine; $9 for ferrets one-year vaccine; and $10 for microchip identification. Mobile clinic services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Pet owners must present a valid Driver’s License or State ID as proof of residency. For public safety, all pets must be leashed or caged at all times. For additional information, including a listing of dates and locations, or for transportation assistance, click here.
Donate Unused Air Miles to Support Families of Wounded Servicemembers
"Operation Hero Miles" collects unused frequent flyer miles to help military families visit service members who were injured in Iraq or Afghanistan and are recovering in military hospitals around the world. Airline partners are: AirTran, Alaska Airlines, American, Frontier, Midwest, Northwest, United, and US Airways. To donate airline miles, visit www.FisherHouse.org.
Donate to Troops Serving Abroad
The Village of Park Forest is currently seeking the names and addresses of local military personnel currently serving overseas so that they may receive packaged donations from Park Forest residents. If you are a Park Forest resident and have a family member from your household currently deployed or if you have recently returned from a tour of duty, please call Judi Lancaster at 708-283-5608 or stop by the Manager’s Office at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.
Greening of Park Forest
Sertoma Centre, Inc., 4343 W. 123rd St., Alsip
Recycle Unused Wheelchairs
If you have a used motorized wheelchair that you no longer need and would like to help a person with a disability, the Sertoma Centre will accept your donation. Contact Melanie Jones at 708-730-6206 for additional information.
South Suburban Family Shelter Used Cell Phone Collection Drive
South Suburban Family Shelter (SSFS) is seeking cell phone donations for their ongoing fundraising program. Proceeds from the collection fund the critical programs and services provided to families who experience domestic violence. All victim services are provided free of charge and are available in English and Spanish. Cell phone collection sites currently include:
- SSFS Administrative Office, 18139 Harwood, Homewood, IL
- Bergstein’s NY Deli, 200 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights, IL
- Doyle Designed Salon, 2630 Flossmoor Rd., Flossmoor, IL
All donations are tax deductible and receipts are available at collection sites. For more information about SSFS or the fundraising drive, please contact Ms. Meilach at 708-794-2140, extension 303.
Local Recycling Resources and Proper Disposal of Unused Medicine
Do you have old televisions, computers, video games or other electronics or household appliances that need to be recycled? Want to know how to properly dispose of old or unused medication? Click on the "Recycling" icon found on the top of eNews Park Forest and you will find useful information on proper recycling/disposal that will not only be good for the environment, but in some cases, earn you a few dollars as well.
Safe Disposal Program – Bio-waste
The Park Forest Health Department and Environment Commission have partnered to provide information on the proper disposal of bio-waste such as used syringes or lancets (medical sharps). Begin by purchasing a Sharps container to dispose of your medical sharps for $10 at the Park Forest Health Department. Return the filled container to the Park Forest Health Department and purchase a new container. Call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 for more information.
Recycle Used Cell Phones and Cell Phone Accessories
The Rotary Club of Park Forest is conducting a used cell phone and accessory collection drive to benefit the families and programs of the South Suburban Family Shelter. Donated items can be placed in the collection box located in the lobby of Village Hall. For more information, call Denyse Carreras at 708-283-5603.
Sources: Park Forest 2011 Summer Recreation Programs & More Brochure; Rich Township Report; Thorn Creek Audubon Society, Unitarian Universalist Community Church, Park Forest Historical Society, Village of Park Forest, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Center for Performing Arts, South Suburban Family Shelter, Park Forest Historical Society, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Illinois Theatre Center, Sertoma Centre, Inc., CAUTION, Union Street Gallery, Monkey Mind Art Studio, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.
