In and Around Park Forest Week of June 18, 2012

School Board member Margaret McDannel (left) greets Trustee Bonita Dillard at School District 163’s golf outing last week. Belinda Mosby and Blackhawk School Principal Bessie Boyd volunteered to register attendees as well. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—June 18, 2012. Park Forest Baseball will hold a baseball outing on Wednesday, June 20 at Standard Bank Stadium, 14011 S. Kenton, Crestwood, when the Windy City ThunderBolts take on the Traverse City Beach Bums. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are $10. Hot dogs and sodas will be available for $1 each. Additional details on the event can be found in the ‘This & That’ 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 Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, June 18 at beginning at 5:30 p.m. to discuss proposed changes to Park Forest’s liquor ordinance, then again at 7 p.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 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 Advisory Group will meet the week of June 18:

• Thursday, June 21 at 6 p.m. – Housing Authority

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

Arts & Entertainment

Village of Park Forest

Main Street Nights – Wednesday, June 20

Main Street Nights continues at Park Forest’s DownTown Village Green (Cunningham & Main Streets) rain or shine. On Wednesday, June 20 at 7 p.m., Top Hat the Magician will create magic for your mind. At 7:45 p.m., Jose Valdes & the Mambo All Stars will play a cross section of all the Latin dance rhythms. Sonia Perez and Joe Gonzalez have been two of the top singers in Latin music for many years. The instrumentalists are the best on the Latin music scene.
In case of rain, performance will be moved to Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street, Call the recorded message at 708-283-5647 for weather related changes or cancellations. For additional information, call the Recreation & Parks Department at 708-748-2005. E vents are subject to change.

PLEASE NOTE: Chairs will NOT be provided. Please bring your own chair or blanket.

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:

• http://www.villageofparkforest.com/index.php?submenu=AquaCenter&src=gendocs&link=AquaCenter
• http://www.facebook.com/#!/ParkForestAquaCenter

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

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

• Monday, June 18 at 10:30 a.m. – Wake Up Stories for those pre-K aged. Drop-in for surprise book selections.
• Monday, June 18 at 1 p.m. – Get Connected and Read. Drop in and learn how to check out Ebooks and digital audio books, access digital magazines, and register for library programs online. Featuring Digital Library Services: Media on Demand, Zinio, and Evanced. Location: Sergeant Means Park, 20712 Western Ave., Olympia Fields.
• Monday, June 18 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, June 18 at 6 p.m. – Classic Food Cinema Presents ‘Fatso.’ Dominick (Dom DeLuise) has always been a big kid who loved eating. It was his favorite thing. Then his cousin dies from health complications due to a lack of exercise and improper diet. Antoinette, Dominick’s sister, makes him promise to see a diet doctor and lose some weight. This is very hard for Dominick, but he tries. He also finds motivation when he meets Lydia, and he discovers a love that is more intense than his love of food. He spends so much time kissing and walking around with Lydia that he no longer eats as many unhealthy things, and he loses weight without even trying. Directed by Ann Bancroft. NOTE: Due to ratings, children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Tuesday, June 19 at 10:30 a.m. – Fairytale Breakfast Stories. Fairytale stories read in a breakfast atmosphere that emphasizes food. Ages 2-6.
• Tuesday, June 19 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, June 19 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.
• Tuesday, June 19 at 7:15 p.m. – Microsoft Word Practice. The first ten people to come may attend these practice sessions. There is no registration for the practice sessions.
• Wednesday, June 20 at 2 p.m. – Everything You Want to Know About Pizza. Watch a 20 minute food documentary about pizza, followed by stories and hands-on activities about pizza.
• Wednesday, June 20 at 3 p.m. – Get Connected and Read. Drop in and learn how to check out Ebooks and digital audio books, access digital magazines, and register for library programs online. Featuring Digital Library Services: Media on Demand, Zinio, and Evanced.
• Thursday, June 21 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, June 21 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, June 21 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, June 22 at 1 p.m. – Feast Your Ears: Music on the Web. Learn about the best music sites online.
• Friday, June 22 at 2:30 p.m. – Movie Day ‘Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.’ The most delicious event since macaroni met cheese. Inspired by the beloved children’s book, the film focuses on a town where food falls from the sky like rain.
• Saturday, June 23 at 2 p.m. – Feed Your Mind and Body.  Exploring popular and effective exercise Programs, food and literature that will help you develop a healthier body. All ages welcome.

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.

Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest

Open House of the Park Forest Local History Collection and Archive and Historical Society Office – Sunday, June 24

The Park Forest Historical Society cordially invites you to an Open House of the Park Forest Local History Collection and Archive and Park Forest Historical Society Office on Sunday, June 24 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ryan Hall, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest. Jane Nicoll, PFHS Archivist, will give a short history with highlights of the collection. Small groups will be given tours of the Archive Office. Refreshments will be served. The Archive Office is open Friday 10 a.m. to 12 noon and by appointment. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252.

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.

Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest

‘June Moon’ – Through June 30

Join Salon Artists Gallery for this wonderful exhibit entitled ‘June Moon.’ The exhibit will run through June 30 and is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 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 tallgrassarts.org.

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

‘Kids, Kolors & Kits’ at Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park (NMSP) – Sunday, June 24

Send your kite skyward over the magnificent NMSP at GSU. ‘Kids, Kolors & Kites’ gives everyone who loves flying kits – young and old – a chance to experience the sky above and great art ground-level at the nationally renowned sculpture park. The event takes place on Sunday, June 24 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at NMSP, on GSU’ main campus in University Park. The event will be held lakeside, just north of the main university buildings. NMSP is providing kite kits for kids to decorate for $5. Participants can color their kites before launching them into a summer breeze. As an event partner, the Chicago Kite Co. will be on site for anyone who wants a bigger or more complex kites. The Illinois Kite Enthusiast Club has been invited to the event. Admission and parking are free. NMSP docents will be on hand for guidance and to give sculpture part tours. For additional information about NMPS, visit www.govst.edu/sculpture or call 708-534-4486.

‘Ways of Making’ National Juried Exhibition – Through June 23

The Visual Arts Gallery at GSU continues its ‘Ways of Making’ series with a National Juried Exhibition will run through June 23. A closing a reception will be held on Saturday, June 23 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with remarks and awards at 6 p.m. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The exhibition series focuses on art making media taught in the art program and includes work on paper, photography, painting, sculpture and digital media. The Visual Arts Gallery is open Mondays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and by appointment. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-534-4021.

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

‘Explorarama’ – Opens June 19

‘Explorarama’ an exhibit of photography will open on Tuesday, June 19 and run through July 11. An artist reception will be held on Saturday, June 23 from noon to 3 p.m. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For Gallery Hours or additional information, call 815-464-8818 or visit 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

‘Insider Art’ – June 20 Through July 21

‘Insider Art,’ the annual exhibit of work by USG Studio & Guild Artists will open on June 20 and run through July 21. An opening reception will be held on Friday, June 22 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit unionstreetgallery.org.

‘A Little Garden Art’ – Tickets Now On Sale

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 unionstreetgallery.org.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

Bachelor of Social Work Program Information Session – Tuesday, June 19

GSU will host an information session for the Bachelor of Social Work program offered at Triton College on Tuesday, June 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The information session will take place in the university center located in Building A, Room 105 in the lower level of the library of 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 program can be found at www.govst.edu/chhs/bsw. For additional information, call 708-534-4086 or e-mail [email protected].

GSU Counseling Workshops to Target Intimacy issues

GSU is offering two workshops for counseling professionals on issues of sex and intimacy. The workshops are sponsored by GSU’s Division of Counseling and Psychology.

• ‘Sex in the Sand: Play Therapy Techniques with Couples’ takes place Thursday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Engbretson Hall. Presenter: Dr. Catherine Ford Sori, GSU Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Counseling. Workshop fee — $65 advance registration; $100 at the door; $20 for graduate students. Lunch is included and 5.5 CEUs are available. To register, contact sexinthesand.eventbrite.com.
• ‘New Perspectives on Desire’ will be held Friday, June 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in GSU’s E-Lounge. Presenter: Dr. David Schnarch, world-renowned sex and marital therapist and international best-selling author. Workshop fee — $85 advance registration; $125 at the door; $30 for graduate students. Lunch is included and 6.5 CEUs are available. To register, visit gus-desire-schnarch.eventbrite.com.

 ‘The Literacy Zone’ Reading Tutoring Available at GSU – Enrollment is Limited

GSU’s Graduate Program in Reading is sponsoring The Literacy Zone, a reading tutorial program for students in grades two through five, Mondays through Thursdays, from July 5 through July 25 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This four-week, one-to-one program brings students experiencing reading problems together with teachers who have the skills to help them. Students meet on the GSU campus with certified, experienced teachers enrolled in the Master of Arts Reading Program at GSU. Students are expected to attend every session. Enrollment is limited and based on the number of tutors. There is a $70 registration fee. Students will be accepted in the order in which the completed application and registration fee are received. Transportation is not provided. For additional information, call 708-534-4122 or e-mail [email protected].

Prior Learning Portfolio Seminar – Saturday, June 23

Students and prospective students of GSU can assess their prior learning, learn how it can be applied to a college portfolio, and how it may lead to college credit at a seminar hosted by the Interdisciplinary Studies Program and the College of Arts and Sciences. The Prior Learning Portfolio Seminar takes place Saturday, June 23 from 10 a.m. to noon in room D1496. The seminar will help students identify learning that may be equivalent to college-level work. Participants will learn how to identify comparable college courses and document their prior learning. They will also learn how to compile a portfolio with all the required elements for GSU review and possible college credit. There is a $50 registration fee for the seminar, which covers the cost of materials and refreshments. To register, e-mail [email protected] or contact Tiffani Malvin at 708-534-4092.

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

‘The 11th Hour’ Movie & Discussion – Saturday, June 23

On Saturday, June 23 at 7 p.m., Leonardo DeCaprio’s documentary ‘The 11th Hour’ will be screened. A discussion will take place following the movie. With contributions from over 50 politicians, scientists, and environmental activists, including former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, physicist Stephen Hawking, Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai, and journalist Paul Hawken, the film documents the grave problems facing the planet’s life systems. Global warming, deforestation, mass species extinction, and depletion of the oceans’ habitats are all addressed. The film’s premise is that the future of humanity is in jeopardy. The film proposes potential solutions to these problems by calling for restorative action by the reshaping and rethinking of global human activity through technology, social responsibility and conservation. Free coffee, tea and popcorn will be served. Optional donations will be accepted. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest

Women of the Woods: A Nature Retreat – Saturday, June 30 — Registration Required

On Saturday, June 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., adult women can celebrate the beauty of the summer solstice woods in this program for women only! Discover the naturalist in you as you explore the woods, observing birds and insects, identifying trees and flowers, following tracks and much more. This retreat is held indoors and outdoors on natural surface trails across uneven terrain. There is a fee of $10 per person. Registration is required. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6320.

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.

Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victor Drive, Park Forest

Senior Men Health Screening – Friday, June 22

On Friday, June 22 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, join the Park Forest Health Department from this free health screening for Rich Township men over the age of 60. You must schedule an appointment. Blood work requires fasting 12 hours prior to the appointment. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 or e-mail [email protected].

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

‘Sexual Intimacy for Individuals and Couples’ – Registration Deadline June 19

Explore one of life’s most complex and personal issues during ‘Sexual intimacy for Individuals and Couples,’ on Thursday, June 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. n the Hall of Honors at GSU. This workshop is ideal for both individuals and couples. With humor and understanding, Dr. David Schnarch, world-renowned sex and marital therapist, and international bet-selling author, will discuss what it means to be sexually normal, have normal problems with intimacy and sex, and how to love on life’s terms. The presentation is sponsored by GSU’s Division of Psychology and Counseling. Admission to the presentation is $20 for single persons and $35 for couples. To register, contact gsu-couples-desidre.eventbrite.com/. The registration deadline is June 19.

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 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 Baseball

Baseball Outing on June 20 – Tickets Now on Sale

Park Forest Baseball will hold a baseball outing on Wednesday, June 20 at Standard Bank Stadium, 14011 S. Kenton, Crestwood, when the Windy City ThunderBolts take on the Traverse City Beach Bums. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are $10. Hot dogs and sodas will be available for $1 each. A portion of all tickets sold will benefit Park Forest Baseball. If 100 tickets are sold, a Park Forest player will get the chance to escort a ThunderBolt player to their position.

If 300 tickets are sold, Park Forest Baseball may have a chance at other ThunderBolts in-park activities.

Advocate South Suburban Hospital will also be hosting a free health clinic on the ballpark concourse that evening. And after the game, all kids are allowed to run the bases! For additional information or to purchase tickets, call Booster Club Members, Tom Mick at 708-516-7140 or Dan Wieringa at 708-441-5408.

Park Forest Commission on Human Relations

Dance Mania – Learn the Tango on June 22

If you love to dance or just want to get out for the night, come and join us every Friday in June from 7 pm. to 10 p.m. at 300 Victory Drive, Park Forest, for ‘Dance Mania.’ We will provide a different dance instructor each Friday. During the first hour, you will be provided lessons and for the remainder of the night, put it into action. We will have a DJ, raffles and much more. Come out and have fun. The cost is $5, package rates are available for the entire month. 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.

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.

Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood Boulevard, Park Forest

Upward Sports Flag Football/Cheerleading Camp & Celebration Arts Camp

It Doesn’t matter if flag-football, cheerleading or dramatics is your thing, this is sure to be a week of instruction and fun. The camp will be held June 25 through 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. The cost of the camp is $30 per person. For additional 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.

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.

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.