Residents gather last week to plan the future of Park Forest with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—June 20, 2011. In 1945, the National Council of Garden Clubs started the Blue Star Marker project as a way to honor members of the Armed Forces. Signs with big blue stars were purchased by garden clubs and placed in all states along major highways to honor all members and branches of the military. The Blue Star Marker that belongs to the Garden Club of Park Forest was moved last fall to the corner of Orchard Avenue and Lakewood Boulevard – across the street from the Park Forest Library. In cooperation with the Village of Park Forest and American Legion Post #1198, the Park Forest Garden Club has designed new foundations and perennial plantings for this very large site. The first phase of the project will cost $5,000 to implement. To help raise funds for this very worth-while project, an “All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner” will be held on Saturday, June 25. For additional information about this fundraiser, or learn how you can make a donation, see the “Arts & Entertainment” Section below.
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 Village Board is scheduled to meet on Monday, June 20 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. Residents are encouraged to attend. Village Board meetings air live on cable access channels (Channel 4 for Comcast subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T subscribers) as well as on the Village web site at www.villageofparkforest.com.
Park Forest Aqua Center, 30 N. Orchard, Park Forest
Just Added – Four Day Introductory Swim Lesson – Begin Monday, June 20
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
Garden Club of Park Forest
Fundraiser to Beautify Park Forest Blue Star Marker – Saturday, June 25
On Saturday, June 25 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., an “All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner” will be held at the American Legion Hall, 1631 Western Ave., Chicago Heights. Proceeds from the event will help to beautify the Park Forest Blue Star Marker that honors members of the Armed Forces. The marker was moved last fall to the corner of Orchard Ave. and Lakewood Blvd. – across the street from the Park Forest Library. Tickets are $8 each or 4 for $25 and can be purchased in advance by calling Pat Tieder at 708-748-6333. Tickets can also be purchased at the door the day of the event.
If you cannot attend the fundraiser but would like to help with this cause, you can make a tax-deductible contribution. Checks should be made out to the Garden Club of Park Forest with ‘Blue Star Marker Project’ written in the memo section and sent to: Loretta Madix, Treasurer, 125 Sycamore, Frankfort, IL 60423. For additional information about the fundraiser, call Betty Doty at 708-748-3675.
Village of Park Forest
Main Street Nights – Wednesday, June 22
Main Street Nights, one of Park Forest’s most popular summer events, continues on Wednesday, June 22 in the Park Forest DownTown Village Green located at the intersection of Cunningham and Main Streets. The entertainment is held rain or shine. This week’s entertainment beginning at 7 p.m. is the Kaotic Drum Line, a talented group of youth from the Chicago area that has been drumming their way into the hearts of audiences from the NBA to schools, corporate events, and festivals nationwide. At 7:45 p.m., Soul Cookin’ will take the stage featuring outstanding vocals on all the great sounds of the Motown era and beyond. 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.
In case of rain, performances will be moved to Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street, next to the Village Green.
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:
- Monday, June 20 at 10:30 a.m. – AM Storytime: Cottage Tales for those ages 2 – 7
- Monday, June 20 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 21 at 1 p.m. – Medieval Movie Classics “The Adventures of Robin Hood”
- Tuesday, June 21 at 3:30 p.m. – Wii Games
- Tuesday, June 21 at 7 p.m. – PJ Story time
- Wednesday, June 22 at 10:15 a.m. – LapSit for those 0 – 35 months with caregiver.
- Wednesday, June 22 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those 2 – 5 with caregiver.
- Wednesday, June 22 at 2 p.m. – Fairy Princess Festival – Wand making, crown and hat decorating, magical stories and treats for those ages 3 – 12 *
- Thursday, June 23 at 2 p.m. – Medieval Crafts: Candlemaking – especially for teens; minimum of 8 needed *
- Friday, June 24 at 10 a.m. – Senior Travelogue
- Friday, June 24 at 2:30 p.m. – Movie Day: “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”
*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.
Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walk, Park Forest
‘Scapino’ – Free Outdoor Classic Comedy, June 24, 25 & 26
The Illinois Theatre Center will present the lively comedy ‘Scapino’ adapted from the play by Moliere, as their Free Outdoor Classics presentation for three performances, June 24, 25 & 26 at 7:30 p.m. on the Village Green in DownTown Park Forest located at the intersection of Cunningham and Main Streets. The plot concerns Scapino’s attempts, with the help of his dim-witted sidekick Sylvestro, to solve the romantic dilemmas of their masters, Leandro and Ottavio. Both young men are in love, and both have parents standing in the way of their happiness. Through clever tricks and disguises, Scapino guides the course of true love, outwitting the parents and assuring a happy ending. Along the way, there is clever word play, slapstick comedy, some audience participation, and a few zany Italian songs. In the event of inclement weather, the performance will move inside the Illinois Theatre Center. The event is free and open to the public. Audience members are invited to bring picnics, and there will be soft drinks for sale. For additional information, call 708-481-3510.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Musical Feast – Saturday, June 25
Join the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra Past President Charles Amenta and his wife, Marie Grass Amenta, for an enchanting musical feast! Benjamin Amenta, 2009 Rising Star, will join piano soloist David Schrader, for selections from Mendelssohn’s "A Midsummer’s Night Dream" Piano for Four Hands. Equally at home in front of a harpsichord, organ, piano, or fortepiano, David Schrader is "truly an extraordinary musician…(who) brings not only the unfailing right technical approach to each of these different instruments, but always an imaginative, fascinating musicality to all of them" (Norman Pelligrini, WFMT, Chicago).
Midwest Motet Society will also perform and sing settings of Shakespeare. For those spirited enough, please come attired as your favorite Shakespearean character, ancient and modern versions welcomed. Cocktails will be at 5:00 pm; Performance at 6:00 pm; and Dinner begins at 7:00 pm and includes Chicken in Wine, Herb Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette, Strawberry Spinach Salad, Wild Rice Pilaf, Asparagus, Carrots, and Dessert. Tickets are $100.00 per person and seating is limited to 35 guests. For additional information or to purchase tickets phone: 708-481-7774 or visit www.ipomusic.org. All proceeds benefit the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra.
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’ – Friday, June 24
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 23
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
7th Annual “A Little Garden Art” Garden Walk – Tickets Now on Sale
Union Street Gallery’s 7th Annual Garden Walk, "A Little Garden Art" will be held on Saturday, July 9 from 9a.m. to 3p.m. Participants can stroll the grounds of 10 beautiful and unique gardens in Homewood, Flossmoor, Olympia Fields, and Park Forest. The event will be hosted by volunteers, gardeners and Union Street Gallery’s own working artists. Each garden will delight and inspire you. Chat with the Gardeners as they describe their personal garden retreats, and watch the Artists-in-the-Gardens as they capture the scene in paint, paper, sculpture or the written word. Tickets are on sale now for $20 or $25 on Walk day. For additional information or to purchase a ticket, call 708-754- 2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org All proceeds from the garden walk benefit Union Street Gallery and its programming. This event also serves to promote community and the beauty of the south suburbs.
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.
Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood St., Park Forest
Spoken Word Set – Friday, June 24
On Friday, June 24 at 9 p.m., The Drama Ministry of Hallelujah Temple will pay tribute to modern day poets with an evening of spoken word and music. For additional information, call 708-503-6536.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
GSU to Host Program Information Session – Wednesday, June 22
GSU will host an information session on the Master of Public Administration program on Wednesday, June 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Illinois State Police District 5 Headquarters, 16648 South Broadway, Lockport, IL. The event is free and open to the public. The graduate application fee will be waived for all qualified Master of Public Administration students who complete an application at the session. For additional information or to RSVP, please call 708-534-4088.
Degree Program Information Session – Monday, June 27
GSU will host a degree program information session on Monday, June 27 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Triton College University Center, 2000 Fifth Avenue, River Grove, IL, in room A105-A. Advisors and administrators will be on hand to discuss the Master of Public Administration and the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice programs. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-534-4088.
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.
Healthy Living
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore, Park Forest
Karma, Integration, South Suburbs Summer Solstice Event – Saturday, June 25
On Saturday, June 25 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., celebrate the solstice and charge your cosmic battery. UUCC is bringing together alternative/energy wellness practitioners with people who want to try non-traditional modes of healing and relaxation. Tickets are $10 at the door. Come share your energy and sample south suburban healing modalities for an additional love donation to the practitioner. The event will include:
- Reiki
- Reflexology
- Phoenix Rising Yoga
- Young Living Essential Oils & Biofeedback Zyto Machine
- Belly Dancers
- Ionic Detox Foot Baths
- Massage
- Himalayan Sonic Massage
- Acupuncture
- Tarot
- Rare Food Treats
- And much more.
For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
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)
School Physicals for 2011 – 2012 School Year
Preschool, Kindergarten, Sixth and Ninth Grade children of Park Forest and the surrounding area can get a school physical for the 2011 – 2012 school year at the Park Forest Health Department. Parents must bring child’s immunization record at appointment time. For additional information and the dates/times when school physicals will be given, visit: www.villageofparkforest.com/index.php?src=events&srctype=profile&refno=12266
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 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 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.
