Francesca Wessely (left) and her mother Lynn share smiles during School District 163’s first annual golf outing held last week at the University Golf Club and Convention Center (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—June 27, 2011. As promised in his re-election campaign, Mayor Ostenburg has formed the Mayor’s Advisory Council (MCAC). The MCAC will meet four times a year to provide input on important Village of Park Forest issues and also give feedback on various public policy matters. In addition, the MCAC will arrange for public forums at various times throughout the year so that citizens can gain more knowledge of local government and how it functions. While a number of citizens have already volunteered to serve on the MCAC, more volunteers are still needed. If you are interested in volunteering, e-mail Mayor Ostenburg as soon as possible at [email protected]. Please include your name, mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone number.
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 – Date Changed
The Village Board has rescheduled its meeting to Tuesday, June 28 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.
Mayor’s Citizens Advisory Council (MCAC) to March in the Park Forest 4th of July Parade
A group of volunteers will be marching in the Park Forest 4th of July parade representing the Mayor’s Citizens Advisory Council. If you would like to join the group, please send your e-mail response as soon as possible by clicking here and indicating that you would like to participate in the parade. Parade participants are asked to wear plain white tee-shirts. Stickers to be worn on the shirts will be distributed at the parade.
Arts & Entertainment
Garden Club of Park Forest
Donations Needed to Help Beautify Park Forest Blue Star Marker
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. If you would like to help with this very worth-while 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.
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 Andy Head – an extraordinary juggler who brings non-stop action and laughter to people everywhere. At 7:45 p.m., Billy Croft and the 5-Alarm Band will perform their red hot smokin’ country rock sound. With music from the best of current country rock legends like the Eagles and Kenny Chesney, to the classics of George Strait or Elvis Presley, to their own ‘countrified’ versions of music by the Beatles, B-52s, Aerosmith and others. So 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 St. – adjacent from 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 27 at 10:30 a.m. – AM Storytime: Cottage Tales for those ages 2 – 7
- Monday, June 27 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 28 at 1 p.m. – Medieval Movie Classics “Ivanhoe”
- Tuesday, June 28 at 3:30 p.m. – Wii Games
- Tuesday, June 28 at 7 p.m. – PJ Story time
- Wednesday, June 29 at 10:15 a.m. – LapSit for those 0 – 35 months with caregiver.
- Wednesday, June 29 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those 2 – 5 with caregiver.
- Wednesday, June 29 at 2 p.m. – Flutes & Lutes – listen and make music from medieval times. For all ages. *
- Thursday, June 30 at 1 p.m. – Shakespeare on the Screen “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
- Thursday, June 30 at 2 p.m. – Medieval Crafts: Leatherpunch – especially for teens; minimum of 8 needed *
*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, 249 Main St., Park Forest
Celebration of Liberty & Freedom – July 1 – 30
An exhibit titled ‘A Celebration of Liberty & Freedom’ will open on Friday, July 1 and run through Saturday, July 30. Gallery hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 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 Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
Summer Music Series at Ravisloe Country Club – Concert #2 ‘Brass Through the Ages’ – Tickets Now On Sale
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 July 13, 2011 at 7:40 pm, concert #2 will be presented by chamber ensembles of the IPO. From the Renaissance antiphonal music of St. Marks Cathedral in Venice, through the works of Baroque, Classical and Romantic composers for brass, listen as the Illinois Philharmonic Brass Quintet travels through time! Second half highlights include jazz standards of Duke Ellington and Fats Waller, plus sounds from Motown and the Temptations!
Ravisloe Country Club is located at 18231 Park Ave., Homewood. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased by calling the IPO Box Office at 708-481-7774 or on-line at: http://ipomusic.org/
Park Forest Historical Society, 400 Forest Blvd., Park Forest
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.
Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park
Ragtime The Musical – Tickets Now On Sale
‘Ragtime,’ based on the best-selling novel by E.L. Doctorow, is the powerful story of three groups of people coming together in early 20th century America – well-off WASPs, African-Americans and Eastern European immigrants. Coalhouse Walker, a brilliant Harlem musician, is at the center of the story, which also includes historical characters like Henry Ford, Booker T. Washington and Harry Houdini. Following its 1998 Broadway debut, ‘Ragtime’ won Tony awards for Best Book and Best Score. ‘Ragtime’ will be performed on Saturday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday July 31 at 2 p.m., Saturday, August 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, August 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are priced at $22 for adults and $19 for Seniors and Students. 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 30
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.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
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.
Master of Arts in Public Administration, Master of Arts in Political and Justices Studies and BA of Arts in Business Administration Information Sessions – June 29 & 30
Two sessions detailing Master of Arts in Public Administration, Master of Arts in Political and Justice Studies, and Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration will be held on Wednesday, June 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Michael A. Bilandic Building, 160 N. LaSalle Street (Room N-502), Chicago. Information on the Master of Public Administration program will also be available on Thursday, June 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the South Suburban University Center, 16333 Kilbourn Ave., (Room 5160), Oak Forest. For additional information or to RSVP, please 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
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.
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].
Wine & Chocolate Tasting – Early Ticket Sales End July 1
A Wine and Chocolate Tasting will take place on Friday, August 12 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 300 Victory Dr., Park Forest. Tickets are priced at $15 each or $10 each for 4 or more tickets when purchased before Friday, July 1st. After July 1, tickets will be priced at $20 each. Tickets can be purchased at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr. For additional information, call 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.
Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood St., Park Forest
Refreshing Times Seniors’ Ministry – Friday, July 1
On Friday, July 1 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., adults 55 and older are welcome to join us for this monthly support fellowship that combines food, interactive Christian Bible study, informative workshops, arts and crafts and birthday celebrations. This event is held on the first Friday of every month. For additional information, call Mattie Morgan at 708-503-6536.
Rainbow Café
Monthly Meeting – Saturday, July 2
The Rainbow Café is an opportunity for single or partnered gays, lesbians, bisexuals or other sexual minorities, and their allies, over age 18 to meet one another and socialize in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Those attending are encouraged to bring some non-alcoholic drinks and a dessert or snack to pass, or bring a financial donation. However, neither is mandatory.
The Rainbow Café is held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Unitarian-Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore, Park Forest.
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.
