Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—June 7, 2010. Father’s Day is right around the corner and if you’re still trying to figure out how to spend some quality time with Dad, the Village of Park Forest has just the event for you! The Father and Son’s Bowling Competition Outing will take place on Saturday, June 12. Details about this event can be found in the “This & That” Section of this week’s article.
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 Board Meeting
The Village Board is scheduled to meet on Monday, June 7 at 8 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.
To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.
Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Boards
The following Village Commission will meet this week:
- Commission on Human Relations – Tuesday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m.
All meetings are held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Arts and Entertainment
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard
The following event will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:
Friday, June 11 at 3:30 p.m. thru 5 p.m. – Frightful Challengers. Kids can attend an afternoon of games, puzzles and more. For additional information, call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.
Summer Reading Program Kickoff – Wednesday, June 9
On Wednesday, June 9 at 7 p.m., welcome author/illustrator Jill Thompson for the Park Forest Public Library’s Summer Reading Program Kickoff. This event will be held at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd. For additional information, call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.
Mini Book Sale – Saturday, June 12
The Park Forest Library will hold a mini book sale at the Farmers’ Market in DownTown Park Forest on Saturday, June 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Paperback books will be priced at $1 per bundle. For additional information, call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.
Park Forest Library Temporary Closing – Beginning Monday, June 21
As part of the continuing renovations at the Park Forest Library, the building will be closing temporarily beginning Monday, June 21 to allow for asbestos abatement and to erect some necessary partition walls before the final phase of construction can be completed. The library will remain closed until Tuesday, July 6 at 10 a.m. Books and other library materials may be returned during this time at the book drop located on the west side of the building near the rear entrance. During the closing no book donations can be accepted. For more information, call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
Common Ground, Diverse Approaches: Works on Paper – Through June 27
Artists include Mary Bookwalter, Sergio Gomez, Tyler Hewitt, Jane Hudak, Erik LaGattuta, Chelise Slowik, Jerry Slowik, Jeff Stevenson, Jessica VanSwol, and Carol Weber. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, please call 708-748-3377.
Rotary Club of Park Forest
Annual Spring Fundraiser – Saturday, June 12
On Saturday, June 12 at 6 p.m., experience the soulful sounds of Karen London who will perform live at the Illinois Theater Center, 371 Artists Walk, Park Forest as part of the Rotary Club of Park Forest’s Annual Spring Fundraiser. This year’s fundraiser will benefit the Shelterbox program and youth in the community. Shelterbox provides shelter and life-saving equipment to families after natural disasters. The current program is to support the victims in Haiti and Chile.
The event will also include hors d’oeuvres, dessert, and a silent auction. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Dan at 708-748-1577.
Park Forest Historical Society
Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard (Corner of Forest & Fir)
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum is in an original rental townhome, built in 1947-1949 by American Community Builders. The museum provides a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane for anyone who lived in the 1950s or 1960s, or for those interested in that period. Visitors are encouraged to open drawers, cupboard and closets to discover period treasures inside. Contents of the house, furnished as though a young veteran and his family of small children occupy it, include dolls, toys, dollhouses, books, dishes, serving pieces, furniture and clothing from the period. When is the last time you said, "Hello," to Howdy Doody?
The Museum is open on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Group tours are by appointment. Call 708-748-3731.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway
‘Barns’ Photographer to Present at GSU – Tuesday, June 8
As part of its Distinguished Lecture Series at GSU, photographic artist Larry Kanfer, known for his striking images of Midwestern scenes, will discuss his new book “Barns of Illinois” on Tuesday, June 8 at 5:30 p.m. in Engbreston Hall. A reception and book signing will follow at 7 p.m. in the E-lounge. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 708-534-6986.
‘A Whole New Mind 2010 BRAINSTORM’ – Through June 24
The Intellectual Life Committee at GSU is sponsoring a national juried art competition titled ‘A Whole New Mind 2010 BRAINSTORM’ through June 24 in the Visual Arts Gallery. Fifty-nine art works by 45 artists will compete for $2,000 in prize money. Susan Aurinko (artist, photographer, independent curator, and former owner of FLATFILEgalleries, Chicago) and Tricia Van Eck (Associate Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago) are serving as the competition’s jurors.
A reception and award ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 19 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. This Visual Arts Gallery is open Monday and Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. For an appointment call, 708-534-4021.
Center For Performing Arts at GSU
Juke Box Musical Theatre – Tickets Now On Sale
The Center for Performing Arts at GSU welcomes Emerald City Theatre of Chicago to present its annual summer theatre musical for kids. The only public performance of “Juke Box Musical Theatre” will be held at The Center on Friday, June 25 at 7 p.m. All seats are $10. For more information, call 708-235-2222 or visit www.govst.edu/center.
Peter Pan – Tickets Now On Sale
Peter Pan, the classic adventure about a boy who won’t grow up, comes to the Center for Performing Arts at GSU for a single performance on Thursday, July 15 at 11 a.m. Tickets are $9 each for individuals and $7 each for groups of 20 or more. For tickets, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.
CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead
Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, June 10
CAUTION will be playing every Thursday night at Harte’s Saloon, 9858 S. Artesian. If you are a fan of the Grateful Dead, Phish and great musical jams, check out this band. For more information, call Harte’s Saloon at 708-424-2618.
Chuck’s BBQ – Friday, June 11
If you weren’t lucky enough to get a ticket to Friday night’s Phish concert at Toyota Park, or if you’re looking for a way to keep the party going after the concert ends, check out CAUTION at Chuck’s BBQ, 6501 W. 79th St., Burbank. CAUTION is scheduled to start jamming after the Phish concert. For more information, call Chuck’s BBQ at 708-229-8700.
Holiday Star Theater, 340 Main St., Park Forest
Stanley Cup Playoffs
Come cheer on the Chicago Blakhawks to a Stanley Cup victory at the Holiday Start Theater. Games will be shown on the big screen FREE of charge. An optional pizza/wing/snack buffet is available for $10. Seating is limited to the FIRST 100 people. A refundable reservation fee of $5 per person is required which will be refunded upon arrival the day of the event. Reservations are required and will be held until 10 minutes before the game begins. To make a reservation or for additional information, call the Theater office at 708-283-9098.
The 13th Day
On Sunday, June 13, the Holiday Star Theater will show the movie ‘The 13th Day’ which dramatizes the true story of the three young shepherds who experienced six interactive apparitions with a “Lady from Heaven” between May and October 1917, which culminated into the final prophesized Miracle. The movie will be shown on the 13th of each month thru October. For movie time and additional information, call the office at 708-283-9098.
Free Movie Every Tuesday for Seniors
Every Tuesday at 1 p.m., Seniors can attend a free movie at the Holiday Star Theater. Afternoon tea will be served following the movie. Call 708-283-9096 for each week’s scheduled movie.
Free Popcorn Tuesdays
If you love popcorn, bring your own popcorn bowl to the Holiday Star Theater any Tuesday and they will fill it up for you with a drink purchase. For information on ticket prices and/or movie times, call 708-283-9096.
Doomsday Zombie Fest 2010
The Holiday Star Theater will be hosting Doomsday Zombie Fest 2010. The goal is to break the current Guinness World Record for the most Zombies gathered at a single location. Starting Friday, October 22 at 5 p.m., the Holiday Star Theater will be showing Zombie Movies for 72 straight hours on huge outdoor screens. Zombies are encouraged to bring their tents and camp out.
On Saturday, October 23, the attempt to beat the World Record will take place. Bring your best Zombie costume, make-up and props. There will be prizes, contests, ‘Zombie Walk,’ vendors, and on-site make-up artists.
This event is free and open to the public however, the Holiday Star Theater requests that you bring a non-perishable food or household item for charity. Additional information about the event can be found at http://doomsdayzombiefest.com.
Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, IL
‘Not Far Off’ by Nina Weiss – Opens Friday, June 11
Union Street Gallery is proud to announce its presentation of ‘Not Far Off’ a solo exhibit of recent landscapes in oil by nationally recognized artist Nina Weiss. An opening reception will be held at the Gallery on Friday, June 11 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nina Weiss will be present to greet visitors and share some insights about her work. The exhibit will continue until July 9. For gallery hours or additional information, call 708-754-2601.
Shop Locally
Garden Club of Park Forest
“A Gardener’s Cookbook”
To celebrate their 55th anniversary, the Park Forest Garden Club offers this cookbook filled with memories, gardening tips, flowery sayings and of course recipes. Makes a great gift. All proceeds go to the club and are used toward community contributions. Cookbooks are $9 and are available at the Park Forest Recreation and Parks Department, 350 Victory Drive. Call 708-748-2005 for additional information.
Park Forest Farmers Market
The Park Forest’s Farmers Market will be held each Saturday through October from 7 a.m. until noon, rain or shine. Fresh garden plants and produce, bakery goods, gourmet cheeses, herbs and eggs will be available for sale. Local businesses will also be on hand with a variety of artwork, garden ornaments, candles and more. Meet your friends at the Farmers Market for breakfast or lunch and shop locally.
During the Farmers Market, local civic groups can give demonstrations, hold fundraisers or other events at no charge but must register in advance. For more information, call 708-748-1118 or visit www.pfhealth.net.
Governors State University, 1 University Parkway , University Park, IL
Farm Fresh Market –Thursday, June 9
Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables are coming to GSU at its first-ever outdoor farmers market on Thursday, June 9 at the south end of Parking Lot D. Hours are 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. The Farmers Market will be held on Thursdays through September.
Greening of Park Forest
B3 Bottles, Park Forest
The United Sates leads in consuming bottled water, drinking 26 billion liters a year (that’s only one, 8 ounce glass per day). It is estimated that Americans go through 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour with 86% of the plastic bottles used never getting recycled. B3 Bottles, a local Park Forest business, has a solution to this problem. B3’s stainless steel bottles can be filled with Park Forest’s award winning water or other hot/cold beverages of your choice, and then cleaned and re-used for a lifetime. To learn more about B3 Bottles and pricing information, call Laura Fitzgerald at 708-748-0934.
South Suburban Family Shelter Used Cell Phone Collection Drive
South Suburban Family Shelter (SSFS) is seeking cell phone donations for their ongoing fundraising program. Proceeds from the collection fund the critical programs and services provided to families who experience domestic violence. All victim services are provided free of charge and are available in English and Spanish. Cell phone collection sites currently include:
- SSFS Administrative Office, 18139 Harwood, Homewood, IL
- Bergstein’s NY Deli, 200 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights, IL
- Doyle Designed Salon, 2630 Flossmoor Rd., Flossmoor, IL
All donations are tax deductible and receipts are available at collection sites. For more information about SSFS or the fundraising drive, please contact Ms. Meilach at 708-794-2140, extension 303.
Local Recycling Resources and Proper Disposal of Unused Medicine
Do you have old televisions, computers, video games or other electronics or household appliances that need to be recycled? Want to know how to properly dispose of old or unused medication? Click on the “Recycling” icon found on the top of eNews Park Forest and you will find useful information on proper recycling/disposal that will not only be good for the environment, but in some cases, earn you a few dollars as well.
Safe Disposal Program – Bio-waste
The Park Forest Health Department and Environment Commission have partnered to provide information on the proper disposal of bio-waste such as used syringes or lancets (medical sharps). Begin by purchasing a Sharps container to dispose of your medical sharps for $10 at the Park Forest Health Department. Return the filled container to the Park Forest Health Department and purchase a new container. Call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 for more information.
Recycle Used Cell Phones and Cell Phone Accessories
The Rotary Club of Park Forest is conducting a used cell phone and accessory collection drive to benefit the families and programs of the South Suburban Family Shelter. Donated items can be placed in the collection box located in the lobby of Village Hall. For more information, call Denyse Carreras at 708-283-5603.
Go Green with a Free Tote Bag
The Village of Park Forest encourages residents to visit Village Hall to pick up an environmentally friendly canvas bag that can be used for your day-to-day shopping needs. These bags are free while supplies last with only two expectations: 1) that residents have a valid email address so that future environmentally conscious concepts can be shared by the Village’s Environment Commission; and 2) that bags are limited to one per household. For more information on this program, visit the Village Manager’s Office on the second floor of Village Hall of call 708-748-1129.
Healthy Living
Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
Wednesday Morning Walkers –June 9
On Wednesday, June 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., those ages 11 – adult can enjoy light exercise as you meander through Thorn Creek Woods. Experience the arrival of spring first-hand as you walk the 1.5 mile loop with a naturalist. Trails can be wet or muddy so please wear sturdy shoes. Terrain is moderate. The Walkers will meet each Wednesday through June 16 and there is a fee of $2 per week. For more information, call 708-747-6320.
Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (lower level)
Back to School Physicals
Low cost school physicals and immunizations are available at the Park Forest Health Department. For more information, please call 708-748-1118 or visit www.pfhealth.net.
H1N1 Vaccine Available at Park Forest Health Department
The Park Forest Health Department has a limited supply of H1N1 vaccines available. H1N1 vaccines will be given by appointment only on Mondays and Fridays while supplies last. The fee for the vaccine is $15 and must be paid in cash at the time the vaccine is given. Medicare primary is accepted and Medicaid accepted for those 6 months through 18 years of age. No Managed Care enrollees accepted.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 708-481-1118. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Babies, Teens and Adults Immunization Clinics
Babies, teens and adult immunization and flu and pneumonia clinics will be held on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details or to schedule an appointment, call 708-748-1118. The Health Department is a low cost provider for children and adult immunizations.
Blood Pressure Screening
A free Blood Pressure Clinic is held at the Park Forest Health Department Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Elevated blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Walk in or call ahead at 708-748-1118.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Free Counseling Services Available
Today, individuals and families face economic and social pressures as well as communication difficulties that frequently disrupt family unity and the ability to cope. Counseling is one of the most important tools for understanding and coping. Free, individual, family and vocational counseling is available through GSU’s Division of Psychology and Counseling as part of its training program for advanced graduate counseling students. Faculty members, who are also licensed counselors, supervise the sessions. Counseling sessions are conducted on campus in total confidentiality. For more information, call 708-534-4545 or visit www.govst.edu/counselinglab.
This & That
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, IL
Huge Book Sale & Bake Sale – Saturday, June 12 & Sunday, June 13
On Saturday, June 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, June 13 from Noon to 3 p.m., First Christian Church will be offering thousands of rare and vintage books that will be sorted, categorized and reasonably prices. Other items for sale will include audio books, records, cassettes, CDs and DVDs. Enjoy a bakery item and a beverage in a pleasant setting while browsing through your purchases. For additional information, call 708-754-3792.
Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood, Park Forest
Connect Café – Thursday, June 10
On Thursday, June 10 from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m., the Connect Café is a place for the community to hang out, have a cup of coffee, latte, or hot chocolate, listen to music, talk, play a game of chess, or just relax. Kid friendly, also for Mom’s and Dad’s. This event will be held every Thursday. For more information, call 708-748-1995.
Girlfriends Unlimited – Friday, June 11
On Friday, June 11 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. attend Girlfriends Unlimited – a chance for women of all ages to get together and grow in all areas of their life. This event occurs on the 2nd Friday of the month and includes a variety of topics, games and food. Children, youth programming and dinner are included. For more information, call 708-748-1995.
Park Forest Aqua Center, 30 N. Orchard
Splash, Sun, Sand & Fun Night – Wednesday, June 9
On Wednesday, June 9 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., come to the Park Forest Aqua Center’s Splash, Sun, Sand & Fun Night. The event is free and open to the public. There will be games, contests, food and much more. At 6 p.m., there will be a live concert by Lindby. Lindby is composed of six music majors at the University of Texas at Arlington, five of which are singers in the university’s a cappella choir. Their music is full of dazzling harmonies and energetic melodies that are easy for everyone to sing along to. They will have CDs and t-shirts for sale and plenty of rock and roll to go around. Don’t miss all the fun and festivities. For more information, call the Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department at 708-748-2005 or visit: http://www.villageofparkforest.com/index.php?submenu=AquaCenter&src=gendocs&link=AquaCenter.
Park Forest Community Relations
Father & Son Bowling Competition – Saturday, June 12
On Saturday, June 12 from Noon to 2 p.m., fathers and sons can enjoy a day out at the Brunswick Zone, 3043 183rd St., Homewood, IL. Cost is $10 per person and includes round-trip bus transportation, 1 hour of bowling, 2 rounds of Laser tag and a $5 game card for the kids, 1 hour of billiards for adults and a Park Forest t-shirt. For more information or to purchase a ticket, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or visit www.villageofparkforest.com.
Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood St., Park Forest
HT Golf Open – Saturday June 12
On Saturday, June 12 at 9 a.m., both men and women are invited to participate in this golfing event sponsored by Active Brothers for Christ (ABC) of Hallelujah Temple as a fundraiser to benefit their mentoring initiative. The event will be held at the Chicago Heights Park District West Golf Course, 1112 Scott Avenue, Chicago Heights. For more information, call Michael Harley at 708-754-1400.
Donate Unused Air Miles to Support Families of Wounded Servicemembers
“Operation Hero Miles” collects unused frequent flyer miles to help military families visit service members who were injured in Iraq or Afghanistan and are recovering in military hospitals around the world. Airline partners are: AirTran, Alaska Airlines, American, Frontier, Midwest, Northwest, United, and US Airways. To donate airline miles, visit www.FisherHouse.org.
Donate to Troops Serving Abroad
The Village of Park Forest is currently seeking the names and addresses of local military personnel currently serving overseas so that they may receive packaged donations from Park Forest residents. If you are a Park Forest resident and have a family member from your household currently deployed or if you have recently returned from a tour of duty, please call Judi Lancaster at 708-283-5608 or stop by the Manager’s Office at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.
Sources: Park Forest 2010 Summer Recreation Programs & More; Park Forest Winter/Spring 2010 Recreation Programs & More, Village of Park Forest, Governors State University, Tall Grass Arts Association, Union Street Gallery, Park Forest Rotary Club, South Suburban Family Shelter, Park Forest Historical Society, League of Women Voters of Park Forest, and CAUTION, Holiday Star Theater websites.
