Youth Commission Chairperson Dianne Hill (right, gold coat) welcomes Virginia Soto (left) and Jorge Martinez at a new resident event Friday at the Holiday Star Theater in DownTown Park Forest. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)
Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)-March 14, 2011. Saturday, March 19 is the last date to register to for the Park Forest Hurricanes, the new youth tackle football and cheerleading program. Additional information can be found in the ‘This & That’ 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.
Park Forest’s Committee for Non-Partisan Local Government
Candidate Forum – Sunday, March 20
On Sunday, March 20 at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, beginning at 2 p.m., the third Candidate Forum will be held. This event is sponsored by the Park Forest Village Area Cooperatives. The forum will last two hours. The first 15 minutes will be for Library Board Trustees, then 45 minutes for the three unopposed Village Trustee Candidates. The last hour will be for the two mayor candidates. Residents are encouraged to attend. The Forum will also be broadcast on cable access channels (Channel 4 for Comcast subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T subscribers).
Arts & Entertainment
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:
- Monday, March 14 at 10:30 a.m. – AM Storytime for children ages 2 and up
- Tuesday, March 15 at 1:30 p.m. – Computer Class: Signing Up for an Account *
- Tuesday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m. – Blues for Tuesday: John Lee Hooker
- Tuesday, March 15 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
- Wednesday, March 16 at 10:15 a.m. – Lapsit for infants through age 3
- Wednesday, March 16 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those ages 2 through 5
- Wednesday, March 16 at 11 a.m. – Craft in America/Made in park Forest
- Thursday, March 17 at 3:30 p.m. – Luck o’ the Irish – legends, crafts and treats
- Saturday, March 19 at 2 p.m. – Family Game Day – have a snack and play a game
For more information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.
* NOTE: Those wishing to attend computer classes must pre-register. Contact the Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731 to register.
Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, March 17
The Potpourri of Lectures series continues on Thursday, March 17 at 10:30 a.m. with “American Art of the 18th and 19th Centuries” by artists Maureen Cribbs and Elly Frew. The lecture will be held in the Library’s Ringering Room.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
‘Heavenly Voices’ – Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets are now on sale for ‘Heavenly Voices’ to take place on Saturday, April 9 at 8 p.m. at the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19000 S. Harlem, Frankfort. The transcendent qualities of the music on this program infuse one with emotional extremes: joy and sorrow, elegy and ecstasy. Soprano NaGuanda Nobles sings the Vocalise, a song without words replete with lush melodies, while Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, offers a glimpse of the heaven through a child’s innocent eyes. Bach’s masterwork, Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, completes this selection of heavenly music. Tickets are $30, $40 and $50 and can be purchased online at: https://secure.ticketsage.net/EventsPage.aspx?ws=1
Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Blvd,. Park Forest
Bonnie Koloc – Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets are now on sale for the Bonnie Koloc concert that will take place on Saturday, April 9 at 8 p.m. The enduring and versatile voice of Bonnie Koloc has been heard in Chicago since 1968. In time her folk-oriented style merged with jazz and blues. Bonnie continues to pursue her music, performing and recording. She has recorded thirteen albums, most recently “Beginnings” (2009), a CD of selections from early live performances. Tickets are $23. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-747-0580 or visit: www.freedomhall.org.
Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists’ Walkway, Park Forest
“Boeing Boeing” by Marc Camoletti –Through March 20
“Boeing Boeing,” a play by Marc Camoletti will run through Sunday, March 20. This hysterical farce by the author of “Don’t Dress for Dinner” depicts the adventures of a jet-setting Parisian architect as he attempts to juggle affairs with three beautiful stewardesses – one American, one Italian and one German. This is France’s most popular comedy and has broken box office records around the world, including the recent Tony Award winning Broadway revival. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8 PM, and Sundays at 2:30 & 7:30 PM. Tickets are priced at $22 on Friday and Saturday and $20 all other times. There is a $1 discount for students and seniors. For tickets, phone 708-481-3510.
Park Forest Community Relations
Dr. Martin Luther Kings, Jr. Musical Concert – Saturday, March 19
Tickets are now on sale for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Musical Concert that will take place on Saturday, March 19 at 6 p.m. at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd., Park Forest. Performers include Dr. Stirling Sulp, Gospel Singer Denine Webb and Valerie Nicholson. There will also be a special performance by the Rich East “I Have a Dream” Rich South Gospel. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the Village of Park Forest, 250 Victory Center, Rich Township, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park, Hillcrest Baptist Church, 17300 Pulaski Rd., Country Club Hills, and Moo & Oink, 3330 W. 183rd St., Homewood. For additional information, call 708-283-5621 or visit www.villageofparkforest.com
Park Forest Historical Society, 400 Forest Blvd., Park Forest
Park Forest House Museum
Take a trip back in time and visit the 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard, Park Forest. The 1950s Park Forest House Museum is in an original rental townhome as it might have been in 1948-1953. The Museum is open on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment. 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
‘Bal Masque’ Annual Beaux Arts Ball – Tickets Now on Sale
Tall Grass Arts Association’s annual Beaux Arts Ball will be held on Saturday, April 2 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Flossmoor Country Club, 1441 Western Ave., Flossmoor. The event will include a live auction for a limited edition 1985 Roy Lichtenstein Tattinger Champagne bottle and box; a piece of gold jewelry designed and crafted by Viola Wuske of Old Gold Ltd.; an all day spa adventure at Marc Allen Salon and Day Spa; and a gourmet dinner for eight prepared by the French Coquettes. Tickets for the Ball are $90 per person. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-748-3377.
“Half the Sky” Exhibit Celebrations Women’s History Month
“Half the Sky” an exhibit celebrating Women’s History will run through May 8. “Half the Sky” derives its name from the Chinese saying that “women hold up half the sky.” It is a celebration of Women’s History Month with a national juried exhibit. For additional information or gallery hours, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Wafaa Bilai and Major Chicago Artists Exhibiting at GSU Through March 25
“Regard – Resist – React,” a major exhibit of artists’ creative reactions to the issues that affect them personally, emotionally, and/or intellectually will run through Friday, March 25 at GSU’s Visual Arts Gallery. Artists contributing work to this exhibit are some of the most prominent developing voices in the artistic world. Chief among the exhibitors is Wafaa Bilal, Iraqi born artist noted for his unique forms of expression. His video, “4th of July” will be shown at the exhibit. Additional exhibitors include Jane Fulton Alt, Nick Azzaro, Lunn Basa, Holly Cahill, Alexander Bruehl, Cleveland Dean, Frederick Holland, Riley Henderson, Salvador Jimenez, Jessica Munguia, Yva Neal, Roland Oria, Jennifer Traff, and Monica Wulfers. Sioban Lombardi of Chicago will exhibit an installation of nine paintings called “The Secret Life of Men.” The Visual Arts Gallery is open Monday and Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday, from noon to 9 p.m. or by appointment. The Gallery is located adjacent to the E Lounge.
“The 39 Steps” – Free Movie Screening and Discussion – Friday, March 25
On Friday, March 25 at 7 p.m. in GSU’s Engbretson Hall, the film version of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps” will be shown. Following the film, a panel will discuss the film’s comedic and thrilling aspects, and the hidden meanings in Hitchcock’s work. Panelists include GSU Assistant Professor Rosemary Johnson, GSU instructor Tinker Parker, and the Center for Performing Arts Director Burt Dikelsky. This event is free and open to the public – complete with popcorn – and is sponsored by the GSU Intellectual Life Committee.
Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park
“If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” and Other Story Books – Sunday, March20
On Sunday, March 20 at 3 p.m., teach the young ones about cause and effect with this hilariously witty play based on the children’s book by Laura Joffe Numeroff, as adapted by Jeremy Desmon and Patrick Dwyer. "Sixty minutes of theatrical enchantment. This is pure theatre, with a capital ‘I’ for imagination!" Tickets are priced at $10.50, $11.50, and $15.50. Prior to the show, there will be a Mouse Cookie Party at 1:30 p.m. for $7 per person. . For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or visit: www.centertickets.net.
‘Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps” – Tickets Now On Sale
On Saturday, March 26 at 8 p.m., enjoy the thrilling and funny celebration of the Alfred Hitchcock film, “The 39 Steps.” This Tony Award-winning Broadway hit play is full of laughs and thrills as a wrongly-accused hero crosses England to clear his name, only to encounter murderous spies, an icy blonde, and other unforgettable characters. The action never stops as four actors perform 150 parts in this highly- acclaimed show. Tickets are $31, $39, and $46. On-site soup and salad café is available pre-show for $19 per person. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or visit: www.centertickets.net.
CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead
Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, March 17
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.
Monkey Mind Art Studio & Gallery, 3 W. Nebraska St., Frankfort
‘Persona’ – Opening Reception Friday, March 18
An opening night reception for ‘Persona’ by Eve Jensen will be held on Friday, March 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Eve Jensen’s work includes paintings and drawings The exhibit will run through April 23rd. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call the Gallery at 815-464-8818 or visit: www.monkeymindartstudio.com.
Spring Equinox Drumming, Kirtan and Circle Singing – Sunday March 20
On Sunday, March 20 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., join the amazing leaders of Kirtan, Drumming, and Circle Singing for a one of a kind vibrational experience you will not forget. The spring equinox is one of the four great solar festivals of the year. Day and night are equal, poised and balanced, but about to tip over on the side of light. The spring equinox is sacred to dawn, youth, the morning star and the east. Taking time to welcome the spring equinox with healing sound and intentions can offer much healing and hope. Bring any hand drums or other percussion instruments you may have. The simplest – two sticks, native drums and rattles – are all good things to bring. Some high seating is available, but most will sit on the floor. Feel free to bring a pillow or small blanket to sit on. There is no fee but Love donations will be appreciated to support the event. Reservations are not necessary but appreciated as space is limited. For additional information, call the Gallery at 815-464-8818 or visit: www.monkeymindartstudio.com.
Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights
“Words & Numbers” –Through April 2
“Words & Numbers” exhibition will run through April 2 at Union Street Gallery. “Words & Numbers” focuses on the visual signs and symbols of written language, offering artists the opportunity to explore letters, words and numbers that represent various functions and meanings, abstractions and emotions, thoughts and reactions. Incorporating glimpses of our written language in art, along with other elements of our visual vocabulary, leads to a broader voice for expression of ideas. “Words & Numbers’ features the work of 40 artists from 20 different states and encompasses a wide range of media, technique and style. The exhibit will run through April 2. For gallery hours or additional information, call at 7070754-2601 or visit: www.unionstreetgallery.org.
Delicate Balance XI Annual Brunch Celebrating Women Who Make A Difference – Saturday, March 19
Tickets are now on sale for the Delicate Balance XI Annual Brunch which will take place on Saturday, March 19 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Matteson Hotel and Conference Center (formerly the Matteson Holiday Inn), 500 Holiday Plaza Drive, Matteson. Guest speakers will be the Honorable Sheila Simon, Lieutenant Governor of Illinois and Monique Caradine, Radio/TV Personality, CEO of Momentum Media Group. Toi Hutchinson, State Senator, 40th District will be the mistress of ceremonies. Sponsored by the Robin L. Kelly Foundation, Delicate Balance XI celebrates accomplished women and the paths they took to achieve their goals. The women will share how they strike a balance in their hectic private and professional lives. Tickets are $40. Credit cards are accepted. Prepaid tickets will be held at the door. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to local charities. Over the years, more than $20,000 has been given to Ingalls Hospital, Matteson Dollars for Scholars, and the Rich Township Food Pantry, to name a few. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-799-9721.
Green Events
ME4E
Learn To Make A Plaster Cast – Tuesday, March 22
On Tuesday, March 22 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., find out who has been visiting your home by the signs they leave behind. Make a plaster cast of a wild neighbor’s track and play a unique bingo game while it dries. We will take a hike into the wetland and look for actual critter footprints in the mud, so dress appropriately. Don’t miss out on discovering more about scat, tracks and more. All ages are welcome. The event will be held at Park Forest’s Wetland Discovery Center, 30 North Orchard. There is a fee of $5 per person. To register or for additional information, call 708-748-2005.
Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Dr., Park Forest
“Gasland” Free Movie & Discussion – Saturday, March 26
On Saturday, March 26 at 7 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Dr., Park Forest, will show the documentary “Gasland” followed by a discussion. This documentary journeys across American to examine the negative impacts of “fracking” (drilling for natural gas), from poisoned water sources, to kitchen sinks that burst into flame, to unhealthy animals and people. Is natural gas a viable alternative to our dwindling energy resources, or do the potential harmful effects outweigh the positives? This film raises these and many more fascinating questions. Watch the trailer of the film at: www.gaslandthemovie.com. The event is free and open to the public. Free tea, coffee and snacks will be provided. You may bring a snack to share if desired. Optional donations will be accepted. For additional information, call 708-481-5339.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Park Forest Nurses Club
Monthly Meeting – Thursday, March 17
The Park Forest Nurses Club will meet on Thursday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m. at Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 N. Orchard Dr. (corner of Lincoln Highway and Orchard Drive), Park Forest. Pat O’Donnell, RN will discuss “Pulmonary Function.” All Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses are invited to attend. For additional information, call 708-481-8387 or visit www.pfnurses.org.
Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest
Pie in the Sky Night Hike – Thursday, March 17
On Thursday, March 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., those of all ages are invited to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a night hike and homemade pie. Join a naturalist and meander through the woods under a nearly full moon and return to the nature center for a slice of homemade pie. Dress for the weather. No flashlights, please. There is a fee of $5 per person or $15 for the entire family. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.
Junior Ecologists Club – Saturday, March 19
On Saturday, March 19 from 9 a.m. to noon, children ages 11 – 15 can discover the woods in a new way and join naturalists to explore the woods and track seasonal changes. The club meets on the third Saturday of each month. There is a fee of $5 per child per month. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Degree Program Information Session – Wednesday, March 23
On Wednesday, March 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., GSU will host a degree program information session at Triton College, 2000 N. 5th Ave., River Grove, IL, in Room A105-A. Representatives from the Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice programs will be available. Prospective students are encouraged to attend this free, informal, walk-in session. The graduate application fee will be waived for students applying to the Master of Public Administration Program. For additional information or to RSVP, call 800-478-8478, extension 4088.
Criminal Justice Employment/Internship Fair – Thursday, March 24
The Office of Career Services at GSU is sponsoring an employment fair for people interested in jobs and internship opportunities in criminal justice and related fields on Thursday, March 24 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Hall of Governors. Current students, alumni, and community members are invited to attend. Potential employers are also invited to register as participants. This is an opportunity to match jobs and internship positions with qualified personnel. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information or to register, call 708-235-3974.
Infant & Toddler Childcare Now Available
GSU’s Family Development Center (FDC) has opened an Illinois State licensed childcare facility for infants, toddlers, and two year olds. The little ones are cared for in specially equipped classrooms of eight children, each staffed with two teachers. The infant and toddler childcare center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. FDC staff have been extensively and specially trained to care for young children. Licensure required extensive review by the State. The FDC also offers full and half day pre-kindergarten, three or five days a week and childcare for three to five year olds and before and after school childcare for five to twelve year olds. Several special grants are available to assist eligible families with infant, toddler childcare costs. Discounts are also offered for GSU students and staff. For additional information or to register your child, call 708-235-7300.
2011 Illinois General Assembly Scholarship Program
Applications Deadline Friday, March 18
Applications for the 2011 Illinois General Assembly Scholarship Program will be accepted through Friday, March 18. The scholarships are available to residents of the 80th District and will cover one-year of tuition to the following universities:
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign, Chicago & Springfield)
- Chicago State University
- Eastern Illinois University
- Governors State University
- Illinois State University
- Northern Illinois University
- Northeastern Illinois University
- Southern Illinois University
- Western Illinois University.
Eight recipients will receive one-year tuition, including summer semester. Fees, books, room and board are not covered. For additional information or to receive an application, call State Representative Anthony DeLuca’s constituent service office at 708-672-0200 or visit www.housedem.state.il.us/members/delucaa.
Applications Accepted for 38th District General Assembly Scholarship Through Friday, March 18
Applications are being accepted through March 18 for the 38th District General Assembly Scholarship. In accordance with state law (105 ILCS 5/30-9), State Representative Al Riley awards eight individual one-year tuition waivers annually.
Waivers are available for attendance at the following public, state supported four- year universities: Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University, Illinois State University, Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville, University of Illinois – Chicago, University of Illinois – Springfield, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Private colleges, community colleges, and colleges outside of the State of Illinois are not eligible.
For more information, click here. To download the application, click here.
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.
Healthy Living
Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest
Senior Citizen Weekday Lunch
Senior citizens of all income levels are invited to lunch weekdays at the Community Nutrition Network (CNN) site located inside the Rich Township’s Shirley J. Green Senior Center. The CNN site is open to all south suburban residents, including those living outside of Rich Township. Participants must be 60 years of age or older. The suggested donation for lunch is $2.50. Lunch is served Monday through Friday at noon. Bingo begins at 11 a.m. For additional information or to make a reservation for lunch, call 708-747-2700.
Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (lower level)
Walk-In Flu & Pneumonia Clinic
On Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. flu and pneumonia immunizations will be available while supplies last. For fee information or questions, call the Park Forest Health Department at 708-748-1118.
Babies, Teens and Adults Immunization Clinics
Babies, teens and adult immunization and flu and pneumonia clinics will be held on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details or to schedule an appointment, call 708-748-1118. The Health Department is a low cost provider for children and adult immunizations.
Blood Pressure Screening
A free Blood Pressure Clinic is held at the Park Forest Health Department Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Elevated blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Walk in or call ahead at 708-748-1118.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Free Counseling Services Available
Today, individuals and families face economic and social pressures as well as communication difficulties that frequently disrupt family unity and the ability to cope. Counseling is one of the most important tools for understanding and coping. Free, individual, family and vocational counseling is available through GSU’s Division of Psychology and Counseling as part of its training program for advanced graduate counseling students. Faculty members, who are also licensed counselors, supervise the sessions. Counseling sessions are conducted on campus in total confidentiality. For more information, call 708-534-4545 or visit www.govst.edu/counselinglab.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)
Assistance With Medications & Health Services
If you, or someone you know, are struggling to pay for medications every month, they may be able to get the medicines they need for free or almost free through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. If you live in Illinois, you can get access to more than 475 public and private programs available to help you pay for your medicines. Simply visit http://www.pparx.org/en/click_illinois to find out if you can apply to any of these great programs and to get connected with 10,000 free clinics and doctors.
This & That
Village of Park Forest Parks and Recreation
Blue Chip Casino Trip – Registration Deadline Wednesday, March 16
On Wednesday, March 23 come try your luck at the Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, Indiana. There 65,000 square feet of gaming includes slots, table games, poker rooms and more. The $28 per person fee includes a buffet lunch, round-trip motor coach transportation, plus earn $10 on your card for every 1,000 playing points. The bus will depart from Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd., at 9 a.m. and return at approximately 5 p.m. Registration deadline is Wednesday, March 16. You can register in person at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, or over the phone with a credit card. For additional information or to register, call 708-748-2005.
Final Registration for Park Forest Hurricanes – Saturday, March 19
Registration the Park Forest Hurricanes, the new youth tackle football and cheerleading program is now in progress. The final scheduled registration is:
Park Forest Hurricanes
Saturday, March 19 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Registration will take place at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, Park Forest. For additional information, see: http://www.villageofparkforest.com/index.php?src=news&refno=867&category=Headlines
Park Forest Stamp Club
51st Postage Stamp Show – Saturday, April 2
The Park Forest Stamp Club will welcome the public to its 51st Postage Stamp Show, PARFOREX 51, on Saturday, April 2 in St. Irenaeus Church Parish Hall located on South Orchard Drive and Cherry Street in Park Forest. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Displayed will be more than 500 pages of competitive exhibits prepared by club members from Novice to National award winners.
Exhibits will be evaluated and awarded 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place ribbons. A Grand award winner will also be chosen. A judges’ critique will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday. World-wide stamps, covers, cards, collections and supplies for collecting will be bought and sold at dealer tables. There will also be free appraisals of stamps and collections.
The Youth Booth will provide free stamps and fun activities for young patrons. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are invited to receive aid in qualifying for Stamp Collecting merit badges at the show. The show theme, commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, reflected in a cachet and cancel, will be available at the show for $1 or 3 for $2.50. To purchase by mail, send a check and self-addressed stamped envelope to the Park Forest Stamp Club, Box 606, Park Forest, IL 60466. For questions about the show or bourse space, contact Ed Waterous at 219-613-6561 or by e-mail at [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.
Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood, Park Forest
C4 Underground Youth Gathering – Every Tuesday & Thursday
Youths in grades 6 and up are welcome to join us every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for fun and games, group discussion and a variety of activities. For more information, call Celebration Ministries at 708-748-1995.
Roots and Wings, 215 Nashua St., Park Forest
Current Events Topic Group – Every Monday
Join us every Monday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. as we gather to talk about God, us, the world and how they all work together. Roots and Wings is located behind Celebration Ministries. For more information, contact Celebration Ministries at 708-748-1995.
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.
Rich Township Senior Services
Free Income Tax Preparation for Those Over 60
Free income tax preparation (including electronic filing) is available through Thursday, April 15 for those 60 years of age and older. This service will be provided at the Leonard Robinson Family Center, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Call the Rich Township Senior Center at 708-748-5454 to make an appointment.
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.
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.
Sources: Park Forest 201 Winter-SpringRecreation Programs & More; Park Forest Fall/Winter 2010-2011 Recreation Programs Brochure; Rich Township Report; Park Forest Nurses Club, 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, Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, Sertoma Centre, Inc., CAUTION, Monkey Mind Art Gallery & Studio, Union Street Gallery, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.
