Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of March 15, 2010


All That Jazz

All That Jazz continues at Tall Grass Arts Association this week. (Photo: ENEWSPF)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—March 15, 2010. Anna Soloff, Village of Park Forest Program Supervisor, is trying to raise funds to build a dog shelter for the Park Forest Bark District in order to allow animals and their owners to take a break from the heat and other elements this summer. Anna needs to raise $2,000 to achieve this goal. If you would like to make a donation, make your check out to the Village of Park Forest and send it to the attention of Anna Soloff at the Recreation and Parks Department, 350 Victory Drive, Park Forest. If you have any questions about this project, please call Anna at 708-283-5649.

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 Meetings

Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Boards

The following Village Commissions will meet the week of March 15:

  • Plan Commission – Tuesday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m. (Note: The Plan Commission meets on an ad-needed basis on the third Tuesday of the month. Please call Village Hall at 708-748-1112 to determine if this meeting will be held.)
  • Recreation & Parks Advisory Board – Tuesday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Housing Authority – Thursday, March 18 at 6:00 p.m.

All meetings are held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.

Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department

Chess Challenge Tournament – Saturday, March 27

The Village of Park Forest, an affiliate of the United States Chess Federation, will hold a chess challenge on Saturday, March 27 at 10 a.m. at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest. This is a 4/SS G/45 USCF-rated tournament. Participants must be USCF members. If you are not a member, yearly memberships or a onetime tournament registration will be available at an extra fee. Participants must bring their own clock. Concessions will be sold during the event. On-site registration will begin at 9 a.m. and all players must be checked in by 9:45 a.m. The tournament fee is $5 and can be paid in advance by cash, check or credit card. Only cash will be accepted for registration the day of the event. For details on joining the USCF, please visit their website at www.uschess.org. For additional information or to register, please contact the Recreation & Parks Department at 708-748-2005.

Healthy Living

Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (lower level)

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.

Arts and Entertainment

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

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

  • Tuesday, March 16 at 9 a.m. – Brown Bag Book Club. The morning version of the book club will meet to discuss Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon. Registration is required. To register, please call 708-748-3731.

Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, March 18

The Library’s Potpourri of Lectures series continues this week at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. This week’s lecture is:

  • Thursday, March 18 at 10:30 a.m. – “David and Paul: Cousins Separated by Centuries, the Relationship Between Michelangelo’s David and Tony Tasset’s Paul” by Geoff Bates, Director and Curator of GSU’s Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information on this event, please call the Library’s Adult Services Department 708-748-3731.

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Way, Park Forest

“Last of the Red Hot Lovers” – Through March 21

Barney Cashman is a middle-aged, overweight married man who’s never strayed from his wife. It’s the late 1960’s, and the sexual revolution is in full swing. Barney’s attempts to get in on the action come to hilarious life in Neil Simon’s “Last of the Red Hot Lovers.”

“The Last of the Red Hot Lovers” runs through Sunday, March 21. Performances are Wed. through Sat. evenings at 8 PM, and Sundays at 2:30 & 7:30 PM. Tickets are priced at $21 on Fri. & Sat., $19 at all other times. The Illinois Theatre Center is located in Downtown Park Forest at 371 Artists Walk (off Indianwood Blvd., adjacent to Village Hall). For tickets, call 708-481-3510.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 467 Artists Way, Park Forest

“Something Jazzy” – Through April 11

The Tall Grass Arts Association will host an exhibit entitled “Something Jazzy” 2010 Invitational. There is something jazzy in all of us. It is our rhythm, our muse, our passion. It is the interpretation of the sounds of jazz and a reflection of our soul. The gallery is open to the public, free of charge. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit the website at www.tallgrassarts.org

Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway

Los Lobos, With Special Guests The Mojo Daddies –Saturday, March 20

On Saturday, March 20 at 8 p.m., Los Lobos, with special guests The Mojo Daddies will perform. With three Grammys under their belts and chart toppers like Mariachi Suite, Kiko and the Lavender Moon, La Baba/Charlena and fan favorite Good Morning Aztlan, Los Lobos is ready to rock The Center. Tickets are priced at $56, $49 and $36. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or email [email protected].

Lisa Williams – Tickets Now on Sale

Internationally acclaimed medium and clairvoyant, Lisa Williams, will appear on Thursday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. Ms. Williams has an amazing ability to communicate with loved ones and friends who have passed on to the ‘other side.’ In additional to appearances on Oprah, Good Morning America, Larry King Live, and Jimmy Kimmel Live, Lisa published her first book with Simon and Shuster in 2008. Her TV series, Voices from the Other Side, premiered on Lifetime television in October 2008. Ms. Williams will be doing readings for members of the audience (please note that purchasing a ticket does not guarantee a reading). Tickets are $58.50 for the main floor and $38.50 in the balcony. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or email [email protected]

The Millers – Tickets Now On Sale

As part of the Center’s Cabaret Series, on Saturday, March 27 at 8 p.m., The Millers (formerly the Clayton Miller Band) will perform. This electrifying Blues band has opened for or shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, John Popper of Blues Traveller, Alicia Keys, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Buddy Buy, Ricky Skaggs in addition to being seen on TV’s America’s Got Talent, The Ellen Show and The Today Show. During the Cabaret Series, guests can enjoy bar service in a cabaret setting. Tickets are $37 and include your first drink. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or email [email protected].

Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd, Park Forest

Megon McDonough, “Her Way – An Interesting Bunch of Gals” – Tickets Now on Sale

As part of its Senior Series, Megon McDonough will perform on April 5 at 11 a.m. The performance will highlight some of the most prolific and memorable female singers of the last 60 years. The stage is set for a fabulously engaging and ultra-amusing morning of entertainment with the powerhouse ensemble, Big City Jazz. Tickets are $10.00. For more information or to order tickets, please call 708-747-0580.

Park Forest Historical Society

Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard (Corner of Forest & Fir)

Relive your childhood memories or show your children/grandchildren what it was like to live in the ‘good old days’ by visiting the Park Forest House Museum. 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

2010 Illinois Community College Juried Student Art Exhibition – Through March 26

GSU will host the 2010 Illinois Community College Juried Art Exhibition from March 4 through March 26 in the Visual Arts Gallery. This exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the creative work of young artists and to get a glimpse of the extraordinary talent in our region. Exhibiting artists include students from 18 Illinois community colleges including Joliet Junior College, Kankakee Community College, Parkland Community College, and South Suburban College among others. Selected works by student artists will include painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, and ceramics. A closing reception to celebrate the show and the artists and present merit awards will be held on Friday, March 26 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the E-lounge. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, call 708-534-4017.

“Art on Campus” Exhibit – Through March 31

GSU and the South Suburban Collaborative Arts Guild (CAG) are joining forces to present “Art on Campus.” The exhibit, featuring the paintings, photography, and poetry of seven members of the CAG, runs through March 31 in the GSU main entrance Atrium Gallery and the Upstairs Gallery at the Center for the Performing Arts. The CAG is part of Union Street Gallery, Chicago Heights and provides area artists a platform to develop their creativity, exhibit their art, and conduct business as professional artists. For more information, call 773-398-5765.

Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, IL

Image Attitude Impression – Through April 9

This National Juried Exhibit presents a broad range of works that address and question identity, role-playing, transformation, masquerade, and relationship. The collection of sixty-six works chosen for the exhibit by juror Geoffrey Bates is a complex mix of dark humor, visual puzzles, haunting memories and bizarre dreams. For more information or to hear gallery hours, call 708-754-2601.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

Wetland Discovery Center, 30 N. Orchard, Park Forest

Keep on Trackin’ – Saturday March 20

Multidisciplinary Education for the Environment (ME4E) is offering their popular Keep on Trackin’ program on Saturday, March 20 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Park Forest’s Wetland Discovery Center. Find out who has been visiting your home by the signs they leave behind. Participants will make a plaster cast of a wild neighbor’s track and play a unique bingo game while it dries. In addition, participants will look for actual critter footprints in the Central Park Wetlands, so dress appropriately. Registration fee is $8 per person. Contact the Recreation & Parks Department at 708-748-2005 to register.

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Junior Ecologist Club – Saturday, March 20

On Saturday, March 20 from 10 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. Registration fee is $5 per child. For more information, please call 708-747-6320.

March of Spring Woodland Hike – Sunday, March 21

On Sunday, March 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., join a naturalist on the first full day of spring and unearth spring’s woodland surprises. Search for early spring flowers, the first migrant birds and other signs of spring. This event is open to all ages. Participants should plan on dressing for the weather. There is a fee of $5 per person or $15 for the entire family. Registration is required. For additional information, or to register please call 708-747-6320.

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway

Information Sessions on Physical Therapy Programs – Tuesday, March 16

GSU’s Physical Therapy Department will host a free information session for individuals interested in learning more about the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT) degree programs on Tuesday, March 16 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Room D34000 on the university’s main campus. Advisors will be available for individual consultation. Light refreshments will be provided. For additional information, contact Mary Tracy at 708-534-7290.

Information Session on Nursing Programs – Friday March 19

GSU’s Department of Nursing will host an Information Session for individuals interested in learning more about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs on Friday, March 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the first floor atrium of GSU’s Faculty Office Center (building G). To RSVP for this Information Session, please contact Nursing Program secretary,Vanyette Exton at 708-534-4040, or e-mail [email protected]. For further information about any of the nursing programs offered through the College of Health and Human Service, please contact Linda McCann, M.A., M.P.A., Academic Advisor at 708-534-4035, or e-mail at [email protected].

Free Computer Workshops

GSU’s Library is offering free computer workshops to members of the community, students, staff, and faculty. Workshop topics include blogging, PowerPoint Basic, APA style formatting, plagiarism detection, and several workshops on genealogy. The workshops will take place in March and April and are open to the public. Advance registration is recommended but not required. For more information and a complete schedule of workshops, visit www.govst.edu/library or call 708-235-7514.

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights

Information Sessions for Truck Driver Training Program – Thursday, March 18 & March 25

PSC is paving the path for those interested in a career as a truck driver with its truck driver training program. Classes run year round with new sessions beginning every month. Information sessions for the program are scheduled for Thursday, March 18 and March 25 at 2 p.m. in Room 133 of the Adult Training and Outreach Center. The program is designed to prepare unemployed or under-employed individuals for the commercial driver’s license testing so they can obtain professional truck driver positions with over-the-road trucking companies. Classes are taught by professionals who have years of teaching and over-the-road driving experience. Job placement assistance is available upon completion of the program. Students must be 21 years of age or older, hold a valid State of Illinois license, and meet Department of Transportation medical requirements to enroll in the program. For more information, call Dave Wilkinson, program coordinator, at 708-709-7811.

State Representative Al Riley to Award Eight Scholarships – Application Deadline March 19

State Representative Al Riley will award eight individual one-year tuition waivers to students residing in the 38th District. Waivers are available for attendance at the University of Illinois (any campus), and any other Illinois public universities including Chicago State, Eastern Illinois, Governors State, Illinois State, Northern Illinois, Northeastern Illinois, Southern Illinois (both campuses) and Western Illinois University.

Each waiver is good for one full year of tuition, including summer sessions. This scholarship does not waive student fees, housing, or book expenses.
All applications must be postmarked or delivered to the district office by 4:00 p.m. on March 19th, 2010.
For additional details or to download the application, visit the Village of Park Forest’s website at:
http://www.villageofparkforest.com/index.php?src=news&refno=743&category=Headlines

2010 General Assembly Scholarship Program – Application Deadline March 19

State Representative Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) is accepting applications for the 2010 General Assembly Scholarship Program. The scholarships are available to residents of the 80th district and will cover one year of tuition for the following universities:

  • University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign, Chicago & Springfield)
  • Chicago State University
  • Eastern Illinois University
  • Governors State University
  • Northern Illinois University
  • Northeastern Illinois University
  • Southern Illinois University
  • Western Illinois University

All applications must be returned to Representative DeLuca’s District office by Friday, March 19. For more information or to receive an application, please call 708-672-0200 or visit www.housedem.state.il.us/members/delucaa.

Holiday Star Theater Scholarship Program for Arts and Media Majors

The Holiday Star Theater, 340 Main St., Park Forest, is offering $12,500 in scholarships for the Fall 2010 semester to local high school and college students who plan to or are currently majoring in film production, theater management, performing arts or related fields at a local Chicago-area college or university. Applicants will be evaluated based on a variety of factors including GPA, level of community involvement and other outstanding factors with preference given to residents of Park Forest and its surrounding communities. Additional information and the application form can be downloaded at www.theholidaystartheater.net/scholarship.pdf. Applications must be submitted no later than May 17, 2010.

Shop Locally

Park Forest Holiday Coupons

Even though the holidays are over, your Park Forest Holiday shopping coupons are still valid. Park Forest residents should have received coupons in the mail from eleven Park Forest businesses for specials, offers and promotions – some of which will be honored through mid 2010. Participating businesses include: Lifetime Automotive Repair, 7-Eleven, Taco Bell, Tower Cleaners, The Children’s House, Cricket, Quality Classic Health & Fitness Center, Cedarwood Cooperative, Park Forest Auto Service, Inc., State Farm Insurance – Michael Jordan, Agent and Remedy Salon. Resolve to shop first in Park Forest during 2010.

Last Minute Printing & Copy Center, 301 Liberty Dr. – Now Open

Last Minute Copy Shop of Steger has now expanded to Last Minute Printing & Copy Center and has opened in DownTown Park Forest. They are a one-stop shop to serve all their customer’s needs. Last Minute Printing & Copy Center uses high-speed color and black-and-white digital technology to complement traditional offset printing services and offer a more complete range of services to their customers including: graphic design, corporate branding, marketing, full color UV Gloss and silk laminated product lines, short–run digital printing, wide-format printing, specialty items, full color plaques, screen printing, embroidery and more. The owners, Michiel and Shon Burnett are Park Forest residents.

Shrimp Max, 347 Liberty Dr. — Now Open

Looking for alternatives to burgers and fries? Visit Park Forest’s newest fast food restaurant, Shrimp Max. Shrimp Max offers a wide range of food including shrimp, catfish, perch, salmon, chicken, Italian beef, an assortment of sides and desserts. Shrimp Max can also cater your next party. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 708-283-9503.

Park Forest Subway, 22301 Central Park Ave. — Reopened

Renovations Completed to Better Serve Customers

The Park Forest Subway Restaurant has reopened following an interior renovation. The renovations intended to provide better service to residents, includes the addition of two brand new handicap-accessible bathrooms for public use. If you haven’t been to the Park Forest Subway, please be sure to stop by at 22301 Central Park Avenues (near Taco Bell, &-Eleven and Cricket).

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.

Greening of Park Forest

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.

This & That

Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood St., Park Forest

Relationship Conference – Friday, March 19

On Friday, March 19 at 7 p.m., join us for two days of workshops designed to strengthen relationships at work, with employers, and family to spiritual relationships. There will be special guest speakers and experts. For more information, call 708-503-6536.

Rainbow Café

Monthly Meeting – Saturday, March 20

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. at the Unitarian-Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Dr. For more information, call 708-481-5539 and connect to the Rainbow extension.

Sertoma Centre, 4343 W. 123rd St., Alsip

Seeking Next Champion Firehouse Chef

On Saturday, May 15, the Sertoma Centre will hold its Big Event 2010 at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park, IL If you consider yourself the best firehouse chef in the city or suburbs, then this competition is for you. Chefs must prepare sample size portions for 500 people, and will be reimbursed up to $500 for food expenses. Every chef will also receive a ‘thank-you’ basket chockfull of brand new cooking items for participating. To complete, please complete an official Big Event 2010 Registration Form by April 1, 2010. Forms can be found at www.sertomacentre.org or call Melanie Jones at 708-730-6206. All proceeds from this event will benefit programs at Sertoma Centre in Alsip and Matteson for over 650 individuals with developmental, physical, emotional disabilities and/or mental illness.

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 Discovery Magazine, 2010 Winter/Spring Recreation Programs, Park Forest Fall/Winter 2009 Calendar of Events, Rep. A. DeLuca, Park Forest Library, Village of Park Forest, Center for Performing Arts, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Freedom Hall, Illinois Theatre Center, Tall Grass Arts Association, Union Street Gallery, Park Forest Rotary Club, South Suburban Family Shelter, Sertoma Centre and Park Forest Historical Society websites.


ARCHIVES