Left to right, Laura Sandoval, Robert Sandoval (brother), Mike Anderson is the tall man behind Christine Sandoval, Debby Anderson ( sister), Richard Reynoso (Dad), Sandra Reynoso (Mom), Stephen Sandoval (oldest son), TJ Sandoval ( youngest son), Eric Neyens, Jessica Neyens (sister), and nieces: Donovan Sandoval, Beka Anderson, Emily Neyens, and Abby Anderson at a benefit in her honor held Saturday at the Park Forest VFW. Sandoval was one of the victims of the home explosion on Bailey Street on February 22. Here’s how you can help. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)
Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– March 21, 2011. In honor or Women’s History Month, Illinois State Senator Toi Hutchinson will lead a talk on ‘Women in History’ on Saturday, March 26 at 1 p.m. at the newly renovated Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd. See the “Arts & Entertainment” section below for a list of other events taking place at the Library this week.
If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in our community during the upcoming week, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.
Village of Park Forest
Village Board Meeting
The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, March 21 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. 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 at this link on ENEWSPF.
To view previously held Board Meetings, visit this link on ENEWSPF and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.
Park Forest’s Committee for Non-Partisan Local Government
School Districts 159 and 227 Candidate Forum
The Matteson Homeowner’s Association Consortium is sponsoring a Forum for the candidates for the District 159 and 227 School Boards on Saturday, March 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Center Court of Lincoln Mall, 208 Lincoln Mall, Matteson.
Final Candidate Forum – Sunday, March 27
The final Candidate Forum will be held on Sunday, March 27 in the Ringering Room of the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd., beginning at 2 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 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).
Early Voting
Early voting for the April 5th election is currently underway at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr., and will continue through Thursday, March 31. Hours are:
- Cook County voters – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday in the Board Conference Room
- Will County voters – 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Village Manager’s Office.
To vote early, voters must present a photo ID issued by the State of Illinois Secretary of State, a university or college, or another government-issued identification document containing the voter’s photograph.
Twenty-five additional voting sites are available in Cook County. To find a location, visit the Cook County Clerk’s website at: www.cookcountyclerk.com/elections.
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 21 at 10:30 a.m. – AM Storytime for children ages 2 and up
- Monday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. – Jazz on Monday Nights: Charlie Parker
- Tuesday, March 22 at 1:30 p.m. – Computer Class: Using Your Account *
- Tuesday, March 22 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
- Wednesday, March 23 at 10:15 a.m. – Lapsit for infants through age 3
- Wednesday, March 23 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those ages 2 through 5
- Wednesday, March 23 at 1 p.m. – Opera in the Afternoon: Mikado
- Thursday, March 24 at 7:15 p.m. – Computer Class: Microsoft Excel *
- Friday, March 25 at 1:30 p.m. – Senior Travelogue: Film on Scotland
- Friday, March 25 at 4 p.m. – Happy Birthday to You – Theodore Seuss Geisel, Thacher Hurd, Mem Fox
- Saturday, March 26 at 1 p.m. – Women’s History Month lecture by Il State Senator Toi Hutchinson
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 24
The Potpourri of Lectures series continues on Thursday, March 24 at 10:30 a.m. with “Glenwood Then & Now” by Carole Schueler, Admissions Coordinator, Glenwood School for Boys and Girls. 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
“The Glorious Ones” – Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets are now on sale for “The Glorious Ones,” based on the novel by Francine Prose. “A wooden stage, an audience, and a great actor. This, my friends, is my idea of heaven!” These are the opening lines of the musical valentine to the actor’s life. Both slapstick and serious, the story follows the adventures of a traveling band of comic actors in 16th century Italy – the original Commedia dell’ Arte troupe, as they search for immorality and love. Along the way, they reshape the nature of comedy for all time, on a journey that leads right to present day. This bawdy, boisterous musical features a terrific score from the Tony Award winning composer and lyricist of “Ragtime,” “Once on This Island,” and “Seussical.” The play will open on April 15 and run through May 1. Performances will be on 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.
Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest
Marble City Glassworks Exhibit, March 25, 26, & 27
On Friday through Sunday, March 25, 26, & 17, come view beautiful artwork created by Park Forest native Chris Szaton and his business partner Matt Salley. Experience their bursts, birds, sculptures, bowls, glasses, ornaments and vases. Entertainment for the exhibit:
- Friday, March 25 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – MuzicNet School of Music
- Saturday, March 26 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Bruce Foster, folk music
- Sunday, March 17 from noon to 4 p.m. – Steve Lydell, Rock-n-Roll piano.
The event is free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-703-7806.
Park Forest Historical Society, 400 Forest Blvd., Park Forest
Park Forest House Museum Decorated for Easter
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Blvd. Park Forest, is decorated for a 1950s Easter through April. Decorations include Easter die cuts, honeycomb rabbits and baskets, plastic and tin decorations, children’s books and Easter baskets with candy available in the 1950s. Also on display is a set of hand-blown, hand-painted eggs brought back from World War II Japan. 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
‘Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps” – Saturday, March 26
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 24
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’ – By Even Jensen – Through April 23
The exhibit ‘Persona’ by Eve Jensen will run through April 23rd. Eve Jensen’s work includes paintings and drawings. The event is free and open to the public. 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.
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
Tax Assessment Appeal Seminar – Tuesday, March 22
Commissioner Dan Patalak of the office of Cook County Board of Review will conduct an assessment appeal seminar on Tuesday, March 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Village of Richton Park, 4455 Sauk Trail, Richton Park, IL. The hour-long seminar will educate taxpayers on the overall process, explaining how to file and present evidence for a successful appeal. For additional information, call 312, 603-3644.
Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest
Spring Clean-Up Day – Saturday, March 26
On Saturday, March 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., those of all ages are invited to participate in the annual spring cleaning of Thorn Creek Nature Center and shake the winter blahs! Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. There will be indoor and outdoor work to be done in preparation for the spring season. Spring Clean-up Day is a great way to fulfill community service obligations. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
“Community Teach-In: Changes and Directions in the Middle East,” – Tuesday, March 22
The GSU Honors Program is hosting “Community Teach-In: Changes and Directions in the Middle East,” on Tuesday, March 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the E-Lounge. The panel discussion will investigate the causes and impact of recent events in the Middle East. The event is free and open to the public. This program is part of the GSU Honors Program community lecture series, “Rhythms and Currents: Changes and Directions,” is designed to provide information and encourage discussion of current global and regional issues and interests.
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.
Substitute Teacher Academy – Register Now – Limited Seating
GSU is sponsoring a daylong Substitute Teacher Academy with Resources on April 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Hall of Honors in order to help develop successful substitute teachers. This workshop will help experienced and new substitutes to increase their knowledge and skills. The registration fee is $50 which includes lunch and all materials. Seating is limited to 40 registrants. Advance registration is required. For additional information or to register, call 708-534-4024.
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.
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
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.
Men’s Breakfast Fellowship – Saturday, March 26
On Saturday, March 26 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., men of all ages are invited to join the Men’s Ministry for food and discussion on a variety of topics. This event takes place on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. 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.
