Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of March 25, 2013


Final Trustee Candidates' Forum Park Forest
The Village Board Room was at or over capacity for the final Candidates’ Forum Sunday. (ENEWSPF)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—March 25, 2013. The festival of Passover begins on Monday, March 25th. Passover commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt and is one of the Jewish religion’s most sacred and widely observed holidays. We wish all our Jewish neighbors a spring fresh with new promises and a Passover blossoming with joy.

On Easter Sunday, April 31, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We wish all our Christian neighbors a happy Easter.

Early voting for the April 9th consolidated election and 2nd Congressional District Special election begins on Monday, March 25 and continues through Saturday, April 6. State law requires early voters to provide a valid photo identification to an election official before receiving a ballot to vote early. Valid forms of ID include: a current driver’s license, state-issued ID card, university/college ID or another government-issued ID with a photograph. Early voting will take place at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For a list of additional early voting locations, visit: cookcountyclerk.com/elections/earlyvoting.  

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.

Arts & Entertainment

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

This Week’s Events at the Park Forest Public Library

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

  • Monday, March 25 at 10:30 a.m. – Imagine! Create! Participate! — This program is designed for children ages 3-5 and will include not only a story, but the use of their imaginations. It’s designed to help children develop their creativity while interacting and connecting to other children in the community. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.
  • Monday, March 25 at 12 p.m. – Friends Book Discussion – ‘The Book of Jonas’ by Stephen Dau –You may check out the book from the Patron Services desk three weeks in advance of the discussion date. The club will continue to meet the forth Monday of the month.
  • Monday, March 25 at 4 p.m. – Passover Stories, Crafts, and Music — Enjoy holiday stories, crafts, and music.
  • Monday, March 25 at 6 p.m. — Guys Read Activity Club — Take the pledge and find out – this isn’t your little sister’s book club! Guys Read is a national program started by Jon Sciezska especially for GUYS. Every month, we’ll read a story that will peak your interest and do activities based on the stories. We meet on the Last Monday of the month. Registration required.
  • Tuesday, March 26 at 10:30 a.m. – Movement & Me — Come in and enjoy time with your preschooler during this class combining movement with adventure and stories. Exercise is a key to living a healthy lifestyle. In this class parents and caregivers are able to move with their children while having a great time. (Ages 3-5). Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.
  • Tuesday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. – P.J. Story Time — Wear your pajamas & come join us for stories, crafts & games. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.
  • Wednesday, March 27 at 10:30 a.m. — Art Club (Ages 2 – 5) — Do you love art? Well this club is for you and all creative kids are welcome. Come on in and join the club where you can discover new books, make wonderful art and meet new friends. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.
  • Wednesday, March 27 at 1 p.m. — Opera in the Afternoon: Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor — Anna Netrebko returns to the stage in the unforgettable Metropolitan Opera performance of Donizetti’s Lucia Di Lammermoor! This DVD release was originally broadcast live in HD from the Met on February 7, 2009.
  • Wednesday, March 27 at 5 p.m. – Art Club (Grades K – 3) — Do you love art? Well this club is for you and all creative kids are welcome. Come on in and join the club where you can discover new books, make wonderful art and meet new friends. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.
  • Wednesday, March 20 at 5 p.m. — Women in STEM: Spotlight on Inventors – Women Inventors will be explored. Featuring Hedy Lamar, Madam CJ Walker, and Stephanie Kwolek. Join us for stories, discussion and STEM Activities based on inventions.
  • Wednesday, March 27 at 6 p.m. – Art Club (Grades 4 – 6) — Do you love art? Well this club is for you and all creative kids are welcome. Come on in and join the club where you can discover new books, make wonderful art and meet new friends. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.
  • Wednesday, March 27 at 7 p.m. – Reader’s Theater – Do you love dancing, acting, and singing? Would you like to put on a show for your friends and family to see? Join us every Wednesday for Reader’s Theater, where we will bring out the artist in you! Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.
  • Wednesday, March 27 at 7:15 p.m. — Microsoft PowerPoint — An introduction to using the presentation program Microsoft PowerPoint. Registration required.
  • Thursday, March 28 at 10:30 a.m. – Mother Goose Time — During this 30-minute session, babies and their parents will share nursery rhymes, finger plays, songs, music and age-appropriate books. For babies ages 2 and under accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.
  • Thursday, March 28 at 4 p.m. – Microsoft PowerPoint Practice — The first five people to come may attend these practice sessions. There is no registration required.
  • Thursday, March 28 at 5 p.m. – LEGO Club — Play and learn with LEGOs at the Park Forest Public Library! The creations the children make will be on display at the library. For boys and girls in Kindergarten through 5th Grade. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31. The library is looking for donations of new or used LEGOs. Please contact the library if you would like to help with this project.
  • Thursday, March 28 at 7 p.m. — Knit Lit — Please join our brand-new discussion group for knitters and readers of knitting fiction. We will exchange stories, share our favorite book moments, and even swap knitting ideas. Read any fiction or non-fiction knitting selection and come back to join us for a great evening. Multiple book selections are available for checkout at Patron Services.
  • Friday, March 29 at 12 p.m. – Kids’ Zone Hollywood Movies: ‘Rise of the Guardians’ — Based on William Joyce’s the Guardians of Childhood book series, ‘Rise of the Guardians’ is a gorgeously animated film about Boogeyman Pitch Black’s attempts to spread darkness and fear throughout the world and the guardians’ attempts to foil him. Charged with the duty of watching over the children of the world, guardians Sandman, North, Tooth, and E. Aster Bunnymund are loved by children everywhere. When the Man in the Moon appoints Jack Frost to be the newest guardian, the other guardians doubt that Jack can be of much help against Pitch, especially considering that the children don’t even believe in Jack Frost’s existence. But when Pitch prevents Tooth from collecting the children’s teeth, keeps E. Aster Bunnymund from hiding eggs on Easter, and turns the children’s happy dreams into nightmares, the guardians realize that they’re going to need all the help they can get. The children stop believing in the guardians one by one, and the question that remains is what can one fun-loving, somewhat immature boy with the power to freeze everything he touches possibly do to counteract the fear and darkness enveloping the world?
  • Friday, March 29 at 3 p.m. – Wii Games — Meet up with your friends at the Park Forest Public Library for some gaming fun. The library will provide some games — YOU bring a friend. If you have a favorite game, bring it along to teach and share. Join us after school as we take a little time to have some fun! Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 3
  • Saturday, March 30 at 11 a.m. – Art Club (Grades K – 3) — Do you love art? Well this club is for you and all creative kids are welcome. Come on in and join the club where you can discover new books, make wonderful art and meet new friends. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.
  • Saturday, March 30 at 12 p.m. – Art Club (Grades 4 – 6) — Do you love art? Well this club is for you and all creative kids are welcome. Come on in and join the club where you can discover new books, make wonderful art and meet new friends. Registration required for groups, please call 708-748-3731 ex. 31.

For additional information or to register for certain events, please call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org/

Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, March 28

The Potpourri of Lectures series continues on Thursday, March 28 at 10: 30 a.m. with "From Ants to Atoms: Revealing the Secrets of the Nano World: (A Picture is No Longer a Thousand Words)" by Nestor J. Zaluzec. The lecture will be held in the Library’s Ringering Room. Light refreshments will be served.

Library Closure – Sunday, April 31

The Park Forest Public Library will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 31.

Spring Indoor Yard Sale – Saturday, April 6

On Saturday, April 6 at 10 a.m. the Park Forest Public Library will hold a Spring Indoor Yard Sale. The lower level of the Library will be filled with discarded items priced right for quick sales. This is a cash and carry sale – no checks or credit cards will be accepted.

Museum Adventure Pass

Visit the Park Forest Public Library and check out a museum! View the list of participating museums for details on each destination. Find out what discoveries await you, get directions to the museum, and review each museum’s pass entry offer (including any restrictions that may apply). Come into the library with your Park Forest library card to check out a pass today.

Freedom Hall’s Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

Billy Elton – Celebrating the Music of Billy Joel and Elton John – Tickets Now on Sale

Freedom Hall’s Senior Series will present Billy Elton on Tuesday, April 9 at 11 a.m. Billy Elton transports you to the excitement of Billy Joel and Elton John in concert. All of the energy and all of the hits come alive, expertly performed by virtuoso pianist/vocalist Reid Spears. Audience members sing and sway along with each timeless song in this high-energy show. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in-person at the box office, or online at www.freedomhall.org. For additional information, call 708-747-0580.

Julie Fowlis: Music of the Scottish Isles – Tickets Now on Sale

On Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m., Julie Fowlis will bring the Music of the Scottish Isles to Park Forest. Julie Fowlis is no stranger to awards and distinctions, winning Gaelic Singer of the Year and Album of the Year at the Scots Trod Music Awards 2007 and nominated for the third year in a row as BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year — the first ever Scottish Gaelic singer to win this prestigious award when given the title in 2008. She is perhaps most proud of her award as Scotland’s Gaelic Ambassador bestowed by the Scottish Parliament in 2008, the first person to ever receive this honor. She is feature on the soundtrack of Disney’s PIXAR film, ‘Brave.’ Tickets are $28 and can be purchased in-person at the box office, or online at www.freedomhall.org. For additional information, call 708-747-0580.

Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest

Park Forest House Museum — Step Back into a 1950s Easter – Through May 4

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum at 141 Forest Blvd, Park Forest, will have up its spring exhibit, "Step Back into a 1950s Easter," from March 6 through May 4, 2013. Open Wednesday and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the museum can also be open for groups by appointment, at other times. Donation is $5 for adults; children 12 and under free with an adult. Scout and school tours are priced individually. 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. There is a very special display of hand blown, hand-painted eggs brought back from World War II. For details, to arrange a special group tour, or to volunteer, visit the Park Forest Historical Society website, www.parkforesthistory.org, or call Jane Nicoll, 708-481-4252.

Park Forest Plaza Print for Sale

Annabelle Gould’s print of the Park Forest Plaza is available for sale at the Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard. The vibrant print is from an original watercolor, showing kids and their moms in the Park Forest Plaza, in front of the old Holiday Theatre and Golden Hanger Shop. The print can be purchased at the House Museum during normal hours of operation on Wednesdays and Saturdays or through the Society’s online store on their website at www.parkforesthistory.org. Prints are $15 each. Online purchases also required an additional $6 fee for postage and handling. For additional information on other items for sale by the Society, visit www.parkforesthistory.org.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Luise Renner Retrospective’ – Through March 31

The exhibit, ‘Luise Renner Retrospective,’ will run at Tall Grass Arts Association through March 31.    The exhibit was curated by Richard Schmidt with assistance from Richard Renner.  It will feature the two and three-dimensional works of artist/illustrator Luise Renner who frequently exhibited in galleries in the Chicago area and southern suburbs.  Luise died in December of 2009 at the young age of 63. She left behind a large body of work.   This is the first time some of her works have been exhibited.  The exhibit is dedicated to her memory and presented in homage to her.   The exhibit features original paintings and custom tablecloths created by Luise. Unmounted high-quality prints (giclees) will be available for purchase. The collection displays approximately 60 works. The Tall Grass Gallery is located in Downtown Park Forest, adjacent to Village Hall.  Gallery hours are 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.  The Gallery is open to the public, free of charge.  For additional information, call the gallery at 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.

Beaux Arts Ball ‘Glitz ‘n Glam’ – Tickets Now on Sale

A Beaux Arts Ball, the annual fundraiser for the Tall Grass Arts Association, is scheduled for Saturday evening, April 6th at Glenwoodie Golf Course, 19301 S. State Street, Glenwood. The event is titled ‘Glitz ‘n Glam.’ For ticket information, or to contribute a donation to this endeavor, call the Tall Grass Gallery at 708-748-3377, Janet Muchnik at 708-748-5123 or visit http://www.tallgrassarts.org.

Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park

‘Celtic Crossroads’ – Thursday, March 28

Just when you think that you have seen the best that Irish music has to offer, a fresh new show from Ireland is taking the art form to a spectacular level of innovation and virtuosity. ‘Celtic Crossroads’ will be performed on Thursday, March 28 at 7 p.m. and does for Irish music what ‘Riverdance’ has done to Irish dance. ‘Celtic Crossroads’ incorporating seven world-class musicians playing more than 20 instruments on stage, is a fantastic spectacle. From start to finish, the performers present a captivating fusion of genres in the Irish music family – Eastern European Gypsy, North American bluegrass, classical and jazz, and the various forms of Celtic music from around Europe and the rest of the world. Tickets are $15 to $55. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call the GSU Center Box Office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.

Summer Musical Theatre Camp to Feature Songs, Dances from the Wonderful Land of Oz – Registration Now in Progress

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to this summer’s Musical Theatre Camp at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts. This year’s camp, from June 17 to 21, takes its inspiration from “The Wizard of Oz” as young participants learn classic songs like “Over the Rainbow” and valuable theater skills. Campers develop a mini-musical based on “The Wizard of Oz” and perform a one-time-only production at the center on Friday, June 21 at 7 p.m. During the camp, students will learn songs, choreography, and scenes from the play. Professional coaches will work with campers on scene study, voice, diction, improvisation, singing and dancing. Musical Theatre Camp is open to children ages 7 to 13. Camp takes place six hours each day, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $250 for the week; the price of the camp also includes four tickets for the Friday night performance. Additional tickets for the performance are $10. To reserve a spot at Musical Theatre Camp, call the box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park

‘Ways of Making: Digital Art’ – Through March 27

The Visual Arts Gallery at GSU is presenting ‘Ways of Making: Digital Art,’ featuring the work of artists Kate Friedman, Kate Ingold, and Anne Hayden Stevens, through March 27. A closing reception celebrating the exhibition will be held on Wednesday, March 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-534-4021 or visit www.govst.edu/gallery.

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

PSC Annual High School Exhibition – Through April 11

Student artists from regional high schools will have their work on display during the PSC Annual High School Exhibition through Thursday, April 11 at the Christopher Art Gallery on the PSC main campus. A reception for the artists and their families will be held at 5 pm. on Thursday, March 21 and features an award ceremony at 7 p.m. Student submissions will include works in computer art, drawing, painting, mixed media, graphic design, sculpture, and photography. High schools represented in previous years include Rich Central, Rich East, Rich South, Bloom, Bloom Trail, Crete-Monee, Beecher, and Homewood-Flossmoor. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The Christopher Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Visits can also be made by appointment. For additional information about the exhibit or to make an appointment for a visit, contact the PSC Foundation at 708-709-3636.

Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights

‘Mad World’ Exhibit – Through April 6

Union Street Gallery will present its Spring National Juried Exhibit ‘Mad World’ which will feature art that is absurd, surreal, and simply MAD! 35 artists from 11 different states will be exhibiting a wide variety of art including large sculpture. ‘Mad World’ will run through April 6. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information, and Gallery hours, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM), 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago

‘Brush With Happiness’ Fundraiser – Tuesday, March 26

On Tuesday, March 26 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Gale Street Inn, 4914 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, will support Arts Alive/45 and the NVAM’s Collaborative Mural Project in a fundraiser. The ‘Brush With Happiness’ event is part of the Gale Street Inn’s 50th anniversary celebratory year. The $25 admission includes one drink, passed snacks, and entertainment including live music by local musician Tommy Tuesday. Proceeds will fund a proposed mural project for the neighborhood. Veteran artists associated with the NVAM will partner with Arts Alive/45 and the community to design and execute a mural that that features a visual vocabulary of healing.

The grand prize of the evening is four Blackhawks tickets with a parking pass.

Other great prizes include a set of four original ceramic bowls created by NVAM veteran artist Ash Kyrie, newly released CDs by Kathy Greenholt, a wine pull with more than 3 cases of wine to select from, giclee prints of original art by Amy Meadows, Cyd Smillie, Jill Arena and Eric Craig, and much more. Prizes from the spinning “Wheel of Love” will include gift certificates to Gale Street Inn. Doors open promptly at 7 p.m. and cash at the door is encouraged. In addition to the fundraising event on March 26, the “Wheel of Love” at Gale Street will spin for Arts Alive/45 and the NVAM on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for the entire month of March. That means that dining guests who would like to contribute to the cause will have an opportunity to donate, spin the wheel and win a prize.

IN WAR Series – Through Memorial Day 2013

In light of the ongoing war in Afghanistan and the rising need for mental health care for returning veterans, the National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM) is proud to hold its third annual IN WAR series in its new location at 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago. The third annual INWAR series examines intergenerational trauma: the passing of mass traumas from one generation to the next. Trauma takes a profound psychological and physical toll on survivors that has ramifications for decades. For additional information about the exhibit or museum hours, visit: www.nvam.org.

‘Not About Bombs’ – Through Fall 2013

The NVAM will host the opening of ‘Not About Bombs,’ a celebrated exhibit featuring the work by five Iraqi women artists through Fall 2013. The show will be open to the public through Fall 2013. For additional information, visit the museum’s website at www.nvam.org.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park

Spring Knowledge Exchange Classes at GSU – Registration Underway

“Never stop learning” could be the mantra of students in The Knowledge Exchange, a program from the School of Extended Learning at GSU. Classes are offered for adults on a wide range of topics. Registration for spring classes is underway. Classes begin on April 5, and are held on Fridays, from 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., through May 24. The Knowledge Exchange course offerings encompass a variety of interests, including history classes focusing on the Civil War and the history and culture of Native North America, as well as a Cinema Studies course based around globally and socially relevant documentaries. There is also a course of play readings in which participants read roles aloud and discuss aspects of the works. In another course offering, participants use film and readings in “Achieving Wholeness and Wellness Through a Study of Carl Jung.” The Knowledge Exchange is also offering all participants a free special presentation “Climate Change: The Earth Calls to Us,” on Friday, April 26 from noon to 1 p.m. This informational session on climate change includes an enlightening Power Point presentation with accompanying lecture by Richard Treptow, an environmental services professional. The Knowledge Exchange is a continuation of the former Adult Learning Exchange (T.A.L.E.) with the same focus – to continue to offer unique and diverse non-credited courses at a reasonable priced ($73 per class, $28 for an additional class). Classes are designed for participants aged 55 years and over and provide a relaxed and friendly environment, open to shared learning, and the free exchange of opinions and ideas. Classes are peer-led by a community of dedicated volunteers including GSU faculty and many former Exchange students. Call Suzanne Patterson in the Office of Continuing Education at 708-534-4393 for more information or to register.

Job Search Assistance Every Tuesday at GSU

The Mobile Workforce Center’s mobile unit will be at GSU every Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., parked near the university’s front entrance. Center services include resume development, access to online job boards and websites, instruction in how to conduct an online job search and improve keyboarding skills, and assistance of staff. The center is equipped with 11 computer stations with Internet access, printer, and copy machines, and is wheelchair accessible. Services are free and available to residents in all counties. For additional information, contact the Workforce Services Division of Will County at 815-727-4980.

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

Opt In to Technology at PSC

You can bridge the gap between technology and a new you at PSC’s new Opt In program that consists of two computer training centers and free classes to teach basic technological skills. One location is at the Adult Training and outreach Center in Room A145 at PSC’s main campus. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The other location is at the Matteson Area Center’s Computer Training Lab located at 4821 Southwick Dr., Matteson. Hours for this location are Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. No matter what skill level you have or want to have, Opt In can help. Both computer labs and on-site tutors are free and open to the public. For additional information, call Lisa Zeigler at 708-709-3548 or e-mail [email protected].

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 12 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.

Online Educational Resources

Online college programs are a great way for today’s busy people to complete or earn a degree. To find an online college program in Illinois, visit http://www.onlineschools.org/guides/Illinois/ where you will find a compilation of every college program offered online in Illinois offered on a full or part-time basis.

Top U.S. Universities

Choosing what college or university to attend can be a very daunting experience. With educational costs continually increasing, it’s more important than ever to choose a university that meets your specific educational needs. At http://www.topschools.com/, you will find a comprehensive resource that ranks each university throughout the nation by size, degrees offered, tuition costs, admission, graduation and retention rates.

Healthy Living

Village of Park Forest

‘Affordable Care Act Boot Camp for Small Employers’ – Registration Required by Friday, March 29

On Wednesday, April 3 beginning at 8 a.m. at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest, Michael E. Wojick, CLU, CFP, Senior Vice President, Horton Solutions, will present an ‘Affordable Care Act Boot Camp for Small Employers.’ Small business owners will learn what they need to know about the Affordable Care Act and what they need to do to be compliant. The session will provide information on how the Affordable Care Act will impact the healthcare world. A general overview will be provided of the Individual and Employer Mandates, Illinois Health Benefit Exchange and the Insurance marketplace Around You. A free continental breakfast will be provided. Registration is required by Friday, March 29 by phone at 708-283-5617, e-mail [email protected], or online at 2013pfspecialaprbus.eventbrite.com.

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park

‘Leadership in an Era of Health Care Reform: Quality and Patient Safety Implication’ – Tuesday, April 2

On Tuesday, April 2 at 6 p.m. in Sherman Hall, GSU is presenting ‘Leadership in an Era of Health Care Reform: Quality and Patient Safety Implications.’ Dr. Ann Scott Blouin, Executive Vice President of Customer Relations, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, will discuss health care leadership in an ever-changing environment. Dr. Blouin has more than 30 years of health care administration, consulting, and nursing experience, and has held several leadership positions. Dr. Blouin has also published and taught at nursing and medical schools and serves on the national Patient Safety Foundation Board of Governors. The program is sponsored by GSU’s Student Healthcare Management Association and is free and open to the public.

Free Psychotherapy Available from GSU’s Psychology Program

GSU’s Psychology Department is offering free psychotherapy services to members of the community. Conversations with a psychotherapist can help people cope with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, and life transition problems. Confidential, one-on-one sessions are held with a GSU graduate student in psychology under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Individuals and couples, 18 years and older, are eligible. All sessions are conducted in Matteson, IL. The number of sessions is determined by the client’s needs. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-235-2841.

Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard, Park Forest

CPR Classes

CPR classes are available at the Park Forest Fire Department. Click on the following link for more details: http://pffd.vopf.com/cpr-classes.html

Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest

Senior Citizen Weekday Lunch at the Senior Café

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.

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 program 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.

Green Events

Park Forest Environment Commission

‘Basic Canning’ Presentation – Limited Seating — Tickets Now on Sale

Based on numerous requests from members of the community, the Park Forest Environment Commission has arranged for Chef Kate Bradley to give a presentation on ‘Basic Canning’ on Monday, April 29 at 7 p.m. at the Wetlands Discovery Center, 30 N. Orchard, Park Forest (located on the west side of the Park Forest Aqua Center). Kate will provide an overview of basic canning techniques and familiarize participants with the equipment needed to successfully can the fruits of your summer gardens for enjoyment in the cold winter months. Participants will also enjoy light refreshments canned from Kate’s kitchen. Seating for this event is limited and tickets are selling quickly. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance or on the night of the event if any remain. Proceeds from the event will be used for the benefit of the Park Forest Community Garden project. To purchase advance tickets or for additional information, call Rosemary Piser at 708-747-1991 or e-mail [email protected].   NOTE: The location of this event has been changed from Park Forest Village Hall to the Wetlands Discovery Center.

2013 Park Forest Community Garden Project

The Village of Park Forest will once again offer residents the opportunity to use vacant, Village-owned property for purposes of developing a community garden. Gardening groups using Village-owned lots will be reimbursed up to $370 for allowable gardening expenditures. This $370 reimbursement represents the amount that the Village would pay to have the lot maintained over the course of the summer. If you would like to garden, but don’t want to take on an entire Village-owned lot, we can assist you in finding a group where you can try out your ‘green thumbs’! For additional information about the Community Garden Project, please e-mail Rosemary Piser at [email protected] or Sarah Coulter, the Village’s Sustainability Consultant at [email protected].

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Garlic Mustard Workday – Saturday, March 30

On Saturday, March 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., those of all ages can participate in the Garlic Mustard workday. Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata, is a non-native and invasive plant that can overwhelm our woodland native plants. We can slow it down by eliminating individual plants before they set seed. Come spend a day in the spring woods. Get down and dirty and help pull out these pretty but troublesome plants. We provide gloves, bags and a short orientation. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy boots. Work is on natural surface trails and woodland across uneven terrain. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration for a group is required. For additional information or to register a group, please call 708-747-6320. Note: additional Garlic Mustard Workdays will also take place on April 6 and April 13.)

Experience the Thorn Creek Nature Center

Thorn Creek Nature Center is housed in a historic building, originally Immanuel Lutheran Church of Matteson, Illinois built in 1862, and later Village Bible Church of Park Forest. A gothic frame country church, its notable architectural features include curved ceiling, tongue-and-groove paneling and a raised pulpit. Its current attractions are displays of the preserve’s flora and fauna, a bird feeder viewing area, Eugene E. Schwartz reference library and an expanded children’s section. The Nature Center is open Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Trails are open daily year-round, dawn to dusk. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.

This & That

Village of Park Forest

Park Forest Vehicle Stickers and Animal Tags Now on Sale

Vehicle stickers for the 2013-2014 year are now on sale.  Vehicle stickers must be purchased and displayed on all vehicles registered in Park Forest by April 30, 2013. Vehicle stickers can be purchased at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, the Park Forest Currency Exchange, 98 S. Orchard Drive, and the Richton Park Currency Exchange, 2710 Sauk Trail. Stickers can now be purchased through the internet by clicking here.  Scroll to Park Forest and follow the instructions.  Note that a $3 convenience fee will be added to your transaction.  Your sticker will be mailed to you. If you are eligible for a discount, you will need to come to Village Hall to purchase your sticker. For more information on vehicle sticker sales, including details on late fees, click here.

Animal tags are also on sale and are available at Village Hall only.  Animal tags should also be purchased and made visible on your pets before April 30, 2013.  Please note: a current rabies vaccination certificate must be presented with your animal tag registration form.

Park Forest Commission on Human Relations

‘Money Makeover’ – Registration Now In Progress

The Commission on Human Relations is presenting a program titled ‘Money Makeover’ on Tuesday, April 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street, in DownTown Park Forest. Celebrity financial coach and author Lynn Richardson will present the program. RSVP’s are now being taken with Evelyn Sterling by calling 708-283-5621 or e-mail [email protected].

Faith United Protestant Church, 10 Hemlock St., Park Forest

Free Java Tuesdays

All are invited to Faith United Protestant Church for FREE Java Tuesdays. Visitors are asked to go to the Indianwood Boulevard side entrance between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. for free curbside service or to come and sit a bit. The event will continue each Tuesday as a form of outreach to the community throughout the summer and fall. For more information, call 708-747-1330.

Park Forest American Legion Post 1198, 1631 Western Ave., Chicago Heights

Friday Fish Fry – Friday, March 29

Join Park Forest’s American Legion Post 1198 for fish, shrimp, wings, beef and appetizers on Friday, March 29 beginning at 6 p.m. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.

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.

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

Get Your Taxes Done for Free at PSC

PSC in conjunction with the Center for Economic Progress (CEP) is offering opportunities for individuals and families meeting certain criteria to get their taxes done for free. The tax assistance will be available through April 13. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free assistance is available to individuals with incomes less than $25,000; for families with income level less than $50,000. The service is offered on a first come, first serve basis. To ensure the process goes smoothly, bring the following information: all W-2s and 1099s (if any), social security cards of Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for all family members; valid photo ID; copy of last year’s tax return (if available); bank account number and routing number for direct deposit of your refund; property tax bill; and the amount spent on college expenses. Other options offered during the tax preparation session include free help filing an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) claim, open a bank or savings account to deposit your refund, or obtain a prepaid debit card for your refund. If you have any questions, call 888-827-8511.

Rotary Club of Park Forest

The Rotary Club of Park Forest urges you to purchase a Golden Opportunities 2012 book to help support its youth activities. Books are only $25 and are now available for purchase at the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd.

Donate Unused Air Miles to Support Families of Wounded Servicemembers

"Operation Hero Miles" collects unused frequent flyer miles to help military families visit service members who were injured in Iraq or Afghanistan and are recovering in military hospitals around the world. Airline partners are: AirTran, Alaska Airlines, American, Frontier, Midwest, Northwest, United, and US Airways. To donate airline miles, visit www.FisherHouse.org.

Donate to Troops Serving Abroad

The Village of Park Forest is currently seeking the names and addresses of local military personnel currently serving overseas so that they may receive packaged donations from Park Forest residents. If you are a Park Forest resident and have a family member from your household currently deployed or if you have recently returned from a tour of duty, please call Judi Lancaster at 708-283-5608 or stop by the Manager’s Office at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.

Greening of Park Forest

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

Recycle Unused Wheelchairs

If you have a used motorized wheelchair that you no longer need and would like to help a person with a disability, the Sertoma Centre will accept your donation. Contact Melanie Jones at 708-730-6206 for additional information.

South Suburban Family Shelter Used Cell Phone Collection Drive

South Suburban Family Shelter (SSFS) is seeking cell phone donations for their ongoing fundraising program. Proceeds from the collection fund the critical programs and services provided to families who experience domestic violence. All victim services are provided free of charge and are available in English and Spanish. Cell phone collection sites currently include:

  • SSFS Administrative Office, 18139 Harwood, Homewood, IL
  • Bergstein’s NY Deli, 200 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights, IL
  • Doyle Designed Salon, 2630 Flossmoor Rd., Flossmoor, IL

All donations are tax deductible and receipts are available at collection sites. For more information about SSFS or the fundraising drive, please contact Ms. Meilach at 708-794-2140, extension 303.

Local Recycling Resources and Proper Disposal of Unused Medicine

Do you have old televisions, computers, video games or other electronics or household appliances that need to be recycled? Want to know how to properly dispose of old or unused medication? Click on the "Recycling" icon found on the top of eNews Park Forest and you will find useful information on proper recycling/disposal that will not only be good for the environment, but in some cases, earn you a few dollars as well.

Safe Disposal Program – Bio-waste

The Park Forest Health Department and Environment Commission have partnered to provide information on the proper disposal of bio-waste such as used syringes or lancets (medical sharps). Begin by purchasing a Sharps container to dispose of your medical sharps for $10 at the Park Forest Health Department. Return the filled container to the Park Forest Health Department and purchase a new container. Call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 for more information.

Recycle Used Cell Phones and Cell Phone Accessories

The Rotary Club of Park Forest is conducting a used cell phone and accessory collection drive to benefit the families and programs of the South Suburban Family Shelter. Donated items can be placed in the collection box located in the lobby of Village Hall. For more information, call Denyse Carreras at 708-283-5603.

Sources: Park Forest Winter-Spring 2013 Recreation Programs & More Brochure, Park Forest ‘Discover’ magazine, Rich Township Report, Park Forest Historical Society, Village of Park Forest, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Center for Performing Arts, South Suburban Family Shelter, Park Forest Historical Society, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Illinois Theatre Center, Sertoma Centre, Inc., Union Street Gallery, Monkey Mind Art Studio, Thorn Creek Audubon Society, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.


ARCHIVES