Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of March 26, 2012


Jim and Glenna Hennessy with Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.
Event organizers Jim and Glenna Hennessy with Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. at Sunday’s public forum on the need for a South Suburban trauma center. (Photo: Rich Whitehead)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—March 26, 2012. Calling all philatelists. The Park Forest Stamp Club’s 52nd Postage Stamp Show, PARFOREX 2012 will be held on Saturday, March 31 at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church’s Gymnasium, 78 Cherry Street, Park Forest. On display will be more than 500 pages of competitive exhibits prepared by club members from Novice to National award winners. Additional information about this event can be found in the ‘This & That’ section below.

If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in our community during the upcoming week, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.

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 26 at 10:30 a.m. – Preschool Storytime
  • Monday, March 26 at 12 p.m. – Friends Book Discussion: “This is Where I Leave You’ by Jonathan Tropper.
  • Monday, March 26 at 1 p.m. – Basic Email – Registration Required.
  • Tuesday, March 27 at 10:30 a.m. – Preschool Storytime
  • Tuesday, March 27 at 7 p.m. – Pajama Storytime – For all story lovers Ages 2 thru 12. Drop-ins welcome.
  • Wednesday, March 28 at 1 p.m. – Opera in the Afternoon: ‘Tosca.’
  • Wednesday, March 28 at 3:30 p.m. – Breaktime! Ages 6 & Up. Stop in to see what we’re doing — crafts, games, more.
  • Wednesday, March 28 at 6 p.m. – Basic Email: Practice Session – The first ten people to come may attend these practice sessions. There is no registration required for the practice sessions.
  • Thursday, March 29 at 10:30 a.m. – LapSit – Ages 0 – 35 months with caregiver. Registration Required.
  • Thursday, March 29 at 11:15 a.m. – Toddler Art – Ages 2-4 with caregiver. Registration Required.
  • Thursday, March 29 at 2 p.m. – Learn to Use Your Kindle — An introduction to using an Amazon Kindle. Please note: you must bring your own device for this class.
  • Thursday, March 29 at 3:30 p.m. – Microsoft Publisher Practice Session — The first ten people to come may attend these practice sessions. There is no registration for the practice sessions.
  • Friday, March 30 at 1 p.m. – Senior Travelogue: Czech Republic – Prague.
  • Friday, March 30 at 4 p.m. – Teen Time – Ages 12 & up. Wii games, classic TV reruns, board game competitions, teen crafts.
  • Saturday, March 31 at 1 p.m. – Spring Fling at Your Library — All Ages. Spring Crafts using Recycling Materials, Stories, and Treats.

For additional information or to register for these events, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.

Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, March 29

On Thursday, March 29 at 10:30 a.m. in the Library’s Ringering Room, the Potpourri of Lectures series will feature “Living in France” by Andy Gladstone.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

A Moveable Musical Feast – RSVP by Wednesday, April 11

A Moveable Musical Feast will take place on Sunday, April 14 beginning at 3 p.m. The event will be a progressive stroll through three distinctive Olympia Fields homes on a lovely Sunday, spring afternoon. A casual wine and dine with small plates at each home showcase a hearty assortment of scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, salads and desserts while being entertained by a jazz band, a harp soloist and the IPO’s own string ensemble. Reservations are $75.00 per person (fully tax-deductible). RSVP Required by Wednesday, April 11, 2012. To make reservations, visit: https://secure.ticketsage.net.

Illinois Theatre Center (ITC), 371 Artists Walkway, Park Forest

‘Showtune! The Jerry Hermann Review’ – Tickets Now on Sale

ITC will close the season with a delightful collection of hit songs from the most successful American theatre composer of the last 50 years. Most everyone will recognize a tune or two from Herman’s smash Broadway hits ‘Hello Dolly,’ ‘Mame,’ and ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ but what about such lesser-known gems as ‘Dear World,’ ‘Mach and Mabel,’ ‘The Grand Tour,’ ‘Milk and Honey’? The whole family will love this high-stepping, toe-tapping celebration of Broadway’s best. The play opens on April 13 and will run through April 29. Tickets are priced at $22 and $20. There is a $1 discount for students and seniors. For additional information, show times, or to purchase tickets, call 708- 481-3510 or visit www.ilthctr.org.

Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest

Park Forest House Museum

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard, is decorated to depict life in Park Forest when it was first built. One room represents a classroom in the first school, Forest Boulevard School, which was set up in a row of townhomes in 1949. The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donation is Adults-$5; 12 & under free. The tour is free with the purchase of a Marshall Field’s Park Forest Store brick at 1 for $15; 2 for $25. Convenient, free, street parking available right outside the front door. For additional information, visit www.parkforesthistory.org.

Volunteers Needed for Increased Hours and Work on Archival Collection

The Park Forest Historical Society needs many more volunteers to cover the additional hours at the House Museum and to trim, photocopy and label article and documents for the archival collection. Some of the collection is in the Park Forest Library. Projects will include filing photocopied articles and documents at the library, and searching the files for answers to questions from out of town. Publicity volunteers are needed to design or distribute fliers, and help blog and fill in announcements on social media sites. If you have a talent to offer or need to put in some public service time for school, please contact Jane Nicoll at 708-481-4252 or contact the society by e-mail through the website at www.parkforesthistory.org.

Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest

Marble City Glassworks 2nd Annual Open House Exhibit – March 30 and March 31

On Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31, Salon Artist Gallery will present Marble City Glassworks 2nd Annual Open House Exhibit from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Gallery. Here’s a chance to meet the artist, learn about his craft, and pick up a stunning piece of glass art for your home or office. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-703-7806 or 708-833-5108.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Data Screens Machines’ First-Ever New Media Arts Show – Opens Friday, March 30

Tall Grass Arts Association will host its first ever New Media Arts exhibition in its 56-year history. ‘Data Screens Machines’ will feature eight artists from around the U.S. and was curated by artist Joseph Pankowski. The opening reception will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Mach 30 at the Gallery. The exhibit will run through May 27. The reception and exhibit is free and open to the public. People who attend the opening reception will be served cheese by a robotic waiter that will move through the gallery on a bicycle tire and track. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit http://www.tallgrassarts.org/.

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

Cabaret Weekend – March 30, March 31 and April 1

Tickets are now on sale for Cabaret Weekend at GSU’s Center of Performing Arts. The Center is offering a weekend of varied acoustic music styles. Cabaret Weekend brings rock and jazz, country and pop, all performed up-close to an audience seated at onstage tables. Singer-songwriter Susan Werner performs Friday, March 30 at 8 p.m. Werner slides effortlessly between folk, jazz, country and pop with a sassy wit and Midwestern charm. Willie Fortune as Willie Nelson comes to the stage on Saturday, March 31 at 8 p.m. Willie Fortune developed the ‘Willie and Friends Show’ with the permission, blessing, encouragement, and endorsement of Willie Nelson. Fortune not only honors Willie Nelson but also performs songs by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, and Toby Keith. Dennis Florine will perform on Sunday, April 1 at 4 p.m. Pumping passion into every beat, Florine’s percussive acoustics are inspiring fans through the U.S. Infusing spoken word into his folk/pop/rock style, he seamlessly laces his poetical choruses with slices of anecdotal truth. Cabaret Weekend shows offer a cash bar throughout the performances. Tickets are priced at $25, $30 and $35 and can be purchased online at http://www.centertickets.net or call the GSU Center Box Office at 708-235-2222.

‘Ways of Making: Painting’ Exhibit – Through March 30

GSU’s Visual Arts Gallery is presenting ‘Ways of Making: Painting’ through March 30. This exhibit features the artwork of 25 painters, all women, in recognition of the 25th year of Women’s History Month. A closing reception celebrating the artists will be held on Wednesday, March 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursday, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and by appointment. For additional information or to schedule an appointment to visit the Gallery, call 708-534-4021 or visit www.govst.edu/gallery.

Monkey Mind Art Studio, 3 W. Nebraska St., Frankfort

‘Sounds’ Paintings by Patricia Moore – Through April 6

‘Sounds’ featuring painting by Patricia Moore will run through April 6. The exhibition features acrylic and mixed media paintings expressing the sounds of Jazz and Bach through moving abstraction. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For Gallery Hours or additional information, call 815-464-8818 or visit www.monkeymindartstudio.com.

Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights

‘Botanic/Organic’ Spring National Juried Exhibit – Through March 31

USC will be hosting its spring national juried exhibit ‘Botanic/Organic’ through March 31. This exhibit features art by 52 artists from 21 different states. Art displayed is inspired by nature and the natural world and represents a variety of styles, techniques and media. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For Gallery hours or additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

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

BIG Event 2012 Being Held Earlier This Year – Save the Date

Sertoma Centre’s BIG Event 2012 will be held this year on Saturday, April 28 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 115 Bourbon Street, 3350 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park, IL. For just $10, you can feast on delicious ribs, sensational chicken or firehouse chili. Magician and juggler, Dave Fleming will perform on stage at 6:30 p.m. and live music will be provided by Sound Barrier. There will be raffles and plenty of fun for the entire family. If you are a firefighter or know someone who is a firefighter, then consider competing in the hottest firehouse cook-off in town. Trophies and prizes are awarded for each category: chicken, ribs, chili, and ethnic dishes. Chefs prepare sample size portions for 500 people and are reimbursed up to $500 for food expenses. For event information, fireman registration, or sponsorship details, see www.sertomacentre.org. Proceeds from the event benefit the almost 700 individuals with disabilities served by Sertoma Centre, Inc.

Green Events

Thorn Creek Audubon Society (TCAS), Park Forest

Bat Program Coming to Freedom Hall – Wednesday, April 4

TCAS will host a special presentation on Wednesday, April 4 at 7 p.m. when the Organization for Bat Conservation will bring four bats – two from Africa, one from Central and South America, and one from North America – to Park Forest’s Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard. The goal of the Bat Conservation staff is to educate people about the important role bats play in our environment as well as dispel common myths about these animals. The event is open to the public, however, because of the expense of bringing this program here from Michigan, TCAS is suggesting a donation of $5 per person. Refreshments will be served.

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

Electronic Recycling Collection – Saturday, April 14

On Saturday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can bring your old electronic and get them out of your closet or basement. Items will be collected in PSC’s Parking Lot C. For a complete list of electronics that can be recycled, visit www.prairiestate.edu/sustainability or call 708-709-2950.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

The Adult Learning Exchange (T.A.L.E.) Announces Spring 2012 Schedule – Classes Begin March 30

T.A.L.E.’s Spring 2012 classes will be given on Fridays, March 30 through May 25 (no classes will be held on April 13) at GSU.
Friday morning classes (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) are:

  • ‘The Place of G-d in American Political Discourse’ with facilitator Pastor Patrick Shebeck, and
  • ‘Fall of Eagles’ with facilitators Myras and Linda Osman.

Friday afternoon classes are:

  • ‘What Will Save Our Public Schools’ by facilitators Walter Falk, Elaine MacKenzie, and Chelsea Haring, PhD, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.,
  • ‘Abraham Lincoln II,’ facilitated by William Mitchell, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and
  • Film Series ‘Foreign Affairs: Understanding Culture Through Film’ facilitated by Suzanne Patterson, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

T.A.L.E. is a partnership program of JCC Chicago and GSU. These programs are designed to provide an opportunity for adults in the greater South Suburban and Northwest Indiana region to find pleasure in intellectual challenges and the acquisition and sharing of knowledge. To download a flyer, go to: spring2012.pdf . For an application or additional information, call Suzanne Patterson at 708-420-0563 or e-mail [email protected].

CenterPoint March Workshops on Starting Businesses – Final Two Workshops March 26 & 28

CenterPoint at GSU is sponsoring ‘Starting a Business in Illinois’ workshops for Chicago Southland residents. The free, two-hour workshops focus on personal, financial, and legal aspects of starting a business. Participants will learn what steps to take and what resources are available to assist new business owners succeed in today’s challenging economic climate. Workshops will be presented on:

  • Monday, March 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Old Plank Trail Bank, 20901 S. LaGrange Road, Frankfort. Judi Mack will present the program.
  • Wednesday, March 28 at 6 p.m. at the Markham City Hall, 16313 S. Kedzie Parkway, Markham. Elliot Johnson will present the program.

Interested individuals can contact CenterPoint at 708-534-4927 or visit www.centerpointgsu.com.

One-on-One Language Instruction for Your Child Available at GSU

Free, one-on-one language instruction for qualified middle school children is being provided by GSU as part of a research study. All instruction is conducted by a certified, trained speech-language pathologist. The summer language intervention program provides one or two hours of instruction per week for nine weeks. Instruction focuses on building knowledge of advance sentences that are important for reading comprehension, writing, following verbal instructions, and verbal expression in middle school and beyond. Participation is based on eligibility screening which takes place in March and April. Students must have documented language or learning disability, be between 10 and 14 years old, have normal hearing, and meet certain reading and language criteria. Transportation to and from GSU is not provided. For additional information, and to register your child for evaluation, contact Dr. Catherine Balthazar at 708-534-4592 or e-mail [email protected].

Home Inspection Course to be Offered at GSU – Registration Required by April 13

GSU is offering a ‘Become a Certified Home Inspector’ certification course that will take place on May 11, 12, and 13 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at GSU’s main campus in University Park. The course provides the tools needed to successfully start a home inspection business and is open to those seeking both a part and full-time career opportunity. Studies show that full-time certified home inspectors earn approximately $50,000 per year. GSU has partnered with the American Home Inspection Training Institute (AHIT), the industry leader, to offer this comprehensive home inspection course. The course combines online materials with classroom instruction. Students will accompany the instructor to five local homes to conduct actual hands-on inspections. The course includes training on structure, interiors, exteriors, plumbing, electrical, roofs, heating and cooling, and report writing. Students will also receive expert guidance in how to develop and market a business. The course fee is $1,795 which includes all materials. Registration must be completed by April 13 and is available by calling 877-838-0959. For additional information, call 708-534-4099 or visit www.ahit.com/affiliates/govst.

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.

Healthy Living

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

Holistic Health to be Explored at GSU – Saturday, March 31

Learn about holistic health at a daylong conference on Saturday, March 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at GSU’s Hall of Governors. The conference includes presentations, demonstrations, and exhibits of holistic and healthful products and services. The event is free and sponsored by the Student Life and the GSU Wellness Club. For additional information, call Vanessa Newby at 708-534-4551 or e-mail [email protected].

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.

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.

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.

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

52nd Stamp Show, PARFOREX 2012 – Saturday, March 31

The Park Forest Stamp Club’s 52nd Postage Stamp Show, PARFOREX 2012 will be held on Saturday, March 31 at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church’s Gymnasium, 78 Cherry Street, Park Forest (corner of South Orchard Drive and Cherry Street). 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 ribbons for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. A Grand award winner will also be chosen. A judges’ critique will take place at 4 p.m. World-wide stamps, covers, cards, collections and supplies for collecting will be bought and sold at dealer tables. Free appraisals of stamps and collections will be made available. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are invited to receive aid in qualifying for Stamp Collecting merit badges at the show. The show theme, Remembering the Titanic 1912, 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 SASE to the park Forest Stamp Club, Box 606, Park Forest, IL 60466. For additional information about the show call 219-613-6561 or e-mail [email protected].

Park Forest Vehicle Stickers

Vehicle Sticker Sales Now in Progress – Stickers MUST Be Displayed Prior to May 1

The 2012-2013 Park Forest vehicle stickers go on sale beginning March 1.  Vehicle stickers must be displayed, prior to May 1, on every vehicle that is registered with the State of Illinois with a Park Forest address; even if that vehicle is not located in Park Forest.  Vehicles driven in Park Forest without a current vehicle sticker are subject to citations by law enforcement officers, until a sticker is purchased and displayed. The cost to purchase a vehicle sticker is $50 before May 1.  Vehicle sticker purchases made on or after May 1 will be assessed a late charge of $25.  An additional late fee will be assessed to vehicle sticker purchases made on or after August 1. Stickers can be purchased at Village Hall during the normal business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday – with extended hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday.  To print an application, click here. For additional information, including more details on rate changes, click here.

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.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 2901 Western Ave., Park Forest

Last Saturday Potluck – Saturday, March 31

On Saturday, March 31 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., bring a dish to share and come for an evening of fun activities including games, movies and speakers. Each monthly potluck is a bit different from the previous one. For additional information, call Brenda Lemon at 708-747-8388 or visit www.trinityparkforest.org.

Rich Township Senior Center

Free Income Tax Preparation for Citizens Over 60 – Through Thursday, April 12

Free income tax preparation, including electronic filing, is available for citizens over 60 years of age through Thursday, April 12 at Rich Township’s Leonard Robinson Family Center, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park. AARP is sponsoring this Tax Aide Program. For an appointment, please call the Rich Township Senior center at 708-748-5454. No walk-ins will be accepted. This service is available each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with the last scheduled appointment taken at 2 p.m. Please bring copies of your 2010 tax return, 2011 W-2s, 1099s, your property tax bill, and all other income forms (except for self-employment and rental income). Transportation is available through Rich Township by calling 708-748-6727.

La Rabida Joli Burrell Children’s Advocacy Center, 200 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

5th Annual Champions4Children 5K Walk or Run – Registration in Progress

On April 28, 2012, the La Rabida Joli Burrell Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is participating in the 5th Annual Champions4Children 5K walk or run to raise money and awareness of children’s advocacy centers and child abuse prevention. More than 150 walkers and runners are expected to meet at 9 a.m. outside the Park Forest Aquatic Center, 30 N. Orchard, Park Forest, IL, for the event, which organizers hope will raise $50,000. Richard Calica, director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services will serve as the Grand Marshal of the La Rabida walk in Park Forest, one of 18 taking place across the state this spring. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn is the Grand Marshal for the statewide Champions4Children Walks. La Rabida Joli Burrell Children’s Advocacy Center has participated in the statewide effort since the first Champions4Children Walk in 2008. The center is a safe, child-friendly environment for children who have experienced psychological trauma and for alleged victims of sexual abuse and other violent crimes. The CAC provides investigative, therapeutic and support services free of charge to children and their families throughout South Suburban Cook County. The La Rabida Joli Burrell Children’s Advocacy Center is part of the La Rabida Chicago Child Trauma Center which provides trauma-focused assessment and psychotherapy services to more than 400 children each year. To register for the event or to make a donation to the Center, visit http://www.larabida.org/page-CAC. For additional information about the event, call 708-481-9799 x 232 or e-mail [email protected].

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

Good As New Thrift Store – Seeking Donations

The Sertoma Centre’s Good As New Thrift Store, 4331 Lincoln Highway, Matteson, is seeking donations of gently used furniture and other household items in good condition. Proceeds from the sale of items at the Thrift Store go directly to supporting the 14 programs offered by Sertoma Centre. The store also serves as a training program for consumers at Sertoma to allow them to gain experience and transition into permanent retail jobs. The Thrift Store will pick up furniture donations within the south and southwest suburbs of Chicago free of charge. To make an arrangement to make a tax deductible donation of furniture to Good As News, call 708-481-5627. For additional information, to schedule a tour, volunteer or to make a donation, please call Amy Chmura at 708-730-6206 or e-mail [email protected].

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.

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 2012 Winter/Spring Recreation Programs & More Brochure, 2011/2012 Park Forest Fall/Winter Calendar, 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.


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