Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of March 28, 2011


Stand With Wisconsin
Kim Elmore-Perkins (center left) and husband Phil, winners of the Salon Artists Gallery Treasure Hunt, are presented with their prize, a cobalt blue "bag vase," by Matt Salley, left, and native Park Forester Chris Szaton, of Marble City Glass Work. (PHOTO SUPPLIED – Video Here)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—March 28, 2011. The Park Forest Historical Society will induct seven into the Park Forest Hall of Fame on Sunday, April 3 at 3 p.m. at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd. The 17th Annual Ceremony and reception are free and open to the public. This will mark the first year that the Society Board has selected a non-profit organization for induction. To learn more about the new inductees, read the story here on ENEWSPF.

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 Meetings

The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, March 28 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. In addition, on Saturday, April 2 at 10 a.m., the Board of Trustees will hold a Saturday Morning Rules meeting at Village Hall. 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 on the Village web site.

To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.

Park Forest’s Committee for Non-Partisan Local Government

Early Voting Ends Thursday, March 31

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: 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 28 at 10:30 a.m. – AM Storytime for children ages 2 and up
  • Monday, March 28 at 12 p.m.  – Friends Book Discussion “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
  • Tuesday, March 29 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
  • Wednesday, March 30 at 2 p.m. – Choose Your Own Adventure Scavenger Hunt – Ages 6 – 16
  • Thursday, March 31 at 3 p.m. – Name That Character: Life Size Board Game
  • Thursday, March 31 at 7:15 p.m. – Computer Class: Microsoft Access *
  • Friday, March 25 at 2 p.m. – Film – Diary of a Wimpy Kid

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 31

The Potpourri of Lectures series continues on Thursday, March 31 at 10:30 a.m. with “Kant, Hamann and the Limits of Reason” by Prairie State College Professor Max Hammond. 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.

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

New Artists Exhibit – Opens Friday, April 1

The New Artists Exhibit will open at Salon Artists’ Gallery on Friday, April 1 and run through April 30. The exhibit 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 – Saturday, April 2

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

All Student Art Exhibition – Opens Wednesday, March 30

Art Forum, GSU’s art student organization and the GSU Visual Arts Gallery are hosting the annual All Student Exhibition from March 30 to April 15. A reception and awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, March 30 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Distinguished juror Joyce Owens will judge the student work and award the monetary prizes, which include $300 for best-in-show. Refreshments will be served. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. 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.

“Cinema Speaks to Change” – Wednesday, April 6

GSU’s Honors Program continues its special community lecture series with “Cinema Speaks to Change,” a presentation by Ignatiy Vishnevetsky, film critic and co-host of ‘Ebert Presents’ on WTTW. The lecture will be held on Wednesday, April 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Hall of Honors. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Jukebox Musical Theatre Camp at GSU – Limited Registration

Young singers and dancers will have a “Glee”-ful experience at this summer’s Jukebox Musical Theatre Camp at GSU. Local school-age children will learn and perform songs from the hit TV show “Glee” during the four-day camp, from June 20 to 24. The camp concludes with a one-night-only show at 7 p.m. Friday, June 24 at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts. During the camp, students will learn songs, choreography, and scenes from “Glee” and other rock and roll musicals. Professional coaches will work with campers on scene study, voice, diction, improvisation, singing and dancing. The Center is currently accepting registration for children ages 8 to 15. Camp is six hours a day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. The weeklong camp costs $235 which includes materials, a camp t-shirt, and four tickets to the final performance. To register a camper, contact Burt Dikelsky, The Center’s executive director, at 708-235-2238. Parents should act quickly to enroll their youngsters as registration is limited to 48 campers.

Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park

‘Beauty and the Beast’ – Tickets Now on Sale

‘Beauty and the Beast’ will be performed on Saturday, April 9 at 3 p.m. Audiences of all ages will have a roaring good time following this tale of the macho Beast and the object of his affection. Tickets are priced at $15.50, $11.50, and $10.50. Special birthday packages are also available. To purchase tickets, go here or call 708-235-2222.

‘In The Mood’ – Tickets Now on Sale

Tickets are now on sale for ‘In The Mood,’ which will be performed on Sunday, April 10 at 4 p.m. Reminisce about the good ol’ days of the Greatest Generation with this musical revue filled with big brass, big band, and big sound. Tickets are priced at $44, $37, and $29. Pre-show dining is available at Scrementi’s, 3760 Chicago Rd., Steger, for $25 per person. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-235-2222 or visit: www.centertickets.net.

CAUTION – Featuring Songs of the Grateful Dead

Harte’s Saloon – Thursday, March 31

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.

Chicago Blu Grill & Bar, 19917 S. LaGrange Rd., Frankfort

Troubadour Danny Fox to Perform Friday, April 1

Young troubadour Danny Fox, who wowed everyone at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church’s Edgar’s Place concert recently, will perform at Chicago Blu Grill and Bar from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, April 1. For additional information, call 815-469-2204.

Green Events

Thorn Creek Audubon Society

Annual Dinner – Ticket Order Deadline April 1

Thorn Creek Audubon Society’s Annual dinner will be held on Tuesday, April 5 at 6 p.m. at Faith United Protestant Church, 10 Hemlock, Park Forest, IL. In addition to dinner, storyteller and actor Brian “Fox” Ellis will portray John James Audubon in a ‘one man show’ drawn from Audubon’s journals, essays and letters. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children. The deadline for receiving ticket orders with payment is Friday, April 1. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call Charles Habecker at 708-747-6061.

Field Trip to McGinnis Slough – Saturday, April 2

On Saturday, April 2 at 8 a.m. at McGinnis Slough, come and look for grebes, waders such as egrets and herons, and other early migrant waterfowl. The group will meet at McGinnis Slough parking lot, about 137th St., on the west side of Lagrange Road (Route 45). The field trip is open to all interested birders. Participants should be prepared for inclement weather and the possibility of wet conditions. Binoculars are advised.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest

Roots and Shoots – Saturday, April 2

On Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to noon, children ages 5 – 10 are encouraged to explore the environment, their community and the world around them. This event is held on the first Saturday of each month and there is a fee of $5 per child per month. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.

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

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.

Gender Matters Conference – Registration Required by April 5

GSU will host Gender Matters, an academic conference highlighting research on gender, women and sexuality, on Friday, April 8 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The purpose of the day-long conference is to bring together students, activists, and researchers in the Chicagoland and Midwest regions to discuss the ongoing role of gender in structuring society. The conference will include 16 panel discussions and more than 50 paper presentations. The research presented spans academic disciplines and historical periods. Conference attendees must register by Tuesday, April 5. Registration fee is $25 for students, $40 for other attendees and includes access to all conference proceedings, including paper and panel presentations, keynote address, continental breakfast, lunch and post conference reception with cash bar. For additional information or to register, visit: www.govst.edu/gendermatters.

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.

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.

“Dance With Me” Family Dance – Tickets On Sale Beginning April 1

Roots and Wings and B.A.S.E. program present their First Annual “Dance With Me” Family Dance on Saturday, May 7. The event will be held at Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood, Park Forest. Come and enjoy music and dancing, photo fun and other activities. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets will be on sale beginning on April 1 and are priced at $8.00 per couple and $1 for each additional family member. For additional information or to purchase tickets, contact Celebration ministries at 708-748-1995.

Rainbow Café

Monthly Meeting – Saturday, April 2

The Rainbow Café is an opportunity for single or partnered gays, lesbians, bisexuals or other sexual minorities, and their allies, over age 18 to meet one another and socialize in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Those attending are encouraged to bring some non-alcoholic drinks and a dessert or snack to pass, or bring a financial donation. However, neither is mandatory.
The Rainbow Café is held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Unitarian-Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore, Park Forest.

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; Thorn Creek Audubon Society, Chicago Blu Grill and Bar,  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.


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