Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—March 29, 2010. Park Forest and other south-suburban residents are well-aware of the high density levels of white-tailed deer in our surrounding forest preserves that visit our yards regularly at night. While seeing deer in your yard used to be a winter event, it is now a year-round occurrence. According to the Forest Preserve District, the overpopulation of deer not only negatively affects the vegetation within our natural areas, but also the availability of food sources for wildlife, threatening the well-being of the deer themselves as well as other animal species. During the month of April, the Forest Preserve District of Will County will host three public meetings to discuss its proposed plan to manage deer. Details about these meetings can be found below in the “This & That” section of this column.
If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in our community during the upcoming week, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.
Village of Park Forest Meetings
Village Board Meeting
The Village Board is scheduled to hold a Saturday morning rules meeting on April 3 at 10 a.m. at Village Hall. Residents are encouraged to attend.
To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch
Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Boards
The following Village Commissions will meet this week:
- Environment Commission – Thursday, April 1 at 7:00 p.m.
- Senior Citizens Advisory Commission – Thursday, April 1 at 1:00 p.m.
All meetings are held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Healthy Living
Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (lower level)
H1N1 Vaccine Available at Park Forest Health Department
The Park Forest Health Department has a limited supply of H1N1 vaccines available. H1N1 vaccines will be given by appointment only on Mondays and Fridays while supplies last. The fee for the vaccine is $15 and must be paid in cash at the time the vaccine is given. Medicare primary is accepted and Medicaid accepted for those 6 months through 18 years of age. No Managed Care enrollees accepted.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 708-481-1118. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Babies, Teens and Adults Immunization Clinics
Babies, teens and adult immunization and flu and pneumonia clinics will be held on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details or to schedule an appointment, call 708-748-1118. The Health Department is a low cost provider for children and adult immunizations.
Blood Pressure Screening
A free Blood Pressure Clinic is held at the Park Forest Health Department Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Elevated blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Walk in or call ahead at 708-748-1118.
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.
Arts and Entertainment
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard
The following event will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:
- Saturday, April 3 at 2 p.m. – Earth Day Every Day. A special Spring family program.
For more information, call the Park Forest Library’s Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.
Potpourri of Lectures – Thursday, April 1
The Library’s Potpourri of Lectures series continues this week at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. This week’s lecture is:
Thursday, April 1 at 10:30 a.m. – “Federal Stimulus and Local Development” by Park Forest Village Manager, Tom Mick. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information on this event, please call the Library’s Adult Services Department 708-748-3731.
Rich South & Rich Central High Schools
Jazz Ensemble – Tickets Now on Sale
The Rich South and Rich Central High School Band Departments will hold a collaborative event as they proudly present world renowned drummer Lewis Nash with the Northern Illinois University Jazz Ensemble on Friday, April 9 at 7 p.m. The event will be held in the Rich South Performing Arts Center, 5000 Sauk Trail, Richton Park, IL. Tickets are $10. For additional information or to purchase a ticket, call 708-679-3023 ore e-mail [email protected].
Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Way, Park Forest
“No Way to Treat a Lady” – Tickets Now on Sale
This slightly twisted musical comedy is based on the best-selling novel (and hit film) about a publicity seeking actor-turned-serial killer who’s a master of disguises, and the hapless NYPD detective who hunts him down. It’s a devilish blend of humor, romance and murder. Opens April 16 and runs through May 2.
Performances are Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8 PM, and Sundays at 2:30 & 7:30 PM. Tickets are priced at $21 on Fri. & Sat., $19 at all other times. There is a $1 discount for students and seniors (65+). The Illinois Theatre Center is located in Downtown Park Forest at 371 Artists Walk (off Indianwood Blvd., adjacent to Village Hall). For tickets, call 708-481-3510.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 467 Artists Way, Park Forest
“Something Jazzy” – Through April 11
The Tall Grass Arts Association will host an exhibit entitled “Something Jazzy” 2010 Invitational. There is something jazzy in all of us. It is our rhythm, our muse, our passion. It is the interpretation of the sounds of jazz and a reflection of our soul. The gallery is open to the public, free of charge. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit the website at www.tallgrassarts.org
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
Fateful Pairs – Tickets Now on Sale
On Saturday, April 10 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 11 at 3 p.m., Conductor, Carmon DeLeone and the Orchestra will perform Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to West Side Story, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 in D Major, op. 36, Stephen Gerber’s Vivace from Concerto for Two Horns (Midwest Premiere featuring John & Laura Fairfield on horns), and P.I. Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy.
The event will be held at Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort, IL. Tickets range in price from $50 to $15. For more information, call 708-481-7774 or visit www.ipomusic.org.
Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway
Whose Live Anyway? – Tickets Now on Sale
On Friday, April 30 at 8 p.m., get ready for 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Chip Esten and Jeff B. Davis leave their audiences gasping with the very witty scenes they invent, right before your eyes. More fun that the hit TV Show, Whose Line is it Anyway? Tickets are $56, $49, and $45. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 708-235-2222 or email [email protected].
Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd, Park Forest
Megon McDonough, “Her Way – An Interesting Bunch of Gals” – Tickets Now on Sale
As part of its Senior Series, Megon McDonough will perform on April 5 at 11 a.m. The performance will highlight some of the most prolific and memorable female singers of the last 60 years. The stage is set for a fabulously engaging and ultra-amusing morning of entertainment with the powerhouse ensemble, Big City Jazz. Tickets are $10.00. For more information or to order tickets, please call 708-747-0580.
Abraxas – Tickets Now on Sale
On Saturday, April 10 at 8 p.m., experience a musical tribute to Carlos Santana covering five decades of Santana hits. Inspired by the incredible intensity of his music, Abraxas shares a passion for recreating the electrifying sounds of Carlos Santana. Audiences, without exception have been awed by the authentic Santana sound that Abraxas delivers during their stunning shows. With Abraxas, it’s all there: the propulsive Latin percussion, the fiery lead guitar work, the ‘groove’ that connects the soul of the audience. Tickets are $23. For more information or to order tickets, please call 708-747-0580.
“Animal Tales & Dinosaur Scales” – Tickets Now on Sale
Freedom Hall’s Children’s Theatre presents “Animal Tales & Dinosaur Scales” on Thursday, April 15 and Friday, April 16. Geared to younger audience’s interest and fascination with animal characters, this presentation gives the little ones plenty of opportunities to sing and play along with the pros. Stories include a fable about a lion and a cloud, adventures of a rabbit in pursuit of carrots, trials of a dog’s life, and pros and cons of owning a dinosaur. School groups can attend at 10 a.m. on each day. The event will also be held at 7 p.m. on April 16. Tickets are $7. For more information or to order tickets, please call 708-747-0580.
Park Forest Historical Society
Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard (Corner of Forest & Fir)
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum is decorated for a 1950s Easter through April. There is a set of hand-painted blown eggs brought back from World War II Japan. The Museum is open on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Group tours are by appointment. Call 708-748-3731.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway
“Art on Campus” Exhibit – Through March 31
GSU and the South Suburban Collaborative Arts Guild (CAG) are joining forces to present “Art on Campus.” The exhibit, featuring the paintings, photography, and poetry of seven members of the CAG, runs through March 31 in the GSU main entrance Atrium Gallery and the Upstairs Gallery at the Center for the Performing Arts. The CAG is part of Union Street Gallery, Chicago Heights and provides area artists a platform to develop their creativity, exhibit their art, and conduct business as professional artists. For more information, call 773-398-5765.
Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, IL
Image Attitude Impression – Through April 9
This National Juried Exhibit presents a broad range of works that address and question identity, role-playing, transformation, masquerade, and relationship. The collection of sixty-six works chosen for the exhibit by juror Geoffrey Bates is a complex mix of dark humor, visual puzzles, haunting memories and bizarre dreams. For more information or to hear gallery hours, call 708-754-2601.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Village of Park Forest, Park Forest Environment Commission, Park Forest Garden Club
“Proper Use of Herbicides/Pesticides in Your Garden” – April 17
On Saturday, April 17 at 10 a.m., learn about the potential environmental and health hazards of improper use of herbicides and pesticides in your garden and alternatives that are more environmentally friendly. Guest speakers include Amy Mysz, Environmental Health Scientist with the Pesticides Section of the Chicago Regional Office of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Emily Kenny, Co-founder of Multidisciplinary Education for the Environment (ME4E). The event will be held at Park Forest’s new Wetland Discovery Center environmental classroom located at the Aqua Center, 30 North Orchard Drive.
Free compact florescent light bulbs, crab apple tree saplings and marigold seeds will be available while supplies last. Rain barrels will also be available for $50 for the remaining inventory (prices will increase after this event). Other exhibits and information will also be on display. Refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Park Forest Garden Club. For additional information, call Rosemary Piser at 708-747-1991.
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
Roots and Shoots – Saturday, April 3
On Saturday, April 3 from 10 a.m. to noon, children ages 5 – 10 are encouraged to explore the environment, their community and the world around them. There is a fee of $5 per child. Parents can attend for free. For more information, please call 708-747-6320.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway
Transformations Lecture Series – Wednesday, March 31
On Wednesday, March 31 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Transformations Lecture series at Governors State University continues with a presentation by Tom Tresser, community activist, creativity champion, and defender of the Commons. The event will be held in GSU’s Hall of Honors. Tresser’s topic will be “Championing Creativity and Change: Working from the Bottom Up, Outside In.” Tresser, an instructor at DePaul University, has a long history of local activism and is the 2010 Green party candidate for President of the Cook County Board. For more information, call 708-534-4578
GSU Education Administration Program Cohort Information Sessions – Registration Required
Representatives from GSU will host information sessions for certified teachers interested in earning a Master of Arts in Educational Administration with coursework leading to Type 76 Certification. Registration in programs beginning Fall 2010 ensures completion of a graduate program prior to state mandated changes to principal preparation programs. Coursework will be presented in cohort format, which enables students enrolled in the program to complete their degree on a predetermined schedule. Master of Arts in Educational Administration programs are open to certified teachers with two years experience.
The information session for the cohort classes located at South Suburban College Center, 16333 Kilbourne Street, Oak Forest, will be held on Thursday, April 22 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Room 5150. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school for six semesters.
The information session for cohort located at GSU will be on Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in room D1496. Classes will be held on Saturdays for six semesters.
For more information or to reserve a seat, call 708-534-6979.
Free Computer Workshops
GSU’s Library is offering free computer workshops to members of the community, students, staff, and faculty. Workshop topics include blogging, PowerPoint Basic, APA style formatting, plagiarism detection, and several workshops on genealogy. The workshops will take place in March and April and are open to the public. Advance registration is recommended but not required. For more information and a complete schedule of workshops, visit www.govst.edu/library or call 708-235-7514.
Holiday Star Theater Scholarship Program for Arts and Media Majors
The Holiday Star Theater, 340 Main St., Park Forest, is offering $12,500 in scholarships for the Fall 2010 semester to local high school and college students who plan to or are currently majoring in film production, theater management, performing arts or related fields at a local Chicago-area college or university. Applicants will be evaluated based on a variety of factors including GPA, level of community involvement and other outstanding factors with preference given to residents of Park Forest and its surrounding communities. Additional information and the application form can be downloaded at www.theholidaystartheater.net/scholarship.pdf. Applications must be submitted no later than May 17, 2010.
Shop Locally
Park Forest Holiday Coupons
Even though the holidays are over, your Park Forest Holiday shopping coupons are still valid. Park Forest residents should have received coupons in the mail from eleven Park Forest businesses for specials, offers and promotions – some of which will be honored through mid 2010. Participating businesses include: Lifetime Automotive Repair, 7-Eleven, Taco Bell, Tower Cleaners, The Children’s House, Cricket, Quality Classic Health & Fitness Center, Cedarwood Cooperative, Park Forest Auto Service, Inc., State Farm Insurance – Michael Jordan, Agent and Remedy Salon. Resolve to shop first in Park Forest during 2010.
Garden Club of Park Forest
“A Gardener’s Cookbook”
To celebrate their 55th anniversary, the Park Forest Garden Club offers this cookbook filled with memories, gardening tips, flowery sayings and of course recipes. Makes a great gift. All proceeds go to the club and are used toward community contributions. Cookbooks are $9 and are available at the Park Forest Recreation and Parks Department, 350 Victory Drive. Call 708-748-2005 for additional information.
Greening of Park Forest
South Suburban Family Shelter Used Cell Phone Collection Drive
South Suburban Family Shelter (SSFS) is seeking cell phone donations for their ongoing fundraising program. Proceeds from the collection fund the critical programs and services provided to families who experience domestic violence. All victim services are provided free of charge and are available in English and Spanish. Cell phone collection sites currently include:
- SSFS Administrative Office, 18139 Harwood, Homewood, IL
- Bergstein’s NY Deli, 200 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights, IL
- Doyle Designed Salon, 2630 Flossmoor Rd., Flossmoor, IL
All donations are tax deductible and receipts are available at collection sites. For more information about SSFS or the fundraising drive, please contact Ms. Meilach at 708-794-2140, extension 303.
Local Recycling Resources and Proper Disposal of Unused Medicine
Do you have old televisions, computers, video games or other electronics or household appliances that need to be recycled? Want to know how to properly dispose of old or unused medication? Click on the “Recycling” icon found on the top of eNews Park Forest and you will find useful information on proper recycling/disposal that will not only be good for the environment, but in some cases, earn you a few dollars as well.
Safe Disposal Program – Bio-waste
The Park Forest Health Department and Environment Commission have partnered to provide information on the proper disposal of bio-waste such as used syringes or lancets (medical sharps). Begin by purchasing a Sharps container to dispose of your medical sharps for $10 at the Park Forest Health Department. Return the filled container to the Park Forest Health Department and purchase a new container. Call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 for more information.
Recycle Used Cell Phones and Cell Phone Accessories
The Rotary Club of Park Forest is conducting a used cell phone and accessory collection drive to benefit the families and programs of the South Suburban Family Shelter. Donated items can be placed in the collection box located in the lobby of Village Hall. For more information, call Denyse Carreras at 708-283-5603.
Go Green with a Free Tote Bag
The Village of Park Forest encourages residents to visit Village Hall to pick up an environmentally friendly canvas bag that can be used for your day-to-day shopping needs. These bags are free while supplies last with only two expectations: 1) that residents have a valid email address so that future environmentally conscious concepts can be shared by the Village’s Environment Commission; and 2) that bags are limited to one per household. For more information on this program, visit the Village Manager’s Office on the second floor of Village Hall of call 708-748-1129.
This & That
2010 Diversity Dinners – Thursday, April 22
The 2010 Diversity Dinners will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, 2010. The event, held at multiple homes, schools and other locations in Chicago’s south suburbs, brings people of different races, ethnicities, religions, lifestyles and ages together to share a meal, and have a conversation about various issues. These exchanges have led to a better understanding of our similarities and differences in our diverse society. Those wishing to participate by either hosting or attending a dinner should call Nancy Kolanowski at 708-283-4777 (e-mail [email protected]) or Barbara Moore at 708-747-6455 (e-mail [email protected]).
Public Meetings on District Deer Management Plan
The Forest Preserve District of Will County will host three public meetings to discuss its proposed plan to manage deer. Meetings are scheduled for:
- Thursday, April 1 at the Village of Plainfield, 24401 W. Lockport Street, Plainfield (Community Rooms A and B, on the upper level of Village Hall);
- Tuesday, April 13 at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, McKinley Woods, 25055 W. Walnut Lane, Channahon; and
- Wednesday, April 14 at Lincolnway Central High School, Rosenquist Auditorium (Enter at Door #1D), 1801 E. Lincoln Highway, New Lenox.
Each meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will offer an opportunity for the public to obtain information, ask questions and provide comments. Comments may also be submitted electronically via the on-line form located at: http://www.reconnectwithnature.org.
To view the District’s draft deer management plan, visit: http://www.reconnectwithnature.org.
The District recognizes white-tailed deer as an important part of the County’s biodiversity, and in taking these measures seeks to secure the health of the deer as well as maintain sustainable natural areas for all plants and species.
Sertoma Centre, 4343 W. 123rd St., Alsip
High Tea Party – Register by April 2
Escape back to a time of pretty hats, secret treasures, sweet treats and laughter. You are cordially invited to attend a dress-up High Tea Party on Friday, April 16 at 12 noon at the Crystal Tree Country Club, 10700 W. 153rd St., Orland Park, IL. Tickets are $35 per person and include traditional high tea with delicious scones, tea sandwiches, petit fours, a variety of teas and champagne along with musical entertainment.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Sertoma Centre’s Speech and Hearing Center which provides quality aid at discounted prices and over 650 individuals with disabilities who receive programs at Sertoma Centre. Registration forms can be obtained at: http://www.sertomacentre.org/Invitation.pdf.
Seeking Next Champion Firehouse Chef
On Saturday, May 15, the Sertoma Centre will hold its Big Event 2010 at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park, IL If you consider yourself the best firehouse chef in the city or suburbs, then this competition is for you. Chefs must prepare sample size portions for 500 people, and will be reimbursed up to $500 for food expenses. Every chef will also receive a ‘thank-you’ basket chockfull of brand new cooking items for participating. To complete, please complete an official Big Event 2010 Registration Form by April 1, 2010. Forms can be found at www.sertomacentre.org or call Melanie Jones at 708-730-6206. All proceeds from this event will benefit programs at Sertoma Centre in Alsip and Matteson for over 650 individuals with developmental, physical, emotional disabilities and/or mental illness.
Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood, Blvd. (lower level)
Easter Egg Hunt & Breakfast – Saturday, April 3
On Saturday, April 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Celebration Ministries will hold its 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Breakfast will be served. There will be music and much more. To RSVP, call 708-748-1995.
Donate Unused Air Miles to Support Families of Wounded Servicemembers
“Operation Hero Miles” collects unused frequent flyer miles to help military families visit service members who were injured in Iraq or Afghanistan and are recovering in military hospitals around the world. Airline partners are: AirTran, Alaska Airlines, American, Frontier, Midwest, Northwest, United, and US Airways. To donate airline miles, visit www.FisherHouse.org.
Donate to Troops Serving Abroad
The Village of Park Forest is currently seeking the names and addresses of local military personnel currently serving overseas so that they may receive packaged donations from Park Forest residents. If you are a Park Forest resident and have a family member from your household currently deployed or if you have recently returned from a tour of duty, please call Judi Lancaster at 708-283-5608 or stop by the Manager’s Office at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.
Sources: Park Forest Discovery Magazine, 2010 Winter/Spring Recreation Programs, Park Forest Fall/Winter 2009 Calendar of Events, Rep. A. DeLuca, Park Forest Library, Village of Park Forest, Center for Performing Arts, Governors State University, Prairie State College, Freedom Hall, Illinois Theatre Center, Tall Grass Arts Association, Union Street Gallery, Park Forest Rotary Club, South Suburban Family Shelter, Sertoma Centre, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, and Park Forest Historical Society websites.
