Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of May 14, 2012


Rosemary Piser and Community Gardens
Rosemary Piser (far right) and other volunteers plant vegetables at the community gardens project behind the Park Forest Fire Department. (Photo: ENEWSPF)

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- May 14, 2012. The Park Forest 2012 Summer Recreation Programs & More brochure was recently mailed to all residents. As you’ll see, there are many diverse activities for young and old alike. Please keep in mind that summer programs fill quickly, so register today to avoid being disappointed. If you have not received your copy of the brochure, you can pick one up at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.

If you have some old clothing, toys household items, or furniture that are just taking up space in your closet or basement, consider donating them to Girl Scout Troop 60354’s Rummage Sale. You can drop off your donations on Friday, May 18 between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the St. Irenaeus Gym. The Rummage Sale will be held on Saturday, May 19. All proceeds from the sale will benefit local Girl Scout Troop activities. Additional information on 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.

Village of Park Forest

Village Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, May 14 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend. Village Board meetings air live on cable access channels (Channel 4 for Comcast subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T subscribers) as well as on the Village web site at www.villageofparkforest.com.

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.

Green Events

Sauk-Calumet Group of the Illinois Sierra Club, Matteson

‘Greenfire’ to be Screened at Monthly Meeting – Monday, May 14

The Sauk-Calumet Group of the Illinois Sierra Club will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, May 14 at 7:15 p.m. at the Frankfort Public Library, 21119 Pfeiffer Road (just off Route 30). The newly released documentary, “Greenfire” will be screened. “Greenfire” explores the life and legacy of famed conservationist Aldo Leopold and the many ways his land ethic philosophy influences the modern environmental movement and our lives today. Learn how Leopold’s vision of a community that cares about both people and land offers inspiration and insight for the future. The meeting is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Patrick Coffey at [email protected].

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

Wednesday Morning Walkers – May 16

Those ages 11 through adult are invited each Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. through June 13, to follow the forest’s spring changes on Thorn Creek’s trails. Trails can be wet or muddy so please wear sturdy shoes. The terrain is moderate. Registration is NOT required. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.

Thorn Creek Audubon Society (TCAS), Park Forest

Field Trip to Oak Ridge Prairie – Wednesday, May 16

Prairie, marsh, woodland and lakeside habitats are what you’ll find on our field trip to Oak Ridge Prairie on Wednesday, May 16. We’ll meet at Oak Ridge at 7 a.m. Drive to U.S. 41 in Indiana (Indianapolis Boulevard) and take Main Street east toward Griffith (Main Street is several miles north of Highway 30). Go about 3 miles to Colfax Street (Colfax is the first stoplight after Broad Street – the main intersection in Griffith). Turn south on Colfax and go about one-half mile to the preserve entrance, on the east side of Colfax. The parking lot is about a mile from the entrance. Phoebes, bluebirds, towhees, goldfinches, song sparrows and migrating warblers may be seen here. To car pool, call Mary Anne McLean at 708-672-5494 or Charlie Habecker at 708-747-6061.

Field Trip to Wooded Island with Glyn Dawson – Saturday, May 19

On Saturday, May 19, we’ll meet at 7 a.m. at the Clarence Darrow Bridge. We’ll be seeing a great variety of spring warblers, perhaps nesting Baltimore orioles, green herons and more. After birding, we will have brunch together at Café Medici. To car pool, call Charlie Habecker at 08-747-6061.

Arts & Entertainment

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

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

  • Monday, May 14 at 10:30 a.m. – Preschool Storytime
  • Monday, May 14 at 1:30 p.m. – Basic Internet – Registration Required.
  • Tuesday, May 15 at 10:30 a.m. – Preschool Storytime
  • Tuesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. – Pajama Storytime – For all story lovers Ages 2 thru 12. Drop-ins welcome.
  • Wednesday, May 16 at 3:30 p.m. – Breaktime! Ages 6 & Up. Stop in to see what we’re doing — crafts, games, more.
  • Wednesday, May 16 at 6 p.m. – Basic Internet Practice Session — The first ten people to come may attend these practice sessions. There is no registration for the practice sessions.
  • Thursday, May 17 at 10:30 a.m. – LapSit – Ages 0 – 35 months with caregiver. Registration Required.
  • Thursday, May 17 at 11:15 a.m. – Toddler Art – Ages 2-4 with caregiver. Registration Required.
  • Friday, May 18 at 4 p.m. – Teen Time – Ages 12 & up. Wii games, classic TV reruns, board game competitions, teen crafts.
  • Saturday, May 19 at 11 a.m. – Microsoft Word. Registration Required.
  • Saturday, May 19 at 2 p.m. – Learn to Use Your Kindle Fire — An introduction to using an Amazon Kindle Fire. Please note: you must bring your own device for this class.
  • Saturday, May 19 at 3 p.m. – Gardening Day — It’s all about sunflowers and ladybugs! Adults will learn all about this bright cheerful plant and beneficial insect, kids will plant seeds and learn how to make sunflower houses. Special ladybug give-away!

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

Park Forest Historical Society, Park Forest

Park Forest House Museum – Decorated for Easter

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 currently decorated with honeycomb and die cut period decorations and Easter baskets. On display are hand-painted, hollow eggs brought from the Orient after World War II. The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 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

“Spring Forward’ Exhibit – Through May 31

Join Salon Artists Gallery for this wonderful exhibit entitled ‘Spring Forward’ which runs through May 31st. For additional information or Gallery hours, call Patricia Moore at 708-833-5108 or Bev Szaton at 708-748-3946.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Data Screens Machines’ First-Ever New Media Arts Show – Through May 27

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 exhibit will run through May 27. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-748-3377 or visit http://www.tallgrassarts.org/.

Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Dr., Park Forest

“Forks Over Knives” Film Screening & Discussion – Saturday, May 26

On Saturday, May 26, at 7:00 p.m. the movie “Forks Over Knives” will be shown. A discussion will follow the film screening. “Forks Over Knifes” examines the profound claim that most, if not all of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed by rejecting the standard American diet of animal-based and processed foods. It is educational, entertaining, and life-saving. In addition to looking at facts and research, this film traces the journey of several Americans as they move to a whole food plant-based diet, and the extraordinary medical results that follow. Roger Ebert says: “Here is a film that could save your life.” The event is free and open to the public. Complimentary coffee, tea and popcorn will be provided. Optional donations will be accepted. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park

Narski Music & Chicago’s Smooth 87.7 FM Presents: A Celebration of Chicago Artists —Tickets Now on Sale

Narski Music & Chicago’s Smooth 87.7 FM Presents: ‘A Celebration of Chicago Artists’on Saturday, May 26 at 7 p.m. The event will be hosted by 87.7 FM’s Rick O’Dell. ‘A Celebration of Chicago Artists’ will feature Bass Guitarist Michael Manson; Comedian Ron Baker, Jr.; Saxophonist”Carlos Cannon”; Jazz/Funk KeyboardistChris Allison; Grammy Nominee Guitarist Paul Richmond; Vocalist “Babi Doll”; and SaxophonistMarqueal Jordan. Regular Admission tickets are $38 and General Admission Tickets are $27. Limited VIP Seats are available for $54 and include priority seating, backstage pass, meet and greet with the artists, and food and beverages. To purchase tickets, visit: www.centertickets.net or by calling 708-235-2222.

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

‘Strange & Beautiful’ Paintings & Drawings by Javier Chavira – Opens May 16

‘Strange & Beautiful,’ an exhibition of paintings and drawing by Javier Chavira will Open on Wednesday, May 16 and run through Thursday, June 16. A closing reception will be held on Friday, Jane 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Gallery. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For Gallery Hours or additional information, call 815-464-8818 or visit www.monkeymindartstudio.com.

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

Artwork by Graduating PSC Students on Display – Through May 24

Works of art from nine graduating PSC students will be on display through May 24 in the Christopher Art Gallery, located on PSC main campus. The featured works include drawings, painting, photography, and mixed-media pieces by the students, who are completing degrees in fine arts, graphic communications, and photography. Students whose art will be displayed are Carol Bruns and David Koenig of Beecher; Shane Senesac of Crete; April Grammer of Flossmoor; Samantha Cook and Norman Harris of Matteson; Jeanette Howard of Richton Park; Alan Bulava of South Chicago Heights; and Sybil Moore of Steger. The event is free and open to the public. Hours for the Christopher Art Gallery are Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visits also can be made by appointment. For additional information about the exhibit, or to make an appointment for a visit, call the PSC Foundation at 708-709-3636.

Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights

Homewood-Flossmoor High School AP Art Exhibit – May 16 through May 19

USC presents the current work of the Homewood Flossmoor High School AP Art Students beginning May 16. The exhibit will run through May 18. An artist’s reception will be held on Friday, May 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For additional information or Gallery hours, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

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

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

Village of Park Forest

39th Annual Farmers’ Market – Every Saturday Through October 27

The 39th Annual Farmers’ Market will be held from 7 a.m. to 12 noon on the corner of Lakewood & Cunningham Drive through October 27. The market offers local fresh vegetables, fruits, organic breads, cookies, specialty produce, garden bedding plants, perennials, garden ornaments, salsas, BBQ pork chops, hamburgers, Polish sausage, fresh tamales, jewelry, funnel cakes, and fundraising products from a variety of individuals and civic groups. For additional information, call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.pfhealth.net.

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

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.

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.

This & That

Park Forest Nurses Club, Park Forest

Annual Banquet – Thursday, May 17

The Park Forest Nurses Club will host its final annual banquet on Thursday, May 17 at Carlo Lorenzetti’s restaurant, 560 W. Lincoln Highway, Chicago Heights. Cocktails will be served at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Nursing scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 will be awarded to ten area students at the banquet. The Club, formed in 1950 and incorporated in 1958, will restructure following the close of its 2011 – 2012 year. For additional information, call Barbara Principali at 708-481-8387.

Church of St. Mary, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest

‘Resale Extravaganza’ – Friday & Saturday, May 18 – 19

The Church of St. Mary will present its ‘Resale Extravaganza’ on Friday and Saturday, May 18 and 19 at the church. The event will feature new and gently used clothing, furniture, and household items. For additional information, call Carol Bartels at 708-748-6686.

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.

First Baptist Church of Park Forest, 80 North Orchard Drive, Park Forest

Rummage Sale to Support the Tabitha Food Pantry – Saturday, May 26

On Saturday, May 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., First Baptist Church of Park Forest will hold a Rummage Sale to support the Tabitha Food Pantry. There will be both new and used items for sale including Beanie Babies. Table space is available for a $15 donation per table. If the church supplies the table, the donation is $25.  A letter will be provided for any unsold items donated to the pantry. For additional information, call 708-748-2566.

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

Friday Fish Fry – May 18

Join Park Forest’s American Legion Post 1198 for fish, shrimp, wings, beef and appetizers every Friday in the month of May. Carry outs are available. For additional information, call Jesse Rodriguez at 708-481-3055.

Girl Scout Troop 60354, Park Forest

Rummage Sale – Saturday, May 19

Girl Scout Troop 60354 will hold a Rummage Sale on Saturday, May 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Irenaeus Gym, 78 Cherry Street, Park Forest. The Rummage Sale will feature a large assortment of items such as clothing, toys, crafts, household items, and even some furniture. Additional donations can be dropped off on Friday, May 18 between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at St. Irenaeus Gym. Free refreshments donated and baked by the Girl Scout Leaders and parents will be available at the Rummage Sale. All proceeds from the Rummage Sale will benefit local Girl Scout troop activities. For additional information, call Mary Smith at 708-767-5335.

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.

Park Forest Baseball

Baseball Outing on June 20 – Tickets Now on Sale

Park Forest Baseball will hold a baseball outing on Wednesday, June 20 at Standard Bank Stadium, 14011 S. Kenton, Crestwood, when the Windy City ThunderBolts take on the Traverse City Beach Bums. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are $10. Hot dogs and sodas will be available for $1 each. A portion of all tickets sold will benefit Park Forest Baseball. If 100 tickets are sold, a Park Forest player will get the chance to escort a ThunderBolt player to their position. If 300 tickets are sold, Park Forest Baseball may have a chance at other ThunderBolts in-park activities. Advocate South Suburban Hospital will also be hosting a free health clinic on the ballpark concourse that evening. And after the game, all kids are allowed to run the bases! For additional information or to purchase tickets, call Booster Club Members, Tom Mick at 708-516-7140 or Dan Wieringa at 708-441-5408.

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].

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 Summer Recreation Programs & More Brochure, 2012 Park Forest Spring/Summer 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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