In and Around Park Forest Week of May 16, 2011

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—May 16, 2011. Come out and see what thousands of Park Forest students experience each year at the Wetlands Discovery Center during the Environmental Science Expo that will be held on Saturday, May 21. You can check out a short video on some of the student projects recently presented to Mayor Ostenburg and the Village Trustees by clicking here. Additional information about the Environmental Science Expo can be found in the ‘Green Events’ 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 Village Board is scheduled to meet on Monday, May 16 at 7 p.m. 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 at www.villageofparkforest.com.

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

Village of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings

The following Advisory Boards will meet the week of May 16:

• Tuesday, May 17 at 7 p.m. – Recreation & Parks Advisory Board

The meeting will take place at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Dr. Residents are encouraged to attend.

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 16 at 10:30 a.m. – AM Storytime for ages 2 and up
• Monday, May 16 at 3:30 p.m. – Tutoring Available
• Monday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. – Jazz on Monday Nights featuring John Coltrane
• Tuesday, May 17 at 1:30 p.m. – Computer Class: Email 1: Signing up for an Account *
• Tuesday, May 17 at 3:30 p.m. – Tutoring Available
• Tuesday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m. – Blues for Tuesday featuring Etta James
• Tuesday, May 17 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
• Thursday, May 19 at 3:30 p.m. – Tutoring Available
• Friday, May 20 at 4 p.m. – Happy Birthday to You
• Saturday, May 21 at 2 p.m. – Annual Gardening Day: Herb Gardening for Beginners

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.

Museum Adventure Passes – Presented by Macy’s — Available at Park Forest Library

Check out free passes to area museums with your library card. Ask at the Patron Services desk for more details. There is a limited amount of passes and are available first come, first serve and are good through August 31, 2011. For a list of participating museums, to find out what discoveries await you, get directions to the museum, and review each museum’s pass entry offer, including any restrictions that may apply, visit http://www.museumadventure.org/

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

’25 Years with Carmon’ – Saturday, May 21

Tickets are now on sale for ’25 Years with Carmon’ which will be held on Saturday, May 21 at 8 p.m. at Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 S. Harlem, Frankfort. We honor the Silver Anniversary of our Music Director, Carmon DeLeone, and his contributions to the Chicago Southland with works by Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin! Guest soloists for the concert include pianist Kevin Cole and vocalist Benjamin Warschawski. Works to be performed include: Bernstein‘s Overture to Candide and selections from Mass “Make our Garden Grow” from Candide and Gershwin’s Cuban Overture and Rhapsody in Blue. Tickets are $30, $40, and $50 and can be purchased at: https://secure.ticketsage.net/EventsPage.

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

“Wilde Tales” – Saturday, May 21

Chicago’s Inconceivable Theatre comes to ITC with “Wilde Tales” based on children’s stories by Oscar Wilde, for one performance, on Saturday, May 21 at 2 p.m. “Wilde Tales” consists of four stories: “The Devoted Friend,” “The Nightingale and the Rose,” “The Selfish Giant,” and “The Remarkable Rocket.” These fairy tales explore love, friendship, loyalty and the foibles of ego with charm, poignancy, and humor suitable for the whole family. The show is 70 minutes long. Tickets are priced at $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. For additional information, or to purchase tickets, call 708-481-3510.

Park Forest Historical Society, 400 Forest Blvd., Park Forest

Park Forest House Museum – Every Saturday

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Blvd. Park Forest, is open Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment. It is an original rental townhome decorated as it might have looked from 1946 – 1953 during the first five years of Park Forest. 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

“Shouts and Whispers: a Lifetime in Photography: by Donald Kouba” Exhibit –Opens May 20

“Shouts and Whispers: a Lifetime in Photography“ by Donald W. Kouba will open in the Tall Grass Gallery on May 20 with an opening reception from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The exhibit will run through July 17. The exhibit is comprised of photographs derived from a variety of themed series or visual movements. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or gallery hours, call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.

Congregation Am Eschad, 160 Westwood Dr., Park Forest

An Evening with Aaron Freeman – Sunday, May 22

An evening of great entertainment with radio host, stand-up comedian and author, Aaron Freeman will be held on Sunday, May 22 at 7 p.m. at Congregation Am Eschad. Freeman will present his humorous and thought-provoking views on “News Today/Comedy Tonight” and Kosher Chitterlings.” Tickets are $25 in advance of the event and $30 at the door. The ticket price includes a dessert and coffee buffet. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call 708-748-5722.

Park Forest Community Relations

Open Mic/Karaoke Night – Friday, May 20

Calling all poets, musicians, and singers ages 21 and up to come out and share your talent during Open Mic/Karaoke Night to be held Friday, May 20 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street, Park Forest. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-283-5621 or email [email protected].

Fathers & Sons Outing at Odyssey Fund World – Tickets Now on Sale

Tickets are now on sale for the Fathers & Sons Outing at Odyssey Fun World, 19111 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park, which will be held on Saturday, June 4 from Noon to 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 and include: transportation, Park Forest T-Shirt (must be worn at the event), pizza and pop meal, 40 game tokens, unlimited indoor rides, and unlimited exploration and adventure. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-283-5621.

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

Faith Follies – Sunday, May 22

Faith Theater will present Faith Follies as the final production of their 2010 – 2011 season on Sunday, May 22 at 3 p.m. The show, guaranteed to entertain any age audience, will feature a variety of extremely talented members of the Faith Church family. In addition to the many individual and small group presentations, we will offer special music by the Voices of Faith during the production. All tickets are specially-priced at $5. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call Vaughn Van Dolan at 708-747-1330.

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

Southland Theatre Ensemble (SLATE) Holding Auditions for ‘Ragtime’ – May 18 & 19

SLATE at Governors State University has announced that it will present the musical ‘Ragtime’ as its 2011 summer production. Auditions will take place May 18 and 19 in GSU’s Sherman Recital Hall. There are roles for six principal cast members, 10 supporting players, and 23 ensemble members. Persons wishing to audition should be prepared to present a one minute song selection that demonstrates their vocal range. A dance call will follow the vocal audition. For additional information or to schedule an audition, visit: www.slatetheatre.org

Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park

Damian Hines Presents “Worst Case Scenario” the Stage Play – Tickets Now on Sale

Tickets are now on sale for “Worst Case Scenario” which will take place on Saturday, May 28 at 7 p.m. The play features R & B sensation Kelly Price and comedian Leon Rogers. Tickets are priced at $30 and $25. 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, May 19

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.

Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights

Homewood Flossmoor High School AP Art Student Exhibit – Opens May 18

Union Street Gallery will present the current work of the Homewood Flossmoor High School AP Art students May 18 through May 20. A reception will be held on Friday, May 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. For Gallery hours or additional information, call 708-754-2601.

Paint By Numbers Works Needed for June Exhibit

Union Street Gallery is looking for Paint by Numbers works to display for a special interactive exhibit that will be featured on June 10 and 11. The works do not have to be original. Vintage or older pieces are preferred but new pieces will be accepted as well. Pieces can be finished or unfinished, the final products or the unused kit. Union Street will accept pieces on loan as well. All donations are tax deductible. Drop off all donations during regular gallery hours. For Gallery hours or additional information, call 708-754-2601.

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

“Drawn to the Surface” – Through June 4

“Drawn to the Surface,” an exhibit featuring the bodies of work of Margie Glass-Sula, MA, and Patty McWilliams, MA will run through June 4. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information or gallery hours, call 815-464-8818 or visit www.monkeymindartstudio.com.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

State Representative Al Riley’s Youth Committee

“Faces of the Future” – Applications Accepted Through May 27

Applications are now being accepted for State Representative Al Riley’s Youth Committee “Faces of the Future.” This program was established to develop high school students’ interest in the legislative process. Participants will complete a project of lasting community significance and meet other legislative and political figures in the state and in their communities. Students will learn about government issues and operations, world government organizations, strategic planning, the juvenile justice system and develop personal management skills. Working as a team, Youth Committee members will also identify issues currently facing high school aged youth and develop resolution. The Youth Committee will meet on Saturdays through the 2011 – 2012 school year. Students must be sophomores, junior or seniors beginning this fall and submit the following by May 27 to Representative Riley’s district office, 3649 W. 183rd St., Suite 102:

• Interest Form (available at Representative Riley’s Office);
• A 150 word essay as described on the Interest Form;
• Letter of recommendation from a counselor, administrator or official at the place where the student performs community service; and
• Proof of a 2.75 GPA and be in good academic and behavioral standing.

For more information, contact Representative Riley’s office at 708-799-4364.

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

Human Performance and Training Open House – Tuesday, May 17

On Tuesday, May 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., in room D34115, the graduate degree program in Human Performance and Training at GSU is sponsoring an open house. Information on how to learn the skills and gain the credentials necessary for careers in fields relating to training, development, human resources, and instructional design will be provided. Graduates of this program will receive a Master of Arts in Communication and Training degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a more than 30% growth in careers in these fields. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 708-235-3983.

GSU Education Administration Program Cohort Information Session – May 24

Certified teachers interested in earning a Master of Arts in Educational Administration with coursework leading to Type 75 Certification before upcoming ISBE Principal Redesign changes are implemented should attend an information session hosted by GSU at Lincoln-Way Central High School, 1801 E. Lincoln Highway, New Lenox. The session will be held on Tuesday, May 24 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the school’s Knights Round Table Hall. Information will be provided on the GSU M.A. in Education Administration cohort program to begin in Fall 2011. The cohort format enables students enrolled in the program to complete their degree on a predetermined schedule. This cohort is open to any certified teacher in any public or private school with two years of experience. For additional information or to reserve a seat, call 708-534-4536 or email [email protected].

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

Junior Ecologists Club – Saturday, May 21

On Saturday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to noon, children ages 11 – 15 can discover the woods in a new way and join naturalists to explore the woods and track seasonal changes. This club meets on the third Saturday of each month. There is a fee of $5 per child per month. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.

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.

Green Events

Park Forest Recreation & Parks

Environmental Science Expo — Saturday, May 21

Come out and see what thousands of Park Forest students experience each year at the Wetlands Discovery Center, 30 Orchard Dr., from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. The Expo will feature student led projects demonstrating alternative energy (solar, wind, hydro), green roofs, storm water management (rain gardens, rain barrels, wetlands) and examples of the benefits of biodiversity. See firsthand a working solar hot water system and how these alternative sources of energy can be practically used in and around your home.  Also, experience a working rain garden and watch as students plant the new vertical gardens and the student run butterfly garden. Watch as butterfly caterpillars feed and form into their chrysalis stage – you might even see some butterflies emerge! For additional information, contact Park Forest Recreation & Parks at 708-748-2005.

Thorn Creek Audubon Society

Field Trip to Hickory Creek Preserve – Wednesday, May 18

On Wednesday, May 18, at 7 a.m. head to the Hickory Creek Preserve. To reach the preserve, go west on LaPorte Road from LaGrange Road (Rt. 45); entrance to the preserve will be on the left (south side. Follow the preserve road to the third and last parking lot. Hickory Creek has a nice variety of habitats so we will see a variety of birds from woodland vireos, tanagers and orioles to many warbler species, both woodland and prairie. Participants should be prepared for inclement weather and the possibility of wet conditions. Binoculars are advised. For additional information, call Betty Smurawski at 708-532-0995.

Field Trip to Wooded Island – Saturday, May 21

On Saturday, May 21, meet at 6 a.m. at the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd., where we will car pool to Wooded Island. Glyn Dawson will show us a collection of warblers who are migrating through in their bright spring plumage, along with other migrants and waterbirds. For those coming by train, we will meet at the Clarence Darrow Bridge, south of the Museum of Science and Industry. We may stop for brunch at a nearby café. For additional information, call Charles Habecker at 708-747-6061.

7th Annual Wild Neighbors Festival – Saturday, May 21

On Saturday, May 21, the 7th Annual Wild Neighbors Festival will be held at the Bartel Grassland, Flossmoor Rd. and Central Ave., Matteson. The day will start with plug planting at 9 a.m. where $6,000 worth of wetland plants will fill the area in front of the Thorn Creek Audubon Society berm. Entertainment will include a puppet show given by members of the Cook County Forest Preserve and a story teller. A falconer will bring a Peregrine Falcon for everyone to see. A hot dog lunch, with drinks and cookies by the Mad Baker of Bartel, will be on the agenda at noon. Guided tours of the 600 acre grassland will be conducted. Master gardeners will give demonstrations and share their knowledge about using native plants in the landscape. Scopes and binoculars will help visitors to see some of the birds which come to nest in the grassland, particularly the Bobolinks. Those who don’t know how to use binoculars should bring theirs along and will be given instructions on the fine points of birding.

Park Forest Environment Commission & Unitarian Universalist Church

“Vanishing of the Bees’ – Save the Date

A screening of the environmental film “Vanishing of the Bees” will take place on Saturday, May 28 at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 70 Sycamore, Park Forest. Honeybees have been mysteriously disappearing across the planet, literally vanishing from their hives. Known as Colony Collapse Disorder, this phenomenon has brought beekeepers to crisis in an industry responsible for producing apples, broccoli, watermelon, onions, cherries and a hundred other fruits and vegetables. Commercial honeybee operations pollinate crops that make up one out of every three bites of food on our tables.

Vanishing of the Bees follows commercial beekeepers David Hackenberg and Dave Mendes as they strive to keep their bees healthy and fulfill pollination contracts across the U.S. The film explores the struggles they face as the two friends plead their case on Capitol Hill and travel across the Pacific Ocean in the quest to protect their honeybees. Filming across the US, in Europe, Australia and Asia, this documentary examines the alarming disappearance of honeybees and the greater meaning it holds about the relationship between mankind and mother earth. As scientists puzzle over the cause, organic beekeepers indicate alternative reasons for this tragic loss. Conflicting options abound and after years of research, a definitive answer has not been found to this harrowing mystery.

A discussion will follow the screening of the film. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. You may bring a snack to share if desired. Donations will be accepted. For additional information, call Rosemary Piser at 708-747-1991.

Healthy Living

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

Wednesday Morning Walkers –Wednesday, May 18

On Wednesday, May 18 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., those ages 11 – adult can enjoy light exercise as you meander through Thorn Creek Woods. Experience the arrival of spring first hand as you walk the 1.5 mile loop with a naturalist. Trails can be wet or muddy, so please wear sturdy shoes. Terrain is moderate. This event will take place each Wednesday through June 9th and there is a fee of $2 per week per person. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.

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 Farmers Market

The Farmers’ Market will be held each Saturday through October, rain or shine, from 7 a.m. to 12 noon in the Holiday Star Theater parking lot (across the street from the Park Forest Police Department). Enjoy fresh produce, locally grown and just picked, organic produce, cheese, bakery goods along with an array of plants for your garden. In addition, the Park Forest Environment Commission will be on hand on the first Saturday of each month selling rain barrels.

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.

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.

School District 163 to Hold Teeing Off for Education

Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163 will hold Teeing Off for Education, its first annual golf outing, at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 9 at University Golf Club, 23520 Crawford Ave., University Park. The event is designed to generate revenue that will support the continuance of funding for summer school, reading specialists, technology, enrichment programs, and the district-wide Annual Spring Musical.

Teeing Off For Education will feature a deli lunch, 18-holes of golf, card games, golf lessons, dinner, live jazz music, prizes and gifts. Registration and the deli lunch begin at 10 a.m., shotgun start is at noon and dinner is at 6 p.m. Golf outing registration fee received before May 16 is $130 for an individual and $500 for a foursome. After May 16 the fee is $150 for an individual and $550 for a foursome. Hospitality and dinner only are $30. For information, and to pay golf outing fees, contact Carol Bailey at 708-668-9427.

Cook County Commission Holding Low-Cost Rabies Vaccine & Microchip Clinics

Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy is currently sponsoring clinics that provide low-cost rabies vaccines and microchips for dogs, cats and ferrets. The clinics are for Cook County residents only and will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through November 9, from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at various locations throughout the County. Vaccines and microchips will be provided for dogs and cats for $7 for a one-year vaccine; $21 for a three-year vaccine; $9 for ferrets one-year vaccine; and $10 for microchip identification. Mobile clinic services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Pet owners must present a valid Driver’s License or State ID as proof of residency. For public safety, all pets must be leashed or caged at all times. For additional information, including a listing of dates and locations, or for transportation assistance, click here.

Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights

Donations Needed for Annual ‘Garage’ Sale

Union Street Gallery is in need of items to sell at its Annual Garage Sale Fundraiser which will be held on June 10 & 11. Funds raised by the Garage Sale help support free exhibitions, events and free field trips for local schools. All Garage Sale donations are tax deductible and a receipt will be provided. Acceptable items include, but are not limited to: household, antique, vintage, kitchen, garden, décor, holiday, electronics, art, art & craft supplies, jewelry and other accessories. Please NO clothes (vintage clothes accepted), TVs, heavy furniture, or malfunctioning electronics. Drop off your donations of new, used or unwanted items to the Gallery during regular gallery hours – Wednesdays & Thursdays from noon to 5 p.m., Fridays from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, call 708-990-7724.

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 2011 Summer Recreation Programs & More Brochure; Rich Township Report; Thorn Creek Audubon Society, 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, Sertoma Centre, Inc., CAUTION, Union Street Gallery, Monkey Mind Art Gallery, and Tall Grass Arts Association websites.