In and Around Park Forest Week of May 23, 2011

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—May 23, 2011. The Park Forest Aqua Center, 30 N. Orchard, in partnership with the Park Forest Farmers’ Market is having a new member sweepstakes where you can win one of four $50 Aqua Center season passes or get a $50 season pass for only $25. Stop by the Market Manager’s table at the Farmers Market on Saturday, May 28 and sign-up for this deal using your e-mail address. You will be e-mailed on Tuesday, May 31 with either a winner’s notification or a coupon for $50 off membership at the Aqua Center. Aqua Center members in 2010 are not eligible to participate. For additional information on the sweepstakes, visit www.villageofparkforest.com. The Aqua Center’s opening day is Saturday, June 4.

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 23 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.

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 23 at 10:30 a.m. – AM Storytime for ages 2 and up
• Monday, May 23 at 12 noon – Friends Book Discussion of ‘The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
• Monday, May 23 at 3:30 p.m. – Tutoring Available
• Tuesday, May 24 at 1:30 p.m. – Computer Class: Email 2: Using Your Account *
• Tuesday, May 24 at 3:30 p.m. – Tutoring Available
• Thursday, May 26 at 3:30 p.m. – Tutoring Available
• Thursday, May 26 at 7:15 p.m. – Computer Class: Microsoft Excel *
• Friday, May 27 at 1 p.m. – Senior Travelogue featuring a film about the Florida Keys
• Saturday, May 28 at 2 p.m. – Memorial Day Crafts

 

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.

Library Closing

The Park Forest Library will be closed on Sunday, May 29 and Monday, May 30 in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Summer Music Series at Ravisloe Country Club – Concert #1 – Tickets Now On Sale

Imagine a warm summer evening, stars in the sky, and glorious melodies floating above the courtyard of a Spanish villa. Welcome to Summer Music at Ravisloe, an intimate series of summer concerts presented by chamber ensembles of the IPO. On Wednesday June 15, 2011 at 6:00 pm, concert #1 will feature Prairie State College’s Southland Jazz Ensemble. Ravisloe Country Club is located at 18231 Park Ave., Homewood. For additional information or to buy tickets click on the picture below.

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 – Through July 17

“Shouts and Whispers: a Lifetime in Photography“ by Donald W. Kouba 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.

Park Forest Community Relations

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.

Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park

Damian Hines Presents “Worst Case Scenario” the Stage Play – Saturday, May 28

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 26

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

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

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].

Multicategorical Special Education Cohort Information Session—Reserve Seat

Certified teachers interested in earning a Master of Arts in multicategorical Special Education with coursework leading to LBS 1 Unlimited Certificate are invited to attend an information session hosted by GSU. The session will take place on June 6 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Washington-McKinley School Spartan Center, 25 West 16th Place, Chicago Heights. The program will 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 from any public or private school. All classes will be held at Washington-McKinley School. Twenty participants are required. For more information or to reserve a seat, call 708-534-4536 or email [email protected].

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

Historic Farm Walk – Registration Required

On Saturday, June 5 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., those of all ages can visit the Hornicek farm and tour an early 20th century farm. Spend the afternoon wandering through the gardens and collecting eggs from the hens. Participants will meet and the nature center and caravan to the farm. Registration is required. There is a fee of $5 per person or $15 per family. For additional information or to register, 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 Environment Commission & Unitarian Universalist Church

“Vanishing of the Bees’ – Saturday, May 28

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.

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.

Thorn Creek Audubon Society

Field Trip to Midewin – Saturday, May 28 – Registration Required

On Saturday, May 28, we will meet at 7 a.m. at the Park Forest Library parking lot, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, where we will join the Illinois Audubon Society for a field trip beginning at 8 a.m. and lasting until 4 p.m. Midewin has 19,000 acres to see, and birding trips are conducted by car-pooling and with walks that cover 200 feet or less. Good optics are a must and scopes are recommended. Advance registration is required and costs $5. Box lunches are also available for $10 but you may bring your own brown bag lunch if you prefer. To register, visit the Illinois Audubon’s website at www.illinoisaudubon.org and click on the Midewin trip icon, or call Mary Anne McLean at 708-672-5494. Potential prairie birds include dickcissels, meadowlarks, bobolinks, and wild turkeys, and also perhaps loggerhead shrikes, upland sandpipers and blue grosbeaks.

Golf Outings

Celebrity Golf Outing to Benefit Good Shepherd Center – Friday, June 3

Former Chicago Bear legends Steve “Mongo” McMichael and Doug Buffone will host Good Shepherd Center’s Third Annual Golf Outing on Friday, June 3 at Ravisloe Country Club, 18231 Park Ave., Homewood. The driving range opens at 8 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at 9 a.m. McMichael and Buffone will mingle and entertain guests at the Celebrity Circle Buffet Reception where unique items will be auctioned off. A silent auction will also take place with many items and tickets from all the local Chicago sports teams as well as a variety of things from electronics to entertainment. The cost to participate is $130 per golfer which includes 18 holes of golf, continental breakfast, hot dog snack on the course, and buffet in the Celebrity Circle Reception. Ravisloe Country Club is one of the ten oldest golf courses in the State, designed by a virtual “Dream Team” of golf architects, including the legendary Donald Ross and esteemed Dave Esler. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Good Shepherd Center that has been serving individuals with disabilities and their families since 1963. For additional information or to register, email Cheryl Assise at [email protected] or call 708-335-0020 x 20.

School District 163 to Hold Teeing Off for Education – Thursday, June 9

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 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.

Healthy Living

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

Wednesday Morning Walkers –Wednesday, May 25

On Wednesday, May 25 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

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

Secretary of State Services at GSU – Tuesday, May 24

On Tuesday, May 24 from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., in GSU’s Hall of Governors, the Secretary of State’s Mobile Service Unit will be available. Services being offered include driver’s license renewal, replacement, and corrections; State ID card renewal, replacement or corrections; vehicle sticker sales; passenger and b-truck license plates; vehicle title and registration; parking placards for persons with disabilities’ and organ/tissue donor information. In addition, vision tests and the written driver’s license exam can be taken. No driving tests will be given. The services are available to all qualified Illinois residents. State law allows driver’s license renewal up to one year in advance. Proper identification is required for new and duplicate driver’s licenses and state ID cards. Acceptable forms of payment include personal checks, cash, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards. For additional information, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

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.

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.