Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of May 30, 2011


Willow tree
A willow tree on the edge of Central Park, near Freedom Hall. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—May 30, 2011. The Park Forest American Legion will be holding a Memorial Day Program on Monday, May 30, beginning at 11 a.m. on the Village Green, located at the corner of Main Street and Cunningham Drive, in DownTown Park Forest. All residents are encouraged to attend and honor those men and women who have died while in military service to the United States.

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 Hall Closing

Village Hall will be closed on Monday, May 30 in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday.

Village of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings

The following Park Forest Commissions and Advisory Boards will meet the week of May 30:

  • Tuesday, May 31 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission
  • Wednesday, June 1 at 7 p.m. – Economic Development Advisory Group
  • Thursday, June 2 at 1 p.m. – Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
  • Thursday, June 2 at 7 p.m. – Environment Conservation Commission

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

Arts & Entertainment

New Local TV Show Seeks High School Talent – Auditions June 3

Do you know a talented high school student in Park Forest who could be the next Oprah? The Village of Park Forest would like to see them in attendance at the June 3 auditions for a new teen-hosted talk show! The show will feature three personalities, who will spend each half-hour episode discussing topics important to teens.
In addition to hosts, the show also needs teens to fill the following positions: 

  • Program coordinator
  • Camera operator
  • Editor
  • Time prompter
  • Script writer

All positions are on a volunteer basis. Involvement with this community-based show is great experience for writers and students interested in television.  For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or email [email protected].   

Registration Underway for Park Forest Summer Programs

Where will your kids be this summer when school ends?  If you still aren’t sure, now is the time to get them registered for one, or several, of Park Forest’s fantastic programs!  Choose from tennis lessons, swim lessons, summer camps during the day, evening programs sponsored by the Park Forest Police Department in the evening, trips to see the Chicago Sky or Chicago White Sox, painting classes, summer membership at the Aqua Center, and so much more! The couch is no place for kids in Park Forest during the summer!  To view a full listing of programs registering now, view the 2011 Summer Recreation Programs & More brochure.  Or call Recreation & Parks at 708-748-2008.

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

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

  • Wednesday, June 1 at 7 p.m. – Summer Reading Sign-Up Begins – "King Arthur and His Tales of the Round Table," followed by Ye Olde Ice Cream Feast
  • Friday, June 3 at 2:30 p.m. – Movie Day: Disney’s “Robin Hood”

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

Library Closing

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

Free Ravinia Tickets

The Library has a limited number of Ravinia lawn seat tickets to give away.  Tickets are first come, first served.  Maximum of 2 tickets per household.  See the Adult Services Department for more details.

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.

Summer Music at Ravisloe

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 – Saturday, June 4

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

Jukebox Musical Theatre Camp Presents ‘Glee’ – Tickets Now On Sale

Tickets are now on sale for Jukebox Musical Theatre Camp’s presentation of ‘Glee’ which will take place on Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m. This showcase will be based on the soundtrack of songs from the hot TV show GLEE, such as: Don’t Stop Believin’, Proud Mary, Lean on Me, and more. Tickets are $10. 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, June 2

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

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

“The Ideal Early Childhood Education” Lecture – Friday, June 3

Vivian Paley, who has spent a lifetime teaching and learning from very young children, will share her knowledge during a public presentation, “The Ideal Early Childhood Education” on Friday, June 3 at 3:30 p.m. in GSU’s Hall of Honors. The lecture is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 708-534-4130.

Multicategorical Special Education Cohort Information Session—Monday, June 6 – 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

Roots and Shoots – Saturday, June 4

On Saturday, June 4 from 10 am. to noon, children ages 5 – 10  are encouraged to interact with the environment, their community and the world around them in this monthly program begun by primatologist Jane Goodall. This event is held on the first Saturday of each month and there is a fee of $5 per child per month. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.

Historic Farm Walk – Sunday, June 5 — Registration Required

On Sunday, 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 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.

Thorn Creek Audubon Society

Field Trip to Goose Lake Prairie State Park – Saturday, June 4

On Saturday, June 4, we will meet at 7 a.m. at the Park Forest Library parking lot, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, where we will caravan to Goose Lake Prairie State Park. In late spring and early summer in this 1,500 acre nature preserve, we will look for nesting species such as American bittern, least bittern, all 3 Rails, northern bob-white, loggerhead shrike, Bell’s vireo and yellow-breasted chat. For additional information, call Charles Habecker at 708-747-6061 or Mary Anne Mclean at 708-672-5494.

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.

Hallelujah Temple Golf Outing – Saturday, June 11

On Saturday, June 11 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Chicago Heights Park District West Golf Course, 1112 Scott Avenue, both men and women are invited to participate in this golf event sponsored by Active Brothers for Christ (ABC) as a fundraiser to benefit their mentoring initiative. For additional information, call Michael Harley at 708-503-6536.

Healthy Living

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

Wednesday Morning Walkers –Wednesday, June 1

On Wednesday, June 1 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

Rainbow Café

Monthly Meeting – Saturday, June 4

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

Park Forest Commission on Human Relations

Seeking Nominations for Good Egg Award

The Park Forest Commission on Human Relations is looking for people who have gone beyond the call of duty for the Good Egg Award. The award honors youth and adults who have made an extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of life in their communities through human relations and human rights advocacy. The deadline for nominations is Friday, August 12. To request a nomination form, contact Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or e-mail [email protected].

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

Free Java Tuesdays

All are invited to Faith United Protestant Church for FREE Java Tuesdays. Visitors are asked to go to the Indianwood Boulevard side entrance between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. for free curbside service or to come and sit a bit. The event will continue each Tuesday as a form of outreach to the community throughout the summer and fall. For more information, call 708-747-1330.

Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood, Park Forest

C4 Underground Youth Gathering – Every Tuesday & Thursday

Youths in grades 6 and up are welcome to join us every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for fun and games, group discussion and a variety of activities. For more information, call Celebration Ministries at 708-748-1995.

Roots and Wings, 215 Nashua St., Park Forest

Current Events Topic Group – Every Monday

Join us every Monday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. as we gather to talk about God, us, the world and how they all work together. Roots and Wings is located behind Celebration Ministries. For more information, contact Celebration Ministries at 708-748-1995.

Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood St., Park Forest

Refreshing Times Senior Ministry – Friday, June 3

On Friday, June 3 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., adults 55 and older are invited to attend this monthly support fellowship that combines food, interactive Christian Bible study, informative workshops, arts and crafts and birthday celebrations. This event is held on the 1st Friday of each month. For additional information, call Mattie Morgan at 708-503-6536.

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.


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