Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of May 31, 2010


Aqua Center's Deep Blue Waters

Deep blue waters await swimmers at this Saturday’s summer opening of the Park Forest Aqua Center. (Photo: VOPF)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—May 31, 2010. In lieu of its monthly meeting, the Park Forest Environment Commission will be sponsoring a Summer Energy Workshop on Thursday, June 3 at 7 PM at the Wetlands Discovery Center, 30 N. Orchard St. The event is free and open to the public. In addition, don’t forget that the season opening of the Park Forest Aqua Center begins on Saturday, June 5 at noon.

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 Board Meeting

The Village Board is scheduled to hold a Rules Meeting on Saturday, June 5 at 10 a.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 at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.

Park Forest Commissions & Advisory Boards

The following Village Commission will meet this week:

  • Plan Commission – Tuesday, June 1 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Youth Commission – Tuesday, June 1 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Economic Development Advisory Group – Wednesday, June 2 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Senior Citizens Advisory Commission – Thursday, June 3 at 1:00 p.m.

All meetings are held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.

Arts and Entertainment

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

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

Tuesday, June 1 at 10 a.m. thru 9 p.m. – Summer Reading Registration begins. Children and adults can sign up for the library’s summer reading program. For additional information, call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.

Park Forest Library Temporary Closing – Beginning Monday, June 21

As part of the continuing renovations at the Park Forest Library, the building will be closing temporarily beginning Monday, June 21 to allow for asbestos abatement and to erect some necessary partition walls before the final phase of construction can be completed. The library will remain closed until Tuesday, July 6 at 10 a.m. Books and other library materials may be returned during this time at the book drop located on the west side of the building near the rear entrance. During the closing no book donations can be accepted. For more information, call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Common Ground, Diverse Approaches: Works on Paper – Through June 27

Artists include Mary Bookwalter, Sergio Gomez, Tyler Hewitt, Jane Hudak, Erik LaGattuta, Chelise Slowik, Jerry Slowik, Jeff Stevenson, Jessica VanSwol, and Carol Weber. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, please call 708-748-3377.

League of Women Voters (LWV) of the Park Forest Area

26th Annual House Tour – Tickets Now on Sale

On Sunday, June 6 from Noon to 5 p.m., the LWV invites you to the 26th Annual House Tour.  This long-standing, well-received yearly event showcases the diversity of the Park Forest’s housing stock and many unique remodeling and decorating projects owners have undertaken. Proceeds support the LWV in conducting studies/voter service projects, participating in state and national conferences and assuring annual LWV fees are affordable.

Advance tickets for the tour are available in the Manager’s office at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive for $10. On the day of the Tour, tickets can be purchased for $15 between noon and 3 pm in the lobby of the Village Hall. For additional information, please call Barbara Moore at 708-481-5251.

Rotary Club of Park Forest

Annual Spring Fundraiser – Tickets Now on Sale

On Saturday, June 12 at 6 p.m., experience the soulful sounds of Karen London who will perform live at the Illinois Theater Center, 371 Artists Walk, Park Forest as part of the Rotary Club of Park Forest’s Annual Spring Fundraiser. This year’s fundraiser will benefit the Shelterbox program and youth in the community. Shelterbox provides shelter and life-saving equipment to families after natural disasters. The current program is to support the victims in Haiti and Chile.

The event will also include hors d’oeuvres, dessert, and a silent auction. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Dan at 708-748-1577.

Park Forest Historical Society

Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard (Corner of Forest & Fir)

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum is in an original rental townhome, built in 1947-1949 by American Community Builders. The museum provides a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane for anyone who lived in the 1950s or 1960s, or for those interested in that period. Visitors are encouraged to open drawers, cupboard and closets to discover period treasures inside. Contents of the house, furnished as though a young veteran and his family of small children occupy it, include dolls, toys, dollhouses, books, dishes, serving pieces, furniture and clothing from the period. When is the last time you said, "Hello," to Howdy Doody?

The Museum is open on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Group tours are by appointment. Call 708-748-3731.

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway

‘Barns’ Photographer to Present at GSU – Tuesday, June 8

As part of its Distinguished Lecture Series at GSU, photographic artist Larry Kanfer, known for his striking images of Midwestern scenes, will discuss his new book “Barns of Illinois” on Tuesday, June 8 at 5:30 p.m. in Engbreston Hall. A reception and book signing will follow at 7 p.m. in the E-lounge. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 708-534-6986.

‘A Whole New Mind 2010 BRAINSTORM’ – Through June 24

The Intellectual Life Committee at GSU is sponsoring a national juried art competition titled ‘A Whole New Mind 2010 BRAINSTORM’ through June 24 in the Visual Arts Gallery. Fifty-nine art works by 45 artists will compete for $2,000 in prize money. Susan Aurinko (artist, photographer, independent curator, and former owner of FLATFILEgalleries, Chicago) and Tricia Van Eck (Associate Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago) are serving as the competition’s jurors.

A reception and award ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 19 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. This Visual Arts Gallery is open Monday and Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. For an appointment call, 708-534-4021.

Peter Pan – Tickets Now On Sale

Peter Pan, the classic adventure about a boy who won’t grow up, comes to the Center for Performing Arts at GSU for a single performance on Thursday, July 15 at 11 a.m. Tickets are $9 each for individuals and $7 each for groups of 20 or more. For tickets, call the Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

Thorn Creek Audubon Society

Governors State University Art & Birding – Wednesday, June 2

On Wednesday, June 2 at 7 a.m., we will meet at the easternmost parking lot of Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, and combine art and birding following a trail of outdoor sculptures. Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Yellow-breasted Chats, Bell’s Vieros Green Herons, and Orchard Orioles have all been seen here in past years. For additional information, contact Aura Duke at [email protected] or call 708-748-6407.

Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd.

Roots and Shoots – Saturday, June 5

On Saturday, June 5 from 10 a.m. to Noon, children ages 5 thru 10 are encouraged to explore the environment, their community and the world around them in this monthly program. There is a fee of $5 per child per month. For more information, call 708-747-6320.

National Trail Day – Saturday, June 5

On Saturday, June 5 from Noon to 2 p.m., celebrate the trails of Thorn Creek Nature Preserve and take a walk with a naturalist and discover the secrets of the woods. The event is free. Registration is required. For more information or to make a reservation, call Tara Janisch at 708-747-6320 or visit www.tcwoods.org.

Historic Farm Walk – Sunday, June 6

On Sunday, June 6 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., visit Hornicek Farm and tour an early 20th century farm. Meet at the nature center and caravan to the farm. Fee is $5 per person; family rates apply. Registration is required. For more information or to make a reservation, call Tara Janisch at 708-747-6320 or visit www.tcwoods.org.

Shop Locally

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 Farmers Market

The Park Forest’s Farmers Market will be held each Saturday through October from 7 a.m. until noon, rain or shine. Fresh garden plants and produce, bakery goods, gourmet cheeses, herbs and eggs will be available for sale. Local businesses will also be on hand with a variety of artwork, garden ornaments, candles and more. Meet your friends at the Farmers Market for breakfast or lunch and shop locally.

During the Farmers Market, local civic groups can give demonstrations, hold fundraisers or other events at no charge but must register in advance. For more information, call 708-748-1118 or visit www.pfhealth.net.

Governors State University, 1 University Parkway , University Park, IL

Farm Fresh Market – Opens Thursday, June 3

Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables are coming to GSU at its first-ever outdoor farmers market which opens for business on Thursday, June 3 at the south end of Parking Lot D. Hours are 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. The Farmers Market will be held on Thursdays through September.

Holiday Star Theater, 340 Main St., Park Forest

Stanley Cup Playoffs

Come cheer on the Chicago Blakhawks to a Stanley Cup victory at the Holiday Start Theater. Games will be shown on the big screen FREE of charge. An optional pizza/wing/snack buffet is available for $10. Seating is limited to the FIRST 100 people. A refundable reservation fee of $5 per person is required which will be refunded upon arrival the day of the event. Reservations are required and will be held until 10 minutes before the game begins. To make a reservation or for additional information, call the Theater office at 708-283-9098.

Free Movie Every Tuesday for Seniors

Every Tuesday at 1 p.m., Seniors can attend a free movie at the Holiday Star Theater. Afternoon tea will be served following the movie. Call 708-283-9096 for each week’s scheduled movie.

Free Popcorn Tuesdays

If you love popcorn, bring your own popcorn bowl to the Holiday Star Theater any Tuesday and they will fill it up for you with a drink purchase. For information on ticket prices and/or movie times, call 708-283-9096.

Doomsday Zombie Fest 2010

The Holiday Star Theater will be hosting Doomsday Zombie Fest 2010. The goal is to break the current Guinness World Record for the most Zombies gathered at a single location. Starting Friday, October 22 at 5 p.m., the Holiday Star Theater will be showing Zombie Movies for 72 straight hours on huge outdoor screens. Zombies are encouraged to bring their tents and camp out.

On Saturday, October 23, the attempt to beat the World Record will take place. Bring your best Zombie costume, make-up and props. There will be prizes, contests, ‘Zombie Walk,’ vendors, and on-site make-up artists.

This event is free and open to the public however, the Holiday Star Theater requests that you bring a non-perishable food or household item for charity. Additional information about the event can be found at http://doomsdayzombiefest.com/.

Greening of Park Forest

Environmental Film Festival – Begins Sunday, June 6

The Holiday Star Theater, Park Forest Environment Commission and Garden Club of Park Forest will be hosting an Environmental Film Festival once a month on Sundays at 6:30 p.m. beginning Sunday, June 6. The first film in the series will be “King Corn” – the film where two college graduates discover where America’s food comes from when they plant a single acre of corn and follow it from seed to dinner plate. “King Corn” was directed by Aaron Wolf and written by Ian Cheney and Curtis Ellis. For additional information, call the Holiday Star Theater office at 708-283-9098.

B3 Bottles, Park Forest

The United Sates leads in consuming bottled water, drinking 26 billion liters a year (that’s only one, 8 ounce glass per day). It is estimated that Americans go through 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour with 86% of the plastic bottles used never getting recycled. B3 Bottles, a local Park Forest business, has a solution to this problem. B3’s stainless steel bottles can be filled with Park Forest’s award winning water or other hot/cold beverages of your choice, and then cleaned and re-used for a lifetime. To learn more about B3 Bottles and pricing information, call Laura Fitzgerald at 708-748-0934.

South Suburban Family Shelter Used Cell Phone Collection Drive

South Suburban Family Shelter (SSFS) is seeking cell phone donations for their ongoing fundraising program. Proceeds from the collection fund the critical programs and services provided to families who experience domestic violence. All victim services are provided free of charge and are available in English and Spanish. Cell phone collection sites currently include:

  • SSFS Administrative Office, 18139 Harwood, Homewood, IL
  • Bergstein’s NY Deli, 200 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights, IL
  • Doyle Designed Salon, 2630 Flossmoor Rd., Flossmoor, IL

All donations are tax deductible and receipts are available at collection sites. For more information about SSFS or the fundraising drive, please contact Ms. Meilach at 708-794-2140, extension 303.

Local Recycling Resources and Proper Disposal of Unused Medicine

Do you have old televisions, computers, video games or other electronics or household appliances that need to be recycled? Want to know how to properly dispose of old or unused medication? Click on the “Recycling” icon found on the top of eNews Park Forest and you will find useful information on proper recycling/disposal that will not only be good for the environment, but in some cases, earn you a few dollars as well.

Safe Disposal Program – Bio-waste

The Park Forest Health Department and Environment Commission have partnered to provide information on the proper disposal of bio-waste such as used syringes or lancets (medical sharps). Begin by purchasing a Sharps container to dispose of your medical sharps for $10 at the Park Forest Health Department. Return the filled container to the Park Forest Health Department and purchase a new container. Call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118 for more information.

Recycle Used Cell Phones and Cell Phone Accessories

The Rotary Club of Park Forest is conducting a used cell phone and accessory collection drive to benefit the families and programs of the South Suburban Family Shelter. Donated items can be placed in the collection box located in the lobby of Village Hall. For more information, call Denyse Carreras at 708-283-5603.

Go Green with a Free Tote Bag

The Village of Park Forest encourages residents to visit Village Hall to pick up an environmentally friendly canvas bag that can be used for your day-to-day shopping needs. These bags are free while supplies last with only two expectations: 1) that residents have a valid email address so that future environmentally conscious concepts can be shared by the Village’s Environment Commission; and 2) that bags are limited to one per household. For more information on this program, visit the Village Manager’s Office on the second floor of Village Hall of call 708-748-1129.

Healthy Living

Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Wednesday Morning Walkers –June 2

On Wednesday, June 2 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. The Walkers will meet each Wednesday through June 16 and there is a fee of $2 per week. For more information, call 708-747-6320.

Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (lower level)

Back to School Physicals

Low cost school physicals and immunizations are available at the Park Forest Health Department. For more information, please call 708-748-1118 or visit www.pfhealth.net.

H1N1 Vaccine Available at Park Forest Health Department

The Park Forest Health Department has a limited supply of H1N1 vaccines available. H1N1 vaccines will be given by appointment only on Mondays and Fridays while supplies last. The fee for the vaccine is $15 and must be paid in cash at the time the vaccine is given. Medicare primary is accepted and Medicaid accepted for those 6 months through 18 years of age. No Managed Care enrollees accepted.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 708-481-1118. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Babies, Teens and Adults Immunization Clinics

Babies, teens and adult immunization and flu and pneumonia clinics will be held on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details or to schedule an appointment, call 708-748-1118. The Health Department is a low cost provider for children and adult immunizations.

Blood Pressure Screening

A free Blood Pressure Clinic is held at the Park Forest Health Department Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Elevated blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Walk in or call ahead at 708-748-1118.

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

Free Counseling Services Available

Today, individuals and families face economic and social pressures as well as communication difficulties that frequently disrupt family unity and the ability to cope. Counseling is one of the most important tools for understanding and coping. Free, individual, family and vocational counseling is available through GSU’s Division of Psychology and Counseling as part of its training program for advanced graduate counseling students. Faculty members, who are also licensed counselors, supervise the sessions. Counseling sessions are conducted on campus in total confidentiality. For more information, call 708-534-4545 or visit www.govst.edu/counselinglab.

This & That

First Christian Church, 1045 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights, IL

Huge Book Sale & Bake Sale – Saturday, June 5

On Saturday, June 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., First Christian Church will be offering thousands of rare and vintage books that will be sorted, categorized and reasonably prices. Other items for sale will include audio books, records, cassettes, CDs and DVDs. Enjoy a bakery item and a beverage in a pleasant setting while browsing through your purchases. For additional information, call 708-754-3792.

Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood, Park Forest

Connect Café – Thursday, June 3

On Thursday, June 3 from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m., the Connect Café is a place for the community to hang out, have a cup of coffee, latte, or hot chocolate, listen to music, talk, play a game of chess, or just relax. Kid friendly, also for Mom’s and Dad’s. This event will be held every Thursday. For more information, call 708-748-1995.

Coffee House – Friday, June 4

On Friday, June 4 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., come sit, sip, sing or just relax. This event will be held on the first Friday of every month. For more information call 708-748-1995.

Park Forest Aqua Center, 30 N. Orchard

Opening Day – Saturday, June 5

On Saturday, June 5 beginning at Noon experience opening day at the Park Forest Aqua Center. For more information, call the Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department at 708-748-2005 or visit: http://www.villageofparkforest.com/index.php?submenu=AquaCenter&src=gendocs&link=AquaCenter.

Park Forest Community Relations

Father & Son Bowling Competition – Tickets Now on Sale

On Saturday, June 12 from Noon to 2 p.m., fathers and sons can enjoy a day out at the Brunswick Zone, 3043 183rd St., Homewood, IL. Cost is $10 per person and includes round-trip bus transportation, 1 hour of bowling, 2 rounds of Laser tag and a $5 game card for the kids, 1 hour of billiards for adults and a Park Forest t-shirt. For more information or to purchase a ticket, call Evelyn Sterling at 708-283-5621 or visit www.villageofparkforest.com.

Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood St., Park Forest

Refreshing Times Senior Ministry – Friday, June 4

On Friday, June 4 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., adults 55 and older are invited to join this monthly support fellowship that combines food, interactive Christian bible study, informative workshops, arts and crafts, and birthday celebrations. For more information, call Mattie Morgan at 708-503-6536.

Donate Unused Air Miles to Support Families of Wounded Servicemembers

“Operation Hero Miles” collects unused frequent flyer miles to help military families visit service members who were injured in Iraq or Afghanistan and are recovering in military hospitals around the world. Airline partners are: AirTran, Alaska Airlines, American, Frontier, Midwest, Northwest, United, and US Airways. To donate airline miles, visit www.FisherHouse.org.

Donate to Troops Serving Abroad

The Village of Park Forest is currently seeking the names and addresses of local military personnel currently serving overseas so that they may receive packaged donations from Park Forest residents. If you are a Park Forest resident and have a family member from your household currently deployed or if you have recently returned from a tour of duty, please call Judi Lancaster at 708-283-5608 or stop by the Manager’s Office at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.

Sources: Park Forest 2010 Summer Recreation Programs & More; Park Forest Winter/Spring 2010 Recreation Programs & More, Village of Park Forest, Governors State University, Tall Grass Arts Association, Union Street Gallery, Park Forest Rotary Club, South Suburban Family Shelter, Park Forest Historical Society, League of Women Voters of Park Forest, and Holiday Star Theater websites.


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