Mrs. Julia Erdely, right, smiles at William R. Gresham, 88, at the May 1 Yom Ha Shoah Holocaust Remembrance Day at Temple Anshe Sholom. PFC Gresham was one of the allied forces who rescued then-16-year-old Julia Erdely from a concentration camp on May 1, 1945. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—May 9, 2011. The Park Forest 2011 Summer Recreation Programs & More brochure was mailed to all Park Forest residents this week. Keep in mind that many of the activities listed in the brochure fill very quickly, so register today. If you did not receive a copy of the brochure, please stop by Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, to pick one up.
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 of Park Forest Advisory Board & Commission Meetings
The following Park Forest Commissions and Advisory Boards will meet the week of May 9:
- Tuesday, May 10 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission
- Tuesday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. –Commission on Human Relations
The meetings 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 9 at 10:30 a.m. – AM Storytime for ages 2 and up
- Monday, May 9 at 3:30 p.m. – Tutoring Available
- Tuesday, May 10 at 1:30 p.m. – Computer Class: Internet Basics *
- Tuesday, May 10 at 3:30 p.m. – Tutoring Available
- Tuesday, May 10 at 7 p.m. – PJ Storytime for children of all ages
- Tuesday, May 10 at 7:15 p.m. – Tuesday Evening Book Club “Diamond Ruby” by Joseph Wallace
- Wednesday, May 11 at 10:15 a.m. – LapSit for those 0 to 35 months
- Wednesday, May 11 at 11 a.m. – Toddler Art for those 2 to 4
- Thursday, May 12 at 3:30 p.m. – Tutoring Available
- Thursday, May 12 at 7:15 p.m. – Computer Class: Microsoft Word 2 *
- Friday, May 13 at 3:30 p.m. – Wii Game Afternoon
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/
South Suburban Special Recreation Association (SSSRA)
“Wii Love Drama” Show – Monday, May 9
The SSSRA Drama Club will be present its “Wii Love Drama” show on Monday, May 9 at 7 p.m. at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd., Park Forest. This event is free, so bring your friends and family members for a fun-filled evening. Please note that this event is not staffed so participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For additional information, call 815-806-0384.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
’25 Years with Carmon’ – Tickets Now on Sale
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.aspx?PerfID=87713
Illinois Theatre Center (ITC), 371 Artists Walkway, Park Forest
“Wilde Tales” – Tickets Now on Sale
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.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Southland Theatre Ensemble (SLATE) Holding Auditions for ‘Ragtime’
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 12
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
“Into Bhutan” – Through May 14
“Into Bhutan,” an exhibit of photographs and traditional arts from the country of Bhutan is now showing through May 14. “Into Bhutan” draws you in to the magic of the country of Bhutan with its gently flapping prayer flags, friendly and charming people, incredible biodiversity and majestic mountains. Its deeply lived spirituality is evident everywhere. Bhutan is isolated in the Himalayan mountains south of Tibet and north of India. Bhutan only opened itself to visitors in the late 1970s. Even now the number of guests permitted each year is highly regulated. For a schedule of related events, visit: www.unionstreetgallery.org/IntoBhutan2011.htm. For Gallery hours or additional information, call 708-754-2601.
“Into Harmony” – Through May 14
“Into Harmony” located on the second floor of the Gallery features the work of Union Street Gallery Studio Artists and Guild Artists. The exhibit will run through May 14. 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” – Artists Reception Friday, May 13
“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. An artist’s reception will be held on Friday, May 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wine and cheese will be served. The event 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
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd., Park Forest
“Herb Gardening for Beginners” – Registration Required by Tuesday, May 17
As part of its Annual Gardening Day, the Park Forest Library will offer “Herb Gardening for Beginners” for those ages 5 – 105, on Saturday, May 21 at 2 p.m. Registration for the event is required by Tuesday, May 17. Participants will learn to identify and grow basic herbs and see herb-growing projects for all ages, including kid-friendly pickles, herbal vinegars, min-sachets. There will be plenty of recipes and hand-on activities. Planting of the Library’s garden pots for the Children’s Garden will also take place. For additional information or to register for the event, call the Youth Services Department at 708-748-3731.
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
CenterPoint at GSU
Veterans Entrepreneurial Boot Camp – Limited Seating – Pre-Registration Required
CenterPoint at GSU is hosting its semiannual, award-winning Veterans Entrepreneurial Boot Camp on Wednesday, May 18 from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The Veterans Entrepreneurial Boot Camp is offered at no cost to veterans. Families and business partners of those serving in the military may attend for $25. The event is co-sponsored by Phoenix Business Solutions, Accion Chicago, GSU, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Designed by military veterans, this event is the only one of its kind to be held in the Chicago southland and offers support to the families and business partners of our service men and women currently on active duty. The day features presentations and seminars from industry professionals, opportunities for free one-on-one counseling, breakfast with a panel of ex-military business owners who share their entrepreneurial journey, and access to CenterPoint’s numerous entrepreneurial services and resources. Seating is limited to 100 participants and pre-registration is required. For additional information or to register, call 708-534-4929 or visit www.centerpointgsu.com.
Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd., Park Forest
Discover Hidden Ponds of Thorn Creek Woods – Saturday, May 14
On Saturday, May 14 at 1 p.m., those ages 10 years and up can travel off-trail with a naturalist and discover the hidden ponds of Thorn Creek Woods. You will discover a world not often seen by humans and learn how these ponds are an integral part of the Thorn Creek ecosystem. There is a fee of $5 per person. 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
Thorn Creek Audubon Society
Field Trip to Messenger Woods/Lake Renwick/Pilcher Park – Wednesday, May 11
On Wednesday, May 11, meet at the Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Blvd., at 7 a.m. and bring a sack lunch where the caravan will begin. On our way to the heron rookery at Lake Renwick, we will stop at Messenger Woods to check the spring wildflowers. We will enter Lake Renwick at 9 a.m. to see nesting herons including the great blue, great white, common egret and back-crowned night heron, and perhaps the great horned owl that nests in the rookery. On the way back, we will stop at Pilcher Park to eat lunch and see a variety of migrants and songbirds. Participants should be prepared for inclement weather and the possibility of wet conditions. Binoculars are advised. For additional information, call Aura Duke at 708-748-6407.
Field Trip to Plum Creek/Goodenow Grove – Saturday, May 14
Goodenow Grove is located 2 miles east of route 394 on Goodenow Road. Watch for the sign on the south side of 394 as you approach the north turnoff, then go about one mile to the preserve. Meet in the first parking area at 7 a.m. by the Nature Center building. We hope to see warblers and a variety of other songbirds. Participants should be prepared for inclement weather and the possibility of wet conditions. Binoculars are advised. For additional information, call Al Thomas at 708-957-9847.
South Holland Public Library, 16250 Wausau Ave., South Holland
Electronic Recycling Drive – Saturday, May 14
On Saturday, May 14 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., the South Holland Public Library is hosting an Electronic Recycling Drive. The following items will be accepted: computer electronics such as PCs, peripherals, software, printers, keyboards, monitors, modems, mouse, hard drives, fax machines, 3.5 disk drives, cell phones, CD-ROM drives, and durable medical equipment such as, canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, standers, and therapeutic equipment. Please note that televisions will NOT be accepted. For additional information, call Bridget Bettenhausen at 708-339-8493.
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 11
On Wednesday, May 11 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.
Rich Township Senior Services
South Suburban Senior Fair – Friday, May 13
The South Suburban Senior Fair will be held on Friday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Rich Township Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest. The event will feature more than 25 businesses, organizations and services that hold seniors as their main priority. Come out and gather information and talk with experts in the field of senior services. Participants may also win a raffle or door prize. Coffee and refreshments will be served. At noon, lunch will be served in the CNN Nutrition Site for a suggested donation of $2.50. If you would like to have lunch, please call 708-747-2700 by Wednesday, May 11 to make your reservation. Please note that CNN meals are only for those age 60 or older. For additional information about the event, please call 708-748-5454.
Thornton Township Hall, 333 E. 162nd St., South Holland
NAACP South Suburban Branch Monthly Meeting – Thursday, May 12
On Thursday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m., join us at the Thornton Township Hall for the monthly meeting of the NAACP South Suburban Branch. Become one of the hundreds of thousands of NAACP Freedom Fighters across the globe. The work of the Association, equality and justice for all, depends on the support and participation of caring and progressive individuals like you. A stronger NAACP with a larger, more active membership is the best hope for practicing our freedom and advancing our rights. This group meets on the second Thursday of each month. For additional information, call 708-335-9860.
Champions4Children Walk – Saturday, May 14
On Saturday, May 14, join us as we walk a 5K to raise money for the La Rabida Joli Burrell Children’s Advocacy Center and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois. Registration starts at 9 a.m. with the walk beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Park Forest Aqua Center, 30 N. Orchard. If you cannot walk, you can make a pledge and sponsor a walker. For additional information, call 708-481-9799, extension 232 or visit www.cacionline.org.
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
Meeting – Tuesday, May 10
The Park Forest Garden Club will meet on Tuesday, May 10 at noon at Celebration Ministries, 424 Indianwood Blvd., Park Forest. The meeting will feature a presentation by Kay MacNeil titled “Wild Flowers.” For additional information on this event or membership, call Alice Michalak at 708748-3654.
“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.
Calvary United Church, 425 N. Orchard, Park Forest
“Grow Your Own Garden Day” – Saturday, May 14
On Saturday, May 14 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Calvary United Church will be hosting a “Grow Your Own Garden” day. Hundreds of plants will be given away for you to use in starting, or enhancing, your garden. Master gardeners will be on hand to answer any questions regarding starting or maintaining a garden. For additional information, contact Reverend Dudley Elvery at [email protected].
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.
