Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF) — November 9, 2009. This week, events will take place in Park Forest to honor our Veterans and Police — heroes that we can never thank enough for the selfless contributions they make on a daily basis to help make our world a better place in which to live. Make it a point to attend one of these events and honor these very special people.
Send information concerning your community activities or events during the upcoming week by e-mail to Rosemary Piser, Associate Editor, with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.
Military Service Recognition Ceremony
The Village of Park Forest will recognize all Park Forest Veteran’s and residents that are serving or have served in recent conflicts (Kuwait, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq) at a Veterans Celebration taking place on Monday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Village Hall. The Village encourages all Veterans to attend the service and be recognized for their contributions to our country. For more information about the ceremony, call Judi Lancaster at Village Hall 708-283-5608.
Police Department Honors Ceremony
The Police Department’s annual Honors Ceremony will take place at noon on Sunday, November 15 at Freedom Hall. A welcome reception will convene at 11:15 a.m. prior to the ceremony. The ceremony is open to the public and residents are encouraged to attend.
Village of Park Forest Advisory Board and Commission Meetings
The following Village Advisory Boards and Commissions will meet the week of November 9:
- Commission on Human Relations – Tuesday, November 10 at 7:30 p.m.;
- Recreation & Parks Advisory Board – Tuesday, November 10 at 7 p.m.; and
- Youth Commission, Tuesday, November 10 at 7 p.m.
All meetings are held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Healthy Living
Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (lower level)
Cook County Department of Public Health Prepares to Distribute H1N1 Vaccine
The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) officials are preparing a multifaceted approach to distribute the H1N1 influenza vaccine in suburban Cook County. The situation is fluid because the exact arrival time and quantity of vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is unknown. Residents are encouraged to contact the CCDPH for updated information at www.cookcountypublichealth.org or by e-mail: [email protected]. You can also call the CCDPH Flue Hotline at 708-742-2828 or the Park Forest Health Department at 708-748-1118 for updates.
Babies, Teens and Adults Immunization Clinics – NEW HOURS
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.
Arts and Entertainment
Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard
Note: The library will be closed on Wednesday, November 9 in observance of the Veteran’s Day Holiday.
The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:
- Monday, November 9 at 10:45 a.m. – Morning Story Times for children ages 3 to 6;
- Tuesday, November 10 at 7 p.m. – Pajama Storytime for Children;
- Thursday, November 12 at 10:30 a.m. – Discovery Time for children ages 2 – 6;
- Friday, November 13 at 4 p.m. – Board Games for kids and teens; and
- Saturday, November 14 from at 2 p.m. – All About Pumpkins – an afternoon of pumpkin fun for the entire family. To register, call 708-748-3731, extension 20.
In addition, due to the library renovation, the following activity will be held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive:
- Thursday, November 12 at 10:30 a.m. – Life in the Trenches by Myras Osman. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information, call 708-748-3731, extension 20.
Faith United Protestant Church, 10 Hemlock
“A 50’s Christmas Reunion”
On Friday, November 13, Saturday November 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 15 at 3 p.m., join us for a musical production, “A 50’s Christmas Reunion” by Rick Lewis. For more information, call 708-747-1330.
Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Way
“Here & Now: Annual Gallery Artists’ Exhibit” – Through November 21
View current works by fifty of the Tall Grass Arts Association’s Juried Artists. Viewing hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 708-748-3377.
Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Way, Park Forest
Copenhagen – Through November 15
In 1941 German physicist Werner Heisenberg went to Copenhagen to see his Danish Counterpart, Niels Bohr. Together they had revolutionized atomic science in the 1920s, but now they were on opposite sides of a world war. In this incisive Tony Award Wining Drama, Copenhagen, by Michael Frayn features two men who meet in a situation fraught with danger in hopes of discovering why we do what we do. The New York Times says Copenhagen is “the most invigorating and ingenious play of ideas in many a year. An electrifying work of art.”
Tickets range from $19 – $21. There is a $1 discount for students and senior citizens at all performances. For more information, call 708-481-3510.
Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University
Heartbreaker – November 14
On Saturday, November 14 at 8 p.m., plan on throwing on that old studded leather jacket and torn jeans for the Ultimate Led Zeppelin Tribute. Ticket prices range from $42 to $22. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 708-534-4128.
Snow White – Tickets Now on Sale
On Saturday, November 21 at 11 a.m., the musical adaptation of the classic Grimm’s fairy tale, Snow White will be performed. The musical features a script with lovable characters portrayed by an ensemble of live actors and wonderful puppets. Follow along as Snow White meets her pint-sized friends, takes the apple from the Evil Queen, receives a kiss from the Prince, and lives happily ever after. This faithful rendition of the fairy tale will inspire young audiences to read the original. Tickets range in price from $10.50 to $15.50. Special birthday party packages are available. For more information, 708-235-2222 or email [email protected].
Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Boulevard
Nancy Hays “I Love America”
On Tuesday, November 10 at 11 a.m., Nancy Hays performs her “I Love America” patriotic program during Veterans Day week, featuring many of America’s most beloved anthems including “God Bless America, “ “America the Beautiful,” “You’re a Grand Ol’ Flag,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “God Bless the USA” and many more, plus a tribute to the U.S. Military forces and the USO. Tickets for the event are $10.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 708-747-0580 or visit: www.freedomhall.org.
Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Boulevard (Corner of Forest & Fir)
Relive your childhood memories or show your children/grandchildren what it was like to live in the ‘good old days’ by visiting the Park Forest House Museum. 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.
U Got Jokes Thanxs Giving Comedy Feast – Tickets Now on Sale
On Saturday, November 21 enjoy an evening of laughs at the U Got Jokes Thanxs Giving Comedy Feast being held at the Homewood Hotel, 17400 South Halsted Street, Homewood, IL. The event will be hosted by Joe Joe the Entertainer and includes comedians Reggie Reg, Keith Hale, Darren Marlar, Big Will, and Sundi Foluke.
Tickets for the VIP Dinner Reception and Show which begins at 6:30 p.m. are $40. The menu, catered by Taste of New Orleans Café, includes fried chicken wings, macaroni and cheese, greens, sweet potatoes, rolls, pink lemonade and tropical punch.
Show tickets for the comedy event which begins at 8 p.m. are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Ticket locations are:
- Deshazer’s Barber Shop, 1815 W. 170th St., Hazel Crest, 708-715-0778;
- Living Word Book Store, 937 East Sibley, Dolton, 708-841-8400; and
- Last Minute Copy Shop, 3334 Chicago Road, Steger, 708-335-2091.
Tickets can be also be ordered online at: http://www.myspace.com/ugotjokeschicago. For additional information, call 708-715-0778.
Educational Lectures
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
CenterPoint At GSU Sponsors Veterans Entrepreneurial Boot Camp
CenterPoint is hosting its semiannual, award winning Veterans Entrepreneurial Boot Camp on Wednesday, November 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. The Boot Camp is offered at no cost to veterans or the families/business partners of those serving in the military. Designed by military veterans, the full-day event offers support to the families and business partners of our servicemen and women currently on active duty. The day features presentations and seminars from industry professionals, opportunities for free on-on-one counseling, lunch 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 more information or to register, call 708-534-4929 or visit www.centerpointgsu.com.
Master of Social Work Information Sessions
GSU’s Social Work Department will host an information session for individuals interested in learning more about the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program on Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m. to noon in the university’s Hall of Honors. The MSW program director will be available to meet with students who are interested in the program. The primary goal of GSU’s MSW degree program is to prepare highly qualified, competent, advanced social work professionals to engage in social work practice grounded in a social justice ethic. The MSW degree program is offered through the university’s College of Health and Human Services. For additional information, call 708-235-3997.
Prairie State College, (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights
Restorative Justice Facilitator Training
Restorative Justice Facilitator Training will be offered on Friday, November 13, and Saturday, November 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at PSC. This training is free and will help prepare schools and communities to respond to rising juvenile crime in the south suburbs. The training will focus on holding youths accountable, developing responsible behaviors, considering the victims of crime, and empowering communities to provide for the general welfare of its members. Continuing Education Units and Continuing Professional Development Units for social workers and teachers are available for a minimal charge. For more information or to register, call 708-235-3987.
This and That
Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live will begin on Saturday, November 14 at Forest Trail Middle School, 215 Wilson St., Park Forest for senior high school students. The night’s activities include an open gym. Admission for the program is $2 with a valid high school ID.
Gainers Gymnastics, 300 Victory Drive
School Holiday Camp – November 11
On Wednesday, November 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., educational, recreational and cultural activities will be provided along with healthy snacks. A safe environment is provided for children when school is not in session. For more information, call 708-481-2261.
Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights
Annual Exhibit for Art Lovers and Gift Givers – Through December 31
View art form at its finest. An eclectic display of touchable, viewable, wearable, admirable and pleasurable work from more than 30 regional artists. Perfect for gift giving and collecting. Price ranges that appeal to all pocketbooks. Exhibit opens on Friday, November 13 with a free reception.
Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, Noon to 4 p.m. and the second Friday of the month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 708-754-2601.
Thorn Creek Nature Center, 247 Monee Rd.
Where Do Trees Go When The Die?
On Saturday, November 14 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., join a naturalist for an inside look at what happens to trees and discover the multitude of benefits a dead tree provides. Program includes a hike. Fee is $5. Registration is required. For more information or to register, call 708-747-6320.
Park Forest Historical Society, 400 Lakewood Blvd.
Park Forest Hall of Fame Nominations
Know a person who has made a substantial, beneficial, and consistent contribution to the life and well-being of Park Forest over a considerable span of time? Why not nominate them for possible induction into the Park Forest Hall of Fame? Nominees may now live elsewhere or be deceased. Individuals or couples may be nominated. Inductees will be chosen from among the eligible nominees by the Park Forest Historical Society and announced publicly early in 2010. To nominate someone, complete a nomination form found on the Historical Society’s website: http://www.parkforesthistory.org/. Nominations must be received by December 15, 2009.
Greening of Park Forest
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.
Human Interest
Holiday Mail for Heroes
The American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes, Inc. have joined forces to invite the public to ‘send a touch of home’ to U.S. service members and veterans across the country and abroad through the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign. Now in its third year, the program provides Americans with the opportunity to extend holiday greetings and thanks to service members and veterans. The public can participate in the campaign by sending holiday cards with personal messages to a special post office box through Monday, December 7. Holiday cards should be addressed and sent to:
Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456.
Please be sure to affix adequate postage. For reasons of processing and safety, participants are asked to refrain from sending “care packages,” monetary gifts, using glitter or including any inserts with the cards. For more information and card requirements, please visit www.redcross.org/holidaymail.
Rotary Club of Park Forest
Golden Opportunities Fundraising Project
Looking for a unique gift for a friend, family member or co-worker? Golden Opportunities coupon books make a great gift. Golden Opportunities is the only coupon book that offers coupons at favorite local restaurants, movies, groceries, sporting events and much more. Coupons are valid once a month and a single coupon can offer you hundreds of dollars in savings. Customers can receive 50% off and 2 for 1 discounts. Golden Opportunities Books are $25. Proceeds from the sales support the Rotary Club of Park Forest’s Early Act program – a school-wide service club for elementary students from ages 5 to 13. Books can be purchased by calling Jerome Brown at 773-416-1441.
“The Pantry” of Rich Township
Fundraiser – November 14
“The Pantry” of Rich Township is a not-for-profit organization that provides food at no cost to over 750 low-income families who reside in the 10 surrounding communities of Rich Township
Help support the mission of “The Pantry” by purchasing a Carson’s Community Day Book for only $5.00. Coupons can be used at any Carson Pirie Scott location on November 14 beginning at 6 a.m. when numerous discounts and savings can be obtained through the various offers detailed in the coupon book.
Coupon books can be purchased at the Economic Development and Planning Office on the 2nd floor of Park Forest Village Hall. For more information about “The Pantry” or the fundraiser, call 708-748-6722.
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:Village of Park Forest Weekly Manager’s Report, 2009 Autumn Recreation Programs, Park Forest Fall/Winter 2009 Calendar of Events, Rotary Club of Park Forest, Park Forest Library, Tall Grass Arts Association, Center for Performing Arts, Prairie Sate College, Governors State University, Illinois Theatre Center, Union Street Gallery, and Park Forest Historical Society websites.
