Local

In and Around Park Forest Week of October 12, 2009


Environment Commission plants tree Saturday.

The Environment Commission planted a tree Saturday at the dedication of the Fire and Police Memorial. Left to right: Chairman Dave Bartlett, Rosemary Piser, Staff Liaison Rob Gunther, and Kevin Headley. (Photo: ENEWSPF)

Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– The LaRabida Children’s Advocacy offices attached to the Park Forest Police Department’s building has a bright new mural in its lobby. The mural, which measures 4 feet by 8 feet was painted and donated by Chief Fleming’s son, Thomas Fleming III. Make it a point to stop by and see the latest Park Forest art work.

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.

Village of Park Forest Board and Commission Meetings

The following Village Boards and Advisory Groups will meet the week of October 5:

  • Commission on Human Relations – Tuesday, October 13 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Youth Commission – Tuesday, October 13 at 7 p.m.

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

School Holiday Camp – Columbus Day, October 12

Gainers Gymnastics, 300 Victory Drive, Park Forest, will provide educational, recreational and cultural activities along with healthy snacks on October 12. A safe environment is provided for children when school is not in session. For more information, call Judy or Karon at 708-481-2261.

Park Forest Chess Challenge Tournament

The first Park Forest Chess Challenge Tournament will be held on Saturday, October 17 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at Dining on the Green in Park Forest. The challenge is organized by the Park Forest Chess Program, an affiliate of the US Chess Federation. Registration fee is $5 per person and all ages are invited. However, children under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information or to pre-register for the tournament, visit the Park Forest Village Hall web site at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com.

Healthy Living

Cook County Department of Public Health Seeks Volunteers for H1N1 Vaccinations

The Cook County Department of Public Health is initiating a voluntary school-based H1N1 mass vaccination campaign and is seeking the public’s help. Licensed healthcare providers are needed to volunteer in vaccinating school-aged children in the community.
For information, or to register as a volunteer, visit www.cookcountypublichealth.org or call Jeannette Tandez, Volunteer Coordinator at 708-492-2820. Individuals may also email [email protected] for details.

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

Immunization and Flu/Pneumonia Clinics

Immunization and flu/pneumonia clinics will be held on: Mondays – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; and Fridays – 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

For details or to schedule an appointment, call 708-748-1118.

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.

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights

Periodontal Screenings –Through October 26

PSC dental hygiene students are looking for community volunteers to enhance their clinical learning experience. For a $35 fee, clients get a thorough cleaning by a student dental hygienist, a full set of X-rays, mouth impressions and a consultation with the periodontist on staff. Services are available on Mondays, September 21 through October 26 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Appointments are required. No walk-ins will be permitted. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call the college’s dental hygiene department at 708-709-3707.

Arts and Entertainment

Park Forest Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

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

  • Monday, October 12 at 10:45 a.m. — Morning Story Times for children 3 to 6;
  • Tuesday, October 13 at 7 p.m. – Pajama Storytime for Children;
  • Wednesday, October 14 at 10:30 a.m. – Lap Sit Storytime for children 3 and under;
  • Wednesday, October 14 at 11:45 a.m. – Toddler Art for children ages 2 – 4;
  • Friday, October 16 at 4 p.m. – Board Games; and
  • Saturday, October 17 at 2 p.m. – All About Pumpkins – an afternoon of pumpkin fun for the entire family.

In addition, due to the library renovation, the following activity will be held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive:

  • Thursday, October 15 at 10:30 a.m. – Potpourri of Lectures – The life and works of artist Normal Rockwell by Yuan Liang. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, call 708-748-3731, extension 20.

Marian Catholic High School, 700 Ashland, Chicago Heights

Hasty Heart – October 16 – 18

While serving with the American Field Service as an ambulance driver during World War II in India and Burma, American playwright John Patrick contemplated the idea of a play based on his experiences. On the ship sailing back home to America, Patrick began writing The Hasty Heart, the story of a dying Scottish soldier in a Burmese convalescent hospital, and the attempts of a nurse and the other patients in the ward who try to break through his hard shell and connect with him. The play will be performed on Friday and Saturday, October 16 – 17 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, October 18 at 2 p.m. All performances are held at Marian’s Croarkin Theatre, at the intersection of Joe Orr Road and Ashland Avenue.

Tickets are $12 for the public and $10 for students and seniors age 65 and over. Tickets are available at the box office. For more information, call 708-755-7565.

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 South Halsted, Chicago Heights

40th Annual Fossil, Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show – October 17 – 18

The South Suburban Earth Science Club celebrates their 40th Annual South Suburban Earth Science Club’s Fossil, Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show on Saturday and Sunday, October 1 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at PSC. Displays will include gems, minerals, fossils and artifacts. Dealer’s exhibits include unique hand-made jewelry, gems, minerals, fossils and more. Throughout the weekend, Joel Knapper, NASA Ambassador, will speak on “Celebrating the First 50 Years of the Space Program.” Other highlights include assistance to Cub and Girl Scouts in earning their Geology Badge, a children’s activity area and an informative and fun program by the ME4E organization. Raffles will be held with proceeds being donated to the Prairie State Student Science Scholarship program.

For additional information, or email [email protected] or call PSC at 708-709-3674.

Union Street Gallery & Studios, 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights

Faces – October 16 – October 31

Faces, a solo graduate exhibition by Patty McWilliams, M.A., opens with a reception on October 16 at 6 p.m. Musical entertainment will be provided by Patti Shaffner & Gail Komar. The exhibit continues through October 31st.

Accusation – Through October 31

Terry Dixon’s work will be featured. Dixon explores the use of text, raw materials and high contrast abstracted photography, juxtaposed with acrylic inks, pencil and metal.

For more information about these or upcoming events, visit the Union Street Gallery web site at: www.unionstreetgallery.org or call 708-754-2601. Gallery Hours are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and the second Friday of each month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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

Horizons by Steinunn Thorarinsdottir – October 14

On Wednesday, October 14 at 5 p.m. in Engbretson Hall, Icelandic artist Steinunn Thorarinsdottir will discuss her work, including “Horizons,” which is currently on exhibit in the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. The work consists of twelve “ungendered” figures cast in iron. Each figure features an insert of polished glass. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 708-534-4017.

Gabriel Villa Art Exhibit – Through October 23

In conjunction with its third annual Arts Fest, GSU is hosting an exhibition of the work of Chicago artist, Gabriel Villa. Gabriel Villa’s work is multifaceted, employing new imagery, themes, and formal strategies and powerful imagery as a direct result of the influence of his adopted home, Chicago. GSU’s Visual Arts Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 708-534-4017.

Latino Film Festival

GSU’s Second Annual Latino Film Festival will showcase films that highlight the Latino art, culture, and society from Spanish-speaking countries in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. Films are subtitled in English and will be shown in Engbretson Hall. The film schedule is as follows:

  • October 12 at 4:45 p.m. – “Sonar no Cuesta Nada,” a film from Argentina and Columbia. Rated R.
  • October 13 at 4:45 p.m. – “La Mirada de Clara,” a film from Argentina. Rated R

For more information, call 708-534-4553.

Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Way, Park Forest

Copenhagen – Tickets Now on Sale

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.” Copenhagen opens on October 30 and runs through November 15.

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.

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.

Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University

Dave Rudolf’s Halloween Spooktacular – October 31

Dave Rudolf will entertain goblins of all ages with his ghost—definitely not very scary—fun songs and stories to raise the hair on your funny bone. The event will be held on Saturday, October 31 at 11 a.m. Kids come dressed in costume can share the stage with Dave.

  • See the Ghastly Ghoul Limbo.
  • Help collect Skeleton Bones.
  • Thrill to the Flying Eyeballs.
  • Watch in Amazement as kids do “The Frankenstein Dance.”

Tickets for the Spooktacular range from $10.50 to $15.50.

A post-show trick-or-treat party will be held in the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. Kids will be invited to trick-or-treat at selected sculptures, where Ghosts and Goblins will explain the sculptures to the trick-or-treaters and give them candy treats to take home.

  • Games
  • Fun
  • Surprises for everyone

Tickets for the after-party are $10. Space is limited so make your reservations early.

Call 708-235-2222 for more information or to purchase tickets visit the Center’s web site at: http://www.centertickets.net/.

Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Boulevard

Second City Comes to Freedom Hall

On October 23, Chicago’s legendary comedy theatre The Second City will appear at Freedom Hall in Park Forest at 8 pm. This special performance will feature some of the best sketches, songs, and improvisations from The Second City’s fifty year history. The Second City is truly a Chicago landmark and a national treasure.

Tickets for The Second City are $25 and can be purchased at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest, IL. For more information call the Freedom Hall box office at 708-747-0580 or visit the web site at 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.

Educational Lectures

Park Forest Nurses Club

Breast Cancer Discussion

The Park Forest Nurses Club will meet on Thursday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Calvary United Protestant Church, 425 N. Orchard St. Certified Breast Health Specialist, Susan Marcek, RN. BSN will discuss ‘Breast Cancer.’ Coffee and dessert will be served following the meeting and talk. All registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses, active or inactive are invited to attend. For further information, call Barbara Principali at 708-481-8387.

Governors State University, 1 University Parkway

Interdisciplinary Studies Portfolio Workshop – October 17

GSU’s College of Arts and Sciences will hold a Prior Learning Portfolio Workshop on Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. Attendees will learn how to develop a portfolio of prior learning to apply toward a B.A. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. The two-hour session includes an explanation of the portfolio submission process. The cost of the workshop is $40 which includes materials.

For more information or to register, call 708-534-4092 or e-mail [email protected].

Public Comments Sought By October 12

As part of the comprehensive evaluation conducted by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, GSU is seeking public comments about the university. Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the university or its academic programs and should include your name, address, and telephone number of the submitting individual. Comments will not be treated as confidential. Comments may be submitted by October 12, 2009 through the Commission’s web site at www.ncahlc.org (click File Third-Party Comments) or by mail to:

Public Comments on Governors State University
The Higher Learning Commission
20 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602.

This and That

Rainbow Café

Monthly Meeting – October 17

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. at the Unitarian-Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Dr. For more information, call 708-481-5539 and connect to the Rainbow extension.

Park Forest Garden Club Annual Fall Bazaar – October 13

On Tuesday, October 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Park Forest Garden Club will hold its Annual Fall Bazaar at Hope Lutheran Church, 213 Nashua (lower level). Guest author, John Paia, of “Wintering Roses” and a variety of vendors will be on hand. Refreshments will be served. Admission is $6 per person. For more information, call 815-469-3523 or 708-672-7928.

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road

Junior Ecologists Club – October 17

On Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to noon children ages 11 – 15 can discover the woods in a new way and join naturalists to explore the woods and track seasonal changes. Fee is $5. For more information, call 708-747-6320.

Village of Park Forest Economic Development

Business Person of the Year – Nominations Due October 30

Nominate the person you believe should be named Park Forest’s Business Person of the Year. Nomination forms can be found on the Village of Park Forest web site (www.villageofparkforest.com). Nomination forms are due October 30. For more information, call Sandra Zoellner at 708-283-5623.

Prairie State College Job Fair

Employers looking for candidates to fill open positions are encouraged to register for the Prairie State College annual job fair which is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21 from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. The job fair is an opportunity for employers to meet and interview potential employees. The fair is open to currently enrolled students, alumni, and community members. Registration is $75 per company and includes seating and lunch for two representatives, table covering, and signage. Each additional representative attending the fair is $25. To register for the job fair, call Tanya Norfleet at 708-709-3755 or visit www.prairiestate.edu and click on the “Save the Date: Fall 2009 Job Fair” icon.

Shop Park Forest First!

Park Forest Farmers’ Market – Through the End of October

The 36th Annual Park Forest Farmers’ Market will be held on Saturday’s from 7:00 a.m. to Noon through the end of October. Vendors from across Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan will have a tremendous array of fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, breads, cheese, organic eggs and meat, and the “best pork chop sandwiches in the universe.” Come early and enjoy a breakfast burrito and cup of coffee while you shop the Market. The Market is located in the parking lot of the Eagle Movie Theater at the corner of Lakewood Boulevard and Cunningham Drive in DownTown Park Forest.

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

“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, Park Forest Library, Tall Grass Arts Association, Center for Performing Arts, Prairie Sate College, Governors State University, Illinois Theatre Center, Union Street Gallery & Studios, and Park Forest Historical Society web sites.


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