Photo Gallery: Park Forest Kiwanis Pancake Day 2009
Updated 09/28/09 at 1:14 p.m. with revised information regarding the Park Forest House Tour.
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)— September 28, 2009. If you attended this year’s Park Forest Art Fair, you may have seen young students from the Amanda Godin’s class from Indiana School in Park Forest painting rain barrels. These decorated rain barrels will be displayed for the next 2 weeks in the lobby of Village Hall. Stop by and enjoy this unique art work and get some ideas for decorating your own rain barrel over the fall and winter months.
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 Board will meet the week of September 28:
- Environment Commission – Thursday, October 1 at 7 p.m.
All meetings are held at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.
26th Annual Park Forest House Tour — Update
On Sunday, June 6, 2010 the League of Women Voters and the Village of Park Forest will hold the 26th Annual Park Forest House Tour. For the past several years, this event has been held in the fall but in 2010 it will once again be held in the spring as it was when originally begun in 1982. This long-standing, well received yearly event will showcases the diversity of the Village’s housing stock and many unique remodeling and decorating projects owners have undertaken. The committee encourages everyone to submit their home to be considered for the tour. For more information, call Barbara Moore at 708-481-5251 or Judy Lohr at 708-747-1308.
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 website at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com.
Healthy Living
Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (lower level)
Immunization Clinic for Adults and Children
Immunization Clinic for Children and Adults will be held on: Mondays – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; and Fridays – 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Parents must bring a copy of their child’s immunization record to the clinic at the time of their appointment.
Fees are:
- Children — $10 office visit fee and $5 per shot. Please note that some shots may vary in price.
- Adults — $10 office visit fee and variable cost per shot.
For questions or to schedule an appointment, call 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, September 28 at 10:45 a.m. — Morning Story Times for children 3 to 6;
- Tuesday, September 29 at 7 p.m. – Pajama Storytime for Children;
- Wednesday, September 30 at 10:30 a.m. – Lap Sit Storytime for children 3 and under;
- Wednesday, September 30 at 11:45 a.m. – Toddler Art for children ages 2 – 4; and
- Friday, October 2 at 3:30 p.m. – Beatles Rock Band Video Games.
For more information, call 708-748-3731, extension 20.
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
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.
Theatre Center, 371 Artists Way, Park Forest
A Shayna Maidel – Through October 11
A Shayna Maidel dramatizes the saga of the Weiss family, Polish Jews whose lives are irrecoverably altered by the Holocaust. The New York Times described this play as “…a powerful, deeply affecting portrait of a family, which conveys the aftermath of the Holocaust through a poignant, imaginatively conceived examination of one divided family’s experience. A tribute to the sustaining power of family and to man’s indominatability.” A Shayna Maidel will open September 25 and run through October 11. 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
Jim Brickman – October 3
Hot off his new Beautiful World PBS Special, Grammy award winning musician, Jim Brickman will bring an evening of romance which kicks off the 2009-2010 season at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts. Call 708-235-2222 for more information or to purchase tickets visit the Center’s website at: http://www.centertickets.net/.
Take 6
The multiple Grammy award winning a cappella jazz group, Take 6 will perform on Sunday, October 4 at 6 p.m. at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts. Call 708-235-2222 for more information or to purchase tickets visit the Center’s website at: http://www.centertickets.net/
Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Boulevard
2009 – 2010 Season
Regular and subscriber tickets are now on sale for the 2009 – 2010 season. Events at the newly remodeled Nathan Manilow Theatre include: Second City 50th Anniversary Show; Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues Band; Windham Hill Winter Solstice Concert; Funkadesi; Switchback; and Abraxas.
The Senior Series events are: Radio’s Good Old Days; Nancy Hays – “I Love America”; “A White Christmas”; Banjo Buddies Dixieland Jazz Band; “The Rat Pack Jazz Quartet”; and Megon McDonough, “Her Way.”
Children’s Theatre events are: Writing Our World; and Animal Tales & Dinosaur Scales.
Tickets can be ordered by mail, phone or fax, on the web, or in person. Box office hours are: Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The box office is closed on Wednesday and Sunday. For more information, call the box office at 708-747-0580 or visit the website 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
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez Discusses 22 Year Career
As part of the Distinguished Lecture Series at GSU, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez will speak to students, faculty, staff and the community at a free presentation on Thursday, October 1 at 6 p.m. Ms. Alvarez is Cook County’s first female and first Latina State’s Attorney. Her presentation is part of the university’s observance of Hispanic Heritage Month. The discussion will take place in GSU’s Center for Performing Arts. A question and answer period will follow. For more information, call 708-235-3956.
‘The Nature of Photography’
On Wednesday, September 30 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., noted nature photographer, Mel Katz will discuss how to visualize a picture and take a better photograph in the GSU Library. The presentation is sponsored by the Library Intellectual Life Committee and is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Fore more information, call 708-534-4110.
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 website 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.
Park Forest Nurses Club Seminar
Chaos and Confusion of Cardiac Drugs (Clarifying by Classifying) is the topic of the eighth annual Park Forest Nurses Club Seminar being held on Saturday, October 3 from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Oak Lawn Hilton Hotel, 9333 S. Cicero Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL. Deborah Panozzo Nelson, RN, MS, APN, CCRN, will be the presenter. The program is approved for four CE’s by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses Certification Corporation. Program fee is $50 fro RN’s and $25 for student nurses with ID. Proceeds benefit the Park Forest Nurses Club scholarship fund. For more information, call Elenore Burns at 708-747-1216 or Pat O’Donnell at 708-633-1562.
This and That
Hallelujah Temple, 1 Dogwood St.
Refreshing Times – Friday, October 2 at 1 P.M.
All seniors are welcome to this monthly fellowship. Join us for arts and crafts, games, food and bible lessons. For more information, call 708-503-6536.
St. Irenaeus Roman Catholic Church, 78 Cherry St.
Blessing of Animals – Saturday, October 3 at 9:30 A.M.
Join us as we bless our household pets. For the safety and protection of all, please have pets on a leash or in carriers. All are welcome. For more information, call 708-748-6891.
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Rd.
Roots and Shoots – Saturday, October 2
On Saturday, October 2 from 10 a.m. to Noon children ages 5 – 10 are encouraged to explore the environment, their community and the world around them. Fee is $5. For more information, call 708-747-6320.
Harvest Fest – Sunday, October 4
On Sunday, October 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., discover the world of locally grown food during Harvest Fest. Replacing Garlic Fest, Harvest Fest will help you to learn about the benefits of organically grown food and composting as well as discovering the world of sustainability and what it means to you and your family. Purchase the extremely popular organic garlic grown on the Hornicek farm, as well as many other tasty goodies. For more information, call 708-747-6320.
Village of Park Forest Economic Development
Business Person of the Year
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
Cash Dash Event in Steger – September 28
On Monday, September 28 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Steger Village Hall, 35 W. 34th St., State Representative Anthony DeLuca and the Office of State Treasurer will offer local residents free Cash Dash searches on the state’s online database. The Cash Dash program reunites Illinois residents with lost money and property. This wealth can be anything from money held in long-lost bank accounts to entire estates that never made it to a rightful owner. For more information or to RSVP for the event, call 708-672-0200. You can also conduct your own online search at: www.treasurer.il.gov.
“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, State Representative DeLuca, and Park Forest Historical Society websites.
Photo Gallery: Park Forest Kiwanis Pancake Day 2009
