Ravisloe Country Club, Homewood, IL
Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—July 17, 2016. The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) is presenting summer concerts set against Ravisloe Country Club’s gorgeous Gilded Age architecture. Ravisloe Country Club is located at 18231 South Park Avenue in Homewood. On Wednesday, July 20th you’ll want to put on your dancing shoes as the IPO String Quartet delights with a program of ballroom and country dances from Bach, Mozart, Strauss and others. You can learn more about IPO @ Ravisloe in the ‘Arts & Entertainment’ section.
Last call for raffle tickets. The Park Forest Fire Department is raffling off four tickets to the Cubs vs. Mariners game on Sunday, July 31 at 1:20 p.m. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and are available for purchase at the Fire Department during normal business hours (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Tickets will be on sale until 4 p.m. on Friday, July 22 when the winner will be drawn. Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Park Forest Police Officer Tim Jones and his family to support his recovery from injuries sustained in a shooting incident in March. For additional information, please contact the Fire Department at 708-748-5605.
If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in the community, please send an e-mail to RJPiserLPH@aol.com with the details no later than Friday of each week. Thank you.
Village of Park Forest
Village Board Meeting – Monday, July 18
The Village of Park Forest is scheduled to meet on Monday, July 18 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. Residents are encouraged to attend.
To view previously held Board Meetings, visit the Village’s web site here and click on the date of the meeting you wish to watch.
Village Commissions & Advisory Boards
The following Park Forest Commission is currently scheduled to meet the week of July 17:
Tuesday, July 19 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission
The meeting will be held at Park Forest Village Hall and residents are encouraged to attend.
Arts & Entertainment
Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
2016/2017 Season – Tickets Now on Sale
Each year, the Center for Performing Arts presents more than 50 performances offering diverse, high quality and affordable cultural and arts education experiences to more than 60,000 people. CPA offers national touring acts, Chicago-based artists and community and academic theatre. Whatever your cultural tastes, we have something for you. This state-of-the art facility seats 1,171 patrons and is located at a vibrant and dynamic university setting that also houses an on-site Visual Arts Gallery and The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, offering unique opportunities for pre- and post-show activities and gatherings. With free parking, a convenient location accessible to major highways and presentations ranging from opera to family programs, the venue has served as a vibrant cultural destination in the southland community since 1995. Tickets are currently on sale for the 2016/2017 Season. For a complete list of the Season’s events, and information about purchasing tickets, visit: http://www.govst.edu/About/Center_for_Performing_Arts/All_Events_by_Date/.
Chicago Professionals for Parkinson’s Research
Annual Tips for Parkinson’s Event – Tickets Now on Sale
On Sunday, August 14, 2016, the Chicago Professionals for Parkinson’s Research will hold its first annual Tips for Parkinson’s event at the Thompson Chicago hotel. The event —first launched 11 years ago in New York City —combines food, silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and a bartending competition for an afternoon of fun, while raising awareness and money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation and its mission to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Bartending teams will compete against one another to raise money for Parkinson’s research. Each team, made up of 3-4 people, will have 45 minutes to serve drinks and collect tips. At the end of the day, the winning team will be awarded a prize and be named the 2016 Tips for Parkinson’s Champions. Interested in creating a team? Please contact Abby Baumann at tipsforparkinsonschi@gmail.com to set up a team. Teams must raise a minimum of $200 prior to the event to compete. Team members do not need to purchase event tickets. Not interested in bartending? Come out and support your favorite bartenders and get ready to tip for a cause on Sunday, August 14th from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM. The event takes place at the Thompson Hotel located at 21 East Bellevue Place in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. Tickets include beer, wine and appetizers. Pre-sale tickets are available for $45 through July 11. Starting July 12th, tickets can be purchased online for $55 or can be bought at the door for $65. Come out and tip for a cause! Hope to see you there. For additional information about Chicago Professionals for Parkinson’s Research, visit: http://www.teamfoxchicago.com/.
DePaul Art Museum, 935 W. Fullerton, Chicago
‘Barbara Rossi’s: Poor Traits’ and ‘Eye Owe You!’ Art Exhibit – Through August 21
Chicago artist Barbara Rossi’s enigmatic drawings and meticulous Plexiglas paintings will be featured at the DePaul Art Museum through Aug. 21. ‘Barbara Rossi: Poor Traits’ is organized by Natalie Bell at the New Museum in New York and marks the most significant presentation of the artist’s work in 25 years. A companion exhibition, ‘Eye Owe You!’ will highlight Rossi’s photographs and artistic process. DePaul Art Museum has organized a companion exhibition, “Eye Owe You!” in close collaboration with Rossi as a way to illuminate her working process. The exhibition features 124 of Rossi’s photographs that have never been exhibited before. This personal archive of visual culture has informed her work for 40 years and also captures an important bygone era in Chicago’s visual urban landscape. Rossi earned her MFA from the School of the Art Institute, where she has taught drawing and painting since 1971. The images from 1971 to 1975 included in the exhibition are from Rossi’s vast collection of 35mm slides and align with the dates of the paintings in “Poor Traits.” Arranged by the artist in a specific sequence to correlate one image to the next, they document hand-painted outdoor signs and window displays in Chicago and cities around the world. A limited edition artist’s book of these images will be published by DePaul Art Museum. The DePaul Art Museum is located just east of the CTA’s Fullerton ‘L’ stop. The museum hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. For more on the DePaul Art Museum’s upcoming exhibitions and events, call 773-325-7506 or visit http://museums.depaul.edu/.
‘The Secret Birds’ – Through August 21
Chicago artist Tony Fitzpatrick will bring his signature brand of witty visual repartee to the DePaul Art Museum this spring with a display of his collage series ‘The Secret Birds.’ The exhibition will run through August 21, and is the largest presentation of his work to date with more than 50 of his intricately layered collages as well as 40 prints from the DePaul Art Museum collection that span more than two decades of the artist’s career. In his ongoing series ‘The Secret Birds,’ Fitzpatrick meticulously draws and layers images, poetry and found materials onto the page. He combines inspiration from his working class roots in Chicago and influences from folk art, comic book characters and tattoo imagery. Each drawn collage depicts a specific species of bird, ranging from the peregrine falcon to the common starling. Several of the works are commentaries on gun violence, drug abuse and other inequities and injustices found in Chicago and beyond. The event is free and open to the public. The DePaul Art Museum is located at 935 W. Fullerton, just east of the CTA’s Fullerton ‘L’ stop. The museum hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. For more on the DePaul Art Museum’s upcoming exhibitions and events, call 773-325-7506 or visit http://museums.depaul.edu/.
The Drama Group, 330 West 202nd Street, Chicago Heights
‘Dogfight’ – Tickets Now on Sale
The Drama Group is thrilled to present the emotionally charged musical, ‘Dogfight’ directed by Curt and Tammy Lang. It’s November 21, 1963. On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia, three young Marines set out for one final boys’ night of debauchery, partying and maybe a little trouble. But, when Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress whom he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of love and compassion. Performances will be held at the Drama Group Studio Theatre on August 5, 6, 11, 12 & 13 at 7:30 p.m. and matinees on August 7, 13 & 14 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $21 for adults; $20 for seniors and $15 for students with ID. Group discount rates are also available. Good seats are still available. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 708-755-3444 or online http://www.brownpapertickets.com/profile/242073. For directions and other information regarding Drama Group activities, please visit our Web site at www.dramagroup.org.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest
IPO @ Ravisloe 2016
IPO @ Ravisloe returns for another series of 7p.m. concerts set against Ravisloe Country Club’s gorgeous Gilded Age architecture. Ravisloe Country Club is located at 18231 South Park Avenue in Homewood.
Tickets are: $30 single tickets in advance; $35 single tickets at the door and $10 student tickets (with ID).
Group Tickets are available for $20 each with a minimum of 7. Please call the office to arrange your group purchase, 708-481-7774.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ipomusic.org. For additional information, call 708-481-7774.
Ravisloe’s Bunker Bar and Grill will offer a themed buffet and bar drinks before each concert. Reservations are suggested, 708-798-5600.
Other dining options include: Fresh Starts, 1040 Sterling Avenue, Flossmoor, 708-957-7900 and La Voute Bistro in La Banque Hotel, 2034 Ridge Road, Homewood, 708-798-6000.
Dancing with the Strings — Wednesday, July 20 at 7 p.m.
You’ll want to put on your dancing shoes as the IPO String Quartet delights with a program of ballroom and country dances from Bach, Mozart, Strauss and others.
Folksongs and Fairy Tales – Wednesday, August 10 at 7 p.m.
Prepare for an enchanted evening as the IPO’s Woodwind Quintet evokes memories of a storied childhood. The program includes Peter and the Wolf, Ewazen’s Roaring Fork for Wind Quintet, Hungarian Dances by Farkas and other spirited works.
National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM), 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago
‘Operation Mom’s Couch’ – Through August 27
The NVAM announces the opening of its solo exhibition ‘Operation Mom’s Couch’ —the newest exploration of the veteran experience through the lens of an Airman and his cultural consumption of war stemming back to early childhood memories, juxtaposed with his lived authentic enlisted experience. The way in which war is broadcast to the public and consumed on couches all across the world—becoming a daily part of the home environment—is a phenomenon explored by retired Air Force veteran, and award-winning artist: Eric J. Garcia. The exhibit will run through August 27. Known for mixing history and culture with contemporary themes, Eric J. Garcia creates art that expands the genre beyond aesthetics. Garcia has shown in numerous national and international exhibitions, has received many awards such as the prestigious Jacob Javits Fellowship and is currently an artist in residence at the Hyde Park Art Center. Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Garcia came to Chicago in 2007, to study at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where he earned his Masters of Fine Arts degree. A versatile artist working in an assortment of media, from hand-printed posters, to published political cartoons, to sculptural installations, they all have a common goal of educating and challenging. While the NVAM is one of the only museums in the world to collect and exhibit artwork exclusively created by veterans in a permanent exhibition, it also provides important programming for veterans, their families, and the community. For more information about the National Veterans Art Museum, visit www.nvam.org, or call 312-326-0270.
Park Forest Historical Society, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest
Step Back into the 1950s at the Park Forest House Museum
The 1950s Park Forest House Museum at 227 Monee Road, (inside St. Mary’s Catholic Church) in Park Forest, will give you a nostalgic look of what a Park Forest home and classroom once looked like. The Museum is open Wednesday and Saturday 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and can also be open at other times by appointment for group tours. Donation is Adults $5; 12 & under free with an adult. Scout and school tours are priced individually. For details, to arrange a special group tour, or to volunteer, visit the Park Forest Historical Society website, www.parkforesthistory.org, or call Jane Nicoll, 708-481-4252.
Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard
The following events are scheduled for the week of July 17:
Monday, July 18 at 11 a.m. — Rise and Shine Story Time — Jump start your morning with a series of stories that are sure to get you moving. Ages 12 and under.
Monday, July 18 at 2 p.m. – Fun with Science — Join us each week for exciting hands-on experiments. You will be inspired through an interactive environment of discovery that will ignite your imagination. Registration is required ages 8-12 years old.
Monday, July 18 at 3:30 p.m. – Color, Create, Escape! — Travel to a world of relaxation for kids. Lose yourself in patterns, curved flowers or even runaway stems. Color yourself Happy in our kids’ coloring circle. Ages: 12 and Under.
Tuesday, July 19 at 11 a.m. – Olympic Circle — We’re Racing Through Time! Join us each week as we learn about the USA Olympics, its history, the different athletes, sports and more. Ages: 12 and under. Materials Provided. While Supplies last.
Tuesday, July 19 at 2 p.m. – Art Studio — It’s time to create! Materials will be provided. Ages 12 and under.
Tuesday, July 19 at 4 p.m. — Color-Rama! Coloring Circle — Are you a teen looking to take a break after school with a fun, fresh activity? Come relieve stress and show your creativity with other teens in our coloring circle!
Tuesday, July 19 at 7 p.m. – PajamaRama — Share special moments with your child through stories, crafts, and more. Wear your pj’s and wind down from a busy day. Ages 12 and under.
Tuesday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m. — Ravinia Concert – Chanticleer — Come to the Info Zone desk to inquire about tickets to today’s Ravinia show taking place at the Martin Theatre. First come, first serve basis. Ravinia is located in Highland Park, IL
Wednesday, July 20 at 11 a.m. – Movement and Me — On Your Mark, Get Set, Move! to the Rhythm of storytelling. This story time is designed to engage children through movement, music, stories and more. Open to children ages 1 month to 12 years old.
Wednesday, July 20 at 2 p.m. – Art Extreme! — We’re taking art to the EXTREME! Explore a wide range of art through painting, drawing, building and more! Art has never been this fun. You don’t want to miss out. Ages 12 and under.
Wednesday, July 20 at 4 p.m. — Color Me Happy Circle — Our coloring circle is the perfect way to step back from the stress of everyday life and enjoy some relaxation! All supplies will be provided.
Wednesday, July 20 at 4 p.m. – “Sports Weekly” Picks — Create, learn, and engage with fun activities all with a creative, sports twist!
Wednesday, July 20 at 6:30 p.m. – Writer’s Workshop — Want to improve your skills as a writer? Interested in sharing your ideas or written work with others? Come to the Park Forest Library and join other creators in our bi-monthly writers’ group, led by James Pressler, for all your writing wishes. Writers of all skill levels are welcomed.
Wednesday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m. — Ravinia Concert – Vasily Petrenko — Come to the Info Zone desk to inquire about tickets to today’s Ravinia show taking place at the Martin Theatre. First come, first serve basis. Ravinia is located in Highland Park, IL
Thursday, July 21 at 11 a.m. – Creative Play with Art — Bring your imagination and creativity to bring out your inner Picasso. Some projects may involve paint. Ages 12 and under.
Thursday, July 21 at 1 p.m. — Throwback Thursday! ‘Go For the Gold: With Out Limits’ — The film follows the life of famous 1970s runner Steve Prefontaine from his youth days in Oregon to the University of Oregon where he worked with the legendary coach Bill Bowerman, later to Olympics in Munich.
Thursday, July 21 at 2 p.m. – Comic Creations — Be inspired to become a graphic novelist/comic creator! Each week explore ways to create comic strips, books, graphic and more. Open to ages 7-12yrs old.
Thursday, July 21 at 4 p.m. – 2000’s Teen Movie Marathon — Join us for a line-up of our favorite sport films from the 2000’s.
Thursday, July 21 at 6 p.m. – Family Board Game Night — It’s Family Time! Enjoy a wide variety of board games, such as Monopoly, Scrabble, Sorry, Connect Four and more. This program will brings the entire family out to the library.
Thursday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m. — Ravinia Concert – Baritone and Piano — Come to the Info Zone desk to inquire about tickets to today’s Ravinia show taking place at the Martin Theatre. First come, first serve basis. Ravinia is located in Highland Park, IL
Friday, July 22 at 10 a.m. — Color Me Calm: Adult Coloring Circle — Drop in and enjoy the hottest coloring trend. All materials are provided.
Friday, July 22 at 10:30 a.m. – Butterfly Club — The Butterfly Club will track Monarch Butterflies in our backyard! We will collect and raise caterpillars, so we may release butterflies in the library gardens! Registration is Required. Children under 6 must have a chaperone. Shoes, socks, water bottle, and sunscreen are recommended.
Friday, July 22 at 11 a.m. — BINGO for BOOKS! — It’s BINGO in the afternoon for entire family! Who will walk away a winner? Bring a friend or make a new one.
Friday, July 22 at 2 p.m. — “GET IN THE GAME” Day! — GAME ON! Join us every Friday for a variety of games. Try your luck on the Wii, Challenge a friend at board games, BINGO and more….Open to ages 12yrs-under.
Friday, July 22 at 3 p.m. – ‘Gold Medal’ Teen Game Day — Show off your competitive side with your friends! From board games to video games, there will be plenty of fun! Are you up to the challenge?
Saturday, July 23 ALL DAY – Drop-In Create Zone — Stop in kids’ zone and create something special today.
For additional information call 708-748-3731 or visit www.pfpl.org.
Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest
Thursday Game Days
Come join us at the Rich Township Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, in DownTown Park Forest every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. to play games with old friends and new friends. We have a few games on hand, Trivial Pursuit, Racko, Pente, Chess, Pictionary, High Hand and Rummikub. If none of these suit your taste, feel free to bring in your favorites. Come join in the fun. This is a new program, so please help to spread the word.
August Monthly Trip to Isle of Capri – Reservations Now Being Taken
The August Monthly Trip will be to the Isle of Capri on August 21 through 23. We will leave at 1 p.m. from the Rich Township Senor Center on Sunday, August 21 and return at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23. The price for a single room is $210, a double is $145 and a triple is $135. The trip includes $15 Isle Play on Sunday and Monday, 2 breakfast buffets at the Isle and $5 free play and 1 lunch buffet at the ‘new’ Rhythm City Casino on Tuesday, Reservations are now being taken by phone by calling 708-748-5454.
Roosevelt University, 430 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Annual Golf Outing – Registration Now in Progress
Golfers of all skill levels are invited to show what they can do on the links at Roosevelt University’s 23rd Annual Scholarship Golf Outing being held August 1 at the Schaumburg Golf Club & Academy, 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg. The outing begins with registration and buffet lunch at 11 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Cocktails, a delicious dinner and awards are at 5:45 p.m. There are a number of sponsorship opportunities still available, including event sponsor, hole sponsors, prize sponsors as well as foursomes and program book ads. For information about becoming a sponsor, contact Sara Lee Powell at 312-341-2309 or spowell08@roosevelt.edu. For golf outing information, contact Juliana Nelligan at 312-341-2252 or jnelligan@roosevelt.edu. To register for the Roosevelt Scholarship Golf Outing, please visit www.roosevelt.edu/golf.
South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 State Street, South Holland
Join SSC College Symphony Orchestra – Rehearsals Begin August 22
The Music Department of SSC is excited to announce that the SSC String Orchestra is expanding to a full symphonic orchestra, beginning in August, 2016. SSC Director of Instrumental Music, Rob Calhoon, has long felt the need for a community symphony in our area. Rehearsals are on Monday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. beginning August 22 at South Suburban College. Any instrumentalists who would like more information about the South Suburban Community Symphony Orchestra, or who would like to schedule an audition should call Rob Calhoon at 708-596-2000, ext. 2299, or email him at rcalhoon@ssc.edu.
Tall Grass Art Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
‘Neutral Ground: Somewhere Between Black and White’ – Through July 23
Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery, 367 Artists Walk in DownTown Park Forest, will host the exhibition ‘Neutral Ground: Somewhere Between Black and White’ which will run through July 23. The exhibit is free and open to the public. This invitational show of artwork is created predominantly in black & white media. The nine exhibiting artists are Carol Weber, Mike Wasnowski, Joanne Venheizer, Sara Schleicher, Jennifer Moore, Corey Hagelberg, Jennifer Cronin, Michael Barnes, and Joanne Aono. Curated by Mary Bookwalter. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m., to 4 p.m. The Gallery is closed on Sunday and Monday. For additional information, please call 708-748-3377 or visit www.tallgrassarts.org.
Union Street Gallery (USG), 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights
‘Insider Art’ Exhibit – Through July 23
USG’s current exhibit ‘Insider Art’ is curated by Claudia Craemer, and highlights work from many of our Union Street Gallery affiliated artists. The exhibit will run through July 23 and is free and open to the public. Exhibiting artists include: Marjorie Anderson, Richard Benoit, Claudia Craemer, Maureen Cribbs, Suzanne Dreher, Pam Eberlin, Barbara Edwards, Anitra Frazier, Dorita Fuller, Irene Ganas, Margi Hafer, Linda Lane Haynes, Ron Karlic, Aline Keith, Jean Lewis, Joe McIlhany, Harriett Miller, Alexis Moulds, Renee Klyczek Nordstrom, Ginny Raftery, Pamela Rodey, Leon Sarantos, Richard Schmidt, Jean Schuster, Mary Ann Trzyna, and Marikay Peter Witlock. For additional information, call 708-754-2601or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.
University of Chicago, 5801 S Ellis Avenue, Chicago
‘Resonant Objects’ – Through Sunday, August 28
A new UChicago exhibition showcases the work of three Chicago-based artists and their shared interest in the social and spatial conditions of their surroundings. ‘Resonant Objects,’ on view through August 28 at the Logan Center Gallery and the Arts Incubator, features the work of Greg Bray, Aquil Charlton and Nazafarin Lotfi, who participated in the University of Chicago’s Arts + Public Life and Center for the Study of Race, Politics & Culture Artists-in-Residence Program. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Over the course of ten months, Bray, Charlton and Lotfi worked in studios at the Arts Incubator, generating research, artworks and happenings that fostered interactive relationships with diverse publics and spaces on Chicago’s South Side. Working across painting and sculpture, Bray blends collage and assemblage with an exploration of random structures. For ‘Resonant Objects,’ Bray presents abstract sculptures informed by his research into the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear purge that occurred in Eastern Japan in 2011. Fashioned from discarded chairs, Bray’s works are uncanny contortions of wood, plastic, metal and electrical cords. At once acquiring anthropomorphic guises and suggesting new forms, Bray’s sculptures speak to humanity’s resilience and capacity to create a new following moments of rupture. As the resident musician in this year’s cohort, Charlton’s work focuses on his music education, sound design and songwriting practices, as well as his research into the life and work of influential American singer/songwriter Eugene “Gene” McDaniels. McDaniel’s politically motivated recordings garnered success in the late 1960s and in recent times various hip hop producers including Prince Paul and Q-Tip of Native Tongues have sampled his work. Following this lineage, Charlton’s presentation infuses music creation with a deep social consciousness and pedagogical intent. Culling elements from McDaniel’s music and lyrics, as well as from his own repertoire, Charlton presents a series of sound installations that interpolate the unique acoustic and spatial qualities of the presenting galleries. Also on view is Charlton’s Mobile Music Box, an interactive vehicle that features instructions and recycled materials for making musical instruments. Lotfi’s sculpture- and performance-based practice explores the relationship between object, body and space. Lotfi engages in daily rituals of walking between her home and several spaces across Chicago’s Hyde Park and Washington Park neighborhoods, accompanied by large-scale, boulder-like sculptures crafted from papier-mâché. These mundane experiences—often reserved solely for the artist and without a prescribed audience—are recorded in physical impressions on the object’s delicate surfaces as they are rolled on the ground, as well as through the artist’s own body as she negotiates holding and carrying them aloft. For the exhibition, Lotfi presents a series of sculptures with distressed and painted surfaces alongside video and photographs documenting her actions in the public sphere. For additional information, call 773-702-8360 or visit www.uchicago.edu.
Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive
2016 Main Street Nights – Wednesday, July 20
Grab a blanket and position yourself in the Park Forest DownTown Village Green (Cunningham and Main Streets) for some free nights of entertainment, rain or shine. Vendors on hand selling food and drinks. The evening starts at 6:30 p.m. with an opening act followed by the showcased entertainment. In case of rain, performances will be oved to Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street. For weather related changes or cancellations, please call 708-283-5647. For general inquiries, call 708-748-2005.
Cold Blooded Creatures – 7 p.m.
Back by popular demand, Jim Nesci entertains while educating the audience about reptiles. See and touch 4 types of reptilians.
Tom Mac Group with Guest Artists Neal Alger and Larry Gray – 7:45 p.m.
The Tom Mac Group puts its own fresh face on American, English and Cuban music written from Stephen Foster, George Gershwin and Woody Guthrie to Mark Knopfler, Sting and James Taylor. Tom Mac will be joined by the fabulous Park Forest native Neal Alger on electric guitar plus bassist Larry Gray.
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest
‘Happy’ Movie Screening and Discussion – Friday, July 22
UUCC will screen the documentary film ‘Happy’ on Friday, July 22 at 7 p.m. A discussion will follow the movie. The event is free and open to the public. ‘Happy’ takes us on a journey from the swamps of Louisiana to the slums of Kolkata in search of what really makes people happy. Combining real life stories of people from around the world and powerful interviews with the leading scientists in happiness research, ‘Happy’ explores the secrets behind our most valued emotion. Coffee, tea and popcorn will be provided. Bring a snack to share if you wish. Optional donations appreciated. UUCC is located east of Western Avenue and south of Steger Road. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
Educational Lectures & Opportunities
Park Forest – Chicago Heights School District 16
Kindergarten and 6th Grade Registration – Through August 9th
Park Forest – Chicago Heights School District 163 has announced registration for kindergarten and 6th grade returning students for the 2017-17 school year. Details are as follows:
What: Kindergarten & 6th Grade Returning Student Walk-In Registration
Where: 21st Century Media Center
When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays through August 9th, 2016
Tuesdays – 9:00 am -12:00 pm
Wednesdays – 5:00 pm -7:00 pm
Thursdays – 1:00 pm -4:00 pm
Kindergarten and 6th grade returning students MUST bring their completed physical to the District office during WALK-IN registration days to receive access to online registration
Kindergarten & 6th Grade Students will receive username and passwords upon approval of student physical and immunizations per District Nurse.
• Once approved, you can register online using your family username and password.
Parent/Guardian Name:
Address:
Additional Registration Information
Please keep this letter; it will serve as required proof of residency for returning students.
• If you do not have this letter you will need to provide 2 (two) proofs of residency at time of registration. (Address must match address in Skyward system).
• If you complete registration by August 9th 2016, you will receive a $10 discount. Fees may be paid with cash, money order/cashier’s check, credit/debit, (Visa, Master Card, and Discover).
(Personal Checks Are Not Accepted)
For questions or technical assistance, please contact the registration/tech support help line at 708-668-9468.
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights
Fall 2016 Registration Open at PSC – Classes Begin August 22
Registration for fall 2016 is open at PSC. Credit courses begin Monday, August 22. Non-credit courses include a variety of single-day and multiple-session offerings that begin throughout the fall. PSC offers convenient, flexible scheduling options. Students can choose their schedule, their class and their time. Hundreds of courses are offered days, evenings, weekends and online to accommodate busy schedules. The 16-week courses begin Monday, Aug. 22. On Tuesday, Sept. 6, 14-week courses begin. The 12-week courses begin Friday, Sept. 16. All of these courses — 16-week, 14-week, and 12-week – end on Thursday, Dec. 8, and offer the same course material with the same credit hours. The shorter the number of weeks, the longer the class period. PSC also offers two different eight-week course sessions. First eight-week courses start Monday, Aug. 22, and end Friday, Oct. 14. Second eight-week courses start Monday, Oct. 17, and end on Thursday, Dec. 8. The eight-week courses typically offer fewer credit hours. Many of the college certificate programs offer eight-week courses, allowing students to fit two courses in a semester and to make progress towards that certificate. Both credit and non-credit courses are listed in the fall class schedule, available on the PSC main campus, located at 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. The schedule also is available at area public libraries and online at prairiestate.edu. To register for credit courses, new students must complete an enrollment application in person at the college or online. Current students can register for credit courses in person or online at prairiestate.edu/start. Through Friday, Aug. 12, Enrollment Services is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the college is closed on Fridays. Beginning Monday, Aug. 15, Enrollment Services will resume regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The college also will be closed on Monday, May 30, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Students can register for non-credit courses online or in person. To register online via Instant Enrollment, go to prairiestate.edu and select “How to Register for Non-Credit Courses” from the A-Z Index. Another option is to complete the registration form available online at prairiestate.edu/noncredit or in the back of the printed course schedule. Students also can register for non-credit courses in person at the Matteson Area Center (MAC), located at 4821 Southwick Drive in Matteson, or in the Enrollment Services Office on the PSC main campus. Through Friday Aug. 12, the MAC is open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Beginning Monday, Aug. 15, the MAC will resume regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. For more information about registering for courses, visit prairiestate.edu or call 708-709-3500.
South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 State Street, South Holland
2016 Fall Registration – Now in Progress
Open Registration for the Fall 2016 Semester at SSC is in progress. Fall classes begin Monday, August 22nd at the college’s Main Campus and Oak Forest Center. SSC will also host a College-Wide Open House on Thursday, August 4th from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. featuring tours, demonstrations, and information about the college’s wide range of options, programs and student services. Prospective students 18 and over will be entered in an Open House Raffle for:
1st Prize: IPad Air2
2nd Prize: $200 Visa Gift Card
3rd Prize: $100 Visa Gift Card.
SSC is now offering a Free Class to first time credit students who reside within South Suburban College District 510, qualify for our Lake County, IN or Chicago regional rates or work for an employer within South Suburban College District 510. The Free Class applies to tuition only, and does not apply to courses of more than 5 credit hours. Individuals must not be receiving any state or federal financial aid or employer subsidies. More information is available at www.ssc.edu/freeclass. Students who wish to use financial aid as payment for fall classes must have an official high school or GED transcript on file. Official transcripts must have a school seal and graduation date on them. Transcripts can be hand-delivered to the Admissions Office or mailed to: Office of Admissions (15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473). If a transcript is hand-delivered it must be in the original sealed, unopened envelope. Prospective students should complete the Online Application Form at www.ssc.edu to begin the enrollment process. New students will receive an SSC email account and a “My SSC” Username & Password via email which will allow access to the online schedule and class registration. The My SSC Portal also allows students 24-hour access during college closed periods. Contact the Office of Admissions at 708-210-5718 for enrollment information. SSC’s Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.
Free Highway Construction Careers Training Program – Classes Begin July 25
SSC be offering a Free Highway Construction Careers Training Program this summer at their Oak Forest Campus. Orientation and Assessment Testing will be June 28-30 at the Oak Forest Center, with the program set to begin on July 25, 2016. The Highway Construction Careers Training Program has been implemented to increase the number of minorities, women, and disadvantaged individuals working on IDOT highway construction projects. The training consists of an intensive 12-week program to learn the skills necessary for acceptance into the highway construction trades and gives the opportunity for a career with high wage potential.
Career Opportunities Include:
Cement Mason
Electrician
Pipefitter
Carpenter
Laborer
Equipment Operator
Requirements:
Valid driver’s license
18 years or older
High School diploma/GED
Interest working in the Construction Trades
Construction will always be needed for new buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures. Some of the more skilled construction careers such as engineer require higher education while others such as cement masonry can be learned as an on-the-job apprentice. For more information, please visit our website at www.ssc.edu/hcctp, or call 708-225-6042, or email hcctp@ssc.edu. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue in Oak Forest.
Court Reporting Open House – Thursday, July 21
SSC is hosting a Court Reporting Open House on Thursday, July 21, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., in Oak Forest Center Room 5190. The Open House will showcase this profession which offers a wide-open job market and excellent income potential. Court reporting is an interesting, challenging career which offers a flexible work schedule, and excellent income potential ($64,672 average yearly income). Broadcast captioners can earn $70,000+ and may work out of their homes. The use of sophisticated computer equipment has broadened the nature of the profession. Our program focuses on the theory behind it all, with an emphasis on Judicial Reporting. There is a severe shortage of reporters in the Chicago area. The Court Reporting Open House is the perfect opportunity to get an overview of SSC’s Court Reporting/Verbatim Technology program, certified by the National Court Reporters Association. You will be able to talk with a certified court reporter and see a demonstration of real-time writing. Refreshments will be served. For more information call 708-596-2000, ext. 3216 or email LCooke@ssc.edu The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois.
Paralegal Open House – Wednesday, July 27
SSC will be hosting an Open House for its Paralegal Program on Wednesday, July 27, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Oak Forest Center Room 5190. Attendees will learn about an exciting career that is expected to grow 18% through 2020 according to the US Department of Labor. Information will be provided about SSC’s Paralegal/Legal Assistant curriculum, including the Associate Degree and certificate programs. In addition, former students from the program, working as paralegals, will be present to answer questions. The curriculum prepares students to work in a variety of legal environments including civil and criminal litigation, insurance, banking, public and governmental agencies, law offices and corporate legal departments. Emphasis is placed on the development of core skills in legal research and writing techniques including compilation and analysis of data, understanding legal vocabulary, law office technology, and preparation of legal documents. SSC has the only American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program in the south suburban Chicago region, giving graduates a huge advantage when entering the workforce. The college also requires that all of the instructors in the program are lawyers or judges to ensure the quality of instruction. While the majority of the paralegal classes are offered at SSC’s Oak Forest Center (conveniently located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue), some classes are offered online. For more information, please contact Mr. Jason Cieslik at 708-596-2000, ext. 2579 or email JCieslik@ssc.edu.
Online Educational Resources
Online college programs are a great way for today’s busy people to complete or earn a degree. To find an online college program in Illinois, visit http://www.onlineschools.org/guides/Illinois/ where you will find a compilation of every college program offered online in Illinois offered on a full or part-time basis.
Top U.S. Universities
Choosing what college or university to attend can be a very daunting experience. With educational costs continually increasing, it’s more important than ever to choose a university that meets your specific educational needs. At http://www.topschools.com/, you will find a comprehensive resource that ranks each university throughout the nation by size, degrees offered, tuition costs, admission, graduation and retention rates.
Green Events
Thorn Creek Audubon Society, Park Forest
Nature Education Programs at Thorn Creek Nature Center
Calling all schools, home school groups, day cares, preschools, youth, adult and family groups! Nature Education Programs are offered at Thorn Creek Nature Center throughout the year where your group can discover the plants and animals of Thorn Creek Woods. These Nature Education Programs are sponsored by the Thorn Creek Audubon Society. The Audubon Society and the Thorn Creek Nature Center announce their new Partnership for Programming to further the Society’s environmental education mission and give valuable assistance to Thorn Creek Nature Center in providing nature programming for groups of area children and adults. Some of the nature education programs offered this year include Birding by Sight and Sound, Creek Walk (the world of aquatic insects and metamorphosis), Trees Big and Small (identification by leaves and bark), Insects (what makes an insect unique), the Web of Life (interdependence of producers, consumers, predators and decomposers), Soils Hike (how soil fuels and supports life), and Night Hikes. On the Fall Color Hike learn why leaves change colors and what trees do to prepare for the long months of winter. Discover clues to wild animals’ identities and behavior by trails and trails in Wild Animal Tracks. Make your own track replica. On Vixen’s Trek you are the fox following your daily routines on Thorn Creek trails. Or visit the Historic Farm in the woods to explore an early 1900’s woodland farm. Groups can also arrange for a naturalist to come to your location for programs such as Wild Animal Tracks, Web of Life, Woodland Wildflowers, Soils, History of Thorn Creek Woods, and the like. The new partnership has already collaborated in sponsoring three programs: the Learn 70 Birds by Spring class, which runs from January through March; the Great Backyard Bird Count Open House that was held in February; and the Build a Gourd Birdhouse sessions to be held in March. For information about Thorn Creek Audubon Society membership, events and projects: Thorn Creek Audubon Society, P. O. Box 895, Park Forest, Il 60466, or www.thorncreekaudubonsociety.org.
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest
Wednesday Morning Walkers
Discover the wonders of spring in a weekly morning walk. Wednesday Morning Walkers meet every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and is free for ages 13 years to adult. Walkers new to the program must register two days before they first hike. For additional information or to register, call 708-747-6360.
Become a ‘Friend of Thorn Creek’
Friends of Thorn Creek Woods is the citizen activist group responsible in very large part for preserving and securing the dedication of the Thorn Creek Woods as an Illinois Nature Preserve. Friends’ volunteers continue to provide support in so many ways: staff the nature center on weekends; trail work; displays; leading hikes; special events; cleaning; pruning; artwork; music; research; and so on. Friends is a voice for the Woods and preservation values, donates funds for equipment and sponsors an annual meeting, Garlic Fest and Earth Day. Members receive a quarterly newsletter. Annual membership in Friends is $10. For additional information, call 708-747-6320 or visit www.tcwoods.org.
Experience the Thorn Creek Nature Center
Thorn Creek Nature Center is housed in a historic building, originally Immanuel Lutheran Church of Matteson, Illinois built in 1862, and later Village Bible Church of Park Forest. A gothic frame country church, its notable architectural features include curved ceiling, tongue-and-groove paneling and a raised pulpit. Its current attractions are displays of the preserve’s flora and fauna, a bird feeder viewing area, Eugene E. Schwartz reference library and an expanded children’s section. The Nature Center is open Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Trails are open daily year-round, dawn to dusk. For additional information, call 708-747-6320 or visit www.tcwoods.org.
Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive
‘Growing Green Recycle Fest’ – Saturday, July 30
The Village of Park Forest will host a ‘Growing Green Recycle Fest’ on Saturday, July 30 from 8 a.m. to noon in DownTown Park Forest at the intersection of Main Street and Cunningham Lane (adjacent to the Park Forest Farmers’ Market).
Electronic items accepted for disposal are:
Blenders,
Bread Machines
Cable Boxes
Cameras
Cell Phones
Circuit Boards
Clocks
Coffee Makers
Computers
Computer Batteries
Copiers
Crock Pots
Curling Irons
DVD Players
Electric Shavers
Fans
Fax Machines
Fryers
Flat Irons
Food Sealers
Hair Dryers
Holiday Lights
IPods
Keyboards
Laptops
Mice
Microwave Ovens
Mixers
MP3s
PDAs
Power Tools
Printers
Projectors
Radios
Remote Controls
Scanners
Stereos
Tablets
Telephones
Toaster Ovens
Typewriters
Video Game Consoles
And More.
Details:
Television Disposal
$10 per TV for the first 200 TVs turned in by Park Forest residents (limit of 3 per home/proof f ID required)
$20 per TV for non-Park Forest Residents
Document Shredding limited to 3 bankers boxes per vehicle
Electronic disposal unlimited disposal for residents of any community
Alkaline (9V, C, D, AA, etc.), Hearing Aids, Watches, etc.
No car batteries
Eye glasses disposed Coordinated by the Rotary Club of Park Forest
Shoe Disposal Coordinated by the Kiwanis Club of Park Forest
Donate gently used adult/kids shoes for re-use by those in need.
Healthy Living
Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park
Free Psychotherapy Available from GSU’s Psychology Program
GSU’s Psychology Department is offering free psychotherapy services to members of the community. Conversations with a psychotherapist can help people cope with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, and life transition problems. Confidential, one-on-one sessions are held with a GSU graduate student in psychology under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Individuals and couples, 18 years and older, are eligible. All sessions are conducted in Matteson, IL. The number of sessions is determined by the client’s needs. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-235-2841.
Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard, Park Forest
CPR Classes
CPR classes are available at the Park Forest Fire Department. Click on the following link for more details: http://pffd.vopf.com/cpr-classes.html
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 program 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.
Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip
Free Community Education and Prevention Programs about Mental Health
Sertoma Centre’s Mental Health Services facility is offering community mental health seminars, free of charge to community groups, schools, law enforcement agencies, religious organizations, and other community groups at their location in Matteson or facility. Education Programs will include: Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) which increases public awareness of suicide and improves one’s ability to identify and refer those at risk for suicide. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a public education course that helps participants identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance disorders. Also included is Mental Health First Aid for Youth and Anxiety/Depression Screenings. Thanks to a grant, these educational opportunities are available at no cost to you or your organization. To arrange a free educational opportunity for your club, group, workplace, organization, or church, call Gia Washington at 708-748-1951, Ext. 418 or email at gwashington@sertomacentre.org.
Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest
Yoga Classes by Karen Nielsen – Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays
Yoga classes by Karen Nielsen are available at UUCC on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Wednesday evenings from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. No reservations needed. Drop-in fee is $10 per class and the 6th one is free. For additional information, call 708-481-5339 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
Qigong with Jim Kobus – Most Thursdays
UUCC will host Qigong with Jim Kobus on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the church. This class will usually meet on Thursdays but there may be exceptions, so if you are interested in attending, please send an email to Jim Kobus at emiton1@gmail.com so he can notify you when class will NOT be held. There is a suggested donation of $5 per class. Please bring your own water. It is recommended that you eat dinner after class, not before. For additional information, please call 708-799-1925 or visit www.uuccpf.org.
Buddhist Meditation – Saturdays
Learn to enjoy the simple and straight-forward practice of meditation. Please join us for sitting and walking meditation in the Zen and Theravadan Buddhist traditions. This is an on-going event led by Steve McCabe and Beverly Feldt will be held on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at UUCC. There is no cost but a free will offering is most appreciated (proceeds go to UUCC). For additional information contact Steve McCabe at 708-465-3116 or Beverly Feldt at bevfeldt@gmail.com.
This & That
League of Women Voters, Park Forest Area
Summer Breakfast Meeting – Wednesday, July 27
Please join The League of Women Voters, Park Forest Area for the Summer Breakfast Meeting on Wednesday, July 27th at 9:00am at the home of Mary Lubertozzi, 3434 Attica Road in Olympia Fields. Weather permitting, we are meeting in the garden so please bring a sun hat and a lawn chair. As is our tradition, coffee and tea will be provided; please bring something tasty to share. Most importantly, every member is asked to bring a friend, neighbor or family member. The focus of this meeting is twofold: 1) to enhance the active engagement of our current members in League activities; and 2) to recruit new members. We will share information on the history of the National League of Women Voters and on the Park Forest League and discuss the current initiatives of each of the League committees. We have designed a fun approach so that current members receive a reminder of why the League is a worthwhile commitment and potential members will be excited to become an active part of the League by joining our ranks. If you need directions or have difficulty finding the house, please contact Mary at 708-747-1359. Please bring a dish, a friend and your enthusiasm. See you on July 27th. The program is open to the public.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization which encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters encourages citizens to register to vote and provides public education for voters on election issues. The League does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Anyone interested in promoting responsible government is invited to be a member. For more information visit League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area website: www.lwvpfa.org
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights
“Get EMPOWERED!” Event – Thursday, July 28
PSC is hosting the 2nd Annual “Get EMPOWERED!” event from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, July 28, in the Conference Center of the PSC main campus in Chicago Heights. The theme this year is “Your Sweet Success,” and features keynote speaker Valerie Beck, chocolate expert and founder and CEO of Chocolate Uplift. Beck is a former recipient of the “Influential Woman in Business” award from the Daily Herald Business Ledger, and was named one of the “Top 100 Woman Owned Businesses” from the Philadelphia Business Journal. She also is a mentor through Women’s Innovation Network, the Chicago City Treasurer’s small business program, and through private consulting. Beck will present “ABC’s of Sweet Success: Attitude, Belief, Commitment,” during her keynote opening address. Attendees can choose from several breakout sessions throughout the day, including “Owning Your Power Pose,” featuring Alison Henderson of Movie Image Consulting; “Put Your Dreams to the Test and Taste Sweet Success,” featuring Lee Ann Piano of Fine Tuning for Success; “30 Seconds to YES!” featuring Marissa Butler of SOAR Higher Consulting; “To Your Credit,” featuring Lana Thompson of BMO Harris’ program, Bank at Work; “Emotional Intelligence: The Advantage in Your Personal and Professional Lives,” featuring Linda McCarrin of Linda McCarrin and Associates, LLC; “Building Powerful Partnerships for Your Future Using LinkedIn,” featuring Megan Wessels of Powerful Partners, Inc.; and “The Balancing Act: Managing Personal and Professional Life,” featuring Lori Wilcox of the city of Chicago Heights and Kelley D. Nichols-Brown of Richton Park Public Library, the Chicago Heights Free Public Library and Supreme Martial Arts. The purpose of the “Get EMPOWERED” program is to provide women with simple concepts for success in any business or personal endeavor. The program is being sponsored, in part, by Chiro One. Additional sponsorships opportunities are available. For more information on sponsorship, contact Julie DeLong at jdelong@prairiestate.edu or 708-709-7919. The registration fee for this event is $30 per attendee, and includes a networking luncheon. For more information, call 708-709-7957 or email mguiliani@prairiestate.edu.
Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive
Park Forest Civic Leadership Academy – Applications Accepted Through July 31
The Park Forest Civic Leadership Academy is an invaluable nine-month experience that allows you to meet local leaders, hear their stories, and take part in informative sessions on the realities and challenges of decision-makers and the organizations they lead. Learn more about your community, build your network, and enhance your leadership skills by taking part in a program that last year’s participants unanimously voted “a tremendous value.” As part of the Park Forest Civic Leadership Academy, you’ll meet with a host of individuals including Park Forest Mayor John Ostenburg, Park Forest Village Manager Tom Mick, Prairie State College President Dr. Terri Winfree, leadership with the Park Forest Police Department, and a host of other area leaders. Applications for the upcoming Park Forest Civic Leadership Academy are being accepted now through July 31. To apply, or to learn more, click on this link. More on the Park Forest Civic Leadership Academy
6th Annual Midsummer Madness – Registration Now in Progress
On Wednesday, July 20, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Village of Park Forest’s Economic Development and Planning Department will hold the 6th Annual Midsummer Madness. Stroll through Park Forest’s DownTown business district and increase your chances at winning more than 20 prizes. All the while, you’ll discover many Park Forest businesses you may not have been familiar with previously. Two air-conditioned buses will be providing courtesy transportation up and down Main Street to help participants reach all businesses on the event map. This event is free and open to all. For questions, contact Monica DeLord at 708-283-5624 or email mdelord@vopf.com. Register to participate now!
Park Forest Aqua Center Open — Now Open
Since 1952, the Park Forest Aqua Center, 30 North Orchard Street, has been one of Chicagoland’s premier outdoor pool experiences. The Park Forest Aqua Center is three pools in one, providing a quality summer experience for whatever your age:
Toddlers enjoy a beach pool, plenty of sand area, and superb instructors who have taught thousands the techniques of swimming.
Kids enjoy a 160-foot water slide, two drop slides, and a 15-foot-high aquatic climbing wall!
East Pool Lap Swim – great for lap or casual swimming. Adults love it!
At the Park Forest Aqua Center, you feel the comfort and community of home and the fun, relaxation, and excitement of vacation all at the same time! Ask about how to become a member today! Learn more about the Park Forest Aqua Center!
Park Forest Farmers’ Market – Through October 29
Since 1974, the Park Forest Farmers’ Market has been connecting area residents with local farmers, food vendors and businesses. The Market hosts 22 full spaces with a variety of fresh flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables, bakery goods, herbs and dairy products. Local businesses are also on hand at the Market selling artwork, garden ornaments, jewelry and more. The Park Forest Farmers’ Market accepts EBT/Link, WIC, and Senior Nutrition Coupons. The Market is open Saturdays, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. through October, for shopping, food, and entertainment. Learn more about the Park Forest Farmer’s Market at: http://www.villageofparkforest.com/Index.aspx?NID=98.
Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard
Raffle for Chicago Cubs Tickets – On Sale Through Friday, July 22
The Park Forest Fire Department is raffling off four tickets to the Cubs vs. Mariners game on Sunday, July 31 at 1:20 p.m. Tickets are $5 each o