Winter 2011

IN THIS ISSUE • New CodeRed Emergency Noti cation System • 2010-2011 Freedom Hall Performances • New Mural Comes to DownTown MAYOR’S MESSAGE

On the brink of a new year, it’s good to is a resolution of governance issues: exactly major project to improve its facilities in look forward and visualize what might be how much control will be in the hands of Homewood and to create a huge cargo possible for the coming twelve months and Will County officials versus officials from train facility in Harvey that will result in beyond. Despite the current downturn in the south suburban communities. We believe thousands of new jobs for south suburban economy – which has resulted in loss of jobs, that governance has to be shared because, residents. In concert with the new airport, home mortgage foreclosures, and increasing while the airport physically may be located the CN facility will provide our region with difficulty in attracting more commercial and in Will County, the major impact of traffic, the opportunity for increased shipping and retail businesses for local communities – development, etc., will occur in the south warehousing enterprises that will contribute there is great hope for the future. It’s been suburbs. At present, with the involvement of to improvement of our local tax base while said that “the time to repair the roof is when the governor and his staff, we’re working to also improving job opportunities. the sun is shining.” While that’s true, equally resolve that issue so this project can move true is the fact that planning for repair of forward to the benefit of everyone. I am Highway Improvements. The fourth the roof needs to be done on one of those confident the airport will be built within component of transportation improvements cloudy, rainy days that precede the coming the next few years and that it’s presence will for our area is the Illiana Expressway, a new of warmth and sunshine. Otherwise, who’s have a dynamic impact on the economic highway system advanced by Governor going to be ready to do the heavy work development potential of Park Forest. Quinn that will connect existing roadways when the right time finally comes around? in a manner that reduces the current High-Speed Rail. Already, a plan for high- congestion that is too commonplace along In the south suburbs, much of that long- speed passenger rail service between Interstate 80. It also will provide increased range planning presently is focused on Chicago and St. Louis has been announced, opportunity for commercial transportation transportation. Some very exciting plans and those trains will be passing directly that will improve economic opportunities are in the works that could result in major through our south suburban region. Also for our area. Imagine a new highway that will improvements in the economic condition of scheduled to pass through the south allow travelers on Interstate 55, Interstate 57, our entire region, including our community suburbs would be a high-speed rail line from Interstate 94, Interstate 90, all to connect in of Park Forest. Your Village officials and our Chicago to Champaign-Urbana, connecting an easy fashion with Interstate 65 in Indiana. professional staff have been deeply involved the brain trust of the University of Illinois’ Since the Illiana Expressway would go in much of that planning, always being main campus with the state’s commercial through our south suburban region, it offers attentive to how regional improvements and corporate center. Governor Quinn often great potential in attracting new business also mean improvements for our own has spoken of this second high-speed rail line to our local community. It also would serve municipality. and has included it in his schema for making as an additional link to the new Abraham the south suburbs a major transportation Lincoln National Airport. Abraham Lincoln National Airport. hub. Coupled with the airport, high-speed All of what I have listed above is not merely Governor Pat Quinn has been deeply rail service in the south suburban area a dream but what actually is being planned committed to the development of a third offers the potential for dramatic economic and beginning to take place in our region. Chicagoland airport right here in our south benefits for our region and for the Village of While the current economic times may not be suburban region. He has continued the state’s Park Forest. perfect for some of the plans to materialize program of acquiring land and working with immediately, certainly the groundwork is the various local governmental bodies to Cargo Delivery. The acquisition of major rail being put in place. I am confident that our move the airport concept along. A few years lines throughout the Chicagoland area by hard work over the last dozen years, which ago, Park Forest was one of the founding Canadian National (CN) has resulted in the has been a crucial investment in our future, members of the Abraham Lincoln National firm investing millions of dollars in improved will result in multiple benefits within the Airport Commission (ALNAC), and I serve transportation activity in our immediate coming year or shortly thereafter. Economic as the vice chairperson of that body. We’ve area. Although we initially opposed the CN downturns are temporary. Eventually we will worked diligently, with the guidance and purchase of several area rail lines because see a return to the good times that we’ve assistance of Congressman Jesse L. Jackson of our concern for increased rail traffic enjoyed in the past. I don’t believe there’s an Jr., to bring reputable private developers to through our local community, after the sale area of Chicagoland that is as well positioned the project. They are ready to put the shovel was approved by the U.S. government over to benefit from economic recovery as is in the ground and begin airport construction, our objections we worked to enter into an our south suburban region. And, when our using their own private funding. LCOR and agreement with CN that will minimize the region benefits, so does Park Forest. SNC-Lavalin – the private developers – have negative effects on our residents. A number an outstanding record of effectively building of other south suburban communities John A. Ostenburg, Mayor airports both in the U.S. and abroad. The have entered into similar arrangements. only complication for the project at present For its part, CN already has undertaken a 1 Emergency Communication Made Easy

The Village of Park Forest recently Over the past decade, the rise of the cell to detour residents from adding their expanded its partnership with the villages phone has created a high number of information. of Matteson, Olympia Fields and Richton homes across the country where land Park to provide an emergency notification line phones are no longer in use. In these “CodeRED gives those who want to be system to residents. The CodeRED cases, where cell phones are the primary included an easy and secure method Emergency Notification System is an ultra phones, it is critical for residents and for inputting information. The data high-speed telephone communication businesses to register their cell phone collected will only be used for emergency service designed to deliver emergency numbers with the Village. notification purposes. Residents can opt messages and distribute information to also receive non-emergency messages considered to be important to the public. “No one should automatically assume from the Village via email if they’d like. his or her phone number is included.” But, again, the resident has full control.” “CodeRED allows geographically based Wilcox said, urging residents to register delivery, which means street addresses their information to receive emergency Those without Internet access can register are required to ensure emergency notifications via the new system. via computers at the Park Forest Public notification calls are received by the Library. proper individuals in a given situation. To do so, individuals and business owners The system works for cell phones too, should visit the Village’s Web site at For questions about the CodeRed but we need to have an associated street www.villageofparkforest.com and click Emergency Notification System, contact address to provide relevant messages,” on the link to the “CodeRed Community the Park Forest Fire Department at explained Fire Chief Bob Wilcox. Notification Enrollment” page—located 708-748-5605. at the top of the home page. Wilcox cautioned that although this new technology will be a great help in To enroll, residents are required to enter communicating information to residents their first and last name, street address (no in times of emergency, such systems are P.O. boxes accepted), city, state, zip code, only as good as the telephone number and primary phone number. Additional database supporting them. “If your phone phone numbers may also be entered. number is not in the database, you cannot be called.” Wilcox does not want privacy concerns

2 Human Relations Commission Recognizes Removed Exemptions Could Mean Good Eggs Big Shift in Tax Dollars The Park Forest Commission on Human Relations is pleased to announce Derrill The Cook County Assessor’s Office has Director of Community Development Miller, Jr. of Richton Park and Jesse removed homeowners exemptions from Larrie Kerestes says the Village identified Martinez of Park Forest as recipients of the almost 1000 single family properties in a number of homeowners who were 2010 Good Egg Award. the Cook County section of Park Forest. receiving the homestead exemption while living outside of Park Forest. The Good Egg Award recognizes The removal of the exemptions come leadership and community service some four years after Park Forest officials By law, homeowners in the state of that has had a significant impact on began to cross-reference the Village’s Illinois are entitled to a homestead fostering inter-group relations and equal housing data with that found on the exemption on the property in which opportunity in the South Suburbs. Cook County Treasurer’s Web site. The they live. However, if that property process turned up 982 rental properties is later used for rental purposes, the Miller and Martinez were honored at a where homeowners were improperly property owner is no longer entitled to ceremony before the Board of Trustees on claiming exemptions. a homestead exemption on the home. September 13. The 982 properties account for roughly The exemptions, which typically range twenty percent of the 4,860 single family from $1000 to $1800, will only be homes in the Cook County portion of reapplied to affected properties with the Village. documentation that verifies the owner is a qualified recipient. The removals could equate to the shifting of over one million dollars from Village officials conducted a similar homeowners who previously were review process for the 895 single family passing along tax burden to other Park homes in the Will County section of Forest residents through unjust claims. Park Forest. Twenty-five percent of those homes--or 227 properties--were “It will mean that the distribution of flagged and reported to the Will County taxes paid by property owners is as Accessor’s Office, who will determine if Park Forest Wins fair as possible,” says Village Manager exemptions will be removed. Tom Mick. “In the past, we believe, for 20th Distinguished whatever reasons, there were properties Kerestes says the findings will warrant Budget Award on the Assessor’s Office list who were an ongoing watchful eye and reporting getting homestead exemptions, senior of flagged properties to the Assessor’s The certificate of Achievement for exemptions or senior freeze exemptions Offices of Will and Cook County-- Excellence in Financial Reporting has been where the property did not qualify.” to ensure a more accurate and fair awarded to the Village of Park Forest by the allocation of taxes. Government Finance Officers Association Mick says the Village is trying to be of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for an advocate for all taxpayers in Park “We will continue to check and send new its comprehensive annual financial report Forest by flagging any homes where lists on an annual basis, every spring.” (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement discrepancies with the Village’s data and is the highest form of recognition in the the Accessor’s data exist. area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

The Village of Park Forest has received this prestigious award for fourteen consecutive years.

Residents are minded that the entire budget document is available for download on the Village’s Web site, www. Park Forest Accepts villageofparkforest.com, or by visiting the Distinguished Budget Park Forest Public Library. Award. 3 Village Partners with Habitat for Humanity

The Village of Park Forest has partnered “We want to help families who are living in for Neighborhood Stabilization Program with Habitat for Humanity to purchase substandard conditions, and that could be funds. The Village of Park Forest, one of and rehabilitate several vacant, foreclosed defined as paying too much for rent. Most over 20 communities that make up the homes and sell the properties to income families’ rent is expensive nowadays—even South Suburban Housing and Community qualified families. A recent award of for substandard income. They could be Development Collaborative, learned in $500,000 from Cook County will fund the paying 50 to 60 percent of income on rent, November of 2009 that the application purchase and rehabilitation efforts. leaving them almost nothing for the other had been approved for a $8.9 million daily necessities. When they get a Habitat dollar award. Eleven of the Collaborative The Village will look to rehabilitate five to home, their payment will be 30 percent communities received grant allocations seven currently vacant, banked-owned (of income),” said David Tracy, Executive with this award. Since then, the Village has properties with Habitat for Humanity Director for Habitat for Humanity Chicago looked to lay the groundwork to utilize its identifying qualified homeowners. South Suburbs. $500,000 share of the award.

Director of Economic Development and A provision allows the homes to be rental Two agreements approved by Village Planning Hildy Kingma says the Village properties under the ownership of Habitat Board members on June 7 allow Park selected Habitat for Humanity as a partner for Humanity in the event a qualified buyer Forest and Habitat for Humanity to move based on several factors. is not identified within six months. forward with the project.

“Habitat has the capability of being a Kingma does not believe this provision During the meeting, Trustee Georgia O’Neill turn-key developer for us. They have will come into play based on Habitat’s voiced her excitement about reducing the relationships with banks that own homes track record and ability to find qualified number of vacant homes while providing in Park Forest. They are very experienced homeowners. affordable, quality housing to families. with the rehab process…have many relationships with organizations because “They already have four or five partner “It sounds like a win-win all the way they are not-for-profit, and they also families and they counsel those families around.” receive many gifts in-kind,” said Kingma. on what it means to be a homeowner. We will be getting these homes rehabbed and According to the terms of the grant, the occupied by people who truly have the Village is required to sell the homes for backing to be successful homeowners,” at least one percent less than appraised Kingma said. value. However, based on a calculation done by Cook County, Park Forest homes In August of 2009, the South Suburban will be allowed to be sold for 15 percent Mayors and Managers Association less than the appraised value. submitted an application to Cook County

YOUR AD IN “DISCOVER” REACHES EVERY RESIDENT OF THE VILLAGE. For more information on sizes and rates call (708) 283-5624

4 HEALTH DEPARTMENT Ervin Named Park Forest Public Health Director

The Park Forest Health Department Manager and with Planned Parenthood Nurses Plus has a new Director of Public as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has Health. Jenise Ervin, a Park Forest resident also worked in hospice care for Advocate. of ten years, who has held the role of Nursing Supervisor since 2008, accepted On her new position she says, “It’s an honor the position September 3. to give back and work in a community that I live in.” Ervin was selected for the promotion after a lengthy recruitment process by the The Park Forest Health Department Village of Park Forest to fill the position. Nurses Plus is located in the lower level of the Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Ervin succeeds Christine Blue, who retired Drive. The Department provides high from the post of Public Health Director quality services, in a safe, caring, and in January of 2010--after 16 years in the efficient manner to the south suburban position. community. For more information on the Park Forest Health Department Nurses A nursing professional of 22 years, Plus, visit www.villageofparkforest.com or Ervin has extensive experience. Prior to call 708.748.1118. joining the Village of Park Forest, she held positions with the Chicago Department of Public Health as the Public Health Nurse

Discover the Spirit Mural Unveiled in DownTown

Another artistic masterpiece can now be Residents are encouraged to visit Park The Village’s Economic Development found in the DownTown of Park Forest. Forest’s DownTown to view the murals. and Planning team launched the More information on upcoming mural DownTown Park Forest Mural Project: Located on the north façade of the plans can be directed to Hildy Kingma building at the northwest corner of Main at 708.748.1112 or hkingma@vopf. • To beautify otherwise blank, Street and Forest Boulevard, the Discover com. View pictures from the 2008 non-descript walls. the Spirit Mural pays homage to the mural dedication by visiting the Village To enhance the sense of place for activities that take place in Park Forest’s of Park Forest’s facebook page. Visit • DownTown. Scenes from the Park Forest www.villageofparkforest.com for a link the DownTown and the entire Farmers’ Market, Main Street Nights, the to the site. community Park Forest Art Fair, Kiwanis Pancake Day, and the Park Forest Scenic 5 and More are • To showcase unique events or all captured in the mural. features of the community.

Local artists and twin brothers Aaron and • To create another reason for Alan Hicks began painting in September. residents and visitors to come to DownTown Park Forest. In February, area residents were able to bid on one of over 20 figures to be depicted in the mural. A view of the mural finds many Park Forest faces now immortalized.

The Discover the Spirit Mural is the second mural to be painted in the DownTown of Park Forest in the last two years. The first mural, located on Lester Drive, was unveiled during a dedication ceremony that drew over 100 people in July of 2008.

More murals are expected to go up over the next few years as part of the DownTown Park Forest Mural Project.

5 Park Forest Celebrates 33 Years of Labor Day Fun Park Forest Information is Just a Click Away...

Labor Day in Park Forest saw the 33rd annual running of a race through town.

The Scenic 5 mile and more kicked off at 8 ...on your television set... a.m. with just over 300 runners registered Have you tuned into channel 4 for the race. (on Comcast) or channel 99 (on AT&T) lately? There, you can Julius Kiptoo finished first for the men, learn about upcoming events setting a new course record with a time of and programs as well as find out 23:46—a pace of 4:46. Jean Marinangeli important news alerts. was the first woman to cross the finish with a time of 28:21—a pace of 5:41. ...on your computer... As a Park Forest resident, you Second place finishers were: Moses are encouraged to check out Waweru (24:01) for the men and Bethany the Village’s Web site frequently to stay up-to-speed on happenings in town. The Brewster (28:34) for the women. Third Village’s Web site has a host of offerings beneficial to Park Foresters: an events place finishers were: James Boitt (24:12) calendar, departmental pages, press releases, online payment options for water for the men and Columba Montes (28:55) bills, details on upcoming programs, archived Board Meeting video, weather, e-mail for the women. newsletter sign-ups…the list goes on! Visit www.villageofparkforest.com and be sure to check back periodically for updates! Newer runners as well as seasoned runners, including members of running ...on your mobile. clubs from Evanston, Elmhurst and Oak Did you just update your status on Facebook? Just sent a tweet on Twitter? Did you Park, took to the course. know the Village of Park Forest has pages on both sites? See numerous exclusive images on our Facebook page, and follow the Village on Twitter. You can now also Also as part of the Scenic 5 and more, find Park Forest videos on YouTube! two heats were held for kids ages 2-5 and 6-12. Scores of youth raced down Orchard Drive—all finishing as winners. Other participants took part in a 5k walk of the Central Park Wetlands, a food fest, as well as pool activities at the Park Forest Aqua Center.

You can view pictures from this event on the Village of Park Forest’s Facebook page. Visit www.villageofparkforest.com for a link to the site.

6 The Village of Park Forest is looking for Boards and Commissions Application residents interested in making a difference in the community to serve on a board or NAME ______commission. Select one of the following areas and apply today to offer your leadership and expertise! ADDRESS ______

Beautification Award Committee TELEPHONE: Home ______Work ______

Cable Communications Commission E-MAIL: ______Economic Development Advisory Group

Environment Commission Years in Village: ______

Equal Employment Opportunity I wish to be considered for appointment to the ______Review Board board or commission. Fair Housing Review Board Training and Education: Housing Authority ______Human Relations Commission ______Plan Commission ______Police and Fire Commission

Recreation & Parks Advisory Board Experience:

Senior Citizens Advisory Commission ______

Youth Commission ______Zoning Board of Appeal

Why interested: Village of Park Forest ______350 Victory Drive Park Forest, IL 60466 ______708-748-1112 ______www.villageofparkforest.com Please indicate evenings you are available for meetings: ______

It is the policy of the Village Manager that persons on Boards and Commissions of the Village and/or their relatives are not eligible for employment by the Village while serving on a board or commission. Also not eligible to purchase real estate from the Village.

7 Freedom Hall Performances February 2011 - April 2011

MAIN SERIES SENIOR SERIES

Casey Driessen and the Colorfools Maureen Christine--“People Will Say Saturday, February 19, 2011, 8 p.m. We’re in Love” February 8, 2011, 11 a.m.

If you think you’ve heard everything that The ever popular Maureen Christine can be done with a fiddle, perhaps you and band return with an all new musical haven’t yet heard Casey Driessen. Witness program featuring the songs of Rodgers, the Grammy nominated, inventive genre- Hammerstein and Hart. Enjoy the warping fiddler Casey Driessen and his favorite melodies including: Grand Night band the Colorfools. He has performed For Singing, Sound Of Music Medley, with Steve Earle, Tim O’Brien, Béla Fleck, Something Wonderful and You’ll Never John Mayer, and countless others. He has Walk Alone. Banjo Buddies Dixieland released two CD’s, 3D, and Oog. “Magnifi- Jazz Band Tuesday, March 8, 2011, 11 cent” - USA Today; “Monster chops and a.m. Back for an encore performance! With eight albums and over two decades imagination to match” Downbeat performing around the world, this high- energy Dixieland show band has a unique Occidental Brothers Dance style of music with a contemporary feel Band International that appeals to all ages. Dixieland jazz to Saturday, March 12, 2011, 8 p.m. swing, blues, big band tunes presented in a most entertaining fashion! Occidental Brothers’ blend of high-energy soukous, rootsy Ghananian Highlife and Mac Frampton African Jazz conjures sounds of the gold- Tuesday, April 12, 2011, 11 a.m. en age of the African guitar band with a sound that has also seduced an audience A tour de force – from Rhapsody In Blue to of listeners as diverse as the members of Blue Suede Shoes, Mac Frampton redefines this multi-racial band. Led by guitarist Na- the piano with power, precision, and play- thaniel Braddock, twice profiled in Guitar fulness. After seeing pianist Mac Framp- Player Magazine, joined by Congolese ton in concert, you will wonder how is it music legend, the great Samba Mapanga- possible for one man to make so much la, jazz phenom Greg Ward on alto, Joshua music, with so much energy, and have so Ramos on bass and Makaya McCraven on much fun doing it! drums. OBDBI played the Pitchfork festival in 2008 and then experienced a meteoric CHILDREN’S THEATRE rise to the stages of Lincoln Center, the Madeline and the Bad Hat Kennedy Center, to name a few! Friday, February 18, 2011, 7 p.m.

Bonnie Koloc ArtsPower’s Madeline and the Bad Hat, an Saturday, April 9, 2011, 8 p.m. original musical based upon the much- loved book, captures the blithe yet The enduring and versatile voice of touching spirit of Ludwig Bemelmans’s Bonnie Koloc has been heard in Chicago Madeline series. It traces the adventures since 1968. In time her folk-oriented of a young Parisian girl who – despite style merged with jazz and blues. starting off on the wrong foot with a Bonnie continues to pursue her music, mischievous new neighbor – eventually performing and recording. She has learns that first impressions aren’t recorded thirteen albums; most recently everything. This gently amusing tale of “Beginnings” (2009), a CD of selections enemies-become-friends will charm and from early live recordings. entertain children and parents alike.

8 Park Forest Public Library Winter Programs Winter Programs

Recipe Card Craft Opera in the Afternoon Potpourri of Lectures Wednesday, December 15 – 2 to 5 PM Puccini’s Madama Butterfly February 17 – April 14 Drop in to create a beautiful recipe card Wednesday, January 26 Join us Thursday mornings at 10:30 AM craft to give as a gift or hang on a tree. for the Potpourri of Lectures series. The Bizet’s Carmen speakers include authors, musicians, Craft in America/Made in Park Forest Wednesday, February 23 professors, travelers, politicians, and experts This program explores the history and in particular fields. These entertaining and significance of the craft movement in Gilbert & Sullivan’s Mikado educational lectures are not to be missed. the United States and its impact on the Wednesday, March 23 The lectures will be held in the library’s nation’s cultural heritage. After each large meeting room. 1-hour documentary film, you’ll be invited All performances are on Wednesday to show off what you make as a hobby or afternoons at 1 PM. We do take a break Evening Book Discussion profession. There are five programs in this before the final act of each performance. 2nd Tuesday of the Month – 7:15 PM series, all beginning at 11 AM. March 2, All programs are open to the public and Beginning March 8th, join us for a new March 16, April 6, April 13, and May 4. All free of charge. We ask that children under library book discussion group meeting programs are open to the public and free 16 be accompanied by an adult guardian. in the evening. Books will be available for of charge. checkout up to three weeks before the Tuesdays Full of the Blues discussion. Jazz on Monday Nights 6:30 PM 6:30 PM The title says it all! We have some of the January 24, we kick things off with Count rarest vintage performances from the Basie. We have vintage performance Masters of the art form. January 18, B.B. Live footage from the earliest days of Swing. in Africa from 1974. Muddy’s got his mojo February 21, the sweet voice of Miss working on February 15. Boom Boom Sarah Vaughn. Coming on March 21, the Boom Boom! Several rare performances horn of Charlie Parker will fill the room. All from John Lee Hooker on March 15. All programs are open to the public and free programs are open to the public and free of charge. We ask that children under 16 be of charge. We encourage you to bring your accompanied by an adult guardian. children and grandchildren to these great programs.

9 Free Computer Classes Begin March 1st Free basic computer classes are back. Programs for Children and Young Adults Classes will be held on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM Regular Youth Service Saturday, January 29, and Thursdays at 7:15 PM. Please register Weekly Programming during winter 2PM - Family Program in advance 708/748-3731. Party Planning on a Budget January 11 - A Kettle of Soup (Ages 8-108) Tuesdays, March 1, April 5, May 3 January 18 - Holy Guacamole Are you getting ready to plan a super 1:30 PM - Mouse Basics January 25 - Hooray for Hot Dogs bowl party, a birthday party, or just a This class is for absolute beginners. We will practice using the mouse. February 1 - Pancake Day fun winter event? We’ll give you super February 8 - International Buffet theme ideas, recipes, and planning tips. Tuesdays, March 8, April 12, May 10 Learn about websites that will spark your 1:30 PM - Internet Basics January 10, 24, 31 – Mondays at 7 PM creativity and browse our books. Learn how to search for items on the Girls Speak For Themselves Internet using search engines and use A 3-week program that teaches girls how Saturday, February 12, 2:30PM some common websites. to end the bullying and have positive Family Program - The World Loves experiences with their peers. Special Chocolate (Ages 8-108) Tuesdays, March 15, April 19, May 17 pampering session follows each meeting. Explore the history, legends, and science 1:30 PM - Email 1: Signing up for an Account Girls ages 8-15. behind our favorite sweet. Register early If you don’t have an email account or to be part of the taste-testing panel. Take would like to have another one, this is the Wednesdays at 7 PM (Ages 16 & Up) home new recipes. class for you. We’ll be signing up for free Edible Mysteries Book Club email accounts. January 12 Saturday, February 26, 2PM Butter Safe Than Sorry by Tamar Meyers Family Program Tuesdays, March 22, April 26, May 24 January 26 African American Traditions in Cooking 1:30 PM - Email 2: Using Your Account This is part two of the email classes. You Apple Turnover Mysteries by Joanne Fluke (Ages 8-108) must have participated in Email 1 to attend February 9 We’ll talk about the history of rich and Email 2. Fatally Flaky by Diane Mott Davidson soulful cuisine. This is an interactive program – so feel free to bring your Thursdays, March 3, April 7, May 5 Fridays at 4 PM (Ages 8-16) stories and recipes to share. We’ll also 7:15 PM - Microsoft Word 1 Cookin’ Up a Mystery Book Discussion look at some great cookbooks (including Get started using Microsoft Word, a Can you solve the mysteries in these those for kids.) program used for making documents. delicious stories? Friday, January 14 March 14, 21, Mondays at 7 PM Thursdays, March 10, April 14, May 12 Friday, February 4 It’s Tough to Be a Guy (Boys ages 8-15) 7:15 PM - Microsoft Word 2 A 2-week program that addresses issues This is part two of the Word classes. You Saturday, January 15 guys might face in middle school and must have participated in Word 1 to attend Special Day of Service junior high. We’ll talk about peer pressure, Word 2. Soup Day how to figure out what to do for fun, and Kids Service Project, 10 to Noon how to protect yourself against bullying. Thursdays, March 24, May 26 Come and make placemats 7:15 PM - Microsoft Excel Get started using Microsoft Excel, a commemorating Martin Luther King’s program used for making spreadsheets. dreams for the community. 2 PM Family Program “Easy Crock Pot Thursday, April 28 Soups & More” 7:15 PM - Microsoft PowerPoint Entrance fee is a can of soup for the Rich Get started using Microsoft PowerPoint, Township Food Pantry. a program used for making digital slide presentations. Saturday Foodie Movie Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2 PM – Julie and Julia Thursday, March 31 7:15 PM - Microsoft Access Saturday, Jan. 22, 2 PM – No Reservations Get started using Microsoft Access, a Saturday, Feb. 12, 12:30 PM – Chocolat program used for making databases.

10 Illinois Theatre Center 2010-2011 Season

Intimate Apparel Boeing Boeing The Glorious Ones Book & Lyrics by Lynn Nottage by Marc Camoletti by Lynn Ahrens

In New York City in 1905, Esther, a black This hysterical farce by the author of Music by Stephen Flaherty seamstress, sews “intimate apparel” for DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER depicts the From the creators of ONCE ON THIS clients ranging from wealthy white ladies adventures of a jet-setting Parisian ISLAND, RAGTIME AND SEUSSICAL comes to prostitutes. “A poignant commentary architect’s attempt to juggle affairs this”valentine to the actor’s life.” Both on an era when the cut and color of one’s with three stewardesses (as they were slapstick and serious, the musical follows dress—and of course, skin—determined called in the 1960’s) - one American, one the adventures of a traveling band of whom one could marry, sleep with, even Italian, and one German. This is France’s comic actors in 16th century Italy, as talk to in public.” —Variety. From the most popular comedy, and it has broken they search for immortality and love, on Pulitzer Prize winning author of RUINED records on both sides of the Atlantic. a journey that leads right to present day. and CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY Mar. 4 to Mar. 20, 2011 Apr. 15 to May 1, 2011 Jan. 28 to Feb. 13, 2011

Park Forest Historical Society Seeking Hall of Fame Nominations

The Park Forest Historical Society will be only one nomination each year. from among the eligible nominees by accepting nominations for the 2011 Park the Park Forest Historical Society, and Forest Hall of Fame Class until December To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, persons announced publicly early in 2011. 15, 2010. nominated must have made substantial, beneficial, and consistent contributions For questions, call Jerry Shnay at 708- Nomination forms are available at Village to the life and well-being of Park Forest 747-3571 or email parkforesthistory1@ Hall and at the Park Forest Public Library. over a considerable span of time. yahoo.com. Nominees may now live elsewhere, or Guidelines for nominations are available be deceased. Individuals or couples may through the Society. Residents may make be nominated. Inductees will be chosen

11 Upcoming Events sponsored by the League of Women Voters

The League of Women Voters will be Park Forest, IL. The Public is welcome to reviews and decides on which programs holding a Holiday Potluck on December attend. to study, or review. 20 at Rich Township, 22013 Governors Highway, in Richton Park. Program Planning will be held January New and prospective members are 23, 2011 (time to be determined) at invited to meet current members and The League will begin the New Year 22013 Governors Highway, in Richton learn about the League and upcoming with a Cocktail Party/Silent Auction Park. Program Planning is the most events at our New Member Reception Fundraiser on January 6, 2011 at the important event of the year for League on February 12, 2011 at 22013 Governors Tall Grass Arts Center, 350 Artists Walk, members. At this event, the organization Highway, Richton Park, IL.

Police Recognize John DeCeault with Officer of the Year Award Illegal Dumping Notice The Park Forest Police Department finalists. They continue to maintain high It is against IEPA regulations and recently honored three officers for their standards of professionalism in their the law to dump anything and outstanding work over the past year. service to the residents of Park Forest.” especially contaminants into the Those officers were: John All officers nominated for street side storm sewer inlets. These DeCeault, Jon Mannino, and the award were recognized contaminants will be conveyed to the Justin Rimovsky. at the annual Police Honors natural water ways which pollute the Ceremony at Freedom Hall in environment and make their way into Officer John DeCeault was November. the ground water which is the Village’s his peer’s choice for the water source. If you see any resident award. According to Police Officer Jon Mannino was last or person discharging or dumping any Chief Thomas Fleming, “This year’s Officer of the Year. type of fluid or solids into the street just shows the quality of side storm sewers, please call the officers in Park Forest with Department of Public Works at 708- these three candidates as 503-7702 and the Police Department at 708-748-4700 immediately!

12 Picnic Permits

Picnic permits for Somonauk, Central and park permit. Please have an alternate must accompany the reservation. Logan pavilions for dates in 2011 will be picnic date in mind in case your first (Method of payment - cash, check, issued beginning Saturday, February 5 at choice has already been taken. money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. and American Express.) To complete the permit we will need: At 9 a.m. interested park users will be *Date of your picnic. Residents with questions should contact invited to place their names in the permit *Start and ending time (including your the Recreation and Parks Department at lottery. Permits will then be issued in the set-up and take-down time). 708-748-2005. order names are picked (one picnic date *Number of people attending. per person - no phone orders). *Name, address and phone number of responsible party (must be an adult). Permit Procedure: Once the lottery is completed we will call your name to Following the lottery, permits will be come to the counter to complete your taken on a first come basis. Full payment

2011 Fee Schedule

Central and Somonauk Park Pavilion for a 6-hour period* Groups of 99 or less...... $ 75 Groups of 100-199...... $115 Groups of 200 or more...... $175

Logan Park Pavilion (for groups 40 or less) for a 6-hour period* Groups of 40 or less...... $50

*$5 for each additional hour over six (per pavilion). Picnic permits do not include reserved time on ball fields or tennis courts.

13 SAVE THE DATE for these exciting community events!

14 Medal of Honor - Edward S. Michael pressed their attacks home recklessly, perish and decided that the only chance completely disregarding the Allied would be a crash landing. Completely fighter escort and their own intense disregarding his own painful and flak. His plane was riddled from nose profusely bleeding wounds, but thinking to tail with exploding cannon shells only of the safety of the remaining crew and knocked out of formation, with a members, he gallantly evaded the enemy, large number of fighters following it using violent evasive action despite the down, blasting it with cannon fire as it battered condition of his plane. After the descended. A cannon shell exploded plane had been under sustained enemy in the cockpit, wounded the copilot, attack for fully 45 minutes, 1st Lt. Michael wrecked the instruments, and blew out finally lost the persistent fighters ina the side window. 1st Lt. Michael was cloud bank. Upon emerging, an accurate seriously and painfully wounded in the barrage of flak caused him to come down right thigh. Hydraulic fluid filmed over the to treetop level where flak towers poured windshield making visibility impossible, a continuous rain of fire on the plane. and smoke filled the cockpit. The controls He continued into France, realizing that failed to respond and 3,000 feet were lost at any moment a crash landing might before he succeeded in leveling off. The have to be attempted, but trying to get radio operator informed him that the as far as possible to increase the escape The Village of Park Forest is rich in history whole bomb bay was in flames as a result possibilities if a safe landing could be despite its relatively young age. It is one of the explosion of 3 cannon shells, which achieved. 1st Lt. Michael flew the plane of America’s first “planned communities,” had ignited the incendiaries. With a full until he became exhausted from the and was created in order to house load of incendiaries in the bomb bay and loss of blood, which had formed on the returning Veterans of World War II. The a considerable gas load in the tanks, the floor in pools, and he lost consciousness. founders of the community decided to danger of fire enveloping the plane and The copilot succeeded in reaching name 18 streets after Illinois Veterans the tanks exploding seemed imminent. England and sighted an RAF field near who were awarded the Congressional When the emergency release lever failed the coast. 1st Lt. Michael finally regained Medal of Honor (CMH) in World War II. to function, 1st Lt. Michael at once gave consciousness and insisted upon taking Among those honored was Edward S. the order to bail out and 7 of the crew left over the controls to land the plane. The Michael. the plane. Seeing the bombardier firing undercarriage was useless; the bomb bay the navigator’s gun at the enemy planes, doors were jammed open; the hydraulic Citation: For conspicuous gallantry 1st Lt. Michael ordered him to bail out system and altimeter were shot out. In and intrepidity above and beyond the as the plane was liable to explode any addition, there was no airspeed indicator, call of duty while serving as pilot of a minute. When the bombardier looked for the ball turret was jammed with the guns B17 aircraft on a heavy-bombardment his parachute he found that it had been pointing downward, and the flaps would mission to Germany, 11 April 1944. The riddled with 20mm. fragments and was not respond. Despite these apparently group in which 1st Lt. Michael was flying useless. 1st Lt. Michael, seeing the ruined insurmountable obstacles, he landed the was attacked by a swarm of fighters. His parachute, realized that if the plane plane without mishap. plane was singled out and the fighters was abandoned the bombardier would

Rich East High School Recognized as One of America’s Best High Schools

For the second year straight year, Rich Evaluation Services, a k-12 education East High School is one of America’s best data research business, run by Standard high schools, according to U.S. News & & Poor’s, is based on the key principles World Report. The publication recognizes that a great high school must serve all Rich East as a 2010 Bronze Medal Winner. its students well, not just those who The ranking involved the evaluation of are college-bound, and that is must be 21,786 public high schools across 49 able to produce measurable academic states and the District of Columbia. outcomes to show that the school is successfully educating its student body The 2010 U.S. News & World Report across a range of performance indicators. methodology, developed by School

15 District 163 Schools Ranked Among Top Schools by Chicago Magazine

All five of Park Forest-Chicago Heights that is an excellent steward of our funds given the current circumstances of state School District 163’s schools that take and ensures that our dollars are spent in funding for education.” the Illinois Standards Achievement Test the best interests of our students. These (ISAT) were ranked among the top 300 elements help to accelerate our children.” Dr. Carmine went on to say, “We have a elementary schools in Cook County by rigorous curriculum and our students Chicago Magazine. The 2010 ISAT composite score for District are challenged to meet standards. 163 is 79.1 percent with math scores that They are invested in their learning, and Based on 2008-09 data, which included reach beyond 85 percent in the meets their families stress the importance of ISAT scores, the percentage of students and exceeds category. Reading scores education. I am extremely pleased with who meet/exceed state our students’ academic goals on ISAT, the pupil- performance.” teacher ratio, and the instructional spending Walter Mosby, board of per pupil, Chicago education president, Magazine’s web site remarked, “This is evidence rankings included District that with an outstanding 163 schools: Beacon leadership team, marvelous Hill Primary Center, 21st teachers and students Century Preparatory who work hard and Center, Blackhawk understand the value of a Intermediate Center, good education, we can Mohawk Intermediate accomplish great things. I Center, and Forest Trail commend Dr. Carmine, our Middle School. administrators and our teachers, and, most of all, “While the recent focus the parents and students has been on educational of District 163 on this reform and what public achievement. It is a job well schools are doing wrong, done!” District 163 is making a difference in children’s Related Cheryl Muench, lives and moving them principal of Forest Trail forward in achievement,” Middle Grade Center, “We said Superintendent are fortunate to have such Joyce Carmine. “In devoted staff and hard contrast to 39 percent of working students. The the schools on the list that efforts of our parents, staff have less than 10 percent and students are what free and reduced lunch truly make the difference. enrollment and many Everyone should be proud others on the list with of this accomplishment and rates less than 50 percent, use this honor to remember our free and reduced it can be done even when it lunch enrollment in these appears to be difficult.” buildings ranges from 68 to 84 percent, topped out at 88.6 percent at Beacon Hill. which presents a challenge. Only one Added Dr. Carolyn Stroud, principal of school on the list had a higher free and “We make every dollar count,” said Dr. Forest Trail Junior High Grade Center, reduced lunch rate at 94.6 percent. Carmine. “Intervention and acceleration “I am very excited and proud of being Our students are beating the odds and programs are in place for our students; honored publicly for our academic achieving. We have dedicated and highly classes have access to the latest achievements. It confirms for me that our qualified staff members who are exposed technology that strengthens the hard work is paying off and that our staff to the latest teaching methods through curriculum and broadens students’ and students are the best!” our high caliber staff development exposure to enriching resources; and we programs, children who come to school constantly monitor class size to maintain ready to learn and a board of education small class sizes as much as we are able

16 Economic Stimulus - What Has it Meant for Park Forest? With the downturned economy at the of the Thorn Creek Bridge on the very • Low interest loan applications local, state and national levels over the south end of the community. through the Illinois Environmental past few years, the Federal Government • Grant funding of $217, 500 for the Protection Agency will allow for made efforts to spur economic growth recently completed street light approximately 3.3 million dollars with stimulus funding programs replacement project along in water main replacements and such as the American Recovery and Indianwood Boulevard from Orchard more than 1.5 million dollars in sewer Reinvestment Act (ARRA). ARRA began Drive south to Monee Road. system repairs and replacements. to unfold in 2009 with upwards of 750 ARRA grant funding totaling $500,000 billion dollars being allocated across • ARRA grant funding totaling $409,000 for will provide for additional sewer the country. Park Forest Officials have for the recently completed resurfacing line replacements and repairs. worked hard to ensure that local benefits of Orchard Drive from Sauk Trail are realized from these initiatives. north to Lakewood Boulevard. • Grant funding of $400,000 from the Another stretch of Orchard Drive State of Illinois and another $200,000 Over the course of 2009 and into 2010, will be fully re-designed and from the CN package toward an the Village of Park Forest has sought reconstructed (from Lincoln Highway overhaul of the Park Forest Aqua more than thirty funding applications south to Lakewood Boulevard) with Center totaling more than $1,000,000. totaling projects in excess of $29 grant funding estimated at 10.4 million million. The Village is proud to note dollars in combination with 2.35 • Neighborhood Stabilization Program that over this same period of time, more million dollars negotiated in the projects totaling more than $700,000 than $26 million in funding has been settlement package with CN. for housing acquisition, rehabilitation, secured in grants, low-interest loans demolition and energy efficiency and a negotiated settlement package • The Village’s municipal parking at retrofitting. with Canadian National railroad (CN). North Street and Homan Avenue A highlight of the projects awarded, is currently undergoing a substantial When it comes to stimulus funding completed and/or underway as part of facelift (resurfacing, striping, etc.) and reinvestment into the public this funding includes the following: courtesy of the CN settlement infrastructure, Park Foresters can have package. Estimated costs for all solid peace of mind with the projects • Grant funding from Cook County improvements will be in excess of detailed above. Questions about the totaling more than $930,000 toward $1,100,000. Village’s pursuit of grant funding, be it the demolition of the former Marshall through stimulus funding sources or Fields store in Downtown Park Forest. • Numerous fire hydrants were otherwise, can contact the Community replaced across Park Forest as a result Development Department or Village • Grant funding totaling more than of a State grant totaling in excess of Manager’s Office at Village Hall. $600,000 toward the replacement $155,000.

17 The Village of Park Forest Welcomes the Following New Businesses

The Image of, Inc. Last Minute Printing & Copy Center 22315 S. Central Park 301 Liberty Drive (708) 283-9503 (708) 679-3890 or Toll Free (888)788-2965 Miracle Transport 361 Founders Way Cricket Communications (866) 873-0713 110 S. Orchard Drive (708) 747-7650 JTP Photography 323 Main Street Park Forest Auto Service, Inc. (708) 267-3311 84 S. Orchard Drive (708) 679-1850 Shrimp Max 347 Liberty Drive (708) 283-9503

New Employees

Roy Scott, Jr. Judy Slavik Maintenance Worker at Village Hall Office Assistant, Finance

18 NOTICE: During the winter months, the Public Works Department will be working hard removing snow from the Village streets. There is a parking ban on all Village arterial streets after a 2-inch snowfall, between the hours of 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. This is to allow the snow plows to effectively clean the Village streets, and this keeps your parked vehicle from being snowed in! Public Works will plow and salt major Village streets and intersections first, then plow and salt the residential streets.

BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 2 PARK FOREST IL www.villageofparkforest.com CAR-RT

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Mayor John A. Ostenburg

Trustees Local Customer Mae Brandon Park Forest, IL 60466 Bonita Dillard Gary Kopycinski Kenneth W. Kramer Robert McCray Georgia O’Neill

Manager Tom Mick

Clerk Sheila McGann