Fix ‘er up, clean ‘er up
Beginning Saturday, May 20:
Clean Up, Paint Up, Fix Up Week runs from Saturday to Saturday, May 20-27 (excluding Sunday May 21). Dispose of all unwanted household items free of charge! This includes lightbulbs, tires, televisions, household construction materials, all types of batteries, cellphones, eye glasses, hearing aids, all electronic equipment, unused paint (latex and oil based), and large items such as sofas and washing machines, and more. Staff will be present at Public Works, 7343 W. 15th Street, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. both Saturdays, and Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with extended hours on Wednesday to 7 p.m. Bulk items, such as sofas and washing machines, can be left curbside. Public works will be making regular checks throughout town to pick up bulk items all week long. They’ll even have a veterans container to collect old flags for appropriate disposal. McAdam Landscaping, Empowering Gardens, Shauer Hardware and Paulson’s Paint will offer Forest Park residents a 10% discount on all home improvement items and florals purchased during the week to encourage beautification of their properties. Forest Park residents only, must show I.D. No appointment necessary. Please sort items before arriving (e.g. rechargeable batteries vs. single use; latex paint vs. oil-based, etc.). Maximum of 5 gallons of paint per household.
*Note, all unwanted medications should be dropped off at the Police Department for proper disposal. Please do not flush your medicine or throw it in the garbage. Over time these medicines seep into our ground water and can affect our drinking water.
Dunkin’ Donuts stakeout
Friday, May 19 beginning at 5 a.m., Dunkin’ Donuts, Forest Park:
For the 15th year in a row, law enforcement officers from throughout the state will stake out Dunkin’ Donuts rooftops to support Special Olympics Illinois. For the third consecutive year, representatives from the Forest Park Police Department will be on-site at the Forest Park Dunkin’ Donuts at 7200 Circle Ave. Officers hope to top last year’s donation total of $672,000 as they head to 274 Dunkin’ Donuts rooftops to raise awareness and donations for the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Forest Park officers raised over $4,700 in 2016. Each guest who visits a Cop on a Rooftop location that day and makes a donation to the Torch Run will receive a free donut coupon.
All School Picnic
Thursday, May 18 at 11 a.m., The Park:
One of Forest Park’s great traditions is renewed this Thursday as all the students in all the Forest Park schools, private and public, come for games and food and a break from school.
Entrepreneurship for Artists
Thursday, May 18 from 6 to 8 p.m., Forest Park Public Library Austin Room:
New and existing arts entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their practice will learn how to develop a start-up plan and consider a variety of possible business models. Registration open. 7555 Jackson Blvd. 708-366-7171.
Celebrating Seniors Week
Thursday, May 18 to Thursday May 25:
A nonprofit organization, Celebrating Seniors has coordinated nearly 50 events throughout Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park. Some are educational, others are entertainment-focused — and some consist of a healthy dose of both. The events, most of which are free and open to people of all ages, are detailed in a resource guide available at numerous area venues. The group’s three objectives: to facilitate cooperation between the business community, government agencies and non-profit organizations for the benefit of the senior population; to promote senior groups and organizations that serve persons 60 and older; and to raise public awareness of issues affecting seniors.
For more information, consult a Celebrating Seniors Resource Guide, visit www.celebratingseniors.net or call 708-386-3100.
Silver Gold Rush
Tuesday, May 23 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Dominican University, River Forest:
Wally Amos, aka The Cookie Kahuna, will give a presentation on “The Silver Gold Rush – Impact of Aging on Business and Community” as part of Celebrating Seniors Week (May 18-25). Lund Auditorium from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by a luncheon and panel at Mazzuchelli Hall. Tickets are $65/$500 for a table of eight. Presentation only, $25. Luncheon panel only, $50. Purchase tickets at www.OPRFchamber.org.
Jane Hamilton After Dark
Friday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m., Forest Park Public Library:
A special Library After Dark event features renowned author Jane Hamilton, who will discuss the writing life in 2017 and offer a reading from her latest book, The Excellent Lombards, which Kirkus Reviews described as “richly characterized, beautifully written, and heartbreakingly poignant.” 7555 Jackson Blvd. Call 708-366-7171.
Calendar Events
As you’ve likely noticed, our Calendar has changed to Big Week. Fewer items, higher profile. If you would like your event to be featured here, please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published. We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights.
Email calendar@wjinc.com.
