Community Calendar

AREA WIDE

Moraine Valley Community College is hosting “Altered Landscapes” by artist
Daniel Miller in the Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery, in the Fine and
Performing Arts Center, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills. The exhibit
will run from Jan. 19 through Feb. 11. An artist’s reception will be
Thurs., Jan. 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Art Gallery. The artist will
speak at 3 p.m. Daniel Miller is a new media artist who integrates
robotics, video, ecology, and various electronic media into his artwork.
He specifically investigates man’s relationship to the environment and
landscape. For more information, visit morainevalley.edu/fpac.

The Pleasant Dale Park District will host introductory Irish dance for
ages 4 to 12 at the Pleasant Dale Park District Recreation Center, 7425 S.
Wolf Rd., Burr Ridge. Classes will be held from 10 to 10:45 a.m. beginning
Jan. 9 and ending March 27. The fee is $125 for residents and $145 for
non-residents. For more information call (630) 662-6220.

The Pleasant Dale Park District is offering an indoor soccer league for
youth in pre-school through 8th Grade beginning Feb. 20 and ending April
10. Games will be played on Saturdays. The league mets from 11 a.m. to 4
p.m. at Chalet Fitness Center, 8300 S. Wolf Rd., Willow Springs. The cost
is $69 for residents and $85 for non-residents. Registration deadline is
Jan. 9. For more information call (630) 660-6220.

Dog training classes with certified dog trainer Gayle Cosentino will be
held at the Pleasant Dale Park District’s Recreation Center, 7425 S. Wolf
Rd., Burr Ridge beginning in January. Classes from Basic Dog Obedience to
Loose Leash Walking will be offered. For more information call (630)
662-6220.

South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA) is looking for teens and
adults who would be interested in training for Paralympics sports.
Participating individuals must live in one of the following SWSRA member
district communities: Alsip, Blue Island, Merrionette Park, Midlothian,
Justice, Palos Heights, Posen, Summit or Worth. Contact Lori Chesna at
(708) 389-9423 if you or someone you know is interested or for more
information.

The sixth annual St. Laurence Viking Alumni Kickoff will be held Sat.,
Jan. 9, at Angie’s Restaurant, 8352 S. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, from 2 to 6
p.m. The $50 donation includes an open bar and buffet. Walk-ins are
welcome, although advance purchase is preferred. All proceeds will
directly benefit the students and families of the school through the
Financial Assistance Program. For more information or to purchase tickets
call Joe Faber at (708) 458-6900, ext. 253, or Jim Grannan, ext. 246. You
may also email Joe at jfaber@stlaurence.com.

St. Laurence High School will hold its entrance exam on Sat., Jan. 9, at 8
a.m. for eighth grade boys planning to pursue their secondary education at
the Burbank school located at 77th and Central. Students who are taking
the test should enter at the north end of the building, and then report to
the foyer area. Also, students should bring two #2 pencils, a calculator,
and a $25 testing fee. No prior registration fee is required. The testing
should be concluded by 11:30 a.m. More information is available by calling
(708) 458-6900, ext. 252.

Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce will host their 2010 Annual Dinner
“Educating Business to be its Best” Thurs., Feb. 4, at Chicago Gaelic
Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Join the
chamber to recognize the accomplishments of the 2009 Executive Committee
and Board of Directors and install the 2010 officers and directors. The
cost is $100 per person or $950 per table of 10. For more information call
(708) 957-6950 or visit www.chicagosouthland.com.

A $1,000 grand prize is being offered in a special poetry contest
sponsored by The Celestial Arts Society. The contest is open to poets of
any age. Fifty prizes totaling $5,000 will be awarded. Poems of 21 lines
or less on any subject and in any style will be accepted. Entries must be
received by Dec. 31 and may be submitted to: Free Poetry Contest, 584
James St., Talent OR 97540 or enter at www.freecontest.com. Your name and
address must appear on the page with the poem.

South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA), a non-profit
organization that provides recreation services for individuals with
special needs, offers a support group meeting with a new topic and speaker
every 3rd Monday of the month. Meetings run from 7 to 8:30  p.m. at the
Apollo Recreation Center, 12521 S. Kostner Ave. in Alsip. This month’s
meeting will be a holiday social on Mon., Dec. 21. SWSRA is asking those
who attend to bring a dish based on the first letter of the attendees last
name.  The sign-up deadline is noon on Fri., Dec. 18. To register call
(708) 389-9423.

South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA) is looking for teens and
adults who would be interested in training for Paralympics sports.
Participating individuals must live in one of the following SWSRA member
district communities: Alsip, Blue Island, Merrionette Park, Midlothian,
Justice, Palos Heights, Posen, Summit or Worth. In summer 2009, SWSRA
received three brand new sport wheel chairs with the purpose of starting a
Paralympics training program. SWSRA is in the planning stages for this new
program and is reaching out for interested athletes. For more information
call Lori Chesna at (708) 389-9423.

The CBAI Foundation for Community Banking is hosting its 2010 Annual
Scholarship Program which enables Illinois high school seniors to enter a
statewide essay-writing contest. The goal of the program is to increase
public awareness of community banks and their contributions. The total
amount of money offered is $16,500. A $1,000 a year scholarship will be
awarded to the author of the best essay. As many as 12 additional $1,000
awards are available. An additional $500 will be awarded to the high
school of the statewide recipient. To acquire a list of participating CBAI
members banks, visit www.cbai.com. Entries must be received by noon on
Mon., Feb. 8, 2010.

The Pleasantdale Garden Club is a medium sized club whose main purpose is
to promote the interests of gardening, conservation, environmental and
related  issues.  They meet on the second Wednesday of the month from
September through May at the Pleasantdale Park District, 7425 S. Wolf Road
at 9:30 a.m. They have a variety of speakers and programs which members
and guests enjoy. For more information contact co-president Alison Koehler
at  (630) 662-8061.

The South West Special Recreation Association is rasing fund to help
provide recreational programs and activities for individuals with
disabilities. The Entertainment 2009 books offer savings on everything you
love to do and are available now for $20. To receive a book  contact
SWSRA, 12521 S. Kostner, Alsip or call (708) 389-9423 for more
information.

Aging Well, a collaboration of individuals and organizations in 20
communities in the greater Lyons Township area, has created a
Transportation Guide specifically for older adults. The guide was designed
to help older adults better understand and access their transportation
options. Copies are available at village halls throughout the area. You
may also call Age Options at (708) 383-0258, Southwest Suburban Center on
Aging at (708) 354-1323 or Lyons Township at (708) 352-0292 to request a
copy.

Thousands of veterans and their families now have another way to find help
when filing for pension benefits. Project VetAssist (www.vetassist.org) is
a free online service that guides vets or their survivors applying for the
VA Improved Pension Program. Financially limited veterans who are 65 or
older or physically disabled -- and had at least 90 days of service during
World War II or the Vietnam, Korean of Gulf Wars -- can apply for the
pension program. Applicants can also email info@VetAssist.org.

Do you know someone who has been deprived of their ability to walk due to
illness or disease? Wheels of Love helps seniors who suffer form
respiratory disorders, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, has a mobility
limitation and difficulty in propelling a standard wheelchair, to receive
a powerchair or scooter paid for by Medicare. For eligibility information
call (866) 631-3028.

Community Extension Project, a non-profit youth agency that focuses on
youth development, is recruiting adult volunteers for its mentoring
program. Mentors are adults who offer support, compassion, counsel and
friendship to a young person ages 5 to 12. For more information call (708)
579-5898.

The Three Wishes Inc. Program makes available to senior citizens and the
permanently disabled power wheelchairs at no cost to the recipient, if
they qualify. The power wheelchairs are provided to those who cannot walk
and cannot self-propel a manual wheelchair in their home and who meet the
additional guidelines of the program. No deposit required. Call (800)
839-5715 to see if you qualify.

The Miracle on Wheels program develops public awareness of the options
available to remain independent in your own home. If your mobility is
limited, you’re at risk of falling or aggravating your conditions and
can’t use a manual wheelchair, call (800) 749-8778 toll-free before
choosing expensive income care or a nursing home.

BEDFORD PARK AREA

Registration for the Bedford Park Public Library’s Winter Reading Program,
Read to Succeed with the Chicago Wolves, will end Jan. 24. The program is
open for anyone in grades 1 through 8. Come in once a week to pick a
prize, as long as you have a new book on your list. For more information
call (708) 458-6826.

Argo-Summit, Bedford Park Woman Club will hold their monthly meeting
Tues., Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. in the Bedford Park Community Building, 6700
South 78th Avenue, Bedford Park. Refreshments will be served after the
business meeting and then they will be working on the baby linus blankets.
Please bring a pair of fabric scissors.
    The Bedford Park Public Library hosts blood pressure screenings every
Wednesday at 10 a.m. For more information call (708) 458-6826.

BRIDGEVIEW AREA.

The Bridgeview Golden Agers will host meetings on Tues., Jan. 12, and
Tues., Jan. 26, at the Bridgeview Community Center, 7902 S. Oketo Ave.
Doors open at 11 a.m. and the meetings start at 12 p.m. They are seeking
new members in Bridgeview and surrounding areas. Members must be 55 years
and older. Refreshments are served at each meeting. There are also games
of bingo, raffles and trips. For more information call Carole Mitchell at
(708) 599-1596.

The Bridgeview Senior Citizens Club meet the first and third Thursday of
the month at the Oremus Community Center, 79th and Oketo Avenue at 11 a.m.
Refreshments are served after each meeting and are followed by games of
bingo. Transportation is available by calling (708) 458-4675 the day
before the meeting. New members are welcome. Members must be Bridgeview
residents and 55 years of age or older. For more information call (708)
458-9645 or (708) 346-9972.

BROOKFIELD AREA

Crafters are wanted for the Spring Fling Craft Show and Bake Sale to be
held Sat., March 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Barbara Parish Center,
4015 Prairie Avenue, Brookfield. Spaces are 9 feet wide by 8 feet deep and
are $25. Tables to rent are 8 feet wide by 2 feet deep and cost $10.
Electric hook up is $5. No vendors please. Call Jenny at (708) 485-1962
for an application.

The Brookfield Recreation Department is offering “Reel and a Meal,” movie
and dinner nights on the first and third Friday through March in the
Recreation Hall in the lower level of the Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield
Ave. The movie is free and an optional dinner will be available for
purchase. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and movies will be shown at 6:30 p.m.
For more information call (708) 485-1528.

Brookfield United Methodist Church is hosting their annual free vacation
bible school for a religious fun-filled time of activities. The church is
located at 3541 Park Ave. For more information and registration details
call (708) 485-3439. Registration is preferred however walk-ins will be
accepted.

Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center, a local non-profit organization
providing assistance to children and adults with disabilities, needs
volunteers to work in its Brookfield Thrift Shop at 3726 Grand Avenue.
People who are interested in retail are encouraged to contact the store by
calling (708) 485-2324. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through
Saturday with late hours to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.

COUNTRYSIDE AREA

Flying High Gymnastics Team will be hosting the 5th annual "Big Chill"
gymnastics meet January 16 and 17, at Flying High Sports & Rec Center,
5400 East Ave., Countryside. The meet will include competition from 10
gymnastic teams from around the state with more than 250 gymnasts (age
7-18), 30 coaches and 16 USAG sanctioned judges. This is a USAG Sanctioned
Junior Olympic event hosting women's levels 4-10 and will also include a
Level 1-3 recreational meet on Sunday morning. The event is open to the
general public. Gate fees are $6 for adults and  $3 for seniors and
children under 12.

HODGKINS AREA

School District 105, serving the Countryside, Hodgkins and south La Grange
communities, will host a preschool screening for children ages 3 to 5 on
Tues., Feb. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hodgkins School. Parents must
make an appointment by calling (708) 482-2750 ext. 1550. A team of
district professionals will assess each child’s development in large and
find motor skills, pre-academic readiness, speech/language, vision and
hearing. Children currently enrolled in a district preschool program (ECE,
Head Start, Early Learning or Preschool for All) do not need to be
screened.

JUSTICE AREA

The Justice Public Library hosts 1st through 3rd grade after school story
hour on Mondays from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. To register call the library at
(708) 496-1790.

Wii games for kids is held at the Justice Public Library on Wednesdays
from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. for ages 6 to 11 and Fridays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
for ages 12 and older. To register call the library at (708) 496-1790.

The Justice Seniors Club meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at the
Justice Village Hall All Purpose Room at 12 noon.

The Sterling Estates Senior Club invites seniors 55 years of age and older
to join their club. Interested persons must be a resident of Sterling
Estates Mobile Home Park or the village of Justice. The club meets the
first and third Monday of each month at 1 p.m. in the Clubhouse in
Sterling Estates. Each meeting will feature coffee and bingo.

LA GRANGE AREA

Medical billing assistance is available to members of ConfiCare ACT II (by
appointment only) presented by Blue Cross/Blue Shield and SHIP (State of
Illinois Health Insurance Program) in the Patient Care Center of Adventist
La Grange Memorial Hospital, 5101 S. Willow Springs Rd., La Grange. To
make an appointment call (630) 856-7525.

The ConfiCare Act II offers a health and fitness walking class on Mondays
and Wednesdays at 8:15 at the Western Springs Recreation Center, 1500
Walker St., Western Springs for an hour of walking and toning exercises.
To register call (630) 942-2700. The cost is $35 for a 5 week session.

ConfiCare ACT II escorted day trips are planned throughout the year and
many extended air and motorcoach trips are also available with membership
discounts through the ConfiCare ACT II office. For more information about
these trips call (708) 245-8170.

Community Nutrition Network, in conjunction with the Aging Care
Connections is in need of volunteers to deliver meals to frail, disabled
or homebound seniors in the area. Each day Monday through Friday more than
130 meals are delivered to seniors in La Grange, Riverside, North
Riverside, Lyons, Brookfield, Western Springs, Countryside, Hodgkins, La
Grange Park and Indian Head Park. These areas are divided into five routes
 and two volunteers are needed for each route. One person drives and one
person takes the meal to the door. Volunteers can commit to one day a week
or more. Deliveries usually take an hour. Anyone interested in donating
their time can contact Francine Piehl at (708) 547-5600 ext. 303.

LYONS AREA

The Lyons Senior Citizens Club meets the 1st ad 3rd Tuesday of each month
through May. Meetings are held at St. John United Church of Christ, 4500
Prescott at noon.

LYONS TOWNSHIP AREA

Lyons Township High School  will host their 4th annual Relay for Life
Winter Garage Sale. Drop off donations January 9 from 10 a.m. to noon and
January 13, 14, and 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the South Campus Corral 4940 S.
Willow Springs Rd., Western Springs. The sale will be held  Sat., Jan. 16,
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Corral. Donations of small household items,
gently used clothing, books, toys and even large items will be accepted.
Proceeds will go to support the LTHS Relay for Life event in June.

Lyons Township High School will to host Barbara Coloroso, an
internationally recognized author and speaker in the areas of parenting,
teaching, positive school climate and nonviolent conflict resolution. Her
hour-long presentation, "Just Because It's Not Wrong Doesn't Make It Right
- From Toddlers to Teens, Teaching Kids to Think and Act Ethically," is
geared for educators, parents/guardians, and community members and is
scheduled for Tues., January 19,  at 7 p.m., at the LTHS North Campus
Reber Center. Admission is free.

Aging Care Connections is working with Aging Well to recruit senior
volunteers to work as ambassadors in their local community. The
ambassadors have begun making visits to various local businesses and
organizations throughout the greater Lyons Township area to send a message
that there are choices and resources available regarding options for older
adults and their caregivers. Anyone wishing to apply or find out more abut
the ambassador position can call (708) 354-1323 ext. 19 or visit
www.agingwellpartnership.org.

SUMMIT AREA

The Summit Park District winter/spring brochure is now available. If you
did not receive your copy in the mail and would like to have one, call the
park office at (708) 496-1012 and they will send you one.

The Summit Park District will offer a hip hop dance class beginning in
January. Classed start Jan. 11 and end March 10, at Walsh School, 5640 S.
75th Ave. The cost is $25 for residents and $30 for non-residents. Middle
school ages will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. and high school teens will meet
from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. For more information call (708) 496-7275.

The Summit Park District is planning a trip to Hollywood Park
Entertainment in Crestwood on Sun., Jan. 23, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The
cost is $14 for residents and $16 for non-residents and includes pizza,
tokens and more. For more information call (708) 496-7275.

The Summit Public Library District, 6233 S. Archer Rd., will hold its
first “Family Game Day” Sun., Jan. 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. Families and
individuals can attend to play an assortment of board games and enjoy
refreshments as well. The event is free. To sign up call (708) 458-1545.

The Summit Public Library is looking for members to join a new Teen
Advisory Board (TAB). Teens interested should have a passion for improving
the community, and ideas for possible new programs for the library. For
more information call (708) 458-1545.

Zoo Passes are available at Summit Library. A library card without fines
and a $20 deposit are required to borrow the passes. The deposit is
returned when passes are returned on time.

If you are interested in delivering delicious, hot meals to seniors in the
Argo/Summit area and have a dependable reliable vehicle, then Community
Nutrition Network would love to speak with you. Anyone interested should
be available between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. All drivers are
required to have a valid drivers license and insurance. Visit the First
Congregational Church, 7438 W. 62nd Pl., or call Site Manager Kenny
Williams for an appointment at (708) 924 9874 or (708) 458 9380. They are
also looking for Food Aides to help prepare meals for delivery. Ideal
candidates must be upbeat and have a strong personality.

The Summit Senior Citizens Club is looking for new members age 55 years or
older who are residents of Summit or the surrounding areas. Dues are $6
yearly and meetings feature bingo, speakers, trip & tour offers and other
special events. Members meet the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m.
in the Summit Municipal Center, 7321 W. 59th St. October’s meeting
features a potluck snack and dessert Autumn Party for members. For more
information call President Geraldine Phillips at (708) 594-7221.

The Summit Senior Citizens Club meet on the first Wednesday of each month
in Summit Municipal Center at 7321 West 59th Street. Membership if open to
residents of the village of Summit who are 55 years or older and dues are
$6 a year. Meetings feature guest speakers, bingo, raffles and other
activities. For more information call 708-594-7221.

Summit Bible Church now offers Teen Sunday School Classes for young people
in 7th grade and up. Residents of the Village of Summit are invited along
with members of surrounding communities. Summit Bible Church is located at
7400 W. 55th Place, Summit. For more information call (708) 458-1559.

WILLOW SPRINGS AREA

Willowbrook Ballroom will once again host Winter Dance Party -- the
official tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper Jan.
15, at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the Willowbrook Ballroom or by
calling (708) 839-1000. Grammy winner and original guitarist for Buddy
Holly Tommy Allsup will be the special guest. The WDP is a live, authentic
re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper's final
tour. Each live concert performance includes more than two hours of music.
Willowbrook Ballroom is located at 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs.
For more information visit www.willowbrookballroom.com or
www.winterdanceparty.com.

The Willow Springs Lioness Club meets every second Wednesday of the
month at the Willow Springs Community Center, 8156 South Archer Avenue.
Board meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and the regular meetings begin at 7 p.m.
New members are always welcome. For more information visit
http://willowsprgsil.lionwap.org/ or the club's Facebook page under Willow
Springs Lioness Club.

The Willow Springs Historical Museum is open the 1st Saturday of every
month. The hours will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit and see their newest
exhibits.

The Willow Springs Senior Club hosts their regular monthly meeting the
third Tuesday of the month. Anyone interested in joining can come to the 
meeting. The initial cost to join is $5. Monthly fees are $3 and include
lunch. A raffle and bingo are also held each month.

Any Willow Springs resident who wishes to join the Willow Springs Senior
Club can call either Maria Barsevich at (708) 839-8717 or Dolores Nedved
at (708) 839-5696. The club meets the third Tuesday of each month at 10:30
a.m. for  meeting, lunch and bingo.