AREA WIDE

St. Laurence Laurenta Club is sponsoring a Spring Craft & Vendor Fair on
Sat., April 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Laurence High School, 5556 W.
77th St., Burbank. They are in need of crafters and vendors. The cost per
table is $25. For more information and an application call Sharon at (708)
425-1276. Applications must be submitted by March 28.

Moraine Valley Community College will host a Job and Internship Fair
Thurs., March 24, from 2 to 5 p.m. The free fair will be in the Moraine
Business and Conference Center, on campus, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos
Hills. Professional business attire and resumes are required for entry.
Registration is not required. A complete list of companies that will be at
the fair will be available online closer to the date. For more information
visit morainevalley.edu/jrc or call the Job Resource Center at (708)
974-5737.

The Association of Condominium, Townhouse and Homeowners Associations will
host their Spring Conference and Trade Show Sat., April 2, from 8 a.m. to
3:30 p.m. at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. The conference will offer a
trade show, educational seminars and an “Ask and Attorney” session. There
is no charge to attend the trade show. The fee for the educational
seminars is $45 for members and $120 for non-members. There is an
additional $20 per person fee after March 30. For more information call
(312) 987-1906 or visit www.actha.org.

The Custer’s Last Stand is now accepting arts and crafts exhibitor and
food vendor applications for its 2011 festival of the arts which runs June
18 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Custer’s Last Stand features 370
nationally acclaimed artists, craftspeople and antique dealers as well as
food and entertainment on three stages. For an application call (847)
328-2204, email applications@custerfair.com, write to Custer’s Last Stand,
P.O. Box 6013, Evanston, IL 60204-6013 or apply online at
www.custerfair.com.

The South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA) will host their 3rd
Annual Walk, Run or Roll 1/2 Mile Race Sun., May 1. This race is
specifically designed so that individuals with special needs, age 8 and
older, can participate in a community event that is held in conjunction
with the First Midwest Bank Southwest Half Marathon. The race will begin
at 7:30 a.m. (participants must be checked in by 7 a.m.), at the Palos
Heights City Hall, just west of Route 83 and 76th Ave. The early bird
registration fee is $10 per athlete through March 1. After that, and
through April 1, the registration fee is $15 per athlete. Forms may be
picked up at the SWSRA office, 12521 S. Kostner Ave., Alsip, or may be
downloaded at www.swsra.com. For more information call (708) 389-9423.

North American Youth Sports will hold their annual spring youth basketball
tournament in the Park Forest area at Rich East High School March 18-29.
The entry fee is $125 and guarantees each team a minimum of two games.
There will be awards presented in each bracket. Entry deadline is Feb. 25.
For more information call (866) 352-5915 or visit
www.northamericanyouthsports.org.

Aging Well, a program of Aging Care Connections which is a collaboration
of individuals and organizations in the Lyons Township area, has created a
for older adults. The guide was designed to help older adults better
understand and access transportation options. The guide can be found
online at www.agingcareconnections.org/forms/AW_TransGuide_English.pdf.
For questions call Aging Care Connections at (708) 354-1323, extension
242.

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

The National Heritage Corridor Visitor’s Center is open free to the public
on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. A the
center free Illinois highway, bicycling and walking maps and more are
available. Anyone who would like to volunteer for one Saturday or Sunday
afternoon each month can call (708) 594-8786 to leave their name and
telephone number.

The Bedford Park Public Library’s book discussion group will meet Tues.,
March 22, at 1 p.m. to discuss The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel
Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.

The Bedford Park Public Library will host Fools Night for ages 3 to 13 on
Thurs., March 31, at 6:30 p.m. For more information call (708) 458-6826.

The Bedford Park Public Library hosts Story Hour for ages 3 to 5 Tuesdays
at 6:30 p.m. from Feb. 8 through March 8. For more information, or to
register call (708) 458-6826.

The Bedford Park Public Library hosts Toddler Time Fridays at 10 a.m. from
Feb. 11 through March 11. For more information, or to register call (708)
458-6826.

BRIDGEVIEW AREA

The Bridgeview Park District is holding open registration for the Pebbles
class designed for the 2-year-old with a parent or guardian. Through
stories, simple crafts and gym time, your child’s motor and socialization
skills will be stressed. All supplies and light snack are included in the
fee is $47 for 8 weeks. Pebbles meets Mondays from 11 a.m. to noon at the
Bridgeview Park District Sports Complex, 8100 S. Beloit. To register call
(708) 594-1818.

On Wed., March 30, the Bridgeview Park District’s Let’s Dine Trip will
visit Ballydoyle’s Irish Pub and Restaurant in Downers Grove. Individual
or couples checks will be arranged. The cost is $6 for transportation.
Dinner is on your own. The trip will depart from the Bridgeview Park
District Sports Complex, 8100 S. Beloit at 5:30 p.m. and will return at
approximately 8:30 p.m. You must be 18 years of age or older to register.
A sample menu is on file at the park office. To register call (708)
594-1818.

The Bridgeview Public Library offers Homework Help on Tuesdays and
Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Their certified teacher will answer
questions and help kids get started with their homework. Students must
bring their homework to attend these sessions.

Aging Well along with Bridgeview are hosting a Free Senior Mini Health
Fair for Bridgeview residents age 55 years and older on Fri., March 18, at
The Bridgeview Community Center, 7902 S. Oketo Ave. from 1:30 to 4 p.m. To
schedule an appointment call (708) 458-4675. All services are free, which
includes cholesterol testing, diabetes testing and a back massage from
North Western College.

The Bridgeview Golden Agers will host their regular meetings on the second
and fourth Tuesday of February. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the meeting
starts at noon, at The Bridgeview Community Center, 7902 S. Oketo Ave.
They are seeking new members in Bridgeview and surrounding communities.
Residents must be 55 years or older. Refreshments are served at every
meeting along with games of bingo and raffles. For more information call
Arlene Jaguszewski at (708) 594-5295.

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

The Brookfield Zoo chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers is
hosting its annual all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner at Brookfield Zoo's
Discovery Center Thurs., March 24, at 4 p.m. In addition to the buffet,
the family-friendly event will feature door prizes, a silent auction of
bear-and other large carnivore-themed items, music by the West Suburban
String Quartet, costumed characters, and a special guest appearance by
WCIU-TV's Svengoolie. Proceeds  will benefit The Vital Ground Foundation,
one of the Chicago Zoological Society's conservation partners. The
spaghetti dinner costs $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 5 to 12.
Children 4 and under eat for free. For more information, visit
www.CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8363.

The Spring Fling Craft Show And Bake Sale will be held Sat., April 16,
from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in St. Barbara Parish Center, 4015 S. Prairie,
Brookfield, just north of Ogden Avenue at Prairie. Fifty crafters will
display  their handmade items as well as homemade pastries. Admission is
free and the hall is handicapped accessible. Lunch will  be available.
Children are welcome. sponsored by St. Barbara's Council of Catholic
Women.

The Brookfield Public Library and the British Home have partnered to offer
a new afternoon book discussion group. To better accommodate seniors who
often prefer daytime activities, the group will meet at the Wye Valley
Apartments Dining Hall on the British Home Campus. This group will be open
to all members of the community. The next meeting will be Mon., Feb. 7, at
2:30 p.m. to discuss Elizabeth Peter’s novel The Crocodile on the
Sandbank. Interested participants may pick up a copy of the book at the
Brookfield Public Library. For more information, or to register for any
library program, call (708) 485-6917 ext. 130 or sign up online at
www.brookfieldpubliclibrary.info/calendar.

St. Barbara Council of Catholic Women will sponsor a Bunco Party
Fundraiser Sun.,  March 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. in St. Barbara Parish Center,
4015 Prairie, Brookfield  (north of Ogden, across from the church).
Tickets are $5 for Bunco, prizes, coffee & cake. For tickets call Marie at
 (708) 387-7065 or purchase at the door.

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.

JUSTICE AREA

The Justice Public Library offers evening Storytime (for ages 3 to 5)
Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. and Morning Storytime (for ages 3 to 5)
Thursdays from 10:15 to 11 a.m. To register visit the library at 7641 Oak
Grove Ave., or call (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

The ConfiCare Act II offers a health and fitness walking class on Mondays
and Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. 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 TOWNSHIP AREA

The Aging Well program of Aging Care Connections invites area seniors who
may be interested in being ambassadors in their local communities to bring
the message that there are choices and resources available to older adults
and their families to contact us. The ambassadors visit local businesses
and organizations throughout the greater Lyons Township area. Anyone
wishing to apply or learn more about the program is invited to call (708)
354-1323, ext. 242.

SUMMIT AREA

The Heritage Middle School PTO will be awarding one $250 non-renewable
scholarship to one high school senior. Students must have attended
Heritage Middle School, must have graduated in 2007 and their parents must
have been members of the PTO during their 8th grade year of attendance.
Forms are available at Argo Community High School, the District 104
Central Office or at the Heritage Middle School Office. All forms are due
to Heritage Middle School by Fri., March 25. For more information call
Dennis Lewis (708) 458-7590.

The Summit Park District, in conjunction with St. Blase Church, will host
an Arts & Crafts fair Sat., March 12, 2011, at St. Blase Church Hall, 6101
S. 75th Ave. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with set up at 8 a.m. The cost is $15
per table. There will be food and refreshments to purchase. Anyone who is
interested in participating can visit the Summit Park Office, 5700 S.
Archer Rd., from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more
information call (708) 496-1012.

The Summit Park District will host its annual Flea Market in the Park
Sat., May 21 with a rain date of Sun., May 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a
set up time of 8 a.m. If you are interested in selling visit the Summit
Park District office, 5700 S. Archer Rd., during the hours of 8:30 a.m.
and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to fill out an application. Applications
can also be mailed by calling (708) 496-1012. The sooner you register, the
better space location you will have. A space is $15.

The Summit Park District is sponsoring a tour of the Clarke House Museum
Tues., April 26. Explore one of Chicago’s oldest houses. It has survived
fires, many changes in ownership and has been moved twice in the past 174
years. The cost is $0 for residents and $22 for non-residents. The park
van will depart from Summit Park District, 5700 S. Archer Rd., at 9:30
a.m. and will return at approximately 4 p.m. For more information visit
the park office at the above address or call (708) 496-1012.

Summit Park District will host a trip to the Chocolate Lovers Festival in
Long Grove on Sun., May 1. Come and enjoy delicious chocolate dipped
chocolates, crunchy popcorn drizzled with melted chocolate or taste a
slice of the perfect chocolate cake or have a chocolate martini. The cost
is $5 for residents and $6 for non-residents. They are also offering a
tour of a winery at Long Grove. This tour is $24.50 for residents and
$25.50 for non-residents. There will be time to do both tours. For more
information visit the park office at 5700 S. Archer Rd. or call (708)
496-1012.

The Summit Park District will host at trip to DePaul University to see
their production of Pinkalicious - The Musical on Sat., May 14. A little
girl by the name of Pinkalicious finds her passion for the color pink and
is magically transformed into the color pink from head to toe. The cost is
$10. The park van will depart Summit Park District, 5700 S. Archer Rd., at
1 p.m. and will return at 4:30 p.m. For more information visit the park
office at the above address or call (708) 496-1012.

The Summit Park District will host a trip to the world premier of Ernie
Play at The Greenhouse Theatre Center in Chicago on Sun., May 15. This is
a story of a young man who left behind at a gas station by his family. The
cost is $5 and includes the price of the ticket. For more information call
(708) 496-1012.

The Summit Park District will host a trip to the Lincoln Park/Garfield
Park Conservatory on Tues., May 31. The cost is $5 for residents and $6
for non-residents. The park van will depart Summit Park District, 5700 S.
Archer Rd., at 9:30 a.m. and will return at 2:30 p.m. For more information
visit the park office at the above address or call (708) 496-1012.

The Summit Park District will host a trip to Lighthouse Place Premium
Outlets on Tues., June 7, for a day of shopping at 120 outlet stores. The
stores will be offering in-store promotions. You will be able to use the
VIP coupon book which you will receive. The cost is $5 for residents and
$6 for non-residents. The park van will depart at 8:30 a.m. and will
return at 3:30 p.m. For more information visit the park office located at
5700 S. Archer Rd. or call (708) 496-1012.

The Summit Park District, 5700 S. Archer Rd., is designated as a
collection center for recycleable electronic items. The park will accept
any type of equipment including computers, monitors, printers, copiers,
batteries, keyboards, televisions, light bulbs, etc. Drop off hours are
Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to
1:30 p.m. For more information call (708) 496-1012.

Fans of all things Titanic are invited to a special performance of
“Titanic: Mrs. Thomas Andrews” by Argo High School graduate Denise Vanaria
at the Summit Public Library on Thurs., March 24, at 6:30 p.m. Learn
unknown accounts of the Titanic tragedy and Edwardian society as Ms.
Vanaria recreates the life and times of Helen “Nellie” Andrews. The
presentation is free and refreshments will be served. To register call
(708) 458-1545.

The Summit Public Library will show the film “Legend of the Guardians: The
Owls of Ga’Hoole” Fri., March 25, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more
information, or to register, call (708) 458-1545.

Free tax assistance for low to middle income taxpayers will be available
at Summit Public Library, 6233 S. Archer Rd., on Tues., March 29, from 9
a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments are for one hour and must be scheduled in
advance by calling the library at (708) 458-1545.

The CNN Argo Summit Senior Café meets every Tuesday and Thursday for
Bingo, lunch and other activities such as casino trips and special
occasion parties. They are located at 1st Congregational Church, 7438 W.
62nd Place, Summit. Members must be 60 years of age or older. Bingo starts
at 9:30 a.m. They offer a nutritious lunch for a small donation but no
senior will be turned away for inability to pay.

If you are interested in delivering 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.

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

Willow Springs Parks Committee will host a Pancake Breakfast featuring
all-you-can-eat pancakes Sat., March 26, from 8 a.m. to noon in the
community Center, 8156 Archer Ave.  The cost is $6. Children 6 years old
and under eat for free. The menu will include pancakes, sausage, orange
juice, coffee, tea & milk. All proceeds will sponsor future parks events.
Tickets are available at Village Hall, One Village Center, Willow Springs.

The Village of Willow Springs Soccer Class will held April 30 through May
28. The class will be taught by professional soccer instructors from Lyons
Township Soccer Club. Pre K - K will meet from 9 to 10 a.m. and 1st and
2nd grades will meet from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Classes are held at Lions
Park in Willow  Springs. Please bring appropriate soccer clothing, shin
guards, water bottle and soccer ball. Forms are available at Willow
Springs Village Hall. The cost is $55.

Willow Springs School Dist. 108, 8345 Archer, will hold kindergarten
pre-registration and screening on Tues., April 12, from 9 a.m. to 2:30
p.m. If your child will be five years old on or before Sept. 1, 2011, they
are eligible to enter kindergarten for the 2011/12 school year. Three
proofs of residency are required to register your child. A copy of your
child’s original birth certificate is also required. Any medical
information you have on your child will also be helpful. To make an
appointment call (708) 839-6828.

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.