AREA WIDE

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.

Advantage Basketball camp is now accepting registration for winter
camp/Christmas break 2009 camp for local kids. Registration will be held
December 21-24 and 28-31 at the Lake Barrington Field House from 9 a.m. to
5 p.m. For more information visit www.advantagebasketball.com or call
Thomas Laue at (847) 387-1550 or (425) 670-8877.

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.

The Pleasant Dale Park District will  host Camp Frosty for ages 5 through
12 Monday through Thursday, Dec. 21-24 and 28-31 at the Pleasant Dale Park
District Recreation Center, 7425 S. Wolf Road, Burr Ridge. There will be
trips, games, crafts and activities. Extended day care is available. For
more information call (630) 662-6220.

Children and adults are welcome to Pleasant Dale Park District’s Walker
Park for a candy cane hunt Sun., Dec. 20, at 1 p.m. Children will have the
opportunity to search the woods for as many candy canes they can grab to
take home. Admission is free. For more information call (630) 662-6220.

Winter program registration is now being held through December 31 for
South West Special Recreation Association. SWSRA’s 2010 Winter brochure
contains programs, special events and trips that SWSRA will offer this
season along with the registration forms needed to participate in SWSRA
services. If you are on the mailing list and have not received a Winter
brochure or would like to be added to the mailing list call (708)
389-9423. For more information on any SWSRA services call the above
number.

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.

More than 90 Christmas trees will be on display for the public to see this
holiday season at in the Office of Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.
Viewing will be held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Room
112 of the Cook County Building, 118 N. Clark, St., Chicago and will run
through Fri., Jan 8, 2010. For more information call (312) 603-5529 or
(312) 603-6237.

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.

Flagg Creek Heritage Society is hosting a “Victorian Christmas” Open House
at the historic Robert Vial House in Walker Park, 7425 S. Wolf Rd., Burr
Ridge on Sun., Dec. 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. The home will be decorated for the
holiday season, along with music, take-home photographs for visitors, a
craft for the kids and a festive treat table. Admission is free. For more
information call (708) 839-9616.

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

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 Park District invites all girls’ basketball teams to join
their Girls’ Basketball League. Games will begin in January and run
through February with single elimination playoffs in March. The season
ranges from 8 to 10 games all played at the Bridgeview Park District
Sports Complex Gymnasium, 8100 S. Beloit. Team registration is a first
come, first served basis. Team divisions are: 4th through 6th grade and
7th through 8th grade. The league fee is $500 per person. For more
information call (708) 594-1818.

The Bridgeview Park District now offers an indoor track membership. For
$15 per year for residents and $30 for non-residents, they offer your
workout the convenience and ambiance of walking/running inside. Bridgeview
seniors can also take advantage of the Aging Well discounts available to
them. Proof of residency is required on all facility memberships. For more
information call (708) 594-1818.

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.

Brookfield Zoo with host Breakfast with Santa December 19-20. Bring the
family for an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet featuring a special visit
from Santa Claus, who will listen to everyone’s wish list. Breakfast
seatings are offered at 9 or 11 a.m. and will be held in the zoo’s
Discovery Center. The cost, which includes zoo admission, is $36 for
adults and $24.50 for children ages 3 to 11. Children 2 and under and
free. For more information visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8355.

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.

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 December 28 from 9 to 10 a.m.,
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 is sponsoring at Winter Food Drive through Fri.,
Dec. 18. All non-perishable foods will be collected at the Park District,
5700 S. Archer Rd. from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and will
then be taken to the Summit Public Library to be distributed. For more
information call (708) 496-1012.

The Summit Park District will host a trip on the Polar Express Sun., Dec.
20 from 3 to 5 p.m. Hear the story of the Polar Express and visit with
Santa Claus and have your picture taken will him. Free refreshments will
be available. The cost is $5 per child and $7 per adult. To register visit
the park office, 5700 S. Archer Rd., during the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5
p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call (708) 496-1012.

The Summit Public Library, 6233 S. Archer Rd., will host a Family Movie
Day and Christmas Carol Sing-Along Tues., Dec. 29. The Sing-Along will
start promptly at 2 p.m. in the Community Room at the library. The movie
“The Muppet Christmas Carol” will be shown immediately following the
Sing-Along. Hot cocoa and popcorn will be served. There is no fee to
attend but advance sign up is required by calling (708) 458-1545 before
December 22.

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 District, located at 6233 S. Archer Rd., is
seeking donations of board games to be used for their new and upcoming
Summit Public Library Game Days. Donations of all board games new and used
are accepted, even games with missing pieces. They are interested in
scheduling their first game day, but want to hear from individuals and
families in the community who are interested in participating. All those
interested should call Annette McClain, Program Director at (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.

South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA) is starting Support
Group meetings at the Summit Public Library, 6233 S. Archer Rd., beginning
Mon., Dec. 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Each month, support group meetings will
include a new topic and speaker that would be of interest to parents or
caregivers of individuals with special needs. This month, Summit and
Justice invite parents or caregivers to enjoy a Christmas social. Snacks
and beverages will be included. The sign-up deadline is noon on Fri., Dec.
4. To register call (708) 997-2740.

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

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.