Norridge community calendar for Dec. 8

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Updated: January 9, 2012 8:18AM

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Center of Concern

The Center of Concern, 1580 N. Northwest Highway, Suite 310, Park Ridge, (847) 823-0453, calendar of events includes:

The Center of Concern will hold its annual holiday party for clients, volunteers, and community supporters at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at the South Park Recreation Center, 833 Talcott Ave., Park Ridge. Festivities will include refreshments, local entertainment, and the chance to honor Center of Concern volunteers. The public is welcome. Bring a non-perishable food item for the Maine Township Food Pantry. Call (847) 823-0453.

Mondays, Dec. 12, and 19 – Employment counseling, by appointment.

Monday, Dec. 12 – Alzheimer’s Caregivers support group, 10 a.m.

Tuesdays, Dec. 20 – Medicare counseling, by appointment (sponsored by the federally funded Senior Health Insurance Program).

Wednesdays, Dec. 14 and 28 – Grief and loss support group (call first).

Thursday, Dec. 8 – Annual Holiday Party, 7 p.m., South Park Field House.

Saturday, Dec. 17 – Legal counseling, by appointment.

Saturday, Dec. 17 – Blood pressure and blood sugar testing, 10 a.m.-noon (no appointment needed).

Preparation of simple wills and durable powers of attorney for health care and property also is available by appointment. All services are offered at the Center of Concern offices, 1580 N. Northwest Highway, # 310, Park Ridge. For services that require an appointment, call (847) 823-0453 weekdays, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The center is open only until noon on Fridays. The Center of Concern also offers housing counseling for seniors and others seeking affordable housing, programs designed to prevent homelessness, friendly visitors for the homebound, and volunteer opportunities in the office and in the field. See www.centerofconcern.org.

Center counselors also are available to help eligible residents apply for Illinois Circuit Breaker property tax relief grants and license plate discounts, Illinois Cares Rx (prescription drug assistance), the senior citizen real estate tax exemption and deferral, the senior citizen tax assessment freeze, and the long-time occupant homeowner property tax exemption.

Civic

State Rep. Rosemary Mulligan, R-65th, has opened a district office at the following address: 1420 Renaissance Drive, Suite 306, Park Ridge IL 60068. Her other contact information remains the same: Phone: (847) 297-6533; fax: (847) 297-2978; e-mail: repmulligan@usa.net; website and E-News sign-up: http://repmulligan.com. The 65th District includes all or portions of Norridge and Harwood Heights.

Clubs

The Korean War Veterans Association, Greater Chicago Chapter No. 25, meet at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Montclare-Leyden VFW Post, 6940 W. Diversey Ave. Call Joe Henmueller, (773) 774-9671.

The Norridge-Harwood Heights Rotary Club meets at 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays during the lunch hour at Vince’s Restaurant, 4747 N. Harlem Ave. Attend as a guest and learn more about the club and how to become involved in the community.

The Polish Women’s Alliance has a research library and reading room based on the Polish experience, at 6643 N. Northwest Highway, second floor, Chicago. Many wonderful books both in Polish and English are available to browse and read. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For a list of already-catalogued books visit www.pwaa.org and click on the library button. Contact Vice President Sharon Zago (847) 384-1208 or Treasurer Barbara Miller (847) 384-1206.

Community

The Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County recently established a Battery Recycling Program for rechargeable and alkaline batteries, partnered with Interstate Batteries in Skokie to provide recycling at no cost to SWANCC communities. Common household batteries are no longer accepted at Illinois EPA-sponsored household chemical waste events and facilities due to their benign nature and high recycling costs. Batteries accepted in SWANCC’s program: Alkaline: AA, AAA, C, D and 9V; rechargeable: NiCd, NiMh, lithium ion, lithium polymer. Before dropping off rechargeable batteries, residents need to tape the contact points on each battery or place in an individual self-locking plastic baggie to avoid sparks. Local drop-off sites include: Niles Public Services Department, 6849 Touhy Ave., (847) 588-7900, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; Niles Village Hall, 1000 Civic Center Drive, (847) 588-8000, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays; Park Ridge Public Works, 400 Busse Highway, (847) 318-5240, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Additional drop-off sites are posted at swancc.org/recycling/batteryrecycling.html.

Any women interested in joining the Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care Threshold Singers can contact Kathy Huber at (847) 685-9900. Practices are held on two Thursdays each month starting at 6:45 p.m. in Park Ridge. Threshold Singers are trained to sing in groups of two and three at the bedside of those who are sick and dying. The songs are generally traditional or simple rounds, chants, lullabies and hymns that can be chosen to respond to musical taste and spiritual direction. Singers go through patient care volunteer training, but there are no auditions; only requirements are a love of music and a desire to serve others.

Avenues Thrift Shoppe offers great prices and specials on gently used clothing for infants, children and adults, shoes, household items, books and small furniture. On Wednesdays, seniors 60 years and older receive 10 percent off all regularly priced items. The main shop is located at 7710 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago, and the “boutique” shop at 7700 Touhy Ave. features upscale clothing, outerwear, collectibles and finer merchandise. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and 1-8 p.m. Thursdays. Donations are accepted 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays only. Donate only gently used clothing; broken or obsolete electronics cannot be accepted. Purchases help adults with developmental disabilities. Avenues to Independence is a nonprofit organization based at 515 Busse Highway in Park Ridge that offers a variety of programs to enhance an individual’s work, social, and daily living skills. For information on donations or to volunteer, contact Michael Frustini, (773) 631-6230.

Crafts/Arts

The Academy of St. Priscilla at Divine Savior, 7750 W. Montrose Ave., presents its first annual Stories with Santa and Craft Show from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 18. The event will feature crafts, stories with Santa, pictures with Santa, a cookie workshop, face-painting, food, raffles and more. Admission is free. Call (708) 452-0323.

Donations

Verizon Wireless is conducting its “Hope for the Holidays Toy Drive.” The drive will benefit domestic violence agencies throughout the state including WINGS (Women in Need Growing Stronger). Donations will enable children at the shelter to better enjoy the holiday season. Donations of new toys can be made through Dec. 11 at any participating Verizon Wireless Communications Store in the Chicago area during regular business hours. Donated gifts may include items such as coloring books, crayons, board games, cars/trucks, dolls, action figures, stuffed animals, arts and crafts kits and G-rated DVDs. All donations must be new, packaged, but unwrapped. Participating area locations include the stores at 9635 N. Milwaukee Ave. and 5700 W. Touhy Ave., both in Niles; and at 4265 N. Harlem Ave. in Norridge; www.verizonwireless.com/.

The Polish National Alliance, the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, the Polish Women’s Alliance, the Polish Falcons of America, along with the affiliates of the PNA, the Polish Daily News (Dziennik Zwiazkowy), WPNA 1490 AM Radio, and both PNA Bank locations, are joining in the support of the “Cell Phone for Soldiers” program. The donated phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each donated phone, enough to provide an hour of talk time to soldiers abroad with prepaid calling cards. Local residents can support the collection drive by donating their phones at the following locations: Polish National Alliance, 6100 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago, (800) 621-3723; Polish Roman Catholic Union, 984 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, (800) 772-8632; Polish Women’s Alliance, 6643 N. Northwest Highway, Chicago, (888) 522-1898; Polish Daily News, 5711 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, (773) 763-3343; PNA Bank, 7840 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, (847) 966-7900. Donations are accepted until March 1, 2012, during regular office hours.

Food Drive

Under the leadership of Christian Care & Fellowship, St. Paul Lutheran Church & School, 5650 N. Canfield, Norwood Park, collects food to be taken to St. Cyprian’s Food Pantry. Donations are welcome. The pantry’s needs change monthly. Call (708) 867-5044, or visit www.stpaulcanfield.org.

Health

Our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center, 5645 W Addison St., offers a comprehensive medical weight loss program to help individuals suffering from obesity. The program includes four minimally invasive surgical solutions – laparoscopic gastric bypass, laparoscopic gastric band, single incision laparoscopic gastric band and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. These procedures, along with postoperative changes in diet and lifestyle, can help severely overweight people lose excess weight and improve their overall health. A comprehensive approach to weight loss and weight management is tailored for each individual with full support from a multidisciplinary team. The program is under the direction of general surgeon, Dr. Frederick Tiesenga, who has performed more than 400 bariatric surgery procedures. He is fellowship-trained in laparoscopic gastric bypass, and is an affiliate surgeon of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons and a U.S. Surgical Proctor for Bariatric Surgery. Starting in 2011, free informative sessions will be held the third Tuesday of each month, 6-8 p.m. To register for any of the sessions, call (708) 456-7874.

Senior Advocate of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital offers free blood-pressure screenings each month. Screenings will be from 10 a.m.-noon the first Wednesday of every month at the hospital’s Patient Resource Center, 8820 W. Dempster St., Niles (across from the hospital). No appointment is necessary. Call (847) 723-7277.

Kids

Kidwinks.com is a website that provides free and easy information about the Chicago area’s hottest family-friendly activities, free or budget-friendly events and easy-to-access activities, developed by Nina Taluc and Jean Lemke, two Park Ridge moms. The database includes relevant listings from area museums, park districts, libraries, city and county organizations, businesses and more. Parents can quickly click through the events calendar to find out what is happening on any given day, plan ahead for a special weekend or when guests come to visit. Kidwinks members, who join for free, can also sign up to receive email reminders of upcoming events they do not want to miss. Cruise through the activities area to find activities that meet specific interests or to get ideas of new places to visit. The kids eat free calendar is a popular feature, showing for any given day where kids can eat free or at a discount. Free and discounted admission days at area zoos and museums are listed on the events calendar for easy access and planning. Kidwinks members can sort any search result list in order of distance from their house, so they can choose those closest to them. Members can also sign up for Kidwinks’ weekly newsletter sent by e-mail, which highlights some of their favorite picks for the upcoming week, and also announces regular contests for prizes such as gift cards, tickets to area shows and amusement centers and products. Visit www.kidwinks.com.

Library

Eisenhower Public Library, 4613 N. Oketo Ave., Harwood Heights. Call (708) 867-7828 or (708) 452-8989 to register for all programs or online at eisenhowerlibrary.org:

Join John Stangland, local author and silent film buff, as he returns to show the silent film, “For Heaven’s Sake,” with Buster Keaton at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13.

Friends of the Library will meet from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 21.

“Good Food Fast: The 20th Century Dining Revolution” – the story through words, photos, and music, of how favorite dining establishments evolved from Fred Harvey railroad dining cars and urban lunch counters from 7-8 p.m. Dec. 8. Look at the serious concerns in the early 1900s with food safety that led to establishments marketing their open kitchens, use of popular and trusted brand-name ingredients, and scrupulous attention to cleanliness.

Learn to make a gingerbread house in time for the holidays in this program from Michael Niksic, the Food Mercenary, from 2-3:30 p.m. Dec. 10. One lucky person will win the completed house. For teens and adults.

A bus trip to the Architectural Artifacts Holiday Craft Show will be taken from 1-5 p.m. Dec. 11. Find unique holiday gifts handmade by more than 70 craftspeople, then browse the treasures of Architectural Artifacts, Chicago’s space for fabulous antiques and historic architectural pieces. Cost is $20.

Computer Classes – Google It!, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Dec. 14.

Pen and Ink Adult Writers meet every third Monday of the month, 6:30-8:45 p.m.

Anonymous Writers for Teens meet from 4-5:30 p.m. every Thursday.

Tired of Knitting Alone - Join the Knitting Circle which meets the first Tuesday of every month from 7-8:30 p.m. and the third Tuesday of every month from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Bring needles and yarn and knit over snacks and coffee. No registration.

Parenting

Maryville Crisis Nursery, 4015 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, conducts Baby Talk Classes for parents and children up to age 6 at 5 p.m. every third Wednesday of each month. Topics include dealing with stress, fun indoor activities, and exploring social connections. There is no charge for the classes and pre-registration is not required. There is no charge, and registration is not required. Call (773) 205-3600.

Parks

Norridge Park District, 4631 N. Overhill Ave., (708) 457-1244 or visit www.norridgepk.com.

Kids, ages 5 to 10, will learn to make a batch of simple sugar cookie-cutter cookies from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Then they will decorate them in festive frosting, sprinkles and candies. Cost is $7, residents; $12, nonresidents.

Decorate a festive gingerbread house from 5:30-6:15 p.m. Dec. 20; for ages 2 to 12. Materials will be supplied. Fees are $9, residents; $14, nonresidents.

The Norridge Park District has made special arrangements for Santa to call children at home. Santa needs information; fill out a special “Letter to Santa” available at the park district or Pool Fitness Center registration desks before Dec. 9. Fees are $1, residents; $2, nonresidents.

Registration is under way for the Youth Basketball League for girls and boys in first through eighth grades. The league consists of one practice during the week and a game each weekend. Players in fifth through eighth grades will be placed on teams based upon their evaluation and age. All players are guaranteed equal playing time. Fees are $85, residents; $105, nonresidents. Deadline for registration is Dec. 9. Early registration is recommended.

Religion

The Salvation Army Church in Norridge, 8354 W. Foster Ave., presents its annual interactive performance experience and concert, “Come to Bethlehem.” Performances are at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and 2 and 5;30 p.m. Dec. 10, featuring walk-through dramas, the busy Bethlehem marketplace, live animals, a baby in a manger plus a gala concert by a 40-piece brass band and large chorale. Admission is free, but reservations for seating are required. Go online or visit the church lobby office: www.salvationarmynorridge.org.

Reunions

The Roosevelt High School Athletic Fund is holding an all-year reunion May 4 in the school cafeteria, 3436 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago. There will be a buffet dinner and musical entertainment. Cost is $60 per person. Call Arnie Kamem, class of 1950, at (847) 432-2773; visit www.roosevelthschicago.org.

St. John Brebeuf is looking for all St. John Brebeuf School Alumni. If interested in finding out what is going on at St. John Brebeuf School or to find fellow classmates, contact Libby Ryder at (847) 966-3266 or email lryder@sjbschool.org. Submit name, year graduated, address and phone number, maiden name (if applicable) and e-mail address. Share a special story or tell how St. John Brebeuf made an impact on your life.

St. Priscilla School, 7001 W. Addison St., would like to keep alumni aware of its good news, events, and developments. Anyone who graduated before 2003 is invited to update contact information by calling the school office, (773) 685-3581, or visit www.stpriscilIa.org. Name and address changes keep classes connected and informed.

Seniors

Central Baptist Village, 4747 N. Canfield Ave., will screen the classic film, “Miracle on 34th Street,” at 2 p.m. Dec. 9. No registration is required. (708) 583-8500.

The Happy Seniors of Norwood Park Township invite township seniors to join them at noon on the third Friday of each month in the Township Hall, 7833 W. Lawrence Ave. Play cards, chat, play bingo and go on trips. Call (708) 867-5214.

St. Thecla’s Seniors Leisure Club meets at 11:30 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays of the month throughout the year. Dues are $7 per year. Meetings, parties, bingo, day trips, card-playing and more featured. To join, call (773) 774-3052.

Oriole Park “Over 50 Club” meets at 11 a.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month at Oriole Park Field House, 5430 N. Olcott Ave., Chicago. Seniors play bingo after coffee and rolls. Call (708) 457-1836.

The Mellotones, a senior chorus, have resumed rehearsals at 1 p.m. every Tuesday at Merrimac Park, 6343 W. Irving Park Road. Seniors 55 and older are encouraged to join the four-part mixed chorus in a variety of Broadway, patriotic, sacred, Hawaiian and holiday songs. Call Rudy Oliva at (773) 777-4226.

The Golden Fellowship Club welcomes adults age 55 or older who live in Norridge to its meetings at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at the Estelle Sieb Center, at Irving Park Road and Ozark Avenue. The club offers seniors a place to chat and socialize; plays bingo after refreshments, and sponsors day trips and programs. Contact (708) 457-1836.

Mather’s–More Than a Cafe, 7134 W. Higgins Ave., Chicago, invites adults 55 and older to experience professionally taught, free moderately-priced programs such as lifelong learning programs, fitness classes, free blood-pressure checks and health screenings, free consumer seminars, special-interest workshops and special events and day trips. Call (773) 774-4804. Chess Club for checkmate champs and new people who want to learn the rules and basic strategies. Sessions are Wednesdays, at 1 p.m. Jazzercise – A fitness program that combines aerobic exercises with elements of jazz dance. A series of dance routines is set to popular music while incorporating yoga, Pilates, cardio-kickboxing, and other fitness styles. The classes move incrementally through different intensity levels, so anyone is welcome to join. Classes are held at 11 a.m. Wednesdays, $5.35. Line Dancing is offered at 11:15 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Each class costs $3.25. A variety of exercise classes fit for every level is offered. Try the gentle-moderate exercise class, 11:15 Mondays and 10 a.m. Tuesdays featuring a combination of seated and standing exercises for a complete cardiovascular workout. The moderate-high energy class is at 11 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays, giving more of a challenge with cardio, strengthening, stretching, and toning routines. Each class costs $3.25. Computer Classes – All classes are four weeks and meet once a week for two hours. Begin with level one and advance through to level four. Classes are regularly forming and are offered every month. A Fitness Screening will be offered at 10;30 a.m. Dec. 20. Screening will measure physical capacity for performing normal, everyday activities. Free; call for an appointment. Robert Neri of Robert’s Floral Design Studio will present “Art in a Vase: Christmas Centerpiece” at 1 p.m. Dec. 21. All supplies included. Suggested donation is $15.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has taken the necessary steps to make senior drivers in Illinois safer while on the road. White’s office offers a free Rules of the Road Review course. The class is designed to give drivers, especially seniors and persons with disabilities, the knowledge and confidence needed to renew or obtain a drivers license. During the refresher course participants will get an explanation of the driving exam. Additionally, people will have the opportunity to take a practice written exam. Also, for those who qualify for accessible parking, the course offers information on disability parking placards, as well as disability license plates. Visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com, and view the 2007 Review course schedule, or call (217) 782-8893 or (888) 261-5238 (TTY, NexTalk).

Support

Attend the Timely Talk on “How to Reduce Stress for the Holidays,” at 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at Norwood Crossing, 6016-20 N. Nina Ave. in Chicago. Parking is available in the lot behind the building, entrance off Avondale Avenue. Making the presentation will be Lynn Lombardo, a yoga instructor certified by the Temple of Kriya Yoga, and Linda Pawlisz, a certified clinical aromatherapist and hypnotherapist. A question and answer session along with refreshments will follow the program. Attendees are asked to call (773) 577-5323.

REFF (Recovery Education for Family) offers a Loving Interventions new self-care support program for caregivers at Dunning Library, 7455 W. Cornelia Ave. The “Loving Interventions” self-care support program will provide a monthly community group to offer caregivers self-care, burn out prevention and wellness education and support. Light refreshments will be offered. Call the Resource Help Line, (708) 536-8775.

An Alzheimer’s support group for caregivers and family members of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease meets at 10:30 a.m. every second Saturday of the month at Central Baptist Village, 4747 N. Canfield Ave. Call (708) 583-8500.

Widowed Support Group is an ongoing support group that addresses losses faced by people, as a general guideline, who have been widowed less than two years. This group meets from 7-8:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at Rainbow Hospice Park Ridge Non-Profit Center, 720 Garden St., Park Ridge; $5 per session. Call (847) 692-8884 to register.

Families Anonymous is a support group for family members and friends who are concerned about and affected by the substance abuse or behavioral problems of a loved one. Group 831 meets at 10 a.m. every Friday at Carter Westminster Church, 4950 W. Pratt Ave., Skokie, in the basement; enter from parking lot in the rear. Group 173 meets at 7:30 p.m. every Monday (except holidays) at First United Methodist Church, 418 W. Touhy Ave., Park Ridge in Parlor Room, south portion of main level; use entrance at rear (Grant Place), across from parking lot. No dues or fees required. First names only used at meetings to preserve individual anonymity. This is a non-professional and non-religious program. Call (773) 777-4442 or visit www.familiesanonymous.org.

REFF Organization (Family Recovery Education Group) meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month at Our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center, 5645 W. Addison St., lower level Cafe Meeting Room. Reff has brought early intervention education, increased understanding of the addiction/recovery process and resources to improve coping skills to families living with an addicted loved one. The program is open and requires no registration. Call Resource Help Line, Chicago: (773) 800-1106 or (708) 536-8775, suburban.

One Hope United, formerly Kids Hope United, is seeking foster, adoptive parents to provide homes for at-risk children. Call (847) 245-6543 or visit www.onehopeunited.org.

The Maryville Crisis Nursery, 4015 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, offers twice-monthly tours of the facility. Tours are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. and on the fourth Tuesday at 4 p.m. The Maryville Crisis Nursery, which opened in 2006, is a safe haven for children, newborn to age 6, whose families are experiencing crises in their lives, such as: job/medical issues, homelessness, domestic violence or other stressful situations. The nursery cares for children for up to 72 hours while parents concentrate on resolving the problems that are the root cause of the stress. There are no charges for services. Children are cared for by professionals and skilled childcare volunteers. The Maryville Crisis Nursery is available to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The 24-hour help line number is (773) 205-3637. Call (773) 205-3600.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Cook County North Suburban, invites the public to attend its Family Support Group for families of individuals with a mental illness. Program is free and meets 7-8:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at the Nesset Center, 1775 Ballard Road, north of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. Free parking. Call (847) 716-2252.

Our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center, 5645 W. Addison St., is offering prenatal care. The New Beginnings Prenatal Program is aimed at assisting uninsured and underinsured pregnant women by providing them with quality prenatal care, counseling and emotional support. The program is located on the second floor of the hospital. Appointments can be made by calling (773) 527-5850. Each woman who participates is offered the following services: a multilingual staff, including Polish and Spanish; an initial exam and routine office visits; lab and ultrasound tests; nutrition counseling; childbirth, infant care, parenting and breast feeding classes; and assistance in filing forms for Medicaid and the state’s All Kids program that covers children and mothers who need health insurance. A free infant car seat will be provided to those who qualify. Labor, delivery and postpartum care take will place in the Family Birthplace at Resurrection Medical Center, 7435 W. Talcott Ave., Chicago, with expert care, modern delivery capabilities and pleasant, comfortable birthing suites.

The MOMS Club is a nonprofit support group designed for the at-home mother and their children. The club holds weekly activities (play groups, outings, museums, park dates) and monthly member meetings and its popular Moms Night Out. Call (773) 853-2834 or visit http://sites.google.com/site/momsclubofnorthernchicago.

An Alzheimer’s Caregivers support group, cosponsored by Advocate Medical Group and the Alzheimer’s Association, is offered monthly at the Nesset Pavilion on the campus of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Meetings take place from 1:30-3 p.m. the third Thursday of each month in the lower level conference room of Nesset Pavilion, 1775 Ballard Road in Park Ridge. Meetings are free and no registration is required. Contact Sandy Guarise, at (847) 318-2501.

The Neptune Society, the largest independent cremation company in the nation based in Des Plaines, is bringing comforting teddy bears to Chicago area children who are hurt, frightened or alone. The Neptune Society Teddy Bear Program names a teddy bear in honor of every person whose death care is handled by Neptune on the one-year anniversary of their death. The teddy bears are then donated to organizations such as Rainbow Hospice in Park Ridge and local fire departments to be given to a child in need.

Holding Onto Hope is a monthly daytime group for widowed persons who are grieving the loss of a spouse. It meets from 1-2:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month at Rainbow Hospice Park Ridge Non-Profit Center, 720 Garden St., Park Ridge. Registration is required. Admission is $5 per session. Call (847) 692-8884.

Life Transitions Group is an ongoing support group for those who, as a general guideline, have been widowed for one to four years, meeting from 7-8:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Rainbow Hospice Park Ridge Non-Profit Center, 720 Garden St., Park Ridge. Fee is $5 per session. Call (847) 692-8884.

Good Mourning Program is a monthly support group of Rainbow Hospice for children, teenagers and families who have lost a loved one through death. It meets 6:45-8 p.m. the third Monday of each month at Lutheran General Family Care Center, 9375 Church St., Des Plaines. A preliminary interview is required prior to registration. Call (847) 692-8884.

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation support group meets from 7:30-9:30 p.m. every third Thursday of the month at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, 1775 Dempster St., Room 1063, Park Ridge. Focus is to assist patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, their families, significant others and friends in coping more effectively with the illness. Call (847) 827-0404.

Resurrection Medical Center sponsors a variety of free cancer support groups for both patients and their family members. All support groups are free and meet in the Cancer Conference Room (ground floor, Entrance C). For more information, contact Carol Flanagan at (773) 792-5116.

The Cancer Support Group for cancer patients, families and friends meets monthly, every last Wednesday, from 7-8:30 p.m.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Family Support Group for people with leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin’s Disease and their families meets every first Wednesday of the month.

The Butterfly Club is a support group for children ages 6 to 13 whose parent or caretaker has been diagnosed with cancer. This group meets every first Wednesday of the month. Registration and parental consent are required.

The Us Too! Prostate Cancer Support Group meets every second Wednesday of the month.

The Teen Cancer Support Group is for teens ages 13 to 18 whose parent or caretaker has been diagnosed with cancer. This group meets every third Wednesday of the month. Registration and parental consent are required. Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets the last Saturday of each month in the Resurrection Rehabilitation Center of Chicago, first floor, Professional Building, Entrance C. For more information, call (773) 594-7856.

Alzheimer’s Support Group meets the second Tuesday of the month in the Health Management Classroom in the Resurrection Rehabilitation Center of Chicago, first floor, Professional Building, Entrance C. Free. For more information, call Health Management at (773) 792-5022.

Afterglow Support Group for stroke survivors and their family/friends meets the second Wednesday of the month in the Resurrection Rehabilitation Center of Chicago, first floor, Professional Building, Entrance C.

Parkinson’s Support Group meets the third Wednesday of the month from 5-7 p.m. in the Resurrection Rehabilitation Center of Chicago, first floor, Professional Building, Entrance C. Call (773) 594-7866.

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital is forming a support network for women living with breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Networking Group meets from 2-3 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. The support group provides breast cancer survivors the opportunity to share information and experiences with other women. The group, facilitated by Ashley Harlow, an American Cancer Society Patient Navigator, will be held at Lutheran General’s Center for Advanced Care, 1700 Luther Lane, Park Ridge, in the ground floor conference room G104. Call (847) 723-8130.

Northwest Suburban Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome Support Group of Illinois meets at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month in Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, 1775 Dempster St., Park Ridge, Conference Room 1064. E-mail: bzarnikow @aol.com to be added to the e-mail list for meeting announcements.

Volunteers

To meet the increasing needs of older adults who want to remain independent in their homes, Norwood Seniors Network, 6009 N. Nina Ave. in Chicago, is seeking additional volunteers to deliver freshly prepared low-cost meals each weekday to homes in northwest Chicago or nearby suburbs. Volunteers are asked to make a minimum commitment of twice-a-month deliveries, using mapped routes. Each route takes from one to two hours to complete, and deliveries must be completed between 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Persons interested in volunteering must have their own vehicle and insurance. Call Kate Roche, director of volunteer services, at (773) 577-5329, email at kroche@norvolution.org, or visit www.norvolution.org.

Individuals who have a few hours to spare are urged to join the Avenues to Independence Thrift Shoppe Team of Volunteers. Avenues is looking for friendly, hard-working men and women to help staff at the Thrift Shoppe, 7710 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago. Volunteers are needed on a regular basis from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, or 1-8 p.m. Thursdays. Volunteers receive a discount. No experience is needed. All proceeds from the Thrift Shoppe help Avenues continue valuable programs for adults with developmental disabilities. Contact the store manager, Michael Frustini, (847) 292-0870, Ext. 771.

The Men’s and Women’s Association of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital is looking for new members. The community-based philanthropic and social organization raises funds for the hospital through a variety of events, including an annual golf outing, glove sale and concert. The organization’s donations have assisted the hospital in expanding programs, purchasing state-of-the-art medical equipment, and pursuing research and education initiatives. Yearly dues are $35. Call (847) 723-6105.

Many individuals have found themselves laid off or unable to find employment. Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care would like to respond by helping professionals stay current with their job skills (or gain experience if recently graduated) by offering professional volunteer opportunities. Possible opportunities include positions in medical records, human resources administration, community outreach, finance, marketing and admissions/customer service. Volunteers must have a willingness to make use of their professional skills and a positive attitude allowing them to take on a great deal of responsibility. Training and seminars for professional and personal development will be provided. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (847) 685-9900, Ext. 3128, or rparrow@rainbowhospice.org. Visit www.rainbowhospice.org.

The Food Pantry of New Hope United Methodist Church, 7115 W. Hood Ave., is in need of volunteers to assist at 9:15 a.m. each Monday to unload deliveries and from 9 a.m.-noon Tuesdays to assist clients coming in. Contact Bill Murphy, bill@newhopechicago.org.

The Seniors Assistance Center needs volunteers for home delivered meals which are delivered Mondays through Fridays. Anyone with two free hours a week can help homebound neighbors by delivering a hot meal at noontime. If interested, call Arleen at the Seniors Assistance Center, (708) 456-7979. A small stipend will be given for mileage.

The Center of Concern, a local nonprofit serving the elderly and other adults in need in the north and northwest city and suburbs, needs volunteers during holiday seasons to deliver gifts to its homebound clients. Volunteers are needed year-round to: visit the frail elderly; take center clients to medical appointments or shopping; make phone calls to check on the well-being of homebound clients; work in the center’s office on mailings and computer data entry; and help with occasional odd jobs. The Center of Concern offices are at 1580 N. Northwest Highway, Suite 310, Park Ridge. The center also needs volunteers to help plan its annual dinner auction fundraiser. Individuals interested in serving on the committee to plan this event should call the center, (847) 823-0453.

The American Cancer Society is looking for people who wish to serve as a volunteer in the fight against cancer. Volunteers are needed to help provide services to cancer patients, including driving patients who have no transportation to their lifesaving treatment appointments. Volunteers are also needed to help plan fund-raising events such as Relay for Life and educate the public on cancer prevention and early detection. Schedules are flexible and training is provided. To learn more about these and other volunteer opportunities call the American Cancer Society, (708) 484-8541, or email raeann.spencer@cancer.org.

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital is looking for people to join their volunteer staff. Volunteers are needed to provide service in many areas throughout the hospital. These include: delivering flowers to patient rooms, directing patients and visitors around the hospital, providing wheelchair assistance, assisting customers in the gift and flower shops, delivering newspapers and magazines to patients and giving comfort to families in waiting areas. Call (847) 723-6105, or visit www.advocatehealth.com/luth/about/community/volunteer.