Calendar

• Reprints

Updated: July 3, 2011 1:20PM

Submissions for the Community Calendar are required 10 days preceding the date of publication. Send to: Pioneer Press, 3701 W. Lake Ave., Glenview IL 60026. Information may be faxed to (847) 486-7495 or e-mailed to mbottari@pioneerlocal.com.

Center of Concern

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

Mondays, June 6, 13, 20, and 27 — Employment counseling, by appointment.

Monday June 13 — Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, 10 a.m.

Tuesdays, June 7 and 21 — Medicare counseling, by appointment.

Tuesday, June 14 — 18th Annual Miniature Golf Outing, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Mountain View Adventure Golf, 510 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, $15 per adult; $8 per child age 12 or younger. Register by June 10. (Rain date is June 15.)

Wednesdays, June 15 and 29 — Grief and loss support group (call first).

Saturdays, June 4 and 18 — Legal counseling, by appointment.

Saturday, June 25 — 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 at 1580 N. Northwest Highway, # 310, in 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 her new 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 Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, Rosemont, Norridge, Harwood Heights, Niles, Elk Grove Village, and the northwest corner of the 41st Ward of Chicago.

Classes

An exercise class combining low-impact aerobics and upper and lower body toning exercises is available from 7-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays is under way at Forest Preserve Bible Church, 7430 W. Forest Preserve Drive, Chicago. Bring a mat or rug. Admission is free. Call (708) 867-9462.

Clubs

I Chiacchieroni Italian-language dinner group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Salerno’s, 1716 E. Kensington Road, Mount Prospect. The next meeting is June 9. Call Gabriella, at (847) 292-0089, or e-mail ichiacchieroni@yahoo.com.

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 Salvation Army Church, 8354 W. Foster Ave., Norridge will hold its annual huge indoor/outdoor “Garage Sale” along with a women’s ministries Bake Sale from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. June 4. A hot dog lunch will be available for purchase from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Entry is free, ample parking is available, Proceeds benefit Salvation Army World Services. This event is sponsored by the Salvation Army in Norridge women’s ministries group, which welcomes community women of all ages to its weekly events on Tuesday mornings and evenings. Call (708) 456-6220.

The Polish National Alliance invites Sox fans to join them along with the Polish Roman Catholic Union, Polish Falcons and the Polish Women’s Alliance for their annual Polish-American Night at U.S. Cellular Field (Sox Park) on July 26, starting at 7:10 p.m.; the Chicago White Sox will play the Detroit Tigers. Price of tickets for lower box seats is $23.50. Tickets can be purchased from the Polish National Alliance (1-800-621-3723, Ext. 316); Polish Roman Catholic Union (1-800-772-8632, Ext. 2601); Polish Falcons of America (1-574-289-2140); or the Polish Women’s Alliance (1-888-522-1898, Ext. 208). Tickets must also be picked up during regular business hours; call ahead before purchasing tickets. A flyer with complete details may be found on the PNA’s website, www.pna-znp.org.

The Maine South High School Art Awards Exhibition is running through June 5 at Brickton Art Center, 306 Busse Highway in Park Ridge. This year, the art on display will represent the creative work of both Maine South and Park Ridge-Niles Elementary District 64 students. The work of nearly 80 Maine South students and about 20 “up and coming” artists from District 64’s Lincoln and Emerson Middle Schools will be featured.

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. in 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.

Fundraisers

The Advocate Addiction Treatment Program, formerly known as Parkside, celebrates its history of treatment and recovery through the “Supper with the Sisters” fundraising event and alumni dinner. On June 11, the Top Deck Dining Room at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital will host a buffet dinner, silent auction and raffle, as well as presentations by honored guest speakers, Sister Maurice Doody and Sister Rose Reilly. Sister Maurice Doody is a highly esteemed lecturer and motivational speaker who began a life of sobriety at Parkside/Lutheran General Hospital 40 years ago. A popular recovery program retreat leader, she believes passionately in helping people discover their dignity by uncovering their own unique qualities. Sister Rose Reilly has devoted many years of her life advocating and sharing the important support and education that Al-Alon brings to families and loved ones of the addict. “Supper with the Sisters” celebrates Lutheran General Hospital’s long history of recovery, while raising funds for scholarships to help participants in the AATP receive the services they need to reclaim their lives. Tickets for the event are $100, and proceeds will allow for financial assistance to patients who would otherwise not be able to afford this life-saving care. Tickets may be purchased online at advocatehealth.com/sisters or by calling (847) 723-2327.

Ava’s Giving Tree will host its second fundraiser to honor and celebrate the life of the late Ava Lillian LaVere, 5-year-old daughter of Jennifer and John LaVere, of Evanston. Ava passed away from complications of congenital heart disease, a condition for which the cause is often unknown. The public is invited to attend the Ava’s Giving Tree 2011 Fundraiser 3-7 p.m., June 12 at Edison Park Inn, 6715 N. Olmstead Ave., Chicago. The family affair will include on-site photography services, raffle prizes, children’s crafts and music activities, a bake sale, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, cash bar, and live music performed by a local band, Straight Ethyl. The silent auction will begin a few weeks before the event on www.avasgivingtree.org and will close the day of the event. Raffle tickets will be sold at the event. Tickets are available at the Children’s Heart Foundation website, www.childrensheartfoundation.org, and at the door, at $20 per adult or $5 per child. Included with each ticket will be pizza and live music. Parking is free in the Edison Park Inn’s lot, west of the Metra tracks at the intersection of Oliphant and Olmstead avenues; the restaurant is opposite the Metra Train Station. All proceeds will be given to the parent organization, the Children’s Heart Foundation. With the help of a medical advisory board, Ava’s Giving Tree will decide what Congenital Heart Disease studies will be funded.

Health

Resurrection Medical Center, 7435 West Talcott Ave., Chicago, will offer the following health programs. Advance registration is required, unless noted otherwise, by calling 1 (877) 737-4636. Free on-site parking is available.

Hearing Screening for Adults, 9 a.m.-noon June 2; free.

Audiologists will discuss Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment, a new and effective treatment available for the tinnitus sufferer from 1:30-3 p.m. June 2; free

Symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and surgical options for relief will be discussed from 5-6 p.m. June 7; free.

Golf Injury Prevention – Single class focuses on preventing golf injuries from 4-5 p.m. June 8. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring a 5 iron to class to have your swing analyzed for injury prevention. Cost is $6.

Screenings including lipid panel (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL/LDL) and glucose will be available from 7:30-10 a.m. June 13. A 12-hour fast is required. Cost is $20.

“ABC’s of Gastroenterology” will be discussed from 6-7 p.m. June 14. Understand symptoms and treatments; free.

A lecture of “Do You Snore? Obstructive Sleep Apnea” will be given from 6-7 p.m. June 21. Expert sleep technicians can answer any question. Participants can obtain a sleep assessment; free.

Join Dr. Rachel Saccaro, pediatrician, as she discusses how media exposure impacts children and what parents can do from 6-7 p.m. June 22; free.

A Babysitting Class for children ages 11 and above will be given from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. June 27. Learn first aid, how to handle emergencies and child care. Class completion certificate will be issued. Cost is $70.

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. to noon the first Wednesday of every month at the hospital’s Patient Resource Center, 8820 W. Dempster Street, 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 e-mail 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:

The Adult Book Discussion Group will discuss Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian from 7-8:30 p.m. June 6 or 2-3:30 p.m. June 7. Copies in both regular and large type are available in the library.

Anyone tired of knitting alone can join the Knitting Circle which meets from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month. Bring needles, 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.

Pool passes are good up to Sept. 5. Cost is $62 for adult residents; $110, nonresidents. Other fees are: child, $73/$134; senior, $49/$90; family of 2: $93/$164, nonresidents; each additional person added to family pass is $10, residents; $15, nonresidents.

Tumbling Tots for ages 2-4 and parent is held from 2:30-3 or 3:10-3:40 Mondays, June 13 to Aug. 1. Children will be introduced to physical activity through the basics of gymnastic positions and movements. Cost is $62, residents; $72, nonresidents.

Swimming Day Camp is designed for children ages 5 to 12. This camp includes a daily swim lesson taught by Red Cross trained instructors, open swim, games, sports, arts and crafts, special events and a field trip once per session. Camp meets from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Session dates are June 13 to July 1, $270 for residents or $375, nonresidents; July 5 to 22, $252/$350; July 25 to Aug. 12, $270/$375. A one-time registration fee of $10 covers the cost of a camp T-shirt. Siblings will receive a $20 percent discount. Children must have turned 5 by Sept. 1, 2010.

Aquanastics and Aqua Fit are held from 12:15-1 p.m. June 6 to Aug. 12. Aquanastics is an in-water low impact aerobic exercise program helping to improve muscle tone and aid in losing weight. It is held on Mondays and Wednesdays. Aqua Fit is a powerful water workout held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Punch cards are sold in blocks of 5. Block of 5 classes is $16, residents; $26, nonresidents; block of 10: $26/$36; block of 14: $36/$46.

Designed for children 3-5 years of age, Preschool Camp meets from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays through Fridays. Children will enjoy splash time in the pool, playground fun, organized group games, art projects, songs, stories, special activities and a snack (provided by parents). Each weekly session is based on a theme. Preschool Camp dates and fees - June 13-17: Don’t “Bug” Me; June 20-24: Octopus Garden; June 27-July 1: Red, White & Blue; July 5-8: Let’s Have a Luau; July 11-15: Turtles, Frogs and Lizards; July 18- 21: Music Fun!; July 25-29: Jr. Astronauts in Space; Aug. 1 -5: Camping in the Forest; Aug. 8-12: Dinosaur Time. Cost of most of these camps are $66, residents; $96, nonresidents plus a one-time registration fee of $10. Siblings will receive a 20 percent discount. Call (708) 457-1244.

The Norridge Park District invites all interested teams, captains and/or players of 16-inch softball to pick up information sheets. A mandatory meeting for all registered captains will take place the week before the season starts: Women’s Tuesday/Thursday League: (10 games) $560, begins May 31. All other leagues are under way.

Norridge Park District’s “Island in the City Festival” is looking for business vendors for its 2011 Business Expo which will be held July 7 to 10. Call the Festival Committee, (708) 457-1244.

Youth Gymnastics for ages 5-13 teaches fundamental skills including tumbling balance, beam and other maneuvers. Program runs, according to aptitude level, from 4:30-5:15 p.m., 5:15-6 p.m., 6-6:45 p.m. Fees $60 residents; $70 nonresidents.

The Norridge Park District offers a boys and girls Youth Basketball League designed for children in third through eighth grades who are looking to learn the basics and get some game experience. Players will be placed on teams based upon their evaluation and age. Sign-up fees: first child: $85, resident, $105, nonresident; second child: $70, resident, $90, nonresident; each additional child: $55, resident, $75, nonresident.

Reunions

The Maine South High School Class of 1971 is holding its 40th reunion on July 15 and 16 at two local venues. All are welcome. For registration and lodging information, e-mail: mshs1971@yahoo.com or visit Facebook page: Maine South Class of ‘71 40th Reunion.

USS Columbus CA-74/CG-12/SSN-762 Reunion will be held from Sept. 21-24 at Sheraton National Hotel-Arlington, Va. Contact Allen R. Hope, president, 3828 Hobson Road, Fort Wayne IN 46815-4505. Call (260) 486-2221 from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Eastern time, fax: 260-492-9771 or e-mail: Hope4391@ frontier.com.

The Maine East Class of 1969 Reunion and 60th Birthday Bash will take place from 7-11 p.m. July 16 at Marriott Lincolnshire Resort, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Cost is $69 per person includes dinner and dancing with a cash bar. Contact: Anita Pedersen, anitawarrenpr@sbcglobal.net, (630) 803-7593.

Maine Township High South, Class of 1966, is spearheading a two-day “Mass Reunion” to be held Aug. 26 and 27. Accompanying classes that represented the first collective student body to attend the newly opened high school in 1964 as well as their spouses and guests are to be included. The nucleus of new students that celebrated the opening of Maine South High School migrated from both Maine East and Maine West and includes the classes of 1965, 1966 and 1967. The two-day event will be held in Park Ridge at the recently developed Uptown Plaza located at the intersection of Touhy and Prospect avenues and Northwest Highway. The Friday evening event will take place at Houlihan’s Restaurant, which will be closed to the general public. The alumni festivities will reignite on Saturday evening, and the venues will include Houlihan’s, Jason’s Deli and various neighboring entities within the Uptown Plaza. Tickets for one or both evening events are on sale now and must be purchased in advance. For reservations, contact event coordinator, Glenn Woerz (Class of 1966), at MassReunion@gmail.com or (847) 757-8377. Maine South alumni can also subscribe to the “Hawk Droppings” newsletter via the above e-mail address to receive updates and ongoing information on classmates and relevant information.

The 1966 Class of Ridgewood High School is planning a reunion and looking for graduates. Anyone with information concerning alumni is asked to e-mail haydelju@comcast.net or call (217) 352-7254.

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 e-mail 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

Join Roz Byrne, senior real estate expert from Re/Max, and learn how easy it is to declutter, sell your home or condo, and transition to a lifestyle of freedom at 10 a.m. June 8 at Central Baptist Village, 4747 N. Canfield Ave. If attending, call (708) 583-8500. See www.cbvillage.org.

The Timely Talk at Norwood Crossing, 6016 N. Nina Ave., Chicago, at 2 p.m. June 15 will focus on “Charitable Giving from Your IRA.” The program will be presented by Terry Pasquale, financial advisor at MB Financial Investment Services. He will explain how these gifts can do “double duty,” allowing the donor to make a gift to charity while receiving tax benefits. A question and answer session will follow, and refreshments will be available. Call (773) 577-5323 if attending.

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. Join in the conversation and fun. 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.

The Happy Seniors of Norwood Park Township meet at 12:30 p.m. the first and third Fridays of the month in the township hall, 7833 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge. Some play cards before the meeting, and afterward refreshments are served bingo is played. Trips are featured frequently. Dues are $5 per year, and $1 is collected at each meeting to cover cost of refreshments.

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.