Community calendar for Sept. 9

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Updated: November 9, 2011 2:16PM

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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:

Monday, Sept. 19, and 26 – Employment counseling, by appointment.

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

Wednesday, Sept. 21 – Grief and loss support group (call first).

Saturday, Sept. 24 – Legal counseling, by appointment.

Saturday, Sept. 24 – 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 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 Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, Rosemont, Norridge, Harwood Heights, Niles, Elk Grove Village, and the northwest corner of the 41st Ward of Chicago.

Clubs

The Women’s Club of Divine Savior in Norridge extends an “open invitation” for their upcoming trip to the Shrine of Christ’s Passion in St. John, Ind., on Sept. 27, for the price of $40. The Shrine of Christ’s Passion is an interactive half-mile winding pathway that begins with the Last Supper and Garden of Gethsemane. Participants will journey through the Passion of Christ as depicted in the Stations of the Cross and hear a description of the scene along with a meditation narrated by veteran broadcaster Bill Kurtis. There are 40 life size bronze statues. Electric carts are available for disabled visitors. The 33-foot statue of Our Lady of the New Millennium’s permanent home is at the Shrine. In addition, travelers will tour St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and lunch at the Country Buffet. The bus leaves from Divine Savior’s back parking lot promptly at 8:30 a.m.; returns by 5:30 p.m. Lunch included in price. Call Marge at (708) 456-6689.

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

Martin Luther Church, 6850 W. Addison St., Chicago, is hosting Pancake Day 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 17. “all-you-can-eat” pancakes, plus sausage, applesauce, orange juice, coffee, tea or milk. Also, a boutique, cookie sale and raffles. Tickets $6 per adult; $3 per child under 12 years. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. Call (773) 777-8821; e-mail mllcchicago@live.com.

“Late Nite Catechism” by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan will be presented at 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at Our Lady of Victory School, 4434 N. Laramie Ave., Chicago. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., open seating. Tickets cost $30. Food/drinks will be available and babysitting is free. For ticket information, call (773) 286-2950.

St. Eugene’s Parish will host its Oktoberfest from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Sept. 17, which will be held in the Shaunessy Center and east parking lot, 5220 N. Canfield Ave., Chicago. Entertainment will be by the Brighton Park Connection. The event will feature German food and drink. Donation is $5, children 12 and under are free. All are welcome!

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.

Crafts/Arts

St. John Brebeuf’s Catholic Women’s Club will sponsor its annual Holiday Craft Fair, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Nov. 13 in the May Parish Ministry Center, 8307 N. Harlem Ave., Niles. Crafters wishing to receive an application for the fair are asked to call Judi Stephens, (847) 296-6421.

Crafters are needed for the annual Holiday Fair at Martin Luther Church, 6850 W. Addison St., Chicago, which will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 22. A table rental fee and a sample for the raffle are required. Call (773) 777-8821.

Crafters are wanted for St. Eugene’s Altar & Rosary Craft Show from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 8. If interested, call the rectory at (773) 775-6659 and leave name, address and telephone number so a registration form can be mailed to you. Registration forms must be returned by Sept. 5. St. Eugene is located at 7970 W. Foster Ave., Chicago.

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.

Fundraisers

Celebrate the life and music of Terry Kath, co-founder and original lead guitarist and vocalist for rock group “Chicago!” in a fundraiser at 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago. Proceeds will benefit the Terry Kath Scholarship at DePaul, the Taft High School Music Department, and the McAvoy Foundation’s “Good Looks for Kids with Cancer” which provides teens battling cancer with items not provided by insurance such as wigs and glasses. Scheduled to appear are the California Transit Authority featuring Danny Seraphine; Kenny Cetera, percussionist, vocalist and younger brother of Peter Cetera; James Guercio, renowned producer of CTA; Joe Iaquinto, bassist and guitarist who has performed with a number of artists; Chicago Tribute Anthology 7 piece band, and the Emerald Underground featuring Joe Kath Jr. on fiddle. Tickets range from $29 to $100 and are on sale through the Copernicus Center’s website, www.copernicusfdn.org; call (773) 777-8898.

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. 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.

Historical Society

Tickets are on sale for Norwood Park Historical Society’s annual Wine Fest. This historic event is taking place from 3:30-7 p.m. Sept. 10. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. for silent auction bidding, and the Wine Fest begins at 4 p.m. More than 60 wines will be poured and local catering company, Harrington’s Catering & Deli, will offer a bounty of delectable appetizers. The fest will also feature entertainment including the “Singing Sommelier” Robert Lehner, who will present “What Really Matters When You’re Tasting Wine?” Italian opera vocalists Danny Suwinski and Sheryl Bragg will serenade guests during the event. Guests must be 21 to attend. Tickets are $50 and are available online at http://tinyurl.com/2011WineFest. Proceeds will help benefit the ongoing operations of the Norwood Park Historical Society. The Norwood Park Historical Society, a not-for-profit organization, resides in the Noble-Seymour-Crippen House, 5624 N. Newark Ave., Chicago. Call : (773) 631-4633; www.norwoodparkhistoricalsociety.org.

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:

Lifeline Screening - Preventive health screening services for stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease, diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis is from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sept. 15. Call 1-800-324-1851 to schedule a screening. There are charges associated with all screenings.

Classic films – Sept. 29: “On the Town” with Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. Discussions with Ralph Amelio. Free popcorn. All films begin at 1 p.m.

Computer Classes – Email Basics: Sept. 22, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Friends of the Eisenhower Public Library will meet at 6 p.m. Sept. 21.

Designed for those in the professional field who find themselves in the position of having to chair or preside over a group or a committee, “Managing the Meeting” will be given from 7-8:45 p.m. Sept. 28. Meeting preparation and organization will be stressed.

Television in Chicago - Steve Jajkowski, webmaster of Chicagotelevision.com and partner with the Museum of Broadcast Communications, will provide tales of the history of Chicago television from 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 29.

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 Karate Club for ages 4-13 runs Mondays, through Oct. 24. Beginners meet 5:30-6:15 p.m.; intermediate, 6:15-7 p.m.; advanced, 7-7:45 p.m. Program builds self-esteem and confidence while teaching martial arts skills. A karate uniform is mandatory and available from instructor at an additional cost. Program fee $65, residents; $75, nonresidents.

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. Session I is held Mondays, Sept. 19 to Oct. 24; Session II runs Nov. 7 to Dec. 19.

Twoosy Doodlers for ages 20 to 36-months with parent will run from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Mondays, through Oct. 3 and again from Nov. 7 to Dec. 5. Toddlers will experiment with painting, gluing, sticking, printing and creating while developing fine motor, language and self-help skills. Cost is $43, residents; $53, nonresidents.

Mini-Doodlers for ages 3-6 will take place from 10:30-11:15 a.m. Mondays, through Oct. 3 and again from Nov. 7 to Dec. 5. Children develop creativity through carefully designed lessons that ignite their imagination and develop skills using watercolors, tempera paints, oil pastels, create tools and more. Cost $43, residents; $53, nonresidents.

A Teen Dance will be held 7-9 p.m. Sept. 16 in the Norridge Recreation Center Gym and Blue Room for sixth- through eighth-graders. Soda and snacks will be available for purchase. Admission is $5 at the door.

Weather Wonders for ages 6 to 12 will instruct about the Earth’s weather from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 20. Participants will do lots of experiments and make a weather station to take home. Fees are $28, residents; $33, nonresidents.

A Magic Class will run from 4-4:55 p.m. Sept. 29 for ages 5 to 12. Children will learn tricks using cards, ropes, coins and more. Each child will receive a magic kit to take home. Cost is $20, residents; $25, nonresidents.

Celebrate the birthday of Johnny Appleseed from 10-11:15 a.m. Sept. 26. Ages 4 to 6 will hear a little history, a little science and have fun. Cost is $9, residents; $15, nonresidents.

Reunions

John W. Garvy Elementary School, Chicago, Class of June 1961, is sponsoring a 50-year class reunion on Sept. 25. Contact Judi (Luga) Stephens at (847) 296-6421.

St. Patrick High School Alumni who graduated during years ending in “1” or “6” (from 1966 to 2006) are invited to a reunion celebration at the school, 5900 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, on Oct. 15. The evening will begin with cocktails at 5 p.m. Register online at stpatrick.org or by calling Marybeth Nowak, (773) 282-8844, Ext. 268, or emailing mnowak@stpatrick.org. Cost is $55 per person.

Addison Trail High School Class of 1971 will hold its 40th reunion Sept. 24 at Monty’s in Bensenville. Email addisontrail71@gmail.com or see facebook page.

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 email: Hope4391@ frontier.com.

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 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.

Rummage

The Congregational Church of Jefferson Park, 5320 W. Giddings St., Chicago, will hold its Rummage Sale from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 16 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 17. The event will feature a $4 “Stuff-A-Bag” Sale from 1-4 p.m. Saturday. A light lunch will be available. Call (773) 725-0121.

Seniors

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. Meetings start again in September. 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. Caryl Derenfeld will discuss “Feisty Females, Part 6: Reformers and Activists” at 1 p.m. Sept. 15. She will discuss women who changed society. Suggested donation is $8. Robert Bruegmann, professor at the University of Illinois-Chicago, will present “Chicago Architecture: Harry Weese” at 1 p.m. Sept. 19. June Sawyers from the Newberry Library will address “Songs That Change Lives” at 1 p.m. Sept. 28. Suggested donation is $5. John Eskola, vocalist, and Pat Rusk, pianist, will perform songs from Broadway in the ‘50s on Sept. 30. Dinner is at 4:30 p.m.; show at 5:30. Meal cost is $10; program is $8. Mari Zurek, assistant director of the Chicago Tax Assistance Center, will discuss “Property Taxes and You: Tax Year 2010” at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 29. She will provide information on tax breaks for older adults and explain programs available. Free.

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

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.

A support group for women who have been widowed for two years or less is under way at the Norwood Park Satellite Senior Center, from 1-1:45 p.m. Sessions will be held at the Norwood Park Satellite Senior Center, 5801 N. Natoma Ave., Chicago, facilitated by Betty Mitchell, PhD, LCSW. Group meets every other Wednesday. Participants may join the group at any time. The Widows Support Group will provide an opportunity, in a safe and confidential setting, for widows to discuss issues of grief and loss, as well as plan strategies for moving forward after the death of a spouse. Interested persons can obtain more information or register for the group by calling (773) 775-6071.

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 breastfeeding 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 (playgroups, 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.