---Year Round--- Discover your inner scientist, with Science Chicago -- the world's largest science celebration. Events are planned almost daily through August 2009. Go behind the scenes at Chicago area science sites. See demonstrations, exhibits and films. Interact with top scientists, engineers and experts. With hundreds of events throughout the city and suburbs, there's something for everyone - learn more at sciencechicago.com.
---Year Round--- The Chicago Historical Society host's neighborhood walking tours on Mondays (1:00pm) and Saturdays (10:00am). Walkers can explore the city's beautiful and historic North Side - Lincoln Park, the Gold Coast and Old Town. Advance registration is recommended. For a schedule of tours, call visitor services at (312) 642-4600. Tours are $10 per person, $5 for historical society members.
---Year Round--- Shoppers and travelers can go to http://www.chicagoparkingmap.com/ for directions to parking garages downtown, at O'Hare and Midway Airports, and at the Museum of Science and Industry. The website provides a convenient, free, and easy way for motorists to identify parking garages in Chicago and get directions before they even begin their trip.
---Year Round--- The Home Care Services program at Casa Central offers personal care, shopping, cleaning and other important services to seniors throughout Chicago. This program enables homebound seniors to remain independent, while they receive valuable companionship. Casa Central is located at 1343 N. California Avenue, Chicago, IL. For more information, call Casa Central (773) 645-2300, and ask for a free service assessment and payment options.
---Year Round--- Green Room Sessions, monthly live music and environmental awareness series, will be held at Uncommon Ground (3800 N. Clark St.). Green Room Sessions will be held the second Thursday of each month starting at 7:00pm with music beginning around 8:00pm. Each month a local farmer or producer will be featured with appetizer samplers. For more information visit (773) 972-1963 or (312) 399-6534.
---Year Round--- Home sharing is a creative housing option that matches working individuals who are looking for an affordable apartment near work with residents of Chicago's northern suburbs who have an extra room to rent. Interfaith Housing Center has been making successful home sharing matches between home seekers and providers for over 20 years. To learn more about Interfaith Housing Center's free and confidential Home sharing program, call (847) 501-5760 or long on at http://www.interfaithhousingcenter.org/.
---Year Round--- Housing discrimination is illegal and that is why Interfaith Housing Center will listen to your experience, evaluate your case, and inform you of your rights and options. All services are free and confidential. Call Interfaith Housing Center of the Northern Suburbs today at (847) 501-5760 or log onto http://www.interfaithhousingcenter.org/.
---Year Round--- Mentors for Children in Foster Care: The Family Connections Project is seeking male and female mentors for children in foster care. Many of these children need a positive influence and emotional support. Mentoring is a trusting relationship that pairs young people with caring individuals who offer guidance and encouragement. Parties interested in becoming a mentor for the Family Connections Project should contact Darryl Harvey at 1-800-572-2390 or email dh@adoptinfo-il.org.

August 19- November 13 -- The 8th Annual JIF Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest is accepting entries from kids ages 6-12 for a change to win a 25-thousand dollar scholarship fund. JIF is also asking parents to demonstrate their creativity by sharing stories about how they make the best choice for their families. One winner of the "JIF Moms Voice Their Choice" contest will win a seat at the judging table for the "JIF Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich" Contest. For contest entry forms and official rules for both contests please visit www.jif.com.

October 13-November 16 Non-practicing Catholics are invited to join us for healing sessions, Catholics Returning Home, to help bridge the gap between them and the Church. This six-week series begins on Tuesday, October 13 at 7:30 PM at Saint Margaret Mary Parish, Algonquin, IL. For details, call the parish office at 847-658-7625. or visit: http://www.saintmargaretmary.org/inactive.html
October 29-June 6 -- Studebaker's National Treasures:The Original Collection. Studebaker National Museum, 201 S. Chapin St., South Bend, IN 46601 This exhibit is the culmination of the museum's Save America's Treasures grant project and features all eight vehicles that underwent conservation treatment, including four Presidential Carriages and two award-winning wagons. Extensive details of the work performed accompanied by "before" and "after" photography enhance the display of these stunning national treasures. www.studebakermuseum.org;info@studebakermuseum.org;1-888-391-5600.
October 30-December 9 -- Well known Chicago artist and Temple Sholom congregant Penny Feuerstein will be showing in the Mendelson Gallery. A master of fine arts graduate from The Art Institute of Chicago, Ms. Feuerstein has exhibited nationally and internationally including Art Expo in Chicago, New York, Tel Aviv, Japan and Milan. Always maintaining an interest in fine art, Ms. Feuerstein started a career in commercial art and design. She has been a full time fine artist since the 1990's. The gallery opening starts Oct.30 at 5:30 PM with a wine and cheese reception prior to Shabbat Services. Proceeds from the sale of the artist's work during the gallery show will benefit Temple Sholom of Chicago. Temple Sholom sits in the forefront of Reform Judaism–educating both young and old, presenting lectures and programs of broad appeal, serving the disadvantaged in the community and helping those searching for new forms of worship and expression within Jewish heritage. For additional information on the artist go to: www.pennyfeuerstein.com. For additional information and show hours go to the Temple Sholom website: www.sholomchicago.org.

November 2-November 8 -- A.D.O.P.T. (Animals Deserving Of Proper Treatment) is hosting a week-long cat/kitten adoption event at our shelter. The event will take place from noon - 8 p.m. weekdays and noon - 5 p.m. on the weekend. For this week only, all cats will be adopted for $25, all kittens (6 months or less) will be adopted for $50. The adoption fee includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, AVID microchip, FIV/Feline Leukemia testing. A.D.O.P.T. is a no-kill pet shelter located at 420 Industrial Drive, Naperville, IL 60563. Phone 630-355-2299. We are hosting this event as a result of the economic crisis and the extreme number of animals that are finding themselves homeless. We have approximately 100 cats/kittens in our shelter desperately looking for their forever home.
November 6 -- Singer songwriter Randall Goodgame will be performing a concert at Priscos Next Door in Aurora at 7 PM. Tickets are $12 and may be purchased at Prsicos Next Door, 1118 Prairie in Aurora or by emailing tdyoder@hotmail.com. An intimate concert for all ages. Families welcome. Randall will be giving away 1 free copy of his CD Bluebird to every ticketholder.
November 6-7 -- Community Protestant Church, UCC is holding its Holiday Bazaar from 3-8pm on Friday and 10am-3pm on Saturday. Featuring gorgeous craft items, homemade candies & baked goods, knitted & quilted items & vintage holiday items. A beef BBQ dinner & lunch will be available. Located at 418 N. Prairie Ave., Mundelein, IL. Call 847-566-4000 for more information.
November 7 -- Over 1,500 DuPage County residents and community groups will turn their lawns into homeless shelters for just one night. Sleeping outside in the cold will give them a glimpse into the lives of those without a home. This event is called Sleep Out Saturday and we need your support to raise money for Bridge Communities, a housing program for homeless families striving for a brighter future. For more information on "Sleep Out Saturday" or how to sponsor a "sleeper", visit www.sleepoutsaturday.org.
November 7 -- The First United Methodist Church of Lombard will host it's 30th Holiday Craft Show. Tables are $25. For information or application, please call Alice at (630) 903-7696 or Gene at (630) 627-1668.
November 7-8 -- This fall, enjoy a tour of St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville from a quail wagon. Tours are available between 11am –2:30pm. The quail wagon is pulled by a tractor and can accommodate six adult passengers. On each tour, participants are accompanied by a volunteer sharing the natural and cultural features of the historic St. James Farm across the 2-mile rout. Tours leave from the pavilion located near the parking area. Rides are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Ride feeds are $5 per adult, $2 per child ages 5-12, and free for children under 5. Admission and parking are always free. The entrance to St. James Farm Forest Preserve is located on Hoy Ave. west of Madison Street. Madison Street intersects with Butterfield Road about one-half mile east of Winfield Road. Fore more information on quail wagon tours and other opportunities at St. James Farm Forest Preserve call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248 or visit: www.dupageforest.org.
November 8 -- Chicago area children and their parents are invited to enjoy a mourning of family fun with games, live performance by "Stand and Clap", bounce houses, food and exercise, at the 3rd Annual Turkey Trot Family Festival. As part of the Turkey Trot event, children of all ages will walk a course around Habitat Park, Kohl's Children Museum's outdoor exhibit, located at 2100 Patriot Blvd. Glenview, IL. Each participant will receive a runner number, stickers for each lap they complete and a golden turkey trophy for their efforts. There will be several courses, each divided by age group. A warm-up will be held at 9:30am and the trot is kicked off at 10am running till 12pm, rain or shine! To participate families can sign up (or find more information) at www.kohlchildrenmusuem.org/trot in advance $35 and $45 at the door, for families (up to 6 members).
November 8 -- All veterans, retired or not, are invited to the Annual Veterans Breakfast located at the Lombard Moose Lodge starting at 8:30 am until 12:00pm. The breakfast will take place at 328 West Roosevelt Road in Lombard, Illinois. This Breakfast is free to all Service men and women, retired or still active.
November 8 -- Ted Yoder will perform a concert on the hammered dulcimer at the Eola Branch of the Aurora Public Library from 2:30-3:15 PM. Free to both kids and adults. People of all ages enjoy the unique beauty and joy of listening to hammered dulcimer music so bring the family and have some fun with us!
November 8 -- Discover the fascinating facts behind the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's prescription-burn program at Introduction to Prescription Burns from 1-3pm at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton. Participants, who may see crews conduct a prescription burn if conditions allow, can make reservations through Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248. Unlike a wildfire, a prescription burn is a deliberately set, controlled, natural-resource management tool that specially trained Forest Preserve District crews have used for over 25 years to restore native prairies, wetlands and woodlands. In the coming weeks, the public may see signs of the District's prescription-burn program at several preserves. Safety depends on the weather and other factors so the District cannot schedule prescription burns in advance. However, on the morning of a prescription burn, the District posts signs and notifies fire--protection agencies. Crews remain on-site throughout the process, which takes place only during daylight hours. If these factors are not present, the public should call 9-1-1. In DuPage County's woodlands, prescription burns remove invasive vegetation so more sunlight can reach native wildflowers and other planets on the forest floor. The county's forests primarily contain deciduous species, such as oaks, with thick bark that is well adapted to periodic fire and able to keep flames near the ground. To learn more call (630)933-7200 or visit: www.dupageforest.org.
November 8 -- Argo-Summit, Bedford Park Woman Club Member of GFWC (General Federation of Women's Clubs) Illinois and 6th District will hold their 31st Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon, titled, Diamonds are Forever. The doors will open at 11:30am and lunch will begin at 12:30mpm at the Crystal Sky Banquet Hall, 7941 W. 47th Street, McCook, IL. Dinner tickets will be $35 and can be obtained from our club members or by calling our ticket chairman, Roseann at (630)243-6233.
November 9 The After Hours Film Society presents the engrossing and powerful film, Lorna's Silence. The event will begin at 7:30pm. The After Hours Film Society meets on the second and fourth Monday of every month, with the exception of the month of December, at the Trvoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave, Downers Grove. Cost is $9 for non-members and $5 for members. For more information call (630)534-4528 or visit www.afterhoursfilmsociety.com
November 12 -- Center on Halsted will host an evening of Speed Dating for women, with more events scheduled throughout 2010. Not finding that special spark across the Internet? Long, wasted evenings with those just-not-happening blind dates? Time for some real-time, fun-time SPEED DATING at Center on Halsted (located at 3656 N. Halsted Street in Chicago); co-sponsored by Out Alumni Chicago, the Chicagoland Gay and Lesbian Singles Meetup, and the Chicago Professionals Meetup. Speed daters should arrive between 6:45 PM-7:00 PM. The first round of Speed Dating will begin at 7:15 PM. Rounds will continue until everyone has had a chance to meet, or until 8:45 PM, whichever comes first. Be sure to bring your agenda book! "Like to get together for coffee" cards will be matched after the last round ends. Tickets for SPEED DATING at Center on Halsted are $12 at the door, and $10 if you purchase in advance online at www.centeronhalsted.org . A cash bar will open at 6:45PM. For more information please email culture@centeronhalsted.org or call 773/661-0763. For more information about Center on Halsted, please visit our website, www.centeronhalsted.org.
November 12 -- From 7-8:30 pm Illinois Fathers, held at Hinsdale Public Library, 20 E Maple St, Hinsdale, IL will host guest speaker Mike Doherty, Chairman of Children's Rights Council-IL. He will discuss their research regarding updating Illinois family law in order to help over 35,000 children each year who will experience the separation or divorce of their parents. The goals are to increase greater father involvement in their children's schooling, fewer animosity-generating court battles, greater communication and incentives for parents to cooperate with each other, improved post-divorce adjustments, less elevation of one parent into a monopolizing role and clearer signals to all parents that children in Illinois need a meaningful relationship with both parents. Contact # 630-408-5200. Register @ IllinoisFathers.org for updates in legislation regarding parenting agreements and visitation.
November 12 -- When it comes to kids, Spark Ventures ,holds back nothing. This year they are turning blue for them. SparkBlue is a blue-themed evening complete with blue lighting, blue –themed sponsors, a blue signature drink, and entertainment by the Mighty Blue Kings. This not-to-be-missed event will be held at the Cultural Center on from 7-10 p.m. Spark Ventures was founded by three Chicago guys whom decided to on an adventure to Zambia, Africa a few years ago. Seeing the immense need of the children there for both food and education, they came back and began Spark Ventures-an organization that's purpose is to change the life of vulnerable children by changing their communities. To date, Spark Ventures has built anew orphanage, raised funds to a build a much needed school (currently under construction) and are now focused on a campaign to build an income generator that would allow the local residents to support the school and orphanage without outside aide. This is part of the unique mission of Spark Ventures. They are not just giving money to the problem-but seek to change communities helping them build the infrastructure, develop a form of income, and providing business advice to the local people also committed to transforming their communities. An anonymous donor has offered a matching grant of $150,000 for funds raised from October 2009 through February 2010. Last year Spark Ventures had the same grant and was able to match it. Despite being a relatively young organization, Spark Ventures has proven that they are incredibly effective at both raising funds and instituting change. For more information on this organization please see their website: Sparkventures.org or respond to: debbie@cmcconsult.com. Debbie Berman, Vice-President, CMC Consultants, Inc, 312-670-4939
November 13 -- Discover how wine and art are connected. The Visiting Artists Program; Understanding Through Art! annual fundraiser will be held at The Highland Park Art Center, 957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL on Friday, November 13 from 7 pm to 10 pm. This wine-tasting event pairs select wines from Sunset Foods with featured creative work of local Lake County artists. Tickets are $45. For reservations or additional information contact Director, Donna Sands at 847-691-ARTS (2787). The Visiting Artists Program is a not-for-profit program that sponsors professional artists to work with lower income, ethnically diverse children to help them find their visual voice. Currently this group is working with students in Waukegan. Students are introduced to art from different regions of the globe and to different techniques and media. They are guided through hands-on projects to nurture their identity and self-confidence.
November 13 -- Come and support the Gudall Family Benefit, you could win a Slot Machine, Motorola phone, Guitar Lessons and more!! Join us for silent auction, door prizes, 50/50 raffle, food, music and cash bar. Nikki Gudall of Genoa, Illinois was diagnosed with aggressive Stage four Ovarian, cancer at the age of 36. She had undergone a hysterectomy and will follow with six cycles of Chemo Therapy. As a young woman and mother to four year old Christian and six year old Hunter her fight with this silent killer will give her the hope and strength that she will beat ACS Cancer Facts & Figures of 29.1% of five-year survival rate. As a loving wife to Darrell Gudall, he continues to work 80 plus hours a week to ensure they have a place to live, food on the table, and health insurance. The struggle has begun in September 2009 and the adventure will continue for several months as Nikki fights her way from cancer patient to cancer survivor. Her friends and family are putting together this benefit because, even though we can't ease the pain, they can ease the strain on their expenses. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the family. Running from 7:00pm -12:00AM at the Genoa Veterans Home VFW post # 8387, 311 S Washington St., Genoa, Illinois, Admission: $15.00 per person • $25.00 per couple- 12 & under free.
November 14 -- The Women of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Downers Grove are sponsoring a Shop For A Cause Holiday Shopping event to benefit the Downers Grove Family Shelter. There will be vendors such as Mary Kay, Lia Sophia, Pampered Chef, Party Lite, Shaklee, Chocolates by Noreen, Tastefully Simple, Watkins and more as well as local artisans with handcrafted items. Our event will be a great place to do your Christmas Shopping! Personal Shoppers will be on-hand to assist you. Doors open at 10:00 am until 2:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served and some great gifts will be raffled off. Raffle tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00. St. Andrews Church is located at 1125 Franklin Street, in Downers Grove.
November 14 -- Walton Christian Church Trivia Night Bishop Street & US 35, Walton IN starts at 6pm. Admission is $10 per person Teams of 6 adults/teens Contact the church at 626-2320 for information. Proceeds benefit the church building fund.
November 14 -- KidsWork Children's Museum in Frankfort invites adults of all ages to get in touch with their inner child at the Holidays Around the World kick-off party. Enjoy a fun night at the Museum just for adults, starting with a champagne and chocolate reception at 7pm. Guests will be treated to entertainment throughout the evening and can sample sweet treats from around the world at a variety of dessert stations. Special promotions including discounted Museum memberships and up to 50% off in the Museum gift shop will be offered the night of the event only. The winner of the 2nd Annual Christmas Tree Raffle sponsored by Alsip Home & Nursery will be announced. The fully decorated tree will be on display and is valued at over $1,200. Raffle tickets are $5 each and can be purchased the night of the event or by calling the Museum. All funds raised will go directly towards operational expenses as well as exhibits and programming. Ticket holders can receive 15% their meal that evening when dining at "Holidays Around the World" dinner partners. Participating restaurants include Dan McGees - Frankfort, Aurelio's - Frankfort, Jenny's Steakhouse - Frankfort, Charleston's - New Lenox, and Mr. Benny's - Mokena. Tickets to the KidsWork "Holidays Around the World" kick-off are $15 per person. RSVP by calling the museum at 815-469-1199.
November 14 -- Appreciation Banquet honoring Apostle Bishop & Prophetess Violetta Smith from Fulfilled Purpose Church Int'l (FPCI), Full Impact Ministries & Unwed Mothers of Illinois. These two individuals have continuously worked in the community and assist young people with self-empowerment and improvement. It is time to show our appreciation for them. FPCI will honor Apostle & Prophetess Smith at Balagio Restaurant, located 17501 Dixie Hwy. in Homewood, IL. from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM. Cost of tickets are $45.00 per adult and $35.00 per child (10yrs & under). Please contact L'Tonia Ruffin @ 708/439-7040 for tickets. Come and join us!
November 15 -- The West Suburban Symphony Singers & Chamber Orchestra will perform Antonio Vivaldi's Gloria at 4 p.m. at Westmont High School, 909 Oakwood Drive, Westmont. Internationally acclaimed conductor Peter Lipari will lead the Hinsdale-based orchestra and chorus in concert. Soprano Carolyn Hart of the Wheaton College Music Conservatory and mezzo-soprano Janet Mensen Reynolds of the Chicago Lyric Opera are featured as soloists in the Vivaldi work. The concert's Classical Delights program also includes Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, Mozart's Symphony No. 25, and Puccini's Crisantemi. Lipari, who has led orchestras, bands, choruses, and musical stage productions in the United States and abroad to rave reviews for more than 20 years, has served as the Society's music director since the fall of 2001. He is a Plainfield resident. Tickets are $20, with senior and youth discounts. They may be purchased at the door, cash or check. Advance orders, with payment by check, to West Suburban Symphony, P.O. Box 565, Hinsdale, IL 60522. Credit card orders in advance only, by mail, at 630-887-7464, or at www.westsubsymphony.org.
November 15 -- Join St. Felicitas for their 90th Anniversary Celebratory Mass and Luncheon where "once you grace our doors, you are part of our history". The mass will be held at 10:00am with celebrant, Rev. Joseph Perry at St. Felicitas, 1526 East 84th Street, Chicago, IL. The luncheon will be from 12:30pm-4:30pm at Chateau Bu-Sche, 11535 S. Cicero, Alsip, IL. Tickets to the luncheon will be $70 per adult and $35 per child (11 and under). Call (773) 734-2300 or visit: saintfelicitaschicago.org for more information.
November 15 -- Give the gift of life. Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Rd., Northfield, in cooperation with LifeSource, will host its Annual Noni Dodge Blood Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Healthy adults, ages 17 and older (age 16 with parental permission) who weigh at least 110 pounds, are encouraged to participate. Donors must bring a photo ID. Every day 1500 donors are needed. Donating blood is easy and poses no health risk. A pint of blood is separated into three components, so in less than an hour donors have the opportunity to potentially save three lives. In addition, Temple Jeremiah will host a Bone Marrow Drive this year. To join the registry, you must be between 18 and 60 years of age, be in good health and willing to donate to any patient in need. Walk-ins are welcome, but you are encouraged to register in advance by contacting the temple office at 847/441-5760 or office@templejeremiah.org.
November 15 -- Zion Lutheran Church at 865 S. Church Rd in Bensenville is having their Ham Dinner with Home Made German Potato Salad from 12pm to 3pm. Cost is $9.00 adults, $4.50 children 5 – 12, free for children 4 and under. For more information or reservations, please contact the church office at 630-766-1039.
November 15 -- An Afternoon with Daniel Burnham "Make No Little Plans" at 1:00 PM. Historical dramatist R. J. Lindsey portrays Mr. Burnham as he discusses plans and photographs of the famous Chicago fire, the 1893 Columbian Exposition and his 1909 Chicago Plan. At the Immanuel Hall, 302 South Grant, cost for Hinsdale Historical Members: $10 and for non-members: $15. Registration Required. For Tickets Contact: Info@hinsdalearchitecture.org.
November 16 -- Join us at the Oak Brook Public Library at 7 pm when Art Historian Dr. Michelle Paluch-Mishur will present a slide lecture on Michelangelo Caravaggio, the Italian Baroque movement and The Supper at Emmaus. The Caravaggio masterpiece is currently on loan to the Art Institute of Chicago. Please call 630-368-7725 to register or for more information.
November 17 -- Rev. Patrick D. Gaffney, Associate Professor of Anthropology/Notre Dame University present Hesburgh Lecture: Lost in Translation - Bringing American Ideals to the Middle East at 7:30pm. The lecture will take place at McHenry County College Conference Center, 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012. This lecture examines the often overlooked layers of contradiction, conflict and misrepresentation that frequently arise when the well-intentioned aspirations and the immense power of the United States intrude variously into the struggles among contending groups in today's Middle East. Lecture is FREE and open to the public. Reception to follow.
November 18 -- Take part in a special tribute to the music, nostalgia and headlines of the 1950's when Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Rd., Northfield, hosts Decade of the 1950's at 12:00 p.m. From the Korean War and President Eisenhower to the Cold War and McCarthyism, the 1950's was a decade to remember. Jonas Salk invented the polio vaccine. People danced to the cha cha. Elvis Presley, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole and Doris Day dominated the air waves, while musicals such as "The Sound of Music" and "My Fair Lady" made their debut. In honor of Temple Jeremiah's 50th anniversary, Cantor Amy Zussman, along with Rabbi Paul Cohen and accompanist David Lornson, will sing songs and read the news events from this fabulous decade. Cost of the program, including lunch, is $14 per person and includes a donation to MAZON: The Jewish Response to Hunger. For more information, contact the temple office at 847/441-5760 or office@templejeremiah.org or log on to www.templejeremiah.org
November 19 -- Entries are due TODAY for the 1st Annual Downtown Downers Grove Gingerbread House Contest, as part of "It's A Wonderful Weekend In Downtown Downers Grove." There are two divisions: Family/Individual and Business. The Gingerbread Houses will be on display at the Downtown Merchants November 27-November 29. Entry is FREE! You may make your house out of a kit or from scratch; we just ask that the house be approx. 75% edible! The winner from each division will be chosen by Viewer's Choice and will receive $100 in Downtown Downers Grove Gift Certificates! Entry is free; to obtain an entry form and more information please visit www.downtowndg.org.
November 19- February 28 -- Chicago Tribune Writer and WGN Radio Host Rick Kogan Leads Lunchtime Conversations Inspired by Popular Sidewalks Column. Photographs by Charles Osgood and stories by Rick Kogan. The exhibit will be at the Chicago Tourism Center Gallery, 72 E. Randolph St. Chicago comes alive in words and pictures at a new exhibition featuring photographs by Charles Osgood and stories by Rick Kogan from their Chicago Tribune Sidewalks column. More than 60 of the most memorable images and stories included in two books, the new Sidewalks II: Reflections on Chicago and Sidewalks: The public is invited to an opening reception for the Sidewalks: Photographs by Charles Osgood & Stories by Rick Kogan exhibition, on November 19 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Osgood, longtime Chicago Tribune photographer, and Kogan, Chicago Tribune Senior Writer and Columnist and WGN radio host. On November 20 at 12:15 p.m., Osgood and Kogan host a gallery conversation about their adventures working on the Sidewalks column. On December 18, January 15, and February 19 at 12:15 p.m., join Kogan at the gallery for a series of lunchtime discussions inspired by Sidewalks, including conversations with some of the people featured in the columns. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.explorechicago.org.
November 19 -- Join Lt. Col. David Grindle, The Salvation Army Divisional Commander, Bruce Williamson, President of The Sterno Group and member of The Salvation Army's Chicago Advisory Board The Salvation Army Brass Band and Walter Payton College Prep's Sounds of Sweetness Choir as they celebrate The 26th annual Tree of Lights Ceremony heralds the Red Kettle Christmas Campaign. The red kettles and bell ringers hit the streets of Chicago on Thursday, the 22nd. The goal of The Salvation Army is to raise $12 million during the holiday campaign. The Tree of Lights Ceremony will be from 5:30 to 6:00 PM at the John Hancock Plaza, 875 N. Michigan Avenue. Funds raised during the Red Kettle Christmas Campaign enable The Salvation Army (TSA) to continue its many services during the year, including providing food, shelter, and other basic services to those Chicago residents in the most need. Due to the turbulent economy, requests to TSA have risen sharply in recent months. The Salvation Army's $12 million fundraising goal for 2009 is the largest goal the organization has ever had for the campaign. Because the Tree of Lights is the first tree lighting ceremony of the Chicago Christmas Season, The Salvation Army wants to share the fun with the rest of the city. The Tree of Lights will feature live music from the TSA Brass Band and Walter Payton College Prep's The Sounds of Sweetness Choir. NBC 5's Phil Rogers will emcee the event. To give The Salvation Army's Holiday Campaign, call 1.800.SAL.ARMY, or go to www.salarmychicago.org.
November 20 -- The Hello Stiletto shoe club of Chicago, is hosting the first of an annual event in support of the Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis. The Hello Stiletto Shoe Ball will be held at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza. This Black tie optional, fabulous shoes essential charity gala is for footwear fanatics and fashion lovers. This special evening, guests will enjoy a complimentary one hour cocktail reception at 7:30pm and hors d' oeuvres all evening. Dance to live music by Tovi Khali, meet and mingle with other footwear fanatics, enjoy a silent auction, and drawings for luxury items. Attendees will have a chance to compete in the Best Shoe Walk-Off by strutting down a 40 foot pink carpet to show off your shoes and compete for prizes. MS is a chronic disorder of the central nervous system often resulting in severe disability and affecting an estimated two million individuals worldwide. Be part of Chicago's most exciting shoe celebration and support a great cause. This event is open to all men and women 21 years and older. Information at www.hellostiletto.com under "events".
November 20-December 22 -- The Evanston Art Center is proud to present the 7th annual Winter Arts and Crafts Expo. Winter Expo features one-of-a-kind pieces of work by over 100 selected artisans. Arts and crafts offered include original, handmade works of jewelry, ceramics, fiber, metal, glass, painting, photography, mixed-media, and more. All proceeds from the Expo will benefit the ongoing exhibition, education, and outreach programs at the EAC. The Winter Expo is the perfect opportunity for families to shop for everyone on their holiday gift list. Winter Expo will be held from November 21st - December 22nd at the EAC, and is sponsored by Whole Foods Evanston South and First Community Bank and Trust. The hours are 10am-4pm, Mondays-Saturdays (closed Thanksgiving) and 12pm-4pm on Sundays. A Winter Expo preview party for patrons to shop before the public and a silent auction featuring art works donated by participating Expo artists will be November 20th from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Tickets to this event cost $30 for early registration and $35 at the door. The Expo also includes a non-juried, adult student sale from Saturday, December 5th-December 13th.
November 20-22 -- The Valley Model Railroad Club of South Elgin will hold it Annual Open House on Friday from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Youth and Scout groups are welcome. The Club is located on Kenyon Road ¼ mile West of Route 25 in South Elgin. Admission is FREE. For more information, call 847-742-2028 or visit our web site at www.trainweb.org/vmrr or e-mail us at vmr50@aol.com.
November 21 -- The JOHA Foundation is sponsoring a craft show to help raise money to benefit cancer patients in the area. Located at (JOHA) 2614 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60435 (directly behind Babes Hotdogs). Over 50 Crafters with lots of variety, Grand Bake Sale, Raffle, Free Cider samples. The craft show is open to the public with free admission and parking!
November 21 -- "Once upon a time…" sets the stage for your imagination at the annual Tellebration Celebration hosted by McHenry County Conservation District and McHenry County Storytelling Guild, from 7–9p.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Rd. in Crystal Lake. Costumed and non-costumed presenters will be spinning yarns to satisfy all ages. So gather around to hear stories of Nature, of Folklore or Tall Tales and be a part of this worldwide event where storytelling enthusiasts bond together in spirit through simultaneous events held at the same time over the same weekend, traditionally on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED for this FREE event. Visit the District's website at www.MCCDistrict.org to view the programs in greater detail or sign up to receive the quarterly newsletter Landscapes. Registration is accepted online, by phone, mail or walk-in at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake, (815) 479-5779.
November 21 -- Autism Seminar held at Governors State University, The Center for the Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL from 10:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. Coupons available at www.familytimemagazine.com Free Parking Childcare will not be available CEUs and CPDUs available for educational professionals. The doors open at 10:30 a.m. allowing attendees to walk through the exhibition hall that will include over 50 exhibitors with products and services. The speakers will start holding sessions at The Center for the Performing Arts auditorium as well as the Engbretson Hall at 12:30 p.m. and running through till 8:30 p.m.
November 21 -- St. Jude supporters will join together to participate in the Give Thanks Walk, being held at the Yorktown Shopping Center in Lombard, IL, an exciting family-friendly 5K walk to raise money for the children of St. Jude. Please visit www.givethankswalk.org or call 800.621.5359 for more information.
November 21 -- Looking for a way to jump-start your holidays? Struggling to find your holiday spirit? Then come brighten your spirits at The Cancer Support Center's 2009 Holiday House Walk. In addition to the House Walk, a scrumptious luncheon and Unique Boutiques Gift Market for your holiday shopping will be offered at Olympia Fields Country Club, in Olympia Fields. Sponsored by the Women's Board of The Cancer Support Center in Homewood, come tour four, elegant Flossmoor homes for decorating ideas or just pure enjoyment while raising money to support local cancer survivors and their families. The House Walk homes will be open for touring between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person and provide admittance to all four homes. Reservations can be made in advance at The Cancer Support Center, 2028 Elm Rd. in Homewood, with ticket pick-up taking place beginning at 9 a.m. at Olympia Fields Country Club, 2800 Country Club Drive, Olympia Fields. In addition, House Walk tickets will be available at Olympia Fields Country Club beginning at 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 21. Each of the homes will be selling tickets beginning at 10 a.m. At Olympia Fields Country Club, a gourmet luncheon is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the Unique Boutiques Gift Market, featuring more than 30 vendors, is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Market is free of charge, and the luncheon tickets are $25 each. Luncheon reservations may be made in advance at The Cancer Support Center, 2028 Elm Rd., Homewood and will be available for pick up starting at 9 a.m. at Olympia Fields Country Club. Luncheon tickets will also be available for purchase at Olympia Fields Country Club on Saturday, Nov. 21. No tickets will be mailed in advance. For further information, please call The Center at 708-798-9171.
November 21-22 -- This fall, enjoy a tour of St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville from a quail wagon. Tours are available between 11am –2:30pm. The quail wagon is pulled by a tractor and can accommodate six adult passengers. On each tour, participants are accompanied by a volunteer sharing the natural and cultural features of the historic St. James Farm across the 2-mile rout. Tours leave from the pavilion located near the parking area. Rides are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Ride feeds are $5 per adult, $2 per child ages 5-12, and free for children under 5. Admission and parking are always free. The entrance to St. James Farm Forest Preserve is located on Hoy Ave. west of Madison Street. Madison Street intersects with Butterfield Road about one-half mile east of Winfield Road. Fore more information on quail wagon tours and other opportunities at St. James Farm Forest Preserve call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248 or visit: www.dupageforest.org.
November 21-22 -- The Lockport Woman's Club present the 39th Annual Christmas Crossroads Craft Show. The fair will be open on Saturday from 8:30-5:00pm and Sunday from 9:30-3:30pm. Approximately 190 exhibits of pre-juried Arts and Crafts will be displayed at Lockport East High School Field House, 1333 E. 7th Street in Lockport, IL. This site is wheelchair accessible, but NO strollers, please. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for senior citizens, and $1 for students (6-18 years old), children under 5 are free. Lunch will be available for purchase from the Lockport Township High School Band. Visit our website: www.christmascrossroads.com.
November 21-22 -- Open Books is a nonprofit social venture that operates an extraordinary bookstore, provides community literacy programs, and mobilizes passionate volunteers to promote literacy in Chicago and beyond. Each month, the organization collects over 11,000 used books from donors, corporations, and partners across the city, then uses the proceeds from the sales of those books to fund literacy programs in its own classrooms and at other venues throughout Chicago. Running from 10 am-7 pm, Open Books will celebrate the grand opening of its new bookstore and literacy center at 213 W. Institute Place in River North. Book lovers young and old are invited to experience a weekend full of family-friendly activities, author events, story time, puppet shows and much more at the first bookstore of its kind in the nation. Since its founding in 2006, Open Books has collected over 250,000 used books, recruited over 2,500 volunteers (and nine full-time staff members), and served over 2,000 students through four signature literacy programs for adults, teens and children. The weekend events will include, a gorgeous new COLORFUL bookstore in the heart of River North filled with book-loving people, notable Chicago authors hosting events and panels throughout the weekend and children reading and enjoying our amazing children's section, including a reading tree and book-shaped furniture. View the invitation here: http://open-books.org/events/grandopening/gp/index.php
November 21- 22 -- Open Books Grand Opening Event will go from 10 am - 7 pm, at Open Books, 213 W. Institute Place, Chicago IL 60610, River North. It is FREE literary fun for all ages. If you plan on taking the CTA: Take the Brown or Purple line to the Chicago + Franklin stop. Open Books is thrilled to announce the grand opening of their flagship bookstore location! Join us for two days of author events, story time, puppet shows, tours, promotions and much more. All sales of book purchases go to fund literacy programs for adults and children in Chicago, which take place in our new classrooms above the bookstore. Come experience the joy of reading and writing like you never have before and give back to the community at the same time, all at Open Books. For more information about Open Books, visit, www.open-books.org
November 21-22 -- The Lockport Woman's Club presents the 39th annual Christmas Crossroads Craft 21st:(8:30 - 5) and 22nd (9:30 - 3:30). Located at the Lockport Township High School Field House, 1333 E. 7th, Lockport, IL. Admission $3. All proceeds go to charitable causes. See www.christmascrossroads.com.
November 22 -- Ted Yoder will perform a concert of Holiday music on the hammered dulcimer at the Geneva Public Library at 2 PM. Free to both kids and adults. People of all ages enjoy the unique beauty and joy of listening to hammered dulcimer music so bring the family and start the holiday season with a relaxing hour of music at the Geneva Library.
November 22 -- Join us for the Adult Choir Concert at St. Felicitas. Located at 1526 East 84th Street, Chicago, IL at 4:00pm. Tickets are $15 dollars a person. Call (773) 734-2300 or visit: saintfelicitaschicago.org for more information.
November 25 -- Rabbi Capers Funnye, the first African-American member of the Chicago Board of Rabbis, will be the keynote speaker at the Winnetka Interfaith Council's Community Thanksgiving Service taking place at 8:00 p.m. at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Rd., Northfield. The Winnetka Interfaith Council encompasses twelve houses of worship across the North Shore, including Temple Jeremiah, the Bah'i Community, Christ Episcopal Church, Congregation Hakafa, First Church of Christ Scientist, Lake Shore Unitarian Society, Saints Faith, Hope and Charity Church, Samaritan Counseling Center, Winnetka Congregational Church, Winnetka Covenant Church and Winnetka Presbyterian Church. The choirs from these congregations will join together during the service.
November 27 -- Tree Lighting Ceremony and Caroling in Downer's Grove! It will begin at the Main Street Train Station at 4:30 p.m. The holiday tree is donated by a local family and decorated with over 1,000 handmade ornaments by the children of Downers Grove. Enjoy cookies and apple cider inside the train station at 4:00 p.m. courtesy of Downtown Downers Family Medicine. Mayor Sandack will light the tree at 4:30 p.m. followed by caroling with the Downers Grove Choral Society. For more information please visit www.downtowndg.org
November 27 -- There is a fundraiser for Feeding Northwest DuPage food pantries. This is the charity that operates three food pantries support by donations. In this economy there is a greater need than ever for this community help. We are asking for your support for this fundraising concert at the Arcada Theater in downtown St. Charles. This will be a fun night of Rock & Roll for all ages with two of the top acts in the country. Opening the show will be The Cavern Beat recreating the dramatic introduction of America to the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show (do you remember?), and Supernaut featuring Dave Uhrich performing songs from the 70' to today. Tickets are priced at $40, $25, $20, & $15. They can be purchased on line or by calling the Arcada box office. For best seats, please make your ticket purchases as soon as you can. Bless your kind generosity. Thank you. www.RockAgainstHunger.com.
November 27-December 28 -- Give a little, feel like a million with a spectacular drive-through holiday light show to assist local youth groups. Drive through a tunnel of twinkling lights. Watch an illuminated golf ball make its way down the fairway. Follow the trail of smoke puffing from the lit train at one of the largest outdoor holiday drive-through light displays in Chicagoland. Once again, the Rotary Club of Aurora, in partnership with the City of Aurora, presents the massive Aurora Festival of Lights event to raise money for a host of youth-based local charities. The mile-long 40-scene display will delight nightly on Monday-Thursday from 5-9 pm and on Friday-Sunday from 5-10 pm. at Phillips Park, 615 S. Smith Blvd., Aurora. The display drew over 14,000 vehicles and raised $16,000 last year which was given to local youth organizations such as Mutual Ground (shelter for abused women); Hesed House (for the homeless); Aurora Flyers Track Club (reaching youth through running); and the Marie Wilkinson Child Development Center (at-risk youth). Admission is free, however, donations are appreciated. Our goal is to spread cheer to thousands of visitors during the holidays, while providing support to needy charities. This event is a win-win for all involved. For a virtual tour of 2008's display, visit http://aurorafestivaloflights.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=20:video-gallery-1-drive-thru&catid=6:video-gallery
November 28 -- Holiday Shopping Specials in Downtown Downers Grove! A Holiday Fashion Show hosted by Jolie Boutique, 12:00PM at Capri Ristorante, $25/person, tickets will be available at Capri Ristorante at 630-241-0695. Vote for your favorite Gingerbread House at the downtown merchants! For more information please visit www.downtowndg.org
November 29 -- Downtown Downers Grove hosts the Santa Parade at 1:00PM. Followed by a Cookie Walk, Carriage Rides, caroling, live Reindeer and visits with Santa in his house until 4:00PM. Kids Korner: Point your child in the direction of your favorite store & to the Kids Korner to shop and free gift-wrapping! Vote for your favorite Gingerbread House! For more information please visit www.downtowndg.org
November 29 -- Join us for a Guns & Hoses Hockey game that will benefit Toys for Tots and IL Special Olympics. The game will be at 7:30pm at the Arctic Ice Arena in Orland Park. Admission to the game will be one new unwrapped toy or $10 per person.

December 1-2 -- Special Needs Night , (sponsored by Airtastic), at Santa's House.Take a magical trip to visit Santa's House right on the Naperville Riverwalk at Jackson Avenue and Webster Street where his special little house will reside for the holidays. Admission is free. Photos can be purchased for $8 each or two for $15. Don't miss this unique opportunity to visit with Santa this year! These nights are for families with children who have special needs. Advanced reservations must be made by calling (630) 848-5000. Cash or checks only, please. Hours are from 5:00pm-8:00pm.
December 2 -- ChicagoHires is holding a job fair in Chicago at The Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, 350 West Mart Center Drive from 11:00am to 2:00pm. This event will offer job seekers an opportunity to meet face to face with dozens of employers who are hiring today! Companies such as Aflac, Career Directors International, Watson Dwyer, Inc., WLEY-FM Spanish Broadcasting Systems and many others will be at the event. ChicagoHires will have a local career expert on hand to provide a free professional resume review. All job seekers are encouraged to attend this free event to network, submit resumes, and connect with hiring managers. Prepare for success- be sure to wear proper business attire, bring at least 20 copies of your resume, and arrive with a positive attitude. For more information visit www.ChicagoHires.com.
December 2 -- Bed bugs have made a huge comeback in hotels, apartments, dorm rooms, and homes. Getting rid of bed bugs is expensive (average of $400 for one apartment) time consuming and they spread rapidly. What can you do to control this miniature menace while meeting a person's need for a good night's sleep in a healthy living environment? Attend Safer Pest Control Project's bed bug workshop . In this half-day workshop attendees will learn the basics of bed bug control, the economic and health impacts of an infestation, how to effectively communicate to tenants, guests and staff about bed bugs, proven strategies to effectively eliminate bed bugs, including the appropriate use of pesticides and alternative treatments, and how to hire qualified pest control operators. Attendees will learn how to save money using integrated pest management techniques and preventative measures that limit bed bug problems. The cost of the workshop is $125 per person and will be held at the Chicago Chapter of the Appraisal Institute, 205 S. Wacker Dr. All attendees will receive resource materials, and will be able to interact with top local experts on bed bug control. You can sign up: www.spcpweb.org/training or call SPCP at (773)878-7378 x207. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Chicagoland Apartment Association and the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association.
December 2 -- Special-needs children, along with their families, are invited to the annual Special Kids Day from 3:30pm-8pm. This holiday event will take place in a new location, The Wilder Mansion, (211 Prospect Ave, Elmhurst) in an obstacle-free environment that's been prepared for the uniqueness of special children. Founded in 1990, Special Kids Day has touched the lives of hundreds of kids who have physical and developmental disabilities, A heart-warming (and totally free) family evening, it focuses on including and pleasing these special-needs children. Each will receive a photo with Santa Claus, a bag of gifts, and homemade cookies. In addition, there will be an opportunity to make a holiday themed craft. Handicapped parking will be available at the Wilder Mansion, an Elmhurst Park District facility. This annual event is made possible by the Special Kids Day Committee, numerous private and corporate donors, numerous staff members and students of Elmhurst College. Because of the generosity of so many people, Special Kids Day is now able to provide similar celebratory experiences throughout the year, such a "Special Kids Carnival Day" held in the spring. For more information visit: www.specialkidsday.org or call (630)530-7700.
December 3 -- Calling all chocolate lovers! It's almost time for the sweetest and most unique event of the year, World of Chocolate, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago's highly anticipated annual holiday extravaganza held at the Hilton Chicago. This amazing event will invite guests to dine on chocolate treats from Chicago's finest chocolatiers, restaurants and caterers, while raising funds for the fight against HIV/AIDS. We invite you to feast on a variety of chocolate treats created by the city's top chefs, from white chocolate encrusted shrimp cakes and chiptole spiced chocolate strawberries to chocolate trffles and cupcakes. For more information visit, www.aidschicago.org or call 312-922-2322.
December 4 -- Step back in time, dress warm, and enjoy an outside historical winter even in small town America. Relive a Victorian Christmas Evening. The restaurants open at 5pm and the Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 6pm in Sharon, WI. There will be horse draw carriage rides, professional entertainers, shops to visit, a children's performance and train shoppe and more. Including unique eateries, appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Claus, bell ringers, and Old Fashioned music throughout downtown. Then at 7pm the best lighted horse drawn carriage parade in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin will begin. Join us! For more information call The Sharon Main Street Association at (262) 736-6246 or visit: www.sharonmainstreet.com
December 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 -- Take a magical trip to visit Santa's House right on the Naperville Riverwalk at Jackson Avenue and Webster Street where his special little house will reside for the holidays. Admission is free. Photos can be purchased for $8 each or two for $15. Don't miss this unique opportunity to visit with Santa this year! Cash or checks only, please. Hours are: Fridays, 5:00-8:00 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, Noon-6:00 p.m.
December 5 -- Saint Patrick High School will kick-off its 150th Anniversary celebrations during a 60-year anniversary game between the Shamrocks and the Tilden Tech Blue Devils. Scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. at St. Pat's, the event will recreate a 1940s atmosphere complete with throwback music and performances by the St. Pat's jazz band and dance team. When the Shamrocks defeated the Blue Devils 54-53 for the prestigious All-City title on April 1, 1949, Tildenâ s enrollment of 3,000 students dwarfed St. Pat's 300. Not to mention Tilden was a basketball powerhouse, led by superstar Johnny Red Kerr. For a small school like St. Pat's a school where most students spent every afternoon and early evening working in local businesses to supplement tuition payments to not only field a full team, but also field a competitive team that could win the city championship was something of a miracle. On Dec. 5, the two teams look to rekindle that rivalry which at the time entertained 17,000 fans at Chicago Stadium. For more info, call Jeff Ardito at (773) 282-9563. St. Pat's Giovannetti Sports Centre is handicap accessible.
December 5 -- Imagine the sounds of hundreds of thousands of bells as people run and walk in the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis Across the country this sound will be heard as runner and walkers tie jingle bells to their shoelaces, don festive costumes and join neighbors in support of the Arthritis Foundation's mission to prevent, control an cure arthritis and related disease. A festive way to run or walk into the giving spirit of the holiday season, the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis hits the pavement in Chicago at the Field Museum, registration begins at 7:00am and step-off is at 8:00am. The event will feature chip-timing, free long-sleeve t-shirts and jingle bells for shoes-laces for those who register early and a kid's dash. You can sign up individually or as a team, to set up a web site for a team to begin fundraising go to: www.ChicagoJBR.com. For more information about the event call (312)372-2080.
December 6 -- Get into the holiday spirit with the Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale at the Irish American Heritage Center. The IAHC is located at 4626 North Knox Avenue, Chicago. The annual event is from 9am to 3pm and includes mass, a breakfast, bake sale and visit from Santa Claus. Mass is celebrated in the auditorium at 10:30 a.m. and a traditional Irish breakfast follows. The Irish Heritage Singers will provide the music for the mass. The cost for the breakfast is $8 for adults and $4 for children and reservations are required. To purchase tickets for the breakfast, call 773-282-7035, ext. 10. There is no charge to browse and shop. Holiday shoppers can browse the bazaar, where there will be a craft sale from Chicago artisans and an Irish-American quilt will be raffled off. There will be an instant raffle with prizes from each of the day's vendors and local Irish import stores. The Jolly Holly Bake Shop sells homemade pies, bread, scones, cakes and cookies. Everyone's favorite, Santa Claus himself, visits from 1-3pm and children can have their photos taken with him for free. The IAHC is stroller-friendly. As a special treat, Dragoncello Theater Company and Shapeshifters Theatre will present an original, one-hour performance featuring the myths of ancient Ireland. Perfect for the entire family, And Time Runs On features a live traditional Irish music, puppets, and eye-popping costumes. The performance is at 2pm and tickets are $5 for children and adults. For more information on the bazaar, call the IAHC office at 773-282-7035, ext. 10.
December 12 -- Imagine the sounds of hundreds of thousands of bells as people run and walk in the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis Across the country this sound will be heard as runner and walkers tie jingle bells to their shoelaces, don festive costumes and join neighbors in support of the Arthritis Foundation's mission to prevent, control an cure arthritis and related disease. A festive way to run or walk into the giving spirit of the holiday season, the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis hits the pavement in Plainfield, at Ira Jones Middle School, registration begins at 8:00am and step-off is at 9:00am. The event will feature chip-timing, free long-sleeve t-shirts and jingle bells for shoes-laces for those who register early and a kid's dash. You can sign up individually or as a team, to set up a web site for a team to begin fundraising go to: www.ChicagoJBR.com. For more information about the event call (312)372-2080.
December 13 -- These are the Days is the theme of the annual Christmas Concert presented by St. John's Lutheran Church and School at 6:30pm. Featured this year are St. John's adult and children's choirs and ensembles, orchestra and two handbell choirs. St. John's is delighted this year to welcome guest organist, Michael Wolniakowski, master organist and teacher at Lyons Township High School in the choral musical department. St. John's Christmas Concerts have a long-standing reputation as one of the area's finest and most enjoyable sacred Christmas Concerts. Those who have attended in the past can testify that it is an event you won't want to miss. The public is invited to attend and a nursery will be provided at no cost. A free-will offering will be received at the concert to help St. John's continue its annual concert series. For further information, please contact our church office at (708) 354-1690.
December 13 -- Imagine the sounds of hundreds of thousands of bells as people run and walk in the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis Across the country this sound will be heard as runner and walkers tie jingle bells to their shoelaces, don festive costumes and join neighbors in support of the Arthritis Foundation's mission to prevent, control an cure arthritis and related disease. A festive way to run or walk into the giving spirit of the holiday season, the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis hits the pavement in Hammond at Purdue University Calumet, registration begins at 8:00am and step-off is at 9:00am. The event will feature chip-timing, free long-sleeve t-shirts and jingle bells for shoes-laces for those who register early and a kid's dash. You can sign up individually or as a team, to set up a web site for a team to begin fundraising go to: www.ChicagoJBR.com. For more information about the event call (312)372-2080.
December 14-17 -- Take a magical trip to visit Santa's House right on the Naperville Riverwalk at Jackson Avenue and Webster Street where his special little house will reside for the holidays. Admission is free. Photos can be purchased for $8 each or two for $15. Don't miss this unique opportunity to visit with Santa this year! Cash or checks only, please. Hours are: Monday-Thursday, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
December 21-22 -- Take a magical trip to visit Santa's House right on the Naperville Riverwalk at Jackson Avenue and Webster Street where his special little house will reside for the holidays. Admission is free. Photos can be purchased for $8 each or two for $15. Don't miss this unique opportunity to visit with Santa this year! Cash or checks only, please. Hours are:Monday-Tuesday, 2:00-8:00 p.m.
December 27-28 -- The Mayor's Office of Special Events & Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois present Mayor Daley's Holiday Sports Festival it's Free! Located at McCormick Place in Halls A & B (2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive). Admission and interactive zones to the biggest indoor gym are free. Discounted parking in Lot A -$9. Activities take place daily, 10am – 4pm. Interactive zones include trampolines, golf, climbing walls, football, chess, obstacle course, tot's zone, bowling, table tennis, inflatable tumbling, tennis, badminton, boxing, a pitching zone, fishing ponds, footbag, giant slide, 40-Yard dash, skateboarding area, wrestling, and open courts for volleyball and basketball. Children and families will also have the opportunity to interact with Radio Disney along with other personalities! There will be special performances and appearances that include hip hop & salsa dancing, a drumline, martial arts demonstrations and more. Hours are 12 to 4 p.m. daily at the Halftime stage. The Halftime Stage is located at the entrance of Hall A. The Chicago Sky, will also be in attendance along with many of your favorite professional teams! Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will host an all-ages chess tournament. CPS will also host the action-packed Holiday Hoops Basketball boys & girls 7th and 8th grade tournament as well as tennis clinics. Visit a place of zen at Sports Fest --The Chill Out Zone gives kids the opportunity to rest their muscles and exercise some brain power! Area activities include coloring, board games, kapla block building, and reading. Adults and children alike can visit the expanded Fitness Area presented by the Mayor's Fitness Council. Certified fitness instructors will lead classes in cardio kickboxing, salsa aerobics, pilates, yoga and more! There are fitness demos, lectures on nutrition, bike safety, and family fitness. Essential health screenings are also available, including body fat composition measurements. For more info, visit the web: www.chicagosportsfestival.us or call 312-744-3370.

--- Register now for McHenry County Conservation District's fall programs for children, families and adults. There are many programs for fall exploration appealing to all ages and interests from a Flying Squirrel Night Hike, Family Scavenger Hunt and Creek Peek to Make Your Own Paper and Lasagna Gardening. Enjoy the show of Late Bloomers, Flowers of Fall or learn more about the Story of Glacial Park. Come explore Fall Life by the Wetland or gaze upon Sunset from the Kames. Attend the Fall Bike Ride, take in Dinner and a Movie and join us for the Tellebration Celebration. There is something for everyone! Most programs are free. Visit the District's website at www.MCCDistirct.org to view the programs in greater detail or sign up to receive the quarterly newsletter Landscapes. Registration is accepted online, by phone, mail or walk-in at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake, (815) 479-5779. Contact Lora Petrak at 815.338.6223 for more information.
--- As your child begins babysitting, are you certain they'd know how to handle an emergency? Prepare the babysitters in your family by enrolling them in the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago's Babysitter BootCamp. Offered throughout July, August and September this two-day course will teach babysitters First Aid, Infant and Child CPR and all the skills they need to be safe sitters. Babysitter BootCamp is designed for 11 to 15 year-olds. Along with training and certifications, Babysitter BootCamp participants will also receive interactive lessons that test judgment and skills and provide job-hunting tips and interview preparation. The two-day camp costs $125, a savings of $40, and will be offered in Arlington Heights, Mundelein and at their headquarters in Chicago. Each course will begin at 9am and will end at 4:30pm., with lunch and snacks provided for each attendee. Additional dates and locations may be added. For more information or to register for Babysitting BootCamp, visit www.chicagoredcross.org/babysit or call 1-800-33-SAFETY.
--- YWCA Metropolitan Chicago announces its Child Care Provider Services program located on Chicago's Westside at 5080 W. Harrison and Young Parents Program located on Chicago's Southside at 6600 S. Cottage Grove will close effective July 31 due to current Illinois budget cuts. Both YWCA locations, however, will remain open and continue to provide community services. To learn more about the impact of these cuts, please visit www.ywcachicago.org.
--- A father's absence does have a serious effect on a child. Fatherless children are twice as likely to drop out of school, they consistently score lower than average in reading and math, and they are eleven times more likely to exhibit violent behavior. Dads, your relationship with your children is important. President Emeritus of the Fatherhood Educational Institute, Jeffery Leving, says Father's do have an irreplaceable role in a child's life. If you'd like help finding out more about your rights as a father, phone (312) 795-9060. That's (312) 795-9060 to receive a free Fatherhood Educational Institute brochure. For more information from our web site, visit www.fatherhood-edu.org. That's fatherhood-edu.org. Father's are parents too. Don't miss another precious moment with your child.
--- DuPage PADS is proud to announce its partnership with College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn and Literacy Volunteers of DuPage, Naperville, to offer free basic literacy and free GED course preparation classes at our Daytime Support Center. The College of DuPage is able to offer the program at no charge to DuPage PADS participants through state and federal funding in the form of Adult Education and Family Literacy Grants. Like many human services programs threatened with budget cuts, this program could not continue without continued government funding. For further information, contact Carol Simler, at (630) 682-3846 x231.
--- Local First Chicago's Mingle & Meet the Experts will be from 6-8pm at In Fine Spirits (5420 N. Clark, 2nd Floor). Mingle & Meet the Experts are held every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Each month the panel is different and includes representatives of the local business community. Open to the public. Donations of $5 recommended. RSVP to info@localfirstchicago.org appreciated but not required.
--- The Bronzeville Community Market (located on Cottage Grove Avenue & 44th Street) will run every Saturday, now until October 30. The market, the first of its kind, will offer locally grown products as well as exotic produce and prepared foods. The market will feature a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables; a selection of meats, cooking oils, honey and wine; a range of baked goods and prepared foods; vendors selling plants, beauty products and other non-food items, and a variety of fair trade vendors in cooperation with the Chicago Fair Trade Association. For more information please call (773) 268-7232 or email zurithompson@yahoo.com. Or visit the website at www.qcdc.org.
--- Dads, are you looking to spend more time with your daughters? Do you think that they are growing up too fast? Well then, don't miss out on the time you have now and join the YMCA Father & Daughter Y-Princess Program, a way to foster and build the understanding and companionship between fathers and daughters. Since the Y-Princess Guide program began in 1926, it has helped thousands of children and parents build strong relationships. Our Southwest chapter of this organization encompasses families from Alsip, Beverly, Blue Island, Crestwood, Evergreen Park, Morgan Park, Mount Greenwood and Oak Lawn. The Father and Daughter YMCA Adventure Princess Program organization grows stronger each year, and with your help we can still provide quality events and outings for our daughters. For more information and registration contact, please visit our website: www.blackhawkprincess.com.
--- Runners of all levels are invited to run the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon October 11 to raise funds for Special Olympics Chicago. The marathon may be closed, but Special Olympics Chicago has exclusive spots available. Their training program meets every Wednesday at 6:30pm at Fleet Feet Sports, 1620 N. Wells. For more information and to sign-up online visit www.sochicago.org or call (312) 527-3743.
--- Need a Chicago vehicle sticker or state license renewal sticker? Visit one of more than 500 neighborhood Currency Exchanges and leave with your sticker in hand. No waiting for the mail. No worrying about late fees or tickets. Get it here. Get it fast. Get it you're your neighborhood Currency Exchange.
--- Join your neighborhood Currency Exchange along with Western Union and the YMCAs of Metropolitan Chicago in providing school supplies for needy children. Make your donation online at mycurrencyexchange.com. Contribute to Currency Exchange's Back to School program and support education in your community.
--- Erie Neighborhood House if offering free citizenship classes to prepare you for your exam. Learn about the rights and responsibilities of becoming a US citizen. You can receive civic preparation in history and government. The classes are offered at 1347 W. Erie Street, in Chicago with flexible schedules. For more information, please call (312) 432-2267.
--- University of Illinois Extension offers a Master Gardener Help Line to assist homeowners with houseplant, garden and insect questions. The Help Line is staffed by Master Gardeners, volunteers who have completed an intensive study course taught by University of Illinois educators. Master Gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions by phone from 10am-1pm on Mondays and Wednesdays during the month of March. In April the days and hours will increase. Homeowners may call University of Illinois Extension, DuPage County Office at (630) 955-1123 and ask to speak with a Master Gardener. This is a free service.
--- The USS WASP CV/CVA/CVS-18 Association is seeking any members of Ship's company , Air Groups, and Marines who served aboard the WASP between 1943 and 1972, for both membership and participation in it's upcoming reunion which is scheduled for Lowell, MA on October 25-30, 2009. Please contact PH1 Richard G. VanOver, USNR at 6584 Bunting Road, Orchard Park, NY, 14127 or call (716) 649-9053.
--- Every Wednesday, the public is invited to gather at the large table in the Randolph Café to discuss a pre-selected current event or issue. Café Society is a fun and engaging place to take a break to engage in real conversations about real issues. It is a project designed to foster a more robust civil society, more cohesive and interactive communities, greater media literacy and a more informed and engaged citizenry through weekly coffee shop conversations about contemporary social issues. Current media reports (along with ample doses of caffeine) serve as stimulants for the conversations. The discussion is facilitated by staff of The Public Square. For the week's topic and suggested readings, visit www.thepublicsquare.org, or call (312) 422-5580. The series is presented by The Public Square at the Illinois Humanities Council and the Chicago Cultural Center.
--- Readers vote early and often at the Lake Villa District Library! Tell us the title of your favorite book and, in a few sentences, why it's your favorite. You can even vote more than once! Step up to the Adult Reference Desk to obtain your "ballot" or e-mail your choice to alincoln@lvdl.org. Then look for your entry and others on the display outside the Adult Reference Desk. Remember to vote; it's your duty.
--- Free citizenship classes that will prepare you for the new exam/interview with the immigration authorities (USCIS) and free assistance in filling your citizenship application (N-400) will be held at the Citizenship Program on Erie Neighborhood House, 1347 W. Erie St, Chicago 60622. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 10am-6pm. For more information related to the citizenship process or to make an appointment please call 312-432-2268, or to register for citizenship classes call (312) 432-2267.
--- The Kenosha Art Association's mission is to promote art, art education, and art appreciation in the greater Kenosha area! For information or to sign up for classes, please call 654-0065, or visit our website at http://www.kenoshaartassoc.org/.
--- America's youth need your help. From academic failure and gang violence to poverty, drugs and obesity, they face a daunting array of problems with serious consequences and fewer safety nets at home and in the community. To address these issues, Boys & Girls Clubs Northwest Indiana is joining a new integrated advocacy campaign called BE GREAT, led by national spokesperson and Academy Award-winning actor, Denzel Washington. Visit www.be-great.org to find useful resources and compelling stories about the diverse lives touched by Boys & Girls Clubs. Help us help kids BE GREAT. Together we can make a difference.
--- Metro Chicago high school students are challenged to design a sports car or write a short story for Stellar Scholars Avanti and Aurora Awards. Best entries will be published in our e-magazine: Cum Laude, The Scholarly Evening Post. Posted entries will be eligible for Grand Awards and cash prizes. For info, rules and cash amounts, visit http://stellarscholars.net/.
--- Where do senior citizens turn when living at home becomes too much work, lonely and even dangerous? Traditional care options can be costly for those with moderate to modest means. Fortunately, Illinois offers senior housing's missing piece: a little-known, state-funded option called "Supportive Living." Supportive Living offers the help seniors need at a price they can afford. Here seniors can live independently in an apartment home and receive help with things like meals, housekeeping and medication management-all at a reasonable monthly fee. Supportive Living gives seniors access to quality, affordable assisted living so they can enjoy their "golden years" without breaking the bank. To find a Supportive Living community near you or request a free brochure, call (217) 525-0700 or visit www.aalconline.com.
--- It's not too soon to get your child ready for school! At Casa Infantil, a program of Casa Central, Head Start is combined with childcare to offer full-day services for families that qualify for DCFS or child care certification. The program is open five days a week from 7am-5pm. It offers curriculum for early learning, a developmental assessment, field trips, and family support activities. Qualified staff works closely with special needs children, in collaboration with the Chicago Public Schools. Carpooling opportunities are available. For more information, call Casa Infantil at (773) 772-1170 or visit http://www.casacentral.org/.
--- Alley Cat Allies and Tree House Animal Foundation host monthly free workshops at four locations in Chicago to provide information for residents who want to help the city's stray and feral cat population. The workshops provide information on how to create a safety net for the cats and stop the cycle of breeding. Learn how to reduce the population of outdoor cats with Trap-Neuter- Return and network with other caregivers. Through public education, awareness campaigns, community organizing, and partnerships with leading animal protection agencies and shelters, Alley Cat Allies hopes to bring Trap-Neuter-Return to the forefront of public awareness in Chicago. For more information and a full schedule of events, www.alleycat.org/chicago.
--- Did you know that on any given day there are over 5,000 women who are homeless in the city of Chicago? Deborah's Place is working hard to ensure that every woman has warm, sage and secure place to sleep at night. Deborah's Place is the largest housing provider in the city for single women who are homeless. Many of these women have disabilities but do not receive any financial support or other government program assistance. Deborah's Place relies on the support of the community to continue to provide a warm, safe, and supportive home for women in need. To find out how you can help a woman in need, call (773) 638-6537 or log on to http://www.deborahsplace.org/.
--- Go to www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/hortanswers/ for answers to your horniculture questions. A new website that allows home gardeners and professional horticulturists to gain information about plant pests, diseases, and performances in the USDA's hardiness zones 4, 5, and 6 has been launched by University of Illinois Extension. "Hortanswers" is designed to provide basic information about the disease and pest problems of plants plus determine the right plant for the right place in the garden.
--- Physicians at Northwestern University are looking for men and women who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease within the last five years and have normal blood pressure readings to participate in a clinical research study with an FDA approved drug that may slow the progression of Parkinson's disease symptoms. Eligible participants will receive study-related physical exams and diagnostic tests. For more information, please call (312) 503-2593.
---The Blue Gargoyle Adult Learning Program offers free day and evening classes at several levels, from beginning reading and math to GED preparation. The core classes are reading/writing/ and math; but electives include spelling/phonics, book discussion, creative writing, math homework help, constitution study, and computer lab. Parents with pre-schoolers may enroll with their children in the Family Learning Program, where the children receive pre-literacy instruction in the child development center during adult learning classes. Parents enjoy activities with the children between classes and a parenting seminar twice a week. For more information, visit http://www.bluegargoyle.org/ or call (773) 995-4108.
--- All communities recycler, an electronics-recycling center, wants you to keep electronics out of Chicago and landfills in order to maintain our state's natural resources enjoyed by millions who live here. All Communities Recycler has free pick-up and disposal, saves you money! Electronics are biodegradable and not permitted in landfills. Together we can keep electronics out of our landfills. For more information, visit http://www.allcommunitiesrecyclor.org/.
--- Every Saturday night Bingo is held at the Dorchester Residence Hall located at 1515 E. 154th Street in Dolton, IL is benefiting SouthSTAR Services. Our non-profit organization has been in existence for 57 years and is currently serving over 300 individuals with developmental disabilities. The doors open at 5pm and games begin at 6:30pm. There are raffles, pull-tabs, and more. If you would like more information, please contact (708) 755-8030 or visit the website at http://www.southstarservices.org/.
--- Greater West Town serves the community through adult vocational training and placement, running an alternative high school, working to solve the drop out crisis, youth mentoring, and adult job placement. The organization wants low-income adults in the community to know about the tremendous learning opportunities, free of charge, in our Woodworkers Training Program and Shipping and Receiving Training Program. Contact (312) 563-9570, extension 223, with any questions.
--- Greater West Town wants low-income adults (over the age of eighteen) and those available for full-time training to go back to school. Three short months in one of Greater West Town's Vocational training programs will add technical skills to your resume. In the Woodworkers training programs you will learn cabinet construction skills, blueprint reading, and machine operation. Or learn the computerized inventory control, safe material handling, forklift operation, UPS and FedEx documentation. Job placement success of over 85% of program graduates. No cost for low-income applicants. Apply now by calling 312-563-9028 or visit http://www.gwtp.org/.
--- The Off Campus Writers Workshop (OCWW) is an established ongoing writers group with weekly lectures and networking, adding resources to any writer's toolbox through information and support. Meetings are held every Thursday at 9:30AM at the Winnetka Community House (620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka). For more information, call (847) 446-0537.
--- Once a month Journeys of the Heart Adoption Services holds free seminars for people interested in adopting a child. The seminars last two hours and are designed to answer all questions families have about process and fees. Journeys is a certified, non-profit agency licensed by the State of Illinois to provide adoption and relief services. Please visit http://journeysoftheheart.net/ or call (630) 469-4367 for more information.
--- Casa Central presents the Adolescent Parenting Program for recent mothers and fathers 19-years of age or younger. Through home visits and parenting classes, teen-age parents can get help they need. For more information, please call (773) 782-8818.
--- Stauros U.S.A. is sponsoring the city's first conference on youth and young adult suicide, entitled "Suicide: They Die Too Young." It features two keynote talks and 24 workshops aimed at those who live with or work with young people, and at those who have survived the suicide death of a loved one. For more information and a printable registration form, see http://www.stauros.org/. Call 773-484-0581 or email amy@stauros.org with questions.
--- The city of Evanston's Department of Health and Human Services offers a Family Planning Clinic for all eligible women. Services are free to those who qualify, and fees are on a sliding scale based on income. Services include doctor examinations, laboratory work, referral services and birth control. To make an appointment, call (847) 866-2949 or (847) 866-2948.
--- Hull House is providing free one-on-one tutoring for adults in need of basic reading, writing, and math skills. For more information, please call 773-493-1306.
--- South Side Parents is hosting an Early Childhood and Elementary School Fair Planning Meeting at Blackstone Library at 4904 S. Lake Park Ave at 6pm on the second Tuesday of each month. For more information please visit http://www.southsideparents.org/.
--- The Lake Villa District Library hosts The Adult Book Discussion the second Saturday of each month. The discussion takes place in the library's Wilton Room. Refreshments are served and new members or visitors are welcome. For more information, please visit http://www.lvdl.org/.
--- Junior Achievement Worldwide is in the process of offering a new after-school program for teens in the community. This free program teaches teens about running a business and how to responsibly manage money. By participating in the program, teens can also qualify for scholarships. If you know a teen or are a teen yourself and are interested, please visit afterschool.org.
--- Enrollment remains open at Casa Central for pre-school kids to get ready for their school-age experience. Casa Central offers its "Head Start" program at its Community Service Center. Boys and girls ages 2 through 5 receive schooling, two meals a day and lots of attention from childcare professionals. Parents must be employed or in school and eligible for state childcare subsidies. For more information, call the Community Service Center at Casa Central, at (773) 645-2457, or visit www.casacentral.org.
--- Casa Central offers FREE computer classes at its Technology Center, at 1335 North California Avenue. The classes include an introduction to the Internet and lessons in word processing. The classes are free and open to those 18 years and older. For starting times and more information, call Casa Central at (773) 782-8859. For further details about Casa Central and its many social services, visit www.casacentral.org.
--- The Kenosha Art Association's mission is to promote art, art education, and art appreciation in the greater Kenosha area! Please visit our website at http://www.kenoshaartassoc.org .
--- The past comes to life at Naper Settlement, the only outdoor history museum in Illinois accredited by the American Association of Museums. Located in the heart of downtown Naperville at 523 S. Webster St., Naper Settlement is open year round. For more information, call (630) 420-6010, the Event Hotline at (630) 305-5555 or visit www.napersettlement.museum for details.
--- With the presence of Emerald Ash Borer, a relatively new pest to Illinois, persons are encouraged to use local sources of firewood, especially ash wood, and to know the source of the wood. "One of the things that individuals can do to help reduce the spread of the pest is to use local firewood," says John Church, University of Illinois Extension Educator, Natural Resources, Rockford. For more information on the borer, contact the local University of Illinois Extension office, go to the U. of I. Rockford Extension Center website at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/rockfordcenter/nre2131.html. Or go to the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) website at www.agr.state.il.us/eab. For additional information on varieties of firewood, characteristics and purchase, go to the U. of I. Extension website web.extension.uiuc.edu/forestry/timber_harvest/firewood.html.
--- Recently remodeled, Oceans Dance Club is located at 1050 Horse Prairie Avenue in Valparaiso, Indiana and just opened to fill the entertainment needs of teenagers between the ages of 13-16 years old. Open every Friday from 8-11 pm, parents can feel at ease knowing their teenagers are in a safe, secure and smoke-free environment, while still having a good time. Oceans has it all, atmosphere, music, food, pop, disco lights, glow necklaces and the very best arcade to satisfy any teenager's entertainment needs. Parents can also be relieved that there is strict security present, there is a dress code, and school I.D. is required. Parents or teenagers with questions can reach Oceans Dance Club by calling 219-462-1194.

--- Do you have a knack for wrapping gifts? This holiday season help Literacy Chicago as they provide complimentary gift wrapping services at select area book stores. Volunteers are needed for two-hour shifts to wrap books for shoppers who will make contributions to Literacy Chicago. For more information call 312-870-1100.
--- For just a couple hours on a weekend you can make a tangible difference to preserve open space, improve the environment around you and get some great exercise to boot. Come out to help McHenry County Conservation District volunteer Site Stewards restore native habitat. Join in for one day or on a regular basis. Most restoration sessions last 3-4 hours and are usually held on Saturdays or Sundays. August 22,: Boger Bog 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 2100 Cherry Valley Rd., Bull Valley, Ders Anderson, 815-455-1537; OR Dutch Creek/Pioneer Fen 9 a.m.-12 p.m., 3913 Farmington Ln., Johnsburg, Robert Roe, 847-668-8559; August 23 and 30, Cotton Creek Marsh 1-3 p.m., meet behind St. Lutheran Church off Rt. 176, ¼ mi east of Rt. 176 and River Rd. in Island Lake, Mike Bouska 815-759-0731. August 30, Fox Bluff 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., meet at main parking lot, Cary-Algonquin & Cold Springs Rd., Cary, Paul Ridl, 847-854-5109. September 5, Marengo Ridge 9 a.m.-Noon, meet at Shelter #1, 2411 South Rt. 23, Marengo, Dale Shriver, 815-568-6769; OR Harrison Benwell 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 7055 McCollum Lake Rd., Wonder Lake, Pat Heald, 815-575-1684; September 7, Pleasant Valley 9 a.m.-12 p.m., meet at middle parking lot, 13315 Pleasant Valley Rd., Woodstock, Greg Rajsky 815-814-5055; Participating is easy -- no experience is necessary. Activities range from removing invasive brush and non-native vegetation to planting or collecting seed of native plants. All you have to do is bring gloves and dress appropriately for weather and work conditions. Since the time commitment is short and restoration sessions are offered every weekend it's easy to find one that fits your schedule. Check the Conservation District website www.MCCDistrict.org under the Get Involved tab for regular locations and dates.
--- Chicago HOPES (Heightening Opportunity and Potential for Educational Success) is an initiative of the Chicago Public Schools' Homeless Education Program that provides one-on-one shelter based tutoring and personal development programs to students in homeless shelters. During the school year, Chicago HOPES meets twice a week after school and/or on Sunday nights. Sessions are dedicated to our core values: literacy, math, and independent learning skills, as well as homework help and enrichment. Without volunteers Chicago HOPES would not exist. Tutoring will become one of a few consistent things in the lives of the children they serve, and are asking for volunteers to work one tutoring session per week for the length of one semester. Chicago HOPES tutors need only be 18 years or older, and are required to attend a training session to prepare them for their experience as a tutor. For further information and details, visit www.chicagohopes.org, or call (773)-553-2242.
--- Little City Foundation's Foster Care and Adoption Program is dedicated to finding loving and committed homes for children with special needs. You don't have to be married, own a home, "perfect" or be an "expert" to provide a loving home to a child in need. Orientations are held the third Wednesday of the month from 6-8pm at Little City Foundation 700 N. Sacramento, Suite 220, Chicago. For more information, call 773.265.1539 x230, email erawsky@littlecity.org, or visit www.littlecityadoptions.org.
--- Thousands of children throughout Chicago and Illinois must leave their families because of neglect or abandonment, and they wait in foster care for loving, adoptive homes. Casa Central, a leader in social service and foster care, is working closely with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and Wendy's Wonderful Kids to identify families interested in adopting a foster child. Call the toll-free adoption line at Casa Central at (866) 409-1990 for more information. Visit www.casacentral.org to learn more about the agency's programs.
--- A child needs your help in reading, writing, and math. You can make a difference by volunteering to tutor just two hours a week at the Blue Gargoyle Youth Tutoring Program. The group provides individual tutoring and homework help group at the Chicago Public Schools for student age 6-12. The tutoring is Monday-Thursday from 3-6pm. Turn the tables and give something back at the Blue Gargoyle Youth Tutoring Program at 5638 S. Woodlawn Avenue.
--- There are many opportunities to join support and participate in the Educare of West DuPage project. From initial planning work, to marshalling community investment, to building long-term partnerships, Educare is truly a collaborative effort that will require commitment from many partners. Educare presents an opportunity for donors, service providers, and community members to come together to establish a unique community center that will serve as a beacon of hope for the entire community for generations to come. To learn more about Educare and your potential involvement, contact: algustafson@sbcglobal.net, lemene@wegoed33.k12.il.us, kim.perez@lifelink.org, or jcapito@positiveparentingdupage.org.
--- Metropolitan Family Services need volunteers for the Treasure House, a non-profit resale shop in Glen Ellyn whose proceeds support MFS service programs in DuPage County. For more information, please call (630) 682-3276.
--- Volunteers are urgently needed to help with the massive post-flood cleanup in Northwest Indiana. The United Way Regional Volunteer Reception Centers in Munster and Portage desperately need individuals and volunteer work teams to assist flood victims in cleaning and sanitizing their homes. All volunteers are welcome. There is a special need for strong people who can lift, move and carry heavy loads of damaged items to the curb for trash removal. Please lend your hands, call the Munster center at 219-836-5390 or Portage center at 219-763-3292.
--- Make a difference in the life of a child. The kids of Boys & Girls Clubs need caring and responsible volunteers to serve as mentors, tutors and coaches for only one to two hours each week. For more information and to sign-up, call (312) 235-8000 or visit http://www.bgcc.org/.
--- DuPage PADS Urgent Overnight Shelter Support is looking for groups of people to provide food and volunteer support to staff an overnight shelter. It is located at a local church for people who are homeless in DuPage County. Shelter sites are located in Glen Ellyn, Wood Dale, Hinsdale and Lombard. For more information call (630) 682-3846 Ext. 265 or Ext. 234.
--- Sign up to become an adult mentor at Passages Alternative Living Program and make a difference in a child's life today. Through mentoring a child once a week for only one hour, you can show your support, encourage a child, and help to empower. For more information, call (312) 225-3800, ext 19.
--- Volunteer Center for McHenry County seeks volunteers to share their time and talents to help others in the community. The Volunteer Center helps match individuals and groups of all ages to local non-profits based on skills, interest, and time availability. For more information or to search for a volunteer opportunity, please visit http://www.volunteermchenrycounty.org/.
--- Casa Central is seeking bilingual participants for its Over 55 Senior Work Assignment program, sponsored by the Chicago Department on Aging. Applicants must have a Chicago address and meet income criteria, among other guidelines. If you're an active senior, 55 or older, visit Casa Central at 1335 North California Ave. or call (773) 645-2431.
--- There are hundred of children in northern Illinois in need of a stable, loving family. Many of these children are victims of abuse and neglect, but they have the potential for a brighter future with a little support. Kids Hope United is seeking individuals from all walks of life to learn about foster care. Do you have what it takes to change a life? For more information please call (312) 949-5500 or visit http://www.kidshopeunited.org/.
--- Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Hospice is looking for compassionate people who want to make a difference in someone's life. Hospice volunteers are needed to provide companionship, respite, emotional support, and more to patients and caregivers dealing with a terminal illness. Please call ENH Hospice at (847) 475-2012.
--- Enrich the life of a boy or girl, age 8 through 16 whose parent is incarcerated. Passages Alternative Learning provides supportive services in the form of training, group excursions, and free tickets to entertainment, cultural, and sporting events. You have no contact with the incarcerated parents. Please call (312) 225-3800 ext 27 for more information.
---Best Buddies is currently in need of adults, eighteen and older, from communities throughout the Chicago area, who might enjoy a friendship with a peer who has an intellectual disability. Friendships have an invaluable affect on the lives of both people involved. Best Buddies is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment. More information is available at http://www.bestbuddiesillinois.org/ or by calling Murphy at (312) 828-9313.
--- Lifelink International Adoption would like to ask you to consider opening your heart and home to a child who needs one. There are children from many countries such as China, Hong Kong, Korea, Philippines, Ukraine and Haiti who need a permanent family of their own. Lifelink also has partnerships with agencies serving Russia, Guatemala, Ethiopia and India. For more than 20 years, Lifelink has been placing foreign-born children with loving families in the US. If you would like to find out more about adoption, please call Lifelink at (630) 521-8281 or visit http://www.lifelinkadoption.org/.
--- Casa Central is actively seeking to recruit individuals interested in opening their hearts and homes for children in its foster care program. Casa Central provides monthly orientations for those individuals interested in providing care for children. For more information, contact Casa Central's recruitment licensing specialist at (773) 645-2371 or visit http://www.casacentral.org/.
---The South Suburban Family Shelter needs volunteers to assist in several capacities including clerical work, childcare, 24-hour hotline, and at our resale shop. For more information call 708-798-7737.
--- Help make a difference in your community by volunteering your time to the Hospice Partners. Hospice Partners is dedicated to excellence. We meet the needs of patients, and their families, throughout the Chicago Metropolitan. For more information call 1-800-994-9400.
--- Donate your car to the Northwest Suburban Detachment of The Marine Corps League. The league participates in Toys-For-Tots, assist marines in veteran hospitals and other worthy charities. For more information call Holly at 847-392-6400.
--- Alliance Human Services a non-profit organization is currently recruiting foster homes in the northern area to provide care for children and youth between the ages of 0-18 who have a variety of behavioral and/ or medical problems. We provide competitive compensation, customized training, and 24-hour support. You must be at least 21 years old and have a private bedroom for the child. If you are ready to make a difference in a child's life, please contact the recruiter, Felisia Gladney at 847-755-0596.
--- Lawrence Hall Youth Services is recruiting new members for their Junior Board, a group of young professionals who spend time with boys and girls from our residential treatment program. They take kids on monthly outings - batting cages, bowling, museums, picnics, and sporting events - and sponsor a scholarship once a year. For more information, please call (312) 346-3383. Make a difference in the life of a child!
--- Hadassah needs volunteer facilitators for Training Wheels, a Jewish family education and outreach program that teach young families about Jewish holiday rituals and traditions. Small groups meet 9 times a year for about 2 hours for crafts, songs and stories, discussion and food in a family-friendly way to celebrate at home. Training, a wonderful curriculum and all administrative and support services provided. For information, please call Sylvia Telser toll-free at 1-866-394-1800 or email trainingwheels.Chicago@hadassah.org.
--- The Wheeling SeniorNet Learning Center is looking for volunteers for dynamic seniors. The SeniorNet program is for adults (50 years of age or older) introducing each to the world of technology - computers and the Internet. For more information, please call (847) 459-2666 ext. 4131 or visit http://www.vi.wheeling.il.us/.
--- InTouch is a statewide network established to equip communities with the knowledge and assistance needed to be effective in the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. They are looking for students to assist police departments in conducting compliance checks at establishments that sell tobacco products in west suburban Cook County. InTouch staff will recruit and train these students, and additional students if more are needed. If you have individuals or a group of teens that may be interested in participating in conducting compliance checks please call Dan Canavan at (708) 865-2900.
--- SouthStar Services is looking for bingo helpers and players at the Dorchester Center, Fridays at 9am. Approximately 150 players from around the area come every Friday. SouthStar Services provides job-training, employment, community living and support services to over 300 adults with development disabilities. For more information about volunteering or playing bingo, call Kristen Guthrie at (708) 755-8030, ext. 271, or email kguthrie@southstarservices.org.
--- Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Northern Cook and Northern DuPage Counties has volunteer assignments available for people of all ages. Long-term and one-time assignments are available at a number of locations, including food pantries, libraries, and senior centers. Tutoring opportunities are also available. No experience needed, and training is provided. To volunteer call (847) 228-1320 or visit http://www.volunteerinfo.net/.
--- Make a difference in the life of a child. The kids of Boys & Girls Clubs need caring and responsible volunteers to serve as mentors, tutors, coaches and advisers for only two hours each week. For more information and to sign up, call Angela at (312) 235-8000 or visit http://www.bgcc.org/.
--- AFS has been leading international high school exchange as a non-profit for more than 57 years, including the Chicago and Northern Illinois area. Each year, we place more than 2,700 exchange students with U.S. host families to live in their community and attend the local high school. If you are interested in hosting an AFS exchange student, please call (708) 424-4429 or email barbkellyafs@comcast.net.
--- The Wheeling SeniorNet Learning Center is searching for volunteers to teach computer classes. No more than six students per class and two peer teachers instructing the class at a pace carefully designed for seniors. We also need volunteers as Board members, scheduling the activities. Visit or website at www.seniornet.org/usa/wheeling and see the faces of WSNLC or photo album or for more information call the SeniorNet Hotline at (847) 459-2666, ext. 4131.
--- The Calumet City Public Library, in partnership with the schools of Calumet City, is looking for adults, preferably men who want to read to children in the schools. Men are especially wanted because seeing a man read can encourage boys to read. This program is funded by a grant that was secured for the Calumet City Public Library by State Senator Donne E. Trotter. If you are interested in reading to children in the schools please contact Library Director William Pixley at (708) 862-6220, ext. 244.
--- Always wanted to volunteer but not sure how to start? Visit http://www.chicagovolunteer.net/. It's easy. It's free. And you can start helping people in your own community right now.
--- Join our team and become a volunteer tutor. Our program provides free reading and math instruction to individuals 16 and older who read below the 9th grade level. With your help we can combat illiteracy. For details or to register for training, please call Joyce Ruffin, Program Coordinator at (773) 962-1001. Program sponsored by B.E.S.T.
--- Ever picture yourself a philanthropist? Like Ford, Rockefeller or event Bill Gates? You don't need millions. When you make a gift of cash, appreciated stock, or other assets to The DuPage Community Foundation-fully tax deductible-you, too, can leave a lasting stamp on the things you care about. Whether it's AIDS, homelessness, cancer research, your local library or Neighborhood Park, The DuPage Community Foundation can help you realize your charitable goals. Want to learn more? Contact The DuPage Community Foundation at (630) 655-5556 or visit their website at http://www.dcfdn.org/.
--- Community Resource Network is a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen communities and nonprofit agencies throughout metropolitan Chicago by providing volunteer services to individuals who want to help and information and referral services to people in need of help. CRN also offers a menu of workplace volunteer services that are designed to help companies meet their corporate social responsibility goals. For more or visit http://www.communityresourcenetwork.org/. Information, please call us at (312) 491-7800, email info@communityresourcenetwork.org.
--- Busy Brains Children's Museum, which is seeking a permanent home in Lake County, is looking for volunteers to serve on one of three committees. The time commitment is minimal and it's a great opportunity to help plan and open a children's museum that local families will use for years to come. Busy Brains currently offers traveling exhibits for birthday parties, day camps and in-house school field trips. For more information visit http://www.busybrains.org/.
--- Cris Radio volunteers are needed. If you would be interested in reading news articles, books and other materials to people who are blind, Cris Radio needs you! Cris is looking for volunteers to help out at its new home, the Chicago Lighthouse for people who are blind or visually impaired (1850 W. Roosevelt. Rd.). Volunteers should be at least a college freshman. Auditions will be held to determine on-air suitability. In addition, off-air opportunities will be available. For more information call (312) 666-1331.
--- Fourth Presbyterian Church is looking for volunteers to serve as tutors and mentors to students from one of Chicago's inner city neighborhoods. The church is located at 126 E. Chestnut St. To learn more, please contact Regina at 312-981-3560 or visit the website at http://www.chicagolights.org/. Or give a gift to the tutoring program by contacting the Chicago Lights Development office at 312-274-3816 or give online at http://www.chicagolights.org/.

--- This year, 90 percent of colleges saw an increase in financial aid applications. Will your family be prepared to pay for college when it's time? Let the Hispanic College Fund help your family to achieve the college dream. Visit the new Hispanic Youth Institute at www.hispanicyouth.org/institute. This Web-based program is open to all students and empowers them to pursue a college education, attain a professional career, and give back to their communities. All information on the site is free. To learn more, visit www.hispanicyouth.org/institute or call 202-296-5400.
--- The Illinois Fathers Support Group in Hinsdale (Hinsdale Public Library, 20 E Maple St, Hinsdale, IL) is held on the 2nd Thursday of each month for non-residential parents and extended families to discuss many of the issues that "visiting" parents face as a result of court mandated parent-child separation. Other meetings are held in Decatur, Fairview Heights and Peoria. Contact: Donna at 630-408-5200. Register @ IllinoisFathers.org for updates in legislation regarding parenting agreements and visitation.
--- Beginning July 6, 2009, HOPE Organization will accept applications for assistance on your light bill, through the Summer Cooling Program. To qualify for this one time payment on your light bill, you must be 60 and over, or disabled, or have a medical condition with a doctor statement, or have a child less than 3 years of age in your household. Please bring your current light bill, proof of income for the last 30 days, and social security cards for the household. Funds are limited, and this program will not last long. For more information, contact (773) 846-0883 or visit our office at 6921 S. Halsted, Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm.
--- If you have a wreck, you should know your rights, know what to do and only use a qualified collision repair business that you can trust to repair your vehicle. Demand that your insurance company fulfills their contractual obligations. Don't let anyone pressure you into taking your car anywhere you don't approve and make sure the repair business has all the right tools, equipment, training, facilities, and that they use the proper paint and materials to ensure the safety and value of your vehicle. The shop should back any repairs with a lifetime guarantee. Neither the shop nor the insurer should use imitation or aftermarket parts, unless you specifically authorize them to do so. Before you have your vehicle repaired, always ask the shop what makes qualifies them to repair your vehicle and make them prove it. For a list of qualified body shops near you, go online to www.collisioncare.org. This message was brought to you by this station and Assured Performance Collision Care, a non-profit consumer advocacy organization.
--- Bethlehem Star Church in conjunction with CEDA has already begun accepting applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). If you are a Low Income resident of Chicago, or if you need assistance on your light and gas bill you are eligible for assistance. You may be able to receive a free one time payment on your light and gas bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. For more information, you may call (773) 487- 8441.
--- A father's absence does have a serious effect on a child. Fatherless children are twice as likely to drop out of school, they consistently score lower than average in reading and math, and they are eleven times more likely to exhibit violent behavior. Dads, your relationship with your children is important. Father's do have an irreplaceable role in a child's life. If you'd like help finding out more about your rights as a father, phone (312) 795-9060. That's (312) 795-9060. We'll send you a free Fatherhood Educational Institute brochure. For more information from our web site, visit www.fatherhood-edu.org. That's fatherhood-edu.org. Father's are parents too.
---Kids and even infants may need help when they see and hear violence at home or in the community. The Casa Central Chicago Safe Start program focuses on getting children and their families the supportive services they need to begin feeling better after a violent episode. The program includes free counseling and information for participants. For more information call the Casa Central Chicago Safe Start program at (773) 645-2406. For more about other programs at Casa Central, visit www.casacentral.org.
---The Chicago Divorce Association for Men, Inc. is an Illinois not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to assisting men in your community who are seeking and/or currently involved in a divorce situation. We can also assist in post-divorce and child custody issues regarding parental rights. We offer meditation as an affordable resolution; and have access to pro-male, family law attorneys at a reduced rate for members. Going through a divorce? Learn how to protect yourself now! Call 630-860-2100.
--- Young Single Parents, Inc. offers educational and social activities for the divorced, widowed, separated or never married parent between the ages of 21-50 or with a minor child under the age of 18. Custody is not a factor of eligibility. Additional activities are held for Adults and families on weekends and holidays. Check the Young Single Parents, Inc. website http://www.youngsingleparents.org/ or call (847) 622-3800 for dates, times and details. YSP welcomes and encourages your ideas, suggestions and sponsorship of activities.
--- The Bette D. Harris Clinic at The Family Institute at Northwestern University offers counseling & psychotherapy for families, couples & individuals on a sliding fee scale. The Clinic, with locations in Evanston, LaGrange Park and downtown Chicago provides family, pre-marital, couples and individual counseling. It also offers programs for children and adolescents as well as for the treatment of anxiety, depressions and panic disorders. For more information call (847) 433-7300 or visit http://www.family-institute.org/.
--- Groups for all ages of children and adolescents who have been affected by cancer. These groups can be for kids with cancer in the family, cancer themselves or who have lost someone to cancer. Please call (708) 798-9171 for more information. Programs available in Homewood and Mokena.
--- For information about Free Cancer Support Groups and activities visit http://www.cancersupportcenter.com/ or call (708) 798-9171. Groups include Knit/Crochet Circle, Gentle Yoga, Journaling Group for cancer survivors, Stress-Reducing Meditation and many more.
--- Near North Health Service Corporation is offering a support group for women to discuss topics that directly impact their family as well as their personal and professional lives. The topics covered are domestic violence, handling and coping with stress and relationships. The sessions are free to all women and are being offered at two NNHSC health centers. Every Monday from 2:00-3:30pm at Komed Holman Health Center, 4259 S. Berkeley, (773) 268-7600 ext. 156 and every Tuesday from 2:00-3:30pm at Winfield Moody Health Center, 1276 N. Clybourn, (312) 337-1073 ext. 240.
--- The American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago recommends those in high-risk groups get an immunization between October and December. High-risk groups include Health Care Provides, children between 6 months and 5 years of age, people with diabetes, asthma, and heart disease, those 50 years old and older, and women who are or will become pregnant during the flu season. To find a flu shot site near you, call 311 or visit http://www.lungchicago.org/.
--- Ex-offenders, their families, and the community are welcome to join a circle of support and networking. Every Thursday night from 7-9pm, the Overcomer's Meeting is held at 5437 West Division Street. A free dinner is served and professional guidance in finding jobs and housing is provided. For any questions, call (773) 786-0226.
--- Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center sponsors a six-week support group for female survivors of incest and sexual abuse on Thursday evenings. Emphasis is on coping, healing, and continuing to grow beyond what might have been thought possible. For more information please call (773) 296-3130.
--- To receive support from the Amyloidosis Support Group Hotline call (866) 404-7539 toll free (leave a message if no one is there and you will be called back). The non-toll free number is (630) 350-7539. You can also visit www.amyloidosissupport.com.
--- The Chicago Divorce Association offers child custody assistance and honest, competent attorneys to help their members before, during and after divorce. For additional information, visit them on the web at http://www.chicagodivorce.com or call (630) 860-2100.
--- Improve communication with deaf relatives, friends and colleagues. Enroll in Chicago Hearing Society's sign language classes. Courses are offered at several locations and time for all skill levels. Contact Norma at (773) 248-9121 to register or sign up online at http://www.chicagohearingsociety.org.
--- If you are a veteran or the loved one of a veteran suffering through the hardships created by serving in the global war on terror and don't know who to turn to, counseling/help is available for both veteran and loved ones. Call toll free at (800) 931-8387 for more information.
--- If you want to drink, that is your business. If you want to stop, that's ours. Call Alcoholics Anonymous in the Chicago area at 312-346-1475 or visit the website at http://www.aa.org/.
--- Hospice of Northeastern Illinois is offering a variety of age-appropriate support groups in Barrington, Crystal Lake and Palatine. All groups and workshops are open to community and hospice families who are grieving the death of a loved one, either through illness or sudden death. Each group meets for eight weeks and there is a $25 registration fee for non-hospice families. To register for any of the grief support groups, call bereavement support services at 847-381-5599. --- South Suburban Family Shelter provides a 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence. Trained domestic violence bi-lingual staff staffs the hotline. Calls to the hotline are confidential and free of charge. The hotline number is (708) 335-3028 or toll free at (877) 335-3020.
--- A gathering of women for Sharing, Support and Networking Breast Cancer Support Group will be held every month on Mondays. There will be an informational presentation, followed by open group discussion on the topic or other topics of concern. All sessions are free and will be held at the Center for Women's Health. Registration is required by calling (847) 535-8500.
--- The Bereavement and Grief support group addresses the common symptoms of grief. For more information and to register, call Hospice Partners at (800) 994-9400.
--- The Fibromyalgia Support Group wants to help you. For more information, please call (847) 535-6132.
--- The Lymphedema Support Group wants to help you. For specific dates and more information, call (847) 535-6520.
--- The National Stuttering Association Support Group provides emotional support and encouragement to people who stutter. For more information, call (847) 394-9044.
--- The Resolve Through Sharing Bereavement Services for parents who have lost babies want to help. For more information, call (847) 535-6336.
--- The Surviving Motherhood Support Group for new (or not-so-new) moms. You can participate regardless of where you deliver. For more information, call (847) 535-6182.
--- Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the first and largest group dedicated to the health and well being of Troops and Veterans and their families of these wars, and the military in general, is seeking OIF/OEF Veterans to be an IAVA member. Joining IAVA automatically makes you a part of TroopNet, IAVA's online community exclusively for Iraq and Afghanistan vets. Non Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans and Civilian supports are strongly encouraged t join our e-mail list, and be regularly updated on IAVA events and news Donors and sponsors for the IAVA College Speaking Tour are needed as well. Please visit http://www.iava.org/ to learn how you can help.
--- Family Rescue is an organization that has been working for over 25 years to provide services to individuals and organizations throughout the Chicago metropolitan are in both English and Spanish. Services include shelter, counseling, case management, legal advocacy, Head Start, daycare and safe housing. For more information about how you can get involved please call (773) 375-1918 or email administration@familyrescueinc.org. If you or someone you know are in need of help please call the 24-hour toll-free crisis line (800) 360-6619.
--- Lifelink Home Care Services offers companions, light housekeeping, personal care and other valuable services to seniors to allow them to remain independent in their homes. Services also include the specialized "Memory Care at Home" program for those with memory loss conditions and the "Link of Life" program providing Pet Assisted Therapy in the home. Lifelink Home Care is located at 331 S. York Road, Bensenville, IL. For more information call Lifelink Home Care (630) 521-8066, for a free service assessment and payment options.
--- Join the first ever Lego® Club for children on the autism spectrum. The club will feature team building, collaborative projects, supersized activities, and community events. The club meets the first Saturday of the month, and is for ages 5+. ASD meets 4-5pm, and Aspergers only meets 4-6pm. Children should be supervised and siblings (5+) are welcome. Parents are encouraged to use this free opportunity for networking and support. For more information, email beth@bethweis.com, call (874) 494-5346, or register at www.bricks4autism.org.

--- For every $50 dollar donation to the Holiday Heroes Foundation Fergie Jenkins, Chicago Cub, Cy Young Winner, and Hall of Famer, will send an autographed baseball or Cubs mini helmet from now until January 1, 2010. The Holiday Heroes Foundation is a 501 © 3 charitable organization that buy holiday and birthday gifts for the sick children at Children's Memorial Hospital. Donations are accepted by check and credit cards. To donate by check, mail to: Holiday Heroes Foundation, P.O. Box 30170, Chicago, IL 60630. If you prefer to pay by credit card call (773) 544-7444 between 9am and 8pm.
--- Courtney Fate was diagnosed with colon cancer with only five months left to complete her engineering degree from Purdue University. After undergoing surgery for 14 hours to remove the cancer which has spread throughout her abdominal cavity, removing her gallbladder, parts of her large and small intestines, spleen appendix ovaries and uterus, Courtney refused to quit and went through chemotherapy while finishing her degree. She graduated in May but still is still in a constant battle with this awful disease. She is determined to beat it and hopes to continue her dreams of working in the engineering field. A benefit will be held to help aid the Fate family in paying for Courtney medical treatments. The benefit committee is requesting any gift item donation for their silent auction and raffle baskets. These donations can be sent to Debbie Galvan, 1005 Grand Mesa Drive, New Lenox, IL 60451 or if you wish to make a monetary donation please send it to Standard Bank and Trust, 1607 North Aurora Rd, Naperville, IL 60563. Checks made payable to Benefit of Courtney Fate/Medical Expenses. Thank you in advance for your support and generosity.
--- The Veterans of Foreign Wars' Operation Airlift is collecting items of comfort and necessity for the troops overseas. These items include: food, personal products and paper products. All jars should be plastic, as items in glass containers cannot be shipped. The program, which began in 2004, is also seeking donations to raise the funds needed to ship these items. For more information, please call (630) 550-5518.
--- Schaumburg Township Disability Services is a selection center for the ITAC (Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation) Free amplified phone program. The amplified phone program distributes free phones to qualified Illinois residents with a certified hearing loss. Schaumburg Township Disability Services has four different amplified phones to choose from. Qualified residents can come to the Schaumburg Township Disability Services Department and do a 'live' test on each of the four phones to select which one they hear best with. For more information, please contact (847) 884-0030 ext. 2025.
--- Africa Action needs your help to end the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. Hundreds of thousands of people have died since 2003; millions are displaced. Africa Action's "Just LEAD" campaign works to end genocide in Darfur. Visit www.africaaction.org, click on support Africa Action, or phone 202.546.7961 for more information. The Combined Federal Campaign number is 11384. Africa Action is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization.
--- Team Challenge (TC) is the CCFA's endurance sports training program that trains you to run or walk a half marathon. Participants raise funds for Crohn's and Colitis research and patient services in exchange for training, support and lodging and airfare to the event. The season's event is the Miami Half Marathon. Participants range from seasoned athletes to novices who want to get in shape triumph over a challenge and/or meet other motivation people. Local patients who are battling Crohn's and Colitis, known as honored teammates, cheer participants along from training to completion. For more information call 847-827-0404.
--- Bridge to Success accepts business professional and business casual clothing, coats and accessories (shoes, ties, handbags, belts, cuff links, scarves, hosiery, briefcases, jewelry, etc.). Unused cosmetics and travel toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, bath soap, and lotion) are needed too. When donating to Bridge to Success, please make sure that clothing is clean, in good condition, in season, of current or timeless design, and on a hanger. Also, we would love your couture, designer, vintage and eveningwear clothing and accessories! While this clothing is not appropriate for our participants, Bridge to Success holds special couture/designer/vintage clothing sales four times a year to help support programming expenses. Intake days: Second Saturday of the month, except January from 9am-noon at 661 W. Lake St, Chicago IL 60661. Visit www.thebridgetosuccess.org for more information. Your support is appreciated. If you need pickup, please contact us at 312-715-1259!
--- We all know the past several months have been difficult for many people, but the Huntley Area Public Library is used now more than ever. What better investment can you make for your family and community than $5 a month for an improved library? You can make a monetary donation of $5 or more either online at libraryyes.net or by mailing a check made payable to the LibraryYes! Committee, P.O. Box 741, Huntley, IL 60142, to help us to better serve our community's needs, while saving you money at the same time.
--- AHA! (Alliance for Humane Action) honors several Chicago-area "M.O.C.s" (Men Of Compassion) in a 2009 calendar. Men featured in the calendar deserve recognition as the often-unsung heroes in animal welfare -- the guys who are totally hot because they have big red hearts bursting with compassion for the wonderful creatures with whom we share our planet. Calendars are $15 each plus shipping/handling and Illinois state sales tax. Proceeds help fund the many programs of Lake-county based non-profit humane organization AHA! (Alliance for Humane Action). For more information or to request an order form, call 847-622-4433, or visit http://www.ahaworks.org (click link to "online store" to order the calendar).
--- Every year the Irving Park Community Food Pantry provides packs of basic school supplies to help our clients' children get a good start as they begin a new school year. We count on your continued generosity to make sure all our children from kindergarten through high school can participate. Take advantage of back-to-school sales and deliver the supplies to the pantry in time so we can make up the packs well before school begins. All cash donations will be used to purchase additional school supplies. Supplies needed are: loose leaf notebook paper, spiral notebooks, 2-pocket folders, blue or black pens, regular ballpoint or erasable, 8-count washable colored markers, 24-count crayons, #2 pencils, 12-count colored pencils, zippered pencil cases, erasers, glue and glue sticks, rulers, marked in inches and centimeters, drop off supplies any Wednesday morning between 8:00 and 12:30. The Pantry Board thanks you on behalf of our clients and their children. If you have any questions either e-mail us: irvpkfoodpantry@aol.com irvpkfoodpantry@aol.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or you may call the pantry at 773-283-6296 on Wednesdays between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
--- The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and its signature direct-service program, Wendy's Wonderful Kids is now active in Illinois making adoptive, loving families a reality for thousands of children waiting in foster care in our communities. To learn more, visit Dave Thomas foundation for http://www.adoption.org/ or http://www.childserv.org/.
--- The Trapp Auditorium, located in Waukegan High School, is in dire need of rehabilitation. The Trapp Auditorium Steering Committee, an organization formed to address the various issues this facility faces, is actively seeking community members and Waukegan High alumni to join in the effort. If interested, please contact Jean Windberg at 847-244-8546 or Claudia Freeman at 847-224-9276. Those wishing to make a donation may do so by sending a check to the Waukegan Public Schools District 60, located at 1201 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan, IL 60085 made payable to the Waukegan Schools Foundation. Please write 'Trapp Auditorium Rehabilitation Project' on the memo line. All donations are tax deductible.
--- Help donate to Carpenter's Place by bringing or mailing donations to 1149 Railroad Avenue in Rockford or visit http://www.carpentersplace.org/. Carpenter's Place provides food, clothing, daytime shelter and case management to the homeless.
--- Carpenter's Place is in desperate need of sheets--toilet paper and bed sheets! They have an immediate and critical need for toilet paper as well as sheets for twin-size beds. Please drop donations off at 1149 Railroad Ave, Rockford, IL 61104. Thanks for your help in "providing the tools for rebuilding the lives of the homeless!" For more information, email outreach@carpentersplace.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , call 815-964-4105, or visit http://www.carpentersplace.org.
--- South Suburban Family Shelter, Inc. is looking for individuals, families, or businesses interested in participating in their Adopt-A-Family program, designed to help victims of domestic violence and their children during the holiday season. Those wishing to "adopt" a family, please call (708) 798-7737, ext. 222.
--- Don't let your old computers just sit and collect dust, donate them to us! GiveAComputer.org is a non-profit charity with a mission to provide disadvantaged individuals, families, and other non-profits with computers. For more information please call (708) 877-7091 or visit http://www.giveacomputer.org/.
--- How can you turn two tons of metal into a tax deduction? Donate your old car to the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois! For more information, call 312-321-1500 or go to http://www.kidneycars.com/.
--- Help girls and boys who are victims of wars, disease, poverty and disasters by contributing to Operation Christmas Child, sponsored by Samaritan's Purse. Samaritan's Purse is accepting shoeboxes filled with gifts for needy children around the world. For more information on how you can send a shoebox, call 1-800-809-3882.
--- The Junior League of Kane & DuPage Counties, Inc. (JKLD) is joining with its sister Leagues from around the country to assist the Junior League of New Orleans in its Junior Leagues Rebuilding a Better Community Together Initiative. Volunteers are rehabilitating homes and cleaning up neighborhoods in some of the hardest-hit areas of New Orleans. In addition to sending volunteers, JKLD is collecting donations to provide assistance grants to the rebuilding effort. To contribute, please visit http://www.jlkd.org/ or call (630) 364-2037.
--- It takes Big Shoulders to carry a child's dreams. Every year, the Big Shoulders Fund assists thousands of children with scholarships so they can stay in Chicago's Catholic schools. The need for help is growing. Your gift to the Big Shoulders Fund means more children will be able to stay in Catholic school. One hundred percent of your donations to the Big Shoulders Fund are used to support students in 93 inner-city Catholic schools, which enroll nearly 25,000 children. To make a secure donation, visit www.bigshouldersfund.org, or call (312) 751-8337.
--- There are families in your community who are living in substandard conditions and simply need a hand up, not a hand out. Habitat for Humanity is providing that hand up and you can help. Habitat's "Cars for Homes" program uses your donated car, truck, boat, or RV to help build decent, affordable homes with low-income families. Call toll free, 1-877-277-4344, or visit www.carsforhomes.org to see how your car donation can make a difference for a family in your community.
---Air Travel is a big part of making kids' wishes come true for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. You can help special children continue to travel by donating your frequent flier miles. To donate, please visit http://www.wish.org/ or call toll free 1-800-722-9474.
--- WINGS are looking for donations to replenish the pantries for the needy women and children of Chicago. The most needed items are laundry detergent, bleach, garbage bags, paper towels and toilet paper. For a more complete list, please visit http://www.wingsprogram.com/. To arrange a drop-off or pick-up of donations, please contact Beth Gardham at (847) 577-4668 ext. 225 or bgardham@wingsprogram.com.
--- Don't trade in your vehicle! Donate it to the Center For Enriched Living and help change the lives of people with developmental disabilities! Call toll-free at (866) 948-7001. All vehicles accepted, free towing anywhere in the United States & proceeds help youth and adults with developmental disabilities. Donate your vehicle now!
--- With an eye to the longer-term needs of hurricane survivors from the Gulf States, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago is embarking upon a drive for personal hygiene products. The Federation is also accepting monetary donations to help hurricane survivors. Individuals wishing to make donations to help the hurricane victims should call (312) 444-2854 or go to our secure website at http://www.juf.org/.
--- South Suburban Family Shelter continues to collect used cellular phones as a fundraising venture. All proceeds benefit the clients who receive services at SSFS. The phones that are most desirable are smaller digital handsets that are less than five years old. Phones and batteries are needed. For more information call (708) 798-7737 ext 233.
--- Book Worm Angels is helping kids discover that reading is fun and rewarding. It helps suburban schools and civic groups collect entertaining, general interest children's books, and delivers them to classroom lending libraries in Chicago's lowest-scoring elementary schools. To learn more visit http://www.bookwormangles.org/ or call (847) 471-BOOK.
--- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy will be accepting any auction items, goods or services, or cash you would like to donate to be used toward items for the dinner or auction. You will be identified as a donor to recognize your overwhelming generosity. If you have an item or cash to donate, please call us at (847) 204-6667 or (847) 275-7772, and we will gladly arrange for pickup of the item. Donations can also be made on line at www.parentprojectmd.org/grantmonson.

--- The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) announces that the application period for the HomeMod Program opens Thursday, October 1st and will run through December 15, 2009. The HomeMod Program allows people with disabilities, who are of low to moderate income, to receive home modifications that make their living environment more accessible. Home modifications are limited to eligible individuals with disabilities who are 59 years of age or younger. Eligibility requirements include: Chicago residents with disabilities 59 years of age or younger; income less than 80 percent of the Chicago area median income; and payment of any outstanding property taxes, parking tickets and water bills. Through the program, homes or apartments of people with disabilities may be modified with accessible features such as ramps, exterior vertical platform lifts and interior lifts, widened doorways, accessible kitchens, bathrooms with assistive technology devices, and other alterations. Specific modifications may also include installing grab bars and railings, lowering cabinets, re-hanging doors, and installing sinks and toilets. A licensed contractor, along with MOPD staff, will conduct in-home assessments of the home environment to determine the need for accessibility features that will enhance the person's independence and safety. Applications or additional information for the City's HomeMod program can be obtained by calling 3-1-1 or by visiting MOPD's website at www.cityofchicago.org/disabilities.
--- Until recently there hasn't been a place in Chicago for moms, moms-to-be and parents-to-be, to get help on navigating the difficult phases of pregnancy and parenthood. Bellybum Boutique, 4347 N. Lincoln Ave., (www.BellybumBoutique.com) is changing that as the newest store in Chicago's Lincoln Square/Northcenter neighborhoods offering everything for before, during and after pregnancy, including many one-of-a-kind classes. The boutique is a true celebration of mama bellies and baby bums and has quickly become a haven dedicated to encouraging new moms, and parents, to feel beautiful, empowered and comfortable in their new role as parent.
--- The Jennifer S. Fallick Cancer Support Center in Homewood is celebrating its 13th year providing free programs to southland residents affected by cancer. The Center offers a variety of educational workshops, support groups and wellness programs for people with cancer and their family members. Additional services include a resource center and lending library, Internet access, individual, couple and family counseling and social activities, bereavement programs. All programs at the Cancer Support Center are free of charge and open to Chicago Southland and Northwest Indiana community members. Free programs of support are offered in Homewood and Mokena. For more information about any of the free programs at the Center, call (708) 798-9171. The Center is located at 2028 Elm Rd. in Homewood, Ill. Visit us at www.cancersupportcenter.org.
--- Reservations for childbirth readiness classes are now being accepted at The Wellness Center located at One Madison on the corner of Madison St. and S. Whittaker in New Buffalo. The Bradley Method ® will be instructed by Tamara and Joseph Prahlow. The Bradley Method focuses on natural childbirth where the father of the baby acts as the labor coach. Tamara and Joseph are certified instructors and will guide participants through 12 weekly classes that will cover birth plans, nutrition, complications, the coach's role, preparing for labor, birth and your new family. To reserve a spot please contact Tamara at: sonblestprahlows@sbcglobal.net or page her at 800-632-3612.
--- The Midwest College of Oriental Medicine will be offering complimentary acupuncture to Active Military, Veterans and Family Members, every Monday starting September 8, 2008, from 1pm-9pm. The college is located in Uptown, at 909 West Montrose, Room 206, Chicago. Acupuncture, particularly auricular acupuncture, has been known to effectively treat addiction to drugs, alcohol and smoking and is used for detoxification, emotional/ psychological disorders, PTSD, stress, anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Military personnel will be treated with 5 needles in each ear. This is a virtually painless process and also involves a group/community setting. For more information, visit www.acupuncture.edu or call 773-216-3146.
--- Chronic pain is a serious medical condition that can, and should, be treated. Although there are effective treatments, many people suffer in silence. Pain management begins with educating yourself by going online or talking to your doctor. Discuss the situation with family and friends. For more information, please call (866) 590-PAIN or got to http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/.
--- Lake Forest Hospital offers a Newborn Hotline. Talk to a registered nurse with any questions and concerns about your baby (up to 6 weeks old). Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Hotline number is (847) 535-6161.
--- Casa Central has open enrollment for adults 65 years and better at its Adult Day Care Center. This program provides supervised daytime care for seniors with some medical limitations, while relative work or go to school. The Day Care Center has a nurse on staff and it offers a nutritious lunch and many social activities. Call (773) 645-2487 for more information about enrollment in the Adult Day Care Center at Casa Central (1343 North California Avenue).
--- Casa Central Home Based Care provides bilingual support to seniors. It offers personal care, shopping, cleaning and other important services to seniors throughout Chicago. This program enables homebound seniors to remain independent, while they receive valuable companionship. Call (773) 645-2487 for more information about enrollment in the Adult Day Care Center at Casa Central (1343 North California Avenue).
--- Lake Forest Hospital offers free Hearing Rehabilitation Classes. These small group sessions are informal and a family member is invited to attend with you. Pre-registration is required. For schedules and registration call (847) 535-6114.
--- The Bette D. Harris Clinic at The Family Institute at Northwestern University is offering counseling and psychotherapy for families, couples, and individuals on a sliding fee scale. The clinics are located in Evanston, LaGrange Park and downtown Chicago. It also offers programs for children and adolescents as well for the treatment of anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. For more information call (848) 433-7300 or visit http://www.family-institute.org/.
--- Access to Care, a non-profit health care program, is offering affordable primary health care to low income uninsured residents of suburban Cook County and northwest Chicago. Through the program, patients are able to see a private primary care physician in their local community for $5 per visit. Other services include prescription medication for $10, $20, or $30. Lab tests and x-ray services are $5. Proof of address and proof of income are required and you must be ineligible for Public Aid or Medicare. For more information, please call (708) 531-0680.
--- Amyloidosis is a rare and serious disorder that can affect many organs in the body, including the heart, kidney, liver, and nerves. Diagnosis is difficult, because Amyloidosis resembles other medical problems. Symptoms can include unexplained weight loss, leg swelling, shortness of breath and fatigue. People with Amyloidosis may also have arm and leg numbness, carpal tunnel symptoms and changes in their nails. Swallowing problems can also be a part of the puzzle. With early diagnosis, Amyloidosis can be treated. For more information call (866) 404-7539.
--- Kids In Danger is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children by improving children's product safety. About two children's products are recalled every week. To learn how to protect your children and others, visit http://www.kidsindanger.org/ or call 312-595-0649.
--- Yoga is the tradition that combines physical and mental disciplines to achieve peace of mind and strength in body. For more information on how yoga can help quit addictions such as smoking, please contact Pacific College of Oriental Medicine at (800) 729-0941, or visit www.PacificCollege.edu.
--- The National Headache Foundation offers five tips to relieve headaches. For more information call 1-888-643-5552 or visit http://www.headaches.org/.
---ESNI is interested in sharing a monthly support for adults with epilepsy. If you would benefit from sharing your experiences with others, call Alice Shorr at 847-433-8960.
---For every Thursday of each month and the third Friday of each month, the Wound Healing Institute at Saint Margaret Mercy's South Campus offers free foot screenings. Appointments are between 1:30 and 3:30pm. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 219-933-2666 or 708-891-9305, x32666.
--- The Illinois Eye Bank, a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of sight, celebrates the Gift of Sight in March with National Eye Donor Awareness month. Fore more information call (800) 548-4703 or visit http://www.illinoiseyebank.org/.
--- Free blood pressure screenings are offered the first Thursday of every month at Amcore Bank in Woodstock from 12:30-1:30pm; the first Friday of every month at Harris Bank in Woodstock from 12:30-1:30pm; and the third Thursday of every month at the Adult and Child Rehab Center in Woodstock from 9:30-10:30am. The Home Health Nursing Department of the Adult and Child Rehab Center will provide the screenings. No appointment is needed.
--- Evanston Northwestern Healthcare has established a toll-free Crisis Hotline for women experiencing postpartum depression and who are in immediate need of professional help. Family and friends also may use the hotline. Call (866) ENH-MOMS to instantly connect to a trained mental healthcare professional that will guide women to resources tailored to their individual needs.
--- For your breastfeeding questions and concerns or to register for the Breastfeeding Support Group, call the Lactation Center at Lake Forest Hospital. Call (847) 535-6262 for more information.
--- A key to substance abuse prevention including inhalant abuse is having an open and honest discussion with children about the extreme dangers associated with abuse, and the consequences of sniffing potentially poisonous substances. To aid in such conversation, parents, teachers and other adults can visit the Illinois Poison Center's Web site at http://www.illinoispoisoncenter.org/. Adults that suspect abuse by a youngster should seek medical attention or contact the poison center immediately at (800) 222-1222.
--- Has your life been touched by cancer? Kids and families living with cancer now have a warm and welcoming place where they can learn more about the disease and treatments available. Gilda's Club Chicago has just opened the new Emily Dorfman Resource Center in Chicago. Visit http://www.gildasclubchicago.org/ or call (312) 464-9900 for more information.
--- The Sertoma Speech and Hearing Center is offering free hearing screenings to anyone 21 and older. Please call for an appointment, (708) 599-9500. There are three offices: Homewood, Palos Hills and Romeoville, IL. The Sertoma Speech and Hearing Center is a nonprofit, United-Way supported organization serving the community since 1978.

---On behalf of the non-profit community organization Acorn is helping homeowners avoid foreclosure. Falling behind on your mortgage, or worried that you may fall behind soon! Or do you just feel that you're in a bad home loan? Don't give up! And don't wait until your situation gets worse! ACORN Housing is one of the most successful, HUD-certified, foreclosures prevention agencies in the country. Our mission is to help you avoid foreclosure. Acorn Housing's expert counselors will help you figure out your options. And work to get your lenders to make needed adjustments to keep you in your home! Call Acorn at 773-205-4161.
--- Jobs for Youth/Chicago, Chicago's largest non-profit dedicated to helping low-income 17-24 year olds, has a mission: make a difference in the lives of Chicago's over 100,000 youth ages 16-24 not working, nor in school. Jobs for Youth is making good on that mission by moving into 8,000 more square feet of space to serve more of Chicago's youth and the Chicago business community who hires them. For more information, visit http://www.jfychicago.org/.
--- Get the eduation you want and deserve and receive college credit! Apply now for The Odyssey Project, a free college class in literature, history, art history, and writing for people living on low incomes, offered by the Illinois Humanities Council. It's a whole new world! Classes begin in September. For more information, call (312) 422-5580.
--- Casa Central can train you to become a certified nursing assistant in a 13-week program. The program provides you with skills necessary to obtain employment and prepares you to take the Illinois state test. Job placement assistance is available after program completion in places such as in long-term care facilities, a hospital or other medical settings. The program is seeking Bilingual (English/Spanish) persons who are interested in the medical field. For more information call Casa Central (773) 645-2431.
--- Looking for a job? An Art Gallery Company is looking for part time/full time work from home, account managers and sales representatives positions are available, it pays $2500 a month plus benefits. Please contact us for more details. Requirements: should be a computer literate. 3-5 hours access to the Internet weekly. Must be over 18yrs of age. Must be efficient and dedicated. If you are interested and need more information please e-mail alomine1@yahoo.com.
--- The McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals meet at 7:30am on Tuesdays at Midwest Bank & Trust (5555 W. Bull Valley Road, McHenry), except on the third Tuesday of each month when the group meets at Green St. Café (1219 N. Green St., McHenry). Entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals 32 and under are welcome to join the group for networking, professional education and development, and volunteer opportunities to give back to the community. A small fee applies for membership to cover the cost of the monthly breakfast. Membership in the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce is required. For more information, please call (815) 363-5555.
--- Casa Central seeks bilingual participants for its Over 55 Senior Work Assignment Program, sponsored by the Chicago Department on Aging, You may qualify for an assignment within Casa Central for 20 hours a week. Applicants must have a Chicago address and meet income criteria, among other guidelines. If you're an active senior, 55 or better, come to Casa Central (1335 North California Avenue) or call (773) 645-2431.
--- If you are a professional who is blind or visually impaired and are actively searching for work, the Guild for the Blind's Employment Connection Program can help. The Guild offers individualized career counseling and classes to help make your job search more focused and effective. The program is free. For more information please call (312) 236-8569.
--- The Emergency Fund provides immediate financial assistance to Chicago families recovering from fire, robbery, illness, flood and other devastating situations. Call (312) 379-0301 or visit http://www.emergencyfund.org/.
--- Manufacturers throughout the Chicagoland area are seeking qualified men and women to fill skilled and semi-skilled positions in their factories. The Jane Addams Resource Corporation is now accepting applications for its fall industrial training class in metalworking. To obtain further information and to schedule an intake session, or to learn about other learning opportunities available at JARC, contact (773) 728-9769 ext. 21.
--- The Arts and Business Council is seeking participants to join the on BOARD program. Training and placing working professionals on art boards throughout metro Chicago, for more information contact http://www.artsbiz-chicago.org/ or (312) 372-1876 x228.
--- Interested job seekers for the City of Chicago can visit the Department of Personnel Service Center located in City Hall at 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 100, Monday - Friday from 8am until 5pm. On-line applications are available at www.cityofchicago.org/personnel. The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
--- Overwhelmed by the looming costs of college tuition? The Illinois CPA Society wants you to know that there are a variety of college-savings options out there for you to explore. From state savings plans to financial aid, there is a plan that will work for you. For more information on the available college-savings vehicles, contact a CPA or financial professional to help you choose the best savings strategy.
--- Don't be a victim of Predatory Lenders! If you're un-informed about refinancing, predatory lenders can gouge you for high interest rate or closing costs. Sometimes so excessive you may lose your most valuable asset, your home. As interest rates rise and people need financial assistance with loans, they fall victim to predatory lenders. Before you sign, call the office of The City Treasurer at 744-3365 or visit http://www.chicagocitytreasurer/.
--- Phone questions? Get answers and get the most from your phone dollar! Call the Illinois Telephone Consumer Education Fund at 800-622-0200 for a free brochure or visit http://www.itcef.org/. The ITCEF is a non-for-profit corporation dedicated to educating consumers about their phone service options, comprised of the Illinois Commerce Commission, Citizens Utility Board, Illinois Attorney General's Office, Cook County State's Attorney's Office and Ameritech.
--- If you seek to help to take control of your financial future, you have a right to advice based on your needs. The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards can give you "Ten Questions to Ask When Choosing a Financial Planner." Call 1-888-CFP-MARK.
--- Green Thumb, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving older workers age 55 and older living on a limited income. Green Thumb operates the Senior Community Service Employment Program, which is a part of the Older Americans Act. If you are age 55 or older and need help finding employment in your area, or need help updating your skills, call Green Thumb at 1-800-962-1855 for more information.
--- Women Veterans would like you to start or expand your own small business? Don't know how to start or where to get financing? The Department of Veterans Affairs can help you! You wore the uniform. You served America. The VA is committed to helping you get started and be successful. Whether you have your own ideas or want to start a national franchise, the VA can help. Start living your dreams NOW by visiting http://www.vettbiz.gov/ and click on Getting Started.
--- SubCon Packing and Assembly is a division of Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center of Countryside, Illinois, which cares for persons of all ages with developmental disabilities. SubCon offers contract packaging and fulfillment services to manufacturers, distributors and retail businesses while providing job skill training to developmentally disabled persons. Please contact us for a quote at (708) 482-8446 or visit http://www.subconpacking.com/.
--- Sertoma Centre, Inc. is a nationally accredited, award-winning, not-for-profit agency that provides job training and employment services to more than 650 individuals with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, and/or mental illness. Communities served include 45 south and southwest suburbs and parts of Chicago. Sertoma Centre also operates several community group and foster-care homes located in the south suburbs. For more information, please call (708) 371-9700 or click on http://www.sertomacentre.org/.
--- Are you a Chicago resident looking for a job? Mayor Daley's WorkNet Chicago offers a full range of free employment services, including career planning, resume writing assistance and work-related skills refreshers, that can help you find the job you want. For more information about Mayor Daley's WorkNet Chicago and the location nearest you, please call (312) 746-7777.
--- Feeling stuck in your job? Career Coach is a free, online tool available that can help. Assess your interests, find out about potential careers, and learn about education and financial aid resources. Visit Career Coach at http://www.womenemployed.org/ to explore career options and make a step-by-step plan to reach your goals today.
--- Are you currently facing an employment related problem? Women Employed's job problems counselors can help you determine whether your situation is unfair or illegal and what your options are. Call Women Employed at (312) 782-3902 now.
--- Helmets to Hardhats is a non-profit organization that is funded by the Department of Defense to help transitioning military and veterans find careers in the building and construction trades. If you would like to benefit from Helmets to Hardhats please visit us at http://www.helmetstohardhats.org/.

--- Midwest Labrador Retriever Rescue has an opportunity to come meet the volunteers and learn more about labs. Additional information can be found at http://www.midwestlabresuce.org/ or call (847) 604-3254.
--- The Tree House Animal Foundation is offering FREE spay/neuter surgeries for cats and kittens in the Chicagoland area for a limited time. If interested please call, (773) 784-5488 ext. 229.
--- Free Spirit Siberian Rescue is a non-profit rescue organization, located in Harvard, IL that is dedicated to placing Siberian Huskies in permanent, loving homes. By adopting a homeless pet, you will be giving an animal a second chance at life. If you are interested in adopting one or more of these beautiful dogs, volunteering for the rescue, or making a donation visit our website http://www.huskyrescue.org/ or call 815-245-2972.
--- The Buddy Foundation is a non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to finding homes for abandoned and abused dogs and cats. They are desperately in need of foster homes for needy animals. If you can help in any way, contact the Buddy Foundation at 847-813-7206 or go online to http://www.thebuddyfoundation.org/.
--- Homes for Endangered and Lost Pets (HELP) are badly in need for foster homes. Due to the influx of both cats and dogs this summer, the situation is becoming desperate. If you think you may be interested in fostering cats, please call Ruth at 630-879-8500 or Sue at 630-208-8630. For dog fostering information, please call Ruth Ann at 630-879-5611.
--- Sponsor a Dog or Cat - Potential sponsors select one or more pets and then contribute a pledged amount to their care on a regular basis. For more information call 516-883-7900 or visit their web site at http://www.nsalamerica.org/.
--- Pet Rescue Inc. is in need of pet supplies, i.e. cat litter, dog leashes, pillowcases and sheets, cleaning supplies, dog collars, etc. All items can be brought directly to their sanctuary at 151 N. Bloomingdale Road, Bloomingdale, IL. For more information call Penny at 630-893-0030.
--- The Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) is asking for help with canned pet food, bleach, paper towels, and laundry detergent. The address is C.A.R.E. PO Box 1964, Evanston, IL 60204. For more information call 847-705-2653.
--- From learning about the health risks of obesity in pets to agility exercises for your dog, the Lectures at The Anti-Cruelty Society offer something for all animal lovers. Everyone is welcome and the sessions are free of charge. Lectures will be held in The Society's Education and Training Center at 169 W. Grand Ave. For more information on dates, times and other information, please call Tammie Bouschor at (312) 644-8338, ext. 344 or visit http://www.anticruelty.org/.