Community Calendar

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Updated: February 27, 2012 8:16AM

Elm Leaves, with news of River Grove, welcomes items for the Community Calendar as well as items for Business Briefs, Campus News, Community Briefs, School Digest and Your Page. Items must be received a minimum of 14 days prior to publication, but earlier is better. E-mail items to oakpark@pioneerlocal.com; fax to (708) 383-3678; or mail to Pioneer Press, 1010 Lake St., Suite 104, Oak Park IL 60301. For a complete listing of events go to: www.pioneerlocal.com.

Benefits

Chinese New Year Celebration: 6-11 p.m. Jan. 28, at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association historic clubhouse, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. The annual Benevolence Fundraiser to welcome Year of the Dragon 4710. Family entertainment will include a traditional Lion Dance with taiko drummers, Chinese instrumental performances, fan and ribbon dancers, calligraphers and more. Dinner, cash bar, raffles and a silent auction. Fee: $75 for adults; $25 for students age 13-16; $15 for children age 4-12. Reservations are required. For more information call (708) 386-2729, or go to www.19thcenturycharity.org.

“Jersey Boys” Leading Cast Sing: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the East Leyden High School Auditorium, 3400 Rose St., Franklin Park. The River Grove School Education Foundation will present “Under the Streetlamp,” an intimate night of music with the recent leading cast members of the Chicago production of “Jersey Boys.” Great music from the 1960s performed by four gentlemen who list Broadway, TV and feature films in their résumés. Tickets: $40. Limited number of tickets available for the “VIP Meet and Greet” after the event to be held at The Underpass Restaurant and Lounge, 9400 Grand Ave., Franklin Park. To order tickets visit www.rgsedfoundation.com and click on the “Upcoming Events” tab or call Kathie Bruce at (708) 574-1474.

Clubs

AT&T TelecomPioneers: Forest Life Member Club’s monthly luncheon will be held beginning with cash bar at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch at 12:30 p.m. March 8 at Bohemian Crystal, 639 N. Blackhawk Drive, Westmont. Entertainment by storyteller Genny Riddle. Cost $20. Reservations by March 1. Call Lorie Kallas at (630) 629-1633.

Et cetera

Sensory Friendly Films: 10 a.m. Feb. 25 - “The Secret World of Arrietty”; March 10 - “Dr. Seuss ’The Lorax’ ”; April 7 - “Pirates! Band of Misfits.” AMC Theatres and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities and sensory issues an opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis. Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It often comes with sensory challenges, such as hypersensitivity to light or sound and children or adults affected by autism may not understand the social boundaries of movie theater etiquette, such as not talking during the film or sitting still through most of the show. In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for children with autism or other special needs, AMC movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own snacks and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing — in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event. A list and map of participating theaters is available at www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms. This nationwide event has 148 theaters in 63 markets in the United States and Canada.

Health Notes

Leukemia Research Foundation: 1-4 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Leukemia Research Foundation’s annual Town Hall Meeting. The meeting will be held at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Feinberg Pavilion - Conference Room A, 251 E. Huron in Chicago. Medical experts will answer questions regarding leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes and multiple myeloma from patients and their families. Attendees can learn the latest about their disease — and pose questions to a panel of medical experts in the field of hematology/oncology. The panel includes Ima Garcia, a Leukemia Research Foundation 2011 Nurse of the Year who offers another perspective useful to caregivers attending the Town Hall Meeting. Complimentary parking (vouchers handed out at check-in) will be available at the Huron/St. Clair parking garage. View the list of participating oncologists and get more information at www.leukemia-research.org/TownHall or call (847) 424-0600.

Here’s Help

Veterans for Unification: next meeting 10-11:30 a.m. Jan. 28 at main Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., second floor meeting room, (1 block west of Oak Park Avenue and 3 blocks east of Harlem Avenue). Library: (708) 383-8200. Special guest speaker Keith R. Gill, director of museum operations, Cantigny First Division Museum, Wheaton. Veterans for Unification’s mission is to educate the Veteran community and support quality care and benefits for all Veterans in the VA Health Care System. Veterans for Unification is a not-for-profit 501c(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible. Send check or money order to: Veterans for Unification, 159 N. Marion, No. 198, Oak Park, IL 60301. This organization welcomes all veterans and those who support veterans. Dues are $20 per year for a great cause; join today. Street and indoor parking/WC accessible/public transportation: contact RTA. Veterans for Unification (773) 586-4432 or (847) 827-0835; http://VeteransForUnification.org/vu/.

Public Libraries

Elmwood Park Public Library , 1 Conti Parkway. Registration required for all programs unless noted. Library is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday.; www.elmwoodparklibrary.org or call (708) 453-7645.

Anime Club: 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays in the basement community room. Check out a variety of animes. Popcorn.

Drop-in Storytimes: (Ages 2-5): 11-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Enjoy some of your favorite stories. No registration.

Moms and Tots Lap Sit: (Ages birth-2): 9:30-10 a.m. Wednesdays. Stories, songs and movement for the very young.

Preschool Storytime: (Ages 3-5): 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. Stories, songs and activities.

River Grove Public Library , 8638 W. Grand Ave. Registration necessary for all unless otherwise noted. Call Dayna Tucker (708) 453-4484 to register or go to www.rivergrovelibrary.org.

Macy’s Museum Passes: Available to adult patrons only. You must have a River Grove Public Library Card.

Wireless Access: Now available. Patrons can bring in their own laptops or use the library’s. You must be at least 14 years old and have a valid photo ID. Libraries laptops available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call (708) 453-4484.

Homework Help: 4-5:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday. Students must bring their books and homework materials with them to their tutoring session. Just drop in and get some help! Free.

Our Lady of the
Resurrection

Our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center, 5645 W. Addison, Chicago. Advance registration required for all unless otherwise noted. Call (877) 737-4636 or the number given. Free parking available in the parking facility on Addison across the street from hospital.

Families Anonymous: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays in the lower level Cafe Meeting Room. A self-help program for those concerned about the drug or alcohol abuse and related behavior problems of a loved one. Sessions are free. Registration not required.

Grief Counseling: Complimentary 30-minute sessions given by Donna Marie Desai, LCPC. Counseling for depression, relationship problems, stress management and self-care. Addressing the unique challenges facing gifted adults. Providing free counseling to veterans through GiveanHour.org. Call (708) 344-7712.

Laparoscopic: Gastric Band (Lap-band) surgery is being offered at OLR Medical Center to help individuals suffering from obesity. Contact Sherry Chillis-Turner (773) 282-7000, Ext. 4354, or Dr. Tiesenga (708) 456-7874.

“Living a Healthier Lifestyle”: 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call for appointment. Ongoing program to help heart patients and people concerned with cardiac health develop a healthy lifestyle. Sessions are part of the hospital’s cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program. A cardiac stress test, lipid profile, risk factor analysis and diet counseling required to participate. To schedule an appointment call (773) 794-8420.

Park Districts

Leyden Township Community Center , 2620 N. Mannheim Road, Franklin Park, just south of Grand Avenue on the west side of Mannheim Road next to the Leyden Township Fire Station; www.leydentownship.com; (847) 451-5144. Registration required for all unless otherwise stated. You must register at least seven days prior to the start date of the class. Fees listed: In District/Out of District.

Special Events

No School Holidays: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Call for more information. Feb. 20, Presidents Day; and/or March 5, Casmir Pulaski Day.

Children’s Programs

Cochiaro’s Movie Night: 6-8 p.m. first Friday of each month (Feb. 3). Ages 5-12. Fee: $5/$7. Kids enjoy a movie on a big screen projector, eat pizza and a soft drink, while Mom and Dad can have two hours for themselves. It’s a great way for the younger children to feel independent also.

Indoor Batting: New Machine and Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 6-27. Ages 10-14. Fee: $10/$14.

Parent Tot Super Sports: 10:15-10:45 a.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 7-March 20. Ages 2-3. Fee: $52/$54.

All Star Sports Soccer: 10:45-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 7-March 20. Ages 3-6. Fee: $52/$54.

All Star Sports T-Ball: 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 7-March 20. Ages 3-6. Fee: $52/$54.

Kids Volleyball League: 5-6:15 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 9-March 8. Ages 10-15. Fee: $59/$62.

Fridays Is For Fun: 1:30-3 p.m. Feb. 10 at Westdale Park. Age: 3-5. Fee: $5/$7.

Tumbling & Gymnastics: 10-10:45 Ages 3-6; 10:45-11:30 a.m. Ages 7-14, Saturdays, Feb. 11-March 17. Fee: $59/$62.

Zumbatomics: (Zumba for kids): Ages 6-9, 5-5:45 p.m. Ages 10-12, 6-6:45 p.m. Toddlers, Ages 3-5, 3:45-4:30 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 13-April 2. Held at Westdale Park. Fee: $40/$46.

Fun for $5: 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 13. Valentine’s Day Cake Pop Bouquet. Ages 5-12. Fee: $5/$7.

All About Me Art: 5:15-5:45 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 20-March 26. Ages 4-6. Fee: $35/$40.

Intro To Drawing: 5:45-6:30 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 20-March 26. Ages 7-9. Fee: $35/$40.

Intro Into Painting: 6-6:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 22-March 28. Ages 10-12. Fee: $35/$40.

Arts & Crafts for Toddlers: 11-11:45 a.m. Thursdays, Feb. 23-April 12. Ages 4-5. Fee: $58/$60.

Parent-Tot Art: 10-10:45 a.m. Thursdays, Feb. 23-April 12. Ages 2-3. Fee: $58/$60.

Elementary Cartoon Drawing: 5:15-6:15 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 24-March 23. Ages 6-12, $45 ($47 O/D).

Jr. Basketball Camp: 5:15-6: 15 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 28-March 20. Ages 5-10. Fee: $28/$30.

Creative Movement: Modern Dance 1:30-2 p.m. Saturdays, March 3-April 7. Ages 3-5. Fee: $35/$40.

Beginning Modern Dance: 12:45-1:30 p.m. Saturdays, March 3-April 7. Ages 6-8. Fee: $35/$40.

Intermediate Modern Dance: Noon-12:45 p.m. Saturdays, March 3-April 7. Ages 9-12. Fee: $35/$40.

Girls on Guard: 1-3 p.m. March 3. Age 10+. Fee: $60/$62.

Soccer & T-Ball Combo: 1-1:45 p.m. Saturdays, March 3-24. Ages 3-4. Fee: $30/$32.

Intro to Ballet: 10-10:30 a.m. Saturdays, March 3-April 7. Ages 3-4. Fee: $35/$40.

Basic Ballet: 10:30-11:15 a.m. Saturdays, March 3-April 7. Ages 5-6. Fee: $30/$40.

Advanced Ballet: 11:15 a.m.-Noon, Saturdays, March 3-April 7. Ages 7-12. Fee: $30.

Pee Wee Nerf Flag Football: 2-2:45 p.m. Saturdays, March 3-24. Ages 4-6. Fee: $30/$35.

Adult & Child Programs

Scrapbooking: 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 8 (Baby Theme) All ages; under 12 with an adult. Fee: $8/$10.

Woodworking: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 (Project: Catapults). Ages 6+. Fee: $15/$20.

Teen-Adult Drawing & Painting: 6:30-8 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 20-April 9. Ages 13+. Fee: $82/$84.

Beginning Modern Dance: Teens and Adults: 8-9 p.m. Tuesdays, March 6-April 17. Ages 13+. Fee: $35/$40.

Intro to Ballet: Teen and Adults, 7:45-8:45 p.m. Wednesdays, March 7-April 11. Ages 13+. Fee: $35/$40.

Adult Programs

Knitting & Crochet Club: 12:30-3:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday. New members welcome! Free.

Thursday Night Volleyball: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays, February-May. Ages 18+. Fee: $20/$25. Registration is limited to the first 32 members.

Pilates: 7-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 7-April 3. Ages 16+. Fee: $60/$65 or Daily Fee.

Zumba: 9-10 a.m. Saturdays, Feb. 11-March 31; or 6:15-7:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 28-April 17; or 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 29-April 18. Ages 18+. Fee: $40/$46 each session.

Belly Dancing: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 15-March 21. Ages 15+. Fee: $48/$52.

Rubber Stamp Club: 6:30-8:30 p.m. third Tuesday (Feb. 21). Ages 18+. New members welcome! Free.

Zumba Toning: 5:45-6:45 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 23-April 12. Ages 16+; (under 18 with a parent). Fee: $48/$52.

Fitness Boot Camp: 7-7:45 p.m. Thursdays, March 1-April 19; or 9-9:45 a.m. Saturdays, March 10-April 28. Ages 18+. Fee: $85/$90; Daily Rates available.

All Kinds of Art: Adults/ Seniors: 6:45-7:45 p.m. March 7. Ages 18+. Fee: $35/$40.

1-on-1 Fitness Training: Call for available dates and times. February-May 4. Fee: per session, $85/$90.

Senior Programs

Senior Exercise: 9-10 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. Free to Leyden Township residents.

Fitness Center

Six Month Passes: $45/$65; 1 Year Passes: $80/$120; Daily Passes: $5; Senior Passes: $5/$6 Monthly. You must be 18+ (14+ with a parent, who is also a member) during workout.

Walker, Toddler: (under 6 with adult): and Open Gym Passes. Passes are good for one year from date of purchase. Fee: $15/$40; Daily $5.

Boxing Facility Passes: Passes good until June 30 or Dec. 30. Ages 8+. Call for current prices.

Veterans Park District facilities are: Bataan Park , 1220 N. Ninth Ave., Melrose Park, (708) 681-6363; Bulger Park , 1601 Hirsch St., Melrose Park, (708) 538-0101; Cimbalo Fitness Center , 1203 N. 24th Ave., Melrose Park, (708) 343-5151; Gouin Park , 2400 Scott St., Franklin Park, (847) 451-0399; Grant Park , 44 W. Golfview Drive, Northlake, (708) 343-5270; Kahl Park , 255 Palmer, Northlake; George A. Leoni Community Complex , 800 N. 17th Ave., Melrose Park, (708) 343-5270; Mannheim Park , 2766 Hawthorne Ave., Franklin Park; Trumbull Park , 2311 N. Leyden, River Grove, (708) 453-9860. Registration required for all programs. In-person at Bulger Park, Cimbalo Fitness Center and Grant Park. Call or go online at veteransparkdistrict.org. Fee: In district/Out of district.Teen Programs

Teens on the Town: 6 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 27, Feb. 10 and 24 and March 2 and 16. Each week hit the town with your friends and go to a new place. A list of activities will be mailed to residents. Transport from West Leyden High School, 1000 Wolf Road, Northlake. Pick up is at 6 p.m. at Grant Park. Fee: $28.

Teen Center: (Ages 8-15): 2:45-5:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays at Trumbull Park. Play pool, foosball, ping-pong, watch TV or just hang out with your friends. Free.

Teen Advisory Committee: 5-6 p.m. last Wednesday each month in Trumbull Park. Free pizza and refreshments for all who come to participate. Middle and high school members plan trips and events, make new friends and learn new skills.

REFF

REFF (Recovery Education for Family) offers self-care support groups for family members who care for others. It also offers support groups for individuals who misuse, abuse anything or have addictive behaviors. REFF is 501c3 organization. Facilitator Barbara Titone-DeHart (708) 536-8775; confidential voice mail available; or reffnews4u@gmail.com.

REFF Group Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 7 (first and third Tuesdays) at Our Lady of the Resurrection Hospital, Cafeteria, lower level, 5645 W. Addison Ave., Chicago. Guest speaker David Kelm, certified Laughter Yoga Leaders. Kelm holds monthly Laughter Yoga sessions in Oak Park. He has facilitated sessions for a variety of clubs and organizations. He is also a member of the Chicago Coalition of Chuckles, the local group of Laughter Yoga Leaders. A Laughter Yoga session usually runs about 45 to 75 minutes. Attendees can expect contortion free activity. Loose clothing, no mats. It has been determined 10 minutes of laughter is similar to a 30-minute work out that reduces stress. Open to the community. Bring friends, family. No registration necessary. Parking, elevator and CTA access.

Free Flu Shot Voucher: REFF has been accepted to partner with Walgreens and its ”Free Flu Shot Program.” It has 10 vouchers to assist those who meet the required low income and uninsured criteria and who are in need of receiving a flu shot. The voucher can be used at any Walgreens as well as more than 360 Take Care Clinics. Call the REFF Resource Help Line to request a voucher at (773) 800-1106 or (708) 536-8775. Leave your name and phone number.

Religion Notes

Faith Introduction: Unitarian Universalism, 1-3 p.m. Feb. 5 at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park. This two-hour class is offered once a month and is taught by Unity Temple’s senior minister the Rev. Alan Taylor. Unitarian Universalim’s principles, values, beliefs and practices will be addressed. In addition, learn more about the history of Unitarian Universalism’s faith tradition, the history of the congregation and congregational life today. To register for this free class e-mail tlewis@unitytemple.org.

Zen Life & Meditation Center: New location at 38 Lake St., in Oak Park. The Center helps individuals live a Zen-inspired life of openness, empathy and clarity. A variety of offerings, private counseling, reiki and retreats. New “A Moment of Zen”: 1-3 p.m. Jan. 29. Tour and introduction to the new Zen Life & Meditation Center. Meet the co-founders Robert Althouse and June Tanoue. Free. Also: Intro Primer Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Jan. 31 and 10-11:30 a.m. Feb. 4. This series of four Tuesday night or Saturday morning classes will ground you in the fundamentals of living a Zen-inspired life. Also: Fridays with Roshi: 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 3. Once a month, Zen teacher Robert Joshin Althouse Roshi gathers with friends and students to facilitate a public exploration of how to live a Zen-inspired life. The theme for February is “Connecting with Heart.” Cost: $15; free for members. Also: Day of Mindfulness: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 11. Retreat conducted in silence. Talk, optional private interviews with teacher, work practice, light body work, homemade Zen lunch and a closing council circle. Informal and open retreat for beginners wanting to strengthen their mindfulness practice. Cost: $65; $50 for members. Call (708) 689-1220 or www.zlmc.org.

Reunions

St. John Vianney: Catholic Elementary School in Northlake is turning 60 years old in 2012 and the SJV Alumni Association is planning a huge party on July 21. The Alumni Association is looking for all alumni, teachers and parents from the Class of 1955 through the Class of 2011. If you were a teacher, parent or you graduated from St. John Vianney between 1955 and 2011, contact Mary Rioux-Martorelli, Class of 1970, at pandm214@aol.com or Jeanette Lentini-Foley, Class of 1982, at jeanettefoley@comcast.net for more details visit the reunion website at www.sjvreunion.com. If you do not have access to the Internet feel free to call Mary Rioux-Martorelli at (708) 562-9225.

Seniors

ARCC: (Active Retired Citizens Club) meets noon-2 p.m. twice monthly, the first and third Friday of the month on the Triton College Campus, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. Next meeting Feb. 3. The ARCC is an activity and social club for community residents who are young at heart, and interested in expanding their social and intellectual life through adult education and community programs. Dues are $12 in district and $15 out of district. For more information, call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3603.

Montclare Leyden Seniors: 11 a.m. the first and third Wednesday at Good Shepherd Church, 7116 N. Palmer, Chicago. Next meeting Feb. 1. Coffee and sweet rolls from Reuter’s Bakery served. Everyone 65+ is welcome to join. Need new members. Call Millie (773) 637-0714.

River Grove Senior Citizens: Club 55+: Noon, first and third Monday at the River Grove Community Center, 2621 N. Thatcher Ave. Next meeting Feb. 6. Open only to River Grove residents. Meetings, cards, bingo, lunches and trips. Call Marianne Sammauro (708) 452-8068.

Westdale Senior Club: Looking for new members. Open to any Leyden Township resident (Elmwood Park, Franklin Park, Schiller Park, Rosemont, Melrose Park and Northlake north of North Avenue, and unincorporated Leyden) 55+ to become a member. The club meets noon Wednesdays in Northlake’s Sandra Vasquez Community Center, 316 LaPorte Ave., in Millennium Park. Club members enjoy Bingo and snacks weekly, food events monthly and special events quarterly. (847) 455-7738 or (708) 562-8290.

Trailside

Trailside Museum of Natural History is at 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest (Chicago and Thatcher avenues) and is run by Cook County Forest Preserve District. Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise stated. Call (708) 366-6530. Most programs are free.

Groundhogs and Other Hibernators: 1 p.m. Jan. 29. Local hibernators are beginning to stir. Learn when and where to view these elusive animals and explore their interesting natural history. For adults and children 10 and older.

Nature Story Times: 10:30 a.m. Feb. 2 and Feb. 16. Nature-inspired stories, crafts and activities for ages 3-5 with an adult. Fee: $1 per child.

A Closer Look: 1-3 p.m. Feb. 5. View nature up close using microscopes and hand lenses. Study the amazing, intricate patterns and details of insects, plants and fungi. Family drop-in program.

Darwin Day Celebration: Noon-3 p.m. Feb. 12. It’s Charles Darwin’s Birthday! Celebrate this naturalist’s birthday with Trailside naturalists, and explore adaptations, fitness, selection and survival of species through educational activities and displays. Drop-in program for adults and children.

Morning Fitness Hike: 9 a.m. Feb. 18. Join in a brisk naturalist-led walk on the museum’s scenic trails to see what’s happening in nature this month. Adult program; dress for the weather!

Warm Hearts, Cold Noses Hike: 1 p.m. Feb. 19. Join in a late winter nature walk through beautiful Thatcher Woods. Dress for the weather! Family program.

Trailside Museum: is OPEN Feb. 20, Presidents Day.

Nature Fun: 1-3 p.m. Feb. 20. Drop in for nature-related crafts and educational activities. Family program.

Owl Secrets: 1 p.m. Feb. 26. Children ages 8 and up with an adult are invited to learn amazing facts about owls through touchable owl artifacts and fun activities including dissecting owl pellets. Fee: $1 per child.

Volunteers

Send news of volunteer opportunities for Community Calendars, to oakpark@pioneerlocal.com or call (708) 524-4417.

RSVP: (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program) meets in Room R-221, of the Robert Collins Center on Triton’s main campus, 2000 Fifth Ave., in River Grove. RSVP is a volunteer program for individuals who are 55 and older who want to make a difference in their communities. The program works with area public agencies, nonprofit organizations and proprietary health care agencies as well as community residents. RSVP has many volunteer opportunities, including those with literacy organizations, educational institutions, hospitals, senior centers and faith-based organizations. RSVP is looking for volunteers to serve as exercise and aquatic program leaders, resale shop clerks, economic tax counselors, data entry clerks, mentors, clerical and more. RSVP is part of the Corporation for National and Community Service and is a national program under Senior Corps. Senior Corps engages more than 19,000 Illinois seniors who annually contribute more than 3.7 million hours valued at more than $77.1 million through Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, and RSVP. Call the RSVP office at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3835 or 3603.

West Suburban PADS: Several openings for volunteers in the emergency shelter. Second Shift: 10:30 p.m.-5 a.m., two volunteers or Shelter Relief Staff. Third Shift: 5-7:30 a.m. Site Captain plus five volunteers needed for the following days: the second Monday morning of every month at Euclid United Methodist Church, Oak Park; the third Thursday of every month at Grace Episcopal Church, Oak Park; and the third Friday of every month at First United Methodist Church, Oak Park. Contact Shelter Manager Emily Aker at shelter@westsuburbanpads.org or (708) 338-1724, Ext. 228. Also: Are you interested in a regular, 20-hours-per-week volunteer position answering the telephone at the Administrative Offices in Maywood? Contact Lynda Schueler at lschueler@westsuburbanpads.org or (708) 338-1724, Ext. 223. Also: Spring Cleaning: at the daytime, weekday Support Center in Maywood, 1851 S. 9th Ave. If you are interested and available between 3 and 5 p.m. on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, or between 1 and 5 p.m. on a Wednesday, contact Supportive Services Manager Justin Schloer at jschloer@westsuburbanpads.org or (708) 338-1724, Ext. 235. Also: Sack Lunch Providers needed for March 28. Sack lunches for 54 guests. Drop-off lunches at the shelter between 6:30-9 p.m. that evening, to be served the next morning as guests leave the shelter. Also: Friday Night Drivers Needed: Drivers are needed to take shelter guests from St. Eulalia’s Catholic Church,1851 S. 9th Ave., in Maywood to the shelter site at St. John’s Lutheran, 305 S. Circle Ave, Forest Park. These guests attend job training and a support group until 6:45 p.m. They then need a ride directly to the shelter site. Your total commitment is about 30 minutes each Friday. You may volunteer for as many Friday nights per month as you wish. Visit online at www.westsuburbanpads.org; on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wspads; and on Twitter at WestSubPADS. West Suburban PADS exists to serve individuals who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, with dignity and respect, through shelter, housing, preventive and supportive services.