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Updated: March 3, 2012 8:12AM

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

“B-flat Breakfast”: 7:30-11:30 a.m. Feb. 11 at 7970 W. Lake St., (corner of Lake Street and Thatcher Avenue) in River Forest. Have some “B-flat Pancakes” and help benefit the music program at River Forest United Methodist Church. Come enjoy pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee, tea, milk; and there will also be a cookie sale. Adults $6; Kids (5-12) $3; under 5 free. Call (708) 771-3668 or e-mail rfumchurch@sbcglobal.net. Reservations appreciated but not required. For more information, call Fred Lenhoff at (708) 366-6309 or e-mail flenhoff@yahoo.com.

‘Jersey Boys’ Leading Cast Sing: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the East Leyden High School Auditorium, 3400 Rose St., in 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 ‘60s performed by four gentlemen who between them 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., in Franklin Park. To order tickets visit www.rgsedfoundation.com and click on the “Upcoming Events” tab or call Kathie Bruce at (708) 574-1474.

St. Columbkille Alumnae: Association annual reunion luncheon begins with cocktails at noon, lunch at 1 p.m. March 25 at the Fountain Blue, 2300 S. Mannheim Road (at Touhy) in Des Plaines. Cost $35. Proceeds go toward the retirement fund of the Sisters of Providence, St. Mary of the Woods, Indiana. Call President of the St. Columbkille Alumnae Board at (847) 427-1981; Sisters of Providence Allumnae Association, 8001 W. Belmont Ave., River Grove, IL 60171.

St. Luke Dinner Dance: and Auction, Feb. 25 at Oak Park Country Club, 2001 N. Thatcher, River Grove. Celebrating “90 Years and Young at Heart.” This year’s honorees: Pat and Clarke Devereux. Donations for life and silent auctions contact Karen Stelmach (708) 771-7781 or stelmach5@comcast.net or Colleen Weiler (708) 710-8714. Suggestions, boy’s or girl’s bike; restaurant, Omaha Steak or store gift cards; spa packages; bottles of wine or liquor.

Spinal Cord Injury Association: of Illinois, invites you to “Dinner with Friends,” 6 p.m. Feb. 18 at The Lexington House, 7717 W. 95th St., Hickory Hills. Stompi’ good time with music, dancin’, food, games and raffles at the annual benefit. Dress: Casual, jeans or Western wear. Tickets: $40 per person; children 10 and younger $20; ($75 in raffle ticket sales earns a free ticket.) RSVP by Feb. 13 to Mercedes Raue (708) 352-6223.

WSSRA Golf “Par-Tee”: 7-9:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at White Pines Golf Dome, 500 W. Jefferson St. in Bensenville to raise funds for people with disabilities served in WSSRA recreation programs. Enjoy 2 1/2 hours of golf activities. Tickets are $35 each when reserved with a credit card or $40 at the door; 100 tickets will be sold. Guests will have an opportunity to play some virtual golf, hit unlimited balls at an indoor driving range, receive tips from the golf pro, test drive new clubs and enjoy beer, wine and other refreshments. This unique golf event includes putting and driving contests for those interested in a little competition and a raffle of golf-related items. Call WSSRA at (847) 455-2100 to reserve a ticket with a Visa or Mastercard payment. Funds raised will support therapeutic recreation programs for children and adults with disabilities and special education needs who are residents of Berwyn, Cicero, Oak Park, Forest Park, River Forest, Elmwood Park, Harwood Heights, Norridge and The Park District of Franklin Park. Visit www.wssra.net.

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

Chicago St. Patrick’s Day: Parade, Queen Contest Application: Deadline for application Feb. 10. Any girl of Irish ancestry, never married, age 17-27, is eligible. Send a snapshot with name, age, address, phone number and brief biography and why you want to be Queen. Download an application at www.chicagostpatsparade.com; more info at (312) 421-1010 or (312) 942-9188 or e-mail info@chicagostpatsparade.com. Finals will be held Feb. 19. The parade is March 17.

Monster Trucks: 2-6 p.m. Feb. 9 Monster Trucks will be making appearances throughout the northwestern suburbs. “Grinder” will be at Advance Auto Parts, 2901 Mannheim Road in Franklin Park; (847) 451-4087. Also “Avenger” will be at Advance Auto Parts, 1387 Lee St., Unit 400, in Des Plaines; (847) 299-5358.

Gathering

Antique American Glass: and Pottery Show and Sale: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 10; 11 am.-4 p.m. March 11 at the Concord Plaza Midwest Conference Cener, 401 W. Lake St., Northlake. Admission $8. Sponsored by 20 30 40 Glass Society of Illinois. Call Jane Schleinzer (630) 851-4504; e-mail JSANTIQUES@aol.com.

“The Bridal Experience: Classic, Couture, Contemporary,” 11 a.m.-2 p.m. March 25 at The Carleton Hotel of Oak Park, 1110 Pleasant St. Free admission to brides; $10 to other guests. All guests must pre-register to attend. Go online to www.thebridalexperience.eventbrite.com. This event will cater to the chic bride providing her an oppportunity to explore options for the wedding with wedding professionals in the industry. Complimentary champagne and wine, facial options, a chance to win prizes, passed hors d’oeuvres and delectable desserts, all to the live music of the Norhtside Brass’s Jazz Quartet and Jam Music. Bridal Bliss Bags for all brides; free valet parking. Presented by Pamela Hewlett Events, Inc.; pamelahewlettevents@gmail.com; www.pamelahewlettevents.com; (773) 759-8166.

Here’s Help

GPEO: (Growing Place Empowerment Organization) 6-7 p.m. Friendship and support; 7-8 p.m. Program. Fridays at Progress Center for Independent Living, 7521 W. Madison St., Forest Park. Use back door. Front door is locked evenings. Not about mental health illness — about staying well and enjoying life. The GPEO is a community-based, not-for-profit run by persons with a history of mental illness who are now in recovery. They have become empowered to share successful strategies of education, peer support, advocacy and life enhancing experiences with their peers. Must be over 18. GPEO dos not provide or replace professional help. Wheelchair accessible. Personal assistants welcome. Programs vary weekly and are free. However, contributions of $1 per visit are suggested. Volunteers and donations always welcome. (708) 209-1500; e-mail lucys@cyberonic.com.

Joyful Again!: For widowed men and women, anywone who has lost a spouse through death. Workshop/retreat, 8:45 a.m.-7:30 p.m. March 3 and 8:45 a.m.-3:15 p.m. March 4 in St. Charles Borromeo Center, Airport Road and Route 53, Romeoville, Ill. Call (708) 354-7211; e-mail joyfulagain@att.net; www.joyfulagain.org.

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

Elmwood Park Department of Parks : and Recreation, 2 Conti Parkway, Elmwood Park; (708) 452-3935; fax (708) 452-0359; www.elmwoodpark.org.

Tumbling Tots Gymnastics: Session 1, classes five consecutive Thursdays, Feb. 9-March 8. Classes divided by ages.

Tiny Tumblers: Ages 18-36 months, 2:15-2:45 p.m. Fee: $40.

Twister Tots: Ages 3-6 years, 3-3:34 p.m. Fee: $50.

School Age: Beginning Gymnastics: Ages 6-18 years, 4-4:55 p.m. Fee: $60.

Tumbling: Ages 6-18 years, 5-5:55 p.m. Fee: $60.

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.

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.

Seniors

ARCC: (Active Retired Citizens Club) meets noon-2 p.m. twice monthly, the first and third Friday of the month (Feb. 3 and Feb. 17) on the Triton College Campus, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. 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. first and third wednesday at Good Shepherd Church, 7116 N. Palmer, Chicago. 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 (Feb. 6 and Feb. 20) at NEW location, the American Legion, 8564 W. Grand Ave., in River Grove. 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.

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.

Volunteers

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