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Updated: March 10, 2012 8:19AM

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.

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 (March 2). 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.

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

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.

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 .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 ates 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 w/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

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. 21 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.

Religion Notes

Ekklesia: a Christian adult education organization, will present “Being Instruments of Peace: What does that Mean for Us Today?” at 9:15 a.m. Feb. 15 at St. Giles’ McDonough Hall, 1101 N. Columbian Ave., Oak Park. The Rev. Ed Shea, OFM, originally from St. Giles and now at St. Peter’s in Chicago, will discuss what it means for us to be Christians in today’s multi-cultural, multi-religious world. Things have changed quite a bit in the past 50 years: How are we responding to these changes? Come join in this time of prayer and reflection. Be prepared to sing. The lecture fee is $6. Free coffee for attendees. The hall is wheelchair accessible.

St. Giles Parish: invites all to a Lenten Parish Mission, “Walking with Jesus in the Gospel of Mark,” 7 p.m. Feb. 26-28 in St. Giles Church, corner of Greenfield Street and Columbian Avenue, Oak Park. Megan McKenna, well-known author, theologian, storyteller and lecturer, will lead participants through the Sunday Gospels of Lent. Learn what these gospel stories have to say about conversion, morality, economics, service, compassion and living an authentic life today. (708) 383-3430.

Vajrayana Kadampa Buddhist: Center invites you to “Food for Thought - Celebrating Love,” 6:30-9:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at 13 Harrison St., Oak Park.Teaching by Buddhist Monk Gen Kelsang Dorje, with meditation and vegetarian Indian dinner. Come and share Valentine Dinner with those you love. First, enjoy a brief relaxing meditation and practical advice on developing cherishing love in the peaceful environment of our meditation room. Then, proceed to treat yourself to a delicious Indian-inspired meal of grilled vegetables in exotic spices, along with brown rice and jasmine tea, and ending with a refreshing mango sorbet with mint — with a generous order of effervescent conversation on the side. Cost $20. Make reservations in advance by e-mailing info@meditateinchicago.org or calling (708) 763-0132; www.meditateinchicago.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. 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. (708) 689-1220 or www.zlmc.org.

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. 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. Feb. 15 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, 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.

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.

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

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 s late winter nature walk through beautiful Thatcher Woods. Dress for the weather! Family program.

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