Community Calendar

Updated: March 29, 2012 3:39PM

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

Breakfast with the Bunny: 9-11 a.m. March 31 at the Elmwood Park Civic Center, 2 Conti Parkway. Sponsored by the Mont Clare Elmwood Park Kiwanis. Candy, face painting, games and pictures with the Bunny $4. Bring nonperishable food items for local pantries.

“Spares & Strikes & Strays: Oh My!” 6:30-9 p.m. March 30 at Brunswick Zone, 3111 River Road, River Grove. Hosted by CatVando, an all-volunteer nonprofit group working with a grant from PetSmart Charities, to Trap, Neuter, Return feral cats. Donation: $20 includes shoe rental, pizza, soda and two hours of bowling, raffles and fun. (708) 829-6013; catvandotnr@yahoo.com; Catvando.org; P.O. Box 851, Maywood, IL 60153.

Donations Needed: for Rhodes Music Parents Association’s fund-raising dinner and student recital, “Viva La Musica!” to be held 6-10 p.m. April 14 at the school, 8931 W. Fullerton Ave., River Grove. Cost: $15 per person. Call Kathy (708) 452-5126.

Historical Society: of Oak Park and River Forest Presents “Rock Around the Clock: A 1950s Sock Hop,” from 7:30-11:30 p.m. March 31 at the Berwyn VFW Post 2378, 1529 S. Harlem Ave. Put on your saddle shoes and bobby socks and hop in your “wheels” for a swell night of dance, drink and food. Cash bar. Nerd or greaser, scream on down. Dance to the music of Extreme Sounds Entertainment. DJ Tony will play your favorite tunes. Dress in your favorite style of the 1950s: Don’t be a square — see you there! Cost: $45 members/$50 nonmembers. Reservations required. Go to www.oprfhistory.org or call (708) 848-6755.

Opportunity Knocks: annual gala benefit, “A Night for Opportunities,” 7-11 p.m. April 14 at Elmcrest Banquets, 7370 W. Grand Ave., Elmwood Park. Food, fun, live entertainment and opportunities to support the Warriors at OK which is based in the River Forest Community Center, 8020 Madison St.; wwwopportunityknocksnow.org.

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. April 12 at Stimac’s Restaurant, 4843 Butterfield Road, Hillside. Entertainment by Jeanne Sherkenback doing Kate Smith. Cost $20. Reservations by April 5. Call Lorie Kallas at (630) 629-1633.

Et Cetera

Chicagoland Chess Tournament: registration 9-9:45 a.m. April 14 at the Concord Place, 401 W. Lake St., Northlake. Free morning coffee and doughnuts and free parking. Open to any chess player more than 40 years old. Entry fee $5, if you pre-register online at www.intecsus.org under Chess Program. On-site entry fee $10. Entry fee paid on-site is cash only. Food/snack/soft drink concession is available. Checkmate Chess Supply will provide books and equipment sale at the tournament side. Call Mikhail Korenman (630) 789-2951; e-mail to intecsus@yahoo.com.

Gathering

“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 register to attend. Go online to www.thebridalexperience.eventbrite.com. Explore options for the wedding with wedding professionals. 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.

Health Notes

Blood Drive: 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. March 27 in Classrooms A and B (lower level) at Vanguard West Suburban Medical Center, 3 Erie Court in Oak Park. You can help save the lives of up to three people by giving blood. Donors must be 17 years of age or older and weigh at least 110 pounds as well as be in good health. Donors should have not given blood in the past eight weeks (56 days). Remember to eat and drink plenty of fluids such as water before giving blood. LifeSource Blood Center will conduct the drive. To schedule your appointment, call LifeSource at 1 (877) LIFESOURCE/1 (877) 543-3768. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended.

Learning

Landscape for Nature Class: (Applied Agricultural Management eligible), 10 a.m.-noon, March 31, Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., at East Avenue, in Oak Park. Join John Rafetto, formerly at Garfield Park Conservatory, for this special design course. Learn to attract wildlife with plants selected for use as food, shelter and water for birds, butterflies and small mammals. Specific plants will be discussed that you can add to your current landscape to attract and support wildlife in your garden. Bring pictures or a plan of your current garden to get targeted suggestions. Fee: $25 resident/$38 nonresident. Register online at www.oakparkparks.com or at the Oak Park Conservatory. Readers can call (708) 386-4700 for more info.

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.

Educational Seminar: 6:30 p.m. April 12, “The Road to Financial Independence,” presented by Financial Advisor Joe Perino of Edward Jones. No charge. If you plan to attend, RSVP to Christine Neubert at (708) 453-8427; www.edwardjones.com.

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.

About Bariatric Surgery: 6 p.m. March 28 and 6:30 p.m. April 17 and 6 p.m. April 25. Bariatric surgeons will discuss the benefits of bariatric surgery for obese individuals and will explain available procedures and eligibility requirements. For these events only, register by calling (847) 742-8446. Free.

Pacemaker/Cardiac Device: Support Group , 2-3 p.m. March 28 and April 25 in the seventh floor Centennial Conference Center C. This free support group provides mutual support and education. Cardiology staff will conduct sessions and answer questions related to pacemakers and internal cardiac defibrillators (ICD). Registration is not required.

Diabetes Support Group: 6:30-8 p.m. April 3 in the seventh floor Centennial Conference Center A. Free sessions tailored for adults who have Type 2 diabetes and focus on the emotional side of diabetes, allowing participants to share coping strategies, feelings and problems in living with diabetes. (773) 794-8329.

Free Foot Screenings: 1-4 p.m. April 11. Offers diabetics, seniors and people with painful foot problems a foot exam by Dr. Eymard Silva, D.P.M., who also will advise on foot treatments. No prescriptions or treatments will be given at the screening. Participants should wear easy to remove shoes and socks.

Healthy Aging Program: 1-2:30 p.m. April 13 in the seventh floor Centennial Conference Center. For individuals aged 55 and older consists of social time, health topics and guest lectures. Rebecca Rufo, R.N., DNSc, will discuss what telemedicine is and how it is used to care for patients. Registration is not required. Free.

Free Cataract and Glaucoma: screenings 9-11:30 a.m. April 16. Ophthalmologist Kathleen Scarpulla, M.D., and staff will perform eye examinations for cataracts and glaucoma. Do not wear contact lenses but do bring eyeglasses with you.

Free Hearing Screenings: 9 a.m.-noon April 17. Audiologists Steven Wolinsky, Au.D., and Marie Vetter, Au.D., will perform this screening in a soundproof booth in the second floor Audiology Department.

Blood Pressure Screenings: 9-10 a.m. April 23 in the hospital’s main lobby. A health care professional will perform screenings and answer questions about blood pressure readings. Registration is not required. Free.

Arthritis Support Group: 1-2:30 p.m. April 26 in the seventh floor Centennial Conference Center. These free sessions aim to provide mutual support and education. Registration is not required.

Free lecture: “Telemedicine – Advancing Health Care for You” 6-7:30 p.m. April 26. Telemedicine is the use of telecommunications and information technologies to provide health care at a distance. This technology helps improve access to medical services and saves lives in critical and emergency situations. Rebecca Ruffo, R.N., DNSc, will discuss how telemedicine is used in health care today. Refreshments served.

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.

Religion Notes

Adult Education Classes: 9:45-10:45 a.m. March 25 at Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 Division, River Forest. Nobel Laureate and founder of Landfills + Inc., Jean Bogner, PhD., discusses “Climate Change.” Also: An analysis of Bach Cantata, “Mass in B Minor” presented by Carl Grapentine, WFMT radio personality. Call (708) 366-6900 or visit graceriverforest.org. Free and open to all.

Ekklesia: a Christian adult education organization, will present “The Art of Caregiving” at 9:15 a.m. March 28 at St. Giles’ McDonough Hall, 1101 N. Columbian Ave., Oak Park. Caregiving for a loved one can be an overwhelming responsibility. Kristen DiDomenic, MA, will discuss how the caregiver can find the strength and support needed to deal with a difficult situation and avoid burnout. The lecture fee is $6. Free coffee for attendees. The hall is wheelchair accessible.

Zen Life & Meditation Center: New location at 38 Lake St., in Oak Park. March 25. Free open house and introduction to the Zen Life & Meditation Center. Meet co-founders Robert Althouse and June Tanoue and key members of the community. To register call (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, (April 6 and April 20) 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. call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3603.

Colon Cancer: Facts & Prevention, Noon-1 p.m. March 28 at Vanguard West Suburban Medical Center, 3 Erie Court, in Oak Park. Senior Center Learning Café presentation. Program is free to all Senior Center members. West Suburban gastroenterologist Dr. Ashish Arora will discuss the facts of colon cancer. He will explain the risk factors and prevention and what you can do to protect yourself from this dangerous disease. Registration is required. Call (866) 938-7256.

Montclare Leyden Seniors: 11 a.m. first and third Wednesday (April 4 and April 18) 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 (April 2 and April 16) at new location, the American Legion Hall, 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.

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.

“Green Fire”: 1 p.m. March 25. Enjoy a presentation of the film “Green Fire,” about the remarkable life and legacy of naturalist/writer Aldo Leopold. The Forest Preserve’s own Mighty Acorns students are featured.

Spring Nature Break: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. March 28. Children w/adult are invited to a fun day of nature walks and activities. Guided hikes at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Nature crafts and outdoor activities are ongoing. Join the fun; it’s free and no registration is needed.

Nature Story Times: 10:30 a.m. March 29. Nature-inspired stories and crafts, ages 3-5 w/adult. Fee: $1 per child.

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