Elmwood Park Community Briefs Job opportunity workshop Feb. 11

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Updated: March 10, 2012 8:03AM

The River Grove Public Library along with the Westside Health Authority will be presenting a free job workshop at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at the River Grove Public Library, 8638 W. Grand Ave. Patrons will have the opportunity to meet with a Workforce Investment Act employment counselor and be matched with potential employers or receive free technical training. Bring a copy of your résumé.

A few patrons who attended last month have already been placed.

Sign up is required, however, this program is free of charge. For more information, call the library at (708) 453-4484 or Barbara Titone, WIA Coordinator, at (773) 786-0226 or by e-mail to btitone@healthauthority.org.

Relay for Life set for June 15-16

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Elmwood Park/River Grove held its annual kick-off event on Feb. 6 at the Elmwood Park Library.

Relay For Life is an overnight event where teams of local businesses, schools, churches, community groups and families build awareness and raise funds — prior to and at the event — to fight cancer. While the main objective of Relay For Life is to raise money for cancer research and cancer patients, the event helps spread cancer awareness, celebrate the lives of survivors, remember those who lost their lives to cancer and unite a community in the fight against cancer.

This year’s American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Elmwood Park/River Grove will be held June 15-16 at Elmwood Park High School.

Volunteers are needed to organize and recruit teams, secure community support, coordinate logistics, obtain refreshments and prizes, assist with publicity and plan entertainment activities for this exciting and energizing event.

For more information, contact the American Cancer Society at (708) 484-8542 or visit www.relayforlife.org/elmwoodparkil.

Teams may register on-line anytime.

Perscription
discount card
available

Filling a prescription should not mean emptying your wallet and Elmwood Park residents are able to save more of their money since the village launched a prescription discount card program.

Elmwood Park partnered with Caremark and joined the National League of Cities prescription drug discount card program in order to offer residents more options to pay for their prescription drugs.

“This is a program that has a real tangible impact on our resident’s lives,” said Village President Pete Silvestri. “Everyone has to fill prescriptions and many people fill multiple prescriptions in a month. We looked at the discount card as a way for the Village of Elmwood Park to save our residents money.”

Individuals who use the discount card save an average of 23 percent off the full retail cost of the drug. The card can be used at over 60,000 pharmacies nationwide and there is no limit on the number of prescriptions filled. Anyone in the Village is eligible to use the card for free.

“For residents who may be uninsured or underinsured, this program is a lifesaver,” said Silvestri. The card is easy to use, free for the Village and free for the consumer. There are really no drawbacks. Even individuals with insurance can use the card if a particular drug is not covered by their plan.”

To check for participating pharmacies or print your own Elmwood Park discount card, go to: www.caremark.com/ncl or call 1-888-620-1749.

By Feb. 15: PADS’
Board nominees

Nominations are being accepted for the West Suburban PADS Board of Directors — a diverse group whose passion and advocacy help hundreds of people transition out of — or avoid — homelessness every year.

Board members work collaboratively with staff, partners and supporters on committee and agency-level programming. They participate in PADS’ resource development strategy and fund-raising events and make personally meaningful financial contributions.

This is an exciting and engaging time to be a part of West Suburban PADS’ vision of ending homelessness. If you or someone you know are interested in serving on the Board of Directors for a three-year term, beginning in May of this year, submit a request for application to Bill Clark, Chair, Governance and Nominating Committee at wmc63@comcast.net by Feb. 15.

All nominees are welcome. In addition, PADS’ staff is looking for members who have a background in organizational development, business and human resources and/or candidates who live or work in Maywood, Berwyn or Cicero.

West Suburban PADS 14th annual “Have-a-Heart Gala” will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, at the River Forest Country Club, 15W468 Grand Ave., in Elmhurst.

Visit online at www.westsuburbanpads.org; on Facebook at West Suburban PADS 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.

Tax awareness
forum free Feb. 17

Cook County Commissioner Earlean Collins and colleagues will host a Community Tax Awareness Forum from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 17 at the Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago. Representatives from the State, City and County will be present to discuss how the new taxes, fines and fees affect you.

The forum is free and open to the public. Direct all questions, comments or concerns to Commissioner Collins’ Office at (312) 603-4566 or (773) 626-2184.