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Updated: March 3, 2012 8:20AM

Based upon space availability, The Review prints calendar announcements and items for columns, including campus news, newsmakers and others for local organizations and individuals. The deadline is 14 days before the desired publication date, however there is no guarantee for publication. Send releases and items of local interest to: Skokie Review or Lincolnwood Review, 3701 W. Lake Ave., Glenview IL 60026.

Benefits

Urban Art Party: It’s cool to care will be held from 7 -10 p.m. Feb. 10 at Grossinger City Autoplex, 1530 N. Dayton, Chicago. Tickets cost $50. Shop, eat, drink and dance the night away while supporting programs provided by Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter, Chicago’s largest non-profit provider of hospice, palliative care and grief support services. Sponsored by the Service Board of Midwest CareCenter, Urban Art Party will not be your typical charity event. It’s a party that brings together new art and eclectic works from some of Chicago’s trendiest artisans while supporting this vital, community organization. A percentage of all art sales from the evening will be donated to Midwest CareCenter. To register, call Linda Rockwell at (847) 556-1778 or visit www.carecenter.org/UrbanArtParty.

The Skokie Chamber of Commerce will offer the following events.

Children

Lincolnwood Public Library, 4000 W. Pratt Ave., (847) 677-5277, www.lincolnwoodlibrary.org.

Beginning with Books will be held Wednesdays, through Feb. 29. Stories, songs and activities geared for very young children and their caregivers. Participants are invited to stay for Playtime program following. Registration required. Contact the Youth Services Department at (847) 677-5277, Ext. 234 or youthservices@lincolnwoodlibrary.org. Call for time.

Kid Flicks are shown Mondays at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 6 “Kung Fu Panda 2.”

Cliffhangers takes place at 3 p.m. Feb. 8. Come listen to stories read aloud, enjoy book-based activities and have a snack.

Chess takes place from 3-4 p.m. Sundays through March 4. If you like logical puzzles, neat patterns, and playing games against your friends, you might like to learn chess taught by community member Larry Rabyne. First- through sixth-grades. Registration required. Contact the Youth Services Department at (847) 677-5277, Ext. 234 or youthservices@lincolnwoodlibrary.org.

Afterschool Café will be held from 2:30-3:15 p.m. Feb. 6. Lincolnwood School students can relax and buy a snack before tackling homework on early release Mondays.

Fun-tivities will be held at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 15. Afterschool fun. Includes various games designed for third- through fifth-graders.

K-2 Time will take place at 2:15 p.m. Feb. 13. For students in kindergarten through second grade. Special stories and activities. Registration required. Contact the Youth Services Department at (847) 677-5277, Ext. 234 or youthservices@lincolnwoodlibrary.org.

Acting Class meets from 2-3 p.m. Mondays. Theater games, improv, bit parts, and more for third- through fifth grades. Directed by Debbi Brodsky. Registration required. Contact the Youth Services Department at (847) 677-5277, Ext. 234 or youthservices@lincolnwoodlibrary.org.

Knitting for All Ages meets from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Fridays. Adults and children, ages 10 and up, can learn to knit or work on a project.

Playtime will be held Wednesdays, through Feb. 29. A relaxed play experience that helps young children develop social skills. Toys and kosher snacks are provided. Call for time.

Stories and More will be held Tuesdays through Feb. 28. This fun, interactive storytime is tailored for children ages 3-5 and emphasizes letters, numbers, shapes, colors and other concepts. Through a combination of picture books, online stories, magnetic board stories, songs, fingerplays, and crafts, each session provides a language-rich experience. Registration required. Contact the Youth Services Department at (847) 677-5277 Ext. 234 or youthservices@lincolnwoodlibrary.org. Call for time.

Thursday Club meets from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Thursdays. Exclusively for sixth- through eighth-grade students. Games and group activities.

Video Production meets from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Sixth- through eighth-grade students can shoot and edit video footage of creative book talks and library events. 

A Socialization Group for Children meets on Mondays from 3:30-5 p.m. This 10-week group is for children ages 3-5 who have challenges with social interactions. It will be held at Virginia Frank Child Development Center, 3033 Touhy Ave., Chicago. $350 series fee. Contact Joni Crounse, LCSW, or Kathy Ham, LCSW. Call (773) 761-4550 or visit www.jcfs.org.

Socialization Group for Children meets Tuesdays from 3:30-5 p.m. at Virginia Frank Child Development Center, 3033 Touhy Ave., Chicago. This 10-week group is for children ages 3-5 who have challenges with social interactions. $350 series fee. Contact Maggie Faulkenberry, LCSW, or Mollie Reed, LCSW, 773-761-4550, www.jcfs.org.

The Old Town School of Folk Music will hold sessions of its Wiggleworms Class at Northshore School of the Arts, 319 Park Ave., Glencoe and St. Matthew’s Church, 2120 Lincoln St., Evanston. For schedule information or to schedule a free trial class visit oldtownschool.org or call (773) 728-6000.

Club Maccabee is a free children’s club for students in kindergarten- through fifth-grade that combines fun and games with Hebrew, Jewish education and Scripture study. Call (847) 674-9146. Club Maccabee is sponsored by Devar Emet Messianic Synagogue.

Temple Judea Mizpah, 8610 Niles Center Road, Skokie, offers preschool and kindergarten to children of nonmembers. Space is limited. Call Cantor Richard Bessman, (847) 676-1566.

Civic

The Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) has recently updated its web-based reference to include an expanded General Resources Section and other areas of sustainability such as: Appliances and Electronics; Energy Conservation; Home Reuse, Deconstruction and Salvage; Indoor Air Quality; Natural Lawn Care; Travel and Transportation and Water Conservation. Be an educated “greener” consumer and check out swancc.org.

A representative from the Niles Township Clerk’s office is available 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and evenings by appointment, and on second and fourth Mondays of each month to accommodate residents with passport applications, voter registrations and temporary handicapped parking placards. For an appointment at Niles Township in Skokie, call (847) 673-9300.

The Village of Lincolnwood now has a presence on the two most popular social media pages, Facebook and Twitter. Facebook “fans” and Twitter “followers” can now receive information such as press releases, breaking news, special event information, agendas for meetings, videos, and photos. Links to the social media pages can be found on the Village’s homepage at www.lincolnwoodil.org or directly on Facebook by searching “Village of Lincolnwood” or Twitter “LincolnwoodlL.” The Village encourages all residents, business owners, and friends of the community to “follow us” on Facebook and Twitter. The Village’s website and newsletter remain the primary information sources for news for the Village. For more information, contact Douglas Petroshius, assistant village administrator at dpetroshius@lwd.org or (847) 745-4711.

The Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) recently established a Battery Recycling Program for rechargeable and alkaline batteries. The Agency has partnered with Interstate Batteries in Skokie to provide the recycling at no cost to SWANCC communities, as a corporate product stewardship initiative. Common household batteries are no longer accepted at Illinois EPA-sponsored household chemical waste events and facilities due to their benign nature and high recycling costs. Rechargeable batteries contain heavy metals which pose a threat to our environment, and have a marketable recyclability. Batteries Accepted in SWANCC’s Program includes: Alkaline: AA, AAA, C, D and 9V; and Rechargeables: NiCd, NiMh, lithium ion, lithium polymer. Before dropping off rechargeable batteries, residents need to tape the contact points on each battery or place in an individual self-locking plastic baggie to avoid sparks. For more information about Interstate Batteries, visit interstatebatteries.com. Drop-off details are posted at swancc.org.

The Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County has established a location for residents to drop off electronics on a weekly basis at no cost at the Glenview Transfer Station, 1151 N. River Road, 9-11:30 a.m. Saturdays; and Winnetka Public Works, 1390 Willow Road, 10 a.m. - noon Tuesdays and 1-3 p.m. Thursdays. Under the new Electronics Products Recycling and Reuse Act (SB2313), only the following items will be accepted: Computers - PCs and laptops, scanners, computer monitors, mobile phones, peripherals -mice, keyboards, zip drives, MP3 players, televisions, PDAs, printers, VHS players, fax machines, DVD players, video game consoles, and DVR/cable boxes. Electronics from businesses, institutions or schools will not be accepted. Visit swancc.org.

The Centre East Metropolitan Exposition, Auditorium and Office Building Authority meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the North Shore Center for the Performance Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie.

Classes

The Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, offers a variety of classes for the adults in the horticulture, garden design, nature studies and botanical arts by Garden staff and other experts. For information or to register, visit www.chicagobotanic.org/school or call (847) 835-8261. Lincolnwood Public Library, 4000 W. Pratt Ave., (847) 677-5277, www.lincolnwoodlibrary.org, offers:

English as a Second Language Class meets from 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through May 28. Free weekly class for adults who want to learn to speak English. Sponsored by Oakton Community College. Call (847) 635-1426.

Literacy Class meets from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays, through May 26. Free weekly class for adults who want to improve reading and writing skills. Sponsored by Oakton Community College. Call (847) 635-1426.

Become a pilates club member at the Niles Family Fitness Center, at 987 Civic Center Drive, Niles. Purchase two mat pilates classes and receive a Pilates membership card. The card gives you the ability to join all the Mat Pilates classes whenever you wish. Call (847) 588-8400 or visit www.nilesfitness.com for the schedule of classes.

Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy Inc., is now offering “Introduction to Animal Assisted Therapy,” dog training classes at various locations, including 6042 W. Oakton St., in Morton Grove. The fee is $60. Contact Dorida King at dhking4@yahoo.com or call (773) 736-9021 for schedules and locations. Knitting for Adults is offered 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Lincolnwood Library, 4000 W. Pratt Ave. Adults can learn to knit or work on knitting projects. All skill levels welcome.

The Chinese Cultural Education Association has room for additional students in its Parent & Tot program for 3-year-olds. Basic, day-to-day Chinese (Mandarin) language phrases, along with Asian culture, games, songs and dances are taught to parents and children in a stress-free environment. Classes are from 10:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays at the St. Lambert Education Center, 8141 N. Kedvale Ave., Skokie. Call (847) 674-0348, or e-mail tsaifenlin@comcast.net.

World Politics is a red-hot topic. Join expert Lester Mehlman as he discusses what is happening in the world at 1 p.m. Wednesdays, at Temple Judea Mizpah, 8610 Niles Center Road, Skokie. Bring your opinions to these lively group sessions. Call (847) 676-1566.

Adult Hebrew classes are offered Sunday mornings at Temple Judea Mizpah, 8610 Niles Center Road, Skokie. Enrollment is limited for the hour-long class. Call (847) 676-1566, for details.

Clubs

The Henrietta Szold Group of Hadassah North Shore Chapter will hold a Pajama Party Game Night at 7 p.m. Feb. 13 at a member’s home. Wear your favorite pajamas, bring your game (no maj) and friends for an evening of fun for $5. Pita Inn catering humus, falafel etc. will be served. Contact the Hadassah North Shore office at (847) 205-1900, e-mail: northshore@hadassah.org or visit www.northshore.hadassah.org.

The Glencoe/Northbrook/Winnetka Group of Hadassah North Shore Chapter will meet for a “Movie Date” at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 16 at the Hadassah office, 3000 Dundee #313 in Northbrook. Dessert and coffee will be served. A discussion about the “The Jewish Community in Cuba” will follow. This afternoon will cost $5, with proceeds going toward Hadassah Projects. Contact the Hadassah North Shore office at (847) 205-1900, e-mail: northshore@hadassah.org or visit www.northshore.hadassah.org.

The Aviva/Lilah Group of Hadassah North Shore Chapter will host a meeting on the “Paper Clips” project at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15. Students in a remote Tennessee town took on a project to help understand the history of the Holocaust. This gathering will be at the Hadassah office, 3000 Dundee #313 in Northbrook at 7:30 pm. Dessert will be served. Contact the Hadassah North Shore office at (847) 205-1900, e-mail: northshore@hadassah.org or visit www.northshore.hadassah.org.

The Northbrook Woman’s Club Foundation is now accepting applications from organizations that wish to be considered for grants from the club’s philanthropy funds. Applications are available by calling Mary Wagley at (847)480-8832 or by writing to the Northbrook Woman’s Club Foundation, Inc, P.O. Box 132 Northbrook, IL 60065-0132. Completed applications must be postmarked by Feb. 14.

Northern Illinois Stereo Camera Club meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at Morton Grove Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. The group is devoted to preserving and promoting all aspects of three-dimensional art and photography. Meetings free and open to public. Beginners welcome. Call T.J. Adamczyk (773) 631-7068 or e-mail: Mike Cosentino at mikecoz@mc.net. Also visit http://site.google.com/site/northillinoisstereocameraclub.

The Chicago Rocks & Minerals Society meets monthly on the second Saturday of each month (except July and August) at 7:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 8013 Laramie Ave., Skokie. Visitors are always welcome. The objectives of the society are to study, disseminate, and promote interest in the earth sciences emphasizing the various aspects of geology, paleontology, paleobotany, mineralogy, and the lapidary arts, as well as to collect minerals, fossil specimens, and cutting material. Call Jeanine N. Mielecki at (773) 774-2054 or e-mail JayNine9@aol.com. Visit www.chicagorocks.org.

The Rotary Club of Skokie Valley meets from 12:15-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays at McCormick & Schmick’s restaurant at 4999 Old Orchard Shopping Center, North Ring Road, Skokie. Lunch is $14, for members and $15 for visitors and guests. Call (847) 763-9811.

A New Personal Growth Book Club meets from 9:30-11 a.m. on the second Friday of each month at the Levy Senior Center, 800 Dodge Ave., in Evanston. The book club is free and open to individuals ages 55 and older. It is facilitated by a licensed, clinical social worker who specializes in positive psychology. Call (847) 448-8250.

The following clubs meet at the Lincolnwood Public Library, 4000 W. Pratt Ave.; (847) 677-5277; www.lincolnwoodlibrary.org. The Friends of Lincolnwood Library meets 7:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month, except December.

Knitting for Adults meets 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Adults can learn to knit or work on knitting projects. All skill levels welcome.

The Adult Stamp Club meets 7 p.m. the third Thursday of the month.

The Mac Users Club meets 7-9 p.m. the second Thursday of each month.

Humanities Treasures meets 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays.

The Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois, North Shore Practice Group, meets the last Wednesday of each month from noon-1:30 p.m. at Ruby Tuesday Restaurant, Old Orchard Road, Skokie. Group is comprised of attorneys, financial and mental health professionals, committed to helping people through divorce without litigation. Contact Sara Stolberg: sarastolberg@gmail.com or (847) 325-5554. Also visit www.collablawil.org.

The Kiwanis Club of Skokie Valley meets at noon Thursdays at North Shore Holiday Inn, 5300 Touhy Ave., Skokie. Call Lisa, (847) 329-0400, or e-mail lkudon@firstbt.com.

Skokie Photographic Society meets 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month on the lower level of Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St., Skokie. Photographers at all levels welcome. Call (847) 677-8324.

Skokie Lions Club meets 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday at North Shore Holiday Inn, 5300 Touhy Ave., Skokie. Call Lion Walt Holden, (847) 679-7457.

Niles Township Toastmasters meets 7:15-8:45 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave. Come and hone your speaking skills, learn to speak extemporaneously or tell a joke. Call (847) 583-9328.

Chicago Photographic Collectors Society meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month, except in July, November and December, at the Ridgeview Grill, 827 Ridge Road, Wilmette. Visit www.chicagophotographic.org.

The Couples Social and Dance Club meets 7:30 p.m. the third Saturday of each month on the lower level of the Leaning Tower YMCA, 6300 Touhy Ave., Niles. The evening features live band music. Call Marilyn Katz, (847) 299-5827.

National Scrabble Association Club 340 meets 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Thursdays at Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St., Skokie, and 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sundays at the Macy’s food court (third floor), 2171 Northbrook Court Mall, Northbrook. The fee is $2 for the day; admission is free to newcomers. Call Robert, (847) 945-7150, or Elizabeth, (847) 433-8591.

Community

Keep your brain sharp and forestall cognitive decline. CogFit-Quest, Ltd., 8707 Skokie Blvd. Suite 214, offers a six-week group brain training course from 7-9 p.m. beginning Feb. 2. Cost is $200. To sign up call (847) 674-8060 or visit www.cogfitquest.com.

Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago will host the following free program at 10:30 a.m. at 7574 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie. Coffee Hour after talks. All are welcome. Childcare is available. Call (847) 677-3334 or visit www.ethical human.org.

David Sutton continues the World of Work series on Feb. 5. His topic is “My Job as a Pet Photographer.” Sutton will describe his intriguing work as a nationally known photographer of pets and how his success has helped him to develop his self-confidence and open up his life.

Melissa Perrin, a licensed clinical psychologist, speaks on Feb. 12. Her topic is “Sociopaths. Narcissists, and Human Nature.” Perrin will discuss how to recognize when a psychological tendency in a person has become a trait or a disorder. She will tell how we can protect ourselves from pathological behavior and how our responses can help to effect a positive outcome.

Tracy Baim, co-founder and publisher of Windy City Times, speaks Feb. 19. Her topic is “Windy City Times: Impact on Chicago and Its LGBT Community.” Baim will discuss how LGBT media has been a powerful force in culture, sports, and business, and how it has been an active political participant in the wider community, especially in response to the issues of AIDS and civil rights.

Ryan Freeman, local balloon, juggling, and yo-yo artist, presents an entertaining inter-generational program, “RC Juggles: A Morning of Magic and Wizardry,” on Feb. 26.

The next two monthly meetings of 2012 of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois (JGSI) will be devoted to family history research methods. Experienced genealogists will share tips for discovering relatives and answer questions from about successful research techniques. Programs take place at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster St., Skokie.

A panel of Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois family history research experts will participate in an “Ask the Experts” program at 2 p.m. Feb. 26.

Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois vice president-publicity Martin Fischer will present a genealogical research case study titled “The Most Famous Man in America You Never Heard Of” at 2 p.m. March 25. Fischer will explain how he used online and microfilm resources for information about a relative whose name appeared in American newspapers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A search for “Chicago’s fairest Colleen” to represent the Chicago Irish community as the Queen of the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is under way. The Queen and her court of four will be expected to attend civic, neighborhood, parish, and Irish events. Any girl of Irish ancestry, never married, between 17-27 years old, is eligible to enter the contest. Entrants should send a snapshot with name, age, address, phone number and a brief biography and explanation on why you want to be Queen. To download an application, visit web site www.chicagostpatsparade.com. Contest finals will be held Feb. 19 in the Stephen M. Bailey Auditorium, 1340 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago. Deadline for entries is Feb. 10. The parade will be held in Downtown Chicago on March 17.

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie, (847) 967-4800, www.ilholocaustmuseum.org, offers the following:

A Special Exhibition: Ours To Fight For: American Jews in the Second World War opens from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 19. The display explores and celebrates the achievements of Jewish men and women who were part of the American war effort on and off the battlefield. Through their artifacts, letters, and photographs, the “Greatest Generation” tells the stories of what the war was like for all its participants, and for Jews in particular. Ours To Fight For brings to life the actions and feelings of these courageous young men and women.

Curator Talk with Lou Levine runs concurrently from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Feb. 19. Free with museum admission. Reservations required; (847) 967-4889.

Film and Discussion: “The World was Ours” will be presented from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Feb. 12. This documentary celebrates Jewish life in Vilna prior to World War II. Vilna, often referred to as “The Jerusalem of Lithuania,” was one of Eastern European Jewry’s greatest cultural centers. A questions and answers segment with filmmaker and native of Vilna Mira Jedwabnik Van Doren follows the screening. Free with Museum admission. Reservations required; (847) 967-4889. For information on hours and admission prices, call (847) 967-4800 or visit www.ilholocaustmuseum.org.

Professionals in Learning Disabilities and Special Education welcomes Paula Filler, a professional consultant, to present “The Strategic Instruction Model” at 7:15 p.m. Feb. 7 at McCracken Middle School, 8000 East Prairie Road, Skokie. Filler will be introducing and discussing various approaches using strategic instruction with the emphasis on literary skills. Parents and professionals are welcome. Call Anne Wold (847) 948-9447. In case of inclement weather, call (847) 604-0574, for cancellation announcements.

The Sidney and Frances Avner Torah Learning Center of Northbrook welcomes former FBI Agent Phil Oretsky, who will be speaking about “The Israeli Nuclear Program: A Secret Under a Thin Veil” at 5 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Torah Learning Center of Northbrook’s new home: 2548 Jasper Court, Northbrook (The corner of Willow and Landwehr; in the Northbrook Community Synagogue Building). Oretsky, worked on counter-terrorism matters for the FBI among other assignments at the Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Alaska, Atlanta and Miami FBI offices. He currently teaches International Terrorism and Homeland Security classes at Chicago area community colleges. Cost is $10 in advance or $15, at the door. Go to torahlearningcenter.com or call (847) 272-7255, to purchase tickets or for information.

The Polish National Alliance and Polish fraternals are joining in the support of the “Cell Phone For Soldiers” program by having drop off boxes at their locations. Support these brave men and women by donating your unused cell phones. The donated phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each donated phone, enough to provide an hour of talk time to soldiers abroad with prepaid calling cards. Local residents can support the collection drive by donating their phones at the following locations: Polish National Alliance, 6100 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago, (800) 621-3723; Polish Roman Catholic Union, 984 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, (800) 772-8632; Polish Women’s Alliance, 6643 N. Northwest Highway, Chicago, (888) 522-1898; The Polish Daily News, 5711 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago (773) 763-3343; WPNA 1490 AM Radio, 408 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park (708) 524-9742; and PNA Bank, 7840 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, (847) 966-7900. Donations will be accepted through March 1, during regular office hours. For more information about the Cell Phones for Soldiers program, visit their website at www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com or visit www.pna-znp.org or call (773) 286-0500, Ext. 316 or 373.

The Village of Skokie is collecting non-perishable food to benefit the Niles Township Food Pantry. A large food collection box is located at the main entrance of Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St. Consider donating non-perishable goods while purchasing a vehicle sticker, dropping of a permit application or doing other business at Village Hall. Acceptable items include: boxed cereals, canned vegetables and fruits; canned stews, soups, pork & beans; canned meats (tuna, chicken, etc.; boxed juices and milk; pasta, rice; peanut butter and jelly (plastic jars only); pudding cups, fruit cups, fruit bars, raisins; and crackers. No glass jars/bottles or perishable foods. Village Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call the Human Services Division at (847) 933-8208.

The 50-50 Rule, a new local program, offers strategies for overcoming sibling differences to help families provide the best care for elderly parents. At the core of the 50-50 Rule public education program is a family relationship and communication guide of real-life situations that features practical advice from sibling relationships experts. Research conducted for the Home Instead Senior Care network reveals that an inability to work together often leads to one sibling becoming responsible for the bulk of care giving in 43 percent of families. And that can result in the deterioration of relationships with brothers and sisters. For information about a free guide and other resources call (847) 673-1250 or visit www.solvingfamilyconflict.com.

CJE’s Consumer Assistance staff can answer questions about Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, including the shrinking “donut hole” and other changes in Part D coverage for 2011 and beyond. Representatives can explain the differences between Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans and how to choose a plan that best suits one’s individual needs. If you or your loved ones have questions regarding healthcare reform and how it affects you, call CJE’s Consumer Assistance at (773) 508-1000, for a free consultation. Russian-speaking staff is also available.

SASI, a nonprofit organization, recently announced its new name-- Services for Adults Staying in Their Homes (SASI), to better reflect the agency’s mission to help adults who, due to aging, illness or injury, need assistance in the home. It was formerly called Senior Action Service Inc. Based in Evanston at 1123 Emerson St., SASI serves several other communities, including Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Northfield, Glencoe, Skokie, Morton Grove, Lincolnwood, Deerfield, Des Plaines and Chicago. Call (847) 864-7274 or visit www.SASIathome.org.

For information about a free meeting space for groups or committees, call Lindsey at the Lincolnwood Place Retirement community, (847) 673-7166.

The Village of Skokie’s Human Services Division hosts a drop-in class for anyone who wishes to become a U.S. citizen. The class meets 1-3:30 p.m. Thursdays at 5120 Galitz St., Skokie. The tutorial reviews citizenship test questions, prints testing applications and submits completed applications to the federal government. Call (847) 933-8208.

The Smith Activities Center, 5120 Galitz St., Skokie, offers the following programs. Call (847) 933-8208 if registration is required.

Bright Ideas ESL Class meets 9:15-11:15 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Registration required.

Chess is played from noon-4:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays.

Socialization and Needlework takes place 10:30 a.m.-noon every Tuesday.

News and Views Discussion is set at 10 a.m. every Friday.

A Simple Will/Durable Power of Attorney/Living Will program for low-income seniors who meet requirements is offered. A fee is charged by the attorney. Call (847) 933-8208 for program details and registration information. Woodcarving meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. with instructor Irv Marion. Fee required.

Fund-raiser

The Niles North Athletic Booster Club will hold its 8th annual February Frenzy fund raising dinner and Silent Auction from 6:30 -11 p.m. Feb. 11 at Maggiano’s Little Italy at Old Orchard Shopping Center in Skokie. This year’s theme is “Loving Our Stars” with music provided by Checkerboard Entertainment.  Adults, 21 and over are welcome. The cost is $40, for a family-style dinner. The motto is “24 Teams, 1 Night, 1 Goal”!! To be part of the Niles North Athletic Booster Club or for information about the dinner, call Peggy at (847) 626-2301.

Government

A representative from the Niles Township Clerk’s office will be available weekdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and evenings by appointment on the second and fourth Mondays of each month to accommodate your schedule to assist with passport applications, voter registration and temporary handicapped parking placards. For an appointment at Niles Township in Skokie, call (847) 673-9300.

Skokie Public Board generally meets at 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month in the board room at the library, 5215 Oakton St., Skokie. Agendas may be obtained before the meeting by calling the administrative office, (847) 324-3128.

Health

Immunization Clinics will be offered from 9 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. The clinic fee is $5 per person and participants must register in advance.

Pediatric developmental screenings are offered at no cost. LYNX Therapeutics, 9436 Ozark Ave., Morton Grove, provides specialized occupational therapy services and learning instruction programs to children with physical, social, emotional and learning difficulties. Contact Ingrid Kenron at (847) 791-1631 or (847) 966-1505.

The village of Skokie Health Department offers microwave-oven testing to measure for possible radiation leaks. Testing is recommended for older microwave models. Microwaves that have damaged doors or seals may leak harmful radiation. There is no charge, but an appointment is required. Skokie residents should call the Environmental Health Division, (847) 933-8484.

An Arthritis Foundation education-and-support group meets 2-3:30 p.m. the first Friday of the month in Room 105 of the Weber Center, 9300 Weber Park Place, Skokie. This group will be facilitated by a clinical social worker and a foundation-certified group leader. Call (847) 674-1500, Ext. 2600.

JCFS

Getting What You Want Out of Life: A Group for Adults with Disabilities will meet from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. Tuesdays, through March 27 at Jewish Child & Family Services, 5150 Golf Road, Skokie. Adults with disabilities will learn and practice the skills needed to discover and understand personal strengths, build relationships, set goals and make choices in all areas of life. Fee is $250 for a 12-week series. Contact Emily Tegenkamp at (773) 467-3741, EmilyTegenkamp@jcfs.org or www.jcfs.org.

Community Education for People with Disabilities, their Families and Professionals. Jewish Child & Family Services offers free monthly/bimonthly community education on a variety of topics related to disability at 5150 Golf Road, Skokie location. CEUs and CPDUs are available for all presentations. Visit www.jcfs.org. Contact Emily Tegenkamp, (773) 467-3741, www.jcfs.org.

Jewish Child & Family Services will hold a social group for adults with disabilities. Adults In Transition will meet from 5:45-7 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Goldie Bachmann Luftig Building, 5150 Golf Road, Skokie. Social support group for adults with disabilities who are in their 20s to mid-50s. Social support, conversation, and a safe environment to explore issues. Cost is $7 per session. Contact Sheri Fox, LCSW, (847) 412-4356. Visit www.jcfs.org.

Finding Resources in the Community Chest will be offered from 6–7:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month at JCFS, 3525 Peterson, Chicago. There are services in the community for people needing food, financial help, employment assistance and resources. This group will help identify options and create a plan of action to rebuild. Contact Lawrence Sodeinde, (773) 516-5526, LEN@jcfs.org. or www.jcfs.org.

Library

Lincolnwood Public Library, 4000 W. Pratt Ave., (847) 677-5277 www.lincolnwoodlibrary.org.

Cinematic Classics shown Thursdays at 1 p.m. Feb. 2: “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?”; Feb. 9: “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”

Friday Films shown weekly at 1 p.m. Feb. 3: “Kill the Irishman”; Feb. 10: “The Trip.”

Morning Matinees. Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 2: “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”; Feb. 9: “The Debt.”

Adult Book Discussion takes place at 11 a.m. Feb. 13. The book discussion features Three Junes by Julia Glass.

Constituent Advocate will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 2. Kris Sadur, from Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s office, will be available to answer questions about visas, immigration, social security, veteran benefits and more. No appointment necessary.

Lenny Marsh Trio: Live @ Lincolnwood at  2 p.m. Feb. 19. A piano, bass, and drum trio performs favorites from Elvis, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis and more. Free tickets available at the library’s Circulation desk, three weeks prior to event to Lincolnwood residents and one week prior to nonresidents.

Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., will host a Job Seeker Workshop from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Feb. 23. All-day workshops are provided by employment coaches from Illinois WorkNet. Bring your own lunch; coffee and water will be provided. Topics include expert guidance on writing résumés and cover letters that get results; job search techniques to find jobs in today’s market; and guidance and direction needed for interview preparation. Review the common questions and learn effective ways to answer them. Mock interviews will be conducted to practice new-found skills and reinforce others. For more information about Illinois WorkNet, call (847) 864-3530 or go to www.worknetncc.com.

Lorraine Heinichen Memorial Book Review will be held at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 3. Denise Philpot is the reviewer, title to be announced. Check with the library.

Litlounge, a book group co-sponsored by the Morton Grove Public Library and the Skokie Public Library, meets in the Irish pub, The Curragh, at 8266 Lincoln Ave., in Skokie. Join them for a discussion at 7 p.m., Feb. 21 on the book, “Love Is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at Time” by Rob Sheffield. Using the songs on his favorite mix tapes, Rolling Stone editor Rob Sheffield tells how he was brought together with his wife through their shared love of music. From Elvis to Missy Elliott, the Rolling Stones to Yo La Tengo, the songs on these tapes make up the soundtrack to their lives in this moving memoir of love, loss, and music.

Parenting

Parenting a Child with Special Needs? Join other parents and consult with professionals on specific parenting issues for children with special needs. Single seminars and ongoing sessions offered at Jewish Child & Family Services, 255 Revere Drive, Northbrook. Call for more information and start dates. Groups are ongoing and run year-round. For dates, times and fees, contact Meredith White, (847) 412-4336, www.jcfs.org.

Group Firefly, for children ages 10-14 diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder or Autism meet Tuesdays, from 5–6 p.m. at Jewish Child & Family Services, 255 Revere Drive, Northbrook. Group focuses on teaching and building social skills and encouraging prosocial engagement with peers. Three series, 10 weeks each. $250 per series fee. For dates and times, contact Rachel Riley, PsyD, (847) 412-4355, www.jcfs.org.

Get Together for Parents and Children: Ages 4 and Under meets Tuesdays, 10- 11:30 a.m. at Virginia Frank Child Development Center, 3033 Touhy, Chicago. The group offers an opportunity for parents to meet other parents with young children; get away from feeling ‘cooped up’ and ‘isolated’; share experiences, ideas, and concerns with other parents and staff whose skills are in family and child development; discuss developmental issues and watch them unfold as children play. $15 per session per family. Contact Joanne Kestnbaum, LCSW, at (773) 761-4550. JoanneKestnbaum@jcfs.org. www.jcfs.org.

Parks

Adopt-A-Park has been established so that neighborhood groups or other organizations can work in conjunction with the Lincolnwood Parks & Recreation Department in maintaining and improving the community’s parks. Through fund-raising, volunteer clean-up and program/activities are held in the park. Adopting groups will be able to have a part in addressing the needs of their adopted park. School classes can use their adopted park as an outdoor classroom to learn ecology and give students the opportunity to have a deeper role in the Lincolnwood community. When a group decides to Adopt-A-Park, the Lincolnwood Parks & Recreation Department will work closely with the group’s Adopt-A-Park volunteers to plan events, clean-ups and other activities. Adopting organizations will be recognized with a sign placed at “their” park. If your group is interested in adopting a park, contact the Lincolnwood Parks & Recreation Department at (847) 677-9740 to discuss possible park locations. A meeting will be arranged to discuss the program as well as ideas a group might have for an adopted park.

The Lincolnwood Community Center, 6900 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincolnwood, is available for rent to businesses, individuals and families of Lincolnwood as well as those living nearby. Rent the center for various functions including birthday parties, bat/bar mitzvah parties, family reunions/celebrations, annual holiday parties, wedding engagements, retirement parties, classroom enrichment programs and more. Amenities includes round or rectangular tables, banquet chairs, kitchen, TV, podium with microphone, coffeepot, and tablecloths. To tour building, inquire about availability, or a renter information packet, call (847) 677-9740.

Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation offers individuals with physical and mental challenges, behavior and learning disorders, hearing and visual impairments and emotional disabilities the opportunity to enjoy a variety of recreation activities. To receive a seasonal brochure or to offer support for individuals with special needs by volunteering, call (847) 966-5522.

Religion

Cantor Benjamin Warschawsky, a tenor and opera singer, will lead the Shabbat services at 8 p.m. Feb. 10 and 9:30 a.m. Feb. 11 at Ezra Habonim-Niles Township Jewish Congregation, 4500 W. Dempster-Skokie. Enjoy the voice of Cantor Warschawsky. Free. Call (847) 675-4141.

Taste of Judaism! Enjoy three free weekly classes on the modern Jewish take on spirituality, values, and community. Classes are dynamic and interactive; teachers are accessible, fun, and can answer any questions. The course is for people seeking to learn more about Judaism who are not currently affiliated with a congregation. All are welcome, Jewish or not. To register, contact Felicia Ross at fross@urj.org or (847) 239-6988. To register online, go to www.curiousaboutjudaism.org/il.

Movie Night will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 8201 N. Karlov Ave., Skokie, at 7:15 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. Join them for a feature film, popcorn and discussion. Call (847) 966-8445.

Jerusalem Lutheran School, 6218 Capulina Ave., in Morton Grove, holds Sunday services at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Adult Bible study, children’s Sunday school and C4L (Christians for Life) teen group meet at 9:15 a.m. Two other Bible classes are offered on Wednesdays. Call Pastor Prange at (847) 965-7340 or visit www.jerusalemlutheran.org.

Temple Judea Mizpah, 8610 Niles Center Road will offer its K’tonim Pre-School Program of Judaic Arts and Play, for children ages 2 and older. Children will enjoy Judaic arts and crafts, stories, games, singing, and snacks with their parents and/or grandparents. Siblings are welcome. Children under 2 are free. 2011-12 classes will be held two Sundays per month from 9:45 - 11:15 a.m. Schedule to be determined. Tuition per semester will be $60 and $75, respectively, for members enrolling one or two children; and $85 and $100, respectively, for non-members enrolling one or two children. Call the temple office at (847) 676-1566.

Reunions

Navy and Marine Corps shipmates who served on the USS Columbus CA-74/CG-12 from 1944 through 1976 and the USS Columbus (SSN-762) past and present, if you would like to share memories and camaraderie with old friends and make new ones, contact Allen R. Hope, president, 3828 Hobson Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46815-4505. Call (260) 486-2221 from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. eastern time, fax: 260-492-9771 or e-mail: Hope4391@ frontier.corn.

Seniors

A weekly senior drop-in group meets from 10:30 a.m.-noon Wednesdays at 5150 Golf Road, Skokie. Participants discuss politics, current events, health, relationships and more. The fee is $7 per session. Contact Sandy Posner at (847) 745-5448 or SandyPosner@jcfs.org, www.jcfs.org.

Bright Ideas ESL is held from 9:15 – 11:15 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays at the Smith Activities Center, 5120 Galitz Street, Skokie. The Ongoing English as a Second Language class is for Russian-speaking refugees 60 and older. Interactive, fun, conversational. Beginners are welcome. Class is based on Bright Ideas ESL Curriculum, developed by the Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly (CLESE), specifically for the older learner. No fee. Contact Barbara Urbanska-Yeager, (773) 866-5035. www.jcfs.org.

CJE SeniorLife offers support groups on a wide variety of topics of interest to seniors and their families. Fees vary according to program and individual circumstances and some groups may be partially covered by Medicare and supplemental insurance. To join a group, call CJE SeniorLife at (773) 508-1000.

Linkages Tu B’Shevat Social Event takes place from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 7 at JCFS Knapp Center, 3145 W. Pratt Blvd., Chicago. Registration required. Call (773) 508-1694.

Tu B’Shevat Sedar takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at Bernard Horwich Building, 3003 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago. Beautiful participatory celebration with prayers, stories, songs and fruits of Israel. Cost is $3 for adults; children free. RSVP to (773) 508-1000.

Winter Session I will feature a Total Memory Workout from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays Feb. 14 - March 20 at Bernard Horwich Building, 3003 W. Touhy, Chicago. The six-week memory enhancement program costs $50 per person. Registration required. RSVP to (773) 508-1169.

Scrabble Club is for word lovers and game players of all levels. Learn the classic game of Scrabble or get tips to sharpen your skills, with instructor and tournament director Joe Cortese. Meets at 11 a.m. Wednesdays at Bernard Horwich Building, 3003 W. Touhy Ave. Chicago. Free. Monthly meeting dates: Feb. 8, 15, 22 and 29 Call (773) 508-1000.

Holocaust Survivors — Coffee and Conversation meets every Monday and Thursday throughout the month. Group meets from 1-2:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27 at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. Free. Call (847) 568-5100 to register. Also held from 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 at JCFS Joy F. Knapp Center, 3145 W. Pratt Blvd., Chicago. Free. Call (847) 568-5100.

Living Life Through Loss, a drop-in bereavement support group, meets every Wednesday from 1-2:30 p.m. at CJE SeniorLife, 3003 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago. Any adult over the age of 60 who has lost a loved one in the past three years is encouraged to attend. Monthly meeting dates: Feb. 8, 15, 22 and 29. There is a $5 fee for each session. Call (773) 508-1129.

Making Connections: Seniors with Adult Children with Disabilities meets from 11 a.m. to noon on the first and third Tuesday of every month. The program offers families an opportunity to connect, share experiences and learn about benefits and community resources. Those interested in attending must register in advance by calling (773) 508-1694. Bernard Horwich Building, 3003 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago. Monthly meeting dates: Feb. 7 and 21.

A support group for family caregivers whose loved one has been diagnosed with an atypical dementia (Frontotemporal Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Primary Progressive Aphasia) will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month at Weinberg Community for Senior Living, 1551 Lake-Cook Road, Deerfield. Drop-ins are welcome. On-site respite care available during the support group; pre-registration is only required if bringing a loved one to respite care. Call Sara Sanderman at (847) 236-7863.Meeting date: Feb. 15.

Caregiving for Loved Ones with Dementia is a support group for individuals who are involved in the care of a loved one with dementia. Meets first and third Wednesday of each month 11 a.m. to noon at CJE’s Adult Day Services, 1015 W. Howard St., Evanston. RSVP to Amy Zann, LCSW, (773) 508-1690. Meeting date: Feb. 15.

Community Senior Adults is open to new members. Lunch, socialize and entertainment are offered on a weekly basis. Purchase Kosher lunches at affordable prices. Meets 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every Tuesday at Lieberman Center for Health and Rehabilitation, 9700 Gross Point Road, Skokie. Call Esther Craven at (773) 508-1047. Meeting dates: Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28.

Super Seniors, a Jewish senior group for those 60 or older meets from 3-4:30 p.m. on first and third Sundays at the North Shore University Health System Skokie Hospital, 9600 Gross Point Road, Skokie. Topics include current events, books, jokes and Israel. Call (847) 583-9328.

Super Seniors, a Jewish senior group for those 60 or older meets from 3-4:30 p.m. on first and third Sundays at the North Shore University Health System Skokie Hospital, 9600 Gross Point Road, Skokie. Topics include current events, books, jokes and Israel. Call (847) 583-9328.

Lincolnwood Mayor Jerry Turry’s Rescue Rangers is a program for senior residents or anyone with disabilities who lack the resources, and are unable, to complete daily living tasks, such as shoveling snow, walking a pet or placing garbage toters. Local teens assist senior’s Office. Call (847) 745-4717.

Join the Lincolnwood Social Club (55+) Individuals do not have to be a resident of Lincolnwood to join. The group visits exciting places every week in addition to the numerous special events held at the Community Center.

Lincolnwood Social Club 55+ in the Lincolnwood Community Center, 6900 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincolnwood, features a Weights & Movement exercise class from 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost is $2 for members per class; $3, guests. Call the Parks & Recreation Office at (847) 677-9740 for registration.

Super Seniors, a Jewish Seniors group for those over 60 meets from 3-4:30 p.m. on first and third Sundays at the North Shore University Health System Skokie Hospital, 9600 Gross Point Road, Skokie. Topics include current events, books, jokes and Israel. Call Phyllis (847) 583-9328.

Lincolnwood Place Retirement Community, 7000 N. McCormick Blvd. RSVP to Lindsey, (847) 673-7166, Ext. 4204, hosts the following events: An Tai Chi class with Francesca at 10 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday in Auditorium II; Gitta’s Yiddish Music Discussion Group meets at 1:30 p.m. Fridays in the Card Room; A free stretch-and-tone class take place at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, with a free strength-training class follows at 11 a.m. (847) 673-7166; A free low-impact fitness class is held at 10 a.m. Fridays.

A low-vision support group meets 1:30 -3 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Smith Activities Center, 5120 Galitz St., Skokie. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Call (847) 933-8208.

A hearing-loss support group meets 1:30-3 p.m. the second Thursday of every month at the Smith Activities Center, 5120 Galitz St., Skokie. Call (847) 933-8208.

The Silver Singers perform at 1:30 p.m. the last Monday of each month at the Smith Activities Center, 5120 Galitz St., Skokie. Call (847) 933-8208.

The Skokie Park District seniors enjoy movies at 1 p.m. every other Wednesday at the Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St., Skokie. There is no fee for the movie. Call (847) 933-4969.

The Skokie Park District’s Gratitude Club meets the first Tuesday of each month to discuss a variety of topics, including self-improvement and self-awareness. Fee is $3 for Skokie residents; $5, nonresidents. For reservations, call (847) 933-4969.

Seniors and make new ones at a weekly discussion group, meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Weber Center, 9300 Weber Park Place, Skokie. Free. Call Marvin, (847) 674-9656, Monty, (847) 674-4441, or Irving, (847) 967-7979.

Support

NorthShore Hospice sponsors the following Grief Support Groups: Soul Mates, an ongoing support group for those who have experienced the death of a spouse or life partner. Group meets on second and fourth Tuesday of the month 6:30-8 p.m. at NorthShore Hospice office, 4901 Searle Parkway, Skokie. Legacy, an ongoing support group for adults who have experienced the death of a parent. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month 6:30-8 p.m. at NorthShore Hospice office, 4901 Searle Parkway, Skokie. Handicap accessible and parking available. Pre-register with Thom Dennis, (847) 982-4364 or e-mail him at Tdennis@northshore.org.

Crossroads is a free, ongoing group for adults whose spouse died one year ago or more. Focus of the group is to provide an environment for socialization with other people who have experienced a similar loss. Activities and topics discussed will be generated by the group. The group meets 1-2:30 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the NorthShore University HealthSystem Home & Hospice Services office, 4901 Searle Parkway, Skokie. Registration is required; call Thom Dennis, (847) 982-4364.

Coffee and Conversation for Holocaust Survivors is from 1-2:30 p.m. Mondays at the Holocaust Memorial Foundation, 4709 Golf Road, Skokie. Participants discuss challenges of aging, politics and current events, news from Israel and family celebrations. Free. Call (847) 568-5200.

Compulsive Eaters Anonymous meetings are as follows: 7-8 p.m. Mondays in Room 259 of the Lieberman Center, 9700 Gross Point Road, Skokie, call Charlene, (847) 679-2505; 7-8 p.m. Tuesdays at Rush North Shore Medical Center’s administrative center, 2 S. 9600 Gross Point Road, Skokie. Call Cherri, (847) 933-9501; 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Rush North Shore Medical Center’s administrative center, 2 S. 9600 Gross Point Road, Skokie. Call Linda, (773) 387-4247; and 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Sundays at Rush North Shore Medical Center (Sharfstein East), 9600 Gross Point Road, Skokie. Call Charlene, (847) 679-2505.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Cook County North Suburban will hold meetings from 9-10:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of every month at Evanston Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave., Room 1700, Evanston. Parking is free. Call (847) 716-2252.

The Bethany Terrace will host its monthly Alzheimer’s Association affiliated Dementia Support Group meets from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on the third Fridays of every month at 8425 Waukegan Road, in Morton Grove. Light refreshments will be served. Support Groups are an excellent way for family members to share their experiences meeting the challenges and rewards of living with a family member who has dementia/ Alzheimer’s and to learn about the disease. All members of the community are welcome to attend. Call (847) 965-8100.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Cook County North Suburban, invites the public to attend its “Family Support Group” for families of adults coping with a mental illness. Program is free and meets from 7-8:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month, at the Nesset Center, 1775 Ballard, north of Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. Free parking. Call (847) 716-2252.

Weight No More, a friendly weight loss support group, is welcoming new members. Meetings take place from 9:15-10:15 a.m. Fridays at the Howard Leisure Center, 6676 Howard St. Niles, elevator accessible. Weigh in: 9:15-9:30 a.m. Discussions include weight loss tips, recipes, and helpful ideas to help participants reach their goals. Fees are $5 monthly to defray the room rental costs and small fines for weight gain. Call (847) 679-4229.

Families Anonymous is a support group for family members and friends who are concerned about and affected by the substance abuse or behavioral problems of a loved one. Group 831 meets at 10 a.m. every Friday at Carter Westminster Church, 4950 W. Pratt Ave., Skokie, in the basement; enter from parking lot in the rear. Group 173 meets at 7:30 p.m. every Monday (except holidays) at First United Methodist Church, 418 W. Touhy Ave., Park Ridge, in Parlor Room, south center portion of main level. Use the entrance at the rear (Grant Place) across from the parking lot. No dues or fees are required. First names only are used at meetings to preserve individual anonymity. This is a non-professional and non-religious program. Visitors are always welcome. For more information and a list of other local meeting locations call Families Anonymous at (773) 777-4442 or visit www.familiesanonymous.org.

Tops Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), an international weight-loss network of support groups, holds a local meeting weekly on Mondays beginning at 5 p.m. at the Niles Park District Center, 6676 West Howard St., Niles, on the lower level. The building is handicap accessible. TOPS has helped individuals live healthier lives since 1948 with a combination of sensible eating, regular exercise, and ongoing support to help members achieve and maintain their weight-loss goals. Women, men, teens and preteens committed to attaining and maintaining a healthy weight are all invited to join. Visitors are welcome to visit their first TOPS meeting free of charge. Call (847) 966-4871; to find another local chapter, visit www.tops.org or call (800) 932-8677.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Cook County North Suburban invites the public to attend its “Family Support Group” for families of individuals with a mental illness. The program is free and meets from 7-8:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month, at the Nesset Center, 1775 Ballard Road, Park Ridge, north of Lutheran General Hospital. Free parking. Call (847) 716-2252.

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance-Greater Chicago has free support groups for people with mood disorders and support groups for their families. Meetings take place from 6:30-8 p.m. on the first Monday of every month at the Evanston Hospital, 2650 Ridge, Evanston, in Rooms G952 and 954. Call Elaine at (847) 674-6376.

Overeaters Anonymous, an organization for people with eating disorders (compulsive overeating, anorexia, bulimia, etc.) meets every Sunday at 9 a.m. at the Lieberman Health Center, 9700 Gross Point Road, in Skokie. Overeaters Anonymous is a 12-step program based on the principles of Alcoholic Anonymous. There are no dues or fees to pay and the only requirement for participation is a “desire to stop eating compulsively.” Call Hasha at (847) 507-9118.

The Les Turner ALS Foundation Support Group meets from 7-8:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster St., Skokie. For directions, call (847) 675-0951. Those attending are asked to notify Claire Owen, director of patient services, (847) 679-3311 or cowen@lesturnerals.org.

FOCUS is a support group for visually impaired, working-age adults. The group meets 7-8:30 p.m. one evening per month. Participants have stimulating discussions, share ideas, and plan and participate in social activities. For meeting information and location, call Juanita, (847) 933-8208.

Rush North Shore Medical Center, in collaboration with the Cancer Wellness Center, hosts a cancer support group at 11 a.m. the third Thursday of the month at 9701 N. Knox Ave., Skokie. People diagnosed with cancer and their family members are invited to share information and receive support. Call (847) 509-9595.

Crossroads is a free, ongoing group for adults whose spouse died one year ago or more. Focus of the group is to provide an environment for socialization with other people who have experienced a similar loss. Activities and topics discussed will be generated by the group. The group meets 1-2:30 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the NorthShore University HealthSystem Home & Hospice Services office, 4901 Searle Parkway, Skokie. Registration is required; call Thom Dennis, (847) 982-4364.

The Treatment and Research Advancements Association for Personality Disorders holds a monthly support group for people suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder. The group meets 6:30-8:45 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Rush North Shore Medical Center, 9600 Gross Point Road, Skokie. Space is limited. For reservations, e-mail rh5mail-tara@yahoo.com. To learn more about The Treatment and Research Advancements Association for Personality Disorders, go to TARA4bpd.org.

A weekly senior drop-in group meets from 10:30 a.m.-noon Wednesdays at 5150 Golf Road, Skokie. Participants discuss politics, current events, health, relationships and more. The fee is $7 per session. Call (847) 468-5105.

Starting Over: Adjusting to Life in the United States meets from 9:30-11 a.m. Mondays at 5150 Golf Road, Skokie. The free program is for Russian-speaking immigrants age 55 and older from the former Soviet Union. Call Sheri, (847) 568-5200, or Lina, (773) 866-5035.

Coffee and Conversation for Holocaust Survivors is from 1-2:30 p.m. Mondays at the Holocaust Memorial Foundation, 4709 Golf Road, Skokie. Participants discuss challenges of aging, politics and current events, news from Israel and family celebrations. Free. Call (847) 568-5200.

Compulsive Eaters Anonymous meetings are as follows: 7-8 p.m. Mondays in Room 259 of the Lieberman Center, 9700 Gross Point Road, Skokie, call Charlene, (847) 679-2505; 7-8 p.m. Tuesdays at Rush North Shore Medical Center’s administrative center, 2 S. 9600 Gross Point Road, Skokie. Call Cherri, (847) 933-9501; 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Rush North Shore Medical Center’s administrative center, 2 S. 9600 Gross Point Road, Skokie. Call Linda, (773) 387-4247; and 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Sundays at Rush North Shore Medical Center (Sharfstein East), 9600 Gross Point Road, Skokie. Call Charlene, (847) 679-2505.

La Leche League of Evanston and Wilmette welcomes all mothers and babies to meetings offering breastfeeding information and support. Meetings are twice a month at 9:30 a.m. the first Wednesday at Skokie Valley Baptist Church, 1050 Skokie Blvd., Wilmette, and at 7 p.m. the second Thursday at St. Francis Hospital, 355 Ridge Ave., Evanston. Call Elaine, (773) 545-2673, or Claudia, (847) 251-6407.

Turning Point’s outpatient group program offers groups for children and adults with chronic mental illness. Members receive support, education and therapy both from other group members and a certified staff member. Groups may be used as an alternative to individual psychotherapy, or as an additional opportunity for personal growth, learning coping skills or recovering from mental illness. Groups offered include: Bipolar disorder, substance-abuse recovery, anger management, support for those with a mentally ill family member and social-skills building for children. More groups added in the future. Groups meet in 10-week sessions. Fee is $16 per session. Call Julie (847) 933-0051, Ext. 438.

Teens

Teenagers ages 13-16 are invited to attend free information nights to learn about the summer 2012 JCC Maccabi Games in Houston, Memphis, and Rockland County, NY this upcoming August. The program provides athletic, social and cultural experiences to Jewish teens, ages 13-16.

Tryouts for the 2012 JCC Maccabi Chicago teams will take place through Feb. 14. Full details are available at www.gomaccabi.org or by calling Rachel Thompson at (847) 763-3571.

Volunteers

Looking for Court Watchers at the Skokie Courthouse for Domestic Violence. Domestic violence affects up to 50 percent of all families in the U.S. Being a Court Watcher is easy, convenient and rewarding. If you can be a volunteer for this very important program, contact Joanne Liberman at (847) 412-1577 or e-mail Joanne at NonnyL@aol.com.

CJE SeniorLife is in need of more volunteers for its Home Delivered Meals program in the north side of Chicago, Evanston, Skokie, and Morton Grove areas. Hot and cold meals are delivered weekdays from 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Volunteers work in teams of two, where one person drives his/her car with the other person delivering the meals to the client’s door. Volunteers can choose one or two weekdays on a regular basis to deliver meals or assist as their schedule permits. For more information on becoming a Home Delivered Meals volunteer, call Anne Schuman at (773) 508-1064.

The Interfaith Housing Center of the Northern Suburbs is seeking volunteers of all races, national origins, ages and physical abilities to assist in collecting data about their home-seeking experiences. Experience is not required, training will be provided. A small stipend and expenses will be paid. Call Viki at (847) 501-2029, Ext. 408, or e-mail viki@interfaithhousingcenter.org.

Lincolnwood Place Retirement Community, 7000 N. McCormick Blvd., Lincolnwood, is seeking volunteers over age 16 to assist with resident programs. If interested, call Brad Howell at (847) 673-7166.

CJE SeniorLife is in need of more volunteers for its home-delivered meals program in the Evanston, Skokie and Morton Grove areas. Hot and cold meals are delivered between 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. weekdays. Volunteers work in teams of two; one person drives and the other delivers the meals to the client’s door. Volunteers may choose on what basis to deliver meals or assist one or two weekdays regularly as their schedules permit. Call Cookie, (773) 508-1014.

Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Hospice’s volunteer program offers opportunities to work with patients and families dealing with a terminal illness. Daytime hospice volunteers are needed to provide companionship and emotional support to patients and relief for their caregivers, provide transportation, run errands and perform light household tasks. An eight-week training course is 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesdays at 4901 Searle Parkway, Skokie. To register, call (847) 982-4365.

Rush North Shore Medical Center seeks hospital volunteers for day, evening and weekend positions including: emergency-room liaison, patient visitor, transporting patients, delivering flowers and greeting guests. Volunteers work four-hour shifts during the day and three-hour shifts in the evening. To obtain a volunteer application form, call (847) 933-6540, or visit www.rnsmc.org.

The Home Delivered Meals Program for the village of Skokie seeks drivers to deliver meals to Skokie’s homebound seniors. If you can spare an hour per week from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., call Terri Williams, (847) 933-8208.