Muscle Fitness Advice

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Oak Leaves and Forest Leaves welcome items for the Community Calendar, as well as items for Business Briefs, Campus News, Community Briefs, School Digest and Newsmakers. Items must be received minimum of 10 days prior to publication; earlier is better. E-mail oakpark@pioneerlocal.com; fax (708) 383-3678; or mail to Pioneer Press, 1010 W. Lake St., Oak Park, IL 60301.

Boys & Girls Club of West Cook County is holding its annual benefit dinner dance “Hooray for Hollywood” March 13 at Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace. for details call (708) 547-6960 or visit www.bgcwestcook.org. You can reserve your ticket now.

Children’s Memorial Guild: 11 a.m. March 6 at the Oak Park Country Club, 2001 N. Thatcher Ave., River Grove, invites you to attend “Supreme Cuisine” showcasing samples from: Barclay’s American Grille (Carleton Hotel), Oak Park; Briejo Restaurant, Oak Park; Cucina Paradiso, Oak Park; Gaetano’s Restaurant, Forest Park; Inari Sushi, Elmwood Park; Klay Oven West, Oak Park; La Bella Pasteria, Oak Park; Marion Stree Cheese Market, Oak Park Trattoria 225, Oak Park; Twisted Lizard, Chicago. these restaurants have donated gift certificates that will be available for sale at the event. Art Norman from NBC 5 will be the emcee. Cash bar. Complimentary wine with lunch. all proceeds benefit Children’s Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Patient Fund.

Friday Night Fish Fry: 5-7 p.m. every Friday through March 26 at St. John’s Vianney Village, 46 N. Wolf Road, Northlake. Enjoy a fish dinner: two pieces of battered fish, buttered potatoes, cole slaw, bread and butter, beverage and dessert. Adults $6; children 12 and under $3. An extra piece of fish is $1. Proceeds sponsor the Knights of Columbus Council Number 8070 charitable works. Call Jim Zimmermann (708) 562-5383.

Lupus Foundation of America, Illinois Chapter: 4-7 p.m. March 6, Fine Art and Cultural Soiree, a benefit, at Seahourse Palace at Woodland, 88 Brinker Road, Barrington Hills. Tickets: $75 per person include hors d’oeuvres, wine, champagne and beer and live music. Raffle tickets $50 each. Attire: Elegantly casual. Call Sonya Loynachan (312) 542-0002; Sonya@lupusil.org.

Rainbow Raffle: Drawing will take place March 26. Rainbow Hospice will sell 500 “Win With Rainbow” raffle tickets at $100 each. Only 500 tickets will be sold for a share of $15,000* in prize money; 500 tickets available, six chances to win. first Prize – $10,000; second through fifth Prizes – $1,250; 30 percent of the proceeds go to the prize pool and the other 70 percent will benefit the patients and families served by Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care. Tickets can be purchased online www.RainbowHospice.org or by calling the Win With Rainbow Hotline at (847) 292-2353. *If all 500 tickets are not sold, the prize pool will be adjusted accordingly. Winners are responsible for all applicable taxes. Winners need not be present and will be notified by noon, March 30. Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care, 444 N. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068; (847) 685-9900.

St. Patrick’s Day Party Fundraiser: 6:30-9:30 p.m. March 11 at FitzGerald’s, 6615 Roosevelt Road in Berwyn (Roosevelt just west of East Avenue). Catholic Charities West Regional Advisory Board seeks “Pot of Gold” to benefit the Transitional Housing Program for West Region homeless families making permanent housing and self-sufficiency a reality. Tickets are $45 per person in advance ($50 at the door) and include: Hearty Irish fare; imported and domestic beer, wine and pop; great entertainment by the McNulty dancers, the Shannon Rovers and the Chancey Brothers; a silent auction and a raffle with prizes sponsored by local retailers and restaurants. To order tickets, call Dalia Bagdonas Rocotello, West Regional Representative, at (708) 329-4022 or go on line at www.catholiccharities.net/stpats.

Seguin Services: Auto Center and Marketplace, Ogden and Central avenues in Cicero, accepts auto donations. (708) 652-3057; www.seguin.org.

AT&T Telecom Pioneers - Forest Life Member Club: 11:30 a.m. cocktails, 12:30 p.m. lunch, March 11 at Bohemian Crystal, 639 Blackhawk Lane, Westmont. Entertainment provided by singer Greta Pope. Cost $20. for reservations call Mary Amato (708) 383-4273 or Lorie Kallas (630) 629-1633.

BizNet: 7:30 a.m. Thursdays, Harrison Street Cafe, 7300 Harrison St., Forest Park. Professional business networking organization; purpose is to exchange business referrals. Complimentary breakfast meeting. Tom Burke (708) 445-4700; www.oakparkbiznet.org.

BoardGamers United: Looking for a few good men/women in the O’Hare Airport area interested in playing board games (such as Risk, acquire, Settlers of Catan, Vikings, Monopoly, etc.) on a regular weekly or bi-weekly schedule. If interested call: Kurt (847) 455-3818 or e-mail kugelberg@sbcglobal.net.

Kinderwerkstatt: 6-8 p.m. Thursdays, various Oak Park locations. Group for German-speaking parents (mother, father, both) and their children. Monthly calendar at people.ce.mediaone.net/kinderwerk/index.html; Ilona (708) 383-3320.

Kiwanis Club of Oak Park-River Forest: Noon, March 11 in Koehneke Community Center, Rugland Room of Concordia University, 7400 Augusta, River Forest. Jim Eggert (708) 366-8500.

Molly Malone Book Club: 7-9 p.m. March 16 in the Snug at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub, 7652 W. Madison, Forest Park. Meets monthly. Call for book title (708) 366-8073.

Newcomers Club of Oak Park and River Forest: for newcomers and longtime residents. Weekly playgroups and monthly social, philanthropic, family activities. Julie Kantor (708) 434-5446 or Lisa Rapoport (708) 386-4633. www.oprfnewcomers.com.

OPCTJ (Oak Park Community for Truth and Justice): 7:15 p.m. March 11 at the main Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., second floor. everyone is welcome. Contact@opctj.org.; www.opctj.org or call (708) 524-1230.

Oak Park French Club: 7:15 p.m. Tuesdays at good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 611 Randolph St., Oak Park. French language and culture lovers share conversation and fun. Improve your French language skills. Membership $100 twice a year; oakparkfrenchclub@gmail.com.

Oak Park-Forest Park Chapter of LeTip International 7 a.m. Wednesdays at Holley Court Terrace, 1111 Ontario St., Oak Park. Give and receive qualified business tips or leads. Jim Svehla (773) 276-9900.

Oak Park Partners: 7:15-8:45 a.m. Tuesdays at TGIFridays, 401 N. Harlem Ave., Oak Park. Chapter of Business Networking International. Guests welcome. Call Chapter President Marcy Gorrell (708) 822-6750; www.oakpark1.com.

Oak Park Photo Club: 7-9 p.m. March 8 at main Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St. all skill levels welcome. (708) 697-6915.

Oak Park & River Forest Garden Club: 11 a.m. May 5 annual Spring Luncheon at the Oak Park Country Club, 2001 N. Thatcher Ave., River Grove. Artisan hats crafted and worn by members. Professional designer floral demonstration plus lovely centerpieces and lots of raffle baskets all designed and executed by members.

Oak Park SnB Knitting Club: 6-8 p.m. Mondays on the second floor of Buzz Cafe, 905 S. Lombard, Oak Park. SnB stands for Stitch and Bitch. It was taken from the book Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver and started as a knitting group in Chicago, there are spin-offs all over the world now active for many years. all fiber artists welcome. no fee, just drop in for conversation and knitting. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/snb-oakpark/.

Oak Park Toastmasters Club: 7 p.m. March 18 in Maze Branch Library, 834 Gunderson, Oak Park. for improving public-speaking abilities. Deborah Preiser (708) 697-6915.

Optimist Club of Oak Park: Noon, March 16 in Holley Court Terrace, 1111 Ontario St., Oak Park. Ken Radnitzer, treasurer, (708) 848-5804. Club’s sole focus is area youth.

Rotary Club of Oak Park-River Forest: 12:10 p.m. Wednesdays for lunch, Holley Court Terrace Dining Room, 13th floor, 1111 Ontario St., Oak Park. (708) 383-1111.Call Ruth McLaren (708) 660-7002 or visit www.oprfrotary.org.

Saturday Sunrise Toastmasters Club: 8-10 a.m. March 13 in Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St., Oak Park. Improve public-speaking abilities. Ed Miranda (630) 309-2233.

SCBWI (The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) Oak Park/Near West Suburbs: 6-8 p.m. March 11 at Dole Branch Library, 255 Augusta Blvd., in Oak Park. Back by popular demand — “Writing/Illustrating Extravaganza” — an eclectic mix of exercises to get your creative juices flowing. The SCBWI is a group of people interested in writing and illustrating children’s books. Many are members of SCBWI, but it is not required to attend the meetings. Author talks, creative writing and illustrating evenings, workshops, critique nights, special topic discussions, etc. Come see for yourself. March 11: “Pacing in Picture Books.” Participants should bring a favorite picture book (not story book) to share and to examine for structure and pacing in both text and pictures. Sallie Wolf salwolf@comcast.net; www.scbwi-illinois.org/Networks.html#OakPark; Dole Library (708) 386-9032.

Village Referrals: 7-8:30 a.m. Thursdays at Eastgate Cafe, 102 W. Harrison St., Oak Park. This Oak Park Chapter of Business Networking International meets for breakfast. Call President Suzanne Steger (708) 524-9340 or rksteger@earthlink.net.

West Lake Shore Unit, Illinois Retired Teachers Association: 10 a.m. March 11, membership meeting at Plymouth place, 315 N. LaGrange Road in LaGrange Park. Issues to be discussed include legislative updates and reports from WLSU board members. also, Gary Divito from AMBA will provide information concerning new member benefits. Program speaker will be Nancy Goodman, author of It Was Food vs. Me … And I Won. The public is invited. Free. Bill Karlblom (630) 232-1616.

West Suburban Artists Guild: 7:30 p.m. half-hour social time; 8 p.m. programs begin the third Friday in Building J (next to the Cernan Space Center Building) on the campus of Triton College, 2000 fifth Ave., River Grove. these programs are open to the public at no charge except for materials participants may wish to purchase at a take-and-make event. March 19: at 7 p.m., 2010 High School Art Scholarships. Program by Mona Parry, “Painting Table Runners.” everyone will take home their own table runner made using the traditional floor cloth techniques. Fee: $5 WSAG members; $8 nonmembers. April 16: Program pending. May 15-16: WSAG will participate in “Art in the Park” at Austin Gardens, Oak Park. Booth $100 plus $5 jury fee. Marge Zwadlo, third vice president, Exhibits and Publicity (708) 209-1093; www.westsuburbanartistsguild.org.

Animal Care League: 1013 Garfield, Oak Park, low-cost spay/neuter clinic. because of grants ACL has received it will be able to offer even lower cost (free, in many cases) spay/neuter surgeries to low-income clients. (708) 848-8155.

Donate Leftover Garage Sale items: After a garage sale you may wonder what to do with all the remaining items. A donation to one of the following charities is a good way to dispose of them: Salvation Army (708) 848-1181; Purple Hearts (708) 396-8995; or AmVets (708) 388-7800. all you need to do is contact the agency, put your items in boxes or big bags and they will come to your home to get them.

Electronics Recycling: 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at Northlake Public Works, 100 W. Palmer. Items accepted: Computer equipment, printers, telephones, answering machines, cell phones, fax machines, TVs, VCRs, stereo equipment, software, disks, CDs and tapes. Items not accepted: Refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, washing machines, air conditioners, microwaves and oversized copiers. there is a small fee of $5 for each television and monitor collected. Call (708) 562-0966.

Heartland Blood Centers: Needs O-negative and B-negative blood. Donors can schedule a time to give by calling 1(800) 7 TO GIVE; www.heartlandbc.org for listings of blood drives in the community and listings of Heartland’s 16 center locations. To be a blood donor, individuals must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with written parental permission); weigh at least 110 pounds; be symptom free of cold, flu and allergies; and be in general good health. Donors who have traveled outside the United States within the past 12 months should contact Heartland at 1 (800) 786-4483 to determine eligibility.

Mrs. America Pageant: The search is on for the new mrs. Oak Park. Once selected, the community representative will then advance on to compete in the mrs. Illinois Pageant to be held on July 24 at the Bolingbrook Performing Arts Auditorium. City and county titleholders will compete to win more than $15,000 in prizes. Interested applicants must live or work in the Illinois area, must be married during the time of competition, a resident of the state for at least six months, a U.S. citizen and be at least 18 years old. there is no age limit or performing talent. in its 34th year, the mrs. America Pageant is dedicated to recognizing the person who contributes so much to modern family life … America’s married women. while beauty and physical fitness are key elements in the competition, mrs. Oak Park contestants are also urged to voice their opinions on marriage, community and important issues of the day. It is also the only pageant system for married women that advances on to the internationally-televised, mrs. World Pageant. Interested applicants are invited to find out more about the competition at pageants@mrsillinoisamerica.com and/or can request and receive free entry information by contacting Marcie at the mrs. Illinois office at (630) 325-4305.

Norwegian National League of Chicago offers scholarships to deserving students who are of Norwegian heritage residing in the counties of Cook, Lake, DuPage, Kane, McHenry and Will. The first scholarship of $1,000 is awarded to a high school senior with a minimum 3.0 grade-point average who has been accepted by a college or university. A $100 cash prize is awarded to a high school student in grades 9-11; a $50 cash prize is awarded to a student in grades 5-8. Finally, a $25 cash prize is awarded to a student in grades 1-4. To qualify, older students must submit an original essay on a Norwegian topic and the students in grade 1-4 must submit an original drawing depicting a Norwegian topic. for scholarship information and applications visit www.nnleague.org or contact Tom Maxson (847) 297-1656; e-mail sovmax@wowway.com; or Barbara Kronborg-Mogil (847) 823-7596; e-mail kronborg@comcast.net. Entries must be postmarked by March 15.

Search for Local Authors: As part of the “Tune Out TV: Tune in to Your Community” celebration, the Oak Park Public Library is hosting a “Living Legends” Local Authors’ Reception and Book Fair from 1-3 p.m. April 17. If you are a published author residing in Oak Park, River Forest or Forest Park, and would like to participate, contact Community Relations Coordinator Debby Preiser at dpreiser@oppl.org; (708) 697-6915; www.oppl.org.

The Secretary of State, Mobile Unit: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 28 at The Oaks, 114 S. Humphrey, Oak Park. Renew drivers licenses and state IDs. Rosemary (708) 383-2733.

USA.Gov Video Contest: Chance to win $2,5000. Runs through April 2. Cue the lights, USA.gov’s video contest is your opportunity to showcase your talent and creativity while you spread the word about the official spot on the Web for information on government benefits and services. USA.gov is loaded with opportunities to make your life easier, with information on student aid, passports, housing assistance, Social Security, answers to your tax questions and more. Explore USA.gov — including its bank of FAQs featuring the questions Americans ask most about government benefits and services. then grab a video camera and call on your ingenuity to create a fun and informative video showing how using information from USA.gov can make your life better. The creator of the winning video will receive a cash prize of $2,500 and the video will be featured on USA.gov and its YouTube channel. Your video should be 30 to 90 seconds long. Judging is based on your video’s message, entertainment value and creativity. The contest runs through April 2. To enter, see USA.gov/contest for full contest rules. Let USA.gov help you find the government information you need and maybe even get you going on your way to your future as the next Martin Scorsese.

Art Appreciation Tours: 1 p.m. March 6 in the main Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St. Led by trained volunteer docents. View the library’s permanent art collection and learn to interpret art for yourself and for others. Tours free and open to the public. Call (708) 383-8200. If you are interested in becoming an Art Tour volunteer, contact Carole Aston (708) 848-1280; caroleaston@sbcglobal.net. To view permanent art in the main library go to www.oppl.org/main/art.htm.

Book Discussion: 2-4:30 p.m. March 21 at main Oak Park Library, 834 Lake St. Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. A Chinese Proverb says women hold up half the sky. The authors, husband and wife journalists, have reported for years on the status of women in Asia, Africa and Latin America. in this book they draw from their knowledge and experiences to show the types of oppression women experience and how they overcome oppression and then go on to help other women. The authors do not stand back, but rather tell of their own concern, distress and joy. This is the first Limina discussion book without overt reference to the Devine Feminine but the women read about embody the Goddess. Parking available below the building. www.Limina.org.

Book Signing and Discussion: 6-9 p.m. March 19 at Ridge Art Gallery, 21 Harrison St., Oak Park. one of the co-authors of Suburban Promised Land, Stan West, discusses “The Working Class Women of Suburban Promised Land” as part of a Women’s History Month discussion. E-mail stanwest1@msn.com. Suburban Promised Land authors are Stan West, Peggy Tuck Sinko, Frank Lipo and Yves Hughes Jr.

Career Transition Outreach: 8:45-9:45 a.m. every Monday at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park, Diane Wilson helps those facing job loss and career uncertainty. This outreach is designed to help participants manage the psychological and practical aspects of their job transition through accountability and goal setting. Author of Back in Control, Wilson is a coach, counselor and neurofeedback specialist. Group requires no registration or fees.

Landmark Pleasant Home: 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday at 217 S. Home Ave., Oak Park, guided tours. Built by George W. Maher in 1897. Small group tours by reservation. (708) 383-2654.

Partners for Sacred Places: 5-7 p.m. March 11 at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park. “How to Strengthen Relationships with Major Donors,” presented by Gianfranco Grande, Partners for Sacred Places director of National Development and director of the Chicago Office, will be discussing how to strengthen relationships with major donors. Advice and tips on solidifying relationships will be explored in detail. This workshop is geared towards nonprofits housed in historic religious worship spaces. RSVP by e-mail to chicago@sacredplaces.org or call toll free (866) 796-0297, Ext. 94. all workshops are free and open to the public. there are no limitations on the number of workshops that participants may attend. More information is available at www.sacredplaces.org or at www.sacredplaceschicago.blogspot.com. Partners for Sacred Places, 407 S. Dearborn St., Suite 1295, Chicago, IL 60605.

Social Security Information: 7-8:30 p.m. March 8 at the Kenton-Knox Conference Center, 9701 N. Knox Ave., Skokie. National Alliance on Mental Illness – Cook County North Suburban invites the public to hear Jeffrey A. Rabin discuss “How To Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits and Work while Receiving Benefits.” Rabin has been featured on “60 Minutes” and chosen by his peers as a “Leading Lawyer” in the Social Security Disability practice. This is a free program. for more information, call (847) 716-2252 or visit www.namiccns.org.

Unity Temple Event: 7:30 p.m. March 11. Warren Trezevant, an animator at Pixar Animation Studios since 1995, has animated seven Pixar films including “A Bug’s Life,” “Toy story 2,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Finding Nemo,” “The Incredibles,” “Cars” and “Ratatouille.” Trezevant has been part of Pixar’s journey from being the first company to create an entirely computer-generated animated film to its metamorphosis into the Academy Award-winning creative powerhouse it is today. he will share personal experiences and address the myriad ways Pixar nurtures and supports creativity and innovation in feature filmmaking and beyond. Co-sponsored by Flashpoint, The Academy of Media Arts and Sciences. Tickets: $5 Flashpoint and OPRFHS students; $15 Unity Temple Restoration Foundation members, students and seniors; $20 nonmembers. for tickets and information www.utrf.org http://utrf.createsend.com/t/r/l/urukhl/buiotll/u or call (708) 383-8873.

The following groups meet in Oak Park Village Hall, Madison Street and Lombard. Agendas and agenda materials are now available electronically on the village Web site. Visit www.oak-park.us, mouse-over to News, then click on Board Agendas and Minutes. An interpreter is available for all governmental meetings and village-sponsored activities. Human Resources Dept. (708) 383-6400, Ext. 2326 or (708) 848-1911 (TTY/TDD). need 48 hours notice. CC is Council Chambers.

March 8: Village Board Special Meeting, 7-9 p.m.; Community Design Commission, 7:30-10:30 p.m.

March 9: Powell/Census Art Gallery, 3-9 p.m.; 2010 Census Kick off, 5-9 p.m.; Forestry Commission, 7:30-9 p.m.

March 10: Building Owners’ Management Seminar, 10 a.m.-noon; Farmers’ Market Commission, 7-9 p.m.

March 11: Historic Preservation Commission, 7:30-9 p.m.

March 12: Oak Park Area Arts Council Arts Funds Panel Review, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Firefighters Pension Board, 9 a.m.-noon.

March 15: Executive Session Property, Litigation, Personnel, Labor, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Village Board Regular Meeting, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

River Forest Village Board: 7:30 p.m. March 8 in the Community Room of Village Hall, 400 Park Ave. Public invited.

Dance Studio Classes: “Bella Core,” dance workout fuses Middle-Eastern Belly dance with Afro-Caribbean dances, 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays. Also: “Andanza,” cardio dance workout to Latin-Brazilian music. Experience the joy of movement 9-10 a.m. Saturdays. Also: “Inner Balance” class. This is a four-hour workshop that will be offered throughout the year. This is a hands-on-workshop that includes movement and group activities. Get ready to play, take time for yourself and honor who you are. Classes are held at Pineapple Dance Studio, 7518 W. Madison, 2D, Forest Park. Class tuition: Adults $20; college students $18; teens $16. eight classes discount: Adults $120 (a value of $160); college students $80 (a value of $144); teens $110 (a value of $128). for classes information and registration call Gloria Araya at (773) 725-7905 or e-mail gloria_araya@sbcglobal.net. Drop-ins are welcomed. Gloria Araya and Glomundo Productions; www.glomundo.com.

Djembe African Drumming Meditation Program: 7:30-9 p.m. March 19 at Inner Wisdom Yoga, 805 South Boulevard, Oak Park. The rhythms and vibrations of Taylor’s djembe drumming expand your limited perception of time and space, transport you on a journey to places you barely remember and return you transformed. His djembe drumming meditation is transcendent. Cost: $20. Call (708) 712-4787 or e-mail maryfran@iwyoga.com to reserve your space; www.iwyoga.com.

Early Birds’ Boot Camp: 6-7 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at Grace Church, 924 W. Lake St., Oak Park. Variety exercise program to get in better shape now (preventive health care) for ordinary adult men and women. Cost: $138 four weeks, start anytime, pre-registration required. Nancy Trock (708) 699-GOOD (4663); e-mail ntrockster@earthlink.net.

Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program: Free pelvic exams and Pap tests along with mammography and breast exams offered to uninsured women in Illinois, regardless of income. To enroll in program, call (888) 522-1282 or visit www.cancerscreening.illinois.gov.

Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program: Free pelvic exams and Pap tests along with mammography and breast exams offered to uninsured women in Illinois, regardless of income. To enroll in program, call (888) 522-1282 or visit www.cancerscreening.illinois.gov.

Inversions Workshop: 2:30-5 p.m. March 20 at Yoga Trek, 911 S. Lombard Ave., Oak Park. Inversions (headstand, shoulderstand and forearm balance) provide great benefits for the body: Improved circulation, decreased stress, better digestion, stimulation of endocrine system. Join Alison Welch for a fun and educational workshop about inversions. Cost: $30 ($35 after March 13). Call (708) 660-0868 or visit www.yogatrekcenter.com to register. Also: Family Yoga: 2:30-4 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month beginning March 21 at Yoga Trek with Donna Gershon PsyD. A great way for families to deepen their connection with each other and improve communication skills. Children must be at least 4 years old. all configurations of families welcome. no prior experience necessary. Cost: $10/person. Also: Intro to Yoga: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. next session begins April 7 for four weeks at Yoga Trek. Cost: $48. for those completely new to yoga or needing a refresher. Learn basic postures and breathing techniques. Also: Workshop on Rumi, “Heartbreak and Positive Change”: 3-5 p.m. April 17 at Yoga Trek. Led by Andrew Harvey, renowned scholar and sacred activist. A profound discussion about Rumi’s poetry and its application to your life today. Cost: $40 ($50 after April 10).

Inversions Workshop: 2:30-5 p.m. March 20 at Yoga Trek, 911 S. Lombard Ave., Oak Park. Inversions (headstand, shoulderstand and forearm balance) provide great benefits for the body: Improved circulation, decreased stress, better digestion, stimulation of endocrine system. Join Alison Welch for a fun and educational workshop about inversions. Cost: $30 ($35 after March 13). Call (708) 660-0868 or visit www.yogatrekcenter.com to register. Also: Family Yoga: 2:30-4 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month beginning March 21 at Yoga Trek with Donna Gershon PsyD. A great way for families to deepen their connection with each other and improve communication skills. Children must be at least 4 years old. all configurations of families welcome. no prior experience necessary. Cost: $10/person. Also: Intro to Yoga: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. next session begins April 7 for four weeks at Yoga Trek. Cost: $48. for those completely new to yoga or needing a refresher. Learn basic postures and breathing techniques. Also: Workshop on Rumi, “Heartbreak and Positive Change”: 3-5 p.m. April 17 at Yoga Trek. Led by Andrew Harvey, renowned scholar and sacred activist. A profound discussion about Rumi’s poetry and its application to your life today. Cost: $40 ($50 after April 10).

Midday Renewal: 1-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays begins March 16 at Inner Wisdom Yoga, 805 South Boulevard, Oak Park. Carve out sacred time midday to calm and refresh before the homework, dinner and activities. The midday renewal programs are designed for all busy people seeking to get centered, relax and learn valuable tools to de-stress. The class includes breath awareness, stillness, gong and sound meditation (chanting) as well as guided visualization. Allowing the breath to calm you, you’ll move into a space of peace, physical renewal and mental clarity that seeps into the rest of your day. Beginners are encouraged. Experienced meditators are welcome. Midday Renewal is lead by Har Kirat Kaur who is a RYT-200 certified Kundalini Yoga teacher and teaches staff classes at Omega, in Rhinebeck, N.Y. as well as across the country. Cost: $10; www.iwyoga.com or www.prashanti.us or contact Har Kirat Kaur at (708) 743-4836 for questions.

Oak Park Art League: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, at 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park. Join artist Desi Vasquez for invigorating exercise/dance class. This is a series of ongoing Happy Body Workshops. Fee: $10 per class. (708) 386-9853; opal2004@sbcglobal.net; www.opal-art.com.

Oak Park Yoga and Wellness: Mondays-Sundays ongoing Yoga and fitness classes at Oak Park’s oldest Yoga studio, 327 Chicago Ave. More than two dozen Yoga classes — at a variety of levels — offered each week. The studio also has classes in several other mind-body practices and hosts special workshops throughout the year. OPY even offers a YogaKids series. Private Yoga instruction is also available. all of OPY’s Yoga teachers are, at minimum, certified at the 200-hour teacher training level. all instruction maintains a strong focus on proper skeletal alignment and the use of breath, integrating accommodations for individual student’s abilities, challenges and/or physical or emotional needs. William Hunt, founder and owner of Oak Park Yoga and Wellness, is the former director of teacher training at the Temple of Kriya Yoga. Cost: $18 drop-in; series and monthly discounts availalble. Call (708) 445-0392. Also: Hatha Slow-Flow Yoga new class : 4-5:15 p.m. Sundays. A gently dynamic practice combining the best of mindful Vinyasa with a focus on deep breath work and correct alignment. You’ll calm your mind, lift your spirit and stretch and strengthen your body. Taught by Micki Leventhal. Cost: $18 drop-in; class cards available, good for all OPY classes. (708) 445-0392; www.oakparkyoga.com for details and studio schedule.

Overeaters Anonymous: 9 a.m. Saturdays, Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 Division, River Forest. no weigh-ins, dues or fees. for other meeting times, locations visit oa.org or call Kathleen (708) 346-0000.

Pilates Matwork: 7 p.m. Tuesdays; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 a.m. Saturdays at Functional Health Oak Park, 1042 Pleasant (at Marion Street). Ongoing classes, no registration required. Cost: $120 for a 10-class pass good for three months. Extra: 10-class pass also good for Pilates, 9:30 a.m. Mondays at Grace Church, 924 Lake St. Nancy Trock (708) 699-GOOD (4663); e-mail ntrockster@earthlink.net.

Tennis and Fitness Centre: 7:15-8:15 p.m. Wednesdays, 301 W. Lake St., Oak Park. Tai Chi classes with Master Instructor Lee Yee Cho. Classes ongoing. Fee: $80 per month, with one-time trial price available. (708) 386-2175 or stop in.

TOPS: (Take off Pounds Sensibly): 10 a.m. Wednesdays in good Shepherd Church, corner of Randolph Street and East Avenue, in Oak Park. (Use side entrance, on Randolph; handicapped accessible.) TOPS is a nonprofit, very low-cost program. Ann Randall (708) 524-1309.

Upcoming at Vajrayana Buddhist Center, 13 Harrison St., Oak Park. Ongoing Classes. Prayers and Meditations for World Peace: 10-11:15 a.m. Sundays. An opportunity to develop your inner peace as well as to bring peace to the world around you. all have within them the potential to experience deep contentment and harmony with others. everyone is welcome. Cost: $12 per class. Meditation: The Pathway to Healing and Wisdom: 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. Awaken your spiritual potential. Cultivate a calm and relaxed mind. Learn practical ways to improve your daily life. everyone is welcome. Cost: $12 per class. see www.meditateinchicago.org for additional info and for class breaks. (708) 763-0132.

The Caregiver Cafe, an American Cancer Society support group: 7 p.m. March 9 meets at the University of Illinois Extension Office, 2205 Enterprise Drive, Suite 501 in Westchester in the Illinois Room. The Caregiver Cafe is a support group for spouses, family members and friends of those battling cancer. It provides information as well as an opportunity for caregivers to network and share ideas with each other. Each month, medical, emotional or practical topics are discussed and an outside speaker is featured. The presentation is followed by coffee and refreshments offering caregivers an informal time to meet and connect with each other. for more information about the Caregiver Cafe, call Raeann Spencer at (708) 484-8541.

Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry: 2:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays and from 9 a.m.-noon, and again from 1-2 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. The pantry is closed Wednesday and Friday at the West Region Office, 1400 S. Austin in Cicero. for more information about the programs, volunteer and donation opportunities call (708) 222-1491.

Chronic Fatigue/MCS support group: 7 p.m. March 8 in diner inside the whole Foods Store, Lake and Harlem, in River Forest. Gail (708) 484-4148 or just show up.

Families Anonymous: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at first United Church, 848 Lake St., Oak Park, on the first floor in Room 14. A support group to help relatives and friends of people with alcohol, drug or emotional problems. Enter from the parking lot behind the church off Kenilworth. Free and open to all; no religious affiliation required. www.familiesanonymous.org; (773) 777-4442.

Free NAMI Caregivers’ Classes: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays, April 6-May 11 at new Trier Northfield High School, 7 Happ Road, Northfield. The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Cook County North Suburban, will hold “NAMI BASICS – The Fundamentals of Caring for You, Your Family and Your Child with Mental Illness” a free, six-week course for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents coping with brain disorders. Diagnoses discussed include childhood onset bipolar disorder, childhood onset schizophrenia, depression, ADD/ADHD, anxiety disorders, OCD and eating disorders. Trained family members who have experienced firsthand the rewards and challenges of raising children with brain disorders, discuss getting an accurate diagnosis, types of therapy, problem solving, crisis preparation, what to do about challenging behavior, impact on family members, record keeping, school, juvenile justice, mental health systems and transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. Parents who complete this course describe its impact as life changing, worth hundreds of dollars and filled with the newest research. Classes fill up quickly. Call Barb Maier at NAMI CCNS (847) 716-2252 for more information and to register; www.namiccns.org.

Free tax assistance to low-income residents: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through April 10 students at The John Marshall Law School will provide free tax preparation services to low-income Illinois residents through a program sponsored by The Internal Revenue Service. The Voluntary Income Tax assistance Program (VITA) is available at the law school, 315 S. Plymouth. John Marshall is the only Illinois law school involved with this program — intended for low-income taxpayers and those with special needs such as the elderly, non-English speaking and disabled individuals. Law students will complete 1040 and 1040 EZ tax forms — state and federal — supervised by John Marshall professor and tax attorney Juli Campagna and other local attorneys. Both the students and advisors are required to complete an online training course designed by the IRS. no pre-registration is necessary. Qualified individuals should bring a valid ID, necessary tax forms such as a W-2 or 1099, their own Social Security cards and a card for every dependent they claim on their return. Their W-2 is not enough to satisfy the IRS rules under which John Marshall must operate. A Social Security number printed on a drivers license is not enough to satisfy IRS rules, either. If a taxpayer does not have a Social Security card, he or she may bring an SSA letter. there will be a Spanish translator available at all sessions. for questions or for attorneys or others willing to volunteer their time call (312) 386-2858. The John Marshall Law School is located in downtown Chicago and is easily accessible by public transportation. for more information, access the school’s Web site at www.jmls.edu.

Free tax assistance to low-income residents: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through April 10 students at The John Marshall Law School will provide free tax preparation services to low-income Illinois residents through a program sponsored by The Internal Revenue Service. The Voluntary Income Tax assistance Program (VITA) is available at the law school, 315 S. Plymouth. John Marshall is the only Illinois law school involved with this program — intended for low-income taxpayers and those with special needs such as the elderly, non-English speaking and disabled individuals. Law students will complete 1040 and 1040 EZ tax forms — state and federal — supervised by John Marshall professor and tax attorney Juli Campagna and other local attorneys. Both the students and advisors are required to complete an online training course designed by the IRS. no pre-registration is necessary. Qualified individuals should bring a valid ID, necessary tax forms such as a W-2 or 1099, their own Social Security cards and a card for every dependent they claim on their return. Their W-2 is not enough to satisfy the IRS rules under which John Marshall must operate. A Social Security number printed on a drivers license is not enough to satisfy IRS rules, either. If a taxpayer does not have a Social Security card, he or she may bring an SSA letter. there will be a Spanish translator available at all sessions. for questions or for attorneys or others willing to volunteer their time call (312) 386-2858. The John Marshall Law School is located in downtown Chicago and is easily accessible by public transportation. for more information, access the school’s Web site at www.jmls.edu.

LOSS support group: for people who have lost loved ones to suicide. for information about the program and locations where the groups are offered call (312) 655-7283 or visit LOSS Web site: www.catholiccharities.net/loss. West suburban residents seeking counseling for any reason can call Dalia Bagdonas Rocotello at Catholic Charities (708) 222-1491 or (708) 329-4022.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): 3-7 p.m. everyday except Sunday, at Metro-Suburban Drop-in Center, 816 Harrison St., Oak Park. Recreational activities, support and socialization for those recovering from mental illness. (708) 524-2582.

Parenthesis Parent Child Center: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, at 405 S. Euclid Ave., Oak Park. Parenteen Program provides opportunities for teen parents ages 12-21 and their children, to meet together in family support setting; 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays at Parenthesis, Parenting On our own program for single parents to receive counseling, support. At both programs a family meal is served and child care is provided. Call Mary Strizak, program director, (708) 848-2227.

POCHA (Parents of Children having Allergies): A support group for families of children with life-threatening food allergies offers support, education and advocacy to those in Oak Park and the surrounding area. for information and to be placed on the e-mail list, contact Diane Fascione (708) 383-8571 or slicendice@earthlink.net.

Recovery International: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays in first United Church of Oak Park, 848 Lake St., Room 15. Free self-help group based on cognitive therapy, helps you overcome anxieties of daily living. This is the premier, self-help mental health resource worldwide, available and accessible to anyone, anywhere and anytime, started by physician and psychiatrist Dr. Abraham A. Low. (708) 409-1489; www.recovery-inc.org.

WSANA (West Suburban Access News Association): Provides information online for individuals with disabilities. Visit www.wsana.org; write WSANA, P.O. Box 3221, Oak Park, IL 60302; (708) 383-6258; cell phone (708) 209-9733; e-mail joel@wsana.org. Exec. Dir. Joel H. Sheffel.

WSMOMS (West Suburban Mothers of Multiples): 7:30 p.m. March 10. Support group for families with twins or more meets in the Oak Park area. see the Web site for details www.wsmoms.org.

Elmhurst Memorial Hospice: Serves Hillside, Northlake, Melrose Park, Oak Park, Maywood, River Forest, Riverside, Forest Park, Bellwood, Berkeley, Broadview, Franklin Park and River Grove. for information, call Mazzaia at (630) 833-8200, Ext. 73541.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day: 11 a.m. March 20 at Magic Tree Bookstore, 141 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. , Storytime. Create a butterfly or caterpillar. Refreshments. Also: Author Sherry North: 7 p.m. April 23. Author of Because I Am Your Daddy. Also: Spot’s Birthday Party: 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. April 24. Storytime. Visit with Spot. (708) 848-0770.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers): 9-11 a.m. March 5 at first Presbyterian Church of River Forest, 7551 quick St., at Lathrop. This is an international organization designed to meet needs of moms of kids ages birth through 6. Join in for food, fun and fellowship 9-11 a.m. Childcare available. Heather Radzinski 708) 386-7501; www.oakparkmops.org.

Literacy Volunteers of Western Cook County has tutors for reading and writing; GED; English language. Meet in your local library. Free and private. (708) 848-8499.

Meditation classes: 10-11:15 a.m. Sundays and 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays at Vajrayana Buddhist Center, 13 Harrison St., in Oak Park. everyone welcome. Drop in anytime. Visit www.meditateinchicago.org; call Education Program Coordinator Fran Von Zee (708) 763-0132.

Musical Instrument Lessons and Ensembles: Triton College offers affordable private lessons on a large variety of instruments – violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone horn, tuba, percussion, saxophone, classical guitar and jazz/rock piano. You can be a part of any or all of Triton’s music ensembles — concert band, jazz band, rock band, jazz combo, string or guitar ensemble and wind or brass quintet. If interested, call Paul Bhasin, (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3597, e-mail pbhasin@triton.edu.

Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association has the following group meetings its offices, 947 Garfield, Oak Park. (708) 386-3463; www.opalga.org.

Amigos Latinos Apoyando Siempre: 7:30-9:30 p.m. March 9. for gay, bisexual and transgender Latino men 18 and older.

Spectrum: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays. for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning young adults ages 18 and older.

RED: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays. for lesbian, bisexual and questioning women ages 18-26. all services free, confidential. Drop-in; free food provided.

Health screenings: Appointment required. March 8 in Maze Library, 845 S. Gunderson and March 13 in main Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St. Blood pressure, total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins (HDL), glucose, weight and body mass index screenings available through the “Know Your Numbers” program. Ages 30-64. Fee: $20. (Fee can be waived.) (708) 358-5481; health@oak-park.us.

AWANA Club: 6:30-8:15 p.m. Mondays at Faith Baptist Church, 2359 Scott St., Northlake. for boys and girls from kindergarten-sixth grade. Play games, learn verses and hear Bible stories. Dues are $20 for the whole year or 75 cents per week. Handbooks and uniforms are extra. Transportation to the church is available by calling (847) 455-0535.

Easter Sunrise Service: 7 a.m. April 4 at Grace Lutheran Church, 2700 N. Harlem Ave., in Elmwood Park. following the Sunrise Service there will be an Easter Brunch from 8-9:15 a.m. and a Traditional Easter Service at 9:30 a.m. all are welcome. Any questions, call (708) 453-4897.

God’s Heritage full Gospel Ministries: Mission’s ministry is open every first Saturday of the month at 1200 S. fifth Ave., Maywood, IL 60153; Come in and enjoy a hot cup of soup or maybe you’re in need of clothing or a bag of food to go. Stop by and visit. It’s all free. for any questions or concerns, call the church at (708) 615-1676/1677 and ask for Evangelist Pat Profit.

Grace Lutheran Church: 9 a.m. Sunday School classes and Adult Bible Study; 9:30 a.m. worship service follows in the church at 2700 N. Harlem Ave., (Harlem and Irving) in Elmwood Park. Mid-week Bible studies at 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays are also offered.

Interdenominational Lenten Program: 7 p.m. March 10 in the Oak Park Room at Holley Court Terrace Retirement Home, 1111 Ontario St., in Oak Park. Speaker Deacon Al Bouey, resident of Holley Court, Deacon of our Lady of Sorrows Church in Chicago. he will talk about the changes in his own life and how lives of service can help you to grow. Also: The program continues with different speakers on March 17 and March 24. Open to residents and guests. Call Kay Bracco (708) 524-0045; or Marge Kriston (708) 642-9370.

St. Joseph’s Table: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. March 21 at St. Bernardine Parish Hall, 815 Elgin, Forest Park. A complete, meatless Italian buffet. Raffles. Benefits the St. Bernardine Religious Education Program. Donation at the door.

“Seussical Jr.” by the Christian Youth Theater: 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. March 18; 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. March 19; 2 and 6 p.m. March 20; and 2 p.m. March 21 at The Ernest Hemingway Museum, 200 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. Nominated for three drama desk awards, as well as a Grammy and Tony award, “Seussical Jr.” explores the witty, wild and whimsical world of Dr. Seuss. Travel back to your childhood to the Land of Whos and the Jungle of Nod while re-discovering the delightfully zany characters created by one of the most beloved storytellers of all time. The show runs about two hours with one intermissiom. Recommended for all ages. Tickets: $9 to $12 presale; plus $2 at the door. Call (847) 516-2298 or visit www.cytchicago.org. The Christian Youth Theater is a nonprofit, educational theater arts program for students 4-18 in the Aurora, Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kenosha, Lake, McHenry, Oak Park and Rockford Metro areas and has approximately 6,000 students per year. Each area offers summer camps and after-school classes in dance, voice, drama and theatrical specialties and performs three fully-staged musical productions per year. CYT is nondiscriminatory and welcomes all children. CYT also offers an inclusion program which assists students with special needs to participate in classes and productions, as well as CYT@School, after-school theater arts available to public or private schools.

Traditional Latin Mass: 9:30 a.m. Sundays at St. Odilo Parish, 2244 East Ave., Berwyn. Beginning of weekly celebration of the traditional Latin Mass — with a High Mass, known also as a Missa Cantata — or sung Mass. The Rev. Anthony Brankin, pastor, with co-celebrant the Rev. Juan Carlos Gavancho, will offer this ancient form of Catholic Mass. (708) 484-2161.

Columbkille Alumnae Association: Noon, April 18. Annual reunion luncheon begins with cocktails at noon; lunch served 1 p.m. at the Fountain Blue, 2300 S. Mannheim Road (at Touhy), Des Plaines. Cost: $35. Proceeds go toward the retirement fund of the Sisters of Providence, St. Mary of the Woods, Ind. Questions, call Charlene Swintek, president of the St. Columbkille Alumnae Board (847) 427-1981. St. Columbkille Alumnae/i Association, 8001 W. Belmont Ave., River Grove, IL 60171.

Niles East High School: Class of 1960 is holding a 50-year reunion Oct. 1-3 at the Lincolnshire Marriott. Visit www.niles1960.com.

Proviso Township High School: Class of 1950 will hold its 60th anniversary reunion from 3-9 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Bloomingdale Golf Club. for information contact Richard “Dick” Ott, at richard.ott@att.net or 5710 Maple Ave., Berkeley, IL 60163. (Yes, 60 years is a long time!)

Classes are free and held in Suite 2000 of the Rush Medical Office Building, 610 S. Maple Ave., Oak Park. Registration requested. Hot coffee and tea provided. Call (708) 660-INFO (4636). Support Groups meet at 520 S. Maple Ave.

Hearing Loss Support Group: 1-3 p.m. March 6. Conference Room A. Facilitator: Rebecca Anderson, audiologist.

Bereavement Support Group: 7-8 p.m. March 15. Conference Room A. Facilitator: Charlotte Sugg, registered nurse and licensed clinical social worker.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: 6:30-8:30 p.m March 11. North Conference Room. Light supper and supervised craft activity for children. Register (708) 660-4636.

Parkinson’s Disease: 10 a.m.-noon March 13, back of the cafeteria. Reservations (312) 563-2900.

AARP Tax-Aide program: 9:30, 10:30 or 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through April 15 appointments can be made to see a tax counselor. Free basic tax preparation assistance available for persons with low and middle income with special attention to those age 60 and older. Individuals need to bring last year’s federal and state tax returns and 2009 tax documents and identification for themselves and dependents. Sponsored by Oak Park Township Senior Services. (708) 383-8060; or visit Web site, www.oakparktownship.org.

ARCC (Active Retired Citizens Club): Noon-2 p.m. March 5 in Room R-221 of the Robert M. Collins Center on Triton College campus, 2000 fifth Ave., River Grove (east side of the campus). Super Couponing with the Coupon Queen Jill Cataldo. She will show you how to maximize your grocery savings and purchase hundreds of dollars worth of groceries for just pennies. Learn couponing secrets of the pros, which stores will let you stack multiple coupons, how to track sales and discounts online and best of all — how to get the store to pay you to shop. ARCC is a social club for 55 and older who are young at heart and want to expand their social and intellectual lives. Coffee always provided. Call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3896 to reserve your seat. Annual dues for membership $10.

Belmont Village Senior Living of Oak Park: 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Parkinson’s Exercise Class, 1035 Madison St. Led by a licensed physical therapist from Comprehensive Therapeutics. Also: “Fit over 50, Gentle Yoga Class.” Judith Brown, occupational therapist, leads this special chair yoga fitness class. Also: Alzheimer’s support group: Julie Bach, group facilitator, has a master’s degree in gerontology and has been a licensed clinical social worker for 17 years. Attendees enjoy a breakfast. Free, open to the public, seating limited. Call (708) 848-7200 for times and dates of Gentle Yoga and Alzheimer’s support group and to reserve your spot in any group.

Encore: Helps retirees establish new careers for social or financial purposes. Offers opportunity to try a new path with continued income and increased flexibility. Courses offer introduction to small business planning, teaching, updating resumes and Internet skills. Offered by Triton College, 2000 fifth Ave., River Grove, (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3500.

RSVP Free Tax Counseling: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday through April 14 at the following locations: Guy Guerine Senior Center in Melrose Park, Proviso Township Office in Hillside, Elmwood Park LaFrambois Senior Center, Leyden Township Carl Fiorito Center, Norridge Senior assistance Center and the Robert M. Collins Center on Triton College’s main campus, 2000 fifth Ave., in River Grove. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program of West Suburban Cook and Southern DuPage counties once again is offering free tax counseling for individuals 60 and older. Volunteer tax assistors are specially trained to help older Americans with their taxes. The assistance includes helping participants complete federal tax forms: 1040EZ, 1040A, 1040 and the state income tax forms. Participants must bring W-2 forms from all employers, Form 1099s (interest statements from banks), a copy of last year’s tax returns and any other relevant tax information. To make an appointment or for more information, call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3895,

West Suburban Senior Services: two new programs to help seniors age 60+ with weekend meal needs. Weekend Congregate Boxed Meals: Available to seniors who participate in the congregate lunch program on Fridays at the Senior Citizen Center, 439 Bohland Ave., Bellwood; (708) 567-5600 and at the OARS Center, 712 E. Elm, LaGrange; (708) 547-5600. Diners may pre-order two boxed lunches and pick them up on Friday after their hot lunch has been served. Boxed lunch orders are required by noon on the preceding Wednesday; suggested donation $1 each. Weekend Home Delivered Meals: Available to agency clients who currently receive home delivered meals weekdays. Seniors will receive two extra frozen meals on Fridays with their regular hot meal. The meals can be safely and easily reheated in a microwave on the weekend. Suggested domation for the two dinners is $1. all contributions are voluntary and confidential. Funds for these weekend meals were provided through an award from AgeOptions. It is temporary and expires Sept. 30, 2010. WSSS has a third location, the River Park Center, 8300 Roosevelt Road, Forest Park; (708) 771-0101. WSSS serves Berwyn, Cicero, Leyden, Lyons, Norwood Park, Oak Park, Proviso, River Forest and Riverside townships. www.wsseniors.org; AgeOptions 1 (800) 699-9043.

Aging Well Community Action Teams: Volunteers who work together to address needs of older adults in their communities. for information on how you can be on a team call (708) 354-1323, Ext. 19.

Aspire: Nonprofit organization serving children and adults with developmental disabilities, seeks volunteers for its resale shop, Aspire on Broadway, in Melrose Park. Julie Gies (708) 547-3550, Ext. 3554 or jgies@aspireofillinois.org; www.aspireofillinois.org.

Breast Cancer Network of Strength: Seeking breast cancer survivors to be volunteer presenters in its award-winning “Just for Teens” workshop program which provides breast health awareness for girls in their senior year. Survivors can make a difference in the lives of young women in the Chicago metro area. Volunteers especially trained to deliver age-appropriate material. Call Patty Jacobs (708) 386-6179 or e-mail pjay1950@aol.com.

Chicago Zoological Society: Volunteer program at Brookfield Zoo. Openings for guest guides, play zoo and docents. must be at least 18 and enjoy talking with different people. Special accommodations for wheelchairs or electronic convenience vehicles. Flexible schedules. Apply at www.CZS.org.

Oak Park-River Forest Food Pantry: 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (or split shifts 8:45-10:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Saturdays. Volunteers needed to help bag groceries, stock the shelves and serve clients. Other weekday shifts also available. Visit the Pantry Web site at www.oprffoodpantry.org and click on the volunteer page. Complete a volunteer application online and you will receive an invitation to a monthly Volunteer Orientation. Individuals 13 years and older are welcome to volunteer Saturdays to assist the pantry in its work to provide hunger relief in the community.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust is seeking volunteers to assist at both Wright’s Robie House in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood and the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park. A two-week spring volunteer training begins March 9 at the Home and Studio. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Preservation Trust before the two-week training begins. Volunteers enjoy membership benefits, invitations to exclusive events such as excursions to art and architectural attractions and exclusive educational opportunities like architectural-based lectures, a monthly newsletter and discounts in the museum shops. Wright’s’ Robie House and Home and Studio offer docents a fascinating and rewarding environment where they can develop new skills and create new friendships. Visit GoWright.org or call (708) 725-3818.

West Suburban Medical Center, 3 Erie Court, Oak Park. Registration required unless otherwise stated. Call (877) RES-INFO/(877) 737-4636 or go to wsmc.reshealth.org.

Family Birthplace Tours: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 3-4 p.m. March 20 free tour of Irvin and Margaret Houck Family Birthplace. Encompasses nursery, labor/delivery and mother/baby areas.

A Fitter You: Weight management program. With support of registered dietitian, trained and skilled in working with individuals who in past have not succeeded in weight loss. Fee: $224, includes 12 visits with registered dietitian. (708) 763-1368.

West Cook YMCA, 255 S. Marion St., Oak Park; (708) 383-5200. Interested in volunteering? Call. Registration required unless otherwise stated. Contact Wellness and Sports Director Jeremy Myers at (708) 434-0225 or jmyers@westcookymca.org or person listed. Visit opymca.org or stop by the “Y.” Fee: Member/Nonmember.

Free Senior Fridays: Age 62 and older invited to visit free on Fridays. Swim, walk/jog, use fitness center, play racquetball, much more.

SCUBA Class Offered: 4:30-8:30 p.m. seven-week diving class begins March 7. NAUI instructors will train you in the techniques, skills and knowledge required to enjoy safe diving. John Osborn (708) 434-022; josborn@westcookymca.org; jmyers@westcookymca.org for more information.

Water Safety Instructor Course: Beginning March 15. The class will meet March 15, 22, 27 and 28. Participants will learn how to teach others how to safely swim including competitive swimming strokes. Fee: $125/$175. Registration deadline is March 8. John Osborn (708) 434-022; josborn@westcookymca.org.

Red Cross Lifeguarding Course: 6-10 p.m. Thursdays for eight weeks beginning March 18. Fee: $150/$250. certain prerequisites required to enroll. Registration deadline is March 8, 2010. John Osborn (708) 434-022; josborn@westcookymca.org.

OAK PARK & RIVER FOREST Community Calendar