Glencoe calendar for Feb. 16, 2012

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Updated: March 17, 2012 8:11AM

Deadline for calendar items is two weeks in advance of desired publication date. Send information on clubs, lectures, community and religious events, reunions, support groups and singles to: Community Calendar, Pioneer Press, 3701 W. Lake Ave., Glenview IL 60026; fax (847) 486-7451 or e-mail to Laura Enright at lenright@pioneerlocal.com.

The Chicago
Botanic Garden

The following events will take place at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe. For more information call (847) 835-5440 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.

Wonderland Express, a landscaped miniature train display, is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through Jan. 1 (closed at 3 p.m. Dec. 24 and all day Dec. 25). The cost for adults is $8 for members and $10 for nonmembers. For children ages 3-12 and seniors ages 62 and older, the cost is $6 for members and $8 for nonmembers. Children 2 and younger are free. Admission to Wonderland Express on Tuesdays is free throughout the exhibition (limit four tickets per transaction). Parking costs $20 for nonmembers. Exhibition tickets are available at the Information Desk in the Visitor Center or online at www.chicagobotanic.org/wonderland.

Enjoy Christmas Breakfast with Santa at 8:30 or 9:30 a.m. Dec. 17 and 18. The cost for adults is $26 for members and $31 for nonmembers; $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers for children ages 3-12; and free for ages 2 and younger.

Christmas Supper with Santa will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 18 and 19. A cash bar is available. The cost for adults is $38 for members and $43 for nonmembers; $32 for members and $37 for nonmembers for ages 3-12; and free for children ages 2 and younger.

Hot Chocolate with Mrs. Claus will be served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 19. The cost is $15 for members and $17 for nonmembers for adults and children. Children ages 2 and younger are free.

The Hanukkah Dinner will take place at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 21, followed by a concert at 7 p.m. by the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band and Wonderland Express exhibition viewing after public hours. The cost is $38 for members and $43 for nonmembers for adults; $32 for members and $37 for nonmembers for ages 3-12; and free for children ages 2 and under.

The following are workshops in which people make the item described to give as a gift or use to decorate their own home. The fee includes materials, but participants should bring a hand pruner and box to carry the finished project home.

Merry, Berry Wreath from 9 a.m.-noon or 6-9 p.m. Dec. 13. Cost: $95 for members and $119 for nonmembers.

Holiday Dish Gardens from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Cost: $59 for members and $74 for nonmembers.

Holiday Carnation Tabletop Tree from 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 15. Cost is $65 for members and $82 for nonmembers.

Holiday Centerpiece from 9:30 a.m.-noon or 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 20. Cost: $59 for members and $74 for nonmembers.

Registration for the 2012 summer day camp programs has begun. In addition to the Chicago Botanic Garden’s weeklong summer day camp, Camp CBG now offers full-day camps (from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.) for two weeks for children ages 6-9. Parents who register their children by Feb. 29 will receive a $5 per camp “Early Bloomer” discount. Among the camps offered are My First Camp 2 & 3; Green Sprouts; Green Thumbs; Explorer; Adventurers; Leaders in Training; Yoga Bash; and Discover Dance.

Clubs

Alliance Française du North Shore will offer “Café Conversations, Evening Edition” in French from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Panera, 1700 N. Sherman Ave., Evanston. Membership is not required. The meeting is open to various levels of French speakers, from beginning students to fluent native speakers. Visit http://alliancefn.wlkcommunity.com or e-mail alliancefn@yahoo.com.

Chaverot Group of Hadassah North Shore Chapter will hold its annual Chanukah Dinner Party at 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Arboretum Club, 401 Half Day Road, Buffalo Grove. Participants are asked to bring a toy for the “Toys for Tots” collection. The cost is $36. Call (847) 205-1900, e-mail northshore@hadassah.org or visit www.northshore.hadassah.org.

The Tenth Dems is looking for volunteers to form a link between the organization and the local campaigns in the 10th Congressional District. Contact volunteers@tenthdems.org or call (847) 266-8683.

The North Shore Chess Club meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Starbucks, 347 Park Ave., Glencoe. The club has a relaxed, drop-in atmosphere and is open to adult and teen chess players of all skill levels. The club doesn’t offer any formal classes, but advanced players are always willing to help those who are less experienced. There are no tournaments and no fees. Members need only bring their own chess sets. For more information, e-mail guntherrice@gmail.com.

Mom4Profit, a business networking group for women in business with children, meets at noon on the first Tuesday of the month at varying locations on the North Shore. Call (847) 363-5394 or go online to Mom4ProfitNetworking.com.

The North Shore New Horizons Band rehearses at 9:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 470 W. Maple St., Winnetka. The band is open to adults 50 years or older. Call Doris at (847) 299-6033.

The North Shore Harmonizers, an independent women’s barbershop chorus, holds weekly chorus rehearsals at 7 p.m. Thursdays at St. Augustine Church, 1140 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. The group is open to any level of experience. Call (312) 409-4215 or go online to www.northshoreharmonizers.org.

The Garden Photographic Society meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month in the Education Center at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe. Guests are welcome. Call Toni Ballenger at (847) 831-2380 or Elli Glist at (847) 945-3909.

The All Village Singers is looking for adults to sing holiday carols in the winter and Broadway and popular tunes in the spring. Rehearsals for holiday caroling has begun at the North Shore United Methodist Church, 213 Hazel Ave., Glencoe. There are no auditions but choral experience is helpful. Call Howard Cohen at (847) 328-2358.

LeTip, a growing business networking group in the Northbrook area, is seeking new members. The organization includes local professionals and service providers who come together once a week to exchange business referrals or tips. Meetings are 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. Wednesdays at 1240 Meadow Road, Northbrook. Call Bryce Fuller at (847) 208-7888 or Paul Cohen at (847) 312-7568.

The Chai Group of Hadassah North Shore Chapter invites knitters and those who prefer to crochet to join their group the last Wednesday of the month with their ongoing project of knitting for the Linus Project. Call the North Shore office at (847) 205-1900 or e-mail northshore@Hadassah.org.

Community

St. John’s Lutheran Church will hold an Advent Concert and Santa Lucia Luncheon at noon Dec. 10 at 1235 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. The event will feature music and a smorgasbord of homemade Swedish dishes. The cost is $15 and reservations are recommended. Call (847) 251-1730.

Lutheran Church of the Ascension will hold an advent concert “If On A Winter’s Night” at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at 460 Sunset Ridge Road, Northfield. Reservations are required. Call (847) 446-8335 or visit www.ascension-church.org.

Beth Hillel Congregation will feature an evening of classical, cantorial, Yiddish, Gypsy and Russian music at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at 3220 Big Tree Lane, Wilmette. The evening will feature Cantor Pavel Roytman, Cantor Marina Shemesh and the Maxell Street Klezmer Band. Tickets are $36. Call Chris at (847) 256-1213 or tolifetolightomusic.eventbrite.com.

Gates of Learning Preschool at North Shore Congregation Israel will feature a new Baby Steps class for infants up to 6 months and moms from 9:30-10:30 a.m. The school still has openings in its Adult/Child class for children ages 12-24 months. Call Ellen L. Grossman, director, at (847) 835-0724 or e-mail elleng@nsci.org.

To answer questions on health-care reform, especially as it pertains to Medicare, CJE SeniorLife has set a free consumer-assistance hotline at (773) 508-1000. Staff members can explain the new health care legislation and its benefits, and clarify the difference between Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans and how to choose one that best suits one’s individual needs. Russian-speaking staff is also available.

Work Off Weight, a not-for-profit group hosts a weigh-in and meeting 8-9 a.m. every Sunday at Cunliff Park, 540 Echo Lane, Glenview. Free coffee and the first meeting is free. There are dues to join. For directions, call (847) 337-5392.

Beth Hillel Congregation Bnai Emunah, 3220 Big Tree Lane, Wilmette is a multi-generational, egalitarian Conservative congregation. Rabbi Allan Kensky brings spirituality, insight and energy to daily minyans and weekly worship. Cantor Pavel Roytman enhances services with his lustrous voice. The synagogue, now in its 53rd year, offers diverse programming options, including an award winning Academy, youth group, Men’s Club, Sisterhood and highly acclaimed adult education programs. The congregation is currently offering the Open “Dor” Initiative, opening its doors to the next generation of younger families to join the synagogue at lower rates. Call (847) 256-1213 or visit www.bhcbe.org.

A free Mall Walking Program, sponsored by St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. every Saturday at Westfield Old Orchard shopping mall, at Skokie Boulevard and Old Orchard Road, Skokie. Individuals of all fitness levels are invited to join the Westfield Walkers program, and walk as much or as little as they prefer. Meet at the Orchard Food Court, where the one-mile course begins and ends. Membership is free, and registered walkers will get discounts from many participating stores and restaurants.

Library

The following programs will take place at 320 Park Ave. Call (847) 835-5056:

“Everyone Says I Love You” will be screened at 1 p.m. Dec. 8. A discussion led by Susan Benjamin will follow.

Drop-in Crafts with a winter holiday theme for children ages 3 and older will be offered between from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 10.

Bing Crosby is the subject of the America’s Musical theater Legends program with Susan Benjamin at 1 p.m. Dec. 12.

The second annual Holiday Technology Spectacular is the topic of the Technology Tuesdays class at 1 p.m. Dec. 13.

Judy Levin will lead a discussion of The Tiger’s Wife by Tea Obreht at 1 p.m. Dec. 14 and The Thousands Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell Jan. 11.

Bob Boone and John O’Connor, local authors and teachers, will read from their latest books and discuss the relationship between the author and the real world at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

Read Outside the Box evening book discussion for children in third to sixth grade at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at Glencoe Roast Coffee. To register and get a copy of the book, contact the Children’s Department at (847) 835-5056.

“Beginners” will be screened at 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Woman’s Library Club, 325 Tudor Court.

Bagels and Books, a book discussion group for children in second and third grade, will meet from 10:30-11 a.m. Dec. 21. Registration.

Night Time is Story Time for families with children ages 3-6 at 6 p.m. Dec. 22.

Winter Break Storytime for children ages 3-6 at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 20, 28 and 30.

Build It Yourself, a hands-on architecture program, will be presented for children ages 4-6 at 9:30 a.m. and for children ages 7-9 at 10:45 a.m. Dec. 27. Registration is required. Call the Children’s Department, (847) 835-5056.

Magic and Laughs for school-aged children will be presented by magician Dennis DeBondt at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 29. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Nancy Buehler will lead a discussion of Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier at 7 p.m. Jan. 11.

Make a Mask will take place for children ages 4-6 at 10 a.m., and for children ages 7-10 at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 16.

Glencoe’s Greenest Home will be presented by architect Nathan Kipnis at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24.

Seniors

The North Shore Senior Center Calendar of Events for active adults presents a variety of classes at the Arthur C. Nielsen Jr. Campus, 161 Northfield Road in Northfield. Call (847) 784-6030.

The Free Men’s Club will feature the discussion on “Chicago’s First Celebrity Was a Confidence Man” from 10:30-11:30 Dec. 13. John Swenson will talk about the life of pathological liar David Kinnison. The program is open to women and guests.

Mim’s Gift Shop will be open from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. The store features jewelry, glassware, crystal, china, pottery figurines, bric-a-brac, linens, books and collectibles at bargain prices thanks to donations by members, staff and friends.

Life Stories for the Holidays will be available at the North Shore Senior Center. Life Stories is an oral history program in which the participants tell and record stories from their lives. They will have two meetings with a trained and screened volunteer interviewer, ideally in the participants’ homes. During the first visit they will identify themes they want to cover. During the second visit, they will share and record stories in a conversational interview. The recorded interviews will be about an hour in length and be transferred to CDs. The fee is $40 for members and $50 for nonmembers. Call (847) 784-6085.

Civil War: The United States IS! will be discussed by Jim Rowan, naturalist and photographer, from 1-2:30 p.m. Dec. 8. The fee is $9 for members and $11 for nonmembers.

Improving Your Mouse and Navigation Computer Skills will take place from 1-3 p.m. Dec. 8. The fee is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers.

The Great Divide in 2012: Collective Bargaining vs. State Solvency will be discussed by journalist, author and lecturer Keki R. Bhote from 10-11:30 a.m. Dec. 9. The fee is $9 for members and $11 for nonmembers.

How to keep Alive the Green Revolution of 2009 in Iran will be discussed from 10-11:30 .m. Dec. 16. The fee is $9 for members and $11 for nonmembers.

Breaking Habits will be discussed from 1-2:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Cost is $7 for members and $9 for nonmembers.

Support

The YWCA Evanston/North Shore provides ongoing domestic violence services for community members who are living in abusive relationships but who may not be ready to leave their homes. The bilingual staff offers domestic violence counseling and support services to Spanish speaking women as well. Call (847) 864-8445, ext. 22.

Mather Pavilion, a Mather LifeWays senior residence, hosts an Alzheimer’s Association Support Group from 1-2:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the residence, 820 Foster St., Evanston. Call Joanne Malleta (847) 492-2525.

A drop-in parent support group for those with teenagers will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month at Response, on the second floor at 9304 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. This program is sponsored by Jewish Child and Family Services. The cost is $15 per session. Contact Jennifer Goldstein at (224) 625-2923 or visit www.jcfs.org.

A social support group for adults with disabilities who are in their 20s to mid 50s will meet from 5:45-7 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at Jewish Child and Family Services, 5150 Golf Road, Skokie. The cost is $7 per session fee. Contact Sheer Fox at (847) 412-4356 or visit www.jcfs.org.

Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities is the focus of a parent support group that meets from 7-8:15 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Jewish Child and Family Services, 3145 W. Pratt Blvd., Chicago. There is a $15 per session fee. Contact Jessica King at (773) 467-3741 or visit www.jcfs.org.

Volunteers

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. Training will be provided. Call Viki at (847) 501-2029, ext. 408, or e-mail viki@interfaithhousingcenter.org.