• Reprints

Updated: February 20, 2012 8:29AM

Franklin Park Herald-Journal, with news of Northlake, welcomes items for the Community Calendar, as well as items for Business Briefs, Campus News, Community Briefs, School Digest and Your Page. Items must be received a minimum of 14 days prior to desired publication, but earlier is better. E-mail items to oakpark@pioneerlocal.com; fax them to (708) 383-3678 or send them by mail to Pioneer Press, 1010 W. Lake St., Suite 104, Oak Park, IL 60301. For a complete listing of events go to: www.pioneerlocal.com.

Clubs

North Suburban Needlearts Guild: 9:30 a.m. Feb. 7 general meeting at the Gloria Dei Church, 1133 Pfingston Road in Northbrook. Program by Akemi Nakano Cohn, who will present Katazone in Kimonos and “My Work.” She has studied traditional Japanese dyeing and printing techniques for 10 years under the master Haru Izumi in Yokohama Japan. With a bachelor of fine arts from Tama Art University in Tokyo and a master of fine arts in fiber arts from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield, Mich., Cohn has taught at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her work has been shown nationally and internationally and she has executed many commissions including “The Light Curtain of Forest” at the Unitarian Church of Evanston. Guests are welcome. There is no charge for first time guests. Visit www.needleartsguild.com. The North Suburban Needlearts Guild is a Chicago area organization that draws members from Wisconsin, Indiana and the greater Chicago area.

Et Cetera

Sensory Friendly Films: 10 a.m. Feb. 25 - “The Secret World of Arrietty”; March 10 - “Dr. Seuss ’The Lorax’ ”; April 7 - “Pirates! Band of Misfits.” AMC Theatres and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities and sensory issues an opportunity to enjoy films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis. In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for children with autism or other special needs, AMC movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own snacks and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing — in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event. A list and map of participating theaters is available at www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms. This nationwide event has 148 theaters in 63 markets in the United States and Canada.

Gathering

Armenian Winter Fest and Dance: 4-11 p.m. Jan. 21 at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church, 6700 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago. Outdoor grilled shish-kabob and chicken kebob dinners each $15; homemade pastries; live Armenian music 7:30 to close, and special performance by the Armenian Dance Company of Chicago at 7 p.m.; Raffle, Backgammon and Pinochle Room; Free admission and free parking. Call Violet or Paula at (773) 637-1711.

The Italian Cultural Center: 42nd annual dinner dance beginning with hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m. program at 7 p.m. followed by dinner and entertainment along with open bar Feb. 18 at Alta Vista Banquets, 430 N. Addison Road, Addison. Featuring Allison Rosati. Raffle $100 per ticket. Grand Raffle $12,500 in prizes. Business and congratulatory ads can be purchased in ad book for event. Tickets are $85 per person. Reservations are required. Visit www.casaitaliachicago.org. (708) 345-5933; e-mail info@casaitaliachicago.org.

Here’s Help

Free Legal Clinic: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 21 at 5943 W. Madison St., Chicago. Commissioner Earlean Collins invites you to a free legal clinic. For an appointment call (312) 217-9656 or (773) 626-2184 or e-mail streetjusticeinc@gmail.com. Legal areas include, but not limited to: Wills, Divorces, Foreclosures, Expungements (to file you’ll need 1) rap sheet, 2) Court disposition, 3) a clean drop if drug/alcohol related case), Criminal Law, Child Support, Bankruptcy and other Criminal and Civil matters.

Park Districts

Park District of Franklin Park. Registration required for all programs. Call the Community Center, 9560 Franklin Ave., at (847) 455-2852 unless another number is given. Fitness Center is in Community Center. Pool on Pacific, (847) 455-2858. Ice Arena/Iceland Park, 9711 Waveland Ave., (847) 671-4268. Centre at North Park, 10040 Addison St., (847) 678-4021. James Park, 10600 James St. Fees: In District/Out of District. Website www.fpparks.org. Now available in Spanish and Polish.

Special Events

Everyone Skates For Free: (with a resident pass). All of January and February at the Franklin Park Ice Arena, 9711 Waveland Ave. To obtain a residency pass, you must live within the Park District boundaries (that is, in Franklin Park, north of Grand Avenue). Bring a valid drivers license or state ID and a current property tax or utility bill, showing your name and address, to the Community Center, at 9560 Franklin Ave. Children must obtain a pass. Parents/guardians must provide a copy of each child’s birth certificate or guardian papers. The pass serves as proof of residency and is good for one year. Replacement passes are $6.

Public Skate Hours: 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday; Noon to 2 p.m. Monday; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday; 7:20-8:50 p.m. Wednesday; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday; none Friday; 2-3:30 p.m. and 8:20-9:50 p.m. Saturday.

Big Band Dance: 2-4:30 p.m. Feb. 12, March 11 and April 5 at North Park, Banquet Hall. Dance all afternoon to the sounds of the great bands from the ’40s and ’50s. Ballroom dancing, waltzing, cha-cha, rumba — whatever you choose. Plenty of mixers to make sure everyone gets a chance to dance. Or come watch the dancers while socializing with new and old friends. Door prizes, so don’t forget to fill out your raffle ticket. The park district provides soft drinks, coffee and snacks. A cash bar is also available. Adults. Fee: $9.

Adult Trips

Affordable day trips for adults and families. Visit www.fpparks.org for a full listing of trips.

Kids’ Programs

Arctic Animals for Ages 3-6: 4-5 p.m. Jan. 26 at Sunflower Nature Center at North Park, 10040 Addison Ave. Here in Franklin Park winter is only a season, but in places like the Arctic, it’s cold all year-round. Come learn what kinds of animals make their home in this freezing weather and how they live. Participants make an animal project and learn about our cold weather friends. Fee: $5/$7.

After School Program: 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Community Center. Alleviate your childcare worries while keeping your kids safe and giving them opportunities for fitness activities and homework help after school. Transportation is available from District 84 schools. Sign up now. Call Dan at (847) 451-8132 for program details. Fee: $8 per child per day, program; $3 per child per day, transportation; $11 per day, program and transportation.

Preschool/Playschool: Spots are still available for the fall 2011 school year. The Playschool year runs through May 3, 2012. The Preschool year runs through May 4, 2012. Call Phyllis Schmidt at (847) 451-8135 with any questions.

Tot Classes: This fall little ones can have fun socializing and exploring their surroundings in new tot classes being held at the Community Center and at the Sunflower Nature Center located at North Park. Register your 18- through 36-month-old child for Butterfly Bonanza, Looking at Leaves, Animal Adventures, Moms, Pops and Tots, Pee Wee Picasso or Show Me How — I Can Do It! These classes are designed to enrich your toddler’s imagination while learning about rules, taking turns and playing nicely. Tot classes bring children and their parents or caregivers together to spend quality time with each other. Register for one or for all of the “Tot” classes offered in the Fall brochure. Visit www.fpparks.org for a full listing.

Youth Activities: For children ages 5-14. Have your child try Cooking for the Holidays, Stars of Tomorrow Acting Class or Magic Class at the Community Center, just to name a few. For a full listing of youth classes offered call (847) 455-2852 or visit fpparks.org.

Youth Programs

Magic Class for Ages 5-12: 5-5:55 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Community Center. Children are guaranteed to have a great time as they learn fascinating tricks from the Magic Team of Gary Kantor. Amaze your family and friends with tricks that involve cards, ropes, coins, mind reading and more. While tricks may appear difficult, you’ll discover that they are quick to learn and easy to perform. All materials are provided, and each child receives a magic kit to take home. Children are grouped by age and learn tricks that are age-appropriate. You can sign up for this class again and again — brand new tricks are taught at each session. Fee: $18/$22.

Teen Events

Teen Night: 7-9 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Community Center. Are you sick of doing the same boring thing every Friday night? If so, come by Teen Night. Listen to music, hang out with your friends and play some games. Teen Night will give you the opportunity to play basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, air hockey, foosball and table tennis. Don’t sit home on the computer. Come out and hang out face-to-face with your friends. Teen Passes are required for all participants, to obtain a pass participants need to come to the community center with a parent, show a current school report card and fill out our teen pass form. Grades 6-8. Fee: $5 at the door.

Teen Overnighter: 9 p.m. Jan. 27-8 a.m. Jan. 28 at the Community Center. Just because Teen Night is over, doesn’t mean you have to go home. Teen Overnighter will keep you busy throughout the night with movies, games and a pizza party. A small breakfast is provided in the morning. A change of clothes, sleeping bag and pillow are recommended. Grades 6-8. Fee: $20 at the door.

Fitness

Adult Fitness: Pilates, Tae Kwon Do, T’ai Chi Ch’uan, Yoga, Total Body Fitness, Step/Floor, Zumba, Adult Hip-Hop Cardio and Table Tennis. Fitness Center:

6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday ; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays ; and 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sundays . Check out the park district’s lower rates. The Fitness Center at the Park District of Franklin Park, 9560 Franklin Ave., includes two separate rooms and 17 state-of-the-art Life Fitness machines. A Fitness Center pass may be obtained at the Community Center, with various membership plans to choose from. A yearly pass is less than $10 per month.

Junior Memberships: (Ages 11-17): Have your parent register you. The fitness center includes two separate rooms and 17 state-of-the-art Life Fitness machines. A Fitness Center pass may be obtained at the Community Center, with various membership plans to choose from. A yearly pass is less than $10 per month, payment plans are available. Fitness Center hours are 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays; and 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on Sundays.

Leyden Township Community Center , 2620 N. Mannheim Road, Franklin Park, just south of Grand Avenue on the west side of Mannheim Road next to the Leyden Township Fire Station; www.leydentownship.com; (847) 451-5144. Registration required for all unless otherwise stated. You must register at least seven days prior to the start date of the class. Fees listed: In District/Out of District.

Children’s Programs

Cochiaro’s Movie Night: 6-8 p.m. first Friday of each month (Feb. 3). Ages 5-12. Fee: $5/$7. Kids enjoy a movie on a big screen projector, eat pizza and have a soft drink, while Mom and Dad can have two hours for themselves. It’s also a great way for the younger children to feel independent.

Adult Programs

Knitting & Crochet Club: 12:30-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. New members welcome! Free.

Rubber Stamp Club: 6:30-8:30 p.m. third Tuesday (Feb. 21) of the month. Ages 18+. New members welcome! Free.

Senior Programs

Senior Exercise: 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Free to Leyden Township residents.

Fitness Center

Six-Month Pass: $45/$65. 12-Month Pass: $80/$120. Daily Pass: $5. Seniors: $5/$6 Monthly. You must be 18+ (14+ with a parent, who is also a member during workout). Walker, Toddler: (under 6 w/adult) and Open Gym Passes. Passes are good for one year from date of purchase $15/$40; Daily $5, age 6+.

Boxing Facility Passes: Good until Dec. 31, ages: 8+. Call for current prices.

Veterans Park District facilities are: Bataan Park , 1220 N. Ninth Ave., Melrose Park, (708) 681-6363; Bulger Park , 1601 Hirsch St., Melrose Park, (708) 538-0101; Cimbalo Fitness Center , 1203 N. 24th Ave., Melrose Park, (708) 343-5151; Gouin Park , 2400 Scott St., Franklin Park, (847) 451-0399; Grant Park , 44 W. Golfview Drive, Northlake, (708) 343-5270; Kahl Park , 255 Palmer, Northlake; George A. Leoni Community Complex , 800 N. 17th Ave., Melrose Park, (708) 343-5270; Mannheim Park , 2766 Hawthorne Ave., Franklin Park; Trumbull Park , 2311 N. Leyden, River Grove, (708) 453-9860. Registration required for all programs. In-person at Bulger Park, Cimbalo Fitness Center and Grant Park. Call or go online at veteransparkdistrict.org. Fee: In district/Out of district.Teen Programs

Teens on the Town: 6 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 27, Feb. 10 and 24 and March 2 and 16. Each week hit the town with your friends and go to a new place. A list of activities will be mailed to residents. Transport from West Leyden High School, 1000 Wolf Road, Northlake. Pick up is at 6 p.m. at Grant Park. Fee: $28.

Teen Center: (Ages 8-15): 2:45-5:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays at Trumbull Park. Play pool, foosball, ping-pong, watch TV or just hang out with your friends. Free.

Teen Advisory Committee: 5-6 p.m. last Wednesday each month (Jan. 25) in Trumbull Park. Free pizza and refreshments for all who come to participate. Middle and high school members plan trips and events, make new friends and learn new skills.

Public Libraries

Franklin Park Public Library District , 10311 Grand Ave., Franklin Park, IL 60131. Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Registration required for all programs unless otherwise stated. Call (847) 455-6016; fax (847) 455-6416; www.franklinparklibrary.org; IM askfppl; e-mail fpref@franklinparklibrary.org; Facebook facebook.com/askfppl; Twitter twitter.com/askfppl. Most programs are free.

Board Meetings: 7:30 p.m. generally held on the first Tuesday of each month and are open to the public. Next meeting: Feb. 7.

Get Library Notices Faster: Sign up to receive your library notices directly in your e-mail inbox. Go to franklinparklibrary.org/myaccount. You will need to login with your library card number and PIN. Then fill in your e-mail address, and click on “Send.” After sign-up, you will no longer receive notifications for holds by phone, but directly in your e-mail inbox. Need help? You may also sign-up for this service in-person at the Reference Desk or by calling (847) 455-6016, Ext. 2.

Parent-Teacher Resources: Some subjects you might be surprised to see include baby sign language, yoga for infants, helping youngsters with the grief process, potty training and a whole lot more. DVD and VHS materials on these topics have now been moved into the regular DVD/VHS collections.

Book Sale: The ongoing book sale is constantly being restocked to provide you with a greater selection of books to purchase. Remember one bag of books is only $1. Books in Polish, romances and VHS tapes.

Resolve to Read: The library’s winter reading program will run through March 17. Of course there will be prizes, raffles and the joy of reading as you curl up with a good book each day and expand your mind. Register at the Reference Desk.

Knitting and Crochet Group: 1 p.m. the second Saturday of the month. The group will include experienced crafters and those just getting started. Call Karen Gurski at (847) 455-6016 for more information.

Conversation Circle: 7 p.m. on Tuesdays through April 3. This group allows those who wish to practice speaking English to do so in a supportive and friendly setting. All are welcome.

Computer Tutorials: Sign up for a free tutorial on Computer Basics, Internet, E-mail, or Microsoft Office software. Call (847) 455-6016, Ext. 2 or come in to sign up. También en español.

eReader and eBooks Demos: Are you interested in learning what the fuss is about eBooks and eReaders? Let us show you firsthand how you can download free eBooks and audiobooks to an eReader with your Franklin Park Library card. Call (847) 455-6016, Ext. 2 or stop by the Reference Desk to make an appointment.

Homebound Service: (for blind and physically disabled). The library has homebound service for people who are unable to come to the library due to physical limitations. Someone will deliver and pick up requested items. Also, if you are a Franklin Park resident you can be set up with books on CD through the Voices of Vision program. They will provide you with the equipment and a variety of reading materials. Call Janet Lynch Forde (847) 455-6016; e-mail jforde@franklinparklibrary.org.

Northlake Public Library , 231 N. Wolf Road, Northlake, IL 60164; (708) 562-2301. Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday (September-May). Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise stated.

Adult programs

One More Chapter Book Club: One More Chapter Book Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at Casa San Carlo 420 N. Wolf Road, in Northlake. Next meeting Jan. 25. Help pick titles for February.

Religion Notes

Zen Life & Meditation Center: New location at 38 Lake St., in Oak Park. The Center helps individuals live a Zen-inspired life of openness, empathy and clarity. A variety of offerings, private counseling, reiki and retreats. Day of Mindfulness: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 21. A one-day Mindfulness Meditation Retreat conducted in silence. It includes meditation (seated and walking), a talk, optional private interviews with teacher, work practice, light body work, homemade Zen lunch and a closing council circle. This informal and open retreat is ideal for beginners. Everyone is welcome. Fee: $65/$50 for members. To register call (708) 689-1220 or www.zlmc.org. Free Ongoing Meditation: Open to the public. 6-7 a.m. Monday-Friday (free-style - no bells); 6-6:45 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday (two 20-minute periods with five-minute walking meditation).