Northwest suburban family calendar

Jan. 25Amazon River House Challenge: 10:30-11:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Grades K-five will simulate a rainstorm, take a make-believe trip down the Amazon River and use clues from rain forest animals to build the perfect flood-proof shelter. Program hosted by the Shedd Aquarium. Register for one season only at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info. Amazon-Raised on the River: 1-2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Grades K-five answer a riddle that connects the Riberenos people, who live on the banks of the Amazon, to a pair of famous rain forest reptiles. Imagination, teamwork and math skills come into play. Program hosted by the Shedd Aquarium. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info. Preschool/Day Care Fair: 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court. Representative from local preschool and day care organizations will be available to talk with parents about their programs and facilities. For information, (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.Jan. 26Creative Valentine cards: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. The Stamp Lady, Tina Gary, helps you create a Valentine card, gift tag, and decorative bag using stamps, ribbons, punches, and rub-ons. $10, bring a pair of scissors and a glue stick. Space limited. Please stop by the Library to register (no online registration).Wolves Player Visit: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. A Chicago Wolves Hockey player will visit the library as part of the "Read to Succeed" program for readers ages 6-14. One participant will get to put on a Wolves uniform. To register, call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.New parents night: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, in the school library, 255 Flagstaff Lane, Hoffman Estates. Catholic Schools Week Prospective New Parents Night. A Catholic Schools Week Mass will also be held 9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, followed by the Catholic Schools Week Open House from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in St. Hubert Catholic School. Tour the school, visit with the administration and faculty and staff, and enjoy refreshments. (847) 885-7702.Magic Class: 5-5:55 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, Ahlstrand Fieldhouse, 6900 Catalpa, Hanover Park. Children ages 5-12 learn tricks with cards, ropes, coins, mind reading and more. All materials provided. $18-$27. To register, (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.Jan. 27Parenting a Child with Special Needs: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, JCFS, 1156 W. Shure Drive, Arlington Heights. Parents support one another as they discuss the stresses and challenges involved in parenting children with special needs. Ongoing weekly group. $15 per session. For information, call Pamela, (224) 625-2804.American Girl Tea Party: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Bring your favorite American Girl, or other doll, for an afternoon of games, trivia and raffle. For children in grades two-six. To register, (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org. Open enrollment fair: 6:30-8 p.m. Addams Junior High School, 700 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. School District 54 board of education host annual Open Enrollment Fair to provide parents with information on eight elementary schools in District 54: Blackwell, Dirksen, Dooley, Ender-Salk, Hanover Highlands, Lincoln Prairie, Link and MacArthur. Formal presentation by Superintendent Ed Rafferty followed by opportunities for parents to visit each school's booth and ask questions. Free Mentoring Program: 4-6 p.m. Wednesdays, Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines. Social, educational and mentoring opportunities to enhance positive social behaviors, academic performance and community connections. For informaiton. call Karyn, (847) 391-5700 or karyn.roth@desplainesparks.org.Jan. 28After school crafts: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Ages 6 and up make cool crafts after school. Drop-in. (847) 259-6055."Taste of East": 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, East Leyden High School, 3400 Rose St., Franklin Park. Eight graders slated for admission to East Leyden High School will be given a taste of high school during this open house. For all incoming freshman and their parents. (847) 451-3023.Preschool screening: Thursday, Jan. 28, Roselle District 12. Screening in the areas of vision, hearing, motor development and language skills for District 12 children between the ages of 2 years 9 months and 5 years old. Free, call for an appointment. (630) 529-1883.Open house: Living Lord Lutheran Preschool in Bartlett will host a community Open House from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, and from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 30. Registration will begin in February. Families can meet the teachers, see the classroom, and learn about the 3-year-old, 4-year-old, and pre-K programs. For more information, call (630) 830-7158, or visit the preschool page at www.livinglordlutheran.org. Living Lord Preschool is located at 1044 Congress Drive, just south of Stearns Road on Route 59.Jan. 30Celebrating National Bubble Day: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Children will learn to blow bubbles. Activities also include a snack and "Jesus Time." $5 per child. Walk-ins welcome but advance registration appreciated. Call (847) 253-4839.Mysteries of the Spellbinder: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 30, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Magician Walter King Jr. will perform state-of-the-art illusions for participants in the winter reading program. Call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.Birthday Party Fair: 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, Community Recreation Center and The Water Works, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Enjoy a day with the family while learning about birthday party options at the Community Recreation Center and its indoor water park, Water Works. Tour party room, enjoy a birthday lunch, see the indoor playground and swim. $10 adults; $8 children before Monday, Jan. 25. To register (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com. Manners Please: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, Leisure Center, Northbrook. Topics include thank-you notes, telephone etiquette and dining skills. Girls should wear dresses or dressy pants and boys should wear a shirt and tie. Register online at nbpark.org. For information, (847) 291-2995.Teen Film Fest Screening and Awards: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Watch short films produced by local up-and-coming talent and put on your critic's hat and vote for your favorite. Games, trivia, and prizes will round out the afternoon. Register at the library, visit mppl.org/events or call (847) 253-5675.Jan. 31Community open house: Noon-2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, St. Peter Lutheran School, 208 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Preschool-eight grade and after care and Summer Daze programs available. Visit with teachers, ask questions, receive registration information for the 2010-2011 school year. (847) 885-7636 or stpeterlcms.com. Queen of the Rosary community open house: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, Queen of the Rosary School, 690 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village. Learn about and tour the school, meet the principal, teachers and parents, find out about the new preschool program for 2010-2011 and learn about classes and programs. (847) 437-3322 or qrcougars.org. St. Colette School open house: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, 43900 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows. Meet the principal, school board and teachers, ask questions, school tours, more. (847) 392-4098 or stcolette.com.Feb. 1Red Cross Babysitting Clinic: Registration begins Monday, Feb 1, for the Saturday, March 6 clinic, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Educational session covers basic child care, emergency action, first aid, more. Must be Mount Prospect residents and at least 11 years old by the program date. $15 nonrefundable registration fee. Register in person at the Library's Registration Desk.Anime Club: 4-5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Teens in sixth through 12th grade can enjoy a new Anime movie or series and Japanese snacks. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Take Good Care of Your Teeth: 7-7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Children's dental hygienist explains how children should take care of their teeth. Class includes audience participation, puppets, video, free toothbrushes and other handouts. To register, (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.Feb. 3Stories, Music and Crazy Kazoos: 7-7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Nationally acclaimed storyteller Beth Horner is the guest speaker. To register, (847)-358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org. Legos at the Library: 4-4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Build something related to a book-based theme or make whatever you want. Snacks provided. Ages 6 and up. Drop-in. (847) 259-6055 or rmlib.org.Feb. 4Palatine Park District Preschool: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, at Birchwood, 435 W. Illinois Ave.; Maple Park, 316 N. Winston; Parkside, 262 E. Palatine Road, in Community Park; and Eagle Park, 1425 N. Oak St. Preview the state licensed preschools, meet with staff members, ask questions, learn about programs. Children are welcome to explore the classrooms. New student registration for the 2010-2011 year began Monday, Feb. 1. Call Karen, (847) 705-5123, ext. 239 with questions about preschool.Feb. 5School's Out! Come and Play: Friday, Feb. 5 and Monday, Feb. 15, Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road. Games and structured outdoor learning activities for children ages 6-12. Come dressed for the outdoors and bring a lunch. $30-$45. Extended care is available from 7-9 a.m. and 305 p.m. for an additional fee. For information, (847) 985-2100.Feb. 6Fun fest: 6:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, Woodlawn School, 6362 Gilmer Road, Long Grove. Buffet dinner, silent and live auctions, Baggo, putting contest, horse, free throw contests and board games, card tournaments, bingo and more. Adults $25; children under 13 years of age $10. R.S.V.P. to (847) 634-0777 or e-mail LNeiman@BethJudea.org. Winterfest Weekend Trip: 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6-6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, Lake Geneva, Wis. Join the Des Plaines Park District for a trip to Lake Geneva's 14th annual Winterfest Weekend. Activities include A synchronized ballet of water, light and music at the Dancing Horses Theatre, lunch, snow sculptures, exotic bird show, accommodations at The Lodge at Geneva Ridge and Spa. $199-$219. (847) 391-5711 or desplainesparks.org. Guitar for busy adults and teens: 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, Community Center, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine. Crash course teaches basic chords and gets you playing along with your favorite songs right away. Designed for the absolute beginner. Bring your acoustic guitar. For information/registration, (847) 991-0333 or palatineparks.org. Crazy Chemical Concoctions: 11 a.m.to noon Saturday, Feb. 6, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Hands-on science program for kindergartners through fifth graders. No registration required; tickets given out 30 minutes before program. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Daddy Daughter Dance: 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, Community Center, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. Group games, crafts, dancing, music, dinner and dessert. Every daughter receives a corsage and gift bag. $30-$45 per couple, $15 for each additional daughter. Register at (630) 837-2468 pr hpparks.org.Feb. 9Teen Safety Pin Jewelry: 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Use everyday safety pins to create jewelry. $3 kit fee. Space is limited; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Make a Tiger Craft: 3-6 p.m. main library, 700 N. North Court; 1-4 p.m. Freeman Road branch, 1262 Freeman Road, Hoffman Estates, Tuesday, Feb. 9. The Palatine Library welcomes in the Year of the Tiger with a special craft. Drop in for grades 2 and up. (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.Feb. 10JCC Camp Chi info night: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, Bernard Weinger JCC, 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook. (847) 763-3551.Feb. 12Friday night movie for teens: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Snacks provided. Zac Efron movie about a middle-aged father, who finds that his life's is not exactly what he expected. (847) 259-6055. (PG-13, 102 minutes). Fantastic Friday: 5-9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines. Children ages 5-12 enjoy gym sports, game room, arts and crafts, board games, Baggo, movies and big screen TV. $10-$13. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.Feb. 13Boy School Troop 209 Pancake Breakfast: 7 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 13, United Methodist Church, 123 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine. $5 at the door. John, (847) 934-0683.Igby Mania Party: 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. We will play Igby games, have Igby food, and read the winning Igby essays. There will be a special appearance by Igby. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Feb. 15Family Indoor Camp In: 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19-7 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Games, activities, open play time, quiet hours. Must bring your own sleeping bags and tents to set up in the gym. Registration deadline is Monday, Feb. 15. $40 per family of four; $60 nonresident families. Additional family members $10. To register, (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.Feb. 19Drop in crafts: 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Drop into the library and discover a fun craft. While supplies last. (847) 259-6055 or rmlib.org.Dad and Daughter Princess Date Night: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Entertainment, catered dinner, dancing and games for dads and their daughters ages 4-10. $28-$42 per couple. Additional daughter is $14/$16. Registration required before Friday, Feb. 19. Call (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.IPRA Teen Ski Trip: Friday, Feb. 19-Saturday, Feb. Bus departs from the Clauss Recreation Center, Roselle, for the IPRA Teen Ski Trip to Chestnut Mountain. For children ages 6-12. $60-$75 or $75-$90. For information, call the Roselle Park District at (630) 894-4200 or visit roselleparkdistrict.com.Feb. 21Daddy Daughter Date Night: 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, Clauss Recreation Center, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. Open to dads, (granddads, big brothers, uncles or cousins) and their daughters ages 10 and under. Dress up to dance, enjoy refreshments, photos and entertainment. $25-$37.50 per couple. Register at (630) 894-4200.Feb. 26Family Tropical Escape Night: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, The Water Works, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Families dress in tropical theme clothing to enjoy music, games, munchies, more. $10-$15. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.March 2JCC Camp Chi info night: 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, Jacob Duman JCC at Woodland Commons, 370 Half Day Road, Buffalo Grove. (847) 763-3551.OngoingSalt Creek Park District preschool: The Salt Creek Park District offers preschool for children, who turned 3 after Sept. 1. If you child is potty-trained three and four day programs are available. Call (847) 259-6890 for information.Schaumburg High preschool openings: Schaumburg High School has several openings available during the 12:15-1:45 p.m. session of preschool. The preschool meets Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from early February until late May. Children must te 31/2-5 years old, toilet-trained and current immunization records must be provided. $100, plus a $25 registration fee. Call Emily Wydra at (847) 755-4736.Teen Center Des Plaines: The Des Plaines Teen Center and Game Room are open 2-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; and 1-5 p.m. Saturdays. For a schedule of special events or information, call (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org. Education registration: Congregation Kneseth Israel is now taking registration for the new school year. Torah school for pre-K-high school, adult education classes and an award-winning youth program 6-12 are offered. The synagogue is at 330 Division St., Elgin. For information, contact the synagogue office, (847) 741-5656 or visit the Web site, www.ckielgin.org.Help for preschool: A free or reduced tuition program for families with unemployed parents is being offered by Christ the King Lutheran Preschool, 100 W, Michigan Ave. in Palatine. A family with one unemployed parent will be offered half price tuition; if both parents are unemployed, the child will receive free tuition. This will remain in effect for as long as is necessary. This will allow the child a chance for fun and to be in a nurturing environment. It will allow the parents a chance to go on interviews, actively job search and some time to relax. Unemployment brings an extremely stressful environment for families, this will allow for break. The tuition relief is available for all preschool programs, including the afternoon KinderClub. In addition, free or reduced tuition is available to military families. Those deployed in the states will be offered half tuition rates; those deployed overseas, free. For more information, contact Valerie Schultz, director, at (847) 358-0230 or visit www.ByFaithAlone.org.Tutor. com: Youth Services Department at the Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm Street, Prospect Heights will have a new online service. Tutor.com connects to a real-time live tutor in an online classroom to work one-on-one on homework, studying, test prep, etc. Available daily from 2- 9 p. m. via the library's Web site phpl.infoBefore and After School Care program: Weekdays, 6-8:30 a.m. and 3:30-6 p.m.; nonschool days (except major holidays), 6 a.m.-6 p.m.; Lutheran Church of the Cross, 2025 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. Open to children ages 5 through 12. For details, call (847) 437-5176.Jewish youth programs: Beth Judea offers programs for third-graders through high school students, regardless of their Jewish affiliation. Kadinkers is the youngest youth group and is for students in third - fifth grades. It meets once a month on a Sunday after Sunday school. Yearly dues are $18. Kadima is the youth group for students in sixth - eighth grades. Kadima meets once or twice a month. Yearly dues are $35. United Synagogue Youth is the youth group for all high school students. This teen group meets on a weekly basis for an assortment of activities. Yearly dues are $40. For more details on these groups, contact Aaron at (847) 634-0777, ext. 114. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove.Creative Corners Preschool registration: Registration is in progress for the Des Plaines Park District Creative Corners Preschool 3-year and 4-5-year classes at the Administrative and Leisure Center, 2222 Birch Street. Call (847) 391-5700 or visit desplaineparks.org.Preschool fall openings: The Elk Grove Park District has openings in its 2 1/2 and 3-year-old fall classes, 225 W. Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village. For registration or information, (847) 364-7224 or elkgroveparks.org. Queen of the Rosary preschool: Queen of the Rosary School, Elk Grove Village, is currently accepting registration for its 3- and 4-year-old preschool program. For information, to schedule a visit, or to register, call Claudia, (847) 437-3322.