Hanover Township notes

Resource Fair: The Astor Avenue Community Center, 7431 Astor Ave., Hanover Park, hosts Hanover Township's first Resource Fair today. From 3:30 to 7 p.m., residents can learn about services provided by the township.

Township booths will have elected officials and staff on hand to give out literature, answer questions, and take suggestions for additional services at the Astor site.

Booths include Assessor's Office, Astor Avenue Community Center, Clerk's Office, Community Health Nurse, Highway Commissioner, Mental Health Board, Senior Services, Veterans Advocate, Welfare Services, and Youth and Family Services.

Current services offered at the Astor Avenue Community Center are provided by the township's Youth and Family Services Department. The after-school program, teen activities, family events, and computer classes debuted this year. ESL classes offered by Elgin Community College were added with requests from the community. Job search help for teens and adults is also under way.

Visitors will be able to complete a survey regarding other options for the Astor site. Children accompanied by a parent will receive a small prize. Refreshments will be served.

Following the fair, the township board holds its regular meeting at 7 p.m. in the center's multipurpose room.

For more information, call the Astor Avenue Community Center at (630) 540-9085.

STEP groups: Addressing the need for support and information for parents, Hanover Township Youth and Family Services offers a series of discussion groups for parents throughout the 2007-08 school year.

First on the schedule is a STEP (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) group for parents of children ages 6 to 12, beginning from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Township Offices, 250 S. Route 59, Bartlett. The group will conclude on Dec. 19.

A STEP group for parents of teenagers meets from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 16-Feb. 27. A STEP group for parents of children ages 5 and under concludes the series, meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, March 12-April 30.

Through the program, parents learn how to effectively communicate with their children, how to encourage positive behavior, and how to discipline using natural and logical consequences.

Preregistration is required. The group is offered free of charge, with a $15 book fee for the class. Priority enrollment will be given to township residents.

For more information on STEP groups or to register, call Hanover Township Youth and Family Services at (630) 483-5799.

Coffee with the Supervisor: Coffee with the Supervisor will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the township offices, 250 S. Route 59, Bartlett

Share ideas and concerns about township government with Hanover Township Supervisor Mike Kelly. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided.

For more information, call Aurea Picasso at (630) 837-0301.