Cary Park District notes

Cary Park District 255 Briargate Road. For more information, call (847) 639-6100 or visit www.carypark.com. Pre-registration is required for all programs.

For youths, teens

Creative Gift Wrapping: The package's outside appearance sets the tone for the gift inside. Children will learn how to take everyday household items and turn them into creative gift wrap. A supply list will be provided in advance. Class is open to children ages 9 to 12 and will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Community Center. Registration is $12 for Cary residents and $18 for nonresidents.

Extended Time: Moms and dads, are you looking for a safe and stimulating before- and after-school program for your child? Do you want peace of mind knowing that your child is supervised and having fun before and after school?

Extended Time and Kindergarten Extended Time are programs offered to families with children enrolled in District 26 grade schools. The program is designed to provide a safe environment for children while providing socialization experiences, imagination opportunities and enrichment skills.

Children will be right at home with various crafts, games, homework time and exciting events. Visit www.carypark.com for more information including fee schedule, locations, and more.

For adults

Easy Slow Cooker Recipes: Look forward to the long winter months with great, easy and quick recipes using your slow cooker. Learn how easy it is to prepare soup, entrees and desserts, and sample and share recipes. The program is open to adults age 16 and older. It will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 18 at Foxford Hills Golf Club 6800 S. Rawson Bridge Road, Cary. Registration is $12 for residents and $18 for nonresidents.

For seniors

The Cary Park District's Kraus Senior Center, 441 W. Main Street, offers a wide variety of low-cost programs, events and trips for seniors. Senior Center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

For more information about the events and programs at the Senior Center, call (847) 639-8118.

All programs take place at the Senior Center unless otherwise noted.

December calendar of events includes:

Glee Club: Meets from 10 to 11 a.m. select Tuesdays in December -- Dec. 4, 11 and 18.

Lift your spirits and raise your voice in song. No experience necessary, no tryouts, no pressure. Everyone is welcome to participate as this program is designed for fun and socializing.

Poker Club: Meets from 9 a.m. to noon select Tuesdays and Thursdays in December. Dates are Dec. 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20 and 27.

Book Club: Meets from 10 to 11 a.m. Dec. 6. The book to be discussed is "The Memory Keeper's Daughter" by Kim Edwards.

Craft Club: Meets from 9 to 11 a.m. select Fridays in December -- Dec. 7, 21 and 28.

Share ideas and lead or participate in a variety of craft projects. Supply costs will vary.

Bingo: Meets from noon to 2:30 p.m. select Fridays in December -- Dec. 7, 21, 28.

Canasta and Pinochle Clubs: This new club meets from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. select Thursdays in December -- Dec. 13 and 27.

Exercise: Meets from 10:30 to 11 a.m. select Fridays in December -- Dec. 7, 21 and 28.

Exercise to a video created especially for Kraus Senior Center. Participants work at their own pace through the video using a variety of movements. Admission is free.

Bridge Club: Meets from noon to 2:30 p.m. select Fridays in December -- Dec. 7, 21 and 28. Also meets from 6 to 9 p.m. select Thursdays in December -- Dec. 13 and 27.

Blood Pressure Checks: Get a free blood pressure check from a registered nurse from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 7 No appointment is necessary.

Roundtable Discussion Group: Meets from 10 to 11 a.m. Dec. 20.

The Kraus Senior Center, in coordination with Senior Services of McHenry County, will host a monthly discussion group. Group members are invited to give suggestions for topics. Participation is free. Sign-up is required.

IKEA Shopping Trip: Trip is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 4.

Join friends for holiday shopping, browsing, lunching and socializing. Shop without the hassle of traffic and parking. Enjoy lunch at IKEA. Lunch is self-pay. Fee is $10 for residents and $11 for nonresidents.

Trim-A-Tree Party and Breakfast: Held from 9 to 10 a.m. Dec. 7.

Deck the halls and kick off the holiday season with tree trimming, carols, food, friends, bingo and merriment. Bring a canned food donation for the Cary Food Pantry.

Fee is $3 for residents and $4 for nonresidents.

Kraus Senior Center Christmas Party: Party is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 14.

This party has it all -- Christmas carols, food, presents and even a visit from Santa.

The party will be at Chris's Coach House, 6414 Hilly Way, Cary. The event is sponsored by Community Christmas.

Sign up is required. Fee is $8.