Ephron portrayal highlights Pioneer Center benefit lunch

Pioneer Center for Human Services will host its second annual Holiday Luncheon and Book Review on Dec. 10. It begins at 11:30 a.m. at D'Andrea Banquets in Crystal Lake, and will feature a book review by Barbara Rinella, an acclaimed dramatist and local favorite.

Rinella will present her dramatization of award-winning novelist Nora Ephron's book "I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman." She will bring to life Ephron's humorous lessons on parenting, marriage, divorce, being an empty-nester and preserving our aging bodies -- starting with the neck.

For more information or to purchase tickets, which are $35, call Barb Swanson at (815) 759-7144.

The proceeds from this year's holiday lunchwill be used to create a new art studio for Pioneer clients.

"This new specialized space will provide many new opportunities for clients to express themselves artistically and really shine," said Jason Clark, division director.

"Art has been a part of the program and curriculum of Pioneer Center for Human Services for many years, and provides many benefits to clients.

"It promotes skill-building with fine motor skills, provides opportunities for positive social interactions in groups, and builds self confidence. It can also serve as a meditational tool when artists focus on the beauty that is being created," he said.

"But, we were limited by the space that we had.

"We are very excited by the potential to expand this program with the addition of the new art studio," Clark added.

The new art studio will be located in the Pioneer Central building on Dayton Street in McHenry.

The room will feature work tables, drying racks, storage, easels, whiteboard, and a variety of art supplies and teaching materials.

Pioneer Center for Human Services is a not-for-profit agency that provides services to more than 1,600 individuals annually in McHenry County.

Pioneer Center for Human Services serves people with developmental disabilities, mental illness, traumatic brain injury and provides early intervention therapies for children from birth to age five.

It also serves victims of sexual assault through the VOICE program and homeless men, women and children through the PADS program.