Cook Co. clubs calendar

To have an event listed in this calendar, e-mail the details at least two weeks in advance of the event or registration deadline to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com. Please put "Clubs & hobbies" in the subject line.

Nashville Songwriters: Association's Chicago chapter meets 2-5 p.m. June 28, for a songwriters workshop at the Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway, Barrington. Workshop focuses on various aspects of the craft of songwriting and is suitable for songwriters of all levels and genres. For information, call Jeff Wilson at (847) 303-0737.

Jewish Genealogical Society: 2 p.m. June 29, Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster St., Skokie. "Ask the Experts," bring genealogical related questions you may have regarding your research. www.jewishgen.org/jgsi or (312) 666-0100.

Des Plaines Toastmasters: Meet 7 p.m. June 30; Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Learn to speak and present ideas in a supportive group setting. The club meets on the first, third, and fifth Mondays of every month. Call Hap (847) 635-6351 or hap@therainreport.com.

New Beginnings board: Meets 7 p.m. July 1, Norina's house in Hoffman Estates. Bring your ideas for new activities and events. For information, call (847) 490-1066.

Lions Brat tent: 2-5 p.m. July 6, downtown Barrington. Food and drinks available from the Lions of Barrington. Sponsored by Best Buy and Game Stop. Proceeds benefit special needs children in District 220 through Barrington Area Special Voices. For informaiton or to volunteer e-mail Holtbarrington@aol.com.

Rolling Meadows Garden Club: 7-9 p.m. July 9; Rolling Meadows Community Center, 3705 Pheasant Drive. Topic is "Pressing Flowers." Learn what to grow and when to pick, then how to press and store; and finally, what to do with all the treasures. Guests are free; refreshments will be served. Call (847) 818-3200 ext. 230 or visit www.rollingmeadowsgardenclub.com.

Evening of sweet delights: 7:30 p.m. July 15; member's home in Buffalo Grove. Hosted by the Yahava Group of Hadassah North Shore Chapter. Bring a dessert with recipe. Cost: $5 donation to Hadassah. Call (847) 433-6350 or e-mail northshore@hadassah.org

Laughter Club: Meets 7:30 p.m. July 16, at the gazebo in Towne Square Park, 150 W. Palatine Road, Palatine. Free-flow laughter with breathing exercises to release stress and boost happiness. Free. Call Doug at (847) 359-6969 for information. www.laughteryogachicago.org.

Motorola Retirement Club: Schaumburg chapter meets 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m. July 16, in the auditorium of the Innovation Center at the Schaumburg campus. For information, call (847) 669-1020 or (847) 253-4696.

Jewish Genealogical Society: 2 p.m. July 27; Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster Street, Skokie. Topic is "Mining the National Archives," Ginger Frere, M.L.S., of Information Diggers and a reference librarian in Local and Family History will explore some of the lesser known holdings of the National Archives. www.jewishgen.org/jgsi or (312) 666-0100.

Genealogy group: Computer-assisted Northern Illinois chapter meets 10:30 a.m. July 19, Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Susan Anderson will speak on "What's Happening in Salt Lake: New Developments in FamilySearch."

Les Bavards: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 6; Des Plaines restaurant. Monthly francophone dinner-group, meets for dinner and conversation to practice using the language in an informal setting. Participants, including a few native speakers, have various levels of proficiency in speaking French. Participants must have the ability to carry on general conversations in the language. No membership required, merely listening in French. For details, R.S.V.P. by e-mail to lesbavards@yahoo.com or call (847) 720-4502. Visit lesbavardsfrancophones.blogspot.com.