Dist. 25 offers Japanese -- to parents
Kids won't be the only ones going to school in Arlington Heights during the new year. Arlington Heights Elementary District 25 will offer an introductory Japanese world language class for parents and staff members in January.
Japanese phrases, popular Japanese games and culture will all be discussed in the six-week course. The class is being funded by a Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago grant.
Currently Japanese classes are offered to students at South and Thomas middle schools and Windsor Elementary. But most parents and staff in District 25 didn't have the opportunity to learn an Asian language when they were in school, since Romance languages like Spanish or French were all the rage at the time.
So here's your chance.
For more information call (847) 758-4890.
- Sheila Ahern
Holiday winners named
Mount Prospect's Special Events Commission recently announced winners of its Holiday Decorating Contest. They are:
• Grand prize: Jim Bauer, 404 S. Craig Ct.
• Best Business: Keefer's Pharmacy, 5 W. Prospect Ave.
• Best Use of Lights: Horst Kricke, 601 N. Prospect Manor.
• Best Block: 200 block of South Pine Street.
• Christmas Fantasy: Joseph Kawitter, 128 N. Stratton.
• Best Religious, David Hollis, 905 S. I-Oka.
• Simple But Elegant: Lani McKinnen, 104 N. Owen.
- Sue Ter Maat
CERT training in Palatine
No one - and no place - is immune to disaster.
Palatine emergency management coordinator Tom Smith says it's his job to make sure residents are as prepared as they can be in the event man-made, natural or technological disaster strikes. He heads the village's Community Emergency Response Team, an increasingly popular federal program.
Another free training course that's sure to be filled will start up Monday, Jan. 5. Sessions cover disaster medical operations, fire safety, light search and rescue, psychology of terrorism and other topics. Individuals who complete the class can take part in advanced training and qualify for Palatine's response capability.
The class meets eight times through Jan. 26 at village hall, 200 E. Wood St. Go to palatine-ema.org for more information. To enroll, contact Palatine emergency management coordinator Tom Smith (847) 359-9056 or tsmith@palatine.il.us.
- Kimberly Pohl
Library offers retirement tips
No matter what age you are, the dawn of a new year brings you one step closer to retirement.
With the poor economy having thrown many of the old rules out the window, you'll want to have the most up-to-date advice about preparing financially for this professional and personal goal.
Writer and TV commentator Gail MarksJarvis will present a "Saving for Retirement" program at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, in the Rasmussen Room of the Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road in Schaumburg.
You can register for the program by calling (847) 923-3347. This is the kickoff for a series of other finance-related programs and resources at the library.
Also Jan. 26, patrons may drop in anytime from 7 and 9 p.m. for an Investor Open House in the Adult Classroom on the second floor.
Visitors will have the opportunity to view financial videos and learn about other library resources for investors. No registration is required, and an exhibit will be available on the second floor with information about preparing for retirement.
- Eric Peterson