Cheap stuff to do: Embrace love or loneliness
Free
You could meet your soul mate
Thunderbird Singles group hosts its World's Largest Valentine's Singles Party, a giant singles dance for singles ages 35 and older. The evening's events include dancing, snacks, games, raffles and a cash bar. Along with Thunderbird Singles, other groups who have confirmed their attendance at the event include the North Shore Singles and the Private Eyes Singles groups.
Facts: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Hyatt Regency Woodfield, 1800 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg. Admission is free. Call hotline for information. (847) 604-1199.
Who dares to be hypnotized?
Hypnotist Lee Darrow presents a program at the Round Lake Area Public Library. Volunteers will be hypnotized, as Darrow attempts to discover their hidden talents. For all ages.
Facts: 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at the Round Lake Area Public Library, 906 Hart Road, Round Lake. Free. (847) 546-7060.
A really un-Valentine's Day event
Kids in grades 7 to 12 can celebrate the lousy side of Valentine's Day during the Love Stinks: Anti-Valentine's Day Chocolate Fest. Group discussions will include "finding the worst places to take a date" and "the most depressing ways to get "dumped." "Un-valentine"-style decorations will enhance the festivities, and kids can partake in a chocolate taste-off event.
Facts: 2:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Free. Call to register. (847) 392-0100.
$10 and under
Radio days
RG Productions, producers of live, old-time radio re-creations, presents "Love Is On-The-Air," a blend of romance and comedy with characters from popular old-time radio shows including "Burns & Allen" (which starred the legendary George Burns and Gracie Allen) and "Our Miss Brooks" (which starred Eve Arden). The show features original scripts from the classic programs along with real old-time microphones, live sound effects and music. Don't touch that dial!
Facts: 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the PM&L Theater, Antioch, 877 Main St., Antioch. Admission for the 2:30 p.m. show is $5. The 8 p.m. show is $10. Visit radioproductions.com.
'Tea With the President'
Learn about the history that tea has played in the lives of U.S. presidents, their families and dignitaries who visited the White House, as certified tea consultant Patricia O'Brien presents "Tea With the President." O'Brien will take guests on a walk through history with presidents and first ladies including George and Martha Washington, Harry Truman, Thomas Jefferson and John and Jacqueline Kennedy. See what visitors came to tea with U.S. presidents, and what gifts were given to the presidents from foreign heads of state. O'Brien will also share photos of cherished tea sets.
1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. $10 per person. Call for reservations. (847) 304-1996. Visit TheGarlands.com.
Still a bargain!
Valentine Swing Dance with the Flat Cats
The Flat Cats perform live swing jazz, jump blues, western swing and ballads at the Valentine Swing Dance at Willowbrook Ballroom. Complimentary swing dance lessons are featured. Guests are encouraged to wear their vintage attire. No jeans or gym shoes are allowed.
7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at the Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Admission is $10-$12. (708) 839-1000 or willowbrookballroom.com.