NW suburban family calendar
Events specifically for children or teens as well as those for, including classes, park and library programs, music, dances, family fitness events, battles of the bands. Send items to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com two weeks before event date.
Nov. 16
Monday Morning Tots: 10-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Nov. 16 and 30, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Children under 3 and caregivers can stop by to meet with other families and share a variety of toys and books. At 10:30 a.m., attend a story and music time for infants and toddlers. Siblings are welcome. VAPLD cardholders only. No registration required. Call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Anime club: 4-5:45 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Grades 6-12 can watch a new Anime movie or series and enjoy Japanese snacks. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Vegetarian Eating for Teens: 6-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton St. Chef Sunshire Best and the Whole Foods Market culinary team show how to safely lead a vegetarian life and prepare easy-to-make recipes. Free. To register, (847) 392-0100 or ahml.info.
Homemade Gifts with Green Spa Recipes: 7-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Ages 8 and up with an adult can learn to make Green Spa recipes like Salt Scrub for Hands and Feet, Soothing Oatmeal Bath, Sugar and Spice Body Polish, or aromatherapy massage oil. Recipes, jars, ribbons, etc. will be provided. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Nov. 17
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart open house: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 760 W. Westleigh Road, Lake Forest. Parents and their daughters are invited to learn about Woodlands. Includes presentations by faculty members and student leaders, tours of the campus. (847) 234-4300.
Scratch Programming: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 or 24, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Grades 6-8 can create an animated character or video game with Scratch, a free program designed by MIT. Space is limited. Registration required; call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Storytime: 10:15-10:45 a.m. or 1:15-1:45 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane, Rolling Meadows. Stories, simple craft, fun for ages 3-5 without parents. (847) 259-6050, ext. 140.
Family Storytime: 7:15-7:45 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Stories, simple craft for ages 3-5, but siblings and caregivers are invited to participate. (847) 259-6050, ext. 140.
Nov. 18
Parenting a Child with Special Needs: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, JCFS, 1156 W. Shure Drive, Arlington Heights. Parents support one another as they discuss the stresses and challenges involved in parenting children with special needs. Ongoing weekly group. $15 per session. For information, call Pamela, (224) 625-2804.
Holiday Cookies and Cupcakes: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway. Pastry chef Rosemary Deneen of Food-is-Fun! demonstrates the basics of decorating holiday cookies and cupcakes and shares her recipes. For adults, youth adults and teens. To register, (847) 382-1300 or barringtonarealibrary.org.
Nov. 19
Puppy Dog Tales: 10:30-11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Boks, songs, games and a simple craft for ages 2-3 with caregiver. (847) 259-6050, ext. 140.
Babysitter's Training course: 7-9 p.m. Thursdays Nov. 19, South Barrington board room, 3 Tennis Club Lane. Hands-on activities, video, role-plays and discussions will teach you to be the best babbysitter. Receive Babysitter's Training certificate from the American Red Cross upon completion. For ages 11-15. $65-$75. Register at (847) 381-7515 or sbpd.net.
Real Men Read: 6:30-7:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, Schaumburg Township District Library Youth Services classroom, 130 S. Roselle Road. Children ages 5-14, accompanied by fathers, grandfather, uncles or adult brothers, may bring their favorite book and read aloud.
Nov. 20
Winter camp: Registration is now open for Gan Israel Winter Camp located in Northbrook. Aimed at bringing a little warmth and an exciting Jewish experience for children who are off from school yet left out of all the season's hoopla, Gan Israel is part of the largest Jewish camping network in the world. The camp features age-appropriate activities for children ages 5-11 and runs from Dec. 21-25. Individual day options are also available. The camp takes great pride in its dedicated professionally trained staff. Register in full by Nov. 20, to receive an early bird discount. For more information and to register, call Rabbi Schneur Scheiman at (847) 345-6406 or visit www.GanIsraelChicago.com/winter .
The Cradle Will Rock: 10:30-11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin lane, Rolling Meadows. Books, music, songs and finger plays. Ages 6-23 months with caregiver. (847) 259-6050, ext. 140.
Family Christmas Party: Registration deadline Friday, Nov. 20. 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, Avalon Banquets,1905 Higgins Road, Elk Grove. Elk Grove Village Italian Sister City Organization invites families and friends to a party; Santa will be there to distribute gifts that guests bring for their children (write the child's name on the gift). $30 for adults, $15 for children 3-8, free for children under 3. For tickets, call (847) 734-9800.
Nov. 21
Pictures with Santa Claus: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, Knupper Nursery, 1801 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Free photo with Santa, just bring your camera. For information, (847) 359-1080.
Teen Bollywood Dancing: Noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Grades 6-12 can learn steps of and participate in Bollywood dances. Wear comfortable and colorful clothes. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Meet the Berenstain Bears: 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, Northbrook Theatre, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. See a performance of "The Berenstain Bears" and meet the cast in the lobby after the show. For tickets, (847) 291-2367 or northbrooktheatre.com.
Candy Cane Lane: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Crafts and activities for children during the Women of Faith Gingerbread House sale; parents and caregivers can shop while children enjoy creative time. Free admission. For information, call (847) 253-4839.
Woodlands Academy Open House: 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 17, Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart, 760 E. Westleigh Road, Lake Forest. Parents and their daughters are invited to tour the campus and learn about Woodlands' programs, environment and opportunities. For information, call (847) 234-4300.
Nov. 22
Pictures with Santa Claus: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, Knupper Nursery, 1801 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Free photo with Santa, just bring your camera. For information, (847) 359-1080.
Nov. 23
Drumming circle: In honor of International Drum Month, Native American Heritage Month and upcoming Thanksgiving, enjoy a Drumming Circle at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 23, at Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Registered Music Therapist Rita Lopienski will present "Drumming Circles-The Rhythm of Life." Learn the history, religious use and culture of exotic drums from around the world, and experience firsthand how playing these drums releases stress, promotes creativity and self-expression. Instruments are provides and all ages are welcome. This is free and open to the public, but reservations are encouraged. Contact (630) 213-0100 or rlopienski@pathwaysl.com.
Lapsit: 10-10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 23, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Babies from birth to 18 months and their parents can enjoy stories, puppets, finger plays and playtime. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.
Nov. 24
Scratch Programming: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Grades 6-8 can create an animated character or video game with Scratch, a free program designed by MIT. Space is limited. Registration required; call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Nov. 25
Parenting a Child with Special Needs: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, JCFS, 1156 W. Shure Drive, Arlington Heights. Parents support one another as they discuss the stresses and challenges involved in parenting children with special needs. Ongoing weekly group. $15 per session. For information, call Pamela, (224) 625-2804.
Movie on the big screen: 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Comedy adventure about a 78-year-old balloon salesman, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure. Rated PG, 96 minutes. No registration required.
Nov. 28
Gamer's Glory-open play: 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway. Board, card and video games provided for play. (847) 382-1300 or barringtonarealibrary.org.
Nov. 30
Monday Morning Tots: 10-11:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30, Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Children under 3 and caregivers can stop by to meet with other families and share a variety of toys and books. At 10:30 a.m., attend a story and music time for infants and toddlers. Siblings are welcome. VAPLD cardholders only. No registration required. Call (847) 634-3650 or visit vapld.info.
Dec. 2
Best Christmas Decorations in Chicagoland: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway. Mary Edsey, native Chicagoan and author of "The Best Christmas Decorations in Chicagoland," takes a look at area holiday displays from the traditional to the incredible from downtown Chicago to the southernmost boonies. For adults and young adults. To register, (847) 382-1300 or barringtonarealibrary.org.
Dec. 4
Pictures with Santa Claus: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, Knupper Nursery, 1801 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Free photo with Santa, just bring your camera. For information, (847) 359-1080.
Dec. 8
JCC Camp Chi info night: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, Bernard Weinger JCC, 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook. (847) 763-3551.
Dec. 11
Holiday movie night: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, Meineke Recreation Center, Schaumburg. For grades five and six. $11 includes soda, popcorn and sweet treat. (847) 985-2143 or parkfun.com
Dec. 12
Cookie Walk/Living Nativity: Bethel Lutheran Church, 3839 W. Frontage Road, Palatine, will sponsor two events on Saturday Dec. 12. A Cookie Walk will be held from 9-11 a.m. The cost of cookies is $9/pound. The Living Nativity will be held at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. (847) 397-4372.
Dec. 19
Breakfast with Santa: 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, Bartlett Park District Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road. Pancake breakfast, holiday crafts, visit with Santa. For ages 2-8 with paid/registered adult. $12-$16 adults; $10-$14 per child. (630) 540-4834.
'Winter Tales': 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. Culturally diverse blend of old and new folk tales for children with Roscoe the Elf and a magical reindeer dance. $5. For tickets, (847) 202-5222 or palatineparks.org/box office.
Jan. 20
JCC Camp Chi info night: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, Jacob Duman JCC at Woodland Commons, 370 Half Day Road, Buffalo Grove. (847) 763-3551.
Feb. 10
JCC Camp Chi info night: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, Bernard Weinger JCC, 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook. (847) 763-3551.
March 2
JCC Camp Chi info night: 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, Jacob Duman JCC at Woodland Commons, 370 Half Day Road, Buffalo Grove. (847) 763-3551.
Ongoing
Salt Creek Park District preschool: The Salt Creek Park District offers preschool for children, who turned 3 after Sept. 1. If you child is potty-trained three and four day programs are available. Call (847) 259-6890 for information.
Schaumburg High preschool openings: Schaumburg High School has several openings available during the 12:15-1:45 p.m. session of preschool. The preschool meets Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from early February until late May. Children must te 31/2-5 years old, toilet-trained and current immunization records must be provided. $100, plus a $25 registration fee. Call Emily Wydra at (847) 755-4736.
Teen Center Des Plaines: The Des Plaines Teen Center and Game Room are open 2-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; and 1-5 p.m. Saturdays. For a schedule of special events or information, call (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.
Education registration: Congregation Kneseth Israel is now taking registration for the new school year. Torah school for pre-K-high school, adult education classes and an award-winning youth program 6-12 are offered. The synagogue is at 330 Division St., Elgin. For information, contact the synagogue office, (847) 741-5656 or visit the Web site, www.ckielgin.org.
Help for preschool: A free or reduced tuition program for families with unemployed parents is being offered by Christ the King Lutheran Preschool, 100 W, Michigan Ave. in Palatine. A family with one unemployed parent will be offered half price tuition; if both parents are unemployed, the child will receive free tuition. This will remain in effect for as long as is necessary. This will allow the child a chance for fun and to be in a nurturing environment. It will allow the parents a chance to go on interviews, actively job search and some time to relax. Unemployment brings an extremely stressful environment for families, this will allow for break. The tuition relief is available for all preschool programs, including the afternoon KinderClub. In addition, free or reduced tuition is available to military families. Those deployed in the states will be offered half tuition rates; those deployed overseas, free. For more information, contact Valerie Schultz, director, at (847) 358-0230 or visit www.ByFaithAlone.org.
Tutor. com: Youth Services Department at the Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm Street, Prospect Heights will have a new online service. Tutor.com connects to a real-time live tutor in an online classroom to work one-on-one on homework, studying, test prep, etc. Available daily from 2- 9 p. m. via the library's Web site phpl.info
Before and After School Care program: Weekdays, 6-8:30 a.m. and 3:30-6 p.m.; nonschool days (except major holidays), 6 a.m.-6 p.m.; Lutheran Church of the Cross, 2025 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. Open to children ages 5 through 12. For details, call (847) 437-5176.
Preschool registration: Noah's Ark Christian Preschool and Kindergarten, 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington, is currently registering new students for the 2009-2010 school year. Classes are available for children ages 2-6. Noah's Ark is a ministry of Barrington United Methodist Church. Call (847) 844-3738 for more information.
Jewish youth programs: Beth Judea offers programs for third-graders through high school students, regardless of their Jewish affiliation. Kadinkers is the youngest youth group and is for students in third - fifth grades. It meets once a month on a Sunday after Sunday school. Yearly dues are $18. Kadima is the youth group for students in sixth - eighth grades. Kadima meets once or twice a month. Yearly dues are $35. United Synagogue Youth is the youth group for all high school students. This teen group meets on a weekly basis for an assortment of activities. Yearly dues are $40. For more details on these groups, contact Aaron at (847) 634-0777, ext. 114. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove.
Creative Corners Preschool registration: Registration is in progress for the Des Plaines Park District Creative Corners Preschool 3-year and 4-5-year classes at the Administrative and Leisure Center, 2222 Birch Street. Call (847) 391-5700 or visit desplaineparks.org.
Preschool fall openings: The Elk Grove Park District has openings in its 2 1/2 and 3-year-old fall classes, 225 W. Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village. For registration or information, (847) 364-7224 or elkgroveparks.org.
Queen of the Rosary preschool: Queen of the Rosary School, Elk Grove Village, is currently accepting registration for its 3- and 4-year-old preschool program. For information, to schedule a visit, or to register, call Claudia, (847) 437-3322.