Northwest 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. Deadline is two weeks before event date.

Kingswood Preschool registration: Kingswood Preschool registration for the 2010-2011 school year is now open. For information about the program, current tuition prices or to schedule a personal tour, contact Laura Kpoka, (847) 398-0770, ext. 24 or kingswoodpreschool@comcast.net. Visit kingswoodpreschool.com.

Preschool registration: Noah's Ark Christian Preschool and Kindergarten has begun registration for the 2010-2011 school year. Classes are offered for children ages 2 through kindergarten. Hours are from 9-11:30 a.m., with extended day options available. To schedule a tour of Noah's Ark, located at 98 Algonquin Road, call (847) 844-3738. www.barringtonumc.com.

Palatine Parks: The Palatine Park District is now taking registration for a variety of winter programs at the new Falcon Park Recreation Center, 2195 N. Hicks Road. Winter programs include classes for children and adults, fitness, dance and athletics. For information, visit palatineparks.org/falconprograms.html.

Creative Kids Preschool: Registration is being accepted for the 2010-2011 school year at the Prospect Heights Park District Creative Kids Preschool. Ages 21/2-4 welcome. For information, (847) 394-2848, ext. 12.

Bartlett Woman's Club scholarships: The Bartlett Woman's Club is again offering its yearly college scholarship to a high school senior, who resides in Bartlett. Applications are available at the Guidance office of Bartlett, Streamwood, Elgin, South Elgin and Larkin high schools. All other high school seniors need to call Ruth Beckner at (630) 837-8125 for an application. Applications are due April 1.

Before and After School Club: Before School Club begins at 6:30 a.m.; After School Club ends at 6:30 p.m., Hanover Park Park District. Activities, arts and crafts, sports, outside and homework time. For information and pricing, call (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.

Make Room for More Kids Stuff Garage Sale: Tables and space are still available for the Make Room for More Kids Stuff Garage Sale scheduled for Saturday, March 6, at the Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. This indoor sale offers the opportunity to make money while spring cleaning. Tables and space are provided in the CRC gym. Limit of two tables per family. Only children's items may be sold. Cost for one table is $8 for residents and $12 for nonresidents. Cost for two tables is $16/$24. Call (847) 490-7020 for information.

Feb. 8Drums and Dreams workshop: 4-5 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 8-22, Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road. Ages 8-14 participate in a variety of hands-on drumming activities during this motivational workshop instructed by Breaking Grounds in Drumming. $10. Register at (847) 923-3439.Feb. 9Study Buddy Homework Center: 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 9, 16 and 23, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Children in grades one-eight can get help with homework from a friendly high school student. (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.Teen Safety Pin Jewelry: 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Use everyday safety pins to create jewelry. $3 kit fee. Space is limited; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Make a Tiger Craft: 3-6 p.m. main library, 700 N. North Court; 1-4 p.m. Freeman Road branch, 1262 Freeman Road, Hoffman Estates, Tuesday, Feb. 9. The Palatine Library welcomes in the Year of the Tiger with a special craft. Drop in for grades 2 and up. (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.Feb. 10Make Valentines: 3:30-5 p.m. Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Kids of all ages can drop in to make Valentine's Day cards. JCC Camp Chi info night: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, Bernard Weinger JCC, 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook. (847) 763-3551.Anti-Valentine Party: 708 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Grades six-12 can make their anti-Valentine's Day sentiments known while playing Cupid Darts, decorating conversation heart cookies and more. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.In Praise of Gospel Music: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Second Baptist Church of Evanston's Gospel Chorale demonstrates the beauty and power of the African American experience through gospel music under the direction of Dr. Charles Clency. Sponsored by the MPPL Foundation in recognition of Black History Month. Register at mppl.org/events, stop by the library or call (847) 253-5675.Parenting a Child with Special Needs: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, 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.After school crafts: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Ages 6 and up make cool crafts after school. Drop-in. (847) 259-6055.Feb. 11Date Night: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, Birchwood Recreation Center, 435 W. Illinois Ave., Palatine. Dads and daughters or moms and sons, (children ages 3-12) come dressed for a night of dancing and dining. Wear red for the Valentine theme. $12-$18 includes food, photos and dancing. To register, (847) 991-0333 or palatineparks.org."The Wild World of Social Networking": 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, Twin Groves Middle School Learning center, 2600 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove. Roundtable discussion of Sexual harassment and cyberbullying via Facebook and text messaging. Curfew and behind-the-wheel cell phone and texting restrictions will also be addressed. Free program is open to all District 96 parents. No registration required. (847) 459-4260, ext. 7722.Feb. 12Friday night movie for teens: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Snacks provided. Zac Efron movie about a middle-aged father, who finds that his life's is not exactly what he expected. (847) 259-6055. (PG-13, 102 minutes). Fantastic Friday: 5-9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines. Children ages 5-12 enjoy gym sports, game room, arts and crafts, board games, Baggo, movies and big screen TV. $10-$13. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org. Wiggles and Giggles: 10-11 a. m. or 6-7 p.m. Feb. 12-March 12, Community Center Rom C, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. Children ages 12-36 months enjoy climbing, sliding, jumping and crawling equipment. $18-$27. Register at (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org. Hearts Crafts: 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Drop in to create sweet gifts and cards for Valentine's Day. Children under age 9 must be accompanied by an adult. (847) 253-5675.Daddy Daughter Princess Ball: 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, Prospect Heights Park District, 110 W. Camp McDonald Road. Dance to a DJ, have dinner and complete a craft, photos. Flitter Girlz hair and nail appointments will be from 3-5:30 p.m. Call (847) 394-2848 or prospectheightsparkdistrict.org.Feb. 13Boy School Troop 209 Pancake Breakfast: 7 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 13, United Methodist Church, 123 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine. $5 at the door. John, (847) 934-0683.Igby Mania Party: 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. We will play Igby games, have Igby food, and read the winning Igby essays. There will be a special appearance by Igby. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Model Search and Baby Contest: 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, Golf Mill Shopping Center, Niles. Miss Sunburst Model Search and Baby Contest for boys and girls in various age groups. Visit pageantinfo.com or visit the mall's customer service center near JC Penney for an entry form. For information, (847) 699-0440 or golfmill.com.Sibling Class: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, Lutheran General Hospital, 1775 Dempster, Park Ridge. Class designed for children, ages 3-9, who are expecting a new baby in the family. Discussions include newborn behavior and responses, infant needs and supplies, ways children can help with the baby and family changes. $15 first child; $5 for each additional child. (800) 323-8622 or advocatehealth.com, use reference code 8B13.Feb. 14Ski and Snowboard Trip: Bus departs 4 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, from the Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines, for a trip to Alpine Valley Resort, East Troy, Wis. Children in grades one-12 enjoy skiing and snowboarding. $52-$65 includes lift ticket and equipment rental. Bus returns around midnight. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.Feb. 15School's Out! Come and Play: Friday, Feb. 15, Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road. Games and structured outdoor learning activities for children ages 6-12. Come dressed for the outdoors and bring a lunch. $30-$45. Extended care is available from 7-9 a.m. and 305 p.m. for an additional fee. For information, (847) 985-2100.Family Indoor Camp In: 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19-7 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Games, activities, open play time, quiet hours. Must bring your own sleeping bags and tents to set up in the gym. Registration deadline is Monday, Feb. 15. $40 per family of four; $60 nonresident families. Additional family members $10. To register, (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.The Great Tooth Fairy Caper: 1-2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Grades K-three find out what really happens to the teeth they loose. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.President's Day rolling skating party: Children and their parents can help preserve the 1896 Central School and support the Mount Prospect Historical Society, at a roller skating party from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15 at the Central Community Center, 1000 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect. Admission: $5 per person. Bring your own skates, or a limited number of rental skates will be available for an added $5. Kiddie Karnival: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, Prospect Heights Park District, 110 W. Camp McDonald Road. New games, cool prizes and food and snacks available. Call (847) 394-2848 or prospectheightsparkdistrict.org. Krusin' Kids Trip: 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 15, bus departs from the Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines, for a trip to Rinkside Sports. $34-$43. Information packets available at the Leisure Center. Bus returns at 5 p.m. For details, call (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org. Leisure Lizards Day: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines. Gym sports and games, bingo, baggo, arts and crafts, game room. $23-$29. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org. NIU open house: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, Holmes Student Center, at Lucinda Ave., and Normal Road, DeKalb. Meet faculty and representatives from academic departments, admissions, student services and financial aid. Campus bus tour, residence hall visits and university information fair. (815) 753-0446 or admissions@niu.edu.Golf Extravaganza: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, Hanover Park Park District Community Center Gym. Field trip to the Putting Edge, for children in grades K-six, to play a round of glow in the dark mini golf and then back to the park district to create mini-golf courses to play on in the Community Center. $30-$45. Call (630) 837-2468 or hpparks.org.Juggler Mike Vondruska: 1-2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Juggling, comedy, unicycling and audience participation. Tickets available to district cardholders. To register, (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.Feb. 16Krusin' Kids Trip: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, bus departs from the Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines for a trip to Mayan Adventure Water Park. $34-$43. Information packets available at the Leisure Center. Bus returns at 5 p.m. For details, call (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org. After School at the Branches: 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays Feb. 16 and March 16, Hoffman Estates branch of the Schaumburg Township District Library. Students ages 9-14 take part in activities for fun and friendship. Activities vary. No registration required. (847) 923-3439.Study Buddy Homework Center: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16 and 23, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Children in grades one-eight can get help with homework from a friendly high school student. (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.Meet the Gamer: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Meet Steve Rehkemper of Rehco LLC. inventor of the Rubik's Revolution and the new Rubik's Touch. Registration required for this teen program; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.Wolves player visit: 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Meet right wing Spencer Machacek of the Chicago Wolves, who will speak about his experiences and sign autographs. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.Leisure Lizards Day: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines. Gym sports and games, bingo, baggo, arts and crafts, game room. $23-$29. (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.Hoover School Chess Club: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, Hoover School, 315 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Chess Grandmaster Yury Shulman will speak about chess as it relates to math and science skills and perform a variety of demonstrations including simultaneous play against chess club member and blindfold games. (847) 357-5800.Feb. 17Brain Balance Achievement Centers "Day of Play": 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, Nibbles Play Cafe, 13 Huntington Lane, Wheeling. Mention Brain Balance and admission is free.MaineStay Parenting Course: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays Feb. 17-April 7, Maine Township Town Hall, 1700 Ballard, Park Ridge. $40 for all seven sessions of "Parenting Through Love and Logic." Scholarships available with proof of need. For information or to register, call Andy Young at (847) 297-2510, ext 273 or e-mail ayoung@maintown.com. Visit mainetownship.com.Feb. 18Healthy Snacks and Kitchen Safety: 3:30-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Kids ages 10-13 make four after school snacks while learning important safety tips for working in the kitchen. Register at ahml.info or call (847) 392-0100.Creative Kids Preschool open house: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, 110 W. Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights. See the classrooms and meet the teachers. For ages 21/2, 3-and 4-year olds. (847) 394-2848.Feb. 19Drop in crafts: 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. Drop into the library and discover a fun craft. While supplies last. (847) 259-6055 or rmlib.org.Dad and Daughter Princess Date Night: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Entertainment, catered dinner, dancing and games for dads and their daughters ages 4-10. $28-$42 per couple. Additional daughter is $14/$16. Registration required before Friday, Feb. 19. Call (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.IPRA Teen Ski Trip: Friday, Feb. 19-Saturday, Feb. 20, Bus departs from the Clauss Recreation Center, Roselle, for the IPRA Teen Ski Trip to Chestnut Mountain. For children ages 6-12. $60-$75 or $75-$90. For information, call the Roselle Park District at (630) 894-4200 or visit roselleparkdistrict.com. Fish dinners: 5-8 p.m. Fridays Feb. 19 and 26; March 5, 12 and 26; and April 2, American Legion Hall, 122 W. Palatine Road, Palatine. Benefits Legion Family Charities. Fried fish or shrimp dinner is $8 and includes soup, fries and coleslaw, cash bar. (847) 359-1606. Friday Fish Fry: 5:30-8 p.m. Fridays during Lent, Knights of Columbus Hall, 15 N. Hickory, Arlington Heights. Fried cod, dirty rice, seasoned green beans, slaw, cornbread, fries, cash bar. $8 adults; $4 kids 12 and under. Preschoolers are free. Benefits local charities through the Knights of Columbus. (847) 255-4483.Feb. 20Kingswood Preschool open house: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 20, Kingswood United Methodist Church, 401 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove. The nondenominational preschool is currently accepting registration for the 2010-2011 school year. Three-year-old classes meet 9-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes for 4-year-olds are held 9-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Call director Laura Kopka (847) 398-0770 ext. 24 or visit kingswoodpreschool.org.Thomas Middle School Invitational Chess Tournament: Saturday, Feb. 20, 1430 N. Belmont Ave., Arlington Heights. Chess tournament for middle school students from District 15, 21, 23, 25, 57, 59 and 96. $5 registration fee. For information or to register, contact Thomas chess coach Ann Wiewel at afhwiewel@yahoo.comFeb. 21Daddy Daughter Date Night: 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, Clauss Recreation Center, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. Open to dads, (granddads, big brothers, uncles or cousins) and their daughters ages 10 and under. Dress up to dance, enjoy refreshments, photos and entertainment. $25-$37.50 per couple. Register at (630) 894-4200.Feb. 22Video game design workshop: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Create a simple, interactive animation program with video game designer Jon Cukjati. For grades six-12. To register, (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.Feb. 23Study Buddy Homework Center: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Children in grades one-eight can get help with homework from a friendly high school student. (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.District 15 registration: 9:30-11 a.m., 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, at all District 15 schools. Kindergarten and new-student registration in Palatine Township Elementary District 15. Kindergartners entering the 2010-11 school year must be five years old on or before Sept. 1, 2010. For a list of required material to bring in order to enroll, go to ccsd15.net. Parents unsure of which school their children will attend may call (847) 963-3000.Ready for Kindergarten session: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, John Jay School, 1835 Pheasant Trail, Mount Prospect. For English speaking parents with children age birth to 5. The goal is to teach parents how to help their children be successful by the time they reach kindergarten age by setting goals for learning. Baby-sitting provided. Call Judy Webster at (847) 593-4306.Feb. 25Ready for Kindergarten session: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, John Jay School, 1835 Pheasant Trail, Mount Prospect. For Spanish speaking parents with children age birth to 5. The goal is to teach parents how to help their children be successful by the time they reach kindergarten age by setting goals for learning. Baby-sitting provided. Call Judy Webster at (847) 593-4306.After School at the Branches: 4-5 p.m. Thursdays Feb. 25 and March 18, Hanover Park branch of the Schaumburg Township District Library. Students ages 9-14 take part in activities for fun and friendship. Activities vary. No registration required. (847) 923-3439.Feb. 26Family Tropical Escape Night: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, The Water Works, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Families dress in tropical theme clothing to enjoy music, games, munchies, more. $10-$15. (847) 490-7020 or parkfun.com.Mother Son Wacky Olympics: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, Prospect Heights Park District, 110 W. Camp McDonald Road. Moms and sons compete in fun activities, enjoy dinner, snacks and beverages. Call (847) 394-2848 or prospectheightsparkdistrict.org.Feb. 27Night of Purim activities: 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. 2010 Purim celebration includes Havdallah and Pizzathon; family abbreviated Megillah reading; Ma'ariv and traditional Megillah reading. Bring boxes of dry pasta, rice or vitamins to be used as groggers, which will then be donated to a local food shelter. Call (847) 634-0777.Feb. 28Purim Carnival: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. Games, moonwalk, giant slide, Hamman Toss, Bozo Buckets, balloon animals, Wii sports, prizes, food, more. Game tickets 25 cents each, games range from two-five tickets. Call Aaron, (847) 634-0777, ext. 114. Wii Everyone: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, Palatine Public Library District, 700 N. North Court. Fun Wii games for the family. (847) 358-5881 or palatinelibrary.org.March 2JCC 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.March 26Indoor drive-in movie: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, March 26, Birchwood Recreation Center, 435 W. Illinois Ave, Palatine. You supply a cardboard box and the Palatine Park District will supply the materials for you to design a car for the drive-in movie. Car designing begins at 6:30 p.m. and the Disney movie "Cars" at 7:30 p.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult. $10 per family. Register at (847) 991-0333.