Fridays in February turn special for Winston students
Winston Campus Elementary PTA is once again sponsoring its annual "After School Specials" program in February.
More than 60 volunteers, including teachers, parents and members of the business community, will share a special interest, hobby or talent with the school children from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 1, 15, 22 and 29.
Children in grades kindergarten through sixth will be able to choose from more than 30 different classes, including a scavenger hunt; Domino's pizza-making (taught and funded by Domino's); science experiments; karate (taught by instructors from Villare's in Palatine); glamour girls; cake decorating; photography; basketball,; hip hop dance (taught by a current Rockette); fleece scarf making; paper airplanes; Shrinky Dinks; and tie dye.
This program is so well received by both the students, parents and staff, participation is generally at about 70 percent, organizers said. Winston Campus originated the program and is the only school in District 15 to offer it.
Have a heart: Palatine resident Jaime Olsen is continuing her work with Mended Little Hearts of Children's Memorial Hospital by helping plan a family Valentine Party for families in the group.
Formed in 2007 by Children's Memorial volunteers, the Mended Little Hearts program is designed to provide support from parent volunteers whose family has survived the same difficult situation of a child diagnosed with a congenital cardiovascular defect.
"This program is dedicated to inspiring hope in those who care for the littlest heart patients of all," said Olsen, coordinator of the local group. "We will connect families in crisis with others who have survived the shock of learning a child has a heart problem, navigated the maze of medical decisions and procedures, and mapped out a plan for the future. These families need to know they aren't alone."
Mended Little Hearts of Children's Memorial Hospital is celebrating their CHD children with a party Feb. 16. Every family that has a child with a congenital heart defect/disease and adult with congenital heart defects are invited to celebrate with them. Contact Jaime Olsen at JaimeOlsen@sbcglobal.net or (847) 544-1807 if you would like to attend.
Olsen is also looking for sponsors and people who would like to make donations for the party. Contact her at the above numbers.
New Jaycees board: The new board of directors for the Palatine Jaycees took over the reins this month. The new executive officers for the chapter are Brad Haun, president; Jason Coroneos, administrative vice president; Monica Haun, chapter management vice president; Adam Anderson, community development vice president; Vanessa Quinn, individual development vice president; Mindy Buhrmester, membership development vice president; Joe Quinn, treasurer; Jason Foltyn, state director; Christina Knupp, secretary; and Janet Leigh, chairman of the board. There are also five local directors: Erica Bartnicki, Rachel Beck, Heather Tincknell and Chrissy Trilling-Raices.
Hitting the right note: Congratulations to the Sundling Junior High School Jazz Band, which was awarded a superior rating and received an overall ranking of second place out of 19 participating bands at the 31st Annual North Shore Jazz Festival in Glenview last weekend.