Vernon Hills Park District notes

For information, visit (847) 996-6933 or visit www.vhparkdistrict.org.

Program registrations may be completed online, mailed in or dropped off at the Sullivan Center, or faxed to (847) 996-6801.

Mad Science Workshops: Spend days off school doing fun science experiments with friends. Classes take place at the Sullivan Community Center and are instructed by Mad Science of Northern Illinois.

• Chemistry: Students fourth through sixth grade will examine a crystal that seems to disappear in water, make a crystal, learn about a complex chemical reaction, and make sidewalk chalk. From 10 a.m. to noon Monday. Cost is $26 for residents, $33 for nonresidents.

• Magical Illusions: Students in first through fourth grade will learn the "science secrets" of magic tricks. Learn how to make water disappear, learn about magical chemistry and how it can be used to fool people, explore light and color, see how lasers differ from ordinary light and help in creating a laser light show. Class will be held on Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $26 for residents, $33 for nonresidents.

College Savings Seminar: Financial adviser Thomas J. Riordan Jr. will hold a presentation about educational savings plans at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Laschen Community Center. There is a fee of $20 for residents, $25 for nonresidents.

Chinese: In this beginning conversational Mandarin course, kids will learn common actions and commands involving clothing, tools, holidays, sports vocabulary and more through crafts, show-and-tell, songs, stories and other activities. Class will meet on Thursdays, Feb. 21 to March 20 at the Laschen Community Center. Ages 4 to 7 will meet at 4:15 p.m., ages 8 to 12 will meet at 5:15 p.m. Cost is $68 for residents, $85 for nonresidents.

Spring Training for Pitchers: Baseball players ages 6 to 8 can develop a basic understanding of pitching and throwing mechanics, pitching strategy, pick-offs, fielding considerations and grips for different pitches at noon Feb. 24, March 3 and 16 in the Sullivan Community Center gym. Emphasis will be on developing proper mechanics to reduce and avoid arm stress throughout the season. Cost is $60 for residents, $75 for nonresidents.

Spring Hitting: Baseball and softball players ages 6 to 14 will receive instruction in the basics of hitting and bunting techniques, hitting strategy and pitching analysis. Each player will be evaluated for strengths and weaknesses. Participants will learn corrective drills and 30 hitting positions. Class will be held Feb. 24, March 9 and 16 in the Sullivan Community Center gym. Ages 6 to 8 can choose class at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. Ages 9 to 14 will meet at 2 p.m. Cost is $60 for residents, $75 for nonresidents.

Scrapbooking 101: Participants will learn the basics of scrapbooking and how to complete quick and simple pages. Class will be held at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in the Laschen Community Center. Bring two to eight pictures of a family trip or recent event. Refreshments and supplies will be available. Cost is $18 for residents, $22 for nonresidents.

Promising Picassos: An art class for ages 4 to 12. Younger children will work on fine motor development and organizational skills while older children receive training in fundamental drawing techniques and creative expression. All materials are supplied. Class will be held on Thursdays, Feb. 28 to March 20 in the Sullivan Community Center. Children, ages 4 to 6 will meet at 3:30 p.m. and those 7 to 12 meet at 4:30 p.m. Cost is $39 for residents, $49 for nonresidents.

• Use cartooning techniques to draw characters from the movie "Ratatouille" at 4:30 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 28 to March 20 in the Sullivan Community Center. For ages 6 to 12. Cost is $39 for residents, $49 for nonresidents.

Just the Two of Us: This is a dance for girls ages 3 to 8 and their father or male guardian ages 18 and older, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 29 at the Sullivan Community Center. A DJ will supply the music as the duos get into the party spirit with dancing and games. All girls will receive a keepsake and everyone will be able to get creative at an ice cream/dessert bar. Pictures will be taken, so wear party clothes. The fee per pair is $20 for residents, $25 for nonresidents. for nonresidents; each additional child is $10 for residents or $12 for nonresidents.