Calendar

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Updated: April 16, 2012 1:41AM

The Doings welcomes items for the Community Calendar. Items must be received a minimum of 10 days prior to publication. Email items to doingsnews@pioneerlocal.com.

Community

Whether there is snow or not, winter enthusiasts can head to Brookfield Zoo for family activities during FREEze Day on Feb. 19 — a free admission day. Zoo goers of all ages can watch canines and their owners from the Green Valley Dog Drivers demonstrate dog sledding at its best from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the zoo’s West Mall. (If there is no snow, the sleds will be mounted on wheels.) Members of the Lemont-based organization will engage guests in games and musher talks with their canine teams. During Zoo Chats at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., guests can learn about red-tailed hawks, a bird of prey found in Illinois. Zoo goers can also check out winter sports at the Sports Authority booth. Throughout February, admission to Brookfield Zoo is free on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. A $10 parking fee still applies. Visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000.

The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, will conduct an open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 18. Visitors will get a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum’s lower-level collections department and see artifacts seldom on public display. Items will include helmets, uniforms, flags, medals and firearms normally kept under lock and key. Also, the Robert R. McCormick Research Center will exhibit documents such as five letters handwritten by Abraham Lincoln. On the museum’s main level, visitors can see a World War II-era dog tag machine in action and meet military re-enactors in the traveling gallery. Guided tours of the museum’s main exhibit hall will be available as well. There will be hands-on educational activities for children and families. Admission is free with paid parking ($5 per vehicle, $2 before 10 a.m.). See FirstDivisionMuseum.org.

A partnership between Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana and the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, encourages people to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting, help girls reach their cookie goals and learn the facts about sustainable palm oil use, as well as other viable environmental practices. Customers who support the Girl Scout Cookie program in 2012 will receive one free child’s admission per paid adult admission when they bring five empty boxes of Girl Scout Cookies for recycling at Brookfield Zoo through Dec. 31.

On Feb. 25, west suburban professionals will assemble in Countryside to offer advice to job seekers. The West Suburban Chamber of Commerce Get Back to Work event intends to provide tools for choosing from among traditional employment opportunities, entrepreneurial options and ongoing training. In addition, members of mental and physical health organizations will offer advice on staying upbeat during unemployment, a time generally considered by health professionals to be among life’s most stressful experiences. Attendees will have access to 10 seminars. The seminars vary among topics such as using social media in the job search, starting a business, improving networking skills, and training for and entering growth industries. The career exploration event is held at 9649 W. 55th St. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Keynote speaker, Donna DeSai of DeSai Counseling, will address the assembly at 8:30 a.m., and seminars will begin at 9 a.m. The industry exposition will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-registration is requested at (708) 387-7550 or by emailing katherinel@wscci.org. The event is provided by WSCCI free of charge to attendees and vendors.

Church Group Meetings

The community is invited to join a new group forming at Christ Church of Oak Brook for those single and over 55 years of age. 55+ Singles is for those looking for ways to grow in spirit and wanting to make a difference. Group meets 7 p.m. every Thursday at Christ Church, 501 Oak Brook Road, Oak Brook. Higher Ground, the singles ministry for those 35 to 59, meets 7 p.m. Wednesdays. All singles invited to attend Sunday Singles class, where singles meet to dig deeper into the truths of the Bible. Sunday Singles meets 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See http://my.cc-ob.org/singles. Call Joyce McAndrew (630) 321-6761.

Oak Brook Community Church, 3100 Midwest Road, Oak Brook, hosts a Divorce Care group 7-9 p.m. Thursdays. Call (630) 986-0310.

Men’s Breakfast Fellowship at Christ Church of Oak Brook, 31st and York Road, is held Thursdays in Fellowship Hall 3. All men invited for a time of study and fellowship. Continental breakfast at 6:30 a.m. Cost: $5 per person. Contact Jim Huffman, jhuffman@leadersbank.com, or call (630) 654-1882.

Coffee Break, a community small group Bible study, has begun a new season at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 155 W. Brush Hill Road. All welcome, no need for any previous Bible experience. No charge. Groups for women meet 9-11 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 12:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays; groups for men and women meet 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Free childcare available at morning sessions. Call (630) 600-5043 or visit www.elmhurstcrc.org.

Women’s support group meets 10-11:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays at Christ Church of Oak Brook, 31st Street and York Road. For women who are desiring to move from the depths of hurting to a path of healing. Call Lorri Winter, (630) 321-3936.

Civic

On March 10, the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Department of State will team up to promote “Passport Day in the USA 2012.” The Hinsdale post office will have a passport event for Americans planning to travel to Canada, Mexico and overseas. Passport hours at the Hinsdale post office will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In addition to the passport book, travelers can also apply for a passport card, which may be used for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean region. The wallet-size passport card is a less-expensive alternative, but it cannot be used for international air travel. To apply for a passport book or passport card for the first time, applicants need proof of U.S. citizenship in the form of a certified copy of their birth certificate issued by the city, county or state, or a certificate of citizenship or a naturalization certificate. Applicants will also need a valid form of photo identification, and must submit a photocopy of identification, such as a valid drivers license, government identification or military photo ID. For first-time applicants, the fee for a passport book is $110 to the Department of State with an acceptance fee of $25 to the Postal Service. The fee for an adult passport card is $30. An expedited process is also available. Passport applications for both the book and the card require a 2-inch-by-2-inch photograph in color, which can be taken at the Passport Day event for a $15 fee. Customers can download forms at www.usps.com/passport. U.S. citizens may also obtain passport information by telephone, in English and Spanish, by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778. For information, go to www.travel.state.gov. To check the status of a passport applications online, go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/status/status_2567.html.

Robert T. Saar, executive director of the DuPage County Election Commission, reminds all potential electors within the county that Feb. 21 is the last day to register to vote or to transfer a registration for the upcoming March 20 General Primary Election. Any potential voter who resides within DuPage County is encouraged to contact his or her city, village, library or township offices for information, or the Election Commission’s registration department at (630) 407-5600. The TDD number at (630) 407-5631 or an individual may check the status of his or her voter registration and download a registration application by visiting www.dupageelections.com. The DuPage County Election Commission’s office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The commission will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays until Election Day, March 20.

The Democractic Party of DuPage County will conduct its Presidents’ Day Gala on Feb. 18 at the Drury Lane, Oak Brook. Guest speaker will be Progressive Talk Show Host Thom Hartmann, a New York Times best-selling author of 22 books. Reception will begin at 5 p.m.; registration is at 6; dinner and program follows at 7. Winner of the Tinkey Harvey Pioneer Award, as well as Precinct Committee (Wo)Man of the Year, will be announced. Black tie is optional. Individual gala ticket before Feb. 10 is $130; afterward, $155. The Thom Hartmann pre-reception (only valid with dinner ticket) is an additional $50. Email info@dupagedemocrats.com or call (630) 629-1125.

Classes

The DuPage Amateur Radio Club will conduct a lecture, slide and video presentation to recognize the signs and development of severe weather, including tornados, high winds and hail, and how to protect one’s family at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at Church of the Holy Nativity, located at 55th Street and Richmond, Clarendon Hills. The lecture will clear up myths and misunderstandings about severe weather, and how to prepare. The National Weather Service depends on ground reports from trained spotters. Attending the class, participants will be considered a trained spotter. Admission is free. Call (630) 985-0527.

Donations

Project Linus, a national organization devoted to making blankets for children of all ages who are ill or have suffered loss or trauma, will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 25 in the freshman cafeteria at Lyons Township High School, South Campus, 4900 Willow Springs Road, Western Springs. Park and enter through the south parking lot entrance. Enter the back of the building, southwest doors and watch for Project Linus signs. No sewing skills are necessary; and participants do not need to stay the entire time. Bring sewing scissors, if available. Project Linus is funded strictly from donations. Each person attending is asked to either donate two 1 1/2 yard pieces of coordinating fleece fabric to make a “no sew” blanket, or give a $5 to $10 donation. Call Suzanne Johnson at (708) 482-9872 or email wsjohn4567@gmail.com.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Tapping Into Fun — Hike to the sugarbush to tap a sugar maple tree, and learn how syrup is made. Two sessions: 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook. The program is for individuals ages 6 and up; under 14 must be with an adult. Cost is $3 per person. To register, call (630) 850-8110.

Reservations for Forest Preserve District of DuPage County picnic areas and family and youth-group campsites for 2012 are being taken. Reservations must be made at least three business days in advance; reservations for holiday dates should be made as early as possible. Permit fees vary based on site amenities and capacities, which range from 25 to 300. Some shelters have fireplaces, built-in grills or electricity. In select areas, picnickers can also rent canopy tents or large-capacity grills. Forest Preserve District of DuPage County annual permits for the use of off-leash dog areas, private boating areas, and model-boat and model-airplane facilities during 2012 also are on sale. Daily permits are available. All permit fees are nonrefundable. Camping-permit holders must be at least 21 years old; picnic-permit holders must be at least 18; permit holders must remain on site. Permit applications can be downloaded at dupageforest.org, and submitted in person, by fax or by mail to Visitor Services. Located at district headquarters at Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton, Visitor Services processes applications weekdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and can be reached at (630) 933-7248.

Cantigny offers bird walks at 8:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. Enter the park through the main entrance on Winfield Road, just south of Roosevelt, Wheaton, and tell the attendant you are with the DuPage Birding Club. The parking fee will be waived. Meet at the Visitors Center. Leader: Jeff Reiter, (630) 545-1838, jreiter@wordsonbirds.com.

Fundraisers

The West Suburban Symphony conducts its annual dinner-dance gala,”Swinging on a Star,” on Feb. 25 at the Burr Ridge Marriott. It features cocktails, dinner and dancing to the music of the Matt Stedman Band, with raffles and silent and loud auctions. Tickets to the Hollywood-themed event are $75 and are available to the public for advance purchase. Call (630) 887-7464 or see www.westsubsymphony.org. Proceeds support the musical performance and community outreach programs of the West Suburban Symphony orchestras and chorus.

In Person

Michael Scheibach, Ph.D., author, editor and college professor specializing in the history of the Atomic Age, will discuss “Living with the Atomic Bomb, 1945-1965” at 1 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Elmhurst Historical Museum Education Center, 120 E. Park Ave.. He shares his expertise and collection of Cold War memorabilia as co-curator of the new exhibit, “Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow.” Scheibach will address the impact of the atomic bomb on the psyche of American children and adults, and the ways media, educators and government responded amidst the social and political climate of the Cold War era. Admission is free. Call (630) 833-1457 or see www.elmhursthistory.org.

Interfaith Career Network presents an evening of lessons learned during a successful job search at 7 p.m. Feb. 16 at St. John of the Cross Parish Center, 5005 S. Wolf Road, Western Springs. Guest speaker Michelle (Halm) Nacker will discuss how she successfully landed a position after her extensive search. She will share valuable insights on topics such as resumes/cover letters/templates, business cards, getting organized, Linkedin, handbills, elevator speech and networking. The program is open to all and there is no charge to attend. Visit www.interfaithcareernetwork.org.

Kids

The annual Elmhurst District 205 Chess Tournament will be held at 6 p.m. March 1 at York Commons in York High School, 355 W. St. Charles Road. Children compete in: second, third, fourth, and fifth grades, sixth to eighth grades, and high school. A signed permission slip and tournament fee of $3 is required. All participants receive a certificate. The top four in each category receive ribbons; and the tournament champion’s school receives a trophy. The Chess Tournament is run by volunteer parents; judging is performed by independent chess experts who are hired for the event. Call Linda Lunt at (630) 834-3859.

Libraries

The Oak Brook Public Library, 600 Oak Brook Road, (630) 368-7700, www.oak-brook.lib.il.us, offers the following programs. Most programs require registration:

Jazz vocalist Petra van Nuis and guitarist Andy Brown will perform at 2 p.m. Feb. 26.

The film, “Midnight in Paris” (PG-13), starring Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams, directed by Woody Allen, will be screened at 2 p.m. Feb. 29.

Computer classes –Intro to MS Excel, noon Feb. 24; Computer Help, Feb. 27 (register to obtain a time between 10 a.m.-3 p.m.) – Learn to create and save a workbook, use everyday commands, insert and delete columns and rows and enter text and numbers.

Art historian Jeff Mishur will discuss the art and life of American artist Mark Rothko at 7 p.m.. Feb. 22

Baby Tales for children ages 6-23 months is at 10 a.m. Tuesdays through Feb. 21. Parents and children interact through stories, dance, songs and books.

Toddling Twos runs at 10 a.m. Mondays through Feb. 20 – Includes books, flannel boards, music and craft.

Terrific 3s and 4s is at 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 22. The story time includes a craft, dancing and books.

Kindergartners through second-graders can enjoy a story or two and embellish it with a creative craft at 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Feb. 21.

Saturday Storytime for kindergartners through second-graders at 11 a.m. Saturdays through Feb. 25, is for individuals who cannot make the weekday program. The sessions will feature a simple story and themed craft.

The activity room is open from 6-8:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays for teens in sixth grade and older to complete homework and socialize with peers. An assortment of games are available when a break is needed from studying. A librarian is available to assist with reference questions.

The Oak Brook Public Library Winter Reading Clubs are open through March 3.

The Oak Brook Public Library offers the addition of eBooks for the Kindle to downloadable options. It subscribes to eMediaLibrary by Over Drive to supply eBooks and audiobooks for mobile devices. Downloadable books also can be read or heard on laptops and computers.

Meetings

Widowed men and women of all ages are invited to the next gathering of Widows or Widowers at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 537 S. York Road, Elmhurst (park and enter in the rear and east side of building). Dan Hamilton will sing, accompanied by Terry Flannery on guitar. Admission is $5. The group meets on the third Thursday of each month. Call Ron at (630) 653-5721.

The Suburban Garden Club invites all interested gardeners to its meeting at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 in the North Room at Community House in Hinsdale, 415 W. Eighth St. Speaker will be Bryant Scharenbroch from the Morton Arboretum who will talk about a soil-compaction remediation (CRUD study) and general information about composting and soils. The presentation will cover typical challenges with urban soils and common soil remediation approaches (inorganic fertilizers, compost, mulch). The presentation will also cover amendments on the “horizon” in the industry (biochar, biosolids, compost). No reservations needed; free parking. Call (708) 447-4649.