Evanston calendar for Dec. 15, 2011

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Updated: January 16, 2012 8:14AM

The Evanston Review welcomes items for the Community Calendar, School Digest, Newsmakers and other sections. Items must be received a minimum of 10 days prior to publication, earlier is better. E-mail to drock@pioneerlocal.com, fax to (847) 599-6902 or mail to Diana Rock, Evanston Review, 1225 N. Tri-State Parkway, Suite 520, Gurnee, IL 60031.

Clubs

All Village Singers is looking for adults to sing popular tunes in the spring. There are no auditions, but choral experience is helpful. Call Howard Cohen at (847) 328-2358.

Chai Group of Hadassah North Shore Chapter invites knitters and those who prefer to crochet to join their group the last Wednesday of the month with their ongoing project of knitting for the Linus Project. Call the North Shore office at (847) 205-1900 or e-mail northshore@Hadassah.org.

Coast-to-Coast Women’s League for Conservative Judaism is seeking input from Jewish women to determine how best to meet their needs. The league recently completed and analyzed a broad-based online and hard copy survey and is now conducting focus groups across the country with women representing all ages. Opinions are gathered on a no-name, confidential basis. To participate, contact Women’s League at wlfocusgroup@yahoo.com.

Community Band of Wilmette will meet for rehearsals at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at Wilmette Junior High, 615 Locust Road, Wilmette. The meeting is open to new members of any age and instrument. Call Jeff at (847) 864-7748 or visit www.wilmetteband.org.

Evanston Go Club meets from 6-10 p.m. Wednesdays at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1630 Sherman Ave. The club is free and everyone of all ages, regardless of whether they know how to play the game of skill. Visit www.evanstongoclub.org or call Mark Rubenstein at (847) 869-6020.

Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club meets from 7:15 - 8:30 a.m. every Tuesday at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1818 Maple Ave., Evanston for breakfast and a speaker. Membership is open to service oriented residents and workers of the area. Guests are welcome to attend the meetings. To learn more visit www.evlrc.org

Garden Photographic Society meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month in the Education Center at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe. Guests are welcome. Call Toni Ballenger at (847) 831-2380 or Elli Glist at (847) 945-3909.

Mom4Profit, a business networking group for women in business with children, meets a noon on the first Tuesday of every month at varying locations on the North Shore. Call (847) 363-5394 or visit Mom4ProfitNetworking.com.

North Shore Harmonizers, an independent women’s barbershop chorus, holds weekly chorus rehearsals at 7 p.m. Thursdays at St. Augustine Church, 1140 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. The group is open to any level of experience. Call (312) 409-4215 or visit www.northshoreharmonizers.org.

North Shore New Horizons Band rehearses at 9:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 470 W. Maple St., Winnetka. The band is open to adults 50 years or older. Call Doris at (847) 299-6033.

University Guild hosts monthly programs at 1:30 p.m., followed by a tea in the Guild Lounge, 601 University Place, 2nd floor of Scott Hall on the Northwestern University Campus, Evanston. Guest tickets cost $2 at the door. The next meeting is Jan. 16. Topic: Obscenity and the Values of Constitutional Democracy. Martin Redish Professor of Law at Northwestern will provide the program and the Fort Dearborn Chapter of the DAR will be guests.

Wayfarers Lodge 1001 meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at the Evanston Masonic Temple, 1453 Maple St. Fellowship is at 6:30 p.m.; followed at 7:30 p.m. by the meeting. Freemasonry proposes to “make good men better” by teaching — with metaphors from geometry and architecture — about building values based on great universal truths. For more information e-mail message to bill.wojtas@comcast.net.

Community

Firewood Sale is under way from 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Saturdays at 2310 Oakton St., between the recycling center and the animal shelter. The wood costs between $30 and $150 depending on the amount. Employees can help load the wood. Call 311 or (837) 448-4311 for more information.

Spex, a designer eyeglass and contact lens store, at 522 Dempster St., hosts an Art+Vision event with original paintings by artist Jim Martin. The opening reception, from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 16, includes a trunk show previewing Oliver Peoples eye wear and appetizers. The paintings will be on view through Jan. 26. Call (847)864-5200.

Holiday Toy and Food Drive sponsored by Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl and local community organization will accept donations through Dec. 19. New unwrapped toys and/or non-perishable food items are being accepted at eight convenient collection sites. For more information call (847) 448-8138. To volunteer to help with this effort, please visit www.cityofevanston.org/volunteer or call (847) 448-8266.

Look Good Feel Better - American Cancer Society has joined with Consultants in Gynecology to provide a local free Wig Boutiques to women those who are dealing with cancer. Among wigs the patients will learn how to use make-up and skin care techniques. Location, Evanston American Cancer Society, North Shore Regional Office, 820 Davis St., Suite 400, Evanston. Call (847) 328-5147 to set up appointment.

Mayme F. Spencer Memorial Street Law Clinic will offer free services and will be open to the public on the third Thursday of each month from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at 1335 Dodge Ave., Evanston. Call (847) 475-2661.

EHC

Evanston History Center located in the historic Charles Gates Dawes house, 225 Greenwood Ave., Evanston. For more information on events, to purchase tickets or make reservations, call (847) 475-3410, via e-mail to jthompson@evanstonhistorycenter.org or visit www.evanstonhistorycenter.org. The center is open for tours Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. with tours beginning at (1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.) Tours are $10, free for EHC members.

Entertainment

Handel’s Messiah Performance will be presented at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 18 at Lake Street Church, 607 Lake St., Evanston. There is no cost for attending, however a free will offering will be accepted at the end of the performance. Handicap accessible.

Holiday Choral concert - Coriolis a cappella chamber choir will perform at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Parish Church of St. Luke, 939 Hinman Ave., Evanston. $20 - tickets available at the door. Call (847) 869-0223.

Evanston Arts Depot Classes:

Evanston Arts Depot at 600 Main St., in the Main Street Metra Station, Evanston. Visit artsdepot@mac.com

Jazzercise classes are offered at 5:20 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 6 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; and 8:15 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Tai Chi with the Human Process at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

African Drum Class at 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Lango of North Shore Children’s Language Classes at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays and 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

Modal Music Dance Class 10 a.m. Tuesdays.

Levy Center

All programs and events listed below take place at the Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave., and are for adults age 55 and up unless otherwise posted. For more information and to register, call (847) 448-8250.

Help Build a Kid - Levy seniors are building relationships with Dawes Schools students in kindergarten through fifth grades. Participating in activities from 3:35-4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through November at Dawes Elementary School. Contact Ann Robbins at (847) 370-2991 or arobbins29Aaol.com

Ceramics/Pottery for students 55 and older from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Mondays now through Dec. 19. Studio time is available for class members at no additional. $53/LM and $63/NM.

Jewelry Making 10 a.m. - noon on Thursdays now through - Dec. 22. $33/M and $43/NM.

Ongoing events:

African-American History/Genealogy Study Group research is shared and writings of prominent authors discussed at this free group meeting at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

French Club meetings run from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Thursdays in the library or garden. All intermediate and advanced French speakers are welcome. Free with membership.

Free legal consults with Evanston attorney Robert Pantoga take place from 3-5 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month.

Happiness Club meets from 9:30-11 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month. Discuss what puts happiness in an individual’s life. The fee is $5.

Writer’s Workshop meets at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month and welcomes new members.

Play bingo at 12:30 p.m. every Tuesday. Cards cost 25 cents.

Play virtual sports or Wii every Friday; participants can bowl, do the Big Brain Academy and more.

Current-events discussion, led by Charlotte Jaffe, takes place at 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Admission is free.

Play bid whist at 12:30 p.m. every Friday.

Lunches are served from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. weekdays for $5 for those age 59 years and younger and a $4 donation is suggested for those 60 years and older.

The Golden Years Club meets at 1 p.m. Fridays.

Libraries

Evanston Public Library is located at 1703 Orrington Ave., Evanston. All activities are free, unless a specific fee is listed. Registration required unless otherwise specified. Call (847) 448-8600 or the number listed after the activity or visit the library at www.epl.org.

Adult Programs:

Drop in Computer Help offering help with formatting a resume or cover letter, setting up email accounts and more from 6-7:15 p.m. Dec.19, 21 and 28. No registration needed.

Be Your Own Boss: Entrepreneurship class for potential small business owners meeting from 6-8 p.m. on Dec.15, 20, 22, 27 in Computer Training Room. To register, call (708) 371-1220 Ext.3026.

Career Counseling by a counselor formerly on the staff of Jewish Vocational Service in Skokie from 9 a.m. - noon on Dec. 29 in Small Meeting Room. Register by calling (847) 448-8630.

All Village singers Holiday Concert to put you in the holiday spirit 3-3:45 p.m., Dec. 18 in the Community Meeting Room

Children’s Programs:

Purple Crayon Players Storytime - Northwestern’s talented theater group Purple Crayon Players present an interactive story program for young children on the first Saturday of the month from October-June (no session in January). Children’s Room. No registration.

Drop-In Preschool Storytime offering stories and songs for children ages 3, 4, and 5, and their parents/caregivers from 10:30 -11 a.m. Dec. 21 and 28, Children’s Room. No registration.

Jammie Time - Stories and songs for children ages 2 to 9 and their parents/caregivers 7-7:35 p.m. Dec. 15,

Children’s Room. No registration.

Winter Break Family Story and Craft -Drop in and warm up for winter stories, songs, and a craft to take home. For families with children ages 2-9 11-11:45 a.m. Dec. 29. Children’s Room

Recreation

Community centers of Evanston:

Robert Crown, 1701 Main St., (847) 448-8258

Fleetwood-Jourdain, 1655 Foster St., (847) 448-8254

Chandler-Newberger, 1028 Central St., (847) 448-8252

Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd., (847) 448-8256. For information or to register for the following activities, call the center where the activity takes place, or call (3-1-1) (847)448-4311. Fee assistance is available to qualified Evanston residents. For mobility or communications access assistance, call (847) 448-4311 (voice) or (847) 448-8064 (TTY).

Green Gifting creating your own different gifts each week 6:30 p.m. at on Tuesdays Dec. 20 at the Ecology Center. For ages 16 and older. $15/EEA member; $20/NM per session.

Merry Kwanzaa, a play about four generations learning the meaning of love and unity, 3 p.m. Dec. 26 at Fleetwood-Jourdain Center. Admission is free.

A Community Celebration of Kwanzaa at Fountain Square in Evanston at 1 p.m. Dec. 27. Admission is free. Wood Carvings for ages 18 and older from 7-9 p.m. gathers on Thursdays, now through Dec. 22 at the Levy Center. A fee of $50/resident, $55/nonresident, includes material and use of tools. Call (847) 448-8250.

Figure Skating Classes are held at the Robert Crown Center throughout the winter for all ages and ability levels. Class times, dates and fees vary. Call (847) 448-8258 for details.

Improve your health and reduce stress with exercise. Classes include T’ai Chi at the Lakefront, ZUMBA, Pilates I and II, Nia, Low Impact Ballet, Tummy & Tush and four different yoga classes. Classes meet at the Levy Center or Robert Crown Center. Days, times and fees vary; please call (847) 448-8250 for details.

Racquetball or Handball at Chandler-Newberger Center, offering showers and public locker space. For fee or to reserve your spot call (847) 448-8252.

Birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrations may be held at the Robert Crown Ice Complex. You can host an indoor skating party for up to 16 people during any public skate session for $100. You bring the guests and refreshments. The Center is located at 1701 Main St., Evanston. To reserve your space or for more information, call (847)448-8258.

Religion

Hemenway United Methodist Church will have a Christmas party from 3-5 p.m. Dec. 17 at 933 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Snacks, crafts, games and story telling time will be included. For more information, call (847) 328-2600.

The following are events hosted by Temple Judea Mizpah at 8610 Niles Center Road, Skokie in December. Call for (847) 676-1566 for more details

‘Chanukah Happening - 5:45 p.m. Dec. 23 in the TJM Community Hall. Cost $10 per adult (13 years and over), $5 per child or $25 per family. Bring the family Chanukah to light and one or two cans of tuna, spaghetti sauce or veggies to donate to A Just Harvest Soup Kitchen. Ru’ach Shabbat service following at 7:30 p.m.

Ridgeville

The following programs are offered at the Ridgeville Park District Community House, 908 Seward St. For more information contact Michael Miro at (847) 869-5640 or via e-mail at ridgevilleprograms@att.net.

Spring classes include something for everyone: Power Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Gentle Yoga for Seniors, Tai Chi, Drama and Improvisation Club, Beginning Dance Technique, Sign Language, Adult “Returning Dance,” African Dance, Adult Core Stretch N’ Strength, Young Writers’ Workshop, Creative Movement for Teens with Special Needs, StoryDance, Feldenkrais, Senior Tap and Engineering Fundamentals with LEGO.

Seniors

Questions on health-care reform as it pertains to Medicare, CJE SeniorLife has set a free consumer-assistance hotline at (773) 508-1000. Staff members can explain the new legislation and its benefits, and clarify the difference between Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans and how to choose one that best suits one’s individual needs. (Russian-speaking staff is also available.) For a free consultation at (773) 508-1000.

Support

Beyond Epilepsy support group meets on the second Thursday of each month in Room G952 at Evanston Hospital, 2650 Ridge Ave. This free support group is open to anyone who has or is affected by epilepsy, and offers a safe place to express emotions, thoughts and stories in a variety of formats. For more information contact Patrick Onuscheck at (847) 859-2362 or via e-mail at beyond.epilepsy@gmail.com.

CJE SeniorLife offers a support group, Care Giving for Loved Ones with Dementia, from 11 a.m. until noon on the first and third Wednesday of every month at CJE’s Adult Day Services, 1015 W. Howard St., Evanston. Reply to social worker Amy Zahn at (773) 508-1047.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance-Greater Chicago has free support groups for people with mood disorders and support groups for their families. Meetings take place from 6:30-8 p.m. on the first Monday of every month at Evanston Hospital, 2650 Ridge Ave., Evanston in Room G952 and the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 3-4:30 p.m. in Room G952. For more information call Elaine at (847) 674-6376.

Evanston Hospital hosts a monthly support group for bereaved parents at the hospital, 2650 Ridge Ave., Evanston. The group is open to any parent who has had a child die after early infancy. Call Sorelle Stanton at (847) 570-2831.

First Fridays Club at St. Mary’s Parish will meet at the Parish Center, 1012 Lake St., Evanston. Email Pam Menaker (psm228@gmail.com) if you would like to attend or just show up. Open to all single, divorced, separated and widowed parishioners and their friends.

Free Financial Literacy for Women classes, designed for low- to moderate-income women, are hosted by the YWCA Evanston/North Shore. New classes start the first Tuesday of every month and run from 6-8 p.m. every Tuesday for four weeks at the YWCA, 1215 Church St. Transportation vouchers and child care are provided. Participants who complete the four-week cycle may be eligible for a matching savings program with First Bank & Trust in Evanston. Call Eryn Smith-Moeller at (847) 864-8445 or e-mail at esmith-moeller@ywcae-ns.org.

Free one-on-one foreclosure counseling is available with a nonprofit U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-certified housing agency to homeowners with questions or concerns about their mortgages. Call (847) 501-5768, Ext. 404.

Grief Support Groups are open to the public and free of charge. Pre-registration is required. The groups meet at NorthShore Hospice office, 4901 Searle Parkway, Skokie. The building is accessible to people with disabilities, and convenient parking is available. For more information or to pre-register call (847) 982-4364.

Death of a Spouse - Soul Mates is an ongoing support group for those who have experienced the death of a spouse or life partner. Meets from 6:30-8 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.

Death of a Parent - Legacy is an ongoing support group for adults who have experienced the death of a parent. The group meets from 6:30-8 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month.

The Lilac Tree: Resources for Divorcing Women, at 1123 Emerson St., Suite 215, Evanston, offers a wide range of workshops, seminars and other events on divorce issues relevant to women. Join the following support groups in Evanston on Monday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Contact Marti for more information at mrodgers@thelilactree.org or call (847) 328-0313.

Lilac Tree will host the next workshop from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 10 - Topic: Why is it so Hard to Decide to Divorce? at the Evanston Library, 1703 Orrington Ave., Evanston. Cost is $40. Registration required. Partial scholarships available. Call (847) 328-0313. Send check to 1123 Emerson St., Suite 215 Evanston, IL 60201 or pay online at www.thelilactree.org

La Leche League of Evanston and Wilmette provides free breastfeeding information, help and support, welcoming all interested women (and babies/toddlers). Meetings are held at 9:30 a.m. the first Wednesday of the month at Skokie Valley Baptist Church, 1050 Skokie Blvd., Wilmette; and at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at St. Francis Hospital, 355 Ridge Ave., Evanston. For more information call (847) 251-5758 or visit www.chicagoiands.org.

Mather Pavilion, a Mather LifeWays senior residence, hosts an Alzheimer’s Association Support Group from 1-2:30 p.m. the second Wednesday at the residence, 820 Foster St., Evanston. Call Joanne Malleta (847) 492-2525.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of the persons and their families, affected by mental illness through education, advocacy, support and research. The North suburban office is located at 420 West Frontage Road, Suite 106, Northfield. Call (847) 716-2252.

Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities is the focus of a parent support group that meets from 7-8:15 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Jewish Child and Family Services, 3145 W. Pratt Blvd., Chicago. Parents share difficulties and successes and gain feedback from other parents. Topics may include encouraging healthy risk-taking, gaining independence, transitioning into adulthood and more. There is a $15 per session fee. For more information, contact Jessica King at (773) 467-3741 or visit www.jcfs.org.

Presbyterian Homes Westminster Place campus, at 3200 Grant St., Evanston offers Stroke Club, a support and education group for stroke survivors, their families and caregivers from 3-4 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month. For more information call Suzanne Keeley at (847) 675-3412.

Seeds of Support provides an environment where parents meet and help each other with modern family life meeting from 7:30-9 p.m. Thursdays evenings at the Unity Church on the North Shore, 3434 Central St., Evanston. The SOS meetings address topics including: Creating your Own Support Network; Finding Mindfulness in the Mundane and more. The drop-in sessions are open to the public and free childcare is available with 24-advance reservations. Call (847) 864-8977 or email jasmine@unityns.org

Services for Adults Staying in Their Homes (SASI) - Staff from nonprofit agency will answer your questions about home care and ways to stay home safely, to be held at Skokie’s North Shore Community Bank from 9-11 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month. At NSCB, 7800 Lincoln Ave., Skokie. For details, call SASI (847) 864-7274 or visit www.SASIathome.org.

Upcoming programs:

Social support group for adults with disabilities who are in their 20s to mid 50s meets from 5:45-7 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at Jewish Child and Family Services, 5150 Golf Rd., Skokie. The cost is $7 per session fee. For more information contact Sheer Fox at (847) 412-4356 or visit www.jcfs.org.

YWCA Evanston/North Shore provides ongoing domestic violence services for community members who are living in abusive relationships but who may not be ready to leave their homes. Through individual and group counseling, women come to understand their options and develop safety plans for themselves and their children. Our bilingual staff offers domestic violence counseling and support services to Spanish speaking women as well. To access these services, call (847) 864-8445, Ext. 22

Volunteers

American Cancer Society, North Shore region, is seeking volunteers to provide services to cancer patients, including driving patients to treatment appointments and providing one-on-one support. Volunteers also are needed to help plan fund-raising events such as Relay for Life and educate the public on cancer prevention and early detection. Schedules are flexible and training is provided. Call (847) 328-5147 or e-mail dawn.matune@cancer.org.

CJE SeniorLife is in need of more volunteers for its home-delivered meals program in the Evanston, Skokie and Morton Grove areas. Hot and cold meals are delivered between 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. weekdays. Volunteers work in teams of two; one person drives and the other delivers the meals to the client’s door. Volunteers may choose one or two weekdays on a regular basis to deliver meals or assist as their schedules permit. Call Cookie (773) 508-1014.

Evanston School Children’s Clothing Association (ESCCA) is seeking volunteers to assist in publicity, new-media communication, Web-site design and marketing. For those who have skills in these areas and can volunteer a few hours a month to work from home or office, send an e-mail message to info@escca.org. For more information visit www.escca.org.

Heartland Animal Shelter staff teach people how to foster shelter animals from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. the first Saturday of the month at 2975 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. Participants will be asked to sign up for the Volunteer Orientation (required to be an official volunteer for Heartland) offered at 4:15 p.m. the last Saturday of every month. To register, call (847) 296-6400 or e-mail Jenny at jlnogle@yahoo.com.

Interfaith Action, a non-profit community of many Evanston faith-based organizations who serve hungry or homeless people is open five morning per week, 52 weeks per year. A part of the network of soup kitchens that provide meals seven days a week. To find out how to give of your time and talents and financial gifts call Sue at (847) 475-1150 or e-mail www.interfaithactionofevanston.org

Interfaith Housing Center of the Northern Suburbs is seeking volunteers of all races, national origins, ages and physical abilities to assist in collecting data about their home-seeking experiences. Experience is not required; training will be provided. A small stipend and expenses will be paid. Call Viki at (847) 501-2029, extension 408; or via e-mail at vike@interfaithhousingcenter.org.

Meals at Home is looking for volunteers to deliver meals to home bound clients. Volunteers pick up meals provided by Evanston and St. Francis Hospitals between 11:15 and 11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, and then distribute them to clients in Evanston, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, east Glenview and east Northfield. No route takes more than two hours to deliver. Some volunteers deliver once a week; others serve once a month. There is also delivery on Saturdays and holidays. Call (847) 729-0911.

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders in Highland Park has numerous volunteer positions in its national offices. Full training is provided. Call (847) 433-3996 or e-mail anad20@aol.com.

Night Ministry is a nondenominational organization that serves homeless people and runaway youths, uninsured individuals, the working poor, unsupervised children and others. Volunteer needs include meal preparation for shelters and other outreach programs, various support for a Health Outreach Bus, a Night Walk to increase awareness of the environment faced by homeless and runaway youth and a First Saturdays project suitable for groups of students. Visit www.volunteercenterntt.org.

North Shore Auxiliary for Lawrence Hall needs volunteers to help young children who live in the Lawrence Hall child welfare facilities. The volunteers would work with others on the North Shore to provide comfortable living conditions for the children. Contact Kathy McCareins at KMM3026@aol.com.

North Shore University HealthSystem’s volunteer program offers opportunities to work with patients and families dealing with a terminal illness. Daytime hospice volunteers are needed to provide companionship and emotional support to patients and relief for their caregivers, provide transportation, run errands and perform light household tasks. An eight-week training course is from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesdays at 4901 Searle Parkway, Skokie. To register, call (847) 982-4365.

Sack-Lunch Soup-Kitchen is seeking volunteers (individuals and small groups) from noon-1 p.m. Fridays at the First Congregational Church House, 1417 Hinman Ave. Volunteers can purchase, prepare and/or serve the lunches. This is a great project for families and neighborhoods to take on once or twice a year. For more information, send an e-mail message to Mary Beth at roth.marybeth@gmail.com or call (847) 869-0478.

YMCA

McGaw YMCA at 1000 Grove St., Evanston offers the following classes: For more information or to register, call (847) 475-7400 or visit www.mcgawymca.org

Yoga Class for unemployed persons is offered from noon-1 p.m. each Wednesday for free in the Evanston Review Room of the Y. Individuals must register for this class at the Illinois Worknet Center-Evanston, 1615 Oak Ave., and provide proof of unemployment insurance. For questions on registration, call Beverly Lindsey at (847) 864-3530; for class information call David Harper at the Y’s main number, ext. 256.

Youth

Evanston Children’s Choir Concert Choir is expanding with a formation of a special group of advanced singers who meet twice a week, from 4:15-5:45 p.m. Tuesdays and 4:15-5:15 p.m. Thursdays. Other ECC choirs will meet once a week and be divided by grade (2-5 and 6-12). All new singers must audition for placement. Call (847) 733-0814 or e-mail gary@evanstonchildrenschoir.org

Old Town School of Folk Music offers a free trial Wiggleworms Class, an early childhood music program at the St. Matthew’s Church in Evanston. Call (773) 728-6000 for information.