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Buy Bsa Stealth Tactical Red Scope Cheap

On January 9, 2012, in bsa, by Luke Judge

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On December 31, 2011, in window Carriage Labels Collectables, by Luke Judge

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Perfin – A Great Way to Get Started on Philately

On November 13, 2011, in czechoslovakia Stamps, by Luke Judge

Are you a beginner in philately looking for a way to get started? It is recommended that you start with Perfin postage stamps. Before you wonder what it is all about here is all the information that you need about perfin.

Perfin is good way to start your stamp collecting hobby. These are stamps with holes in them to depict the company of usage. Perfin literally means perforated initials. they can be a perforated insignia or design, symbols or maybe some representation of letters.

Firms where correspondence via mail was in significant numbers faced the problem of stamp pilfering by employees. Perfin was designed precisely to mitigate this problem. Major organizations were permitted by the authorities to mark their stamps in a way to distinguish its identity.

Stamps issued by the United States are perfinned and can be found in any kind of stamp collection. they can be found in definitive as well as commemorative collections. Stamps brought out under special issue category also have perfinned stamps. Airmail stamps, stamps used in postal registration and parcel posts also contain perfin stamps.

Philately of established collectors almost always includes perfinned stamps. they find definitive issue stamps from regular mails. These stamps are printed in large numbers but are relatively smaller in size and depict one theme. Commemorative stamp also have perfin and are used to celebrate an event of specific importance. they are larger and have more than one color unlike a definitive stamp which is printed in one color.

An aerophilatist is one who collects airmail perfin. It is the hobby of collecting airmail stamps and covers also known as envelops.

Stamp collection can be of any type and there is no fixed pattern or style. you can collect anything but well known philatelists always pick a theme and build their philately around it. Perfin collectors usually choose a country and then limit their search on the pattern of perfin available from the country. Another popular method is the topical collection which involves picking up stamps related to a theme such as animals, birds, famous monuments, popular public figures and other similar categories in which stamps are usually issued.

It is a good idea to join a perfin club which can offer a wonderful resource to find the stamps you are looking for. you can also take advantage of the guidance and experience of veteran philatelists which can help you achieve your philately objectives better.

Tagged with: airmail stamps • design symbols • insignia • mail • stamp collection

Hometownstations.com-WLIO- Lima, OH News Weather SportsQwick retreat: Netflix kills plan to split in two

On November 7, 2011, in video Effects Compositing Software, by Luke Judge

By CHIP CUTTER and MICHELLE CONLINAP Business Writers

NEW YORK (AP) – To the ranks of New Coke and the Edsel, we can now add Qwikster.

Less than a month after announcing a plan to separate its DVD-by-mail and Internet streaming services, Netflix reversed course Monday and said it would keep the two services on a single website. Customers had complained loudly that the plan would have made it more difficult to watch movies. Investors hated it, too.

In the end, the company backed down. but Netflix's turbulent relationship with subscribers over the last three months raises questions about how it's being managed during the transition from delivering movies on disc to sending them over the Internet.

Until recently, CEO Reed Hastings had always seemed to possess an uncanny touch. He was the David who crushed goliath Blockbuster and a visionary who foresaw the death of the DVD. He was also a beloved leader who lavished his employees with above-market paychecks and unlimited time off.

When Netflix employees were asked to describe Hastings, they often pointed to the George Clooney character in Ocean's 11.

But that cool, smooth operator seems to have vanished. Six months ago, Hastings and Netflix could do no wrong. Today, he and the company are fodder for “Saturday Night Live” skits and targets of venom on social-networking sites.

Netflix's about-face initially pleased Wall Street. the stock rose as much as 10 percent in the first minutes of trading. but enthusiasm waned in the afternoon, and Netflix ended the day down 5 percent.

Analysts praised Hasting's attempt at a mea culpa, but the series of missteps has stirred doubts about his leadership at a time when the company faces wrenching industry change and ferocious competition.

“They're making decisions rashly and also potentially out of desperation,” said Tony Wible, an analyst at Janney Capital Markets.

Netflix started to resemble a different company last summer. the stock had been on a tear, rising from $110 in July 2010 to more than $290 on July 12, 2011. but on that same day, Hasting's miscalculations began. That's when he abruptly announced that Netflix was raising fees for its DVD business by as much as 60 percent.

For consumers, the timing could not have been worse. the economy remained stubbornly weak, and they had been given no warning.

They immediately took to Twitter and Facebook with their rants, bashing the company. Once the king of consumer loyalty indexes, Netflix sunk below competitors Blockbuster, Redbox and DirectTV.

On Sept. 1, before subscribers' heads had cooled, Netflix lobbed another grenade: it would no longer stream any content from its powerhouse provider, the premium cable channel Starz. Customers who subscribed to the DVD service complained they were paying more for less.

Then came the coup de grace: the dreaded Qwikster, the new name for the DVD-by-mail service.

It had all the earmarks of a marketing disaster. First, Netflix announced the split with no warning, which was unusual considering that Hasting and his executive team have a history as great communicators. Worse was the fact that the news came amid a consumer revolt.

As if all that were not enough, there was also the matter of the lame new name, which seemed eerily reminiscent of the dot-bomb Friendster. the moniker seems sure to go down in the annals of branding debacles.

Since the Qwikster affair, Netflix shares have slid 28 percent to $112, and consumers are bolting in big numbers.

Netflix had 24.6 million subscribers at the end of June, but it warned last month that it expected a net 600,000 to leave by the end of September because of the price increase. That would be by far the worst downturn in the company's history. Netflix reports final figures on Oct. 24 for the quarter that ended in September.

Analysts and diehard company fans are left struggling to understand Hasting's recent moves. Some are worried about the cost to morale inside the company and whether some of Hasting's A-team could begin to bolt.

Outside, the company faces another war for its reputation. if consumers perceive Netflix as a loser, it will be harder for Hastings to hang on to them. if Hollywood studios perceive Netflix as a has-been, it will be harder for Hastings to negotiate favorable content deals.

Where once Netflix stood alone, it now faces intense competition from Apple, Amazon, Wal-Mart and others.

It's not that analysts believe Hastings should have remained unchanged at a time when Netflix's business model was evolving. Netflix's DVD-by-mail business has a wildly different cost structure than the far cheaper Internet video streaming, which Hastings believes is the company's future.

Even in the midst of its stumbles, Netflix has plenty of supporters.

“In life we all make mistakes,” said Michael Corty, an analyst at Morningstar. “You hope that your mistakes are small.”

But those less sanguine fear the company could become the AOL of streaming.

“There are literally 10 to 20 things that can go wrong for this company in the next year,” Wible said. “It's a fundamentally flawed business model. They don't own content. They don't own distribution, and they can't sustain the price point that they've established.”

Hasting's business philosophy has long been rooted in the idea that companies rarely die from moving too fast. They die from moving too slowly.

On Monday, Hastings issued a mea culpa: “There is a difference between moving quickly – which Netflix has done very well for years – and moving too fast, which is what we did in this case.”

Will Hastings now face pressure to step down? Analysts doubt it, saying he deserves credit for building Netflix up.

“He's entitled to have an occasional misstep,” said Michael Pachter, an analyst at Wedbush Securities. “It's like firing Steve Jobs in 1985. it sounded like a good thing at the time, but it turned out to be a disaster. Reed is the visionary who got them there, and he's good.”

Tagged with: beloved leader • business writers • ceo • mail • new coke • oper

I Love Square Envelopes Reviving the Lost Art of Snail Mail

On October 22, 2011, in envelopes, by Luke Judge

These days I’m a city girl, with a tiny mailbox in a row of mailboxes that bills slide into but packages could never grace. Every so often instead of those efficiently sized business envelopes, my heart leaps to see (even if it’s crammed in there) something else: large, mysteriously lumpy manila envelopes; colorful square envelopes; postcards. all of these addressed in real human handwriting.

When I was a little girl, a favorite book to take out of the library was full of ideas of unusual things one could send through the mail. I was immediately addicted and began to cultivate pen pals, even if they were only as far away as across town. I kept it up through college, too. once, memorably, I sent a friend at home a plastic shark of the sort we used to garnish certain ridiculous mixed drinks at the restaurant where I worked. Another time, I opened one of the loveliest silver square envelopes I’ve ever seen from a thrilling new correspondent to unfold a giant sheet of vellum covered in her tiny, gorgeous cursive. the wind caught it as if it were a sail.

Sure, I email and text and Facebook and Twitter. And indeed, I’m posting this on the internet, not licking square envelopes and sending them to your homes. But such is our world. It doesn’t have to mean the end of one of my favorite past times that creates my favorite artifacts. Long Live Letter Writing Viva Snail Mail

Want to follow my lead? here are some tips:

1. get tactile. take yourself on a date to your local stationery store. Begin with what feels good in your own hands and pleases your own eyes. Heavyweight paper, the lightest vellum, handmade rice paper with flowers pressed into it. run your fingers over loose sheets. Try the pens on the provided doodle pads. Splurge on gold seals or whimsical stickers, if that’s your thing. the sensory experience of letter writing is as delicious as the sensory experience of letter receiving. Find out what you like, and bring a couple sheets home.

2. Embrace your penmanship. With all the work we do on computers, some of us hardly lift a pen anymore except for signing credit card receipts. But you learned to write and print (remember the difference?) in grade school, and like riding a bike, you still know how. Try to be legible, but embrace the unique shape of your natural handwriting. It says a lot about you, as you’ve heard, but mostly that you’re alive and caring. A page covered with your unique script is a treasure to the recipient.

3. Know your audience. Sit down and write a letter to the person you’d most love to receive a letter from. take all the time you would appreciate that person taking while you write. Include details they’d love, the sort of details you hope they’ll include in their response to you. if you wish, you could include a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) in your letter, but even better is to choose your pen pal wisely, finding someone who will surprise you with artful and lovely letters crafted just for you.

Tagged with: cursive • giant sheet • mail • shark

‘I Don’t Know How She Does It,’ Pearl Jam documentary, midnight ‘Pulp Fiction’ and more

On September 30, 2011, in reiki & Chakras, by Luke Judge

Opening at the multiplexIn “Drive,” Ryan Gosling stars as a Los Angeles wheelman for hire, stunt driving for movie productions by day and steering getaway vehicles for armed heists by night. Though a loner by nature, he can’t help falling in love with his beautiful neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan). after a heist intended to pay protection money spins unpredictably out of control, he finds himself driving defense for the girl he loves. Liam Lacey of The Globe and Mail says, “Tense car chases, action scenes handled with crisp panache and Canadian actor Ryan Gosling channeling Steve McQueen as an existential wheel man add up to make ‘Drive’ one of the best arty-action films since Steven Soderbergh’s ‘The Limey.’” “Drive” opens Friday.“Straw Dogs,” a remake of the 1971 psychological thriller starring Dustin Hoffman, finds David and Amy Sumner (James Marsden and Kate Bosworth), a Hollywood screenwriter and his actress wife, returning to her small hometown in the deep South to prepare the family home for sale after her father’s death. Once there, tensions build in their marriage and old conflicts re-emerge with the locals, including Amy’s ex-boyfriend Charlie (Alexander Skarsgard), leading to a violent confrontation. “Straw Dogs” opens Friday.“I Don’t know how She Does It” stars Sarah Jessica Parker as Kate Reddy, a woman who devotes her days to her job with a Boston-based financial management firm and her nights to her recently-downsized architect husband Richard (Greg Kinnear) and their two young children. It’s a nonstop balancing act that comes into crisis when Kate gets handed a major new account, and Richard wins the job he’s been hoping for. “I Don’t know how She Does It” opens Friday.The 1994 Walt Disney classic “The Lion King” will be released in theaters once again, this time in 3D, for a two-week run starting Friday. Special screenings“Life in a Day” arguably had the biggest buzz at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. a request that everyday citizens capture on high definition video the events of their lives on a single day – July 24, 2010 – yielded 80,000 submissions and 4,500 hours of footage from 192 countries. Producer Ridley Scott and Oscar-winning director Kevin Macdonald took this raw material and created this outstanding and inspiring feature-length film. “Life In a Day” plays Sunday, Sept. 18 and Thursday, Sept. 22 at the Michigan Theater.“Pearl Jam Twenty” is a documentary directed by Academy Award winner Cameron Crowe (“almost Famous,” “Jerry Maguire”) about the iconic band Pearl Jam, marking its 20th anniversary year. Told in big themes and bold colors with blistering sound, the film is carved from over 1,200 hours of rarely seen and never-before-seen footage spanning the band’s career. One night only at the Michigan Theater, Tuesday, Sept. 20. “The Killing,” directed with a revolutionary storytelling technique by the legendary Stanley Kubrick, is tough, taut, tense, and one of the greatest crime thrillers ever made. ”The Killing” plays Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. and kicks off the Michigan Theater’s four-month-long tribute to Kubrick, most Mondays through Dec. 12.The State Theatre is proud to present the second film in its Quentin Tarantino midnight series: “Pulp Fiction,” the film that made Tarantino as household name. “Pulp Fiction” plays Saturday, September 17 at 11:59 p.m.“AAFF 50th: Retrospective Series” is the first in a series of archival films from 50 years of the Ann Arbor Film Festival, including films by Alice Anne Parker (a.k.a. Anne Severson), including her 1971 film “near the Big Chakra,” an influential and controversial feminist film that allegedly provoked a riot during its screening at the Ann Arbor Film Festival in 1972. Severson will be in attendance and interviewed by artist and UM Art & Design professor Holly Hughes following the screening. “AAFF 50th: Retrospective Series” kicks off Thursday, Sept. 22.See you at the movies!Russ Collins is executive director of the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor. Tune in to the audio version of “Cinema Chat” on WEMU radio (89.1-FM) each Thursday at 7:40 a.m. and 5:40 p.m., or listen to it online at WEMU’s web site.

Tagged with: canadian actor • mail

Coming up for the week 9/1 and beyond

On September 27, 2011, in desk Lamps, by Luke Judge

August 26, 2011 3:10PM

Updated: September 1, 2011 3:36AM

We welcome items for the Community Calendar, as well as items for Business Briefs, Campus News, Community Briefs, School Digest and Newsmakers. Items must be received minimum of 10 days prior to publication. Email: ; fax (847) 599-6902 or mail to Pioneer Press, 1225 N. Tri State Parkway, Suite 520, Gurnee, IL 60031

the Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills (GLMV) Chamber of Commerce invites business people to attend the following events. call (847) 680-0750 or visit glmvchamber.org

GLMV Networking Group 3×2, 7:30 a.m. first and third Friday of the month at Lashen Center, 294 Evergreen Dr., Vernon Hills.

GLMV Weekly Thursday Business Interchange Group, 7:30 a.m. at Liberty Restaurant, 419 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. This informal networking group exchanges business information and referrals.

The Business Networking Group meets from 7:30-8:45 a.m. on the second and fourth Friday of the month at Grandma V’s Restaurant, corner of Route 176 and 45 in Mundelein. BNG is a networking group that provides members not only with business referrals, but also with an atmosphere of friendship and professional support. Contact Holly at (847) 362-0335 or visit bngonline.org.

GLMV Women’s Networking Group, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., second Tuesday of the month at White Deer run, 250 Greggs Landing, Vernon Hills.

Registration is now open for the 2011-2012 Sunday School year at Chabad Jewish Center of Vernon Hills. the program is blended with games, incentives, crafts, dramatics, family celebrations and other exciting extra curricular activities and a state-of-the-art reading program modeled after the Martial Arts system. When your child is ready for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah training, we will prepare your child for this day by providing private tutoring. CHS welcomes every Jew, regardless of religious background or level of observance. This school does not require any membership or prior affiliations as a condition for enrollment. Classes are held on Sundays, 10 a.m.-noon, and are offered for children aged 6-14. To schedule an appointment to visit Chabad Hebrew School, please call (847) 984-2919 or e-mail . For further information, log on to JewishVernonHills.com .

Registration is open for Libertyville Boys Club 2011 Football & Cheer. Sign up for the 2011 football and cheer season. Register online at the LBC’s new user friendly website at lbcfootball.org. Cheerleading is open to girls in fifth-eighth grades in the fall of 2011. there is flag football for grades K-third. Tackle football includes Libertyville’s Travel teams as well as three age appropriate In-house leagues. Tackle football registration is open to grades third-eighth.

Animal Education and Rescue’s We Care! Youth Club meetings feature guest speakers, educational programs and fund-raising activities. the meetings are 3-5 p.m., the first Sunday of each month at Care Animal Hospital, 1101 W. Park Ave., Libertyville. Contact Animal Education and Rescue at (847) 816-0831. Go to aear.org.

Basketball is played from 11 a.m.-noon on Saturdays at the Kirk of the Lakes Presbyterian Church, 1500 W. Hawley (next to Mundelein High School). Ages 10 years to adults are welcome. call Bret Reed at (847) 837-1368.

Forever Friends brings children and elders together through activities or experiences at Celebration! Childcare, 29700 N. St. Mary’s Road, Libertyville. call (847) 367-6208.

Christ Lutheran Church and PreSchool in Vernon Hills invites local kindergarten families to join miss Jayne’s Kindergarten Kapers. This after-school session meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, noon-2:30 p.m. Children will explore science, make crafts and tackle simple cooking activities and include monthly themes as well as group games and music. the class will begin with a sack lunch from home. Contact Beth Sonnenberg at (847) 367-5791 or

CrossWays PreSchool, an Early Childhood Ministry of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Libertyville, is registering for CWPS 2011-2012, offering classes for children 3 and 4 years by Sept. 1, 2011. Part-time traditional programs plus optional enrichment classes including Stories “More (early literacy for three’s), 26 Letters” “More (early literac. for four’s and five’s), Science Sensation (for four’s and five’s) and Lunch Bunch (for three and four). Our teachers provide a variety of creative, hands-on activities in a warm, loving, Christian environment in order to develop confident, competent learners. We welcome your participation. see our link at holycrosschurch.org. Contact Mindy Doss: (847) 367-4367, .

Growing With Grace Preschool in Libertyville has openings in the Tremendous Threes class (must be 3 years old by Sept. 1, 2011) that meets from 9-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays/Thursdays with the option of Lunch Bunch from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. there are also openings in the Fabulous Fours class (must be 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2011) that meets from noon-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays. Visit gracelutheranlibertyville.org or call (847) 254-5820, or email to gwg-trem3fab4!@att.net

Introducing amazing Adventures-Enrichment Classes for children turning 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2011 and kindergartners at Growing With Grace Preschool: Animal Adventures meets from noon-2:30 p.m., on Mondays and from 8:45-11:15 a.m. on Fridays. Learn about a different animal and their environment each week through outdoor exploration, crafts, science and cooking. Author Adventures meets from 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Each week we will read a different story and make it come alive through art, music, drama, science and cooking activities. Visit gracelutheranlibertyville.org, call (847) 254-5820 or email

Bicycle Club of Lake County meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Libertyville Civic Center, 135 W. Church St. (just south of the library). Social events, meeting and ride information available at the BCLC hotline at (847) 604-0520

Holy Cross Lutheran Church offers a new knitting and crocheting group meeting 7:30-9:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month at the church. call the church office at (847) 367-4060.

Home and Garden Club meets the third Thursday of the month in various members’ homes. Programs cover decorating with stenciling, flower show, craft night and more. call Debbie at (847) 247-8847.

Lake County Mothers of Twins and More Club meet at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Grayslake Middle School in Grayslake, Rt. 83 and Center Street. call (847) 752-8505 with questions.

Lake County Women’s Club is a social club welcoming all area women. For newsletter and membership information, call (847) 680-7789.

Libertyville Sunrise Rotary meets at 7 a.m. Wednesdays at Lamb’s Farm in Libertyville. call Andy Robinson at (847) 918-0006 or visit libertyvillesunriserotary.org

Mundelein Lions Club meet at 7 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month September thru June at the Vernon Hills golf course, 291 Evergreen Drive, Vernon Hills. call the golf course at (847) 680-9310. the Gardeners of Central Lake County meet at 7:30 p.m. on the second Monday of the month at Evangelical Free Church, 431 W. Austin, Libertyville and host interesting and informative programs including a plant competition at each meeting. Guests are welcome. Contact Cindy at or (847) 918-7157.

the Libertyville Junior Woman’s Club is a group of diverse women of all ages from the Lake County area committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through effective action. the kick-off meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Sept. 6 at the Libertyville Civic Center, 135 W. Church St. in Libertyville. the highlight of the meeting is Desserts. come see how “sweet” it is to be a Junior while being tempted with delicious treats. For more information, contact Mary Nee at or .

The Newcomers and Neighbors of Libertyville host monthly socials, outings, book club, Bunco, dinners and lunches. For additional information, call Pam at (847) 249-2603 or visit newcomersclub.com TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets at 7 p.m. at the Libertyville Civic Center, 135 W. Church St., Libertyville. For information, call (847) 362-8710.

The Snowseekers Ski Club invites families, couples and singles of all ages and abilities to join them. the club offers great skiing/snowboarding trips to Midwest and Western ski areas, as well as social activities throughout the year. the 2012 season will kick off with the annual “learn to ski” weekend Jan. 6-8 at Devil’s Head Resort in Merrimac, Wis. the club is also set for two western trips in the coming season – Lake Tahoe, Calif. and Snowmass, Colo. call (847) 223-5265 or visit snowseekers.org for additional information about the picnic, the club and the trips.

Women’s Walking Club meets 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays at the Old School Forest Preserve. Park at Shelter A to walk a brisk three miles. call Wendy Nicholson at (847) 680-1158 or Sandy Kamen Wisniewski at (847) 816-0831.

Woods and Wetlands Group of the Sierra Club meets at 7:15 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Vernon Hills Village Hall, 290 Evergreen. Visit illinois.sierraclub.org/w&w or call (847) 680-6437.

Libertyville Golf course, the popular Par-3 Nine Hole golf course, will host a golf tournaments on Sept. 2 that will feature the first-ever Libertyville Senior Open. the event is open to the public. Registration forms are available at libertyville.com/golfcourse. Registration can also be taken over the phone at (847) 918-7275. Clubhouse phone number is (847) 362-5733.

Twilight Shuffle 5K run sponsored by MainStreet Libertyville will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 4 in downtown Libertyville. all participants will receive a T-shirt, goody bag, free admission into the post-race party at Mickey Finn’s that includes dinner and non-alcoholic beverages. Register online or download a paper application by visiting twilightshuffle.com. No walk-up registration at the race. last chance for racers to register is from 9 a.m.-noon at the Runner’s Edge in Libertyville the morning of race. if interested in volunteering for the event, call (847) 680-0336.

Mundelein Community Connection announces the first annual Mundelein Fine Arts Festival, a juried art festival that will showcase the talents of dozens of fine artists and craftspeople in the heart of town. the two-day event will be held from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sept. 10 and Sept. 11 at Kracklauer Park, 100 N. Seymour Ave., and will feature a full line-up of entertainment, including local musicians and entertainers and Artists Talks each day. Admission is free. Artwork by select students from Mundelein and Carmel Catholic High Schools will be highlighted. part of the proceeds from the art fair will provide scholarship money for deserving local art students from both schools.

Mundelein Farmers Market features 22 vendors with the very best local produce and artisanal foods. Find us in the parking lot at the southwest corner of Park Street and Seymour Avenue, one block south of IL Rte. 176 and one block east of IL Rte. 45. We’ll be there from 3-7 p.m. every Friday, rain or shine, through Oct.14.

Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament with blackjack and cash poker games will be held Sept. 17 at Santa Maria del Popolo Parish Center, 151 N. Lincoln Ave, Mundelein. Check-in begins at 6 p.m.; tournament starts at 7 p.m. Food and bar available; $75 buy-in for the tournament, $25 add-on. Call (847) 949-8300 for more info.

Fall 2011 Teen and Jr. Improv Ensembles, 1-3 p.m., Sept. 11. Fall session will run from Sept. 11-Dec. 12. if accepted, tuition is $345 for Teen Ensemble and $295 for the Jr. Ensemble. Designed to give the advanced junior high teen and high school improviser expansive opportunities to develop and demonstrate their skills for diverse audiences and events. Visit improvplayhouse.com

Car Fun on 21, hosted by MainStreet Libertyville will have classic cars 25 years and older in mint condition on display on Church St. on Sept. 21. Food provided by Bonkers and Tropik Sun for purchase, music by John McHugh. call (847) 680-0336 or mainstreetlibertyville.org .

MainStreet Libertyville Farmers Market is open in downtown Libertyville from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. every Thursday on Church Street through Oct. 20, rain or shine. Featuring fresh produce, fruits, pastries, cheeses, plants, flowers, free range meats and eggs and more. Each week special demonstrations by local chefs using produce fresh from the vendors are featured. Cook Memorial Library will host their popular children’s story hour each week.

The David Adler Center in Libertyville offers the following classes. To register, or for information, visit adlercenter.org or call (847) 367-0707:

Evening art classes for youth and adults will run weekly. Classes include art exploration for youth and watercolor painting for adults with additional classes in the future. Cost per session is $165 with discounted tuition available for qualifying Adler Center members.

Private guitar, voice, piano and violin lessons for students of any experience level aged 7-adult. Prices are $33/half-hour for non-members with a discount available to members of the Adler Center.

Santa Maria del Popolo, 123 N. Lake St., Mundelein, hosts bingo every Monday at their new Parish Center. Doors open at 5 p.m. Everyone 18 and older is welcome to play. Early-bird game starts at 6:45 p.m.

5K Race against Racism/Walk for Justice will be held from 8-11:30 a.m. Sept. 10 at Independence Grove, Libertyville. $25 per person/$20 per person for teams of five or more; $35 per person day of event/$25 per person day of event for teams of five or more. Everyone is encouraged to secure minimum pledges of $50. call (847) 662-4247.

The SEDOL Foundation will hold its new 5K/10 run & Family Walk, “Making Strides For Special Kids”, at 8:30 a.m., Sept. 17 at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville to raise awareness, foster interest in running for wellness, and help raise funds to enrich the educational, vocational, and social opportunities for physically and metnally disabled children. the event will also feature a capable/handicapable event that will partner with handicapable runners/walkers/wheelchair participants to experience a “race”. To sign up and begin soliciting donations in support of your running/walking participation in the SEDOL Foundation’s “Making Strides For Special Kids”, visit firstgiving.com//sedolfoundation//run.

5K Run/Walk, to benefit Officer Will McDermott for Huskie Hustle Memorial Scholarship Fund in his honor, will be held at 9:45 a.m., Sept. 25 in DeKalb. Funds will benefit Northern Illinois University Athletics. Registration is open online and mail. Pre-registration fee is $25 per person or $100 per team (limit five members per team) After Aug. 31 fee per person is $30. Donations accepted. Visit willmcdermotthuskiehustle.com

Advocate Condell Medical Center offers health and support programs. To register, call (800) 323-8622 or visit advocatehealth.com/condell/aclassorsupportgroup

what Women should Know – a series of free education programs designed to make sure women are informed about a wide range of health issues. Registration is required by calling (800) 323-8622:

Varicose Veins, 6:30-9 p.m., Sept. 21 in West Tower – Dr. Shayle Patzik will speak about the hospital’s state-of-the are tretament of varicose veins. Registration required; code 5W25.

Flu Season, 5:30-8 p.m., Oct. 10 at Gurnee Centre Club, 1405 Hunt Club Rd. Dr. Mobola Campbell-Yesufu will talk about how to stay healthy during flu season. Flu shots available after lecture for $10 and a non-perishable food item to be donated to a local food pantry. Registration required; code 5W26

Staying Healthy, 7-10 p.m., Oct. 24 in Libertyville – topics to be dicussed will be breast health, heart health, diet and emotional health. Registration required; Code 5W27

Free prostate cancer screenings, 3:30-6 p.m., Sept. 14 at the hospital. Screenings take less than 10 minutes. Results will be mailed to you and your physician within seven days. call for appointment (800) 323-8622. Code: 5C11Look Good, Feel better, 3-5 p.m., Sept. 19 – Facilitators will help patients with hair and makeup techniques in this free program at Advocate Condell Day Center Solarium, 700 Garfield Ave., Libertyville. Code: 5C08

Breast Cancer Support Group offers free emotional support and networking for breast cancer survivors from 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at Advocate Condell Medical Center, 801 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Code: 5C03

Cardiac and Pulmonary Care

Stroke Support Group, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 20 – This free program is intended to offer stroke education and support to stroke survivors, spouses and caregivers at Advocate Condell Conference Center, 700 Garfield Ave., Libertyville. Code: 5C14

WomenHeart Support Group (free) – Share thoughts, concerns and feelings with other women who have been touched by heart disease from 6:30-8 p.m., Sept. 6 at Advocate Condell Conference Center, 700 Garfield Ave., Libertyville. Code: 5C06

Family and Friends Infant CPR – For the non-professional caregiver, including parents, grandparents, adoptive parents and others. Class follows the American Heart Association guidelines and meets the DCFS guidelines for adoption in Illinois. Attendees will receive a participation card. Classes take place from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 13, and Sept. 29 at Advocate Condell Conference Center, 700 Garfield Ave., Libertyville. Fee: $35 per person or $50 per couple. Code: 5C01

Individual Diabetes Education – Schedule a one-on-one appointment with certified diabetes nurse educator. Type 1, Type 2 or gestational diabetes education and problem-solving. Glucose meter instruction and instruction in starting insulin. Appointments are 45 minutes to 1 hour. A physician referral is required. most insurance plans cover diabetes education. Patients should check with insurance company about coverage. call for appointment at Advocate Condell Medical Center, 801 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Fee: $154, Code: 5D06

Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Class – For those recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, or those previously diagnosed and struggling to get their blood sugar under control. the three-session class teaches the skills you need to manage your diabetes. A physician referral is required. Patients should check with insurance company about coverage. Class meets from Sept. 6; and Sept. 8 at Advocate Condell Conference Center, 700 Garfield Ave., Libertyville. Fee: $220, Code: 5D01

Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Refresher Class – Geared toward those who have completed the Diabetes Self-Management Classes or have attended diabetes education classes elsewhere. This class is recommended each year for ongoing diabetes self-management, education and support. A physician referral is required. Patient should check with insurance company about coverage. Class meets from 1-2:30 p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 20 at Advocate Condell Medical Center, 801 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Fee: $132, Code: 5D04

Diabetes Support Group: For diabetes patients and their families or caregivers, this free program offers education and support to help you manage your diabetes from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Sept. 26 at Advocate Condell’s West Tower Education Room, 801 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Code: 5D03

Alcoholics Anonymous: Share experiences, solve common problems and help others to recover from alcoholism from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Advocate Condell Chapel, 801 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville (free). Code: 5G08

Caregiver Support Group (free) for family and friends who help, care for or are concerned about older adults, meets 7-8 p.m. Sept. 27 at Advocate Condell Day Center Solarium, 700 Garfield Ave., Libertyville. Code: 5M02

Huntington’s Disease Support Group (free) for anyone affected by this hereditary, degenerative brain disorder is welcome to attend from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 12 at Advocate Condell Medical Center, 801 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Code: 5G07

Looking up: Bereavement support for anyone experiencing a loss meets from 7-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday (except fifth) at Advocate Condell Day Center Solarium, 700 Garfield Ave., Libertyville. (free)

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group (free) for those with Parkinson ’s disease and their friends and family members meets from 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at at Advocate Condell West Tower Education Room, 801 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Code: 5G04

The Humor Exchange: Experience the many psychological and physiological benefits of laughter from 7-9 p.m., Sept. 8 at Advocate Condell Centre Club Gurnee, 1405 Hunt Club Road, Gurnee. (free) Code: 5G31

Women and Children

Look what We Can do!: Designed for parents and their infants from newborn through one year, this class discusses a different topic of interest to new parents each week. Learn creative and stimulating ways to play with your baby and connect and share advice from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Advocate Condell Conference Center, 700 Garfield Ave., Libertyville. First 10 sessions are free, and then a punch card may be purchased for $20 for 10 additional sessions. Code: 5B13

Obstetrics Center Welcome Session: This free class features information on services available to expectant parents planning a birth at Advocate Condell Medical Center. Tour included. It is recommended to register early in your pregnancy. Session meets from 5:30-6:45 p.m. and 7-8:15 p.m. Sept. 8 at Advocate Condell Conference Center, 700 Garfield Ave., Libertyville. Code: 5B06

Prepared Childbirth: A common-sense, thorough approach to relaxed childbirth, preparing the expectant mother and her coach for labor, vaginal and C-section delivery, newborn characteristics and the postpartum period. Tour included. Also offered in Spanish. This ongoing class is is held at Advocate Condell Medical Center, 801 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. call for information. Code: 5B03 (English) and 5B20 (Spanish)

Breastfeeding 101: Taught by certified lactation consultants, this program provides practical information on getting started, successful technique, planning for separation related to work and other activities, pumping and breast care. Designed for the expectant mother and her partner. It is recommended that participants attend this class two months prior to their due date. Class meets from 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 at Advocate Condell Conference Center, 700 Garfield Ave., Libertyville. Fee: $25 per couple, Code: 5B08

Prepared Childbirth – This class offers a common-sense, thorough approach to knowledgeable, relaxed childbirth, preparing the expectant mother and her coach for the labor process, vaginal and C-section delivery, newborn characteristics and the postpartum period. Also offered in Spanish. Cost is $140 for the expectant mother and her support person. Ongoing. For times and to register, call (800) 323-8622.

the Thrift Shop accepts donations of new and gently used items including clothing, jewelry, collectibles, books, linens, toys, tools, electronics, lamps, kitchen wares and more. Donation drop-offs are accepted 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. To learn more, visit lambsfarm.org/business/ thriftshop.html

The Lambs Farm horses, sheep and pigs are preparing to welcome the public to the Lambs Farm Farmyard on weekends. the Farmyard, Petting Zoo, Discovery Center and Gift Shop will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information on the Farmyard, including prices for memberships and daily entrance, call (847) 990-3760 or visit lambsfarm.org.

DDC Buddy Walk, noon – 5 p.m., Sept. 11. the down Syndrom Development Council will hold their annual Walk. the event includes raffles, silent auction, inflatables, live entertainment and more. Free to public.

Anniversary Gala will be held at 7 p.m. on Sept. 17 at the Chicago Hilton. the evening will include cocktails, gourmet dinner, dancing, silent auction and more. $300 per person, sponsorships are available. call Nikki Bonamarte at (847) 990-3733 or

“Got Shredding?” Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sept. 24. ShredStation Express will have a mobile shredding unit to shred your old documents for $1 per box donation to Lambs Farm.

Train Days, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sept. 24 and 25. Spend time with trains from Valley Model Railroads. Kids will be able to operate traffic controls on model trains, take part in train-related crafts and more.

Popcorn Days, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 – Volunteers are needed to collect funds on various intersectons and storefronts throughout the northern and northwest suburbs to celebrate National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month and National Popcorn Month. call (847) 990-3749.

Haunted Harvest, 6-10 p.m., Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29. A spooky celebration full of fun and adventure for thrill-seekers of all ages featuring our Train of Terror. All-night pass is $15 per person, kids under 3 years free (with purchase of adult pass). Individual activity pricing also available.

6th Annual Barn Burner BBQ Competition, 5-10 p.m., Oct. 14 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Oct. 15. the smoky food festival features the Friday Chili Challenge Cook-Off, contests, demonstrations, raffles, vendors, beer tent, live music and more. the public is invited to compete in or judge the chili competition. Admission is free to spectators. call (847) 990-3750.

Cook Memorial Library, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, and Aspen Drive Library, 701 Aspen Dr., Vernon Hills requires registration for some programs. For information, call (847) 362-2330 or visit cooklib.org

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes, 9 a.m. -noon, Mondays and Thursdays at the Aspen Drive Library. Free ESL classes will teach students to speak, read and write English using basic vocabulary to describe themselves and their environment. the first week will consist of orientation and testing. call (847) 949-2200, ext. 1300 or 1400. This program is not offered in the summer.

Computer Classes – Free and available to all interested adults, age 16 and older. call (847) 362-2330 for dates, times and locations. Registration is required.

Fremont Library is located at 1170 N. Midlothian Rd., Mundelein. To register for programs, call (847) 918-3225 or visit fremontlibrary.org

Library Card Month Sept. 1-30 – the library is participating in national Library Card Signup Month by encouraging district residents to apply for a card if they don’t have one. Cards are free, are activated on the spot and come with a small gift. Applicants must provide proof of residence in the library district. For more information on getting a library card, call (847) 566-8702.

the Life of Earl Derr Biggers, 7 p.m. Sept. 7 – This program focuses on the life of Earl Derr Biggers, the writer who brought the great detective Charlie Chan to life in 1925. This speech by author Barbara Gregorich includes an entertaining slide presentation. Registration required.

Author Visit, 7 p.m. Sept. 7 – Julia Stuart will talk about her new book, the Tower, the Zoo and the Tortoise, a novel set in theTower of London, home to Beefeater Balthazar Jones, his wife and a 120-year-old tortoise . the Lake Forest Book Store will provide copies of the book for purchase. Registration required.

Author Visit, 12:30 p.m. Sept. 9 – Award-winning author Ellen Baker will talk about her new novel, I Gave My Heart to Know This. the Lake Forest Book Store will provide copies of the book for purchase. A light lunch will be served.

Book Discussion: 10:30 a.m., Sept. 9 at Regent Center, 1200 Regent Dr., Mundelein. the Senior Connections Book Group will discuss Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods, the author’s account of his attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail. Copies of the book are available at the library, 1170 N. Midlothian Rd., Mundelein.

BookMarkers,10 a.m. Sept. 15 – This monthly book discussion will take up James Swanson’s Manhunt: the 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer, a fascinating tale of murder, intrigue, and betrayal. Copies of the book are available at the library.

Music of the Civil War, 7 p.m. Sept. 21 – Phil Passen will present a fascinating program of historical music, including many tunes and songs still popular today. Registration required.

Cookbook Club, 7 p.m. Sept. 22 – Review cookbooks and discuss recipes in this new book discussion group. the group will cook from and discuss a different cookbook each month. Book selections will be made at the inaugural meeting in September.

Scrabble for Adults 6:30-8:30 p.m., the first Tuesday of each month. Playing boards are provided. all levels of players are welcome.

Free one-on-one computer tutoring for adults will be held at 3 and 4 p.m. every Thursday. Tutors will teach information ranging from basic computing and how to buy a computer to intermediate Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Patrons are limited to one session per week. call Adult Service Desk, (847) 918-3206.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes, 9 a.m.-noon. Monday and Thursday mornings. Classes will teach students to speak, read and write English using basic vocabulary to describe themselves and their environment. call (847) 949-2200, ext. 1300 or 1400.

Technology Tuesdays: 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Tuesdays. Assistance with basic computer questions is available in a free drop-in forum offered every Tuesday evening in the library’s computer lab on the second floor. Each person will receive up to 30 minutes of assistance, depending on staff availability. For more information, call (847) 918-3206.

Libertyville Parks and Recreation Department is accepting registration for programs held at the Libertyville Sports Complex, 1950 N. Highway 45, Libertyville. call (847) 918-7275. Registration forms for GLSA clinics and programs are at glsa.org or at the GLSA office, 1860 W. Winchester Road., Suite 204, Libertyville. Visit libertyville.com or (847) 367-7054

The Mundelein Park and Recreation District, 1401 N. Midlothian Road. For information or to register, call (847) 566-0650. Registration forms are accepted via drop off, mail or fax to (847) 566-8557.

Couponing 101, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at Regent Center. Learn the perfet play at the checkout with guidance tips from coupon guru, Rita Cangialosi; $7res./$10 non-res.

Learn 2 BMX and Learn 2 Skateboard are comprehensive programs for ages 5-13 offered by experts from the Pitch Bikepark. Instruction is offered at their facility beginning the week of Sept. 11. Helmets are provided. Knee, elbow and wrist guards are encouraged. Kids must bring a working 20-inch bike or skateboard. Registration required.

Steeple Chase Golf Club is open for play (course conditions permitting). Tee times are being accepted. Golfers get a great course and great value, playing at 2009 rates. the Mundelein resident rate with 18 holes and cart is just $49 (weekday) and $56 (weekend). Golfers can enjoy nine holes with cart (Monday – Thursday) for $29. Seniors (ages 55-plus) enjoy daily savings, and ladies, all day Monday. Families can spend time together with the “Family Special,” with a child (18 and under) free after 4 p.m. with a paying adult (Sunday – Thursday). For more information on Steeple Chase Golf Club, tee times or golf instruction, call (847) 949-8900 or visit mundeleinparks.org.

Boat Launch permits are on sale for Diamond Lake. Permits available for boats and personal watercraft for Mundelein Lake. the non-transferrable permit allows registered Illinois boat and personal watercraft owners to launch from the Mundelein Park District’s convenient dock/lake access and keyed parking area located along the waterfront on Diamond Lake Road. Permit purchases can be made weekdays at the Park District’s Mundelein Community Center, 1401 N. Midlothian Road, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (third floor) or until 9 p.m. (lobby). For more information about boat launch permits, call (847)566-0650, ext. 10 or visit mundeleinparks.org.

Park View Party Packages – the Mundelein Park District introduces party packages held in the Mundelein Community Center that are hosted by supervisors. call Laura at (847) 566-0650, ext. 39 for more information.

Weight Watchers meets from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday evenings and at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Mundelein Community Center, 1401 N. Midlothian Road, between Route 176 and Winchester Road, in Mundelein.

Multi-Purpose Activity Center for adults ages 50 and older offers a variety of year-round activities, special events, fitness programs, day trips and health and wellness. Open weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. call (847) 566-4790.

Make a big splash with open and family swim, lap lane workouts, water aerobics and swim lessons for all levels/ages. Daily swim passes are available with fees starting at $4/kids and $5/adults ($8/$6 for non-residents). Ages two and under free with adult fee. try a daily Ultimate Pass for an entire workout – open gym, track, pool and fitness areas, starting at $12 for adults ($17 non-residents)

Vernon Hills Park District program registration may be completed online at vhparkdistrict.com, mail-in or drop off at Sullivan Center, 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills, or faxed to (847) 996-6801. For information, call (847) 996-6933.

Little Learners Preschool is a nine-month education program for 2-5 year olds. Preschool programs are offered for 2-5 year olds with optional before- and after-preschool programs to compliment the children’s learning experience. call Gail Herrmann, Early Childhood Supervisor, at (847) 996-6808 for availability of classes.

Nike and SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County) have partnered to bring Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe Program to Lake County. Reuse-A-Shoe collects worn-out athletic shoes of any brand. A collection box for used athletic shoes is located in the Sullivan Community Center, 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills. No metal parts including grommets or cleats will be allowed. No dress shoes, sandals, boots, water, “socks” or flip flops are acceptable. For more information, visit co.lake.il.us/swalco/programs/shoes.asp.

Open Table Tennis Play is offered from 6-9 p.m. to all skill levels every Tuesday and Friday at the Sullivan Community Center. the drop-in fee is $5. No registration is required.

Picnic Shelter Permits are available at the Sullivan Community Center. Six District parks have picnic shelters available for rental with maximum capacities ranging from 96-150 people.

Tree donations: Residents and neighbors can honor a special person or commemorate a birthday or anniversary by donating a tree in a District park. Trees are sold at cost; with prices ranging from $225-$475 depending on the type of species selected which include shade trees and evergreens. Trees can be personalized with a bronze plaque, which is also sold at cost. the Tree & Bench Donation order form can be found online at vhparkdistrict.org or at the Park District Community Centers. For more information, call Cheryl Baron at (847) 996-6933.

Bench donations: For those who like to walk in the parks, a bench donation might seem especially appropriate. the District has a park bench that will complement any of its parks. Benches may be purchased for donation at a cost of $700, and personalized with a bronze plaque similar to the tree donation plaques. Prices for plaques start at $70. the Tree & Bench Donation order form can be found online at vhparkdistrict.org or at the Park District Community Centers. For more information, call Cheryl Baron at (847) 996-6933.

Family Aquatic Center Season Passes – Vernon Hills residents and non-residents may purchase an aquatic season pass at the Sullivan Community Center, 635 N. Aspen Drive or online.

Community Garage Sale is from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Vernon Hills Metra Station Parking Lot, 75 East Route 45. Proceeds from the Community Garage Sale will benefit the Park District Family Scholarship Program. Bring your own supplies (including tables, chairs, and plastic bags). Registration forms will be available at the Sullivan Community Center. Payment is due at the time of registration. Fee: $25 per vending space (approximately 20’ x 20’) Tables will be available for rental.

Upcoming Camp Programs:

Congregation or Shalom announces an array of programs to meet every age and need. the synagogue is located at 21 Hawthorn Parkway, Vernon Hills. For information about these and other programs, contact Andi Freier or Ellen Kaufman at (847) 362-1948:

Judaism 101 classes are being offered 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Sundays. the fee for these classes is $18 for members or $36 for non-members for a three-class session, or $10/$15 for each individual class:

Reading and Conversation courses – Any adult with a desire to learn Hebrew can take advantage of the courses being offered at the temple for a fee of $100 for members or $150 for nonmembers for the eight-week sessions. all three courses require registration. call Marcia Chohen at (847) 362-1948; First Year classes, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Thursdays

Hebrew Conversation course, 7-8:15 p.m. Thusday evenings. These classes will teach beginning Hebrew conversations skills and allow opportunities for basic Hebrew dialogue. Reading knowledge of Hebrew is required for this class.

the Fall Kick Off for the Kirk of the Lakes Presbyterian Church will begin new times for their Sunday School classes. Sunday School for children, teens and adults will now start at 9:05 a.m. Church service will follow at 10 a.m. Nursery will be available at both times. High school and seventh and eighth are using We believe, a thirty-session Confirmation prep program. Elementary teachers will also teach from We believe using a more basic approach. Our adult class will use Discovering the Bible: A New Generation. Cost per bookis $10 for participants. Couples may choose to share a book. Our Fall Kick Off featuring Art’s delicious smoked ribs will follow the Sept. 11 service. For more information, call the church office at (847) 949-8670.

Conscious Connection Group, a spiritual study group to increase your awareness of your oneness with God, meets at 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of the month at 1310 S. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills (corner of Route 45 and Milwaukee Ave.).

Lower your food costs. Angel Food Ministries is available at Kirk of the Lakes Presbyterian Church in Mundelein, 1500 W. Hawley. Fresh, frozen and canned food can be ordered, regardless of income. Monthly packages, which feed a family of four for approximately one week, cost $29. Special packages, including senior meals and allergen-free meals, begin at $21. Packages must be paid for when ordered and can be picked up at the church on the fourth Saturday of each month. For monthly menus and details, go to angelfoodministries.com or call Bob Smith at (847) 566-7985.

St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, 125 W. Church St., Libertyville will offer our Sunday School program, Youth program and Adult Forum, which will be reading and discussing the book, the story, divided into 31 chapters. Children, youth and adults in our church will be covering the same information (separately and in age-appropriate depth) at the same time, thereby encouraging discussion, questioning and growth. the program will continue most Sundays thereafter. Visit stlawrencechurch.org.

Marytown Retreat and Conference Center hosts events and retreats at its facility, 1600 West Park Ave., Libertyville. Reservations required. call (847) 367-7800, Ext. 225 or visit

Libertyville Senior Center offers activities, parties and trips. For information or reservations, call (847) 247-7659.

PARTIES, PROGRAMS AND LUNCHES

55+ Lunch Bunch, meets on the third Tuesday of the month at noon for lunch and fellowship and entertainment

Visiting Angels & American Home Care Bingo and Lunch – Lunch is $5, Bingo is free.

Owls of Grace Lutheran – call Jeff McClurg at (847) 357-7050

LCCS Lake County Council For Seniors invites the public to attend their monthly meeting held from 9:30-11 a.m. on the first Thursday of the month at State Bank Of Lakes, 50 Commerce, Grayslake. No reservations needed.

Indian Summer Festival at Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee Sept. 9. Leave Senior Center at 2:30 p.m. and return around 9:30 p.m.

For the Boys, Sept. 28 – Cost is $30 for 55-plus. Register and pay at Senior Center no later than Sept. 1

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs at Miller Park, Aug. 28 (1:10 p.m. game time). $40 includes ticket and roundtrip transportation on coach bus. Bus leaves Adler Park pool parking lot at 10:15 a.m. Tickets available at Senior Center.

Legal Advice – Terry Weppler will be at Senior Center for free legal help at 10:30 a.m. Registration required.

Poker Players wanted: Join in at 1 p.m., Wednesdays at Senior Center, (847) 247-7659

In seach of Bunko players. call the Senior Center if you are interested in playing, (847) 247-7659.

Libertyville Diner is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon. Join us for great food, company and laughs; $5 with reservation (payment due three days in advance)

Dial A Ride Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., call (847) 223-9412; $1 per ride. Reservation should be made one day in advance.

Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA) support group meets at 7 p.m., Mondays, at the St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, 125 W. Church St., Libertyville. all adult members of alcoholic and dysfunctional families are welcome. Park behind the church and use the rear doors. Al-Anon Family Groups (for relatives and friends of alcoholics) – Meetings are available seven days a week in Lake County. call (847)680-4640 or go to NIAFG.org.

Alateen support group for pre-teens and teens whose lives are touched by the family disease of alcoholism, meets 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesday evenings at St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, 125 Church St., Libertyville (entrance in rear of church). call (847) 680-4640.

Alcoholics Anonymous welcomes all with a drinking problem to regular meetings at 7 p.m., Fridays, at St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, 125 W. Church St., Libertyville. Parking and entrance is in the back of the church. Contact Jack at (847) 845-6829 or Janet at (847) 921-4227.

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group – Autumn Leaves of Vernon Hills meets at noon on the second Wednesday of the month at 500 Atrium Drive, Vernon Hills. the group is open to anyone whose loved one may be affected by dementia or Alzheimer’disease. Contact Debbie Forgue, Community Relations Director at (847)996-1000 or .

Breast Cancer Support Support Group meets from 6-7:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Advocate Condell Medical Center, 801 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.

Cardiac Support Group for women with cardiac disease, hosted by local resident and heart patient, Debbie Dunn, a national WomenHeart spokesperson and speaker for the American Heart Association. Meetings take place 7-8:30 p.m. the last Tuesday of the month in Condell’s Day Center Solarium, 700 Garfield Ave., Libertyville.

Christian Cancer Survivors Support Group meets 7-8 p.m., on the first Monday of each month at Condell’s Chapel, 801 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. call Rev. Rajan at (847) 990-5924 or

Club M.O.M. (Meeting other Mothers) meets 9-11 a.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at First Presbyterian Church, corner of West Maple and Douglas Avenues, Libertyville. Childcare is provided. For information, visit firstpreslibertyville.org or call the church office, (847) 362-2174.

Conscious Connection Group is a spiritual study group to increase your awareness of your oneness with God meeting at 5 p.m. on the first and third Sunday of the month at Jonathan’s Portrait Studio, 1310 S. Milwaukee Rd., Vernon Hills. call (847) 845-8818.

Depressed Anonymous, a 12-step program, meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday evening at New Hope Christian Fellowship, 1401 S. Lake St., Mundelein. call (847) 219-2577 or check the website at depressedanon.com.

Depressive and Manic Depressive Association of Libertyville, an independent affiliate of National DMDA, meets at 7 p.m., Thursdays, at St. Lawrence Episcopal Church. Contact John at (847) 336-8346.

DivorceCare for adults meets 4:45-6:45 p.m., Sundays at Crossroads Church, 1350 State Route 137, Grayslake. call (847) 362-7120 or e-mail .

Family Circle sponsors programs for parents of young children to age 6. Drop-In is open 9:30-11 a.m. Thursdays at the First Presbyterian Church, 219 W. Maple, Libertyville. Contact Sarah Christian at (847) 367-5991, ext. 14, for information.

Hearts and Minds In Christ (HAMIC) is a Lake County homeschooling support group for families who incorporate their faith in Jesus with their educational endeavors. We meet from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekly on Fridays in Mundelein. call Liz at (847) 529-4946 for more information or visit hamic-christianhomeschool-il.com.

Helping Children Heal From the hurt of Divorce, a special place for kids ages 5-12 to find help and healing. Our DC4Kids group combines games, crafts, activities, music and videos to create a fun atmosphere where children feel comfortable and accepted and they will find joy and hope built on God’s love.

Hopeful Moms a Christian support group for women who are experiencing infertility meets the first Tuesday of each month in the Mundelein/Libertyville area. Contact Julie Ragland at (847) 487-9187.

Just for Teens Program Presenter – Y-ME Illinois, an affiliate of Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization, offers an early detection program for high school senior girls. all training materials are provided. For information, call Patty Jacobs at (708) 386-6179 or visit y-me.org/illinois.

Kids Who Care support group, for children ages 6 to 12, who have a family member with a chronic or life-threatening illness, provides a supportive framework of professionals and peers in which to express feelings and concerns and develop coping skills. Contact Youth and Family Counseling, Karen Welsh, at (847) 367-5991 for information.

MS Support Group meets 7-9 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month. Meetings are held at the Libertyville Civic Center, 135 W. Church, Libertyville. For further information, call (847) 680-7841.

Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter, 904B S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, offers a free ongoing drop-in grief support group from 10-11:30 a.m on the second and fourth Thursday of the month. call (847) 467-7423.

Miscarriage, stillbirth or death support group for those who have experienced a lost pregnancy or loss of a baby at age one or younger. the group meets 7-8:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month in the New Life Meeting Room on the second floor, off the hospital’s main entrance. Contact Bereavement Coordinator Lori Adams at (847) 990-5407. there is no cost to participate.

Moms in Touch International Prayer Groups are available for every school in Libertyville (public and parochial), and for every child from kindergarten through college and career. For information, call Nancy Telling at (847) 367-1524.

Multiple Choice Mothers of Multiples Club, a support group for parents of multiples and those expecting multiples, meets the second Wednesday of each month in a member’s home. call (847) 634-9123 or (847) 520-1591.

Multiple Sclerosis Self-Help Group meets 7-9 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month at Libertyville Civic Center, 135 W. Church St., Libertyville. For anyone who has MS, or lives with, is a caregiver, a friend, or neighbor of someone who has MS, can join us for positive, practical and educational conversation about your life or someone in your life with MS. Speakers include neurologists, physical therapists, legislators, MS experts and people like you. call Kendra Saeman at (847) 855-9656.

Paradise Club, a discussion group for people who want to explore alcohol and/or drug use in their lives, meets from 6 to 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Lake County Center for Independent Living, 706 E. Hawley St., Mundelein. call facilitators Wendie and Mike at (847) 949-4440 V/TTY.

People affected by ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) are invited to attend the Les Turner ALS Foundation’s professionally led monthly support group meetings the first Tuesday evening of the month at Marytown Retreat and Conference Center, 1600 West Park Ave., Libertyville. Contact Claire Owen at (847) 679-3311 or .

Special Delivery MOMs, a support group for mothers with, or expecting, twins or triplets meets at 7:30 p.m., the second Thursday of each month at St. Andrew’s Church, 10 S. Lake St., Mundelein. Visit specialdeliverymoms.org or call (847) 821-7998.

Staying Afloat, a Caregivers Therapy Group for those who care for a loved one who is disabled or whose illness is prolonged. Weekly meetings are offered. call Margaret Moore, (847) 390-9145 or Sharon Zima, (847) 299-6311.

Support Group for Adoptive Families will be offered by Celeberation! Childcare Center to lend support to community families during the adoption transition. call (847) 367-4060.

T.G.I.F. Al-Anon meets at 7:30 p.m. Fridays the Community Protestant Church, 418 N. Prairie St. and Hawley. Free child care is available. all ages are welcome. the Tuesday Night Al-Anon meets at 7:30 p.m., at the St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, 125 Church St., Libertyville.

The Bereavement Committee of Santa Maria del Popolo in Mundelein is offering a nine-week support session to all adults who have lost a loved one and are struggling with grief and loss. if you and/or anyone else are interested, please call Gen at (847) 680-1084 or Maura at (847) 566-0945 for more information and/or to sign up. all facilitators are Archdiocesan trained in this much needed and important Christian ministry.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago sponsors a monthly Vernon Hills Support Group for parents of children with epilepsy. the group meets at 9:30 a.m. the first Tuesday of the month in the Deerpath Room of the Larry Laschen Community Center, 294 Evergreen Drive, Vernon Hills. call Jessica Parker at 800-273-6027, Ext. 143.

The Illinois Carol Fisher Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, Inc., sponsors the Lake County Support Group for patients and families of those suffering from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This support group meets at 7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Condell Conference Center, 201 S. Milwaukee, in Libertyville in the Adult Day Care Room. Contact Aaron at (414) 697-9381.

The La Leche League Chapters of Libertyville P.M., Libertyville A.M. and the Grayslake/Lindenhurst meet monthly. the Buffalo Grove-Vernon area meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Mondays. For information, call (847) 537-3083 or (847) 634-8263.

The Lake County Home Day Care Network meets the third Tuesdays at Community Protestant Church, 418 N. Prairie, Mundelein. the organization supports and mentors family child care providers. call Jeanne or Betsy at (847) 566-9841.

Tourette Connection provides resources, education and socializing for anyone whose life is touched by Tourette’s. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at the Libertyville Covenant Church (U.S. Route 176 and St. Mary’s Road) 7-8:30 p.m. Children are welcome to attend. call Maureen at (847) 690-5061 or Shari (847) 549-7810.

Willow House is a non-profit organization that provides support for grieving children, teens, young adults and their families. Groups are held monthly in Arlington Heights and Libertyville. call (847) 940-0779 for information or to register.

Winchester House Adult Day Care Program provides a supportive, safe environment, which will encourage independence. Activities will be provided and based on individual interest and ability. call Quimby Wysokins at (847) 377-7227.

Women Heart Support Group to share thoughts, concerns and feeling with other women who have been touched by heart disease meets from 6:30-8 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month except July, August and December.

Women’s Support Group – Achieving balance and happiness has ongoing sessions, 7:30-9 p.m. Thursdays, or 10:30 a.m.-noon Fridays. (Friday morning session is a repeat of Thursday evening session). Holbrook Center for Counseling and Psychotherapy, 998 E. Maple St., Mundelein (on the grounds of St. Mary of the Lake University, across the street from Carmel Catholic High School). For information, call (847) 566-5158.

MainStreet Libertyville is recruiting volunteers for 2011. Volunteers are needed to help run the various events as well as for committee help. MainStreet is actively looking to recruit a Volunteer Coordinator. Those interested in learning more about becoming more involved with MainStreet Libertyville should call MainStreet Executive Director Pam Hume at (847) 680-0336, or e-mail . Financial donations can be sent to MainStreet Libertyville’s new address: 160 East Cook Avenue, Libertyville, IL 60048.

Tagged with: glmv chamber of commerce • mail • state parkway • vernon hills

BRIEFLY: Sept. 15

On September 23, 2011, in enterprise Collectables, by Luke Judge

Open space questionnaire

MARION – the Marion Open Space Commission recently mailed out a questionnaire to registered voters in Marion. the goal of the Open Space Commission questionnaire determine how and where to spend your tax money on local open space. please take 20 minutes to answer the questions and mail it back in the stamped envelope as soon as possible.

Volunteers still needed for Bourne Scallop Fest

BUZZARDS BAY – the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber has 400 volunteers already signed up for the 42nd Annual Bourne Scallop Fest. There are 200 more needed. Four-hour shifts need to be filled for Friday, Sept. 23 from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 24, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.; and all shifts Sunday, Sept. 25, beginning 9:30 a.m. through 6 p.m. all volunteers get a free meal and T-shirt. Contact Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce 508-759-6000, ext.10, or visit bournescallopfest.com.

Family kayak at Leonard’s Pond

ROCHESTER –the Trustees of Reservations will offer a kayak tour on Leonard’s Pond. the trip will run from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, and will begin at the parking lot for East Over Reservation located on Clapp Road in Rochester. the cost is $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Preregistration and pre-payment is required. to register call the Trustees of Reservations at 508-636-4693, ext. 13, or email .

of interest to seniors in the Tri-town area

the next podiatry clinic at the Marion Council on Aging will be held Oct. 24. Appointments are needed.

the speaker series begins at 1 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Marion Police Station. the speaker for October is Claire LeSage from Witz End to help us all get organized. do you need to de-clutter or do you need to help your parents de-clutter? Come hear the secrets from the professional.

the COA office will now be open Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in addition to the regular hours. Other times by appointment.

the van will be traveling to the Westport Farmer’s Market Saturday, Sept. 17. Call to save a space on the van.

Tuesday, Sept. 27, the van will be traveling to Hyannis and stopping at Trader Joe’s, the Christmas Tree Shop and Sam Diego’s for lunch. Call to reserve your spot on the van. Pick up will begin at 11 a.m.

Wareham Garden Club plant, bake sale

WAREHAM – the fall perennial and bake sale will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Old Methodist Meeting House, 495 Main St., Wareham. Shrubs (cotoneaster, dogwood, hydrangea), numerous perennials, houseplants, herbs, gardening tools, gardening books and cookbooks will be available for purchase. Homemade baked goods, by garden club members, are also on sale.

‘Tastes & Sounds of France’

ONSET – Salerno’s Seaside Facility will host its sixth annual MA Children’s Relief’s Tastes & Sounds of France, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17. the 16 plus dish 4-course buffet is accompanied by program book containing all the evening’s recipes, as well as cultural and culinary information. the event also includes live entertainment, raffles, door prizes, region-themed guest goodie bags, wine tasting and a silent auction. Proceeds support Turning Point Day Resource Center serving people in need from the communities of Wareham, Bourne, Carver, Middleborough, Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester.

Funds also support MA Children’s Relief’s Kid Komfort Kits, coordinated with Turning Point, providing winter outerwear and clothing, as well as personal preference gifts for kids in need. Proceeds will also be shared with Kids Kicking Cancer in memory of Hailey Pease. Tickets are $35 prior to the event and $40 at the door from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Plymouth County Teachers Federal Credit Union, Music of the Bay, S.A.S.E with check to “MA Children’s Relief,” Box 175, Wareham, MA 02571, or by contacting Sally Morrison at 508-295-7410 or .

Heirloom Discovery Day

ROCHESTER – the Rochester Historical Society will host an Heirloom Discovery Day from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at the first Congregational Church Hall at Rochester Center to benefit the Historical Society. Frank McNamee, of the Marion Antique Shop, will do two verbal antique appraisals for $10 (no coins, stamps or diamond jewelry). Take the family heirloom you have been wondering about or that yard sale item you purchased thinking it might have value.

‘Fish Bowl’ seeks players

NEW BEDFORD – the Ocean Explorium will hold its second annual Fish Bowl bowling tournament from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18.

Thirty-two lanes have been reserved at wonder Bowl in new Bedford. whether you are league-certified or just looking to have a good time with friends and family, the Fish Bowlis for you. There is still time to sign up, either as an individual or as a team of four.

Bowlers of all ages and skill levels are welcome, but each bowler is asked to raise a minimum of $50. Lane sponsorships are available for $100. Sponsor names and logos will be on display for all of the bowlers and their friends to see. Fish Bowl proceeds support the continued expansion of exhibits and education programs in the Ocean Explorium.

Bowler registrations and sponsorship forms can be downloaded from the Ocean Explorium website at oceanexplorium.org. for more information, contact Pat Cassan at by calling 508-994-5400.

SouthCoast Children’s Chorus auditions

MARION – the SouthCoast Children’s Chorus (Touring Chorus) announces auditions for its second season from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at St. Gabriel’s Church in Marion. Auditions are stress-free and easy for treble singers (unchanged voices) in grades 3-9. the season includes appearances with the Sippican Choral Society and on the Holiday Pops Concert of the new Bedford Symphony Orchestra, in addition to the regularly scheduled concerts and festivals. the mission of the SouthCoast Children’s Chorus is to provide a joyful, educational choral experience for young singers, helping them to develop confidence, responsibility, musicianship and a passion for excellence in all they do.

A second chorus (Prep Chorus) for younger singers in grades 1-2 has been created. There are no auditions for this chorus, which is designed to be a fun introduction to choral singing. the rehearsals begin Oct. 2, and will include music games and activities to teach the basics of healthy vocal production and choral tone, as well as to introduce the children to choral singing through fun and age-appropriate repertoire. There will be a performance with the Touring Chorus of the SouthCoast Children’s Chorus in May. Rehearsals for both Choruses will be held at St. Gabriel’s Church in Marion.

for information on the SouthCoast Children’s Chorus (Prep or Touring) or to schedule an audition, contact Director Leslie Piper at LesliePiper@msn.com.

YTI holds auditions for production

NEW BEDFORD – Auditions for Your Theatre, Inc.’s production of Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder’s Gee’s Bend, scheduled to be staged Jan. 19-29, will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, in the new Bedford Whaling Museum auditorium located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill, new Bedford. Call backs and final casting will be held at a later date, yet to be chosen. Director Cynthia J. Messier requires four people of color to fill the following roles: three women, Alice/Asia Pettway (age 45-55), Nella Pettway (age 26-40), Sadie Pettway (age 20-30), and one man to play Macon Pettway (age 25-35). Individuals, regardless of experience, interested in any of the roles outlined above are encouraged to attend the audition. for further information or to arrange for an alternate audition date, contact Maguire at or call YTI at 508-993-0772. for further information about YTI’s 65th season, visit the theatre’s website atyourtheatre.org.

second auditions for How I Learned to Drive

NEW BEDFORD – second audition for Paula Vogel’s prize-winning play, How I Learned to Drive, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 20, at Your Theatre, Inc. 136 Rivet St., new Bedford. all roles open: Li’l Bit: female 25 to 40, Uncle Peck: 30 to 55, one female and one male 30 to 60 for chorus (play multiple roles) and teenage chorus: female 20s (plays multiple roles). the production will rehearse throughout September-October and will run Nov. 10-20. Because of the adult nature of the play no one under 18 will be allowed to audition. for information, call 508-993 0772, email or visit yourtheatre.org.

Healing Grief through Journal Writing

DARTMOUTH – This six-week support group, sponsored by Community Nurse & Hospice Care, will meet every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 21-Oct. 26, at Brandon Woods of Dartmouth, 567 Dartmouth St., Dartmouth. the group will focus on sharing experiences with other participants coping with grief and learn new creative pathways to healing. RSVP or call with inquiries to Jennifer Marszalek, MSW, LICSW at 508-992-6278, ext. 2531.

Wampanoag Paths and Trails through Rochester

ROCHESTER – the Rochester Historical Society will present “Wampanoag Paths & Trails through Rochester,” by Cora Peirce, Indian historian from Fairhaven, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the East Rochester Church/Museum, 355 County Road. Peirce will tell a fascinating tale of the life of the Indians who lived in Rochester and Mattapoisett. all are welcome. Refreshment will be served.

French meat pie supper

MATTAPOISETT – the Mattapoisett Congregational Church will hosts its French meat pie supper at 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 24, in Reynard Hall at the Church Street church.

the meat pie meal consists of a delicious and filling blend of ground chuck, ground pork, onions, potatoes, and spices mixed into a deep, crusted pie. Supper includes dessert and beverage.

Cost is $10 per adult; $5 per student; $30 maximum charge for families. Children under 5 years eat for free. Advance purchase of tickets necessary by Thursday, Sept. 22. Tickets available from the church office 508-758-2671. Proceeds will benefit programs of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church.

NEW BEDFORD – the Rotch-Jones-Duff (RJD) House & Garden Museum will host an end of summer celebration with terrific Cajun food and music from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, in the gardens of the museum for Cajun Bon Temps.

Renown Westport caterers and chefs extraordinaire, Smoke & Pickles will combine the freshest local ingredients with their passion for authentic Cajun flavors. Learn how to make the ultimate barbecued pork slider, sample the tempting offerings at the gumbo and sausage bar, pick your own crab and savor a tasty variety of side dishes and pickles. Quench your thirst with locally made beer from Just Beer.

Playing high-energy two steps and sultry waltzes, Magnolia Cajun Band’s rich vocals and great instrumentation of new England’s hometown Cajun band are always a wining combination. also experience the fine art and crafts of the SouthCoast’s newest gallery, Gallery 65 on William Street.

as part of the evening’s festivities, a special selection of items from the gallery will be available for purchase with a portion of sales directed to RJD student programming.

Call the RJD at 508-997-1401 for tickets or register at rjdmuseum.org. Tickets are $40 with a cash bar.

new Thrift Shop

BUZZARDS BAY – St. Margaret and Mary Conference of St. Vincent de Paul, Buzzards Bay, will hold an open house for its new thrift shop, Count Your Blessings at 90C Main St., Buzzards Bay, at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23. Contributions of clothing, bedding, kitchenware, knick-knacks, books and clothes hangers, plastic and wire are being accepted. Call 508-759-9695.

‘A Walk in the Clouds’ screening

MATTAPOISETT – Mattapoisett Friends of the Elderly will host a free movie at noon Tuesday, Sept. 27, featuring the 1995 romantic drama A Walk in the Clouds, starring Keanu Reeves, Aintana Sanches-Jijon and Anthony Quinn.

the film will be shown at the Mattapoisett Council on Aging center in CenterSchool on Barstow Street. Pizza is available for $2. Pizza requests must be paid by 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23. RSVP attendance with the Council on Aging, either in person or by calling 508-758-4110.

Invitation to women’s writing group

MARION – the Elizabeth Taber Library invites all women to join “Women Sharing Words,” a women’s writing group, Friday, Sept. 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the library to share a cup of tea, their writing and thoughts, and to consider new possibilities for women in the community and at the library.

the Elizabeth Taber Library is located next to Town Hall at 8 Spring St., Marion. for details, call 508 748-1252.

bill Cosby to open ‘Z’ season

NEW BEDFORD – the Z kicks off the season at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, with living legend and comic genius, bill Cosby. Cosby has had an unparalleled career in television and on stage, has sold more albums than any other comedian and his blockbuster books have sold millions of copies. A nine time Grammy award winner, his hilarious humor transcends all age, gender and cultural boundaries leaving everyone in stitches. Tickets are $73.50/$68.50/$59.50 and can be purchased at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, 684 purchase St., new Bedford, MA (Box office 508-994-2909 or zeiterion.org). Free garage parking. Full bar.

second annual Trollbeads Fest

MATTAPOISETT – Rogers Gallery will hold its second annual Trollbeads Fest Sept. 23 and 24, at the Route 6 store.

Trollbeads, the original bead and bracelet company since 1976, began in a small jewelry shop in Copenhagen. Since then, Troll-mania has spread all over the world. Trollbeads Fest 2011 will unite global artists, craftsmen, and collectors of all different levels and backgrounds. they will come together over a two-day love-fest and show appreciation for the finest quality beaded jewelry in the world. the event will be held Sept. 23-24 at Rogers Gallery in Mattapoisett, which boasts one of the largest displays of Trollbeads in the country.

Annual Fine Arts show and Café

ROCHESTER – the second annual Fine Arts show and Café will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at the first Congregational Church on the Green at Rochester Center. the Fellowship Hall will be transformed into a fine arts gallery featuring original art work by Mary Pearsull, Lynette Torres, Francis Kut Best, Vivian Lewis and Betty Beaulieu and many other local artists and photographers. Lunch, prepared by the Ladies Guild, will be available from 11:30 to 2 p.m. for information, call Pat Gonsalves at 508-995-7104.

in search of cranberry recipes

WAREHAM – Local cookbook author Yolanda Lodi will be at Tihonet Village Market Saturday, Sept. 24, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., signing copies of her latest cookbook make it better with Cranberries Cookbook 2011, and she invites cooks of all ages, including students and youths, to take along their favorite cranberry recipes.

as editor of this year’s book containing over 40 cranberry recipes selected from last year’s contest, she will provide contest information, which includes prizes, and will help fine tune your special recipe for submission to this year’s contest, which will generate make it better with Cranberries Cookbook 2012.

Tihonet Village Market is located at 146 Tihonet Road, Wareham. for information and directions, go to tihonetvillagemarket.comor call 508-295-5437.

BUZZARDS BAY – St. Margaret and Mary Conference of St. Vincent de Paul, Buzzards Bay is holding its annual fundraising walk, “Walk a Mile in my Shoes” starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at the head of the Canal by the train depot. it is a one half mile walk each way. Registration will be held at St. Margaret’s Church lawn, 141 Main St., starting at 8:15 a.m. Preregistration forms are available in the churches. A Rosary for the Poor will be said in church following the 8 a.m. Mass.

Working Waterfront Festival set for September

NEW BEDFORD – Welcome aboard as new Bedford, America’s largest commercial fishing port, hosts the 8th Working Waterfront Festival. the free event takes place Sept. 24 and 25 on the working piers and waterfront parks of the historic Port of new Bedford.

More than simply a celebration, the Working Waterfront Festival is an opportunity for to get a firsthand look at the culture of fishing and for the commercial fishing community to tell its own story. the event presents all that goes into bringing seafood from the ocean to the table in a way that is hands-on, educational and fun.

the 2011 Festival theme then & now: Tradition and Innovation in new England’s Working Ports will explore cultural traditions in commercial fishing communities, pay tribute to industry innovators and consider how the industry has changed over time.

the Working Waterfront Festival is a project of the Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern MA, a non-profit organization. the festival features live maritime and ethnic music, fishermen’s contests, fresh seafood, vessel tours, author readings, cooking demonstrations, kid’s activities and more. go to workingwaterfrontfestival.org.

Job club on sabbatical

MATTAPOISETT – the Job Club, facilitated by human resources professional Marcella Nelson, will adjourn for the month of August. the next meeting will be Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the meeting room downstairs at the library. the facility is accessible to the handicapped via the side entrance. stop by and get tips on resume writing, networking and interview strategies. for details, call 508-758-4171.

NEW BEDFORD – Open auditions for the new Bedford Youth Ballet’s production of A new England Nutcracker will be held Saturday, Oct. 1, at new Bedford Ballet, 2343 purchase St., new Bedford. Intermediate through advanced level ballet students, 11 to 18 years of age, are welcome to audition: 11-13 year olds, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.; and 14 to 18 year olds, from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Members of the new Bedford Youth Ballet perform ballets and give lecture-demonstrations in area schools and hospitals in Boston, Providence and the greater new Bedford area.

the Youth Ballet is sponsored by the new Bedford Ballet Foundation, a nonprofit organization. for information, contact the new Bedford Ballet at 508-993-1387or go to newbedfordballet.org.

RMS ribbon cutting ceremony

ROCHESTER – Rochester town officials, in conduction with the Rochester School Committee, will conduct a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour Sunday, Oct. 2, at 1 p.m. at Rochester Memorial Schoolon Pine Street to showcase the refurbished and expanded elementary school. Representatives from the Massachusetts School Building assistance Agency, which helped fund the $26 million project, will be in attendance. the public is encouraged to attend.

Free Tai Chi & Qigong classes

WAREHAM – Free Tai Chi & Qigong classes are being held at the Wareham Multi-Service Center, 54 Marion Road, Wareham from 8:20 to 9:05 p.m. every Wednesday in October. This beginner Tai Chi & Qigong program is a of learning balance, improving coordination, increasing strength and promoting good health. the movements are done slowly without any strain or tension. both are excellent load bearing exercises and are considered forms of moving meditation. Yang style Tai Chi is taught in the 37-form. the Qigong exercises include Zhan Zhuang, Baduanjin, Liangong Shibafa, Taiji Daoyin and more. the instructor Colman Fink has been involved with Tai Chi, Qigong, Karate and Ryukyu Kobujutsu for over 40 years and taught them for the last 35 years. for more information, call 508-322-1299 or check facebook.com/taichiwithcolman.

Artists invitational to ‘Small Works’

MARION – the Exhibition Committee of the Marion Art Center will host an invitational show of “Small Works” to be shown from Oct. 7 to Nov. 16.Artists wishing to be considered for this exhibition are invited to provide a link to their website, and/or submit digital images via email to mail images on disk or CD to: Marion Art Center, P.O. Box 602, Marion, MA 02738, or they may submit original pieces, matted and framed by appointment only by dialing 508-748-1266. “Small Works” must be 144 square inches or less, including the mat and frame, or if not framed no larger than 12-by-12 inches.

Gallery hours are: Tuesday-Friday, from 1 to 5 p.m.; Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the gallery is attended at all times during these hours.

Library friends’ monthly book sale

MATTAPOISETT – the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library will be holding monthly book sales at the library on the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Donations of books, compact and videodiscs, audio books, and puzzles will be accepted at the library during business hours. please, no encyclopedias, magazines, Reader’s Digest, textbooks or books in poor condition are needed. If you have more than you can carry, let a librarian know and the Friends will arrange a pick-up. please note that the book donation boxes in town are in no way associated with the library or the Friends, so donate your books to the Friends in their support of the Mattapoisett Free Public Library.

St. Rose of Lima to celebrate golden anniversary

ROCHESTER – St. Rose of Lima Parish on Vaughan Hill Road in Rochester is in the process of planning a celebration for 50 years of faith and fellowship.

St. Rose of Lima Church was dedicated Oct. 12, 1961 by his Eminence Richard Cardinal Cushing and named to commemorate his first appointment as papal legate to the Eucharistic Congress in Lima, Peru.

the plans for this 50-year anniversary will include A Triduum of Thanksgiving beginning Friday, Oct. 14, with a Holy Hour at 7 p.m. Masses will be celebrated Saturday, Oct. 15, at 5 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 16, at 9 a.m. the Sunday mass will be followed by a brunch sponsored by Friends in Faith. Tickets for the brunch will be sold at $5 each with free admission for children under 8 years of age.

Cultural Council seeks proposals

ROCHESTER – the Rochester Cultural Council has set an Oct. 15 postmark deadline for organizations, schools and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in the community.

These grants can be used to support a wide variety of artistic projects and activities in Rochester and neighboring communities, including art exhibits, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies, performances in schools, and workshops and lectures related to the arts, local history and culture, according to Cultural Council Chairman Robert Barboza,

Local council funds have also helped support regional music and arts performances and programs offered by the South Coast Children’s Chorus, the Tri-County Music Association, the new Bedford Symphony Orchestra and, the Soule Homestead Education Center’s annual folk music festival.

Application forms are available in the lobby of the Rochester Town Hall, 1 Constitution way. Application forms and more information about the Local Cultural Council Program are also available online at mass-culture.org/lcc_public.asp.

for specific guidelines and more information on applying for grant funds from the Rochester Cultural Council, contact Chairman Barboza by calling 508-287-6025 or emailing rbarboza7@hotmail.com.

MARION – do you have an interest in astronomy that you’d like to share with others? the Marion Natural History Museum is looking for people interested in presenting astronomy programs using their Starlab portable planetarium. Contact the museum at 508-748-2098 or through the website marionmuseum.org to find out more.

Old Rochester Farmers’ Market open

MATTAPOISETT – the Old Rochester Farmers’ Market is open every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. in rain or shine at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School. the local farmers’ market provides market-goers with a unique and fun shopping experience. Each week a seasonal variety of vegetables, fruits, cheeses, meats, eggs, jams, jellies, breads, baked goods and many more wonderful foods will be available for sale. while at the market, shoppers can enjoy live music, and pet resident llama, Macho.

Parish used books sale

MATTAPOISETT – Want to get rid of your used books? St. Anthony’s Parish in Mattapoisett is raising money through donations of new and used books, CDs, DVDs, videos, records and audio books. the group has recently placed a drop-off donation container to collect these items from community members who’d like to repurpose their used goods while also helping the parish raise money. the group will be paid on an ongoing basis for all items collected in their donation container.

the gray book donation container, distinguished by its purple and yellow ‘got Books?’ signs, is located in the parking lot of the parish at 26 Hammond St. This program is an ongoing fundraiser and donations can be made by the public at any time. all funds raised through the collection of these donations will benefit the general funding of the parish. for more information contact got Books at GotBooks.com or call 978-284-2500.

Gleason Family YMCA knitting group

WAREHAM –the YMCA knitting group meets each Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the Gleason Family YMCA on Charge Pond Road. go exchange ideas and share techniques. Instruction is available and novices are welcome. Take your own project or make items to benefit Turning Point and Baby Point. for details, call Pat at 508-295-1128.

Hospice volunteers needed

NEW BEDFORD – are you looking for a rewarding, unique volunteer experience? perhaps you have musical, artistic or creative gifts that can be shared with individuals that would enhance their quality of life as they journey to end of life. or perhaps you would simply like to be a quiet presence and companion to a hospice patient. Allegiance Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit patients under hospice care in nursing homes in the new Bedford/Fall River area. Volunteers are formally trained and are a valued part of the interdisciplinary team in serving patients at end of life. If you are interested call Karen Spangler 800-792-5808, ext. 2608, or e-mail kspangler@allegiancehospice.com.

Historical inventory

ROCHESTER – Rochester Historical Society has realized the necessity of organizing, inventorying and cataloguing all the collections owned by the organization in order to make them available for the public to view through rotating displays.

the Rochester Historical Society Board of Directors is working with a member of the UMass Dartmouth History Department to secure an intern to begin working with the historical society early this summer and continue until the inventory project is completed. Members have been installing insulation and shelving in the basement to ensure safe archival storage of the collection.

Donations to the society’s building fund are still needed to help with the necessary renovations. Checks can be mailed to the Rochester Historical Society, PO Box 171, Rochester, MA 02770. for more information, contact the Rochester Historical Society by e-mail at RochesterMass@gmail.com.

Books for Troops

do you know someone from your town that is currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces overseas? let got Books send them a care package full of books. got Books is looking for service members from the surrounding area to receive books. Packages will be sent to local service members, with plenty of books to enjoy and to share with friends in their unit.

the Books for Troops program was started in 2008 as a mission to send at least 25,000 books to the troops overseas in the year and has since motivated organizers to match that goal every year. got Books founder and former Marine Bob Ticehurst began the program as a means of giving back to the local community and the military that he once served. “being able to give these books to men and women who are fighting for us is so gratifying. We want to do anything we can to make their time overseas more enjoyable.”

the program provides local troops with engaging and high-quality books to read while serving in the military. got Books will handpick the books, ensuring that every one will be appropriate and pleasing to its recipient. the books will typically be small paperbacks, which are lighter and easier to carry. got Books sorts, selects and ships all book packages so there is no cost incurred by other involved parties.

to submit the name and address of someone overseas, visit GotBooks.com/troops. to donate books or find out more about got Books, visit GotBooks.com or call 978-396-6026.

Lighten your closets

big Brother big Sister Foundation picks up donations of clothing and small household items doorstep to doorstep in your neighborhood. to schedule a pick up, call 800-483-5503 or go to bbbsfoundation.org. Call anytime. Donations are tax deductible.

Instrument donation drive

NEW BEDFORD – the new Bedford Symphony Orchestra and new Bedford Public Schools are continuing their “Instruments for Kids” program to provide instruments to children wishing to take lessons but who do not have access to musical instruments. There is a huge need for instruments for the underprivileged children of new Bedford. If you have a musical instrument that you no longer need, consider donating it to the program. Instruments can be in any condition and donations are tax-deductible.

the drop-off location for this program is the new Bedford Symphony Orchestra office, 684 purchase St., third floor, new Bedford If you have any questions, call the NBSO office at 508-999-6276.

MARION – the Friendship Meals will now be held on the first Thursday of the month at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Marion and the third Thursday at the first Congregational Church Community Center in Marion. the meals are open to everyone and begin at 5 p.m. A free will donation is appreciated.

Caring for Caregivers

FAIRHAVEN – Caring for Caregivers will resume every Monday at 6:30 p.m., at the Southcoast Hospice offices located at 200 mill Road, Fairhaven. it is free and open to the public. for more information or to register, call Jo-Ann Richard at 508-984-0277.

Real property data online

ROCHESTER – the Rochester Board of Assessors has placed the town’s real property data online. Data may be accessed by going to the town’s Web page townofrochestermass.com and clicking on the access to assessors’ property data link in the notes of interest section or by clicking departments, then click Board of Assessors for the data access link. A public access computer terminal was recently installed in Assessors’ office in town hall. the computer enables the visitors to conduct their own research into property data while at the town hall.

BUZZARDS BAY – A Helping Paw has been offering free pet food to pet owners in need. AHP wants to ensure every pet is well fed, while allowing pet owners to use what little funds they have to care for their families. Due to the substantial increase of people in need, the pet food pantry is near empty for the first time in three years. We are hoping you can help us stock our shelves so no pet owner will be turned away. Any and all dry cat and dog food donations welcome. Financial donations can be sent to: A Helping Paw, Pet Food Pantry, Box 387, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532. for more information on how you can help, call 508-759-2887 or e-mail to: ahelpingpaw@aol.com.

got Books

MARION – looking to get rid of your used books? the Marion Transfer Station is now accepting new and used books, CDs, DVDs, videos and audio books in a drop-off donation container. Residents of Marion, Carver, Wareham and Rochester can deposit books every Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to1 p.m.

the gray book donation container, distinguished by its purple and yellow got Books? signs, is located at the transfer station at the end of Benson Brook Road (off Route 6) in Marion. for more information, visit got Books at GotBooks.com or call 978-396-6026.

Food addicts in recovery

WAREHAM – are you having a hard time controlling the way you eat? Food Addicts in Recovery will help you stay the course. Local meetings are held on the following days and locations: Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Church of the Good Shepherd, 74 High St., Wareham; Wednesdays at 9 a.m. YMCA, 33 Charge Pond Road, Wareham; Fridays at 8 a m. Church of the Good Shepherd, 74 High St., Wareham.

There are no fees, dues or weigh-ins. for more information go online to: foodadddicts.org or call Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous at 781-438-9700.

Hospice volunteers needed

WAREHAM – Allegiance Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit patients under hospice care in nursing homes in the greater Wareham/Buzzards Bay area. Volunteers are formally trained and are a valued part of the interdisciplinary team in serving patients at end of life. If you are interested call Karen Spangler 1-800-792-5808 ext. 2608 or e-mail kspangler@allegiancehospice.com.

Park volunteers sought

NEW BEDFORD – new Bedford Whaling National Historical park seeks front desk volunteers to greet visitors, direct them to local attractions, and make them feel welcome. Join friendly and dedicated volunteers who help make the National Park a great place to visit. Educators, residents of many of the area’s diverse communities, and those seeking to re-enter the work force and increase their skill sets are especially welcome. for more information, call Emily Prigot, Volunteer Coordinator, at 508-996-4095 ext. 6105 or e-mail, .

Town clerk office to establish e-mail list

ROCHESTER – This office is going to establish an e-mail list for Rochester residents. the purpose of this list will be to send out notice of upcoming special and annual town meetings. the Board of Selectmen posts a copy of the warrant for town meetings on its Web site. the e-mail notice will provide a link to that Web site. If you are interested in having your e-mail address included in this group, e-mail rochestertownclerk@yahoo.com. Because the expense of mailing out copies of the warrants to all households is getting more and more expensive, this list will inform residents of upcoming town meetings and provide them with an easy link to the list of articles to be voted on at town meetings. If you have any questions, call Naida Parker at 508 763 3866.

MATTAPOISETT – looking to get rid of your used books? the Mattapoisett Transfer Station accepts new and used books, CDs, DVDs, videos and audio books. the town has placed a drop-off donation container for area residents who wish to contribute new and gently used books they no longer have a use for and would like to have used again.

the gray book donation container, distinguished by its lively purple and yellow signs, is conveniently located at the Transfer Station at 100 Tinkham Hill Road. Donations will be accepted from residents of Mattapoisett, Fairhaven, and Rochester every Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. for details, go online to GotBooks.com or call 978-396-6026.

Habitat volunteers needed

BUZZARDS BAY – the Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity, the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, is a nonprofit housing ministry that covers the towns of Wareham, Rochester, Mattapoisett, Marion, Fairhaven and Acushnet. Habitat’s mission is to eliminate poverty housing and provide people in need with simple, decent places to live.

Volunteers are welcome to help in the office, with building and with fundraising. Habitat is currently building two new duplexes in West Wareham and the families selected are eager to help. they will each contribute 300 hours in sweat equity, but at the same time, the generosity of a few more caring hearts and helping hands is needed. Habitat is in need of both skilled and unskilled volunteers to help each weekend now through the spring. A few hours of your valuable time on a Saturday or Sunday is all Habitat asks. for more information on how you can volunteer during a weekend at the current build, call 508-273-0225 or e-mail buzzardsbayareahabitat@yahoo.com.

Tagged with: canal region • clapp • kayak tour • mail • registered voters • volunteers

Midcoast area community news, Aug. 18, 2011

On September 15, 2011, in garden Sheds, by Luke Judge

Got something for Community News? Send us the information at least seven to 10 days before the Thursday of publication.

Email:

Mail: the Beacon, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402

Area

Communities That Care

Flashing an engaging smile, Emily Johnson has been asking hundreds of locals, “Could I ask you a few questions?” If she hasn’t knocked on your door or come into your business yet, don’t be surprised if you see this friendly woman in the next few weeks.

She isn’t selling anything or gathering information for a marketing firm or political party. Johnson has been out and about in the community as part of one of the data-gathering efforts of the five Town Communities That Care Coalition in Appleton, Camden, Hope, Lincolnville and Rockland.

Five Town Communities That Care is a small, local, nonprofit committed to promoting healthy behavioral development for youth in order to prevent problem adolescent behaviors such as substance abuse, suicide, violence, delinquency, dropping out of school and teen pregnancy.

Mainstays of the CTC system are a focus on increasing knowledge of the science of prevention, and the use of data to guide decisions. one of the main sources of data is a survey taken by students every other year, but the group also collects a variety of other data.

The current collection involving Johnson seeks to information on ways to engage more sectors of the community in prevention targeting local youth issues. the interview usually takes less than five minutes and involves only three main questions.

Results of the minisurvey will help guide the coalition’s efforts to engage all sectors in the community in seeking solutions to address the often unique issues experienced by the youth who live here.

Five Town Communities That Care has been active since the summer of 2003, and has garnered national attention for its work in helping mobilize the community to address the issue of prevention through the use of the CTC prevention system. to learn more about the group and its efforts, call 236-9800 or visit fivetownctc.org.

Brooks

Open house

The Brooks Historical Society will hold an open house 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug.21, at the Pilley House on Route 7. the event will mark the grand opening of the sheds and tools exhibits, Louise Pilley’s seashell collection, and a large collection of postcards in albums. Freewill donations will be accepted. There will be free refreshments on the porch. for information, contact Betty Littlefield at 722-3633.

Boosters membership social

The members and officers of the Brooks Park Boosters invite the public to a Sunday Social and membership drive at 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, at the Brooks Community Park on Route 139 (Purple Heart Highway).

The afternoon will kick off with coffee, homemade desserts and conversation, followed by a discussion led by Boosters president Frank Champa regarding the details and responsibilities of club membership.

The Boosters are looking for new ideas, new energy, and new members who can provide specific skill sets (such as grant writing) to continue the Booster tradition of community events and involvement.

Every year the Brooks Park Boosters hosts celebrations and events to enrich the town and surrounding communities — these include the Fourth of July, a fall festival, and a townwide Easter celebration.

Questions regarding this event or the Brooks Park Boosters may be

directed to Frank Champa at 722-3893 or frando89@aol.com.

Camden

Geocaching festival

Merryspring Nature Center will hold its third annual Geocaching Festival 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21.

Merryspring’s Geocaching Festival features activities suitable for players of varying skill levels. Coordinates for the caches throughout the park will be made available at the event. in addition, trinkets will be offered for placement in discovered caches, but feel free to bring your own fun items to leave in the treasure boxes.

If you already own a GPS unit, bring it with you to the event. If you do not own a GPS unit, but are interested in joining in, several units will be available for the event.

For more information, call Merryspring at 236-2239 or visit the website at merryspring.org.

Rockland

Festival parade winners

The 2011 Lobster Festival Parade results have been announced. the parade took place on Aug. 6 on Rockland’s Main Street as part of the 64th annual Maine Lobster Festival.

Winners were: Commercial category, Walmart; Antique Vehicle, Sam Patterson Paving; Band, Nutmeg Fife & Drum; Marching, Dunlap Highland Band; Nonprofit, Camden First Aid; Novelty, Studio RED; Theme, Rockland Ford; People’s Choice, Harmony Bible Church; Director’s Choice, Hannaford.

Pennies from Heaven campaign

To support after-school programs across the country, J.C. Penney has launched a nationwide philanthropic campaign that invites customers to turn small change into “Pennies from Heaven” by rounding up their purchases and donating the difference local organizations, including the Penobscot Bay YMCA. Donations made through Pennies from Heaven will provide children in need with access to life-enriching after school programs at the Y.

“With budget cuts in education, there’s never been a more important time to support after school programs as a valuable community resource that helps to bridge the education gap,” said Penobscot Bay YMCA Executive Director Troy Curtis. “As local families prepare for the Back-to-School season, we hope they will keep our mission in mind so that the social and academic learning opportunities we provide after school will continue to be available to Knox County students.”

National research shows that one out of four students in the U.S. is on their own between 3 and 6 p.m. each day. the Pen Bay Y provides children and teens with a safe and nurturing environment around caring adult role models. Combining play with academics, the Y’s after school program promotes creativity, a love for learning, social and emotional development, and character building. the nation’s Y’s are a leading resource for parents looking for educational, meaningful and fun activities outside the classroom.

The Penobscot Bay YMCA is one of 1,100 after school organizations matched with a local J.C. Penney store that will benefit from the proceeds raised during the Pennies from Heaven campaign. as the leading corporate advocate for the after school issue, J.C. Penney is leveraging a cause marketing campaign to bolster national support through broadcast, print and online advertising as well as an engaging digital experience on jcp.com/pennies. the first pennies from heaven event kicked off July 31 and will run through Aug. 27.

Rockport

‘Bikes for Books’ winners

Rockport Public Library recently completed its summer reading program. for the grand finale, members of St. Paul’s Masonic Lodge were on hand for the second annual “Bikes for Books” award ceremony. the lodge worked all year to raise money to buy bikes and helmets for this program. Each child who attended the event received a helmet.

Children who signed up for summer reading were given forms to fill out each time they completed a book. by the end of the summer reading program, almost 400 books were read. Ten bikes were awarded during the raffle to Tessa Meil, Thor Gabrielsen, William Gardner, Gail and Greta Curtis, Sam Maltese, Eli and Charlotte Hood, Ava Tobias and Carter Goss.

Teddy bear picnic

Rockport Public Library and the Rockport Booster Club will hold a back-to-school teddy bear picnic 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, in the park across from the library at 1 Limerock St.

Children are asked to bring their teddy bears to the picnic although the Booster Club will provide extra bears as needed. There will be a special teddy bear house, face painting and snacks. Liza Walsh will read books about going to kindergarten as well as “The Teddy Bears’ Picnic” by Jimmy Kennedy, illustrated by Alexandra Day.

The rain date is Wednesday, Aug. 24. for more information, call Liza Walsh at 236-3642.

Searsport

KnitMaine-ia

KnitMaine-ia Fashion Show needs your favorite hand-knit or crocheted items

“Fun and fabulous” best describes the second annual KnitMaine-ia fashion show which will be held at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at Searsport Shores Campground. the event kicks off Fiber College in Searsport and is organized by the Women of St. Margaret’s in Belfast. Come enjoy a fantastic variety of hand-knitted and crocheted garments and accessories.

Tickets are $10, which includes a wine and cheese reception after the show and can be purchased in advance. Limited seating will be available, so advance reservations are recommended.

All proceeds will benefit new Hope for Women. in addition, hand-knit gloves, mittens, scarves and hats are being collected to be donated to the women and children who receive services from new Hope.

Submit your favorite piece(s) or accessory to show off your handiwork by Aug. 28. Submission forms can be found at stmargaretsbelfast.org/newsevents/knitmaineia.html or contact jillianliver@gmail.com.

Union

Mushrooms at the fair

Union fair, set for Aug. 20-27, for the first time will have a day full of mushrooms on Friday, Aug. 26. the fair’s exhibition hall will feature exhibits, demonstrations and talks focusing on small-scale agriculture in Maine. Presenters will offer demonstrations and talks about mushrooms.

David Spahr of Washington will talk on edible and medicinal mushrooms at 1 p.m. He brings 40 years of experience foraging and collecting mushrooms and is the author of “Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms of new England and Eastern Canada.”

Candice Heydon of Damariscotta, owner of Oyster Creek Mushroom co., will give a presentation at 3 p.m. on growing mushrooms in Maine.

Greg Marley of Rockland will give a presentation on edible mushrooms. His focus will be on those available to some degree in nearly everyone’s backyard, especially on the most common and flavorful “foolproof” mushrooms which he calls Maine’s Sumptuous seven Easy Edible Mushrooms. He is the author of “Chanterelle Dreams, Amanita Nightmares: the Love, Lore and Mystique of Mushrooms.”

Wiscasset

Guided walking tour

Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr., director of the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, and Maine State Historian Historic new England, will give a walking tour of historic Wiscasset 2-3:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26. the tour will begin at Castle Tucker and proceed down through the village to the Nickels-Sortwell House. Light refreshments will be served in the Nickels-Sortwell solarium and garden at the end of the tour.

Admission is $25 for Historic new England members, $30 for others. Preregistration is required. Space is very limited, so call 882-7169 or visit HistoricNewEngland.org to reserve your place.

The admission price includes tours of Castle Tucker and the Nickels-Sortwell House. Visitors interested in touring both houses before the walking tour should arrive at the first house no later than noon. Anyone interested in taking one house tour before the walking tour should plan on arriving for that tour no later than 1 p.m. Guest passes will be issued to those who want to tour the houses at a later date.

Tagged with: adolescent behaviors • gathering information • mail

Netflix Alternatives

On August 5, 2011, in dvd Vcr Combo Players, by Luke Judge

When movie rental company Netflix recently announced its plan to separate its DVD-by-mail and video streaming services, thereby increasing its combo price for both features, consumers collectively choked on their popcorn. And, after they caught their breath, they were faced with a decision to remain at the company’s mercy or consider other suppliers.

If you haven’t heard, Netflix now charges new subscribers $15.98 and $19.98 per month for plans that include video-on-demand and by-mail rentals for one or two DVDs at a time, respectively. Longtime subscribers will succumb to the aforesaid price increase in September.

The fact that Netflix is secure enough to try such a tactic is what some customers find hard to swallow. Apparently, the company thinks the change won’t stifle its success.

Netflix doesn’t have a monopoly on movie rentals, but it has become the industry leader. For that reason, the business could theoretically raise its rates without incident.

So the question begs—can Netflix be knocked off its perch? After all, its online-based approach revolutionized video rentals and put most of its retail competitors out of business in the process.

In less than a decade, Netflix single-handedly snuffed out several brick-and-mortar video store chains. but it was the company’s streamlined pricing structure that helped it take over film rentals in the first place.

Thankfully, there are still alternatives out there. And either of these companies could take the top spot in the movie rental business if Netflix isn’t careful.

Here’s the breakdown on those providers and the features they bring to the table:

Blockbuster – Alas, the current Blockbuster isn’t the business that sprang up in the days of VHS cassettes. in fact, Netflix’s rise to power helped to drive the chain into bankruptcy.

After the original corporation went under, its current owner, Dish Network, purchased its intellectual property. Then, the new Blockbuster mostly retreated from retail and regrouped as an Internet-focused concern.

Like Netflix’s streaming option, Blockbuster on Demand lets viewers download movies to their Blu-Ray players, digital video recorders, PCs and portable devices. whereas Netflix customers pay a monthly fee, Blockbuster’s approach is a pay-as-you-go model that begins at $1.99 per movie.

But the service’s monthly DVD-by-mail plans are also straightforward. For $11.99, $16.99 and $19.99 per month, members can rent one, two or three DVDs at a time, respectively.

And because the company offers movie choices that Netflix doesn’t, defectors might make beelines to Blockbuster’s service. Blockbuster’s website boasts that it receives many new releases 28 days before Netflix and its other competitor, Redbox.

Blockbuster and Redbox also compete with each other in a separate business that Netflix isn’t willing to enter—rental kiosks.

Blockbuster Express rental machines are available at grocery stores. their touch screens are easy to use, but their pricing structure is more expensive than Redbox’s rates.

While most movies are available for 99 cents per night, new releases are priced at $2.99 per night. And with only 10,000 kiosks, Express lacks Redbox’s market penetration.

For now, though, Blockbuster remains the likely challenger for Netflix’s place in the rental-by-mail and video-on-demand arenas.

Redbox – the startup that introduced rental kiosks to America isn’t willing to offer a streaming video option just yet. so we’re stuck swiping our credit cards into those ruby-colored robots that stand guard at convenience store and supermarket entrances.

For that reason, it’s less likely that Redbox will overtake Netflix as the industry leader. but its convenient kiosks are an attractive option for many movie watchers.

According to Redbox’s website, its kiosks are available at over 27,000 locations, and rentals don’t have to be returned at the places where they were retrieved. Best of all, they’re available at places that many people frequent anyway.

And Redbox’s rates are dirt cheap. DVD and Blu-Ray disc rentals cost $1 and $1.50 per night, respectively, while the company recently added video games for $2 a night.

So if you don’t mind motoring to a Redbox kiosk, it’s a viable choice. but factor the cost of gas into your total, and the concept of ordering movies from kiosks might not be attractive.

Anyway, with Redbox leading the charge with its machines, rental-by-mail and video-on-demand choices probably aren’t in the cards for the company. If it ever decides to enter those arenas with pricing structures similar to its kiosk rates, however, it could dethrone Netflix.

In the long run, though, it’s likely that most consumers will stick with Netflix.

Even with its maddening pricing structure changes, its services are familiar enough that customers might not defect. Hopefully, the company will be wise enough to postpone additional increases before it loses ground to its competitors.

Tagged with: consumers • industry leader • mail • monopoly • retail competitors

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