Earth Hour 2009

On Saturday, March 28, 2009, at 8:30 pm, I am taking part in Earth Hour-a global event in which millions of people will turn out their lights to make a statement of concern about our planet and climate change. I want to invite you to join, too! Sponsored by World Wildlife Fund, Earth Hour got started just two years ago and is now the largest event of its kind in the world. Last year, more than 50 million participated and the lights went out at the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and the Coliseum in Rome, just to name a few. Even Google's homepage went black for the day! In Israel, President Shimon Peres personally turned off lights in Tel Aviv.

This year, Earth Hour will be even bigger-already 2900 cities in 83 countries have agreed to take part including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York City, San Francisco and Washington DC, with more signing up every day. Around the world cities like Moscow, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Shanghai and Mexico City will turn out their lights.

But Earth Hour isn't just for big cities-anyone can participate. To get a better sense of the event, check out this video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjWD8pbK5t8.

Participating in Earth Hour is easy, fun and free. I hope you will join me for this amazing event. To sign up, visit http://www.earthhourUS.org where you'll learn more including ways you can spread the word about Earth Hour, plus creative things to do when the lights go out in case you need inspiration!

We want the US to turn out more lights than any other country in the world during this historic event so please pass this note along to anyone you think might want to take part. Let's all turn out and take action on March 28 at 8:30 pm.

Oak Lawn Park District Take Time for Fun Update for the week of March 16, 2009

Oak Lawn Park District Take Time for Fun Update for the week of March 16, 2009


• Stony Creek Golf Course and Restaurant & Banquet Facility are now open for the season. Restaurant hours are 11am - 7pm daily and golf shop hours are 8am until sunset. For more information or to schedule a tee time, visit www.golfstonycreek.com or call 708-857-2433.


• Friday Night Fish Fry— The Oak Lawn Park District’s Stony Creek Clubhouse, located at 5850 W. 103rd St., will be hosting a Friday Night Fish Fry every Friday evening from 5 – 8 pm, January 2 through April 10. The all-you-can-eat buffet will feature Dixie crunch white fish, Corona battered cod, vegetables, double baked potato casserole, salad and fresh rolls with butter. Cost for the buffet is $12.99 for adults and $9 for children 10 and under. A shrimp dinner and a baked tilapia dinner will also be available for $13.99. Beverages are extra. For more information, call the Stony Creek Clubhouse at (708) 857-2433.



• Preschool Registration - Registration is underway for the Oak Lawn Park District’s 2009/2010 preschool programs. The park district offers affordable, quality preschool classes for 3- to 5-year-olds. The preschool programs—Learn As You Grow I, Learn As You Grow II, Play School and Prep School—are offered at the Oak View Center (4625 W. 110th St.) and the Little White Building in Lake Shore Park (96th Street and East Shore Drive) and are taught by qualified instructors. Fee for preschool programs for 3 year olds is $670 Oak Lawn residents and $752 for non-residents. Fee for preschool programs for 4 year olds is $1000 Oak Lawn residents and $1124 for non-residents. Payment plans are available. For more information or to schedule a preschool visit, please call (708) 857-2200.


• Etiquette & Cooking For Kids (age 5-14) - Have fun in the kitchen preparing delicious dishes at the Oak Lawn Park District. Etiquette and Cooking for Kids will be held at the Oak View Center on Mondays, March 20 – April 24 from 3:45 – 4:45 pm. Kids ages 5-14 will learn how to display food creations and table manners. A different dish will be prepared each week and each kid receives a chef’s hat. Theme for this session is “Easter Cooking.” Fee is $58 for Oak Lawn residents and $60 for non-residents.


• Oak Lawn Spring Teen Lock-In – The Oak Lawn Park District is offering a teen lock-in, for those in grades 5th – 12th, Thursday, March 26 to Friday, March 27. The evening will start off at the Community Pavilion (9401 S. Oak Park Ave.) with open gym time and pizza at 6 pm followed by a bonfire & s’mores and finally finishing off the eveing at the Teens Center, 9400 S. Oak Park Ave., for more fun activities. Activities include watching movies, having snack food, listening to music, playing board games, air hockey, pool, Wii & more. $40 Fee includes supervision, dinner, small breakfast, snacks & drinks. Bring PJ’s, a sleeping bag, and your friends. Registration deadline is March 23. For more information, call Colleen O'Gorman at 708-857-2420.


• Spring Break Activities - The Oak Lawn Park District will hold several Spring break Activities the week of March 23 for those in grades 1st through 8th. Activities include Games Galore, Let’s Go To The Movies, Kids Scrapbooking Workshop and Flower Pot Crafts. Registration deadline is March 23rd for all activities. All activities will be held at Oak View Center (4625 W. 110th St.). Please call the Oak View Center of visit www.olparks.com for individual dates, times and fees for each class.


• Tips for the New Gardener – The Oak Lawn Park District is offering Tips for the New Gardener on Monday, March 23 from 7 – 8:30 pm at the Oak View Center (4625 W. 110th St.). If you are starting a brand new garden or renovating and older one, you will learn many tips and skills that have been passed down for years from gardener to gardener. Topics that will be covered: soil fundamentals, watering techniques, best tools, limiting pesticide use, my favorite plants- what are yours? And the best tips ever! Bring your tips and questions to share! Experienced gardeners are welcome too! This is a free lecture but registration is required. For more information, please call Dolly Foster at 708-857-2225.


• ZUMBA (ages 13 & up) – The Oak Lawn Park District is offering a fun new fitness program, Zumba, for those ages 13 and up. Zumba will be held at the Community Pavilion (9401 S. Oak Park Ave.) on Tuesdays, March 24 – May 12 and Thursdays, March 26 – May 14 from 11 am – 12 Noon. Zumba combines high energy and motivating music with unique moves and combinations that allow the Zumba participants to dance away their worries. It is based on the principle that a workout should be "FUN AND EASY TO DO" allowing Zumba participants to achieve long-term health benefits. Zumba is a “feel-happy” workout that is great for the body & mind. Fee for this program is $49 for Oak Lawn residents and $65 for non-residents.


• Kiddie Krayons & Stories – The Oak Lawn Park District is offering another session of Kiddie Krayons & Stories beginning the week of March 23rd. Classes will be held on Tuesdays & Thursdays and Wednesdays & Fridays at the Oak View Center. Kiddie Krayons will introduce your child to the world of colors and story time and is designed to help develop and foster creativity in your preschooler. A potpourri of basic drawing activities, shapes, number and letter activities and story time are included. Parent stays in class to join in the fun. Students should be 2 ½ years old by September 1, 2008. (MK) Fee for this program is $85 for Oak Lawn residents and $105 for non-residents. For more information, please call 708-857-2200 or visit www.olparks.com.


• Once Upon a Time… Stories and Crafts (age 3 - 6) – The Oak Lawn Park District is offering another session of Once Upon a Time… Stories and Crafts, a fun and educational program for children ages 3 – 6. The next session will begin Tuesday, March 24 and is held at the Oak View Center (4625 W. 110th St.) from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Children will have so much fun getting involved with the stories that are read to them every week. The stories come to life when children get to make a craft related to the story and imagine they are one of the main characters. Fee for Oak Lawn residents is $30 and $42 non-residents.


• Menopause the Musical – The Oak Lawn Park District is offering a trip to see Menopause the Musical at the North Shore Art Center in Skokie on Sunday, March 29. Menopause the Musical is a celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived The Change. It is created to be a grassroots movement that deals with life after age 40 with all the challenges that result in the mental, physical and spiritual freedom of more than 38 million baby boomer females. A parody of 25 songs of the 60's & 70's, the production culminates with a high-spirited invitation for all of us to sing along The wheelchair accessible motorcoach bus will depart the Community Pavilion, 9401 S Oak Park Ave., at 1:30 pm and return at 6:30 pm. Fee for this trip is $60 for Oak Lawn residents and $70 non-residents. For more information please call, the Oak View Center at 708-857-2225.



• French Language Classes For All Ages – The Oak Lawn Park District is offering French language programs for all ages and skill levels beginning the week of April 1. Classes include: Bonjour Mommy French Program, which is designed for those age 3-4 accompanied parent or caregiver, Les Rouges French Program for those age 5-10 and “French Club” or ”Conversational French” for those ages 14 and up. Classes are taught by Laudy Tenn, who is fluent in the French language. Classes will meet at the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th Street. For more information on class days anad times, please call 708-857-2200 or visit www. Olparks.com.


• Jersey Boys – The Oak Lawn Park District is offering a trip to see Jersey Boys at the LaSalle Bank Theatre in Chicago on Wednesday, April 8. Jersey Boys is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history - Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. This show features their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don't Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh, What a Night" and “Can't Take My Eyes off of You.” Seats will be located in the front Mezzanine section. The wheelchair accessible motorcoach bus will depart the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St., at 12:30 pm and return at 6 pm. Fee for this trip is $100 for Oak Lawn residents and $100 non-residents. For more information please call, the Oak View Center at 708-857-2225.



• Rubber-Stamping Workshops — Learn the easy art of rubber-stamping at the Oak Lawn Park District. The next workshop will be held on Tuesday, April 14 from 7 – 9:30 pm at the Oak View Center (4625 W. 110th St). Participants will complete several projects, including greeting cards and gift bags, using various techniques. Samples of how to add stamping to your scrapbook pages will also be shown. Please bring your own colored pencils and scissors. Workshops are open to those ages 18 and up. Fee is $9.50 for Oak Lawn residents and $11.50 for non-residents. For more information, please call the Oak View Center at 708-857-2200.



• Dairyland Greyhound Park – Join the Oak Lawn Park District as we head to Kenosha, Wisconsin for a day at Dairyland Greyhound Park on Wednesday, April 15. The trip includes a buffet lunch at the Winners Circle, with roasted chicken, roasted sirloin of beef, roasted potatoes, assorted cold salads, dessert, coffee, milk and ice tea, and transportation aboard a Motorcoach Bus. You must be 18 years old to wager a bet. We will also be making a stop at Mars Cheese Castle on the way home. The bus will depart the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St., at 9:30 am and return at 7pm. Fee is $40 for Oak Lawn residents and $50 for non-residents. For more information call 708-857-2200.

From the Horticulturis - Adopt-a-Flowerbed

As it gradually gets warmer and warmer each week, I get more excited about going outside into the garden at home and at work. I am looking forward to the improvements we will be making in the park facility landscapes and the annual flowerbeds.

The Greenhouse Groupies are growing many types of flowers for the park flowerbeds. They are so excited, they literally giggle when they are in the greenhouse. Of course so do I, because on a gloomy late winter day there is nothing better than the smell of potting soil and geraniums in bloom. We are also growing many different types of perennial flowers to add to our park flowerbeds. They will add color and height to our designs.

As for our flowerbeds, we have 30 beds in 24 parks and since I have so many other gardening duties in the parks, I am in need of volunteers to plant and care for the flowerbeds. My staff and I will prepare the beds and water them all summer if you will promise to plant them, deadhead the flowers and weed them. If you think you would like to adopt a bed, they are generally not too large and don’t take a lot of time to care for. Contact Dolly Foster, and get a registration form off of our website, on the program page.

You know the more gardeners I meet and get to know, I find that many of them like weeding. There is something about getting out there, and really cleaning up a landscape or flowerbed. You feel so accomplished when you are done. I think it also gives time for the mind to relax and forget about the days’ troubles. No ones likes to weed but I also don’t mind weeding. If you are interested in joining a weeding group for the park district, please contact Dolly Foster. If we have enough volunteers, you will probably only need to come out once this season. We will work in shifts, once every 2-3 weeks from July-September at Centennial Park. I will teach you the difference between the weeds and the “plants” and assist you in any way possible.

Many thanks to those of you who have already volunteered! Remember to get your registration form in early to adopt the park of your choice! Dolly

Contact Dolly: dfoster@olparks.com 857-2225

Oak Lawn Park District Take Time for Fun Update for the week of March 9, 2009

Oak Lawn Park District Take Time for Fun Update for the week of March 9, 2009

• Friday Night Fish Fry— The Oak Lawn Park District’s Stony Creek Clubhouse, located at 5850 W. 103rd St., will be hosting a Friday Night Fish Fry every Friday evening from 5 – 8 pm, January 2 through April 10. The all-you-can-eat buffet will feature Dixie crunch white fish, Corona battered cod, vegetables, double baked potato casserole, salad and fresh rolls with butter. Cost for the buffet is $12.99 for adults and $9 for children 10 and under. A shrimp dinner and a baked tilapia dinner will also be available for $13.99. Beverages are extra. For more information, call the Stony Creek Clubhouse at (708) 857-2433.


• The Ultimate Teen Beauty Experience - The Oak Lawn Park District is offering the Ultimate Teen Beauty Experience for teens ages 12 -17 on Thursday, March 12 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Oak View Center (4625 W. 110th St.). In this class teens will learn personal style, what colors are best suited for each individual, the latest trends in proper make-up application, and a discussion of proper skin hygiene. Receive exclusive tips for picture perfect photography especially for senior pictures, prom or class pictures if you are not a senior and a color palette to help you find your best colors when you go shopping. If this is for a special occasion please bring a picture of or the dress itself. Feel free to bring your accessories you are wearing with the dress and makeup colors that you are wearing now so we can see if they are in your color season. Class starts promptly, so please arrive on time. Fee for this program is $25 for Oak Lawn residents and $27 non-residents.


• Rubber-Stamping Workshops — Learn the easy art of rubber-stamping at the Oak Lawn Park District. The next workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 10 from 7 – 9:30 pm at the Oak View Center (4625 W. 110th St). Participants will complete several projects, including greeting cards and gift bags, using various techniques. Samples of how to add stamping to your scrapbook pages will also be shown. Please bring your own colored pencils and scissors. Workshops are open to those ages 18 and up. Fee is $9.50 for Oak Lawn residents and $11.50 for non-residents. For more information, please call the Oak View Center at 708-857-2200.


• Etiquette & Cooking For Kids - Have fun in the kitchen preparing delicious dishes at the Oak Lawn Park District. Etiquette and Cooking for Kids will be held at the Oak View Center on Mondays, March 20 – April 24 from 3:45 – 4:45 pm. Kids ages 5-14 will learn how to display food creations and table manners. A different dish will be prepared each week and each kid receives a chef’s hat. Theme for this session is “Easter Cooking.” Fee is $58 for Oak Lawn residents and $60 for non-residents.


• Annual Battle of the Bands - There is still time to sign up for the Oak Lawn Park District Battle of the Bands Competition that will take place on Saturday, April 18. All types of music are welcome. Get applications, rules & regulations from the Oak View Center or the Pavilion. Three to eight bands are needed to hold the competition. The top 2 bands win Prizes & the winning band moves on to represent the Oak Lawn in a Regional Battle in July & possibly down at the State Battle. If you are in a band between the ages of 12-21, and interested in competing, call, Colleen at 708-857-2200. You are required to submit an Application, sign the Battle Rules and Regulations form, submit a demo CD or your lyrics written out, & pay a fee of $25(for sound) by March 15.


• Spring Break Activities - The Oak Lawn Park District will hold several Spring break Activities the week of March 23 for those in grades 1st through 8th. Activities include Games Galore, Let’s Go To The Movies and Flower Post Crafts. Registration deadline is March 23rd for all activities. All activities will be held at Oak View Center (4625 W. 110th St.). Please call the Oak View Center of visit www.olparks.com for individual dates, times and fees for each class.


• Tips for the New Gardener – The Oak Lawn Park District is offering Tips for the New Gardener on Monday, March 23 from 7 – 8:30 pm at the Oak View Center (4625 W. 110th St.). If you are starting a brand new garden or renovating and older one, you will learn many tips and skills that have been passed down for years from gardener to gardener. Topics that will be covered: soil fundamentals, watering techniques, best tools, limiting pesticide use, my favorite plants- what are yours? And the best tips ever! Bring your tips and questions to share! Experienced gardeners are welcome too! This is a free lecture but registration is required. For more information, please call Dolly Foster at 708-857-2225.


• ZUMBA (ages 13 & up) – The Oak Lawn Park District is offering a fun new fitness program, Zumba, for those ages 13 and up. Zumba will be held at the Community Pavilion (9401 S. Oak Park Ave.) on Tuesdays, March 24 – May 12 and Thursdays, March 26 – May 14 from 11 am – 12 Noon. Zumba combines high energy and motivating music with unique moves and combinations that allow the Zumba participants to dance away their worries. It is based on the principle that a workout should be "FUN AND EASY TO DO" allowing Zumba participants to achieve long-term health benefits. Zumba is a “feel-happy” workout that is great for the body & mind. Fee for this program is $49 for Oak Lawn residents and $65 for non-residents.


• Kiddie Krayons & Stories – The Oak Lawn Park District is offering another session of Kiddie Krayons & Stories beginning the week of March 23rd. Classes will be held on Tuesdays & Thursdays and Wednesdays & Fridays at the Oak View Center. Kiddie Krayons will introduce your child to the world of colors and story time and is designed to help develop and foster creativity in your preschooler. A potpourri of basic drawing activities, shapes, number and letter activities and story time are included. Parent stays in class to join in the fun. Students should be 2 ½ years old by September 1, 2008. (MK) Fee for this program is $85 for Oak Lawn residents and $105 for non-residents. For more information, please call 708-857-2200 or visit www.olparks.com.


• Once Upon a Time… Stories and Crafts – The Oak Lawn Park District is offering another session of Once Upon a Time… Stories and Crafts, a fun and educational program for children ages 3 – 6. The next session will begin Tuesday, March 24 and is held at the Oak View Center (4625 W. 110th St.) from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Children will have so much fun getting involved with the stories that are read to them every week. The stories come to life when children get to make a craft related to the story and imagine they are one of the main characters. Fee for Oak Lawn residents is $30 and $42 non-residents.