YOUR LIBRARY: fun,informative

activities authors•answers

melrose Park Public library. 801 Broadway. Call 649-7400 for current hours or visit www mpplibrary org Ask Library staff about the digital services offered such as Hoopla, Kanopy, Libby and Freegal MPPL card holders have first priority for most programs

Chair Yoga with Rhonda Fentry No equipment needed Learn breathing, meditation, and stretching techniques. Registration is required. Call (708) 649-7485, or email mpref@mpplibrary.org to register. Friday, February 10: 10:30 to 11:30 am.

Free Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program IRS trained and certified volunteers will help individuals age 60 or older from low-tomoderate-income households prepare their tax returns The Triton College RSVP Volunteer Program, in conjunction with the IRS is offering this free service. Appointments are necessary. Please call Triton College (708-456-0300 ext. 3895) for information or appointments.

Monday Mornings: February 7 through April 10 (excluding 2/20)

Online at mpplibrary org: Comics Plus Enjoy unlimited access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from popular publishers like ABDO, Andrews McMeel, Archie Comics, BOOM! Studios, Capstone, Dark Horse, Dynamite, Graphic Mundi, Humanoids, IDW, Lerner, Kodansha, TKO Studios, Tokyopop, Valiant, Yen Press, and many more

Make It Mondays Make something special every week on the Melrose Park Library Official YouTube Channel Call or drop in to pick up the weekly craft supplies For ages 3 and up

Online Storytimes for ages 1-5. New videos posted on the first Wednesday of every month at 10 am on the Library’s official YouTube channel.

Bilingual Storytimes are posted on the third Wednesday of every month at 10 am Stop in the Melrose Park library for a companion activity packet and craft then tune into the YouTube channel to watch For ages 1-5

Tinker Tuesdays. Every Tuesday afternoon from 2:30 to 4 pm. Drop into the library for all kinds of fun activities and crafts. Play with tech toys, LEGOS, colored pencils for drawing If you have special group projects for school, this is the day to meet and complete your plans Ages 6 -11

AUTHOR Kwame ALEXANDER

Join a virtual conversation with kwame alexander on wednesday, February 8, 7 to 8 pm as the bestselling and award-winning children’s and young adult author and poet shares his own publishing journey. register with the river Forest library for this inspiring program.

northlake Public library. 231 N. Wolf Road in Northlake. Register for most programs online at www northlakelibrary org or call the Library at 562-2301 x5

ALL AGES Valentine’s Day Chocolates Drop in on Valentine’s Day Tuesday, February 14, 7 to 8 pm and enjoy a sweet treat The chocolate fountain will be flowing and there will be an assortment of items for dipping.

ADULTS: Zumba, Tuesday, February 7, 9:30 am. Must register online or call

Beer and Wings Pairings Learn which beers pair best with your favorite chicken wings Samples provided Must be 21 or older Register online or call Tuesday, February 7, 7 pm

Grown-Up Storytime: St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Join the Library on Facebook Live on Thursday, February 9 at 7 pm to talk about the mass murder of a group of unarmed bootlegging gang members in Chicago on February 14, 1929

Miniature Painting: Priming, Base Coats and Blending for hobby miniatures Must register r Wednesday, February 15, 7 pm

Cookbook Book Club. The Library picks a book, you select and make a recipe and then everyone gets together to share and enjoy. Pick up your copy of the book and claim your recipe at the reference desk Must register Thursday, February 23, 7 pm

CHILDREN Tween Tech Club, Mondays, February 6, 13 and 20, 5:30 to 6 pm for ages 9-13 Learn about computer programming and software. Must register. Limit 10.

K-3 Steam. Ages 5-8, hands-on fun with science, technology, engineering, art and math. Limit 15. Thursdays, February 2, 9, 16 and 23, 6 to 6:30 pm

Nuggets, Sauces and Juice, Oh My for ages 5 and up Try different sauces for chicken nuggets and mix your own custom juices Limit 15 Must register Tuesday, February 7, 7 pm

Family Friendly Mardi Gras Celebration. Decorate your own king cake, make a mask and join the mini parade through the library. Limit 20 Must register Saturday, February 18, 2 to 3 pm

Taste and Make: Oreo Edition Ages 6-8 Limit 15 Must register Saturday, February 25, 2 to 3 pm

Sensory Sunday Special event for children of all ages Different sensory stations will be set up for children to play and explore whatever interests them. Sunday, February 26, 2 to 3 pm.

Library programs continue on page 28

YOURLIBRARY: fun,informative

northlake library, y continued

SENIORS: DIY Birch Bark Vases Make a simple but elegant birch box vase with a few easy steps. Must register. r Tuesday, February 7, 2 to 3 pm

Virtual Chair Yoga on Zoom Register for the link Tuesday, y February 28, 2 to 3 pm

TEENS: Karaoke Night. Snacks and refreshments provided. Thursday, February 2, 6 pm

Cupid on the Loose Valentine’s Party Calling all couples, singles, friends and family to celebrate with themed food and games Thursday, y February 9, 6 pm.

Open Video Gaming Saturday, February 11, 1:30 pm

Personalized Tumblers, Thursday, February 16, 6 pm river Forest Public library. y 735 Lathrop, River Forest Visit www.riverforestlibrary.org or call 366-5205 for updates.

Board Games and Pizza. Thursday, y February 23, 6 pm. Bring your own game or pick one of the library’s games.

Coffee Monday, y Adults Monday, y February 6, 10 am to 11 am Come to the library on the first Monday morning of every month for coffee and conversation about local matters It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors and learn about things going on in the community Brought to you in partnership with River Forest Township This month discuss money-saving public benefit programs for older adults on a fixed income.

Virtual Story Time, Families. Join RFPL on the River Forest Library YouTube channel for a live virtual story time for young children Subscribe to the page for alerts Tuesday, y February 7, 14 and 21, 10 to 10:30 am.

Pop-in Projects for ages 2 and up. Tuesday, February 7, 10 am to Noon and 4 to 5 pm

Story Stretchers for ages 4-7 Wednesday, y February 8 and 15, 4 to 4:30 pm. Must register. r

A Virtual Conversation with Kwame Alexander, r award-winning children’s and young adult author and poet; creator of more than 36 books Virtual program offered via Zoom For adults Wednesday, y February 8, 7 to 8 pm. Must register. Program made possible by Illinois Libraries Present

Toddler Time, Ages 18 months to 3 years with caregiver r Thursday, y February 9 and 16, 10 to10:30 am.

Zine Making for grades 5-8. Learn how to make your own in this program presented by the library and Quimby’s Bookstore Thursday, February 9, 3:30 to 4:30 pm

Family Story Time and Play, birth to 6 years. Fridays, 10 to 11 am, Friday, February 10 and 17.

Chair Yoga for Adults, Saturday, February 11, 2 to 3 pm Must register

Romance Gone Wrong (and Sometimes Right) for adults with singer-songwriter Sue Fink Sunday, February 12, 2 to 3:30 pm

Great Decisions for adults Talk about pressing international issues on Wednesday, February 15, 1 to 2:30 pm

Film Lover Fridays, Adult. This season will be films set in Chicago. Watch “Cooley High” (1975) Friday, February 17, Noon to 2:30 pm

Adult Coloring Club, Monday, February 20, 11 am to Noon

Pajama Storytime, Monday, February 20, 6:30 to 7 pm, for ages 2-7 with caregiver.

The Grand Corridor Chamber of Commerce Joins Forces with the Chamber by O’Hare to Form the

Chamber by O’Hare”

Elmwood Park/Franklin Park/Leyden Township/ Mont Clare/River Grove/Schiller Park - The Grand Corridor Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that our Chamber of Commerce is embarking on new and exciting opportunities to promote local business throughout the community

In order to help bolster an already burgeoning business corridor, the Chamber has merged with the Chamber by O’Hare

Effective January 1, 2023, what was referred to as the “Grand Corridor Chamber of Commerce” will now be “The Grand Chamber by O’Hare.” With an expanded coverage area, Chamber members will now have the ability to utilize the resources and benefits that being a Chamber member offers to reach a larger audience than ever before

The Grand Chamber by O’Hare serves the community by promoting, protecting, encouraging, and developing local business. The Chamber is dedicated to fostering cooperation and goodwill between businesses, civic organizations, and the residents in our well-established communities.

For more information on membership and updates, visit www.grandchamber.org r or call 708/456-8000

YOURLIBRARY: fun,informative

river Forest Public library, continued

Junior Justice League, Wednesday, February 22, 3:30 to 4:30 pm A service-oriented program just for tweens Each month, dedicate time and talents to helping a different service organization Registration encouraged but not required

Stuffed Animal Sleepover, r Friday, February 24, 3 to 5 pm Must register.

An Unfinished Journey: African-American Music in its Pivotal Decades For adults Sunday, February 26, 2 to 3:30 pm river Grove Public library 8638 W Grand Avenue in River Grove Visit the website at www rivergrovelibrary org for updates and virtual programs. Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted

In-person AM Storytime Thursdays, February 2, 9, 16 and 23, 11 to 11:30 am for ages 4 and under. r This year ’ s theme is Numbers, Shapes and Colors. Must register for each individual day to reserve your craft Each child will have their own set of crayons, markers and glue in a box with their name on it. Boxes stay at the library and will be wiped down at the end of the day. If your child is not feeling well, there is an option to register for a virtual class and their crafts will be ready for pick up at the front desk Call or email Mrs Tucker for more information: 453-4484 or youth@rivergrovelibrary.org. Registration is required

In-person PM Storytime Thursdays, February 2, 9, 16 and 23, Noon to 12:30 pm for ages 4 and under. This year ’ s theme is Numbers, Shapes and Colors Must register for each individual day to reserve your craft Each child will have their own set of crayons, markers and glue in a box with their name on it. Boxes stay at the library and will be wiped down at the end of the day If your child is not feeling well, there is an option to register for a virtual class and their crafts will be ready for pick up at the front desk. Registration is required Call or email Mrs Tucker for more information: 453-4484 or youth@rivergrovelibrary org

Polish Papercutting, Saturday, February 4, 11 am to 1 pm. Hands-on lesson of the practice of Polish Folk papercutting Must register

Fetch A Good Book: Craft Day for ages 9 and under. Tuesday, y February 7, 5 to 6 pm. Register to receive your craft. Stop in between 5 and 6 pm to make a special craft and bring your reading log for a small prize Must register r

Valentine Card Craft. Wednesday, February 8. Create a card and customize it Kits are limited Must register

Evening Tales, Wednesday, February 15 and 22, 6 to 6:45 pm Meet in person the last two Wednesdays of the month for ages 5 to 9 Read a story, make a craft and play a game Must register for each individual day to reserve your craft Call or email Mrs Tucker for more information: 453-4484 or youth@rivergrovelibrary.org. Registration is required

Board Game Fun, Saturday, February 18, 11 am to 2 pm Come in and play a variety of games ranging from chess, cards, Mah Jongg, Monopoly and many others Snacks and refreshments included Must register

Aquarium Jar Ta T ke and Make Craft, Monday, y February 20. Create your own aquarium in a glass jar, complete with floating fish, rocks, shells and colorful aquarium (plastic) plants Kits are limited Registration is required.

CERNANEXHIBIT Receiving Accolades

The Triton College Cernan Earth and Space Center’s 50th anniversary celebration of Capt. Eugene “Gene” Cernan’s Apollo 17 Mission has received positive feedback from the Triton district and beyond, attracting a wide variety of visitors. The celebration began in November and and runs through Saturday, April 8, 2023 Admission to the exhibit is free. The most exciting temporary exhibit is the lunar sample, also known as a moon rock, actually collected during Capt. Cernan’s Apollo 17 NASA Mission in 1972. The moon rock is encased within a lucite pyramid and sits atop a lighted pedestal.

According to Kris McCall, director of the Cernan Earth and Space Center, visitors have traveled from near and far to see Triton’s new exhibits, with field trips ranging from the city of Chicago to the far western suburbs The anniversary celebration has received positive feedback within the media, as well. Space and Things podcast host David Giles, of England, recently visited and praised the Cernan Center and listeners were encouraged to visit the Cernan Center; James Kapsa, the host of the show Sports Entertainment People and Places, filmed an episode at the Cernan Center

In addition to the exhibits, visitors can experience some of the shows at the Center, including Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon Cosmic Light Show Show schedule and ticket pricing are available at triton.edu/cernan. Hours are MondayThursday, 9:30am-5pm ; Friday, 9:30am4pm; and Saturday, 6:30-9:30pm Closed on Sundays. For more information, contact cernan@triton edu or visit triton edu/Cernan

FORMERINSTRUCTORTURNS100 President celebrates with Yoshio Yamashita

Former Triton College noncredit continuing education golf instructor Yoshio Yamashita celebrated his 100th birthday at the Illinois Veterans Home in Chicago on January 12 Yamashita had his friends and family in attendance at the golf-themed party, as well as Triton College President Mary-Rita Moore.

Yamashita’s daughter, Nancy Lind, said her father loved teaching golf at Triton College, explaining that he taught part-time classes in the evenings and on weekends “Golf has always been my dad’s passion,” she said “He enjoyed sharing his love for golf. It was so gratifying for him to teach others how to play the sport.”

Yamashita was born in 1923 in Hawthorne, California According to Lind, Yamashita had to go into an internment camp as a young man Afterwards, he served in World War II in Germany and came to Chicago after his duty. While in Chicago, he attended Northwestern University and Loyola University Chicago and received a degree in chemistry Yamashita taught at Triton from June 1994-November 2000 and then again from June 2004-September 2012. Yamashita worked at National Bronze Powder Company in Franklin Park, where he formulated specialty lacquers. After working there for 25 years, he was employed at Sappanos Paint and Wallpaper Company, as a purchase agent/buyer while teaching golf at Triton College

Yamashita married Kay (Kudo), and had three daughters, Janice Miles, Hope Yamashita and Nancy Lind

“My dad enjoyed helping people,” noted Lind “That’s why Triton was so beneficial for him. He truly felt like he was inspiring and guiding others.”

Top row: Nancy Lind (Yamashita's daughter) and Yamashita's grandchildren Holly Lind and Kevin Lind Bottom row: Yamashita and Triton College President Mary-Rita Moore.