The Naperville Garden Club will host a series of three classes highlighting armatures with a fresh spiral bouquet, boxwood topiaries, line designs and multiple techniques. Individuals can take one or all three classes, and no pre-requisite is required. These classes are open to all levels of design ability as well as non-Garden Club members. Classes take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, February 1; Tuesday, February 9; and Wednesday, March 3 at 800 Corporate Drive.

To reserve your seat in the class, or for more information, call Anna Marie Konick at (630) 375-9262.

Join Mayor A. George Pradel and the Naperville City Council for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Fire Station No. 10 at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9 at Fire Station No. 10, 3201 95th St. The new fire station serves the southwest portion of the city and also features several environmentally friendly features.

School is stressful. And the Library isn’t just for studying. Join the Library in giving our Wii™ Systems a workout! Every month, each of the three library buildings will offer an open play session for you to come in and play the time away. Enjoy the Library’s assortment of video games for Wii™: Wii Guitar Hero™, Dance Dance Revolution™, MarioKart™, Rock Band 2™, SuperSmash Bros.™, Wii Sports™, Mario&Sonic™, and The Beatles™: Rock Band™!

No registration required. Naperville Public Library card holders will be given first preference, in accordance with our Priority Service Policy. Dates and times are: Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 3 p.m., Meeting Room A, 95^th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr.; Friday, Feb. 12 at 3 p.m., Community Room, Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave.; and Monday, Feb. 15 at 2 p.m., Program Room, Naper Boulevard Library, 2035 S. Naper Blvd.

For more information about this program and other teen programs, contact the Adult Services desks, general phone number is 630-961-4100; extensions are: Nichols Library, ext. 6311; Naper Boulevard Library, ext. 2201; and 95^th Street Library, ext. 4941. If you need accessibility information, call 630-961-4100, ext. 2234.

Be part of an exciting life-sized board game! Students, compete to answer trivia questions and do physical challenges based on the book, “The Lightning Thief.” Roll enormous dice and flip oversized physical challenge cards to determine your next move. Limited to children in grades three to five, no registration is required.

Dates and locations for Bookopoly: “The Lightning Thief” are Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m., Community Room, Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave.; Thursday, March 11 at 4 p.m., Meeting Room A/B, 95^th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr.; and Thursday, April 8, at 4 p.m., Program Room, Naper Boulevard Library, 2035 S. Naper Blvd.

For more information, call one of the Children’s Services departments, general number 961-4100, and extensions:  Nichols Library, ext. 6128; Naper Boulevard Library, ext. 2208; and 95^th Street Library, ext. 4961. If you wish to talk with a person or need accessibility information, call 630-961-4100, ext. 2234.

Do you have a child with special needs? Please join us for a 30-minute storytime designed with your child in mind. Books and songs will be shared by staff using a variety of methods, including a communication board and visualizer. A sign language interpreter is available upon request.

Registration is encouraged, but not required. All ages and abilities are welcome with an adult caregiver. Program dates and times are Tuesday, February 9 at 4:30 p.m., Program Room, Naper Boulevard Library, 2035 S. Naper Blvd.; Tuesday, March 16 at 4:30 p.m., Meeting Room A/B, 95^th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr.; and Monday, April 12 at 4:30 p.m., Community Room, Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave.

For more information, call one of the Children’s Services departments, general number 961-4100, and extensions:  Nichols Library, ext. 6128; Naper Boulevard Library, ext. 2208; and 95^th Street Library, ext. 4961.

The City of Naperville will host a technology open house to gather input from residents and other constituents for its Strategic Technology Plan from 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9 in Meeting Rooms A, B and C at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. As part of the open house, staff presentations and live demonstrations of current e-government technology and services will be provided.

For more information, visit

The Naperville Jaycees will be hosting an open house from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9 at the Judd Kendall VFW Hall, 908 W. Jackson Ave. This is a chance to learn more about the Jaycees and how to get involved. Jaycees members give back to the community by volunteering, fundraising, helping others and recognizing the outstanding efforts of others within the community. Following the open house, everyone is invited to stay for the February general membership meeting.

For more information, visit

The Emergency Preparedness Education Group of Naperville’s Citizen Corps Council will offer a class on emergency preparedness at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9 at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Room 202. The class will focus on fire and weather safety as well as general preparedness tips. This class is free and available to those who live or work in Naperville. Space is limited, so please register by calling (630) 305-7000, ext. 570. Upon leaving a name, phone number and mentioning the emergency preparedness class, individuals will receive a confirmation phone call.

For more information, call (630) 305-7000, ext. 570.

Any Naperville resident or resident of Districts 203 and 204 can nominate their candidate for Policeman of the Year, Fireman of the Year or Educator of the Year. The date of the awards banquet is Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Judd Kendall Post 3873, 908 West Jackson in Naperville. The social hour is 5 p.m., dinner is at 6 p.m. and the awards will be given at 7 p.m. The menu will be Prime Rib with all the fixings. The costs of the tickets are $15/ticket payable at the door. We expect a large turnout so make your reservations now. Tickets can be reserved by contacting the event coordinator Mike Barbour at (630) 527-0738 or call the Post 3873 office (630) 355-0734.

For more information or to make a nomination, visit

The Advisory Cultural Commission was established to assist, inform and advise the City Council on matters pertaining to the arts, culture and special events in the city of Naperville. The Commission usually meets on the second Wednesday of every month in the City Manager’s conference room. Dates may be subject to change.  For meeting confirmation or more information, contact Community Grants Coordinator Katie Wernberg at (630) 548-1122.

Any Naperville resident or resident of Districts 203 and 204 can nominate their candidate for Policeman of the Year, Fireman of the Year or Educator of the Year. The date of the awards banquet is Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Judd Kendall Post 3873, 908 West Jackson in Naperville. The social hour is 5 p.m., dinner is at 6 p.m. and the awards will be given at 7 p.m. The menu will be Prime Rib with all the fixings. The costs of the tickets are $15/ticket payable at the door. We expect a large turnout so make your reservations now. Tickets can be reserved by contacting the event coordinator Mike Barbour at (630) 527-0738 or call the Post 3873 office (630) 355-0734.

For more information or to make a nomination, visit

Come out to Hotel Arista to participate in a great cause as the property hosts the Relay For Life kick-off celebration on February 11.  Relay For Life is a fun-filled event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs for the American Cancer Society.  The kick-off celebration event at Hotel Arista prepares residents of Naperville and its surrounding communities to partake in four upcoming opportunities to fight back against cancer, including:

• Relay For Life of North Central College, April 30, 2010: www.relayforlifencc.com
• Relay For Life of North Naperville, June 5, 2010: www.relayforlifennaperville.com
• Relay For Life of South Naperville, June 11, 2010: www.relayforlifesnaperville.com
• Relay For Life I-88 Corporate, date TBD: www.relayforlifei88.com

Enjoy delicious food, live music, cash bar and prizes during the reception, with all proceeds going directly to the American Cancer Society which continues to help find cures for cancer and saves countless lives by helping patients stay and get well.

For more information, contact Bonnie McKnight at the American Cancer Society at bonnie.mcknight@cancer.org or (630) 932-1141, ext. 3.

Any Naperville resident or resident of Districts 203 and 204 can nominate their candidate for Policeman of the Year, Fireman of the Year or Educator of the Year. The date of the awards banquet is Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Judd Kendall Post 3873, 908 West Jackson in Naperville. The social hour is 5 p.m., dinner is at 6 p.m. and the awards will be given at 7 p.m. The menu will be Prime Rib with all the fixings. The costs of the tickets are $15/ticket payable at the door. We expect a large turnout so make your reservations now. Tickets can be reserved by contacting the event coordinator Mike Barbour at (630) 527-0738 or call the Post 3873 office (630) 355-0734.

For more information or to make a nomination, visit

The DuPage Symphony Orchestra will present its “Our Home, Our Earth” concert at 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 13 in the Wentz Concert Hall of North Central College’s Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Tickets are $28 for adults, $25 for seniors and $11 for students. Tickets may be purchased through the North Central College Box Office at (630) 637-7469 or online at http://tickets.noctrl.edu. Advance ticket purchase is recommended.

For additional details about the DuPage Symphony Orchestra, call (630) 778-1003 or visit

North Central College’s Office of International Programs will host its 14th annual International Festival from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 14 at Merner Fieldhouse, 450 S. Brainard St. Activities include dance and musical performances, games and crafts, children’s activities, cultural booth exhibits and more. The cost is $5.

For more information, call (630) 637-5132.

In recognition of National Heart Month, Edward Hospital will offer the American Heart Association Family and Friends CPR and First Aid class for $10 per person. The class is designed for family members, babysitters and others who want to learn the basics of CPR and First Aid training but do not need certification. Choking; rescue breathing; and CPR for an infant, child and adult is covered. Classes take place from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 7; Sunday, February 14 and Sunday, February 28 at the Edward Education Center, 801 S. Washington St.

For more information and to register, call (630) 527-6363.

Raisin Rhyme is an unique rock band for children! “Reach up and have fun” is their motto. At their Monday, Feb. 15 at 11 a.m. in Meeting Room A/B, 95^th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr. every child is invited to get up, dance, and become part of the performance. The Amazin’ Raisin Band is fronted by Rhymin’ Rob and Patrick Paradiddle, who affectionately call their music a “rock band for rugrats”! No registration is required.

For more information about this and other programs, visit www.naperville-lib.info.  If you wish to talk with a person or need accessibility information, call 630-961-4100, ext. 2234.

The Naperville Public Library acknowledges the generous donation of this program by the presenters.

Come play some popular Wii™ games for kids at the Library. These gaming sessions will be geared for grades 3 – 5, but all are welcome to play.

No registration required for this event.  Dates and times are: Monday, Feb. 15 at 4 p.m., Meeting Room A/B, 95^th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr.; Friday, March 19 at 2 p.m., Community Room, Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave.; and Tuesday, April 13 at 3:30 p.m., Program Room, Naper Boulevard Library, 2035 S. Naper Blvd.

For more information, call one of the Children’s Services departments, general number 961-4100, and extensions:  Nichols Library, ext. 6128; Naper Boulevard Library, ext. 2208; and 95^th Street Library, ext. 4961. If you wish to talk with a person or need accessibility information, call 630-961-4100, ext. 2234.

Project H.E.L.P. is proud to offer a presentation to encourage and inspire families of special needs children to "Stand Up to Stress." The presentation titled, "Standing Up to Stress," is part of the 6-Month Challenge to a "Stress-Less" You, which is running through the month of June. Dr. Laurie Sackett-Maniacci, Psy D., will be the guest speaker. The presentation will take place on Monday, February 15, at the Project H.E.L.P.’s office, 1815 West Diehl Road, Suite 100, Naperville, from 7pm to 9pm. There is a $10 registration fee per person and reservations are encouraged. Project H.E.L.P. developed the SOS (Saving Our Sanity) Parent Group to help families with special needs kids to make sense of their situation and enhance their ability to manage it. Through the parent group, parents realize that they are not alone; they also gain knowledge about community resources, new coping strategies, and how to nurture themselves.

For registration information and more details, call 630-357-5683, e-mail projecthelpdupage@yahoo.com or visit

From the poetic landscapes of the wilderness by Thomas Cole to the sublime scenes of nature by Frederic Church, and from the introspective, atmospheric paintings of George Innes to the grand sweeping vitas of the Grand Canyon by western artists, the American landscape has captured the imaginations of artists for centuries. Learn more about landscape painting and our national identity on Tuesday, Feb. 16 in the Community Room, Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave.  Coffee and the welcome will be at 7 p.m., the program starts at 7:30 p.m. No registration is necessary for this program.

Patricia Smith Scanlan, Adjunct Lecturer at the Art Institute of Chicago will explore the changing views of our forests, sea sides, mountains, and natural wonders of American art, and the intimate connections between the landscape, spirituality, and national identity from the early 19th century to the early 20th.

For more information about this and other programs, visit www.naperville-lib.info.  If you wish to talk with a person or need accessibility information, call 630-961-4100, ext. 2234.

This program is held in partnership with the Naperville Community Associates of The Art Institute of Chicago.

City Council meetings are held every first and third Tuesday of the month unless otherwise noted. Dates are subject to change.

For more information, visit

Zebras and Penguins and Pandas, Oh My! It’s a wonderful world and this Naperville Public Library program will explore all sorts of things that are black and white through stories, songs, activities and a craft.

This program is for children of all ages with caregivers and no registration is required. Program dates and times are Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 11:30 a.m., Program Room, Naper Boulevard Library, 2035 S. Naper Blvd., Wednesday, March 31 at 11:30 a.m., Meeting Room A/B, 95^th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr.; and Thursday, April 8 at 11:30 a.m., Community Room, Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave.

For more information about this and other programs, visit www.naperville-lib.info.  If you wish to talk with a person or need accessibility information, call 630-961-4100, ext. 2234.

All meetings of the Board of Library Trustees of the City of Naperville are open to the public. The Meeting Agenda and Minutes are available in PDF format (Portable Document Format) on the Library’s website, www.naperville-lib.org. NOTE: Meeting place and dates subject to change.

Nichols Library
200 W. Jefferson Ave.
630-961-4100x.6150
www.naperville-lib.org

The Plan Commission usually meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month. An additional meeting will be held on the fourth Wednesday of the month when necessary. Due to meeting room shortages, there may occasionally be a meeting planned on a Thursday. Dates may also be subject to change.

Residents can hear learn more about the progress made on the 75th and Washington Intersection Improvement Project during a public meeting taking place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 18 in Meeting Rooms B and C of the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. Topics include an overview of improvements that are complete as well as upcoming work and the project’s construction timeline.

For more information on the 75th and Washington Improvement Project, visit

A joint session between the Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation and the City Council.

The Naperville Junior Woman's Club will be hosting a new member orientation meeting on February 19. Reservations are required for these meetings. For a complete listing of orientation times and locations, and to RSVP, visit www.napervillejuniors.org. The Naperville Junior Woman's Club works with Safety Town and several other community improvement projects.

For more information, call (630) 575-9567 or visit

Let us shine the light on some illuminating songs and tales! Join us for this magical illuminated program – the Black Light Theatre.  During this performance stories will be told in a darkened room using black lights and glow-in-the-dark puppets and props.  The event is recommended for ages 3 and older and children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. 

No registration required for this program. Dates and times for this program include Friday, Feb. 19 at 4 p.m., Community Room, Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave.; Wednesday, March 10 at 7 p.m., Meeting Room A/B, 95^th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr.; and Tuesday, April 6 at 7 p.m., Program Room, Naper Boulevard Library, 2035 S. Naper Blvd.

For more information, call one of the Children’s Services departments, general number 961-4100, and extensions:  Nichols Library, ext. 6128; Naper Boulevard Library, ext. 2208; and 95^th Street Library, ext. 4961. If you wish to talk with a person or need accessibility information, call 630-961-4100, ext. 2234.

Stop by the Library and learn how to create your own book trailer using Windows Movie Maker. For those of you who aren’t camera shy, you will have the chance to create a book trailer on film by talking about your favorite book or acting out a favorite scene. The workshop will be held Friday, Feb. 19 at 4 p.m. in the Computer Lab, 95^th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr. We’d love to put up the trailers you create on our website, so sign up and help us promote reading through technology!

Online registration is required to attend this program and seating is limited. Register through the Library’s website, www.naperville-lib.info, or at any of the Adult or Children’s service desks at the three Library buildings.

For more information about this program and other teen programs, contact the Adult Services desks, general phone number is 630-961-4100; extensions are: Nichols Library, ext. 6311; Naper Boulevard Library, ext. 2201; and 95^th Street Library, ext. 4941. If you need accessibility information, call 630-961-4100, ext. 2234.

Join members of the DuPage Symphony Orchestra as they present a selection of chamber music. The concert will be held on Friday, Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Meeting Room A/B, 95^th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr. Afterwards, there is an opportunity for the audience to interact with the musicians and learn more about the instruments and the Symphony. No registration is required for this program.

For more information about this and other programs, visit www.naperville-lib.info.  If you wish to talk with a person or need accessibility information, call 630-961-4100, ext. 2234.

This program is held in partnership with the DuPage Symphony Orchestra.

Free tax counseling and 2009 tax return preparation (Federal and State of Illinois) for households earning under $49,000. Bring proof of identification, Social Security Cards, Wage and Earnings Statements (Forms W-2), Interest Income from Banks (Form 1099) and a copy of 2008 tax returns. Sponsored by Benedictine University, North Central College, Notre Dame Club of Greater DuPage.

Call Mario Mauro, 630-355-7177, with any questions.

PGA professional Dick Barr will offer a Rules of Golf seminar from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 20 at the Naperbrook Golf Course Clubhouse, 22204 W. 111th Street. The seminar will educate golfers on the rules of the game and includes lunch and a USGA rules book. This seminar is designed for those ages 12 and up. Registration is required.

For more information, call (630) 378-4215.

North Central College will feature a performance by the a capella jazz and pop group Take 6 at 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 20 in the Wentz Concert Hall of the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Tickets are $40 and $30.

For more information, call (630) 637-7469 or visit

The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise will host its annual Naperpalooza event from 7 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, February 20 at Jackson Moving & Storage, 740 Frontenac Road. This year’s theme of “Naperitaville” will feature headline band Heartache Tonight.  All-inclusive tickets are $140 per person and include music, food and drinks. Early bird ticket sales before Thursday, December 31 are $125 and come with five free raffle tickets worth a total of $50. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go to support autism services by the Turning Pointe Autism Foundation and Little Friends, Inc. In addition, money raised will be used to support the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise’s ongoing projects.

For more information, visit

There was a family having fun and BINGO was the reason. Bring the whole family to the library for a fun night of B-I-N-G-O antics! We’ll provide the cards, the markers, and lots of fun. All ages welcome with caregiver. No registration required. 

Dates and locations are: Monday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m., Meeting Room A/B, 95^th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr.; Tuesday, March 16 at 7 p.m., Program Room, Naper Boulevard Library, 2035 S. Naper Blvd., and Thursday, April 15 at 7 p.m., Community Room, Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave.

For more information, call one of the Children’s Services departments, general number 961-4100, and extensions:  Nichols Library, ext. 6128; Naper Boulevard Library, ext. 2208; and 95^th Street Library, ext. 4961. If you wish to talk with a person or need accessibility information, call 630-961-4100, ext. 2234.

Meetings are usually held on the third Monday of every month at 7 p.m. in Room 247 at the Municipal Center.

Join the Naperville community for the visit of internationally known author Neil Gaiman, author of “Coraline,” “Stardust,” and more, on Tuesday, February 23 and Wednesday, February 24. Naperville READS is a partnership between Anderson’s Bookshop, Naperville Public Library, Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and Indian Prairie School District 204, and is partially supported by a grant from the City of Naperville.

For event information and times, visit

Teens! Join Us for Anime Days

Whether you’re an Otaku or you’ve never seen anime in your life, we’ll have something you’ll enjoy.  Come watch a few episodes of some groundbreaking anime series, enjoy some Japanese snacks, show off your manga skills, and chat with other anime geeks.  No registration required for this program.

Anime Days meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 3:30 p.m. in Nomura Room C, 95^th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr. Dates are Feb. 23, March 23, April 27 and May 25

For more information about this program and other teen programs, contact the Adult Services desks, general phone number is 630-961-4100; extensions are: Nichols Library, ext. 6311; Naper Boulevard Library, ext. 2201; and 95^th Street Library, ext. 4941. If you need accessibility information, call 630-961-4100, ext. 2234.

Find out about LinkedIn®, an essential networking/job search tool! Becky Brillon from the Community Career Center in Naperville will lead this very informative presentation on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. in the Community Room, Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave.  Learn more about the many useful features of LinkedIn®.  No registration is required for this program.

For more information about this and other programs, visit www.naperville-lib.info.  If you wish to talk with a person or need accessibility information, call 630-961-4100, ext. 2234.

Radha Rajagopalan, North Central College's fifth Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence, will give a free talk titled “It's Not Just Hot Air: Facing Climate Change in North American Cities” at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 23 in North Central College’s Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St. Rajagopalan will draw on her own experience and expertise as senior research analyst in Toronto's Environment Office during the lecture.

For a comprehensive schedule of North Central College lectures, art exhibits, musical performances and theatrical productions, visit 

Join the Naperville community for the visit of internationally known author Neil Gaiman, author of “Coraline,” “Stardust,” and more, on Tuesday, February 23 and Wednesday, February 24. Naperville READS is a partnership between Anderson’s Bookshop, Naperville Public Library, Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and Indian Prairie School District 204, and is partially supported by a grant from the City of Naperville.

For event information and times, visit

The Naperville Garden Club will meet at 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday, February 24 at the White Eagle Golf Club, 3400 Club Drive, for a continental breakfast and business meeting. Following the meeting, Todd Jacobsen of the Morton Arboretum will present “Tough and Lovely Plants for Dry Shade.” The cost of breakfast is $12 for members and $13 for guests. Reservations are necessary and should be called in 10 days before the meeting to Joyce at (630) 357-4022.

For more information about the club, visit

We invite prospective members to join us to learn more about our group. The meeting begins at 7:30pm that night. The Naperville Junior Women's Club works with Safety Town and other community improvement projects by donating our time and money.

For more information, call (630) 575-9567 or visit

Board the Magic School Bus™ for a trip back in time to Dinosaur Land. Learn some fun dino-factosaurs, do a dino-activitysaurus or two, and make your own paper dinosaur to take home.

Online registration is required to attend this program for students in grades one to three. Register through the Library’s website, www.naperville-lib.info, or at any of the Adult or Children’s service desks at the three Library buildings. Program dates and times are Thursday, Feb. 25 at 4 p.m., Program Room, Naper Boulevard Library, 2035 S. Naper Blvd.; Thursday, March 18 at 4 p.m., Community Room, Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave.; and Tuesday, April 6 at 4 p.m., Meeting Room A/B, 95^th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr.

For more information, call one of the Children’s Services departments, general number 961-4100, and extensions:  Nichols Library, ext. 6128; Naper Boulevard Library, ext. 2208; and 95^th Street Library, ext. 4961. If you need accessibility information, call 630-961-4100, ext. 2234.

Meetings are usually held every fourth Thursday of the month in Meeting Rooms B & C. Dates may be subject to change. To confim meeting dates or obtain more information, contact Project Assistant Sam McCarthy at (630) 548-2974.

The Naperville Woman’s Club invites Naperville Community Unit School District 203, Indian Prairie School District 204, private school and homeschooled fourth and fifth grade students to submit entries to its annual creative writing contest. This year’s topic is centered around being/becoming an environmentalist. Entries are due by Friday, February 26 and should be mailed to the Naperville Woman’s Club, c/o 1593 Pine Lake Drive, Naperville, IL 60564. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 12 at the Naperville Woman’s Club Clubhouse, 14 S. Washington St. Winners will receive cash awards and certificates of merit.

For more information, call (630) 978-7080 or e-mail naperwomansclub@yahoo.com.

Free tax counseling and 2009 tax return preparation (Federal and State of Illinois) for households earning under $49,000. Bring proof of identification, Social Security Cards, Wage and Earnings Statements (Forms W-2), Interest Income from Banks (Form 1099) and a copy of 2008 tax returns. Sponsored by Benedictine University, North Central College, Notre Dame Club of Greater DuPage.

Call Mario Mauro, 630-355-7177, with any questions.

A practice test is crucial to ward off those Test Day jitters and can let you know how you’ll score on the “real thing.” Don’t be surprised! Come and experience first hand what Test Day will be like. Instructors from Kaplan™ will provide proctored ACT® and SAT® practice tests and return scores with analyzed results. And consider this... you may actually be a better SAT® tester than ACT®, or vice versa, but you’ll never know unless you try both tests! Give yourself every opportunity for scoring success and for attending the college/university of your choice by enrolling in these programs. Make sure to bring #2 sharpened pencils, a College Board-approved calculator, and a healthy snack.

Dates and times for the ACT practice tests are: Saturday, Feb. 27 at 12:30 p.m.,

Meeting Room A/B, 95^th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr.; Saturday, March 6 at 10 a.m., Community Room, Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave.; and Saturday, April 24, at 12:30 p.m., Meeting Room A/B, 95^th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr.

Online registration is required to attend this program and seating is limited. Register through the Library’s website, www.naperville-lib.info, or at any of the Adult or Children’s service desks at the three Library buildings.

For more information about this program and other teen programs, contact the Adult Services desks, general phone number is 630-961-4100; extensions are: Nichols Library, ext. 6311; Naper Boulevard Library, ext. 2201; and 95^th Street Library, ext. 4941. If you need accessibility information, call 630-961-4100, ext. 2234.

These programs presented in partnership with Kaplan™.

In recognition of National Heart Month, Edward Hospital will offer the American Heart Association Family and Friends CPR and First Aid class for $10 per person. The class is designed for family members, babysitters and others who want to learn the basics of CPR and First Aid training but do not need certification. Choking; rescue breathing; and CPR for an infant, child and adult is covered. Classes take place from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 7; Sunday, February 14 and Sunday, February 28 at the Edward Education Center, 801 S. Washington St.

For more information and to register, call (630) 527-6363.

The DuPage Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet and Woodwind Quartet will perform a concert at 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 28 in Koten Chapel, 329 E. School St. An informal reception will take place following the concerts. Tickets are $18 for adults, $14 for seniors and $8 for students.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (630) 778-1003.

Children are welcome. Membership includes our referral list of services. Join us, have fun, make friends! Complimentary professional childcare available for our monthly luncheons.

For information, call Sue at (630) 904-5629 or visit

Meetings are usually held on the first Monday of each month in the CMO Conference Room. Dates may be subject to change. For meeting confirmation or more information, call Katie Wernberg at (630) 548-1122.

Naperville Community Gardeners invite the public to a program on “Vegetable Garden Design – Beyond the Straight and Narrow” on March 1 at 7 p.m. The program is free and follows the monthly meeting. Learn ways to "think outside the box" when creating a vegetable garden. The vegetable garden of the last century was quite large and traditionally utilitarian. Today’s garden is reduced in size and more often than not, is an integral part of the home landscape. Various elements that make a garden appealing as well as productive will be discussed. Our guest speaker Bill Jegen is a Master Gardener in the University of Illinois Extension.  Bill has been gardening for over 30 years and his areas of expertise include Dahlias and Vegetable Production Agriculture.  

For more information on Naperville Community Gardeners, please visit

The Naperville Junior Woman's Club will be hosting a new member orientation meeting on March 1. Reservations are required for these meetings. For a complete listing of orientation times and locations, and to RSVP, visit www.napervillejuniors.org. The Naperville Junior Woman's Club works with Safety Town and several other community improvement projects.

For more information, call (630) 575-9567 or visit

City Council meetings are held every first and third Tuesday of the month unless otherwise noted. Dates are subject to change.

For more information, visit

The Naperville Garden Club will host a series of three classes highlighting armatures with a fresh spiral bouquet, boxwood topiaries, line designs and multiple techniques. Individuals can take one or all three classes, and no pre-requisite is required. These classes are open to all levels of design ability as well as non-Garden Club members. Classes take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, February 1; Tuesday, February 9; and Wednesday, March 3 at 800 Corporate Drive.

To reserve your seat in the class, or for more information, call Anna Marie Konick at (630) 375-9262.

The Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities was established to ensure city services and facilities are accessible by all persons in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Meetings are usually held in Meeting Rooms B/C at the Municipal Center.

The Plan Commission usually meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Due to meeting room shortages, there may occasionally be a meeting planned on a Thursday. Dates may also be subject to change.

The board reviews, informs and advises the city on transportation matters, such as pedestrian safety, traffic, speed limits and parking. For more information, call (630) 420-6100.

Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 is proud to announce the second Kendall Honors banquet and awards program. This program was instituted to honor the unsung heroes of the Naperville community. The Post will honor the Policeman of the Year, Fireman of the Year, and the Educators of the Year at the elementary, middle/junior high and high school levels in Districts 203 and 204. The Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen essay winners will also be honored. The social hour is 5 p.m., dinner is at 6 p.m. and the awards will be given at 7 p.m. The menu will be Prime Rib with all the fixings. The costs of the tickets are $15/ticket payable at the door. We expect a large turnout so make your reservations now.

Tickets can be reserved by contacting the event coordinator Mike Barbour at (630) 527-0738 or call the Post 3873 office (630) 355-0734.

Little Friends, Inc. will host its 34th annual Bids for Kids Benefit Auction at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 6 at the Hilton Lisle-Naperville, 3003 Corporate West Drive. This year’s auction theme will celebrate the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown. Guests will stroll along the red carpet and toast the Academy Awards while gazing into the stars above the Hollywood Hills, all while raising funds for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities served by Little Friends, Inc. Festivities will include cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions, raffles and entertainment.

For more information, call (630) 355-6533 or visit

The Zoning Board of Appeals serves as a review board for variances to the city’s ordinances pertaining to street graphics, tree preservation, and zoning. The Zoning Board of Appeals serves in a fact finding capacity by evaluating variance requests and providing recommendations to City Council.

Meeting dates may be subject to change. To confirm meeting dates or obtain more information, contact the Planning Services Team at (630) 548-2974.

http://www.naperville.il.us/zba.aspx

The Advisory Cultural Commission was established to assist, inform and advise the City Council on matters pertaining to the arts, culture and special events in the city of Naperville. The Commission usually meets on the second Wednesday of every month in the City Manager’s conference room. Dates may be subject to change.  For meeting confirmation or more information, contact Community Grants Coordinator Katie Wernberg at (630) 548-1122.