Let's Shop! Silver Cross Encore Shop Spring Opening

Silver Cross Hospital’s resale shop—the Encore Shop—will host its Spring Opening Friday, March 2 (10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) and Saturday, March 3, (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)!

The Advisory Board raises funds for Silver Cross Hospital by operating the Encore Shop and is located in Joliet on Walnut Street just north of the former Silver Cross Hospital Emergency Department. Items available for purchase will include seasonal decorations, adult and children’s seasonal clothing, toys, household items, books, and more.

Over the past 10 years, the Advisory Board has donated more than $572, 0000 to Silver Cross for the purchase of X-ray equipment for the Emergency Department, ICU beds, laptop computers for Home Health nurses, dialysis and mammography equipment, surgery carts and instruments, cardiac software, and a new pick-up truck used to maintain the grounds of the hospital campus.  The group recently completed a $75,000 pledge to purchase the water feature in the Dralle Serenity Garden outside the new Silver Cross Replacement Hospital  which opened Feb. 26, 2012.

Donations are welcome.  For more information, call Volunteers Services at Silver Cross Hospital at (815) 300-7117. 

One Place for Special Needs Events

We are pleased to share some new events at One Place for Special Needs:

Monday, March 5, 2012

Autism & Special Needs Youth Fitness Classes in Aurora & Willowbrook, IL, Willowbrook, IL
Click for details

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Parent Executive Function Skills for Students , Skokie, IL
Click for details

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Executive Functions Teacher Workshop, Naperville, IL
Click for details

Discovery Education and 3M are looking for the next TOP YOUNG SCIENTIST!

Have a budding young inventor at home always plugging away on their next big idea? What if he or she had the chance to win $25,000 for their latest project?

To help the next generation of great innovators, Discovery Education and 3M are looking for America’s next "Top Young Scientist.” Ten finalists will be chosen to work directly with a 3M scientist to create an innovation that solves a problem in everyday life that they will present at the 3M Innovation Center for the chance to win $25,000!


To enter the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge , students grades 5 through 8 can submit a short video that explains the science behind a solution to an everyday problem, such as:

• How to create greener transportation options?

• How to detect/prevent food poisoning?

• How to protect people in the event of an emergency?

All video entries must be submitted by April 19, 2011 to http://www.youngscientistchallenge.com/

Photos from last year's competition are available upon request and more details are available in our press release here:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/discovery-education-and-3m-search-for-americas-2012-top-young-scientist-137007373.html

Thousands attend Grand Opening for Silver Cross Hospital

Over 8,600 area residents attended the Grand Opening Housewarming Party for the new Silver Cross Hospital at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox, on February 12.
As area families arrived on the new hospital campus, they first entered a massive white tent allowing them to retreat from the frigid winter winds. Upon entering, to their amazement guests were greeted to a warm spring garden fully embellished with various shrubbery and plant-life. They were each given a steaming cup of hot coco to enjoy as they walked along the path listening to the talents of various local musicians and performance artists before entering the Hospitals new front entrance.

A Behind the Scenes Tour
Once guests entered the new hospital's main lobby, they were treated to a 45-minute self-guided walking tour through several areas in the hospital including the emergency department, imaging, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, private medical-surgical patient rooms, Women and Infant Services Birthing Center, and Intensive Care Unit.  In the new Procedural Care Unit, which consolidates surgery, endoscopy and interventional cardiology and radiology procedures into one integrated area, visitors viewed the hospital's newest technology-the Davinci.  This robotic surgical system is designed to facilitate complex surgery using a minimally invasive approach and is controlled by a surgeon from a console.  The Davinci robot is commonly used for prostatectomies and hysterectomies.

"This was area residents opportunity to get a sneak peek before we open our doors on Feb. 26," said Paul Pawlak, President and CEO of Silver Cross Hospital.  "We took them into areas that most people never have a chance to see such as the operating room and interventional core which includes the cath lab, interventional radiology lab, electrophysiology suite where doctors repair fast beating hearts and insert pacemakers, and where our brand new biplane angiography imaging system will be located to treat patients with strokes later this summer."

Family Fun
In addition to the exclusive tour, guests were entertained by the talents from the Sandburg High School Choir, Joliet Folk Lorico Dancers, Lincoln Way West High School Choir, and the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Music Ministry.  Also, the Joliet Slammers' mascots-Spikes and J.L. Bird were at the opening celebration along with 2011 Frontier League Championship Cup.  Further, there was even a "Name the Robot" Contest in which tour participants had a chance to win a Sony Bloggie Touch video camera. In addition, all guests who pre-registered for a hospital tour were entered in a raffle to win a KINDLE FIRE. The winners of the KINDLE FIRE are Daniel Wheelock, Joliet; Jennifer Castro, New Lenox; and April Wong Loi Sing, Mokena.

New Hospital Opening Feb. 26, 2012
Construction began on the $370 million replacement hospital in 2009.  The 6-story facility was built using evidence-based design, which has been proven to help in the healing process and contribute to a speedier recovery for patients.   Some of the many ways that evidence-based design has been integrated into the 289-bed replacement hospital is with large, private patient rooms, natural and enhanced lighting, sound and noise control, cheerful yet calming colors, ties to nature, bedside care and dedicated family areas.  When the new hospital opens at 7 a.m. on Feb. 26, patients and families will also benefit from new technology and expanded services through partnerships with renowned academic centers including Children's Memorial Hospital, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, and most recently, the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC).  UCMC and Silver Cross are currently building an outpatient cancer center that will open in April 2012 on the New Lenox campus.

"We are building on our century old commitment to the Will County community by relocating our seven-time 100 Top Hospital care to a state-of-the-art facility that will serve future generations," said Pawlak.

Chicago Flower & Garden Show Returns to Navy Pier

In Chicago, where blizzards shut down roadways and sidewalk salt sells out quickly, it’s never too early to think spring. Gardeners, in particular, are already springing ahead in anticipation of the perennially-popular Chicago Flower & Garden Show, March 10-18, 2012 at Chicago’s Navy Pier.

In the style of high fashion and wearable art, the event celebrates “Hort Couture.” Designed to inspire, educate, and motivate, the Chicago Flower & Garden Show will reflect the influence of fashion and design in floral, plant, and landscape creations. Stylized posters and images for the event—inspired by high-style model sketches—are garnering buzz among fashion and floral industry circles for their fun fusion of style and blooms.

More than just a “pretty show,” the Chicago Flower & Garden Show—the only consumer event of its kind in the Midwest—offers an innovative and diverse array of ideas to learn from, be inspired by, take home, and try (whether the visitor is a green thumb or would just like to have one). Take home ideas from:

·         A catwalk of gardens: The Chicago Flower & Garden Show’s 25-plus, well-appointed stylized gardens are a visual shopping trip as they draw inspiration from textures and colors found in plants and fabrics, as well as alluring and beautiful embellishments found in nature. Practical as well as beautiful, visitors of all ages will find ideas they can try at home, whether their garden is a suburban perennial bed, a rural vista, or an urban balcony.

·         Cutting-edge notions: Love trinkets and new embellishments? The latest gardening tools and techniques will be showcased, as visitors learn how to create a rooftop garden at home, or incorporate hydroponics (plants grown outside of soil, in water). Meanwhile, those looking for new interior and exterior fashions can check out the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences garden, which uses “woolly pockets” to create vertical walls for plants.

·         The classic set: Just as some traditional fashions never go out of style, perennially popular programs return to the Chicago Flower & Garden Show in 2012. The always-anticipated Garden Gourmet series will feature delicious recipes and tips from several well-known chefs. More than 100 exhibitors of gardening, landscape, and horticulture products and services will be on hand to share their sustainable and eco-friendly wares.

·         The children’s line: Kids are in on the stylish fun too with potting parties and hands-on learning activities designed to inspire, educate, and motivate even the littlest plant lover.

·         Project garden runways: What would a “Hort Couture” show be without some friendly competition among designers? Photographers are invited to submit images for a special photo competition, with fashion-inspired categories such as “Hemmed Up” close-ups, “Pattern Freeze” still life shots, and “Triple Stitched” triptychs, among others. Another competition to find the best-dressed window box underscores the importance of creating a memorable first impression.

“Our ‘spring collection’ marries fun and style with the show-of-the-season, as we celebrate both the best of new designs and proven classics,” says Tony Abruscato, president, Flower Show Productions and director of the Chicago Flower & Garden Show. “In March in the Midwest, people can’t wait to get in their gardens—or simply bask in the color and scents of spring. We’ve got it at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show, which each spring draws thousands of eager visitors seeking inspirations of color, texture, and design for their yards, patios, or balconies. When you leave the 2012 show, you will have a wheelbarrow of practical and affordable ideas that you can try at home.”

Tickets to the Chicago Flower & Garden Show are available at the Navy Pier Box Office and online at www.ChicagoFlower.com. Weekday admission is $15 or $17 at the box office, weekend admission is $17 online or $19 at the box office, and tickets for children ages 4 through 12 are $5. Discounted parking at Navy Pier, and group rates and tours are also offered.

A Healthy Mouth For Your Baby

Healthy teeth are important—even baby teeth. Children need healthy teeth to help them chew and to speak clearly. And baby teeth hold space for adult teeth. This fact sheet can help you keep your baby’s mouth healthy and give him a healthy start!

1. Protect your baby’s teeth with fluoride. Fluoride protects teeth from tooth decay. It can even heal early decay. Fluoride is in the drinking water of many towns and cities.  Ask a dentist or doctor if your water has fluoride in it. If it doesn’t, ask about other kinds of fluoride (such as fluoride varnish or drops) that can help keep your baby’s teeth healthy.

2. Check and clean your baby’s teeth. 

·         CHECK your baby’s teeth. Healthy teeth should be all one color. If you see spots or stains on the teeth, take your baby to a dentist.

·         CLEAN your baby’s teeth. Clean them as soon as they come in with a clean, soft cloth or a baby’s toothbrush. Clean the teeth at least once a day. It’s best to clean them right before bedtime.

At about age 2 (or sooner if a dentist or doctor suggests it) you should start putting fluoride toothpaste on your child’s toothbrush—using only a pea-sized drop.

Young children cannot get their teeth clean by themselves. Until they are 7 or 8 years old, you will need to help them brush. Try brushing their teeth first and then letting them finish.

3. Feed your baby healthy food.

✓ Choose foods without a lot of sugar in them.
✓ Give your child fruits and vegetables for snacks.
✓ Save cookies and other treats for special occasions.

4. Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle. Milk, formula, juice, and other drinks such as soda all have sugar in them. If sugary liquids stay on your baby’s teeth too long, it can lead to tooth decay. (And decayed teeth can cause pain for your baby.)

What’s one of the most important things you can do to keep your baby from getting cavities? Avoid putting him to bed with a bottle—at night or at nap time. (If you do put your baby to bed with a bottle, fill it only with water.)

Here are some other things you can do:

✓ Between feedings, don’t give your baby a bottle or sippy cup filled with sweet drinks to carry around.✓ Near his first birthday, teach your child to drink from an open cup.
✓ If your baby uses a pacifier, don’t dip it in anything sweet like sugar or honey.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
www.nidcr.nih.gov

Getting Kids into the Game: Attend the 3rd Annual Sportin' Kids Fundraiser

WINDY CITY CIRCUS CANCELS FEBRUARY ENGAGEMENT AT NAVY PIER

 Tickets Will Be Refunded At Point Of Purchase

Windy City Circus has announced it will be cancelling its 10-day engagement at Navy Pier previously scheduled for Feb. 17 - 26, 2012. Founder David Maas has released the following statement:

"We are incredibly saddened to report that in this economy as a new non-profit organization, we have fallen short of our projected sponsorship and funding goals," said Maas. "We want to ensure that Chicago receives a high-quality production that befits our incredible hometown and will be a successful fundraiser for our charitable partners. We are looking forward to mounting Windy City Circus at a future date, and will continue to strive toward that goal."

All tickets will be refunded at the point of purchase. Refunds for tickets purchased at windycitycircus.org will be automatically refunded prior to date of performance purchased.

Joliet Dentist Sponsors Free Emergency Dental Day In Honor of Dental Health Month

Joliet dentist, Dr. Rocio Martinez, of Smile Street Dental, is helping the residents of Joliet and surrounding communities during these difficult economic times by giving free Emergency Dental Treatment on Wednesday, February 15, 2012, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  

The free dental treatment will be given at Smile Street Dental located at 3587 Hennepin Drive in Joliet.

The Emergency Dental Treatment Day is designed to treat anyone (adult or child), for free, who cannot afford dentistry.

Dr. Martinez was inspired to produce this community effort after reading a report in the New York Times about how an increasing number of Americans are having to forgo dental care because they have no insurance and therefore unable to afford the cost of a visit to the dentist:

http://www.dentistjolietil.com/index.php/community/joliet-dentist-dentistry-no-cost/

“Anyone with a dental emergency and cannot afford it will be provided with Emergency Dental Treatment at NO COST on a first-come first-served basis,” explains Dr Martinez, adding “I would like to do my part as a dentist to help and hope other healthcare providers would join me and organize a similar effort in their community to help keep our fellow Americans healthy.” 

Dr. Martinez adds, “We will be conducting similar community events in Joliet periodically throughout the year to help the less fortunate in our community.”

Details of Dr. Martinez’s other community events can be found online at: http://www.dentistjolietil.com/index.php/category/community/

“In a troubled economy that affects many Americans, the spirit of giving to others is needed more than ever. We’re hoping the word gets out about our free dental day in February so people with dental emergencies can get help,” Dr. Martinez concludes.

For additional information, please contact:

Dr. Rocio Martinez

Smile Street Dental

3587 Hennepin Drive, Joliet, IL 60431

Tel.: (815) 439-2731

Congrats to...

Sheryl Grimes!! You are the winner of the Monster Jam tickets!! You'll be contacted via email will all of the information you'll need to pick up your tickets at will call.


Congrats again!

IHOP Promotes Free Pancakes for a Cause with Wake Up Calls and Online Contest

IHOP^® is launching two programs to raise awareness for its annual free pancake giveaway fundraiser benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities.  The family-friendly restaurant chain invites pancake lovers to receive a wake up call on February 28, 2012 – IHOP’s National Pancake Day – from a teen heartthrob, an NFL Hall of Famer, a GRAMMY^®-nominated singer, or one of the most beautiful women in America.  Flapjack fanatics can also participate in IHOP’s “Stacks for Good Acts” national online contest, which will reward one lucky winner with a year’s supply of free pancakes on National Pancake Day. 

GET A WAKE UP CALL FROM A CELEBRITY! To spread the word about National Pancake Day, several Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ celebrity supporters have joined forces to “wake up” fans and encourage them to seek out free pancakes on Tuesday, February 28.  Hotcake enthusiasts can register to receive a wake up call on National Pancake Day from NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals co-founders John Schneider and Marie Osmond, singers David Archuleta and GRAMMY-nominated Jordin Sparks, Twilight star Boo Boo Stewart, Disney XD star Brendan Meyer, and the recently crowned Miss America 2012 Laura Kaeppeler. Wake up calls can be requested at IHOPPancakeDay.com through Friday, February 24, 2012.

WIN FREE PANCAKES FOR A YEAR! National Pancake Day is also an exciting date for participants in IHOP’s “Stacks For Good Acts” online contest, which invites good Samaritans to submit a story of 250 words or less about a good deed they or someone they know did in 2011.  The author of the winning entry, who will be announced on National Pancake Day, will receive free pancakes for one year (defined as one free short stack of buttermilk pancakes per day for 365 days).  Entries will be judged on emotional impact, originality and entertainment value, and they can be submitted anytime at IHOPPancakeDay.com between now and the end of the contest at 11:59 p.m. ET on February 24, 2012.  Complete "Stacks for Good Acts" contest rules can be found at IHOPPancakeDay.com.

EAT A FREE SHORT STACK AND SUPPORT CHILDREN'S MIRACLE NETWORK HOSPITALS! On National Pancake Day, Tuesday, February 28, 2012, IHOP will give guests one free short stack of its signature buttermilk pancakes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at more than 1,500 restaurants throughout the United States. In return, IHOP will ask guests to make a voluntary donation to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities, hoping to break a record by raising more than $2.7 million.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about National Pancake Day, to find a local IHOP, or to donate to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, please visit www.IHOPPancakeDay.com.

Retailers Make Bottom-Line Resolutions--Tried and True Methods Being Tweaked to Lure Consumers

Consumers tend to make straightforward New Year resolutions: Spend less, save more and pay down debt. This year, it appears retailers want to change just one thing...their bottom line. The tried-and-true methods aren't working anymore as consumers learn to resist the urge to buy, so merchants are starting their own trends.

According to Bloomberg, consumer spending stalled in December, with a rise of just 0.1 percent, as Americans took advantage of last year's slight jump in income to restore depleted savings. So what are retailers doing to change this trend? Here are a few examples.

1. JCPenney Ditches Sales
Shoppers have caught onto false savings, in which stores boost prices just before dropping them again for supposed sales. In an announcement last month, JCPenney basically admitted to this practice and said they were launching an everyday-low-prices campaign. For example, jeans that used to retail for $25 -- but typically ended up selling for $15 -- will just start off at $15.

2. The Shops at Target
Apple addicts usually have to hit Apple brand stores to buy some of their new equipment. Such outlets are pretty few and far between, so imagine the thrill they must be experiencing, now that Target is testing a partnership to sell a wider variety of Apple produce in 25 of their stores.

Other partnerships are moving forward in Target's store-within-a-store campaign, a trend long seen at department stores and in the Sephora outlets in JCPenney stores.

3. Wal-Mart Small Business Competition
Can't you hear Ryan Seacrest proclaiming "This...is...the Wal-Mart Contest!" In a PR-savvy replication of the "American Idol" competition format, Wal-Mart will winnow down inventor/small business contestants until they select one lucky product for country-wide promotion on their shelves.

4. Luxury Retailers Up Free Shipping Game
Popular shoe e-retailers like Endless and Zappos made a splash with free return shipping, and some luxury shops are following suit. Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue offer free shipping both ways, with other companies expected to jump on the bandwagon in 2012, according to USA Today. For a comprehensive list of retailers who are ahead of this trend, go to the free return shipping page on FreeShipping.org.

5. Bye-bye Amazon Mom Benefits
Amazon is backing away from the discounts it has long offered moms, including a revocation of their popular two-day free shipping program. Diaper savings also have dropped from a high of 30 percent to a maximum of 20 percent.

6. Taco Bell Breakfast Burritos
"Yo quiero breakfast burritos!" The Mexican fast-food chain has finally figured out Americans like breakfast burritos, so it's expanding its offerings to three meals per day. Perhaps Taco Bell is taking its own advice to "Think outside the bun."

7. Booze It Up at Starbucks
The coffee chain sees plenty of business early in the day, but sales fall off later in the day, when even diehard caffeine addicts cut back on the java. To boost their sales during slow periods, Starbucks will soon begin serving beer, wine and hard liquor after 2 p.m. at select Southern California locations, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. She is available for in-studio, satellite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more.

KOHL’S CARES® SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS

KOHL’S CARES^® SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FEBRUARY 1 – MARCH 15

FOR OUTSTANDING YOUNG VOLUNTEERS

Kohl’s is honoring more than 2,200 youth, ages six to 18, who have made a positive impact on their communities with more than $440,000 in scholarships and prizes; top winners receive $10,000 each

The Kohl’s Department Stores Kohl’s Cares^®Scholarship Program will award more than $420,000 in scholarships and prizes, ranging from $50 Kohl’s gift cards to $10,000 scholarships, to more than 2,200 young volunteers who have made a positive impact on their communities. Nominations for kids ages six to 18 will be accepted February 1 – March 15 at kohlskids.com. Kohl’s is helping promising youth to further their education at a time when college tuition continues to increase yearly – a challenge to many American families who face high unemployment and stagnant incomes.*

“Through the Kohl’s Cares^®  Scholarship Program, Kohl’s recognizes young volunteers who dedicate their time, energy and passion to helping others and bettering the communities we live in,” said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “During a time of economic uncertainty and high tuition costs, it’s important to support extraordinary kids by investing in their future. We encourage parents, teachers, neighbors and friends to nominate outstanding young volunteers at kohlskids.com.”

To nominate volunteers ages six to 18 for a Kohl’s Cares scholarship, visit www.kohlskids.com. Nominations are accepted February 1 through March 15, and nominators must be 21 years or older. Two nominees from each of the more than 1,100 Kohl’s stores nationwide will win a $50 Kohl’s gift card, and more than 200 will win regional scholarships worth $1,000 toward post-secondary education. Ten national winners will be awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarships for post-secondary education and Kohl’s will donate $1,000 to a nonprofit organization on each national winner’s behalf. 

Through the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program, Kohl’s aims to honor young volunteers who have made a positive impact on their communities. Since the program began in 2001, Kohl’s has recognized more than 15,000 kids with more than $3 million in scholarships and prizes. In 2012, Kohl’s celebrates its 12^th year of rewarding young volunteers.

Fun and Free Date Ideas for Valentine's Day

Not interested in jumping on the expensive Valentine's Day wagon? Then it's time to remember that romance isn't intrinsically linked to throwing cash around. There are many ways to treat your loved one to a special date without emptying your wallet, and Mr. Free Stuff has compiled a list of "44 Free Date Ideas for Valentine's Day" for your consideration. Here's a sampling to get the wheels turning:

1. Attend amateur night at a coffee house
Many local coffee houses have amateur nights, when people can come in and perform or simply read their poetry. If you're bold, you might jump in and participate.

2. Play poker
Instead of gambling with cash, play for things like M&M's, peanuts, raisins, or any other edibles. The best part is that, at the end of the game, you get to eat your winnings.

3. Go sledding
If you don't have a traditional sled, you can use such common household items as garbage bags, cardboard boxes or cookie sheets. You could even turn it into a contest to see who comes up with the most successful make-shift sled.

4. Host a wine tasting
Turn your dining room into a vineyard's tasting room with tasty finger foods and vino from your wine rack. Comment on the tannins and oaky flavor of each glass and celebrate the "bottomless" nature of your at-home tasting.

5. Create a photo shoot
Sick of those grainy iPhone candids? Create something memorable by taking more professional-style portraits. Avoid the mundane by getting creative with costumes, backdrops and camera angles.

6. Go to a playground
Channel your inner child and hit up your neighborhood playground for some old-fashioned fun. Race across the monkey bars, trade personal stories of playground antics and hallenge each other to go higher on the swings.

7. Cook together
Leave the crowded restaurants and overpriced filets for Valentine's Day rookies and prepare something at home. Cooking a tasty meal is a lot more fun in pairs and offers a great opportunity to catch up. Pour a couple glasses of wine, turn on some Louis Armstrong and bond over vegetable chopping.

Contributed by:

Ticket Giveaway! Family 4-Pack to Monster Jam!

For a chance to win 

a Family 4-pack of tickets to Advance Auto Parts' MONSTER JAM for FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10th at Allstate Arena... 

1.     Comment below about why you'd love to have these tickets, then

2.     Like us on Facebook 

3.     FINALLY, make sure to e-mail Lisa Bakewell, Managing Editor (Lisa at familytimemagazine dot com) with your contact information (email, phone, and address).

NOTES: 

• One entry per person.

• Winners will be chosen at random (www.random.com) on Thursday, February, 2012 after 12 noon, CST.

• Winners will be notified via email and tickets will held at will call for pickup on the night of the show.

• Winners will be responsible for their own travel expenses to the show. Location: Allstate Arena at 6920 Mannheim Rd.,  Rosemont, IL 60018-3697. Phone: (847) 635-6601

INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHOW: 

Advance Auto Parts® Monster Jam

Advance Auto Parts® Monster Jam, starring the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam monster trucks! The twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over or smash through!  Monster Jam provides a massive night’s entertainment tailored perfectly for your family’s budget, and these colorful, larger-than-life beasts are sure to capture the hearts of both young and old.  We sold out all 5 shows last year, so get your tickets EARLY!  Playing Allstate Arena Feb. 10-12.

EVENT: By Your Side's Open House at new Schaumburg Location

School of Rock Opens Overnight Metal Camp!

Guest Professor Will Be World-Renowned Rocker Metal Mike of Judas Priest


Who needs pottery wheels and lanyards when you can have electric guitars and head banging?  From August 19th through the 25th, young metal heads ages 12-18 can get their fix with School of Rock’s Metal Camp at Camp Lakota in the Catskill Mountains.  This 7 day, 6 night experience teaches some serious rock music and provides a cool, unique alternative to the traditional summer camp experience.  Attendees will receive concentrated music instruction on guitar, bass, drums, keys, and vocals--and the key tools to master the art of metal!

The kids who join will also get the opportunity to learn from one of the world’s most legendary rock idols. For the program’s inaugural year, the special guest professor will be Metal Mike who is known for his work with Rob Halford (Judas Priest) and Sebastian Bach (Skid Row). 

Metal Mike will support an incredible staff of musicians and help prepare the students for a spectacular finale performance, titled the Big Show.  The campers will rehearse some of the genre’s biggest hits during their time at Metal Camp and then be joined on stage by Metal Mike for a tremendous culmination of rock music.

When they’re not prepping for their final concert, the group will participate in fun activities including a zip line, skate park, go carts, swimming, climbing walls, bon fires on the beach and a lot more!

Metal Camp will be held on the grounds of Camp Lakota in the Catskill Mountains. The price includes 3 great meals a day, bunks with running water, showers and storage. Space is extremely limited, so sign up today! To enroll go to www.schoolofrock.com/metalcamp .

Dates: August 19th-25th

Price : $1,299

Sign up : www.schoolofrock.com/metalcamp

More info: Destination_Camp@schoolofrock.com or 646-553-4734

Location : 56 Park Road - Wurtsboro, NY 12790 - Approximately 90 minutes from the GW Bridge 

Local Groups to Perform at Silver Cross Hospital’s Grand Opening Feb. 12

Community invited to Name the Robot and meet the Joliet Slammers mascots

 

In celebration of the opening of the new Silver Cross Hospital at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox, several local musical entertainers will perform on Sunday, Feb. 12 at the Housewarming Party between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.   The line-up includes the Sandburg High School Choir from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Joliet Folk Lorico Dancers from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m., Lincoln Way West High School Choir, from 2 to 3 p.m. and the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Music Ministry from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.   The Joliet Slammers’ mascots—Spikes and J.L. Bird will also be at the opening celebration along with 2011 Frontier League Championship Cup. 

 

Take a Tour

In addition to the performance artists, guests will be treated to a 45-minute self-guided walking tour through several areas in the hospital including the emergency department, imaging, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, private medical-surgical patient rooms, Women and Infant Services Birthing Center, and Intensive Care Unit.  In the new  new Procedural Care Unit, which consolidates surgery, endoscopy and interventional cardiology and radiology procedures into one integrated area,  visitors can see the hospital’s newest technology—the Davinci.  This  robotic surgicalsystem is designed to facilitate complex  surgery using a minimally invasive approach and is controlled by a surgeon from a console.  The Davinci robot is commonly used for  prostatectomies and hysterectomies.

 

There will even be a “Name the Robot” Contest in which tour participants will have a chance to win a Sony Bloggie Touch video camera.

 

“This is your opportunity to get a sneak peek before we open our doors on Feb. 26,” said Paul Pawlak, President and CEO of Silver Cross Hospital.  “We will take you into areas that most people never have a chance to see such as the operating room and interventional core which includes the cath lab, interventional radiology lab, electrophysiology suite where doctors repair fast beating hearts and insert pacemakers, and where our brand new biplane angiography imaging system will be located to treat patients with strokes later this summer.”

 

New Hospital Opening Feb. 26, 2012

Construction began on the $370 million replacement hospital in 2009.  The 6-story facility was built using evidence-based design, which has been proven to help in the healing process and contribute to a speedier recovery for patients.   Some of the many ways that evidence-based design has been integrated into the 289-bed replacement hospital is with large, private patient rooms, natural and enhanced lighting, sound and noise control, cheerful yet calming colors, ties to nature, bedside care and dedicated family areas.  When the new hospital opens at 7 a.m. on Feb. 26, patients and families will also benefit from new technology and expanded services through partnerships with renowned academic centers including Children’s Memorial Hospital, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, and most recently, the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC).  UCMC and Silver Cross are currently building an outpatient cancer center that will open in April 2012 on the New Lenox campus.

 

“We are building on our century old commitment to the Will County community by relocating our seven-time 100 Top Hospital care to a state-of-the-art facility that will serve future generations,” said Pawlak.

 

Reservations Recommended

Due to space limitations, reservations are highly recommended for the free grand opening event.  Secure your tour time at www.silvercross.org/newhospital and be entered in a raffle to win a KINDLE FIRE. 

 

About Silver Cross Hospital

Silver Cross Hospital is a not-for-profit health care provider serving Will County and southwest suburban communities since 1895.  Silver Cross has been recognized as a Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals National Award winner for the last seven consecutive years and as one of America’s Most Customer Friendly Hospitals by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers. With over 2,900 employees, physicians and volunteers, Silver Cross operates a 304-bed acute care hospital and 10 satellite facilities providing outpatient services and physician offices. Construction is well underway to build a state-of-the-art replacement hospital opening Feb. 26, 2012 at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox.  To learn more about Silver Cross Hospital or a referral to a physician on staff, visit  www.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).

14 WAYS TO SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR CHOCOLATE ALL FEBRUARY

AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM

Sweet Chocolate Events for Every Age

If you’re looking for a way to spread the love to family and friends this Valentine’s Day and throughout February, visit the Morton Arboretum where chocolatiers are bringing their passion for candy-making to inspire 14 chocolate-themed activities. 

From “sushi” to a kid’s chocolate pizza-making workshops to wine and beer pairings, we’re spreading the chocolate love with a daily chocolate exhibit and events throughout the month for kids and adults.

Kids Get Gooey on Feb. 19th making Chocolate Pizza

Belgian Chocolatier

1. Spread the Love with Chocolate. A Chocolate Expo will be held Saturday and Sunday, February 4 and 5; 10 a.m-4 p.m.; Visitor Center; Sample and purchase unique sweets and chocolate-themed gifts made by 17 Chicago-area chocolatiers. Events will include: “Tempering Chocolate Explained;” “The Health Benefits of Chocolate;” “Dove Chocolate Discovery Tasting Party;” and “Mastering The Chocolate Martini.”
2. Sweat Treats. Chocolate-themed sweets and gifts will leave you smitten, on sale at The Arboretum Store, daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; The Arboretum Store
3. Kid-friendly Projects. A free chocolate-themed kids’ event – “Cool Kids Winter Play,” is on tap for February 1, 3, 4, & 5 from 11a.m. & 1 p.m. in the Children’s Garden.
4. Heart-to-heart Reads. “Arbor Reading Adventures for Children” are being held February 1 and 3, 11-11:45; $4 member children, ($5 non-member children); Adult must accompany child (no cost)
5. Signed with a Kiss.  A “Children's Book Signing and Storytelling” will be held Feb. 4; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Visitor Center; Sit down for story time with a reading of The Chocolate Story: A Sweet Little Fable, by Rick Moser. Kids can learn delicious lessons about making good choices.
6. Here’s to Truffles. A truffle-making workshop will be held Saturday, February 11; 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. Thornhill Education Center; $23 members ($28 non-member) Discover the secrets to making these delicious treats during this hands-on workshop.
7. Say “I love chocolate” with “Sushi.” A chocolate “Sushi” workshop will be held Sunday, February 12; 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. Thornhill Education Center $32 ($37 non-member). Roll up your sleeves and get ready to make chocolate "sushi" during this hands-on workshop.
8. The Science of Sweetness. “The Botany of Chocolate” workshop will be held Saturday, February 18; 1–3 p.m. Visitor Center; $22 ($29 non-member); Explore the history, culture, and science of chocolate in this workshop.
9. Sip the from the Vineyards of Chocolate. Explore the mystical union of chocolate and wine. Experts from Wente Family Estates and KOKKU Gourmet will demonstrate how to savor the nuances of five wines and single origin chocolate Sunday, February 19; 3-5 p.m. Ginkgo Restaurant; $20 Members ($25 non-members).
10.  Kids Get Gooey. A Chocolate “Pizza” Party, will be held Feb 19 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m; $10 ($15 non-member); Children will learn how to make a Chocolate “pizza” and other chocolaty treats.
11. Chewy Chocolate for Kids. A kids’ Chocolate Crepe Workshop will be held Monday, February 20 (President’s Day) 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.; Visitor Center; $20 ($30 non-member); Learn how to make chocolate crepes and sample chocolates in this cooking class for kids.
12. Sweet Home Chicago. At one time Chicago produced one-third of the nation’s candy and was known as the candy capitol of America. From Brach's caramels, to Mars Snickers bars, to Frango Mints, learn some of the history behind these tasty treats when Leslie Goddard, author and our resident historian presents “Chicago’s Sweet Candy History.” Saturday, February 25; 9:30-11 a.m. Ginkgo Restaurant; $23 members (non-members $28) Includes a chocolate-themed brunch of puff pastries with caramel and warm chocolate; seasonal fruit; bacon and turkey sausage and beverages.
13. Cheers to Chocolate. Enjoy “small plate” servings and sample beer from Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company in the Ginkgo Restaurant with chocolate by Graham’s Chocolate paired with a variety of Leinenkugel’s Beer. Sunday, Feb. 26; 3-5 p.m. Ginkgo Restaurant $30 ($35 non-member).
14. What Inspires Chocolate? Discover everything you need to know about sweetness with our daily Chocolate Exhibit 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Visitor Center.  This mini exhibit highlights the growing, harvesting, and production process of chocolate and its relationship to trees.

For more information or to sign up for, go to mortonarb.org or 630-725-2066, Monday-Friday; 10a.m.-3 p.m.