Senior Series
A monthly series for our senior community! Coffee and refreshments are served.

Building a Better Memory
Thursday, April 3 from 1–2pm
Registration is required.

Find yourself thinking, “I must be getting old, because I can’t seem to remember anything?” Do not give in to the myth that memory loss comes with aging. Family Life Educator Molly Hofer from the University of Illinois Extension shows you how to improve your memory through training and practice, identify what is “normal” and implement strategies for improving memory.

Arthritis and Aging
Thursday, May 15 from 1–2pm
Registration is required.

Learn all about arthritis – its early warning signs, how it starts and what it does to your body. Dr. Jason Hui of the Foundation for Wellness Professionals also discusses exercises to cure and prevent your symptoms, how to minimize the progression of the disease and non-surgical approaches that are effective in relieving pain.

Feng Shui for Your Home
Wednesday, April 9 from 7–8:30pm
Registration is required.

Ever feel rushed and tense in your home? Discover the fascinating benefits of feng shui, an ancient Chinese system for creating peaceful, supportive surroundings. Judith Miller shows you how easy it is to turn your home into a relaxed, comfortable and healing environment.

Writer’s Support Group
Wednesdays, April 9, May 14, June 11 from 6:30–9pm
Registration is not required.

“Writing is making sense of life.”– Nadine Gordimer

Whether you are a published author or trying to become one, the Writer’s Support Group, led by Sandy Kamen Wisniewski, offers an opportunity to critique each other’s work and share ideas and techniques. New members are always welcome.

Judy Levin Book Discussion
Thursday from 10–11:30am

A limited number of books will be available to check out with a VAPLD card starting four weeks before each discussion.

April 10
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Registration is required.

May 8
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Registration is required.

Games for Grownups

Choose from games such as Chess, Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne:
The City, No Thanks! and Go. Open to adults and high school students of all skill levels.
Registration is not required.

Chess Day
Sunday, April 13 from 1–4pm
Play an old friend or find a new opponent! Sharpen your skills with the help of chess instructor Robert Krause. He teaches you the game and offers tips to improve your play. If you prefer, enjoy one of our other board games!

Board Game Day
Sunday, May 18 from 1–4pm
Learn a new game or play an old favorite!

Two programs – One night!
Spring Showers: Baby or Bridal
Wednesday, April 16 from 7–9pm
Registration is required.

Learn how to throw the perfect baby or bridal shower! Deena Stovall teaches you everything you need to know to have a fun and elegant party. You will get ideas for themes, invitations, decorations and favors, and finish with delightful finger food and desserts. Ms. Stovall provides recipes for a bridal shower luncheon menu that includes frozen fruit slush, orange chicken salad, relish roll-ups, chocolate cognac truffle tartlets and fresh berry tarts. She will also provide recipes for a baby shower dessert buffet menu that includes carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, chocolate mousse cake, derby pie, coconut cream pie, petits fours, pecan divines, cream wafers, bourbon brownies, mixed nuts and a cheese and fruit platter. Tasting and recipes will be included.

Barbara Rinella Presents: Nora Ephron
Thursday, April 17 from 7–9pm
Registration is required.

Barbara Rinella brings to life award-winning novelist and screenwriter Nora Ephron (When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail). In her latest book, I Feel Bad about My Neck and Other Thoughts on Being a Woman, Ephron shares many humorous life lessons from the state of her neck to her marriages, and everything in between. This delightful look into the many insights on being a woman remains one of Ms. Rinella’s funniest dramatic performances yet.

Lunch & Learn

Bring your lunch and enjoy a dessert provided by the library.

The Prairie State Primer
Wednesday, April 23 from Noon–1pm
Registration is required.

In this educational and often surprising story about Illinois, John Lynn shares with you a comprehensive overview of our Prairie State. Come enjoy this entertaining and colorful narrative on the heritage, features and attractions of Illinois.

Art in Sunshine
Wednesday, May 14 from Noon–1pm
Registration is required.

Celebrate the beginning of spring! Claire Cross guides you through a mesmerizing tour of artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet. Visit the warm locales of California, Florida and South Carolina, and see sculpture gardens sure to make you crave the warmth and sunshine of spring.

Second Annual Earth Day Fair
Sunday, April 27 from Noon–2pm
Registration is not required.

Celebrate Earth Day 2008! Visit with local villages, park districts, garden clubs and other area environmental groups as they share information about their organization, discuss environmental topics and offer ways you can help. Enjoy organic snacks from Trader Joe’s, green giveaways and raffles, children’s activities, animal exhibit, worm bin exhibit, Field Museum Soil Adventure Mobile, Earth Day Scavenger Hunt at 1pm and our Second Annual Tree Planting Ceremony at 1:30pm.

Exhibitors include: Bubba the Art Bus from Art Works, Buffalo Grove Garden Club, Chelle Design Group Ltd, ComEd, Lake County Forest Preserves and Ryerson Woods, Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District, Lincolnshire Garden Club, Long Grove and Kildeer Garden Club, 102.3 FM, Long Grove Park District, Rain Garden Network, SWALCO, Shaklee Sergeant Health and Wellness Solutions, Sierra Club, State Representative Kathy Ryg, Trader Joe’s, Village of Buffalo Grove and the Village of Lincolnshire.

Spring Musical Concert: Best of the Twentieth Century
Monday, May 5 from 7–8pm
Registration is required.

Enjoy a spring concert with Bill and Susan Goodman! The Goodman’s musical show highlights the beloved music, unforgettable songs and remarkable entertainers of the twentieth century. Swing, ragtime, operetta, love songs and hits from Broadway and Hollywood – it is truly a musical delight.

Spring Room Makeover: Remodeling Your Kitchen & Bathroom
Thursday, May 8 from 7–9pm
Registration is required.

If you are thinking about updating your kitchen or bathroom, then you need to come to this remodeling seminar. Business owner Dave Kunzweiler discusses current trends in kitchen and bathroom design including lighting, flooring, appliances, countertops and everything in between. Learn the ins and outs of the planning process, from cost considerations to time involved.

Evening Book Discussion
Tuesday, May 13 from 7–8:30pm
Registration is required.

The Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond
Described as “a gripping tale” by People magazine, this is the story of how life can change in an instant and one woman’s unwavering faith in the redemptive power of love. Copies of the book will be available at the Adult Services Desk beginning April 1.

Crime Scene at the Library
Tuesday, May 13 from 7–9pm
Registration is required.

Ever wonder what happens at the scene of a homicide? Find out for yourself if those TV crime dramas are real! Join local author Linda Mickey and a panel of crime experts as they examine the workings and details of a real homicide. From the discovery of the body to the processing of the evidence, this panel shares with you what really happens when there is a murder.

Women’s Wellness Day Event
Sunday, May 18 from Noon–2pm
Registration is not required.

Pamper yourself with a mini-retreat away from it all! VAPLD is hosting a Women’s Wellness Day Event meant to chase away stress, revitalize your soul and leave you feeling refreshed. Michael Thomas Salon invites you to begin your afternoon with makeup and hair color/style consultations. Highland Park Hospital Health and Fitness Center of Buffalo Grove provides a mini-health screening and tips for improving your overall health. Libertyville Massage offers five minute massages to unwind your mind and body. Infini-Tea Gourmet Restaurant in Antioch serves samples of various teas and delicious scones. Raffle items include manicures, massages, haircuts, fitness day passes and tea gift baskets. Giveaways and refreshments wrap up your rejuvenating afternoon. We will also announce the winner of the VAPLD Extreme Makeover with Michael Thomas Salon.

Rejuvenating Chair Yoga
Sunday, May 18 from Noon-12:30pm
Registration is required; space is limited.

Take a break from your hectic weekend with a quick and rejuvenating yoga class. Learn a few basic moves that you can take home with you to relax your mind, body and soul. To conclude your refreshing and stress-free afternoon check out the Women’s Wellness Day Event in the Meeting Room.

VAPLD Extreme Makeover with Michael Thomas Salon
Always dreamed of having your own extreme makeover? VAPLD is teaming with Michael Thomas Salon to make your dream come true! Tell us in 200 words or less why you are in need of your very own makeover. We will choose one winner to spend an invigorating day at Michael Thomas Salon getting a facial, makeup application, new hairstyle and color. All entrants should be willing to participate in a before and after photo session.

Entry forms will be available beginning Tuesday, April 1 in the library lobby and need to be turned in at the Patron Services Desk by Thursday, May 1 at 9pm. We will announce the winner at the Women’s Wellness Day Event on Sunday, May 18 at 1:45pm. (Winner does not need to be present to win.)

Forgotten Synagogues
Thursday, May 22 from 7–8:30pm
Registration is required.

In his much anticipated return to the library, Robb Packer, author of Doors of Redemption: The Forgotten Synagogues of Chicago, presents this illustrated lecture about the 150-year history of Chicago synagogue architecture. See how these buildings have evolved into churches, Asian temples, condos, community buildings and mosques.

Live Green! Reusable Library Bags

We want to do our part to lessen our impact on the environment. Instead of polluting the environment by handing out 40,000 plastic bags every year, we will provide you with the option of purchasing a Live Green! reusable library bag. This bag is made from revolutionary, high-tech, non-woven polyprolene that is reusable and degrades easier when disposed. You can purchase a bag for $1 at the Patron Services Desk beginning on Earth Day, April 22!

Reuse-A-Shoe
Saturday, March 1 through Thursday, April 24

Millions of athletic shoes are thrown away unnecessarily each year. You can help stop clogging landfills with shoes by dropping off your old athletic shoes in the lobby beginning March 1. Shoes need to be clean and contain no metal.