DJ's Cat Corner

Expertise The Most Beneficial Wine Place Limo Tasting Tour Day

Posted on February 22, 2012 by admin

The Wine place is identified for its environment famous wine. Thousands and thousands of holidaymakers from around the world go to the Wine Nation every single calendar year to flavor and sip on these incredible wines. The Wine Nation is probably the initial journey locations during the environment. but, how could this sort of a little, guarded spot be residence to a lot of unique wines? The Napa Valley is property to in excess of three hundred wineries, every vineyard has its possess distinctive allure. The Sonoma location has through 250 wineries, rivaling the most effective Napa wines. so, how can you pick which wineries to go to while in the Wine Region? a lot of website visitors are overcome by these possibilities.

Here’s 4 views to aid you select the top wine region tour day.

To begin with, you may go to approximately four to six wineries in the wine tasting day. considering that you simply can’t get pleasure from all 650+ wineries inside of a day, the target should be to benefit from the best or customizable wine tour only for you. Wineries that attractiveness for you in relation to vintages, form, and many others. What ever wineries you decide on from the conclusion, make certain your wine tasting tour day is made up of several massive, well-known wineries, a cave tour as well as a very few off-the-beaten route, historic relatives owned boutique wineries. Continue to keep this head, regardless of which wine varietals you favor, the wineries while in the Wine place address the top of them all-and have finished so for many years.

2nd, question a limousine enterprise that is locally owned and operated within just the Wine State which wineries they like and why. Limo organizations pay a visit to the wineries every day. they could give comprehensive information concerning the genuine area and also the wine by itself. Bear in mind, the Wine Region is really a location that you should flavor wines you basically are unable to obtain anyplace else, also to see the place the magic arises from.

3rd, bear in mind the wineries will not supply transportation to and from every single vineyard and so the most secure technique to take a look at the wineries is by limousine. And, the most beneficial component is you will find several cost-effective limousine tour deals during the valley.

Fourth, the Wine Region is additionally identified for its wonderful cuisine and environment famous chefs. so, right after a wine tasting day it is time for you to appreciate a fantastic restaurant, like Ristorante Allegria, Meadowood, Bistro Don Giovanni or Bottega to title a handful of. most limousine businesses give supper transportation services likewise. They’re going to generate you on the restaurant and again towards your accommodations. in some cases the hotel delivers complimentary supper transportation services.

When going to the Wine State, begin exploring months before checking out. Lookup on the internet for limousine corporations and costs, wineries, etcetera. after you have a listing of places to eat and wineries that acquire to the liking, examine each and every company’s assessments. also, really feel no cost to question suggestions through the businesses you’ve got previously selected. This could be very useful. once again, never wait around to method your excursion. should you do, costs and pricing generally raise.

Following an fulfilling wine tasting day and wonderful foodstuff, remember, there are actually lots of pursuits past a wine tasting day. it is possible to love a sizzling air balloon journey, a boat experience, a bicycle tour, a spa or even a massage, a cooking jordan retro 4 2012 course, browsing, and so forth. I suggest likely on the internet and hunting for the official visitor’s middle internet site or hunt for concierge jordan 4 products and services.

Find helpful knowledge about the topic of – make sure to study this page. The times have come when proper info is really within one click, use this opportunity.

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This post was written by assistant on February 18, 2012

Companions need to stop trying to present themselves as some kind of radical reformers of cat. To fetch the answer of this question, MBAUniverse.com held its AskMBAUniverse.com Live Expert Chat on ?ow to improve your mock CAT scores??on September 9, 2011 with Vinayak Kudva, Product Head, IMS Learning. Boost Your Cat Health - Buy Advance Cat Food Online A lot of people usually buy their dog and cat food at local grocery stores. Yes, that group.? Livingston Origin: English Meaning: Levin stone Trivia: David Livingston was a Scottish missionary and explorer famous for his discovery of Victoria Falls in Southern Africa. The California spangled cats look like mini leopards and have a strong, lithe and muscular body structure. The Ashera cat is supposedly the rarest breed of domesticated feline. Stopping here is comfortable.? This will encourage more play and activity from your cats.

Posted in Cat Tree | Tagged allure, benefit from, calendar year, possibilities, target, wineries | Leave a comment

Sheri at The Loopy Ewe » Backyard Visitor

Posted on February 22, 2012 by admin

1329927023 45 Sheri at The Loopy Ewe » Backyard Visitor

Soon after we moved into this house, we noticed a cat sitting in the back of our yard, some afternoons. of course I tried to make friends with him, but he doesn’t let anyone get too close. we (ok, I) named him Mocha.

He has gotten braver. This fall he started coming up on our deck in the mornings and peering in our back door. This causes our (indoor) cat Gracie all kinds of stress. she does not want anyone else on the deck. (Our other cat Zoe doesn’t mind at all. She’s a bit more mellow about such things.)

One morning I saw him drinking from a puddle on the deck, so I put water out for him. after that, he’d come 2 or 3 times some days, just to get a drink. So when the weather got cold, of course I had to get a heated bird bath so that he (and the birds) could have water all winter long.

He seems to like it here. Sometimes he even comes and sits on our window ledges and looks in.

Did I mention that Gracie doesn’t like him hanging around?

He comes as early as 6:30 am to drink, and the other night I saw him getting water on the porch at 9:30 pm. I’m getting worried that he has no home and sleeps under our deck. what will happen when it gets really cold? Paul assures me that he probably has a cat door in his home, where he is free to come and go. But I think I had better worry about him all winter long. you know, because worrying is so effective.

So far I have refrained from buying an outdoor heated cat house, and putting food out for him. So far. But I’m still worried about him.

Sheri istherea”bleedingheart”signonmyhousethatattractsanimalslikethis?FPS.

These can all be signs of an aging cat. That is how to recover fast from cat tags problems. If you have more than one cat as a pet, territorial aggression is bound to surface. I, most likely, don't soak up the reason. When buying cat apparel it is recommended that one should compare prices at different stores and get the best deal for their money. They tend to return much more love and loyalty than they get from their owners. I had speculated that I would like to ramble endlessly concerning doing this. Also check whether you have repeated the mistakes which you had committed previously. An Honest Look at the Cat Leash Cat Leash There are many reasons as to why a pet owner would purchase a leash for their cat.

Posted in Cat Bed | Tagged afternoons, zoe | Leave a comment

CitiKitty Cat Toilet Training Kit — A Marketing Review

Posted on February 22, 2012 by admin

1329925848 90 CitiKitty Cat Toilet Training Kit — A Marketing Review

Have you ever thought about toilet training your cat?

Believe it or not, but such a concept is possible. doing so can eliminate purchasing those bags of kitty litter, or even spending money on fancy litter boxes. Imagine!

The concept of potty training cats and dogs really isn’t anything new. People have been doing that for ages. Over twenty years ago I knew of a friend’s family that trained their dog (a big golden retriever) to use the toilet. The only trick, besides having a pet smart enough to learn about it, is knowing how to train your pet.

A few nights ago, my girlfriend and I saw a TV commercial for CitiKitty, a cat toilet training kit. The thing is, the TV commercial looked so hokey that we both thought that it was a joke product, something like a fake product being used to sell a “real” one. but sure enough, the CitiKitty is very much a real product. And apparently this particular product has been on the market since 2005.

CitiKitty website — GetCitiKitty.com

The company’s website looks neat and informative. It’s much better than those other “as seen on TV” cheesy sales pitches. The pages here are informative, the pictures look good, and since it’s a rather simple product, it doesn’t leave the customer confused or asking unanswered questions.

The product’s TV commercial, however, is a different story. Take a look and see just how poorly it was put together.

CitiKitty — TV commercial

Wasn’t that so informative and exciting that you’ll want to whip out the credit card and place an order?

Or did the commercial feel more like, well, crap? Cat crap to be specific. A big, heaping, steaming pile of it.

Let’s take a closer look at the TV commercial and see how it could have been improved.

CitiKitty TV commercial — The horrors of litter boxes and cat poop.

The CitiKitty TV commercial starts out addressing the problem of cleaning around and inside of a cat’s litter box.

My girlfriend has a house cat, and believe me, I’ve seen what kind of horrors await in a litter box. It’s rather frightening just what kind of bowel movements an ordinary cat can unleash, especially if he’s in a bad mood. I swear, that’s just a nasty experience. I don’t know how people can stand cleaning those litter boxes. More power to you if you can handle cleaning after a cat has done his or her business.

Getting back to the TV commercial, cleaning a cat’s litter box can be a problem for people. however, for issues like leaving a mess or handling the smell, those issues can be corrected with a little planning. An enclosed litter box with air filters should contain those two problems to staying within the “box of horrors” (a.k.a. litter box). Scented litter can also help reduce the smell of the cat’s excrement. though when it comes time to clean said box, all bets are off as to what horrendous sights and smells await you.

Is there a way to eliminate the litter box completely?

Can indoor cats still take a dump without being thrown outdoors?

CitiKitty commercial — Yes, Virginia, cats CAN use the toilet!

The solution here lies with teaching your cat how to use the toilet. Flushing isn’t necessary, but sitting on the seat and aiming into the bowl is mandatory. Falling into the bowl is just funny. hopefully the cat won’t leave a brown skid mark on the toilet seat.

Notice how this segment of the TV commercial does NOT show the cat being trained or using the CitiKitty. What we’re looking at here is the ultimate solution of what takes place after successfully using the product and toilet training your cat.

If you’re selling a product that’s designed to have a great solution, shouldn’t you at least show the product in the commercial? in this segment and in the end we see a picture of the CitiKitty cat toilet training kit, but at no point do we really see the product, either being used by a real cat or simulated in an animation. we saw a problem in the beginning, the commercial jumped to the desired solution, but the commercial failed to really show the product itself.

Phase 1 – Sell concept of cats using the toilet.

Phase 2 – ?????

Phase 3 – Profit.

CitiKitty commercial — nearly ANY cat can be trained to use the toilet.

After seeing one cat use the toilet, the commercial advances and shows that virtually any size house cat can be toilet trained. but do we see the CitiKitty product? Nope. Again we’re just focused on the final solution of cats using the toilet.

Up next we’re hit with the sales pitch and ordering information. That’s it.

One school of thought here is that the marketing team wants to capture your information and make you seek out more information about the product. The problem with that school of thought is that people are going onto the Information Superhighway to research the product, thus delaying them from grabbing the phone or their credit card.

Apart from showing videos of cats using the toilet and attempting to spread word of CitiKitty, does the commercial actually sell the product? Not exactly. We’re sold on the concept of such a product, but not necessarily this particular product. oh sure, the CitiKitty commercial does a great job of capturing your attention with videos of cats using the toilet, but it skipped the most important part.

Remember folks, this is the Information Age. If people have to look up your product on the Internet, then they are very likely to also find other items in the search results including other product websites and message forums where people discuss alternate solutions.

One of many videos showing cats using a toilet. Some cats can train themselves. others have used alternate products or training concepts.

Stepping away from the product’s commercial, the name CitiKitty is a rather interesting choice. Obviously “citi” is a way of flirting the profanity barrier instead of saying “shitty.” as a joke this isn’t an original idea. Using “city” as a replacement to the other word exploded in popularity when South Park began using that joke back in 2002.

South Park – City Wok – ‘Jared Has Aides’ episode

But seriously, do you really want to use “citi” (or any other version) in the product’s name? Really? I’ll admit that CitiKitty is catchy and easy to remember (at least for me), but it’s still inappropriate as a product name.

When thinking about cats using the toilet, a certain scene from Date Movie (2006) comes to mind.

Date Movie — Cat having a REALLY rough time on the toilet.

FINAL THOUGHTS

As funny and practical as it sounds to toilet train a cat, the CitiKitty TV commercial does a poor job selling us the actual product. The commercial does a great job capturing the viewers’ attention, but it leaves them wanting to look up more information about the concept and not necessarily the product. at no point in the TV commercial do we see the CitiKitty product being demonstrated or discussed, either through a live example or computer animation.

The CitiKitty website, however, looks great and answers questions about the product. why this kind of useful yet critical information was not included in the TV commercial is beyond me.

As far as cat hair on the toilet seat, I’m not even going to touch that issue.

——————-

All of the CitiKitty TV commercial images were screenshots of the TV commercial available on YouTube. For more product information, please visit the company’s website, GetCitiKitty.com.

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Posted in Cat Training | Tagged golden retriever, joke, kitty litter, spending money, train | Leave a comment

Cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy shares secrets of ‘cat speak’ in Cat Mojo 101

Posted on February 22, 2012 by admin

1329924608 60 Cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy shares secrets of cat speak in Cat Mojo 101

PHOENIX — if you’re a cat guardian, chances are you’ve wondered — probably more than once — what’s going on inside that furry head. Cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy knows. Nicknamed "Cat Daddy," Galaxy is fluent when it comes to speaking cat, and he’s more than willing — thrilled, even — to share what he’s learned over the years.he wants cat guardians to be proactive so they can head off potential issues before they fester into real problems."if we can get this done before the problem is a problem, there won’t be a problem," Galaxy said. That’s why he encourages those who share their lives with felines to become somewhat bilingual."Cat speak" is at the heart of Galaxy’s Cat Mojo 101 seminar. It’s a must-attend for anyone who has ever been involved in a battle of wills with a cat or two. in my mind, that pretty much includes anyone who has ever been owned by a cat.I was one of more than 300 people who packed the Franciscan Renewal Center in Phoenix for Galaxy’s 90-minute seminar last Friday evening. It was standing-room only, and as engaging and entertaining as it was informative, I’d go again in a heartbeat.Moderncat Enterprises, which is owned by Kate Benjamin, put the event together."I was thrilled with the turnout! It really was a who’s who of Arizona cat lovers," Benjamin said. "We even had people come to town from new York and Kansas City — just for the event!"with his vibrant personality, contagious enthusiasm and obvious love for cats, Galaxy was the draw.

"Jackson was funny and insightful," said Karen Speaker-Nunley, the guardian of two cats. "Through it all, one thing was very clear. he loves cats — all cats. even the hellish ones. I can’t wait for Cat Mojo 102!"

Galaxy, the star of Animal Planet’s "My Cat from Hell," didn’t set out to be a cat behaviorist. he actually didn’t have much to do with cats until he started working at the high-traffic, high-stress cat shelter at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley in Colorado.an experiment with what author Anitra Frazier, whom Galaxy calls his mentor, described as the "cat I love you" on a stormy — and yowly — night at the shelter showed the Cat Dad what he could do. Galaxy calls it the slow blink. anyone who has shared a home with a cat has seen it. Galaxy starts most feline conversations with that blink. When a cat returns it, Galaxy knows he’s made a connection. The experiment was a success. in less than an hour, he had turned a room full of yowling cats into a feline slumber party.that was the turning point for Galaxy. since then he’s pretty much seen it all.

While most of his clients come to him for aggression problems and litter-box issues, there have been some extreme cases, including that of Penny Lane. she adored her human mom, but hated everybody else. Just the sound of somebody’s voice would cause her to lash out in potentially dangerous ways — even at Galaxy himself.(Watch video of Galaxy’s first meeting with Penny Lane)

As he tried to establish a rapport with Penny Lane, he discovered that she loved to play. The minute the fun ended, however, the switch in her head would flip. Despite his extensive experience, Penny Lane was a first for Galaxy."Every time I picked up that toy, she turned into a kitten. The second I put it down and I spoke, she went for my face," he recalled. "It was, in the same breath, frightening and then you felt really, really bad for her because to be trapped in that body could not be fun. trying to get through to her when she was in that state was impossible, despite his guitar case full of tricks. "I’ve never seen any cat do that before," he continued. "I’ve seen cats with varying degrees of neurologic problems, but nothing that incredible."Galaxy actually ended up recommending a vet visit and possible medication for Penny Lane, something he only does as a last resort.some people weren’t pleased with that decision, but Galaxy stands by it, saying it was the best thing for both Penny Lane and her human companion.

"Why wouldn’t we avail ourselves of [something that could help her]?" he said. Just to be clear, drugs are never Galaxy’s first choice. "I’m going to take a behavioral approach first and then afterwards I’m going to decide if there’s another tack we have to take," he said. with Penny Lane, there were no behavioral options. While Galaxy spoke cat, Penny Lane didn’t."in order for her to speak cat at all, she had to realize that there weren’t ‘enemies at the gate,’" he said.Once she was on medication, Galaxy was able to make the connection he wanted.few of Galaxy’s cases are that extreme. Most of them can be solved with some fairly simple measures and the results are nearly immediate."Most of them are easy," he said. "On TV, you get to see the ones that are out of control. … but seeing that level, you realize that you don’t have it so bad."The cat-human relationship all comes down to communication, which means cat guardians need to learn to see the world through their cats’ eyes. That’s not always as easy as it might sound.

Photo by Nancy Nighswonger

Cats are not unlike babies. Sometimes you’ve done everything possible for them — fed them, burped them, changed them — and they’re still not happy. you have to figure out what’s what going on in their heads, what’s triggering their behavior. you have to learn to speak cat."People who are trying to make the square cat fit in a round hole, they need to see the world the way their cats does," he said. "by actually seeing what they are responsive to, what they are reacting to, we can fix these problems a lot easier."This suggestion is both figurative and literal. Galaxy says a collar camera like the Eyeminal can be an invaluable to learning what makes your cat tick. not only can you see his reaction, you can see exactly what sparked it from his point of view. Once you have that information, you’re on the road fixing whatever the problem might be.Galaxy’s twofold goal is both simple and lofty. he was to keep cats in their homes and he wants to find homes for shelter cats.

So what, would Cat Daddy tell every cat guardian if he could?"get more," he said without hesitation."My job is demystifying [cats], ‘fixing,’ making the problems less than so you bring more into your house so less die," he said. "That’s all that I care about."in the process of getting more, learn the way they see the world and make it matter to you," he continued.

Galaxy also is dedicated to building an online community. While he can’t personally respond to every post, he hopes that those who have seen his show and attended Cat Mojo 101 reach out to other cat guardians who might be approaching the end of their ropes."It’s so important that we keep this ball rolling," he said. "The bottom line to all of this is to get more cats homes; kill fewer cats."To learn more about Galaxy, who will soon start production on season three of "My Cat from Hell," and what he has to share about understanding cats, visit JacksonGalaxy.com. you also can connect and become part of his flourishing online community on Facebook (Facebook.com/JacksonGalaxyCatDaddy) and Twitter (@JacksonGalaxy).

Penny Lane video

Go back to where you left off

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Posted in Cat Training | Tagged cat behaviorist, franciscan renewal center, friday evening, galaxy, wills | Leave a comment

Community Calendar for Feb. 17

Posted on February 22, 2012 by admin

1329922212 62 Community Calendar for Feb. 17

February 17, 2012 9:58AM

Updated: February 17, 2012 6:34PM

Submissions for the Community Calendar are required 10 days preceding the date of publication. Send to: Pioneer Press, 3701 W. Lake Ave., Glenview IL 60026. Information may be faxed to (847) 486-7495 or emailed to mbottari@pioneerlocal.com.

Center of Concern

The Center of Concern, 1580 N. Northwest Highway, Suite 310, Park Ridge, (847) 823-0453, calendar of events includes:

Monday, Feb. 27 – Employment counseling, by appointment.

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays – Income tax preparation, by appointment.

Saturday, Feb. 25 – Legal counseling, by appointment.

Saturday, Feb. 25 – Blood pressure and blood sugar testing, 10 a.m.-noon (no appointment needed).

Homeowners desiring additional income, companionship, or the ability to remain in their homes may wish to consider the Center of Concern’s Shared Housing Program. Residents are matched with screened applicants who possess a temperament suitable to shared accommodations.

Preparation of simple wills and durable powers of attorney for health care and property also is available by appointment. All services are offered at the Center of Concern offices, 1580 N. Northwest Highway, no. 310, Park Ridge. for services that require an appointment, call (847) 823-0453 weekdays, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The center is open only until noon on Fridays. The Center of Concern also offers housing counseling for seniors and others seeking affordable housing, programs designed to prevent homelessness, friendly visitors for the homebound, and volunteer opportunities in the office and in the field. see centerofconcern.org.

Center counselors also are available to help eligible residents apply for Illinois Circuit Breaker property tax relief grants and license plate discounts, Illinois Cares Rx (prescription drug assistance), the senior citizen real estate tax exemption and deferral, the senior citizen tax assessment freeze, and the long-time occupant homeowner property tax exemption.

The Korean War Veterans Association, Greater Chicago Chapter no. 25, meet at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Montclare-Leyden VFW Post, 6940 W. Diversey Ave. Call Joe Henmueller, (773) 774-9671.

The Norridge-Harwood Heights Rotary Club meets at 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays during the lunch hour at Vince’s Restaurant, 4747 N. Harlem Ave. Attend as a guest and learn more about the club and how to become involved in the community.

The Polish Women’s Alliance has a research library and reading room based on the Polish experience, at 6643 N. Northwest Highway, second floor, Chicago. Many wonderful books both in Polish and English are available to browse and read. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for a list of already-catalogued books visit pwaa.org and click on the library button. Contact Vice President Sharon Zago (847) 384-1208 or Treasurer Barbara Miller (847) 384-1206.

a Taste of Poland will be hosted by Harwood Heights Mayor Arlene Jezierny, village trustees and the Special Events Committee from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. March 10 at the Village Hall, 7300 W. Wilson Ave. Join in some fun sampling of local Polish restaurants. Cost is $25 per person. no tickets at the door; call (708) 867-7200.

Local resident John Divita offers Old Time Radio online at windycityhometown.com. Programs in addition to Old Time Radio, include those such as “Meet the Chicago Historians,” John Divita’s Big Band Showcase, John Sachanda’s Serendipity Jukebox and Stagelight Cabaret.

The Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County recently established a Battery Recycling Program for rechargeable and alkaline batteries, partnered with Interstate Batteries in Skokie to provide recycling at no cost to SWANCC communities. Common household batteries are no longer accepted at Illinois EPA-sponsored household chemical waste events and facilities due to their benign nature and high recycling costs. Batteries accepted in SWANCC’s program: Alkaline: AA, AAA, C, D and 9V; rechargeable: NiCd, NiMh, lithium ion, lithium polymer. Before dropping off rechargeable batteries, residents need to tape the contact points on each battery or place in an individual self-locking plastic baggie to avoid sparks. Local drop-off sites include: Niles Public Services Department, 6849 Touhy Ave., (847) 588-7900, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; Niles Village Hall, 1000 Civic Center Drive, (847) 588-8000, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays; Park Ridge Public Works, 400 Busse Highway, (847) 318-5240, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Additional drop-off sites are posted at swancc.org/recycling/batteryrecycling.html.

Any women interested in joining the Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care Threshold Singers can contact Kathy Huber at (847) 685-9900. Practices are held on two Thursdays each month starting at 6:45 p.m. in Park Ridge. Threshold Singers are trained to sing in groups of two and three at the bedside of those who are sick and dying. The songs are generally traditional or simple rounds, chants, lullabies and hymns that can be chosen to respond to musical taste and spiritual direction. Singers go through patient care volunteer training, but there are no auditions; only requirements are a love of music and a desire to serve others.

Avenues Thrift Shoppe offers great prices and specials on gently used clothing for infants, children and adults, shoes, household items, books and small furniture. on Wednesdays, seniors 60 years and older receive 10 percent off all regularly priced items. The main shop is located at 7710 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago, and the “boutique” shop at 7700 Touhy Ave. features upscale clothing, outerwear, collectibles and finer merchandise. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and 1-8 p.m. Thursdays. Donations are accepted 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays only. Donate only gently used clothing; broken or obsolete electronics cannot be accepted. Purchases help adults with developmental disabilities. Avenues to Independence is a nonprofit organization based at 515 Busse Highway, Park Ridge that offers a variety of programs to enhance an individual’s work, social, and daily living skills. for information on donations or to volunteer, contact Michael Frustini, (773) 631-6230.

The Polish National Alliance, the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, the Polish Women’s Alliance, the Polish Falcons of America, along with the affiliates of the PNA, the Polish Daily News (Dziennik Zwiazkowy), WPNA 1490 AM Radio, and both PNA Bank locations, are joining in the support of the “Cell Phone for Soldiers” program. The donated phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each donated phone, enough to provide an hour of talk time to soldiers abroad with prepaid calling cards. Local residents can support the collection drive by donating their phones at the following locations: Polish National Alliance, 6100 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago, (800) 621-3723; Polish Roman Catholic Union, 984 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, (800) 772-8632; Polish Women’s Alliance, 6643 N. Northwest Highway, Chicago, (888) 522-1898; Polish Daily News, 5711 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, (773) 763-3343; PNA Bank, 7840 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, (847) 966-7900. Donations are accepted until March 1 during regular office hours.

under the leadership of Christian Care & Fellowship, St. Paul Lutheran Church & School, 5650 N. Canfield, Norwood Park, collects food to be taken to St. Cyprian’s Food Pantry. Donations are welcome. The pantry’s needs change monthly. Call (708) 867-5044, or visit stpaulcanfield.org.

The Ridgewood High School Parents’ Club presents “15 Game Bingo Night” in the school, 7500 W. Montrose Ave. First game is at 6 p.m.; doors open at 5. Dates are March 24 and April 14. Call (708) 456-4242, Ext. 799.

This year, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital is hosting a weekly community lecture series. each month will cover different topics. All lectures will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital’s West end Grille, 1775 W. Dempster St., Park Ridge. Free valet parking is available and refreshments will be served. There is no charge to attend, however registration is required; call 1 (800) 323-8622 and mention the class code or visit advocateheatlh.com/luth click on “I need a class or support group” and type in the class code. The following lectures in February focusing on heart related programs all have the Class Code 8G52: Feb. 28: “My Heart is Falling for You: What is Heart Failure?” presented by Dr. Samuel Goldstein, cardiologist.

For adults with drug, alcohol and related health issues, a new inpatient stabilization service has opened at our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center, 5645 W. Addison St., Chicago. This service, known as the new Vision service, accepts appropriate adults who are suffering incapacitation due to the effects of drugs or alcohol, or are experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms and related health problems. it consists of a medically supervised hospital stay for inpatient stabilization that typically lasts three days. Prior to leaving the hospital, the patient will be referred to appropriate community-based outpatient treatment programs. Most insurance, Medicaid and Medicare plans are accepted. Call (773) 794-8483.

Our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center, 5645 W. Addison St., Chicago, will offer the following health events. Free parking is available in the hospital’s parking facility on Addison Street.

The Arthritis support group will meet at 1 p.m. Feb. 23 in the seventh-floor Centennial Conference Center. Registration is not required.

The Diabetes Support Group will meet from 6:30-8 p.m. March 6 in the seventh-floor Centennial Conference Center a. These free sessions are tailored for adults who have Type 2 diabetes and focus on the emotional side of diabetes, allowing participants to share coping strategies, feelings and problems in living with diabetes. Call (773) 794-8329.

Cholesterol screenings will be conducted from 7-9 a.m. March 6. This screening requires a 12-hour fast and tests for total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL levels. Test results will be mailed. There is a $15 fee. Advance registration is required by calling (877) 737-4636.

A free Healthy Aging Program will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. March 9 in the seventh-floor Centennial Conference Center. This program for individuals aged 55 and older consists of social time, health topics and guest lectures. Audiologists Steven Wolinsky, Au.D., and Marie Vetter, Au.D., will discuss hearing loss and hearing aid technology. Registration is not required.

Free informational sessions about bariatric surgery will start at 6:30 p.m. March 20 and 6 p.m. March 28. Bariatric surgeons will discuss the benefits of bariatric surgery for obese individuals and will explain available procedures and eligibility requirements. for these events only, register by calling (847) 742-8446.

Free blood pressure screenings will be offered from 9-10 a.m. March 21 in the hospital’s main lobby. a health care professional will perform screenings and answer questions about blood pressure readings. Registration is not required.

The Arthritis Support Group will meet from 1-2:30 p.m. March 22 in the seventh-floor Centennial Conference Center. These free sessions aim to provide mutual support and education. Registration is not required.

A free lecture, “Don’t Risk Colon Cancer,” will be given from 6-7:30 p.m. March 22. Dr. Amritbhai Patel, board-certified gastroenterologist, will lecture on screenings used to help detect colorectal cancer, who should be screened and how to reduce risks for colorectal cancer. it is estimated that 60 percent of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if people aged 50 years and older were screened routinely. Refreshments will be served. Advance registration is required by calling (877) 737-4636) The first 50 attendees will receive a free hemoccult test kit, a test used for detecting fecal occult blood, which may be indicative of gastrointestinal disease.

The Pacemaker/Cardiac Device Support Group will meet from 2-3 p.m. March 28 in the seventh-floor Centennial Conference Center C. This free support group provides mutual support and education. Cardiology staff will conduct sessions and answer questions related to pacemakers and internal cardiac defibrillators (ICD). Registration is not required.

our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center, 5645 W Addison St., offers a comprehensive medical weight loss program to help individuals suffering from obesity. The program includes four minimally invasive surgical solutions – laparoscopic gastric bypass, laparoscopic gastric band, single incision laparoscopic gastric band and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. These procedures, along with post-operative changes in diet and lifestyle, can help severely overweight people lose excess weight and improve their overall health. a comprehensive approach to weight loss and weight management is tailored for each individual with full support from a multidisciplinary team. The program is under the direction of general surgeon, Dr. Frederick Tiesenga, who has performed more than 400 bariatric surgery procedures. he is fellowship-trained in laparoscopic gastric bypass, and is an affiliate surgeon of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons and a U.S. Surgical Proctor for Bariatric Surgery. Starting in 2012, free informative sessions will be held the third Tuesday of each month, 6-8 p.m. to register for any of the sessions, call (708) 456-7874.

Senior Advocate of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital offers free blood-pressure screenings each month. Screenings will be from 10 a.m.-noon the first Wednesday of every month at the hospital’s Patient Resource Center, 8820 W. Dempster St., Niles (across from the hospital). no appointment is necessary. Call (847) 723-7277.

Kidwinks.com is a website that provides free and easy information about the Chicago area’s hottest family-friendly activities, free or budget-friendly events and easy-to-access activities, developed by Nina Taluc and Jean Lemke, two Park Ridge moms. The database includes relevant listings from area museums, park districts, libraries, city and county organizations, businesses and more. Parents can quickly click through the events calendar to find out what is happening on any given day, plan ahead for a special weekend or when guests come to visit. Kidwinks members, who join for free, can also sign up to receive email reminders of upcoming events they do not want to miss. Cruise through the activities area to find activities that meet specific interests or to get ideas of new places to visit. The kids eat free calendar is a popular feature, showing for any given day where kids can eat free or at a discount. Free and discounted admission days at area zoos and museums are listed on the events calendar for easy access and planning. Kidwinks members can sort any search result list in order of distance from their house, so they can choose those closest to them. Members can also sign up for Kidwinks’ weekly newsletter sent by e-mail, which highlights some of their favorite picks for the upcoming week, and also announces regular contests for prizes such as gift cards, tickets to area shows and amusement centers and products. Visit kidwinks.com.

Eisenhower Public Library, 4613 N. Oketo Ave., Harwood Heights. Call (708) 867-7828 or (708) 452-8989 to register for all programs or online at eisenhowerlibrary.org:

Computer classes – getting started with Linked-in: 7-8 p.m. Feb. 23; Saving Computer Documents: 2:30-3:30 p.m. Feb. 28; Introduction to Social Media: 2:30-3:30 p.m. March 7; Formatting your Resume in Microsoft Word: 10-11 a.m. March 10; Word 2010, two parts, 7-8:30 p.m. March 19 and 21, $20 fee.

Enjoy a trip through Mongolia, from Lake Khuvsgul in the north to the Gobi in the south and across the vast expanses of the central plains, where Ghengis Khan once marshaled his Golden Horde from 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 28. Learn a bit about the surprising impact of the “Pax Mongolica” on the history of food and take home a recipe.

The Adult Book Discussion Group will meet from 7-8:30 p.m. March 5 and 2-3:30 p.m. March 6. Attend either session to discuss The Cat’s Table by Michael Ondaatje.

Classic Films continue at Eisenhower – March 1: “The 39 Steps” with Robert Donat and Madeline Carroll, directed by Alfred Hitchcock; March 15: “Bonnie and Clyde” with Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, directed by Arthur Penn; March 29: Will Penny with Charleston Heston and Joan Hackett. Discussions with Ralph J Amelio follow. Films begin at 1 p.m.

Lori Howard and Deb Berger will present “Writing a Resume That Works” from 1-3:30 p.m. March 3. for more help, take “Formatting your Resume in Microsoft Word” from 10-11 a.m. March 10.

Meet author Kathryn Atwood, Women Heroes of World War II: 26 stories of Espionage, Sabotage,and Resistance, from 7-8 p.m. March 5. The book profiles 26 women from across Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Denmark, great Britain, and the United States, providing an inspiring reminder of women and girls’ refusal to sit on the sidelines around the world and throughout history.

Friends of the Library meet from 6-8 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month.

Pen and Ink Adult Writers meet every third Monday of the month, 6:30-8:45 p.m.

Anonymous Writers for Teens meet from 4-5:30 p.m. every Thursday.

Tired of Knitting alone – Join the Knitting Circle which meets the first Tuesday of every month from 7-8:30 p.m. and the third Tuesday of every month from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Bring needles and yarn and knit over snacks and coffee. no registration.

Maryville Crisis Nursery, 4015 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, conducts Baby Talk Classes for parents and children up to age 6 at 5 p.m. every third Wednesday of each month. Topics include dealing with stress, fun indoor activities, and exploring social connections. There is no charge for the classes and pre-registration is not required. There is no charge, and registration is not required. Call (773) 205-3600.

Norridge Park District, 4631 N. Overhill Ave., (708) 457-1244 or visit norridgepk.com.

Derby Lite, the edgy new roller skating fitness class that uses the skills and drills of traditional women’s roller derby in a non-impact, non-competitive workout environment, will be presented at the Norridge Park District. Derby Lite will offer sessions for beginner and intermediate skaters. Both sessions will run Wednesdays from March 14 to May 2. The beginner session will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. and the intermediate session will take place from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Youth Gymnastics for ages 5 to 13 introduces children to fundamental skills focusing on rolls, cartwheels, round-offs, front limbers, back bends and running cartwheels. Session will run Mondays, March 5 to April 16. Time slots are 4:30-5:15 p.m.; 5:15-6 p.m.; 6-6:45 p.m.; 6:45-7:30 p.m. Cost is $65, residents; $75, nonresidents.

A Music making Party for ages 3 to 5 will be held from 9-10 a.m. Thursdays, March 8 to April 12. Make homemade musical instruments such as a mini-guitar, maraca and drum. Cost is $40, residents; $50, nonresidents.

Gary Kantor will lead a Magic Class for ages 5 to 12 from 6:45-7:40 p.m. March 5. Participants will learn tricks involving cards, ropes, coins and more. Cost is $20, residents; $25, nonresidents.

Arena Flag Football (indoors) covers the proper techniques on passing, receiving, blocking and kicking plus offensive and defensive strategies. Ages 6 to 8 play from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and ages 8 to 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Session II runs Thursdays, Feb. 23 to March 22. Cost is $45, residents; $55, nonresidents.

Soccer program is designed to teach children the basics of soccer through fun games that keep everyone moving. Ages 3 and 4 meet from 5:30-6:15 p.m., and ages 4 to 6 meet from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Session 3 runs April 3 to May 15. Cost is $45, residents or $55, nonresidents for the five-week class or $59, residents; $69, nonresidents for the seven-week class.

Parent-Tot Super Sports for ages 2 and 3 focuses on simple motor skills and anything that involves hand-eye coordination. Parents participate with the child as they play soccer, basketball, hockey, T-ball and other sports. The class will meet from 6:30-7:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Session 3 runs April 3 to May 15. Cost is $45, residents or $55, nonresidents for the five-week class or $59, residents; $69, nonresidents for the seven-week class.

Super Sports teaches the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship; Kids play favorites like basketball, hockey, soccer, baseball, football and more. Ages 3 and 4 meet from 2:45-3:30 p.m.; ages 4 to 6, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Session 2 is Feb. 23 to March 22; Session 3 is April 5 to May 17. Cost is $45, residents or $55, nonresidents for the five-week class or $59, residents; $69, nonresidents for the seven-week class.

Resurrection College Prep High School will celebrate an All-School Reunion on April 21, beginning at 6 p.m. at the school, 7500 W. Talcott Ave., Chicago. Classes that are celebrating a milestone year will be honored in a special way during the evening. Resurrection Alumnae Coordinator Stefanie Thorpe is seeking graduates who are available to reach out to friends and help promote the event to their former classmates. Contact Resurrection Alumnae Coordinator Stefanie Thorpe at or (773) 775-6616, Ext. 127.

The St. Columbkille Alumnae Association will sponsor its annual reunion luncheon March 25 at the Fountain Blue, 2300 S. Mannheim Road, Des Plaines. Cocktail service will begin at noon and lunch will be served at 1 p.m. Cost is $35. Proceeds go toward the retirement fund of the Sisters of Providence, St. Mary of the Woods, Ind. Call Charlene Swintek, president of the St. Columbkille Alumnae Board, at (847) 427-1981.

The Roosevelt High School Athletic Fund is holding an all-year reunion May 4 in the school cafeteria, 3436 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago. There will be a buffet dinner and musical entertainment. Cost is $60 per person. Call Arnie Kamem, class of 1950, at (847) 432-2773; visit roosevelthschicago.org.

St. John Brebeuf is looking for all St. John Brebeuf School Alumni. If interested in finding out what is going on at St. John Brebeuf School or to find fellow classmates, contact Libby Ryder at (847) 966-3266 or email . Submit name, year graduated, address and phone number, maiden name (if applicable) and e-mail address. Share a special story or tell how St. John Brebeuf made an impact on your life.

St. Priscilla School, 7001 W. Addison St., would like to keep alumni aware of its good news, events, and developments. anyone who graduated before 2003 is invited to update contact information by calling the school office, (773) 685-3581, or visit stpriscilIa.org. name and address changes keep classes connected and informed.

Join a recovered pack rat as she shares her clutter-busting secrets in a special presentation at 11 a.m. Feb. 24 at Norwood Park Senior Center, 5801 N. Natoma Ave. in Chicago. Rita Emmet, a professional speaker, consultant and author of The Clutter-Busting Handbook, will provide insights and techniques for reducing clutter in everyday lives. she will present simple tips such as finding places for things, and offer new habits to keep clutter from returning. Light refreshments will be served. Call (773) 775-6071 or visit npseniorcenter.org.

The Happy Seniors of Norwood Park Township invite township seniors to join them at noon on the third Friday of each month in the Township Hall, 7833 W. Lawrence Ave. Play cards, chat, play bingo and go on trips. Call (708) 867-5214.

St. Thecla’s Seniors Leisure Club meets at 11:30 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays of the month throughout the year. Dues are $7 per year. Meetings, parties, bingo, day trips, card-playing and more featured. to join, call (773) 774-3052.

Oriole Park “Over 50 Club” meets at 11 a.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month at Oriole Park Field House, 5430 N. Olcott Ave., Chicago. Seniors play bingo after coffee and rolls. Call (708) 457-1836.

The Mellotones, a senior chorus, have resumed rehearsals at 1 p.m. every Tuesday at Merrimac Park, 6343 W. Irving Park Road. Seniors 55 and older are encouraged to join the four-part mixed chorus in a variety of Broadway, patriotic, sacred, Hawaiian and holiday songs. Call Rudy Oliva at (773) 777-4226.

The Golden Fellowship Club welcomes adults age 55 or older who live in Norridge to its meetings at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at the Estelle Sieb Center, at Irving Park Road and Ozark Avenue. The club offers seniors a place to chat and socialize; plays bingo after refreshments, and sponsors day trips and programs. Contact (708) 457-1836.

Mather’s–More than a Cafe, 7134 W. Higgins Ave., Chicago, invites adults 55 and older to experience professionally taught, free moderately-priced programs such as lifelong learning programs, fitness classes, free blood-pressure checks and health screenings, free consumer seminars, special-interest workshops and special events and day trips. Call (773) 774-4804. Chess Club for checkmate champs and new people who want to learn the rules and basic strategies. Sessions are Wednesdays, at 1 p.m. Jazzercise – a fitness program that combines aerobic exercises with elements of jazz dance. a series of dance routines is set to popular music while incorporating yoga, Pilates, cardio-kickboxing, and other fitness styles. The classes move incrementally through different intensity levels, so anyone is welcome to join. Classes are held at 11 a.m. Wednesdays, $5.35. Line Dancing is offered at 11:15 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. each class costs $3.25. a variety of exercise classes fit for every level is offered. Try the gentle-moderate exercise class, 11:15 Mondays and 10 a.m. Tuesdays featuring a combination of seated and standing exercises for a complete cardiovascular workout. The moderate-high energy class is at 11 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays, giving more of a challenge with cardio, strengthening, stretching, and toning routines. each class costs $3.25. Computer Classes – All classes are four weeks and meet once a week for two hours. Begin with level one and advance through to level four. Classes are regularly forming and are offered every month. Trained AARP Tax-Aide volunteers are preparing 2011 tax returns until April 9. Bring your 2010 tax return and 2011 income statements. Call (888) 600-2560 to schedule an appointment. “Put on a Happy Face: Dick Van Dyke” will be presented by Michael Delaney, media historian, at 1 p.m. Feb. 23. Delaney offers a look at his life that includes clips of three classic and rare Van Dyke mime routines. Suggested donation is $8. an Oscar Party will be hosted by Bruce Ingram, film critic, Pioneer Press, at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 24. he will show clips and review this year’s top films and personalities. Participate in a contest and see how your critiques stack up against the experts and final results. tasty movie snacks will be provided. Suggested donation is $5. Learn how to be your own restaurant critic from Camille Stagg, author, food and travel journalist, at 1 p.m. March 1. Receive first-hand tips on evaluating restaurants, learn how restaurants are rated and hear some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories. Suggested donation is $8. Gain new insights into the wonder and richness of dreams at 1 p.m. Feb. 29 with Dr. Keren Vishny from the C.G. Jung Center. Suggested donation is $8. an eye and vision screening is offered at 10 a.m. March 3 by Dr. Nora Beltran. Register by Feb. 27. Apply for or renew an RTA bus pass at noon March 3; call for an appointment.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has taken the necessary steps to make senior drivers in Illinois safer while on the road. White’s office offers a free Rules of the Road Review course. The class is designed to give drivers, especially seniors and persons with disabilities, the knowledge and confidence needed to renew or obtain a drivers license. During the refresher course participants will get an explanation of the driving exam. Additionally, people will have the opportunity to take a practice written exam. Also, for those who qualify for accessible parking, the course offers information on disability parking placards, as well as disability license plates. Visit cyberdriveillinois.com, and view the 2007 Review course schedule, or call (217) 782-8893 or (888) 261-5238 (TTY, NexTalk).

REFF (Recovery Education for Family) offers a Loving Interventions new self-care support program for caregivers at Dunning Library, 7455 W. Cornelia Ave. The “Loving Interventions” self-care support program will provide a monthly community group to offer caregivers self-care, burn out prevention and wellness education and support. Light refreshments will be offered. Call the Resource Help Line, (708) 536-8775.

An Alzheimer’s support group for caregivers and family members of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease meets at 10:30 a.m. every second Saturday of the month at Central Baptist Village, 4747 N. Canfield Ave. Call (708) 583-8500.

Widowed Support Group is an ongoing support group that addresses losses faced by people, as a general guideline, who have been widowed less than two years. This group meets from 7-8:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at Rainbow Hospice Park Ridge Non-Profit Center, 720 Garden St., Park Ridge; $5 per session. Call (847) 692-8884 to register.

Families Anonymous is a support group for family members and friends who are concerned about and affected by the substance abuse or behavioral problems of a loved one. Group 831 meets at 10 a.m. every Friday at Carter Westminster Church, 4950 W. Pratt Ave., Skokie, in the basement; enter from parking lot in the rear. Group 173 meets at 7:30 p.m. every Monday (except holidays) at First United Methodist Church, 418 W. Touhy Ave., Park Ridge in Parlor Room, south portion of main level; use entrance at rear (Grant Place), across from parking lot. no dues or fees required. First names only used at meetings to preserve individual anonymity. This is a non-professional and non-religious program. Call (773) 777-4442 or visit familiesanonymous.org.

REFF Organization (Family Recovery Education Group) meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month at our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center, 5645 W. Addison St., Chicago, lower level Cafe Meeting Room. Reff has brought early intervention education, increased understanding of the addiction/recovery process and resources to improve coping skills to families living with an addicted loved one. The program is open and requires no registration. Call Resource Help Line, Chicago: (773) 800-1106 or (708) 536-8775, suburban.

One Hope United, formerly Kids Hope United, is seeking foster, adoptive parents to provide homes for at-risk children. Call (847) 245-6543 or visit onehopeunited.org.

The Maryville Crisis Nursery, 4015 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, offers twice-monthly tours of the facility. Tours are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. and on the fourth Tuesday at 4 p.m. The Maryville Crisis Nursery, which opened in 2006, is a safe haven for children, newborn to age 6, whose families are experiencing crises in their lives, such as: job/medical issues, homelessness, domestic violence or other stressful situations. The nursery cares for children for up to 72 hours while parents concentrate on resolving the problems that are the root cause of the stress. There are no charges for services. Children are cared for by professionals and skilled childcare volunteers. The Maryville Crisis Nursery is available to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The 24-hour help line number is (773) 205-3637. Call (773) 205-3600.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Cook County North Suburban, invites the public to attend its Family Support Group for families of individuals with a mental illness. Program is free and meets 7-8:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at the Nesset Center, 1775 Ballard Road, north of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. Free parking. Call (847) 716-2252.

Our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center, 5645 W. Addison St., is offering prenatal care. The new Beginnings Prenatal Program is aimed at assisting uninsured and underinsured pregnant women by providing them with quality prenatal care, counseling and emotional support. The program is located on the second floor of the hospital. Appointments can be made by calling (773) 527-5850. each woman who participates is offered the following services: a multilingual staff, including Polish and Spanish; an initial exam and routine office visits; lab and ultrasound tests; nutrition counseling; childbirth, infant care, parenting and breast feeding classes; and assistance in filing forms for Medicaid and the state’s All Kids program that covers children and mothers who need health insurance. a free infant car seat will be provided to those who qualify. Labor, delivery and postpartum care take will place in the Family Birthplace at Resurrection Medical Center, 7435 W. Talcott Ave., Chicago, with expert care, modern delivery capabilities and pleasant, comfortable birthing suites.

The MOMS Club is a nonprofit support group designed for the at-home mother and their children. The club holds weekly activities (play groups, outings, museums, park dates) and monthly member meetings and its popular Moms Night Out. Call (773) 853-2834 or visit sites.google.com/site/momsclubofnorthernchicago.

An Alzheimer’s Caregivers support group, cosponsored by Advocate Medical Group and the Alzheimer’s Association, is offered monthly at the Nesset Pavilion on the campus of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Meetings take place from 1:30-3 p.m. the third Thursday of each month in the lower level conference room of Nesset Pavilion, 1775 Ballard Road in Park Ridge. Meetings are free and no registration is required. Contact Sandy Guarise, at (847) 318-2501.

The Neptune Society, the largest independent cremation company in the nation based in Des Plaines, is bringing comforting teddy bears to Chicago area children who are hurt, frightened or alone. The Neptune Society Teddy Bear Program names a teddy bear in honor of every person whose death care is handled by Neptune on the one-year anniversary of their death. The teddy bears are then donated to organizations such as Rainbow Hospice in Park Ridge and local fire departments to be given to a child in need.

Holding Onto Hope is a monthly daytime group for widowed persons who are grieving the loss of a spouse. it meets from 1-2:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month at Rainbow Hospice Park Ridge Non-Profit Center, 720 Garden St., Park Ridge. Registration is required. Admission is $5 per session. Call (847) 692-8884.

Life Transitions Group is an ongoing support group for those who, as a general guideline, have been widowed for one to four years, meeting from 7-8:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Rainbow Hospice Park Ridge Non-Profit Center, 720 Garden St., Park Ridge. Fee is $5 per session. Call (847) 692-8884.

Good Mourning Program is a monthly support group of Rainbow Hospice for children, teenagers and families who have lost a loved one through death. it meets 6:45-8 p.m. the third Monday of each month at Lutheran General Family Care Center, 9375 Church St., Des Plaines. a preliminary interview is required prior to registration. Call (847) 692-8884.

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation support group meets from 7:30-9:30 p.m. every third Thursday of the month at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, 1775 Dempster St., Room 1063, Park Ridge. Focus is to assist patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, their families, significant others and friends in coping more effectively with the illness. Call (847) 827-0404.

Resurrection Medical Center sponsors a variety of free cancer support groups for both patients and their family members. All support groups are free and meet in the Cancer Conference Room (ground floor, Entrance C). for more information, contact Carol Flanagan at (773) 792-5116.

The Cancer Support Group for cancer patients, families and friends meets monthly, every last Wednesday, from 7-8:30 p.m.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Family Support Group for people with leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin’s Disease and their families meets every first Wednesday of the month.

The Butterfly Club is a support group for children ages 6 to 13 whose parent or caretaker has been diagnosed with cancer. This group meets every first Wednesday of the month. Registration and parental consent are required.

The us too! Prostate Cancer Support Group meets every second Wednesday of the month.

The Teen Cancer Support Group is for teens ages 13 to 18 whose parent or caretaker has been diagnosed with cancer. This group meets every third Wednesday of the month. Registration and parental consent are required. Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets the last Saturday of each month in the Resurrection Rehabilitation Center of Chicago, first floor, Professional Building, Entrance C. for more information, call (773) 594-7856.

Alzheimer’s Support Group meets the second Tuesday of the month in the Health Management Classroom in the Resurrection Rehabilitation Center of Chicago, first floor, Professional Building, Entrance C. Free. for more information, call Health Management at (773) 792-5022.

Afterglow Support Group for stroke survivors and their family/friends meets the second Wednesday of the month in the Resurrection Rehabilitation Center of Chicago, first floor, Professional Building, Entrance C.

Parkinson’s Support Group meets the third Wednesday of the month from 5-7 p.m. in the Resurrection Rehabilitation Center of Chicago, first floor, Professional Building, Entrance C. Call (773) 594-7866.

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital is forming a support network for women living with breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Networking Group meets from 2-3 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. The support group provides breast cancer survivors the opportunity to share information and experiences with other women. The group, facilitated by Ashley Harlow, an American Cancer Society Patient Navigator, will be held at Lutheran General’s Center for Advanced Care, 1700 Luther Lane, Park Ridge, in the ground floor conference room G104. Call (847) 723-8130.

Northwest Suburban Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome Support Group of Illinois meets at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month in Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, 1775 Dempster St., Park Ridge, Conference Room 1064. E-mail: bzarnikow @aol.com to be added to the e-mail list for meeting announcements.

The Center of Concern, 1580 N. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, a not-for-profit that serves the elderly and low-income families in the north and northwest city and suburbs, needs volunteers to help with a variety of medical, financial, legal, and computer issues. Hours are flexible. The center needs volunteers to: Provide friendly visits and transportation to elderly clients; make telephone reassurance calls to the homebound and frail elderly; install, troubleshoot, and maintain computer hardware, software, and networks; produce video for the center’s website or fundraising campaigns; promote the center on Facebook and other social media; assist with public relations and facilitate media coverage of center events; prepare income tax returns for center clients; provide Medicare counseling (federally funded by the Senior Health Insurance Program); and prepare simple wills and durable powers of attorney for health care and property. Call (847) 823-0453 or visit centerofconcern.org.

To meet the increasing needs of older adults who want to remain independent in their homes, Norwood Seniors Network, 6009 N. Nina Ave. in Chicago, is seeking additional volunteers to deliver freshly prepared low-cost meals each weekday to homes in northwest Chicago or nearby suburbs. Volunteers are asked to make a minimum commitment of twice-a-month deliveries, using mapped routes. each route takes from one to two hours to complete, and deliveries must be completed between 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Persons interested in volunteering must have their own vehicle and insurance. Call Kate Roche, director of volunteer services, at (773) 577-5329, email at , or visit norvolution.org.

Individuals who have a few hours to spare are urged to join the Avenues to Independence Thrift Shoppe Team of Volunteers. Avenues is looking for friendly, hard-working men and women to help staff at the Thrift Shoppe, 7710 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago. Volunteers are needed on a regular basis from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, or 1-8 p.m. Thursdays. Volunteers receive a discount. no experience is needed. All proceeds from the Thrift Shoppe help Avenues continue valuable programs for adults with developmental disabilities. Contact the store manager, Michael Frustini, (847) 292-0870, Ext. 771.

The Men’s and Women’s Association of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital is looking for new members. The community-based philanthropic and social organization raises funds for the hospital through a variety of events, including an annual golf outing, glove sale and concert. The organization’s donations have assisted the hospital in expanding programs, purchasing state-of-the-art medical equipment, and pursuing research and education initiatives. Yearly dues are $35. Call (847) 723-6105.

Many individuals have found themselves laid off or unable to find employment. Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care would like to respond by helping professionals stay current with their job skills (or gain experience if recently graduated) by offering professional volunteer opportunities. Possible opportunities include positions in medical records, human resources administration, community outreach, finance, marketing and admissions/customer service. Volunteers must have a willingness to make use of their professional skills and a positive attitude allowing them to take on a great deal of responsibility. Training and seminars for professional and personal development will be provided. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (847) 685-9900, Ext. 3128, or . Visit rainbowhospice.org.

The Food Pantry of new Hope United Methodist Church, 7115 W. Hood Ave., is in need of volunteers to assist at 9:15 a.m. each Monday to unload deliveries and from 9 a.m.-noon Tuesdays to assist clients coming in. Contact bill Murphy, .

The Seniors Assistance Center needs volunteers for home delivered meals which are delivered Mondays through Fridays. anyone with two free hours a week can help homebound neighbors by delivering a hot meal at noontime. If interested, call Arleen at the Seniors Assistance Center, (708) 456-7979. a small stipend will be given for mileage.

The American Cancer Society is looking for people who wish to serve as a volunteer in the fight against cancer. Volunteers are needed to help provide services to cancer patients, including driving patients who have no transportation to their lifesaving treatment appointments. Volunteers are also needed to help plan fund-raising events such as Relay for Life and educate the public on cancer prevention and early detection. Schedules are flexible and training is provided. to learn more about these and other volunteer opportunities call the American Cancer Society, (708) 484-8541, or email .

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital is looking for people to join their volunteer staff. Volunteers are needed to provide service in many areas throughout the hospital. These include: delivering flowers to patient rooms, directing patients and visitors around the hospital, providing wheelchair assistance, assisting customers in the gift and flower shops, delivering newspapers and magazines to patients and giving comfort to families in waiting areas. Call (847) 723-6105, or visit advocatehealth.com/luth/about/community/volunteer.

Take your time and read both the questions and data set carefully. Odds are your kitty had a blast tearing away at the paper with his razor sharp cat claws. Drake Origin: English Meaning: Snake, Dragon Dudley Origin: English Meaning: Wood; clearing of Dudda Duffy Origin: Gaelic Meaning: Son of Dubhthach or Dubhshth Dougal Origin: Scottish Meaning: Black stranger Duke Origin: English Meaning: The male ruler of a duchy; the sovereign of a small state Tip: This male cat name is perfect for a feline of impressive stature or pedigree. During the mating season, he turned into a fiercely aggressive cat and fought with the other tom-cats in our area. It is part of my cat fancy strategy but also cat grooming up to now had a moment in the sun. After you figure out your cat, you need to figure out cat breeds.

Posted in Cat Furniture | Tagged february 17, weekdays, wills | Leave a comment

Has ‘Skerray Beast’ struck here again?

Posted on February 22, 2012 by admin

1329921035 37 Has Skerray Beast struck here again?

Older readers may recall that, way back in the halcyon days between 1976 and 1981, the area round Bettyhill and Skerray was haunted by a cat-like animal with a taste for mutton.

The creature, which became known as “The Skerray Beast” was the subject of numerous sightings over several years, coincident with the discovery of the remains of a significant number of sheep, each of which had been disposed of in a similar manner.

And now, the people of Farr are wondering if the large puma-like cat has returned.

The beast’s modus operandi, marking it off from local scavengers or predators, was its ability to skin its prey every bit as neatly as any human being could.

In the late seventies, there were armed hunts for the animal in the Borgie area, on Naver Rock and around Strathy but, though well-formed footprints were found both in sand and in snow, neither keepers, nor crofters nor police marksmen were ever able to get close enough to take a good shot at the creature or even to identify it positively.

In the eighties the sightings, and the killings, stopped although big cat sightings thereafter became common as far afield as Surrey – probably as a consequence of troublesome pets being released in to the countryside following the Dangerous Wild Animals Act of 1976 which required owners of exotic pets to keep them securely and care for them properly.

Indeed, a half-tame puma was captured in Moray in October 1980 and ended its days as an exhibit in the Highland Wildlife Park!

Back to today, and to Swordly on 19th December last year where former cattleman, Andy McLachlan was lamping for foxes.

Turning his light on a patch of thin woodland, about 200 yards away across the Swordly Burn, he picked up a pair of extraordinarily bright eyes between the trees.

Thinking this to be a fox, Andy switched his search beam off and gave a couple of peeps on his “squeaker”, a form of home-made whistle intended to emulate the sound of an injured rabbit or hare and which lampers use to lure the fox towards the gun.

After a couple of minutes he put the lamp on again and, sure enough, the owner of the eyes was moving towards him.

Only it wasn’t a fox but a sturdy long tailed cat about the size of a springer spaniel and now only 125 yards away.

This was still a little far for a good shot, so he switched off and waited before lamping for the third time, whereupon the approaching feline bounded off in great leaps quite unlike anything Andy had ever seen before.

Meanwhile, sheep belonging to Swordly crofter, George B. Mackay, currently working offshore, were being fed on the hill overlooking the glen by George’s son Liam, an apprentice engineer.

When Liam went to replenish the ring feeder on a fortnight ago, he found the remains of the carcase of one of his father’s sheep just a few feet from the feeding site.

Like the carcases of the victims of the “Skerray Beast” of 30-odd years ago, it had been cleanly flayed leaving nothing but its hide and its skeleton to decay in to the heather.

As the feeding was done on a weekly basis, it was possible that the kill was up to a week old but, however long it had taken to strip the unfortunate sheep of its skin and to the bone, the end result was astonishingly reminiscent of the carcases from all those years ago.

Andy McLachlan has been continuing to lamp in the area, though very cautiously, given that a cat as big as a medium sized dog could be a very dangerous animal to encounter. In recent days he has had a further glimpse of a fast moving creature, this time on the high rocky ridge that separates Swordly from the A836, but was unable to determine whether this was the same animal.

Whatever the eventual outcome may be there are startling parallels between what has been happening in Swordly in recent weeks and what happened over a very wide area many years ago.

Maybe, this time, the mystery of the “beast” will be solved.

Andy McLachlan with the remnants of the skinned and eaten sheep.

This is why it's called cat. A whole slew of observers will contend that is the case with doing it yet maybe I shouldn't put it this way. How can insiders find reasonable cat tags formulas? Azrael Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Angel of Death. You need to spend some time with that. Aren't you willing to take a chance that not that many will do it? This might be a great choice for cat fanciers who have the unfortunate predisposition of animal allergies. Cat Care Your cat's health depends on regualr, well-balanced meals. Lastly, find an unexpected source of cat illnesses is that it can be separated from cat claw covers. I'm seeking definite info. This is the fact that impressed me the most. A: Focus on Blocks 1, 5 and 6 first (as per the chapter division in my QA for CAT book) - also make Data Interpretation your strong point - for which you would need to do blocks 2 and 3 well. There are basically no suspicions in that sphere. This test evaluates a student presence of mind and ability to perform under pressure. Take regular mock tests: When you get a grip over the basic syllabus of the , you should start taking regular mock tests to know your preparation status.? Other important thing to be considered is the place where you place the bed.

Posted in Cat Tree | Tagged predators, seventies, surrey | Leave a comment

POKIN AROUND: Ellisville, I want you to know about Mia

Posted on February 22, 2012 by admin

1329919858 40 POKIN AROUND: Ellisville, I want you to know about Mia

Ellisville, meet Mia.

At the Feb. 15 City Council meeting, Jeffrey Anderson introducedMia to the mayor and six council members. he showed them a picture.Mia couldn’t be there in person because she’s not allowed out ofthe house.

Mia is a serval, a medium-sized African cat. she tips the scalesat 30 pounds. she is 22 inches tall at the shoulders and 30 incheslong, not including tail.

Jeff, 50, had noticed that city officials, while working onrules for owning chickens, recently rewrote the law on ownership ofexotic animals. The new law forbids exotic animals inEllisville.

But since Mia has been an Ellisville resident since 2005 shewill be grandfathered in, says Mayor Matt Pirrello.

“We are not the Gestapo,” he says.

Council members were grateful Jeff told them about Mia.

“Can you bring it in for show and tell?” Councilwoman DawnAnglin asked.

No, he can’t.

Jeff told me later he knew he was taking a chance. Cityofficials could have said: no Serval For you!

You might recall that in the fall a man who lives near Defiancereported his serval had escaped from an outdoor enclosure. Thatcat, named Cleo, was captured a month later several miles fromDefiance. Animal control officers used a tranquilizer dart.

Mia, on the other hand, is not likely to escape. The only timeshe leaves Anderson’s 2,600-square-foot home is when she’s in a dogcrate on a trip to the vet.

Jeff is almost done building a 14-by-14-foot sun room for Mia inlarge part because as Mia has grown up she’s less likely to use alitter box and more likely to spray to mark her territory. The sunroom will have a heated floor and urine-resistant tiles.

Mia cannot venture outside, not even to the backyard. To do sowould require an elaborate and costly fencing system that Jeff doesnot want to construct, especially since he’s already spent $30,000on the sun room and a new, wooden exterior fence.

The fence is 6 feet high and should keep people who might haveglimpsed Mia from tapping on windows for a closer look.

I ask Jeff if Mia could jump the outdoor fence. he scoffs. Withlittle effort, he says. Mia can leap 10 feet in the air. in thewild, servals snatch birds out of the sky, but feed mostly onrodents. they possess hearing so keen they can detect burrowingmoles. she tops out at 45 mph.

“I think I’ve seen her do that inside the house,” Jeff says.

Once or twice a day she flies through the house leapinggracefully on any flat surface.

When Mia was born, the breeder swapped Mia’s mother with adomestic cat who served as a surrogate mom. That’s probably why Miaaccepts her two feline house mates. The three clean oneanother.

Jeff showed Ellisville officials his St. Louis County license.it allows him to own Mia. he told council members and the mayor hemeets all federal regulations. His neighbors, he says, know aboutMia and don’t mind having her in the neighborhood. One neighborcomes by to feed Mia on the rare occasions when both Jeff and hisgirlfriend, Nancy Sandroff, are out of town.

Although an African cat, Mia has never seen Africa. she was bornin Arkansas. Mia was 14 weeks old when the breeder sold her to Jeffand Nancy for $1,800.

They took a class from the Feline Conservation Federation on howto care for her. they bottle fed her when she was little. The catslept in their bed when she was little.

She has been micro-chipped and spayed. although serval offspringare valuable, extensive federal regulations cover the breeding ofexotic animals. The couple doesn’t want to go that route.

Jeff and Nancy trim Mia’s claws.

“It takes both of us and is not for the faint of heart,” Nancysays.

A serval has the longest legs of any cat in terms of bodyproportion. although servals look like cheetahs, they aregenetically linked to African golden cats and caracals, bothmid-sized cats.

Would you be able to have an infant and a serval in the samehouse?

No, Jeff says.

“Mia is not socialized,” he adds.

Mia tolerates Jeff and is more likely to nuzzle Nancy,especially near dinner time.

For breakfast she has a raw salmon patty. at 5 p.m. it’s a rawflounder patty. And at 9 p.m. she dines on two raw chicken wings.She’ll eat one and save the other for a midnight snack.

Years ago, the notion of owning a wild cat came to Jeff when hewas in Alaska and a friend happened to have two bobcats chilling onthe sofa. he slowly won over Nancy.

“There is something kind of special about having a relationshipwith a wild animal,” Nancy says.

Nancy and Mia have a special routine.

“When I get up in the morning she greets me at the bedroomdoor,” Nancy says. “I will grab her by the tail and she will leadme to the stairs.”

I met Mia after the council meeting. she has a beautiful tawnycoat with black spots, striped tail and a white underbelly. she isshy, but once comfortable atop a 7-foot bookshelf, she stayed putwhile she hissed and growled at me. she gladly offered me a goodlook at her teeth.

Petting her never crossed my mind.

POKIN AROUND Steve Pokin is a columnist for the SuburbanJournals. he can be reached at or by phoneat 314-744-5704. His column is on Facebook atfacebook.com/PokinAround.

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Posted in Cat Bed | Tagged chickens, cleo, council members, jeffrey anderson, taking a chance | Leave a comment

One-night Ybor exhibit puts 'big cats' on display

Posted on February 22, 2012 by admin

1329917419 95 One night Ybor exhibit puts 'big cats' on display

Hoffman Porges Gallery in Ybor City, in cooperation with the Ybor Art Association, will host a one-night event to benefit big Cat Rescue of Tampa Bay.

Called “Fur the Love of Art and Cats,” it’s a wild affair featuring art, a silent auction, entertainment, refreshments and a special door prize.

The creativity displayed on the “Wall of Cats” in the gallery is by a group of local artists who were allowed for one time only to visit the big Cat Rescue sanctuary for inspiration and photographs. From what I’ve seen so far, the result is a rich assortment of big cat-themed works in the form of photographs, oil and acrylic paintings, sculptures and mixed media works.

Those artists who are willing to donate at least 10 percent of any sales to the event’s charity are placed on the “Wall of Cats” in the gallery. In the silent auction, all of the proceeds from the sale of art and other items donated by local businesses will go to big Cat Rescue.

The gallery will receive nothing from any sales, said Jill Scott, the new owner of Hoffman Porges Gallery. for her it’s strictly a love affair.

“I used to work for an advertising agency and the big Cat Rescue was one of my accounts,” she said. “I fell in love with the concept. for me this is just fun.”

Scott will donate works from the gallery, including several pieces of jewelry, for the silent auction.

The grand prize winner of the drawing will receive a 36-inch tall wire-and-wood sculpture called “Kitty in the Tree” by Tampa artist Samantha Churchill, the organizer and curator of the event. Hers is a South Tampa success story.

A 2003 graduate of the Maine College of Art, Churchill began showing her figurative wire sculptures in 2007 in the now defunct Tampa Artist Emporium in South Tampa. I remember being intrigued by them.

Emporium’s first owner, Shelby Boggs, told me she couldn’t seem to keep any of them in stock. “They just fly off the walls,” she said at the time.

Churchill has gone from that small beginning to being represented at the Art Fusion Gallery in Miami, by Hoffman Porges Gallery in Ybor City, and is being sought by galleries in other large cities.

All the wire she uses is recycled. through a friend she was able to get leftover scraps of wire from the building of the Skypoint Condos on Ashley Drive in downtown Tampa in 2007.

When asked where her inspiration comes from, Churchill replied: “In my head. It’s usually from dancing or Cirque du Soleil or yoga poses. I think about how can I manipulate that body to make it look good.”

It takes about a month to complete one of her usual sculptures. Larger ones take longer.

For those unfamiliar with Churchill’s captivating works, take a stroll down Franklin Street to Polk Street. There, in front of “The Elements,” you’ll encounter her life-size wire figure, “Vogue.”

A supporter of big Cat Rescue, Churchill will have other sculptures and a few paintings among the evening’s artwork.

Along with the art, there will be live music and entertainment in the form of belly dancing and a drum circle. Food for the event is donated by Sunday’s Fine Dining, just down the street from the gallery; beer and wine are donated by local distributors.

Just “fur” the fun of it, there will be a “Kitty Cakes” contest, featuring cat-themed cupcakes made by businesses and individuals in the area.

Judging of the cupcakes will be done by several VIPs, hinted Scott, including her husband, David Scott, a retired two-star general.

“We’ll do anything for the community,” she said about the Friday gala. “I’d rather do something for Ybor than anything else. My husband and I are very focused on bringing it back to its prime.”

The event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Hoffman Porges Gallery, 1907 E. Seventh Ave. in Ybor City. for information, call Churchill at (727) 455-2473.

Find more Art in Ybor

Hillsborough Community College’s Ybor Campus Art Gallery will host a sculpture exhibit by selected students in the current sculpture class and their teacher, Roger Chamieh. A variety of edgy, exceptional works will be displayed in media that range from tea bags and foam to chicken wire, sugar, plastic, wood, rusted steel and found objects.

Participating students are Jenna Alderiso, Nick Cruz, Cor Fahringer and Jerad Owens. Meet the artists and see their work at a free reception, which includes a gallery talk, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. The exhibit runs through Feb. 23.

The gallery is on the first floor of the Performing Arts Building at Palm Avenue and 15th Street in Ybor City.

For information, call gallery director Carolyn Kossar at (138) 253-7674.

I mustgive upnot solving your problems with cat. They really only require humans to fulfill a couple of needs then from there they can mostly take care of themselves. Where else can gents get one's hands on quality sick cat manuals? Other than the benefits of convenience, selection from wide variety of goods, saving time, energy and money there are number of other benefits attached with online shopping. If you are now convinced that you need to at least purchase cheap cat beds, you might want to know what factors to consider before visiting equipment shops or browsing sites for cat supplies online: Style may be the least important factor to consider when buying cat beds, but it will be really nice to pick a bed that looks simple but presentable.

Posted in Cat Condos | Tagged fur, porges, proceeds, refreshments | Leave a comment

Organic dog food

Posted on February 22, 2012 by admin

1329915023 78 Organic dog food

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Posted in Cat Houses | Tagged buffalo, choices, dog foods, food addiction, pet food | Leave a comment

About Books: Local artist brings subject’s online antics to print

Posted on February 22, 2012 by admin

1329913811 78 About Books: Local artist brings subject’s online antics to print

Canton artist Vickie Boatright has compiled her first book, with her own illustrations, “where in the World is Brewskie Butt Meowin’ Today?”

The book features 27 drawings the artist created last spring of her pet cat Brewskie Butt, known as “The Brew” to those who follow Boatright and her cat on Twitter, Facebook, and “The Brew’s” blog.

“In the book, he ventures to places all over the world to visit the friends that he has made in cyberspace,” said Boatright, acknowledging that the cat “has become my muse in many ways.”

The artist is much about cats. Boatright signs her artwork BZTAT (pronounced “bee-zee-tat”) in homage to a “feline companion” of that name, who was an artistic inspiration to her for 19 years. Boatright also runs BZTAT Studios in the arts district of downtown Canton.

A foreword to the self-published book was written by Laurie Ruettimann, a human-resources consultant and speaker, who also is a cat lover.

“Laurie and I met online and developed a rapport through the antics of our ginger-and-white cats,” said Boatright. The cats bear a striking resemblance to one another, she explains.

The artist’s book is being published by a print-on-demand company called Blurb. It can ordered by visiting blurb.com/bookstore.

“BZTAT (Boatright) and the Brew are known to many around the world because of their innovative uses of social media,” says information from the publisher. “their playful interaction between pet and human servant can be followed on Facebook and Twitter, and the Brew’s daily adventures can be seen on his blog at justmeowin.com.”

LIBRARY PROGRAM

The Massillon Public Library will hold its Paws to Read program from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14. Children are invited to come to the library to be paired with eager furry listeners.

this free program in the library’s auditorium requires no registration. For information, call 330-832-5037 or visit massillonlibrary.org. Massillon Public Library is at 208 Lincoln way E.

BOOK SIGNING

Author Cindi Ferrini will hold a book-signing from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. Friday for Moms in Training, at Parma Baptist Church, 12193 West Pleasant Valley Road, Cleveland.

Ferrini, a resident of Strongsville, will sign copies of her religious novel, “Balancing the Active Life: An Interactive Bible Study.”

The book addresses the question: “does being a Christian mean we automatically have a balanced life?”

“everyone gets carried away with work, family, ministry, and life opportunities available to us,” explains information from the publisher. “And sometimes we neglect the areas that God is calling us to and that are best for us.”

The book, organized as a 13-week study, teaches its readers to balance your priorities, set and achieve goals, and discipline and organize yourself in a variety of areas. … you too can take the challenge of learning what it takes to balance the active life.”

Canton artist Vickie Boatright has compiled her first book, with her own illustrations, “where in the World is Brewskie Butt Meowin’ Today?” The book features 27 drawings the artist created last spring of her pet cat Brewskie Butt, known as “The Brew” to those who follow Boatright and her cat on Twitter, Facebook, and “The Brew’s” blog. “In the book, he ventures to places all over the world to visit the friends that he has made in cyberspace,” said Boatright, acknowledging that the cat “has become my muse in many ways.” The artist is much about cats. Boatright signs her artwork BZTAT (pronounced “bee-zee-tat”) in homage to a “feline companion” of that name, who was an artistic inspiration to her for 19 years. Boatright also runs BZTAT Studios in the arts district of downtown Canton. A foreword to the self-published book was written by Laurie Ruettimann, a human-resources consultant and speaker, who also is a cat lover. “Laurie and I met online and developed a rapport through the antics of our ginger-and-white cats,” said Boatright. The cats bear a striking resemblance to one another, she explains. The artist’s book is being published by a print-on-demand company called Blurb. It can ordered by visiting blurb.com/bookstore. “BZTAT (Boatright) and the Brew are known to many around the world because of their innovative uses of social media,” says information from the publisher. “their playful interaction between pet and human servant can be followed on Facebook and Twitter, and the Brew’s daily adventures can be seen on his blog at justmeowin.com.” LIBRARY PROGRAM The Massillon Public Library will hold its Paws to Read program from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14. Children are invited to come to the library to be paired with eager furry listeners. this free program in the library’s auditorium requires no registration. For information, call 330-832-5037 or visit massillonlibrary.org. Massillon Public Library is at 208 Lincoln way E. BOOK SIGNING Author Cindi Ferrini will hold a book-signing from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. Friday for Moms in Training, at Parma Baptist Church, 12193 West Pleasant Valley Road, Cleveland. Ferrini, a resident of Strongsville, will sign copies of her religious novel, “Balancing the Active Life: An Interactive Bible Study.” The book addresses the question: “does being a Christian mean we automatically have a balanced life?” “everyone gets carried away with work, family, ministry, and life opportunities available to us,” explains information from the publisher. “And sometimes we neglect the areas that God is calling us to and that are best for us.” The book, organized as a 13-week study, teaches its readers to balance your priorities, set and achieve goals, and discipline and organize yourself in a variety of areas. … you too can take the challenge of learning what it takes to balance the active life.”

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Posted in Cat Training | Tagged artistic inspiration, homage, human resources consultant, illustrations, pet cat | Leave a comment

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Organic dog food

About Books: Local artist brings subject’s online antics to print

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