This Week (And Next!) in Mount Prospect

FOOD DONATIONS NEEDED: Help make Thanksgiving bountiful for families in need by donating non-perishable food items by Friday (Nov. 16) to the Human Services Department (2^nd Floor) of Mount Prospect Village Hall (50 S. Emerson St.) The most needed items include: canned fruit/veggies, instant mashed potatoes, canned beef stew, chicken and dumplings, crackers, jam and jelly, canned ravioli and spaghetti, gluten free items, cereal, sugar free items, Hamburger Helper, and canned meats and SPAM. Please do not donate cans larger than 32 oz. or packages larger than 5 lbs. The items will be distributed on Monday (Nov. 19) for those residents who have been approved for the program. Department social workers or caseworkers meet with the resident to determine the family’s eligibility for the program.

HOLIDAY LIGHT RECYCING: If you’ve begun your holiday decorating and find that strings of lights are kaput, you can recycle them free of charge! Drop off unwanted string lights and/or extension cords Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Mount Prospect Public Works (1700 W. Central Rd.)

BIRD FEEDER PROGRAM: Learn all about feeders and how to choose the right one for the birds you are trying to attract on Friday (Nov. 16) from 1 – 2 p.m. at The River Trail Nature Center (3120 Milwaukee Ave. NORTHBROOK) This program is presented by The Wildbird Shack. To reserve your spot, contact Alyse Burman at 847/873-0409 or email info@wildbirdshack.com.

HOLIDAY SIP AND SHOP: Find a unique gift for someone while supporting a good cause on Friday (Nov. 16) from 6 -9 p.m. at the Maryville Stevens Center (1150 N. River Rd. DP.) A $5 entrance fee includes drinks and appetizers and entry in door prizes. Proceeds benefit Maryville’s Jen School. RSVP to Heather Lischett, lischetth@jenschool.org or call 847/294-1744. For more info, visit www.maryvilleacademy.org.

PROSPECT H.S. HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE: Find the perfect gift among 135 vendors showcasing handmade wares, custom jewelry, designer home décor, couture ornaments and more on Sunday (Nov. 18) from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Prospect High School (801 Kensington Rd.)  Lunch and concessions will be available for purchase. This popular event benefits Prospect High School student groups and organizations. Admission is $4 – cash only. For more information, email phscraftshow@gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/651922221861287/

SENIOR WALKING CLUB: Don’t let the cold temps deter you from getting some exercise. Senior residents are invited to walk with the Mount Prospect Medical Reserve Corps on Tuesday (Nov. 20) from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at Lions Recreational Center Main Gym (411 S. Maple St.)

WRITERS GROUP:  Do you enjoy writing short stories, poetry or another creative format? Are you looking for constructive criticism in a friendly environment among others who share your passion? Join the Mount Prospect Writers Group on Tuesday (Nov. 20) from 7 – 9:30 p.m. in Study Room 2A on the second floor of Mount Prospect Public Library (10 S. Emerson St.) The group is open to all adult writers with all levels of writing experience, in all genres. Bring up to five double-spaced pages and copies to share (approximately 10) with group members. A modest fee is required on a quarterly basis. The Writers Group meets the third Tuesday of every month. Questions? Contact Larid Larsen at l-larsen@att.net.

JAN SCHAKOWSKY’S OFFICE: Meet privately with a representative from the office of Ninth District Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky on Wednesday (Nov. 21) anytime between 2 – 5 p.m. at the Main Branch of Mount Prospect Public Library (10 S. Emerson St.) Ask questions about immigration, visas, Medicare, Social Security, veterans’ benefits and other federal services. Representatives from the Congresswoman’s office visit every Wednesday. This meeting is held in Room 130 on the first floor.

CHRISTKINDLMARKET: Get into the holiday spirit on Wednesday (Nov. 21) from 4 – 7 p.m. at the annual Christkindlmarket held in the Community Room of Mount Prospect Village Hall (50 S. Emerson St.) Find the perfect treasure for yourself or someone else at this beloved event sponsored by the Mount Prospect Special Events Commission.

VILLAGE TREE LIGHTING: Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, cookies and carols by local singers on Wednesday (Nov. 21) 5 p.m. for the tree lighting ceremony in front of Mount Prospect Village Hall (along Elmhurst Rd.)

LIBRARY CLOSED: The Main Branch (10 S. Emerson St.) and the South Branch (1711 W. Algonquin Rd.) will be closed on Thursday (Nov. 22.). Although the buildings will be closed, you still have 24/7 access to conduct research with our online resources, register for upcoming programs, renew items and place holds. Download an e-book or audiobook through MyMediaMall at any time. The Main Branch of the Library will reopen on Friday (Nov. 23) at 9 a.m. and the South Branch will reopen at 11 a.m.

TURKEY BURN: Before you indulge in a Thanksgiving feast, commit to a morning workout! Take the Turkey Burn Exercise Class on Thursday (Nov. 22) from 9 – 10 a.m. at Weiss Community Center (1500 E. Euclid Ave.) Ages 12 and older are welcome. The cost is $6/R and $7/NR. Pre-register by Monday (Nov. 19) at www.rtpd.org.

NAVIGATING THANKSGIVING: Google Maps and Google News want to take the stress out of your travels this holiday. Find out the best times to visit popular stops, when crowds are the lowest and more helpful info by visiting www.mappingthanksgiving.com.

SANTA VISITS THE WILBIRD SHACK: Get a photo op with Jolly Old St. Nick on Friday and Saturday (Nov. 23/24) from 2 – 4 p.m. at the store (854 E. Northwest Hwy.) Bring Mom, Dad, friends and even your pet to the event. For more info, call 847/873-0409 or visit www.wildbirdshack.com.

GIFT OF READING: Expand a child’s world with the gift of reading by donating a new, unwrapped book now through Sunday (Dec. 9) to the Mount Prospect Public Library (10 S. Emerson St.) Donations should be  geared to children ages 6 and younger, and books in English and Spanish are appreciated. For more information, call 847/253-5675.

NEARBY HAPPENINGS:

—-TURKEY TROT: Work off your turkey before you’ve even eaten your dinner on Thursday (Nov. 22) from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Harper College (1200 W. Algonquin Rd. PAL.) Run the two-mile, five-mile or the kids drumstick dash. Registration on the day of the race is $30; Kids Dash is $6. For more info, visit www.palatineparks.org.

AH TREE LIGHTING: See how our neighbors in Arlington Heights do up the holiday by attending the tree lighting ceremony on Friday (Nov. 23) at 4:45 p.m. at North Park School (410 N. Arlington Heights Rd.) More than 80,000 tiny lights illuminate the fantasy toy displays along with the giant decorated tree in the center of the fountain. This is a free event. For more info, visit www.ahpd.org/tree-lighting-ceremony.