A Note From Gail

Tonight is the first Business After Hours for 2012! It’s time to network, socialize, get out, grow your business, and eat great food at Affresco and buy some raffle tickets! The Chamber needs a new shredder so the funds raised this evening will buy us a shredder! Thank you to both Sergio at Affresco and Doug at Comcast Business Service for hosting our BAH! 5 to 7. RSVPs not required but certainly appreciated.

And tomorrow is our Women in Business breakfast networking with Catherine Johns (always a big hit with our members!). Catering by Morningfields (always another big hit with our members!) 8:30 to 9:45 p.m. and its all about the handshake – do you think your handshake is perfect? We’ll let you know – there’ll be a whole lotta shakin’ goin on!!!

2012 Chamber dues are due! Please pay your dues. Call Dorothy if you need to know the amount. Everyone has been invoiced and they were due December 31, 2011.

Hometown Voices I heard that The Summit of Uptown was selected! Congratulations!


Did you know? Did You Know?

• You can lower your business phone costs. Contact Ben Wilson at Falkor Group 312.602.6551
• Dave Donovan is selling tickets for the Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner - 847-692-9077!
• Noodles & Co. is selling a brand new steak, marinated in a special blend of spices and slow cooked for hours so its super tender.
• That January 31st is National Bubble Wrap Day? Join the Park Ridge Hysterical Society to laugh about it at 7 p.m. www.FollowTheLaughter.com
• ‘The Ledger of You Life’, a series of 5 sessions is offered by Lasting Legacy. More info at The Ledger of Your Life
• that the First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge is now Reconciling? On January 8, the church voted to officially welcome all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and a host of other attributes. The banner's up on Touhy! See www.parkridgeumc.org.
• Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter: Untangling the Healthcare Maze February 2 • 3 p.m. Learn about and discuss the current state of health care and the impact on hospice. Presenter: Martha Twaddle, MD, FACP, FAAHPM, chief medical officer of Midwest CareCenter


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Kidwinks.com on TV again and again! The ladies at kidwinks.com have been at it again. Here are their latest TV segments from Dec. & Jan. They have already booked 5 more segments with ABC & WGN. Take a look at what’s coming up, maybe your business could be included.

WGN – Cabin Fever / Indoor Play

ABC – Cabin Fever

WGN – New Year’s Eve

Kiwanis 20th Annual Spaghetti Dinner Friday, Feb. 20 The 20th Annual Spaghetti Dinner hosted by the Park Ridge NOON Kiwanis Club will take place on Friday, February 10, 2012, at the First United Methodist Church located at 418 Touhy Avenue in Park Ridge.

The $10 dinner ticket includes an all-you-can-eat dining experience showcasing the secret recipe pasta sauce (meat and meatless!), a garden fresh salad, and delicious dessert options.

Children ages 6-12 enter for $5, and those under 6 are free. In addition, each ticket can be redeemed at the Pickwick Theater for a ‘buy one, get one free’ movie pass. “This is the deal of the year,” said Spaghetti Dinner Chairman Dick Larsen. “Where else can you get a home cooked meal with a salad and dessert and a free movie pass?”

Dinner will be served in the main hall at the First United Methodist Church by Kiwanis members and student volunteers from local area churches and high schools. Doors open at 4:45 p.m. and the final food service will be 7:30 p.m. Dine In or Carry Out options are available. A cash raffle drawing will also take place.

This event, the 20th annual, is a primary fundraiser for the Noon Club which supports area social service organizations that provide programs for children including the Park Ridge Teen Center, Avenues to Independence and Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care.

For tickets or more information please contact Noon Kiwanis member Dave Donovan at 847-692-9077 who is determined to sell the most tickets this year!

Diane Forsythe, Mortgage Loan Consultant Diane Forsythe, Mortgage Loan Consultant at ABI Mortgage, will participate in a program about Aging in Place – What to Expect and How Can Needs be Financed from a personal and financial perspective, drawing from her personal and professional experience. January 31, 2012, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm in Henderson Hall at St Luke's Lutheran Church, 205 N Prospect Ave. All are welcome, whether you are interested for yourself, or on behalf of others, such as your parents or other seniors that you may know. Explore personal and financial independence for seniors (at least 62 years old), especially those wishing to remain in their own homes while confronting rising expenses on fixed incomes. Consider ways to supplement social security income, meet unexpected medical expenses, make home improvements or repairs, or pay for in-home assistance like cleaning or care-giving using various options, including Reverse Mortgages. Light refreshments will be served.

Norwood Crossing A “Super Bowl Snack” Open House will be held from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., on Feb. 1, at Norwood Crossing, 6016-20 N. Nina Avenue in Chicago, in the community’s state-of-the-art Assisted Living building. The event is being held as a prelude to Super Bowl weekend and will feature some signature appetizers and snack items. Afterward, staff-led tours will be conducted of the new building and the newly renovated Sheltered Care. A raffle with door prizes will be held during the afternoon. Please RSVP by calling (773) 577-5323 or email info@norwoodcrossing.org.

Follow the Laughter! We are all stressed and sometimes it goes over the top to affect our health, our mindset and takes us off the path of having a joyful life. If this fits you personally, your business or department...then consider the upcoming weekend like Zumba for your Joy without all the sweating!

Most of us put the concept of joy on hold for when we have time, though did you know that if you learned to exercise your muscle of mirth that you can relate better physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually because joy is an essential for life!

This weekend Lynda Tourloukis will be hosting her 28th Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Training experiencial event on Saturday and Sunday for individuals who are ready to make a shift in their life, learn more about what joy can do and how the vehicle of laughter delivered in a specific way can build and tone your life. This is a big win-win because it benefits both the Individual taking the class and those they will work with after the class. So if your department's not getting along...send someone to bring back the light, if your relationships are in question...join us or if you simply want to exact change in a positive and productive way this is the weekend for you.

Lynda Tourloukis is an inspiring motivation specialist and a certified teacher of the International Laughter Yoga movement and Joy is a service she offers at You Can Say Yes Motivational Guidance Services.
Saturday-Sunday 9am-5pm
350 S. Northwest Hwy
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Details at http://www.FollowTheLaughter.com

Oakton Community College Enroll in Online Personal Development Courses

Enhance your personal development skills from the comfort of your own home – or wherever you can access the Internet – by enrolling in noncredit online courses offered through the Oakton Alliance for Lifelong Learning.

* Intro to Business Analysis (BUS A16-301). Gain an advantage in the business arena by developing analytical skills that are consistently in demand. If you are planning a career in business, this is the course for you!
* Starting a Nonprofit (HEC B37-01). Learn practical information on how to build a nonprofit from scratch.
* Start a Pet-Sitting Business (BUS A35-301). Are you an animal lover? Discover how to turn your passion into a profitable career. Course covers everything from attracting clients to treating sick animals.
* Creating a Successful Business Plan (BUS A90-301). This course will help new and established small business owners create their own plans to guide growth and achieve their goals.

Featured courses are $114 and run from February 15 through April 6.

All registrants will be charged an $8 non-refundable processing fee at the time of registration. For a complete Alliance for Lifelong Learning class schedule, including registration and fee information, visit www.oakton.edu/all, or call 847-982-9888, press 3.
Park Ridge Community Women Mardi Gras Masquerade to Support GiGi’s Playhouse
Park Ridge Community Women Annual Fundraiser to Empower Individuals with Down Syndrome
The Park Ridge Community Women’s (PRCW) group is presenting a night of Mardi Gras Masquerade benefiting GiGi’s Playhouse, a Down syndrome awareness and educational center. A fun packed evening is planned with music, dancing, fortune telling, and games on Friday February 24th, 2012 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM at the Snuggery Pub in Edison Park, 6733 N. Olmsted Ave. Event and ticket details can be found at www.prcw.org.
PRCW chose GiGi’s Playhouse through their membership nomination and voting
process, but the decision was easy since the efforts will also support an organization thathas been a big part of one of the group’s member’s life directly. The Kracik family’s
Mom, Debbie, is a PRCW member and has been a family that has greatly benefitted from GiGi’s Playhouse support and love with their daughter who has Down syndrome.
"Finding GiGi's Playhouse has helped our daughter who has Down syndrome, and given our family an amazing support structure as we celebrate this blessing in our lives."
Debbie Kracik GiGi's Playhouse family member and PRCW member.

Car Raffle tickets!
MRRO Car Raffle Tickets Sales for National Breast Cancer Foundation

MRRO (Most Reliable Remodelers Organization) partnered with the National Breast Cancer Foundation to sell raffle tickets. The
The MRRO Car Raffle Grand Prize is a choice of a brand new car (a 2011 BMW 328i Convertible, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C250 Coupe or 2012 CADILLAC CTS Premium Coupe) or $50,000 in cash. The second prize will be a cash prize of $10,000 and third prizes will be the sum of $1,000 each with 10 raffle ticket holders totaling $10,000.
A total of 2,500 tickets will be sold at a price of $100.00 per ticket.
Visit MRRO website at www.MRRO.org for more information or call us at 630-238-5701.

Republican Women of Park Ridge February 16, 2012 @ 7:00pm Republican Women of Park Ridge Candidate's Forum. Candidate's Forum hosted by Republican Women of Park Ridge. Believe it or not! The March 20, 2012 Primary Election is only weeks away. Do you know who your Republican Candidates are on the Park Ridge Primary Ballots? Come to our February General Meeting. We have invited the local Candidates important to you, for you to become better informed. This very important general meeting is February 16, 2012 @ 7:00pm, South Park Recreation Center. Admission is free. All are welcome.
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News: Republican Women of Park Ridge Club's very own, Susan Sweeney, has announced her candidacy for the 55th Illinois State Representative District. Important: This is a WRITE-IN vote on the Primary Ballot. Congratulations Susan! Interested in helping with the campaign, contact rwopr@ymail.com.

Willow Wellness Center Willow Wellness Center is offering a mindfulness meditation class to start February 2 in Park Ridge. Drs. Sandra Carey and Bob Campbell are co-leading the course--an 8-week program providing mindfulness education and practice for a limited number of participants. Classes will involve attention to breathing, gentle movement, and a focus on being present with oneself--and provide a great way to learn to relax! Classes are Thursday evenings, 7:00 to 8:30, from February 2 through March 22. The cost is $249 for the entire course, payable with cash, check, or credit card. Fliers are available for sharing upon request.

If you or anyone you know is interested, please contact Dr. Bob Campbell at (847) 318-8200 or rcampbell@willowwellness.com.

The Center of Concern The Center of Concern Auxiliary is hosting two Bunko Parties on February 10th

Bunko is a fun dice game that anyone can play –no experience necessary! Two Bunko parties will be held to benefit The Center of Concern, a social service agency in Park Ridge. The events will be held on Friday, February 10th at the South Park Recreation Center (Talcott and Cumberland) in Park Ridge. The first event, “Bunko and Lunch” for men and women will be held from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Later, “Ladies’ Night” will be held from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. $15.00 ticket includes Bunko games and prizes, choice of beef sandwich or mostaccioli, dessert, coffee and tea. Wine, beer and pop will be available for purchase. Contact Nancy at (847) 318-1008 to make your reservations, and your tickets will be held at the door. Please indicate whether you would like to come for the afternoon or evening session and whether you would like beef or pasta.

Weight Watchers How are you doing on your New Year’s resolutions? Is one of them get healthy or lose weight? (or both?) Weight Watchers At Work is changing. The next series won't be a block of 15 or 17 weeks but weekly meetings for just $39.95/month. That's less than going to a traditional meeting near your home. Stay tuned for more information and spread the word. Now is the time to join Weight Watchers at AANA!

New program starts Thursday, February 2.

Meetings are Thursdays:
(AANA) American Assn of Nurse Anesthetists
222 S. Prospect Avenue Park Ridge, IL
Weigh In: 11:15am
Meeting: 11:45 am - 12:15pm

Please let us know that you are interested in joining. Either email me and I will let you know when you can sign up online, or if you have any questions or wish to discuss the program, please contact our group leader:

Jeanne Robert
wwjro@comcast.net
847-341-1028
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Contact Me: Gail Haller
Executive Director
Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
720 Garden Street
Park Ridge, IL 60068

phone: 847.825.3121
fax: 847.825.3122
facebook.com/ShopParkRidgeIL
www.parkridgechamber.org

Thank you to our Platinum members
1. Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and
Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital: 847.723.2210 New!
2. All on the Road Catering & Bakery: 847.518.8958
3. AthletiCo Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy: 847-292-4710
4. ATI Physical Therapy: 847.292.0151
5. Blufish Sushi Bistro: 847.720.4479
6. Charter Fitness of Park Ridge: 847.318.7550
7. Comfort Inn O'Hare/Des Plaines: 847.635.1300
8. D'Agostino's Pizza & Pub: 847.518.8700
9. E.J. Coyne & Company Inc: 847.692.9077
10. Express Auto Center: 847.813.9469
11. Home Comfort Heating & Cooling: 847.824.4336
12. Houlihan's Restaurant: 847.692.6205
13. Jason's Deli: 847.823.0210
14. K.G.M. Plumbing, Inc.: 847.583.8988
15. LIN-MAR Motors: 847.965.4200
16. Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, Hilary Sopata: www.marykay.com/hilary New!
17. North South Masonry & Tuckpointing: 847.384.0917
18. Pangaea Tiling & Decorative Painting: 847.899.3539
19. Paul Davis Emergency Services: 847.692.5000
20. Periodontics of Niles: 847.685.6686
21. Pickwick Theatre: 847.825.5800
22. Responsive Management Solutions: 847.804.8800
23. Resurrection Health Care: 847.813.3210
24. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates: 847.825.1002
25. The Exercise Coach: 847.823.0035 New!
26. Transition Brokers RE: 312.399.2490
27. Unbound Technology: 847.235.4994
28. Village Bank & Trust: 847-870-6007
29. Why Not Complete Home Improvement: 847-297-0101
30. Y-Tech Heating & Cooling: 847.696.0477
31. You can be here!
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