Tax volunteers | Calumet City

Volunteers are needed to help seniors and low income people in Burnham, Calumet City, Calumet Park, Chicago Heights, Dolton, Homewood, Lansing, Riverdale, Sauk Village and Thornton prepare their income tax returns. AARP Foundation will conduct a five-day training session for new volunteers Jan. 16, 17, 18, 22 and 23 at Calumet City Public Library, 660 Manistee Ave. The course and textbooks are free. After training and certification, volunteers are requested to give a minimum commitment of four hours per week during the tax season, which extends from Feb. 1 through April 15.

FYI: Call Frank Schuster at (708) 474-9046 or e-mail him at fschuster@juno.com.

Needlework | Crete

Knot Just for Knitters Group is the Crete Public Library's informal group for anyone doing any kind of needlework - knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, sewing. Meet and share ideas and advice on a regular basis. The group will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Everyone is welcome. The library will also host "Knitting 101" and "Knitting 102," classes for those who want to learn to knit in upcoming months. The library is at 1177 Main St.

FYI: Call (708) 672-8017.

Note taker | South Holland

South Suburban College's Office of Services for Students with Disabilities is looking for well-educated, caring people who are looking for part-time work as note takers. Applicants need to be able to provide legible handwriting and work through the duration of the school semester. SSC students with a minimum 2.5 GPA are preferred and encouraged to apply. Non-SSC students who have at least an associate's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA are also welcome to apply. The Office of Services for Students with Disabilities provides assistance and support to students with special needs. Services encompass the provision of technological devices, note takers, interpreters, tutoring and more.

FYI: Call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2649.

Free days | Chicago

The Adler Planetarium is partnering with Charter One Bank to offer 52 free general admission days this year as part of Charter One Discount Days at the Adler. A week of free general admission is being offered now through Jan. 18. Admission will also be free Mondays and Tuesdays in January, February, September, October and November.

FYI: Visit www.adlerplanetarium.org.

Newborn care | Harvey

Ingalls Department of Women's and Children's Services offers an infant care class that meets from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 16, 23 and 30 at the Ingalls Harold J. Gouwens Professional Office Building, 71 W. 156th St. Grandparents who would like to refresh their infant care skills are also encouraged to enroll. The cost of this program is $20 for the three-session class.

FYI: To register call Ingalls Department of Women's and Children's Services at (708) 915-5334.

Ministry dinner | Thornton

Thornton United Methodist Church, 712 Chicago Road, will hold its monthly funding ministry dinner at 5 p.m. Jan. 16. Minestrone, chicken noodle and cream of potato soups will be served with bread, beverage and dessert. Serving ends at 7 p.m. It costs $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 3 to 10. Tickets can be purchased at the door and carry-outs are available.

FYI: Call (708) 877-5541.

Dreams | Glenwood

A program on dream interpretation is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 17 at Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library, 320 Glenwood-Lansing Road. Numerologist and dream interpreter Cindy Magnuson will be conducting.

FYI: Call (708) 758-0090.

Retirees club | Chicago

Republic Steel Retirees Club will meet at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at Steve's Lounge, 13200 Baltimore Ave. in Chicago's Hegewisch neighborhood. All retirees are welcome. It's $13 for dues-paid club members and $18 for others.

FYI: Call Cass Wapinski at (773) 307-5675.

Pain seminar | Harvey

A free seminar on neck and back pain will help attendees learn more about how to relieve pain. The seminar is from 11 a.m. to noon Jan. 17 at Ingalls Professional Office Building, 71 W. 156th St. Experts from the Ingalls Spine Center will be available to discuss some of the latest methods of diagnosing neck and back pain, medications and other nonsurgical options, as well about minimally invasive and leading edge technologies.

FYI: Call Ingalls Care Connection for complete schedule and to register at (800) 221-2199.

Blood drive | Chicago Heights

A Heartland blood drive is from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at Church of the Nazarene, 699-8th St. To be a blood donor, individuals must be at least 17 years old or 16 with written parental permission; weigh at least 110 pounds; be symptom free of cold, flu and allergies; and be in good health.

FYI: Call (800) 7 TO GIVE or visit www.heartlandbc.org.

Diabetes class | Flossmoor

Ingalls Diabetes Management Center offers a free, three-session class to help attendees learn to manage diabetes. The next session will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 17, 18 and Feb. 14. Classes are held at Ingalls Family Care Center, 19550 Governors Highway. This program is designed to help newly-diagnosed diabetics, as well as individuals who are having difficulty controlling their diabetes. Attendees will receive basic dietary information, along with instructions on how to use a meal plan.

FYI: Call Ingalls Diabetes Management Center at (708) 915-8530.

Skills check class | Harvey

Ingalls Memorial Hospital is offering a BLS Skills Check Session. This two-hour session is designed for those who have successfully completed the BLS for HCP online renewal course. During this session skills are return-demonstrated by participants seeking renewal of their current BLS for HCP card. It is geared toward those in the health care field, but open to anyone wishing to participate with a current BLS for HCP card. BLS Skills Check Session class will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 18 in West 723 of the hospital, at 156th and Wood Streets. A $30 fee is charged for the session. Registration is required.

FYI: Call (708) 915-5540.

Ski trips | Homewood

Teens, tweens and families are invited to travel to Alpine Valley Ski Resort in East Troy, Wis., for skiing and snowboarding with the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District on two separate school holidays this winter. Day trips will depart at 6:30 a.m. and return at 7 p.m. at Dolphin Lake Clubhouse, 183rd Street and Governors Highway. Trips are scheduled for Jan. 21 and Feb. 18. Beginner through advanced level ski slopes are offered at Alpine Valley, along with a snowboarding area. Trip fee is $81 with a ski rental, or $61 without a ski rental. Fee includes lift costs and bus transportation. All ages are welcome; however, ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

FYI: To register or for more information, call (708) 957-PARK or visit hfparks.com.

Ski, sports | Chicago

Lakeshore Ski and Sports Club will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 16 at Dapper's East, 2901 W. Addison. All who are interested can attend and learn about ski trips planned for the winter.

FYI: Call (708) 786-3992.

AARP 3250 | Dolton

Dolton AARP 3250 will meet at 1 p.m. Jan. 21 at Dolton Park Recreation Center, 715 Engle St. Cake and coffee will be served and bingo will be played. Dues will be collected.

FYI: Call (708) 862-7886.

BEGINNING SWIMMERS | Munster

Munster Parks and Recreation Department will offer Level 2 - Beginner class that will focus on building upon the basics of swimming. Students should be comfortable alone in the water and should be able to demonstrate skills such as floating, kicking and putting their face in the water. This class will use of kickboards and noodles and students will begin to learn freestyle and backstroke. Sessions are 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 20 to March 16, at Munster High School's pool, 8808 Columbia Ave. Fee is $50 for residents and $60 for nonresidents. Register in advance.

FYI: Call (219) 836-PARK.

BLACK AND WHITE BALL | Hammond

Community Center Development Corp. holds its 22nd annual Black & White Ball from 6 p.m. to midnight Jan. 26 at Dynasty Banquets, 4141 Calumet Ave. The $50 donation covers dinner and dancing to a live band. All proceeds benefit the Ophelia Steen Family & Health Services Center.

FYI: Call (219) 853-2360 or e-mail pwalker282@comcast.net.

OPEN BASKETBALL | Munster

Adults 18 and older can play pickup basketball from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 22 to April 29, at Wilbur Wright Middle School, 8650 Columbia Ave. The fee is $35 for residents.

FYI: Call (219) 836-PARK.

YOUTH BOWLING | Highland

Munster Parks and Recreation Department offers eight-week bumper/youth bowling classes from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays starting Jan. 23 at Plaza Lanes, 8101 Kennedy Ave. Sessions are supervised by Munster High School National Honor Society volunteers. The program, for youths 4 to 13 years old, costs $42 for residents and $52 for nonresidents. Fee includes bowling, shoe rental and a final class pizza party. Sign up in advance.

FYI: Call (219) 836-PARK.

SPORTS MANAGEMENT | Gary

Registration has begun for a sports management concentration as part of the associate's degree program in business administration is offered at Ivy Tech Community College Gary campus during the spring semester. SPM 101 Introduction to Sports Management will be offered Saturday mornings and SPM 201 Sport in Society will be offered Saturday afternoon beginning Jan. 19. The courses also will be offered over the internet. Ivy Tech is at 1440 E. 35th Ave.

FYI: Call (219) 981-4429 or e-mail afabian@ivytech.edu.