FEBRUARY 2008 PRESS RELEASE

     Roger Smith, an Edward Jones financial advisor, will present How to Raise a Money-Smart Child on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. He will tell you how to start your young children on the right financial path by teaching them about the importance of saving and investing. He will stress that bad habits are hard to break, but good habits stick around for a long time. It’s almost never too early to start – and your efforts can provide a lifetime of benefits. By the time most children reach age five, they have more than enough cognitive skills to understand the basics of saving money. Of course, the older they get, the better equipped they will be to handle more sophisticated concepts of investing. The program highlights how to set attainable goals, reward children’s efforts, make investing fun, and stress the long-term nature of investing. The sponsor for Mr. Smith’s program is the Free Speech Speakers’ Bureau.

     Betty Barsley-Marra, University of Illinois Extension educator, will present Forgiveness: The Gift You Give Yourself during Books for Lunch on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. “Research has shown that forgiveness has positive value for emotional, physical and relationship well-being” states Frederic Luskin, director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Project. His work and the work of others contradict the often repeated notion that “revenge is sweet.” While forgiveness may be something one person extends to others, the ultimate benefit is the reduction of stress and the peace that results for the forgiver. Forgiveness is not as simple as saying, “I forgive you.” Forgiveness is an active process that includes making the decision to forgive. Reconciliation with the offender is not necessary for forgiveness. This seminar discusses current research regarding what forgiveness is and is not, the benefits of forgiveness for mind and body, common barriers to forgiveness and some common barriers to forgiveness process.

     Calling all chocolate lovers! Kim Tice of Kim’s Confections will present a hands-on class on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. You will learn about different types of chocolate as well as the history of chocolate. Next there will be sampling of a number of yummy products. Then Kim will help students get into the dipping and molding process. Students will be able to take home their molds of chocolate to enjoy later. There is a limit of 15 for this class, so please sign up early.

     The West Chicago Public Library District is having their annual book sale. The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale is scheduled for Friday, March 7, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 8, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please mark your calendar now for this exciting event!

     Registration is required for the two evening programs. Please call Adult Services at (630) 231-1552 x4 or sign up in Adult Services at the West Chicago Public Library District, 118 W. Washington St., West Chicago, IL 60185.