Community briefs

The Plainfield Public Library will be accepting non-perishable food in exchange for waiving fines Nov. 9 through 16. Bring in two to four non-perishable items to remove up to $5 in fines or bring in five or more items to remove up to $10 off in fines. Donations will benefit the Plainfield Interfaith Food Pantry. Opened, expired or perishable food products will not be accepted. If you prefer to donate the money owed in fines to the Food Pantry, a collection jar at the Check Out Desk will also be available.

On Tuesday, Anita Quinlan from the Plainfield Public Library will demonstrate free library services and resources available that job seekers can access from your home computer.

Join us at 7 p.m. at the Employment Ministry meeting, St. Mary Immaculate Parish, 15629 South Route 59, in Plainfield. There is no cost to attend and everyone is welcome.

If you are new to networking, come early for a special 6:30 p.m. introduction to networking tools like the Handbill and the Elevator Speech to help you get the most out of your effort. Coaches are available at any time to meet one-on-one to help you develop those tools, or to review your resume and hone interviewing skills.

That's how we help "Prepare Job Seekers for Success." There is no cost to attend and everyone is welcome. Bring up to 20 copies of your resume and/or handbill.

For more information, please e-mail EmploymentMinistry @smip.org.

Winter container gardening: Plainfield Public Library presents the final presentation in its seasonal container gardening series for 2009 at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16. Master Gardener Judi Deszcz will demonstrate how to create stunning winter containers for your yard, patio or for gift giving. This class will focus on the appropriate materials, plants and containers to use for the winter months. Judi's demonstration container will be raffled as a door prize. Register via the Library's website: www.plainfield.lib.il.us or by calling 815-327-2515.

Strictly Business Series: Small Business Finance: The Plainfield Public Library and the Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce presents the final event for 2009 of the Strictly Business Series at noon Nov. 10. Join representatives from National City Bank as they explore small business finances. They will cover managing cash flow, financing growth and acquisitions, growing wealth and increasing financial security, reducing operating costs, reducing risk and managing personal finances. Bring your lunch; dessert and refreshments will be provided. No registration necessary.

Memoir writing series: The Plainfield Public Library presents the third and final session of our Memoir Writing Series at 7 p.m. Nov. 17. You will learn how to present your memoirs and stories for publishing and the variety of options available for writers in today's market. Bring 1-5 pages of sample writing to class and receive a personal critique. Register via the Library's website: www.plainfield.lib.il.us or by calling 815-327-2515.

The Timbers of Shorewood presents a "Quality of Life" seminar featuring Rajeev Malhotra, M.D., to discuss psychiatric challenges that are prevalent with seniors at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 18, at The Timbers of Shorewood, 1100 N. River Road, Shorewood. Malhotra will educate attendees about aging and the mind.

Malhotra is a geriatric psychiatrist on staff at Provena Mercy Medical Center. His private practice is located in Yorkville and Naperville. His medical degree is from Government Medical College, Punjab University, and his residency took place at The Chicago Medical School of Psychiatry. Malhotra completed a fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Pennsylvania.

Common fears about aging can lead to anxiety. Many older adults are afraid of falling, being unable to afford living expenses and medication, being victimized, being dependent on others, being left alone, and death. Just as stress can wear bodies down and increase blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, it can also affect thinking, mood, and ability to remember.

Anxiety is a common illness among older adults, affecting as many as 10-20 percent of the older population, though it is often undiagnosed. Phobia--when an individual is fearful of certain things, places or events--is the most typical type of anxiety. Among adults, anxiety is the most common mental health problem for women and the second most common for men, after substance abuse.

"Older adults with changes in behavior often go untreated," Dr. Malhotra said. "Often they do not recognize or acknowledge their symptoms. And if an older person is undiagnosed, he or she is not being treated. Families should know how to recognize symptoms of anxiety, depression, dementia, etc., and know what can be done."

The Timbers of Shorewood is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments as well as a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay - a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

Again this event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://www.timbers-shorewood.com or call 815-609-0669.

Illinois Route 59 southbound traffic start to be relocated onto the newly-constructed pavement from Union Street to Rolf Road this week in order to allow work crews to prepare for the transfer of northbound traffic to the new pavement on Monday, weather permitting.

During this period, left turn access into and out of all private and commercial driveways and all streets except for Fort Beggs Drive, Renwick Road, and Fraser Road/Feeney Drive will prohibited. Because of the large elevation differential between the new and existing pavements, all existing access will need to be reconstructed with gentler slopes in order to provide safe winter driving conditions during the reconstruction of the northbound lanes.

Any questions about this project should be directed to the Plainfield Public Works Department transportation engineer Greg Heiden at 815-436-3577.

The next monthly meeting of the Plainfield Township Democratic Organization will be on Tuesday beginning at 7 p.m. at the Plainfield Public Library, located at 15025 S. Illinois St. in downtown Plainfield.

If there are any questions, please contact the Plainfield Township Democratic Organization at info@plainfielddemocrats.org.

Candidates and Elected Officials are asked to please contact Chairman Anthony Howard at 815-342-6702 or Vice-Chair Elaine Bice at 815-436-7491 if you plan on attending the meeting.

The Plainfield Township Democratic Organization meets monthly (provisions are made for holidays) at the Plainfield Public Library.

For more information on the Plainfield Township Democratic Organization, visit www.plainfielddemocrats.org/