Friends of the Library offer calendar, memberships

The Friends of the Racine Public Library have the perfect gift for book lovers: On Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 6 - Dec. 21, from 1 to 3 p.m., this fund-raising group will sell their popular "Book Lovers" calendar in the Library lobby at 75 Seventh St.

These page-a-day calendars offer daily excerpts from some of the best books ever written. The calendars are $10, and the Friends will also sell their popular book bags for $4 and $7. All proceeds benefit the Racine Public Library.

The Friends of the Library organized in 1979, when Federal funding for the Library decreased. Its purpose was to support the library and raise funds to provide additional support for programs and materials. The Friends of the Library have raised many thousands of dollars through book sales and membership dues. Funds have been provided for projects like the DVD rental collection, the annual Summer Reading Challenge, 4th & 5th Grade Battle of the Books, Youth Book Discussion Groups, and the Library's growing Graphic Novel Collection. The Friends also host an annual "Breakfast with the Authors."

To become a member, contact the Racine Public Library at 262.636.9170. Membership fees are tax deductible. Membership dues are as follows:

Individual - $10
Family - $15
Supporter - $25
Life Member - $150
Sponsor - $500

Wagon Wheel factory artists open their studios

Jim Chaplin, left; Del Parsons, seated, draw a crowd in 2007

Twenty-nine of the artists with studios at the Racine Business Center will host an open house on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone who has attended events there in the past knows there's a tremendous variety of talent and creativity on display.

The studios are on the third and fourth floor of the former Wheary Wagon Wheel factory building, located at 1405 16th St. As if the art and conversation themselves aren't enough, many will provide refreshments as well.

For a story about last year's open house, and profiles and pictures of some of the artists, just click HERE.

Two young violinists perform at Northern Lights

Two young violinists will perform at Northern Lights Gallery this Saturday, Dec. 6, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Devin Shirley, 16, and Stephanie Besaw, 15, have been good friends since early elementary school, sharing both friendship and their love for music and the violin.

On display at Northern Lights will be two of the decorated Christmas Trees that are part of the Downtown Racine Corporation's Winterfest tree raffle: one is a 7' tree decorated as a Winter Wedding, and the other is a table-top tree.

The store, at 423 Main St., will also offer refreshments and gift specials.

The Arc of Racine selling decorative tins of candy and nuts

The Arc of Racine announces its annual sale of decorative tins of candy and nuts. The items are available immediately for purchase and include:

1 lb. Mixed Nuts (Jumbo Fancy Whole Cashews, Almonds, Brazils , Pecans & Filberts) $13.00
1 lb. Jumbo Fancy Cashews - $14
18 oz. Chocolate covered peanuts: $11.00
23 oz. Pecan Backs (similiar to Turtles) $18.00
Also available are small boxes (4oz. or 5oz.) of candies by SEE'S for $5.00 each and include chocolates in either a snowman themed box or holiday box, peanut brittle or foiled wrapped chocolate balls.

For additional cost, the products can be shipped. Also local delivery is available. Orders can be telephoned in to The Arc at 634-6303, ext. 1; faxed to 635-2640 or emailed to info@thearcofracine.org

All proceeds from the sale benefit The Arc of Racine's programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities including disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, cognitive disabilities.

Taizé service at First Presbyterian Church

A special Taizé service will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 716 College Ave.

The Rev. Ben Johnston-Krase will lead a meditative style of worship using elements of prayer, song and silence to bring a sense of calm and deep peace to worshippers. Vocal and instrumental accompaniment will be provided by Alejandro Alumbreros, Ami Bouterse and Parkside students. A freewill offering will be accepted.

The church is fully accessible by elevator. For more information, contact the church office at (262) 632-1686.

United Way lunch-and-learn volunteer session

Do you wonder how United Way of Racine County makes funding allocation decisions? Are you interested in learning about a valuable and rewarding volunteer opportunity? Join Tiffani Pinkerton, Community Impact Manager of United Way of Racine County, for a volunteer information session on the United Way allocation process, which will be held at the United Way offices, located at 2000 Domanik Drive in Racine on Friday, Dec. 5, a noon with lunch provided. Register by contacting Tiffani or calling (262) 635-7499 Ext. 120.

Every year through its allocation process, more than 100 volunteers make investments in a range of programs and services that help children, adults and families meet basic needs or develop new skills and behaviors. Committees usually meet once a month and work in teams to review program applications for United Way funding. Team members make on-site visits. In May, committee members submit their recommendations to invest more than $4 million in programs benefitting the community in the areas of education, income and health.

County Dems hold annual celebration, potluck

The Democratic Party of Racine County invites members and interested Racine County residents to attend the DPRC Annual Holiday Celebration on Monday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m. at Union Hall, 1840 Sycamore Ave.

The free event will feature a brief program, with a few words from several local elected officials, and a potluck buffet. Members are asked to bring salads and casseroles to share, and attendees are also asked to bring two non-perishable food items for distribution to needy families through the Racine County Food Bank.

Questions may be directed to Jane Witt, 639-7253.