The Dice Game of Shiva: the Dance between Mind and the World
Thursday, March 12, 7 p.m.

The story of Shiva’s dice game, in which the god always loses to his divine consort, is one of the most profound yet most baffling of Hindu myths. The myth explains the dynamic between purusha (consciousness) and prakriti (the world). What does this mean in terms of moment-to-moment life? He will also lead a guided meditation to give some direct experience of these teachings.

Richard Smoley has over 30 years’ experience studying and practicing esoteric spirituality. Richard is the former editor of Gnosis magazine. He is executive editor of Quest magazine and editor of Quest Books.

$9 guests $7 members; 630-668-1571 x300, www.theosophical.org.

Spring Equinox Ceremony & Labyrinth Walk
Thursday, March 19, 7 p.m.

Celebrate the return of spring with a silent, mystical, candlelight walk harnessing the power of the group to the power of the labyrinth and the power of the cosmos at equinox time. Bring a candle and 3 small written prayers to place in the center of the labyrinth as seeds for fruition in this year’s growing season: for yourself, for the land, and for the world. We’ll meet in the auditorium first. Dress warmly.

Atala Dorothy Toy has been a teacher of meditation for 30 years, written a book on consciousness, and is a member of the Labyrinth Society.

$9 guests $7 members; 630-668-1571 x300, www.theosophical.org.

Are We Alone?
Thursday, March 26, 7 – 9 p.m.

Physicist Paul Davies in his book Are We Alone? explores scientific inquiry into the possibility of extra-terrestrial intelligence, and then asks very critical questions. If we are not alone, what are the implications for our views of the universe, for philosophy, and for religion and spirituality?

Jim Kenney is a co-founder of Common Ground and a Trustee, International Interreligious Peace Council. He has done doctoral work in Comparative Religions at Northwestern University.

$9 guests $7 members; 630-668-1571 x300, www.theosophical.org.

Tales of the Courthouse

The Center for History’s Thursdays at the Center series continues to give fascinating programs on a variety of topics. Thursday, March 12 at 7:00 p.m. the Center will feature Alberta Adamson and Tales of the Courthouse: Crimes & Punishments.

Since walls can’t talk, Adamson tells fascinating true stories about the DuPage County Courthouse in downtown Wheaton. Documented stories of how Wheatonites brought county government to the community, intriguing tales of the feud over the location of DuPage’s county seat, political struggle for power, and legendary crimes and punishments, including hangings.

Programs are held at the Center for History, 315 W. Front Street, 2^nd floor, Wheaton. Reservations for Thursdays at the Center are recommended and can be made by calling 630-871-6601 or email info@wheatonhistory.com. Programs are free and museum admission applies: $7.50 adult; $6.50 senior (60+); $5.50 student; Center for History members and children 8 and under are free. The Center for History is a privately funded 501c3 supported by fees and donations.

THE GAMON AWARDS – Your Community, Your Vote

The Wheaton Chamber of Commerce (WCC) will be hosting a new event this year, the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Gamon Awards. For the first time, the WCC will provide an opportunity for the community’s favorite small and large Chamber business, civil servant, restaurant, community improvement / development project and not-for-profit organization to receive citywide recognition.

Awards, voted on by businesses and the community, will be presented to individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to our community. Ballots will be available throughout Wheaton for people to cast their votes. We plan on making this an annual event and with time hope to grow the number of awards presented each year.

We have tied each of the awards to a significant contributor in Wheaton’s history. The title, the Gamon Awards, reflect William A. Gamon’s creation of the Wheaton Business Association, a pre-cursor to the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce. We will also have awards honoring the work of Henry Childs, O.E. Kimball, Elbert H. Gary and Edwin Deicke. We feel with the sesquicentennial celebration taking place this year, there is no better time to remember those that helped shape this city into what it is now.

The inaugural event will be held on Friday, March 20, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Danada House located near the intersection of Butterfield and Naperville roads. There will be a cocktail reception, dinner, entertainment and of course, the awards presentation.

We are very excited about this event and hope you will join us as we recognize Wheaton’s best! Deadline for nominations is Friday, February 20th. Make sure to check the Chamber website
for more information as we get closer to the event and voting ballots.

Gamon Awards Nomination Packet

The Wheaton League of Women Voters Candidates’ Forum
The Wheaton League of Women Voters and the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce invite you to participate in a Candidates’ Forum on Tuesday March 3, 2009. It will be held at the Wheaton Park District Community Center located at 1777 S. Blanchard Rd. This Forum provides an excellent opportunity for the public to meet all the candidates and become more informed for the April 7^th election.

The evening begins at 6:30 P.M. with coffee and refreshments, followed by the Forum at 7:00 P.M. It will end about 9:00 P.M.

Invited candidates include those for the Wheaton City Council, Wheaton Park District Board of Commissioners, Milton Township, Community School District 200 Board of Education, and College of DuPage Board of Trustees.

You are invited to bring campaign literature that may be placed on a table provided outside the meeting room. Please note, the League or Chamber of Commerce cannot endorse any candidate for any position.

At approximately 7:00 P.M. candidates running without opposition will be introduced. By category opposed candidates will each give two-minute opening statements. Candidates will have the opportunity to respond to questions from the League and the audience. Questions will be submitted in writing and screened to avoid duplication. Following these each candidate will have one minute to make a closing statement.

Please notify us of your intent to participate by contacting Jan at 630-665-0250, jantomkay@comcast.net; Bill at 773-443-8086, bedgar@hegemony.com; or Gwen at 630-668-5759, gswharton@ameritech.net. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. We are looking forward to meeting you and hearing your positions on the various issues before our community.

State Senator Carole Pankau (R-Itasca) has been appointed to serve on six Senate committees for the 96^th General Assembly. Sen. Pankau has also been chosen to serve as Republican spokesperson for the Senate Labor Committee.

The 23^rd District Senator will speak on behalf of the Republican Caucus on the Senate Labor Committee which reviews legislation and laws concerning employment issues such as: state employee rights, minimum wage laws, and the prevailing wage.

“The Labor Committee review important legislation dealing with employee rights and wages,” said Sen. Pankau. “Job creation in Illinois is a major priority for the Republican Caucus and I suspect that we will see legislation appear before the Labor Committee specifically targeting this. In our minds its jobs, jobs, jobs.”

Along with serving on the Senate Labor Committee, Sen. Pankau will sit on the Public Health Committee, Environment Committee, newly created Energy Committee, Appropriations II Committee, and the all powerful Senate Executive Committee.

Senator Pankau says committees are scheduled to meet on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.

American Cancer Society Relay For Life
Glen Ellyn, Wheaton and Winfield

Event Kick-Off

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Glenbard South High School Theatre

23W200 Butterfield Rd., Glen Ellyn, 60137

Relay For Life is an overnight event bringing communities together to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those lost to cancer and fight back against cancer. The community festival setting includes inspirational speakers, moving ceremonies, music, food and fun!

Come to the event kick-off to find out more about Relay For Life and enjoy refreshments, entertainment, prizes and early registration discounts with a special gift for team captains.

Please R.S.V.P. by February 13, 2009 to:

Leslie at your American Cancer Society

Phone: 630.932.1141, ext. 3

E-mail: leslie.abrahamson@cancer.org

Event website: www.relayforlifegww.com

State Sen. Carole Pankau (R-Itasca) has announced that she is now accepting applications for the 2009 General Assembly Scholarship program. Students who reside in the 23^rd district are encouraged to apply for one of eight scholarships.

“As the senator for the 23^rd district, I take pleasure in being able to offer students this opportunity through the General Assembly scholarship program,” stated Sen. Pankau. “A college education is priceless and with the help of these scholarships it can become more obtainable for eight deserving students.”

Undergraduate and graduate students interested in the scholarship program can download instructions and application at Sen. Pankau’s Web site, http://www.pankau.senategop.org.

To be eligible for consideration students must reside in the 23^rd district; be accepted at one of fourteen state universities; provide evidence of activity in public and civic affairs; and proof of relative financial need.

Recipients of the scholarship will receive one full academic year’s tuition including fall, summer and spring semesters.

The deadline for applications to be considered is April 1, 2009. Please call or email Sen. Pankau’s district office for more information at, 630-582-0309 and carole@pankau.org.

Check back soon for Gamon Awards voting ballots.

The Robert R. McCormick Museum at Cantigny Park has unveiled the winning entries in its Abraham Lincoln poster contest.  The posters, created by local students and depicting Lincoln’s life and accomplishments, will be displayed at the museum through April 30.

First Place in the 6^th to 9^th grade category went to Joey Simeo, a home-schooled 9^th grader from Glen Ellyn.  Second Place was awarded to Stephanie Szmergaski, an 8^th grader from Wauconda Middle School.  Honorable Mention was earned by Ariana Koehler, also a Wauconda Middle School 8^th grader.

First Place in the 1^st to 5^th grade category was Abrielle Evans, a 5^th grader from Northlake who attends JACE Home School.  Second Place honors went to Noah Treadway, a 1^st grader from John Stewart Elementary School in Elburn.  Anna Fank, a 5^th grader from Whittier Elementary in Wheaton, won Honorable Mention.

In addition to having their art exhibited at the McCormick Museum, the students received invitations to a special reception at the museum on February 7, a certificate of achievement and a free pass to Cantigny Park.

Photos of the two First Place winners with their posters are available upon request.

The poster contest is part of series of events sponsored by the McCormick Museum in commemoration of the Lincoln Bicentennial in 2009.  Events still to come include two lectures in partnership with Wheaton College (April 9 and May 15) and a vintage “Base Ball Tournament” at Cantigny on June 13.  For details, please visit Cantigny.org or call 630 260 8162.

Mark your calendars for WDSRA’s Magic Show starting at 2:00 p.m. this Saturday, February 7th at the Wheaton Grand Theater. 

Jim Jensen and his company of magicians take us on a magical journey of tricks and illusions from days past to the present. Kids and adults alike will be amazed at the high energy style of magic.  This is fun and entertainment for the whole family! 

To receive your FREE tickets, contact Sherry Manschot, WDSRA marketing/pr manager, at sherrym@wdsra.com. Be sure to include the name of all attendees, a contact phone number, and email address. For more information call (630) 681-0962 ext. 123.