In Our Towns

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Updated: November 1, 2011 11:46PM

West Dundee: Annual blood drive set for Wednesday

The annual village of West Dundee Blood Drive will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Spring Hill Mall near the interior entrance to Sears. Formerly held at the Public Safety Building No. 2 along Route 72, this year’s drive was moved to the mall to increase visibility. Village President Larry Keller hopes for improved turnout this year to top the 29 pints donated during last year’s event. “We have a large community, so we should be at three to four times that number,” Keller said. “At the mall, we will obviously have the advantage of more traffic.” The drive will be conducted by Heartland Blood Centers, which is giving a certificate for a free quart of Oberweis ice cream to each donor. Those interested in donating can sign up online at www.heartlandbc.org, but walk-ins are also welcome. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and have no major health issues. A photo ID is required to donate blood. For more information, call West Dundee Finance Assistant Lorisue Liszek at 847-551-3800.

East Dundee: Griffin Christian registration opens

Griffin Christian School and In The Beginning Preschool, ministries of Fox Valley Baptist Church, are now accepting enrollments in all grades for the 2011-12 school year. The school, at 16N562 Vista Lane, East Dundee, welcomes students up through 12th grade. Classes begin Aug. 24. The school offers a full Bible-based and Christ-centered academic schedule, along with classes in art, creative ministries, computer skills, gym and foreign languages. Before- and after-school care are available on specific request. In The Beginning Preschool is for 3- and 4-year-olds. Parents will be able to choose between a two-morning or five-morning program. The kindergarten program is either mornings or full day. Both programs feature early learning activities with a low student-to-teacher ratio, and include phonics-based reading instruction.

The elementary program is a multi-age class but with traditional classroom instruction and a phonics-based reading program. The middle- and high-school programs use a technology-based individualized program, utilizing the latest in computer technology to assist in the learning process and prepare students for the modern collegiate experience. The school also offers a distance-learning program for students in third grade and up. Students can work on subjects through home via an online curriculum, with the school keeping grades and records. For more information, or to make an appointment to visit the school, visit griffinchristianschool.org or call 847-428-5413.