So, when you’re out shopping for your Valentines, please share the love and pick up a few items for the Food Pantry. Here are some of the specific things they really need right now:

• toilet paper
• facial tissue
• paper towels
• canned fruit
• healthy snacks
• cookies and crackers
• cooking oil and condiments

What they DON’T need is Mac and Cheese or beans of any kind – they have enough to last a while.

You can take your donations directly to the Food Pantry at 739 Elm St. in Winnetka. Or drop them by our office (Coldwell Banker) at 568 Lincoln Ave. and we’ll deliver it. Go here to learn more about the New Trier Food Pantry.

“We cannot live only for ourselves.  A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.”  ~Herman Melville

Funding for the studio was provided by the District 39 Educational Foundation’s Paul Tilley Music Fund, which was established by Cristina Tilley in memory of her husband. “ The recording studio seemed like the perfect way to honor Paul’s memory, “ said Ms. Tilley.  “He was an exceptionally creative person who loved music.  I wanted to do something that would celebrate music and encourage our kids to express their creativity.”

The Foundation’s grant of approximately $15,000 covered the cost of the engineering console, computer equipment, keyboard, soundproofing and a number of professional microphones designed specifically for individual recording tasks – voice, drums and so on.  The recording software will be “ProTools,” an advanced program that is also used at New Trier High School’s recording studios.

Equipping the studio was done under the guidance of Steve Pont, a professional audio consultant who designs studios for music and advertising professionals. Stan Xidas, a D39 parent, musician and contractor, donated his time and expertise to retrofit an unused office into a studio. Another D39 parent, Tim Scherman, customized a “studio window” that directs the sound waves for optimum sound quality in the room.

The dedication of the recording studio is directly before the annual Youth Connection “Battle of the Bands”, which will be held this Friday at 7:30 pm at the Junior High. The Youth Connection has been an enthusiastic supporter of the studio from its inception and will be taking a leadership role in developing extracurricular uses for the studio.

Set Up an Appointment with an Eviction Attorney

People rent their homes assuming their tenants will pay the rent every month. But in this economy, there are millions of people who can’t pay their mortgage, and there are also many who can’t (or won’t) pay their rent. But once someone is living in your home, it’s not easy to get them out, even if they have not paid the rent in several months. You should understand the legal challenges of eviction before deciding to rent your home.

Consider Hiring a Property Manager

Unless you are a full time investor, you may want to hire a professional to find a qualified tenant, collect the rent and manage the problems. Otherwise you are opening yourself up to the possibility of receiving phone calls at all hours of the day and night to take care of maintenance issues or problems that a neighbor may be creating for your tenant.

Create a Realistic Budget

Sure, you will receive revenue in the form of rent. But don’t forget you’ll also have expenses:

• Mortgage payment (unless there is no mortgage on the house you will rent out)

• Property taxes

• Maintenance expenses such as repairing or replacing the roof, heating and AC, appliances, etc.

• Insurance – you may need to increase your liability coverage when you have tenants living in your house. Be sure and check with your insurance company.

1. Replacing the entry door to steel

Estimated cost: $1,238

Cost recouped at resale: 73%

2. Attic bedroom (converting unfinished attic space into a bedroom with bathroom and shower)

Estimated cost: $50,148

Cost recouped at resale: 72.5%

Although this is an expensive project, it continues to provide high value, as it is a way to add a bedroom and bath within the existing footprint of the house.

3. Minor kitchen remodel (including new cabinets and drawers, counter tops, hardware, and appliances)

Estimated cost: $19,588

Cost recouped at resale: 72.1%

4. Garage door replacement

Estimated cost: $1,512

Cost recouped at resale: 71.9%

5. Deck addition (wood)

Estimated cost: $10,350

Cost recouped at resale: 70.1%

6. Siding replacement (vinyl)

Estimated cost: $11,729

Cost recouped at resale: 69.5%

Sirens

February 3 – March 4 at 8:00 pm (3:00 on Sundays)
Citadel Theatre’s West Campus, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest

A romantic comedy starring the husband and wide team of Ellen and Scott Phelps. Call 847-735-8554 or visit www.citadeltheatre.org

The Bluest Eye

February 3-4 at 8 pm; January 29 and February 5 at 2 pm
Northwestern’s Josephine Louis Theatre, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston

Based on Tino Morrison’s first novel about a year in the life of a young black girl, named Pecola, in Lorain, Ohio, against the backdrop of America’s Midwest and the years following the Depression. Call 847-491-7282 or visit www.tic.northwestern.edu

Black Pearl Sings

Through February 19
Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie

Highlighted by beautiful, a cappella renditions of little known American folk songs, this play tells the Depression-era story of two extraordinary women: a gifted singer stuck in a Texas prison and the Library of Congress song collector who is determined to introduce her silky voice and steely spirit to the world. Featuring E. Faye Butler. Tickets and showtimes.

The Girl in the Yellow Dress

Through February 26
Next Theatre Company, Noyes Cultural Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston

When Pierre, a French-Congolese pupil, signs up for English lessons with Celia, a beautiful young white teacher, they both get more than they bargained for. Set in contemporary Paris, this gripping new play explores the ways in which class, race, and language continue to divide us. Tickets and showtimes.

Legally Blonde: The Musical

Through April 1, 2012
Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire

When college sweetheart and sorority queen, Elle Woods, gets dumped by her boyfriend she is determined to get him back. So she grabs her Chihuahua, puts down her credit cards, hits the books and sets out to go where no other Delta Nu has gone before – to join him at Harvard Law School. The verdict is that this much fun should not be legal! From sunny California to the Harvard Halls of Justice this all-singing, all-dancing feel good musical will be the highlight of your year. Call 847-634-0200 or visit www.marriotttheatre.com

The Caretaker

Through March 25, 2012
Writer’s Theatre, 664 Vernon Ave., Glencoe

Aston brings Davies, a fast talking tramp, to his cramped home full of odds and ends—best characterized as junk—offering him a bed and a much needed place to get on his feet.  Davies quickly realizes that Aston and his brother Mick have a different take on the world around them.  From Aston’s constant puttering and half finished fix-it jobs to Mick’s grand plans for the future, the three become an unlikely trio desperately trying to connect but always missing the mark. Written by Harold Pinter. Go here for tickets and showtimes.

It may be a cramped and crowded throwback to an earlier day, but that doesn’t bother loyal patrons, who come to buy or repair bikes, sharpen their skates and order team uniforms for the local sports teams their children play for. They love the familiarity, personalized service, information and advice that’s freely given by the shop owners and their employees.

You can watch the TV segment here:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

It’s cold and gray out but there’s no snow for the kids to play in. What to do to keep them busy and happy? Here are some ideas…

Rapunzel

February 4 & 5 at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

Most suitors would shy away from pursuing a girl who ives in a tower, especially if her mother is a witch. But that doesn’t deter one prince in Winnetka Theatre’s production of “Rapunzel.”  Geared to kids ages 3-10. Tickets $12. Call 847-604-0275.

From Bitter to Sweet : How Chocolate is Made

February 4 and 18 from 9:30-11:00 am or 1:00-2:30 pm
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe

You and your kids will learn how chocolate is made from bitter cacao beans.  Participants will take home chocolate mint and chocolate pepper plants. Tickets: $22 per non-member child; discounted for members. Call 847-835-6801 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.

History of Toy Trains V

February 4 11:00-3:00 and February 5 1:00-4:00
Highland Park Historical Society Museum, 326 Central Ave., Highland Park

A collection and operating layout of rare American Flyer and Lionel Standard Gauge trains built between 1910 and 1935. Tickets: $5 per person or $12 per family

Bunnicula – A Rabbit Tale of Mystery

February 4, 11, 18, 25 at 10:30 am and 1:00 pm
Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook

Chester the cat is convinced that the bunny that the Monroe family found at a screening of “Dracula” is actually a vampire. A musical comedy based on the classic children’s novel by James and Deborah Howe. This comic spoof of horror stories is not scary at all but a laugh-fest that will delight our audiences. Tickets: $8 in advance; $10 online or at the door. Call 847-291-2367 or visit www.nbparks.org

House Haunters!

February 9 and 10 at 7:00 pm and February 11 at 10:30 am
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

An original musical comedy presented by Winnetka Children’s Hour and performed by local children ages 5-14. This show is the story of three families who must spend the night  with some silly, mischievous ghosts in order to save a mysterious mansion. Call 847-784-0720 or visit www.winnetkachildrenshour.org.

Bingo Night

February 11 at 6:30 pm
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

Everyone will enjoy this annual event, complete with kid and adult beverages. Cost is $15 per person. Call 847-446-0537 or visit www.winnetkacommunityhouse.org

Mindy Hester and the Time-Outs

February 18 at 10:00 am
Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave, Wilmette

Mindy Hester and the Time-Outs perform kid-friendly rock. $10 in advance; $12 at the door

Ralph’s World

February 19 at 2:00 pm
Stevenson High School Performing Arts Center,

Rock and Roll for the entire family. Ralph’s World is the mega-fun musical planet where kids rock rock rock and dance dance dance to their own and their parents’ delight. It’s the creation of Ralph Covert: indie rocker, songwriter, playwright, and children’s book author. He’s taken the same high-energy and super-melodic sense that he developed for his touring pop-rock band to kid’s music- basically only the lyrics are changed for the ears of the innocent.  His McCartneyesque style (both musically and his sense of charm) has won him hundreds of thousands of three-feet-and-under fans and their parents.Tickets: $15 adults; $10 children. Call 847-415-4121 or visit www.d125.org/foundation

Sonic Sensation

through May 13
Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview.

An exhibit that allows children to explore sounds through interactive experiences. Eleven stations feature the anatomy and physics of how we hear, information about decibels, amplitude, frequency, pitch and sound waves, and what you can do to protect your hearing. (847) 832-6600. www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

You can donate them to a charitable organization if they are in good working order or take them to a retail store that accepts electronics for recycling. Otherwise you can take them to one of the following locations:

Cook County

Glenview Transfer Station
1151 N River Rd
Across from the Maryville Academy
Saturdays: 9:00 am – 11:30 am

Winnetka Public Works
1390 Willow Rd
Tuesdays: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Thursdays: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Lake County

City of Highland Park (Firearms Training Center)
1180 Half Day Road
ONLY Tuesdays and Fridays  7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  (excluding holidays)
(fluorescent light bulbs, foam containers and packaging materials are also accepted at the Highland Park Electronic Collection)

Village of Round Lake (Public Works Facility)
751 W. Townline Road
Second Tuesday of every other month (March 13)
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

for more Lake County electronics recycling facilities go here.

The menu will include pizza from the Homemade Pizza Company and Finch’s beer, as well as wine.  Dance to live music from Molly’s Suite 7.

When: Friday, January 27from 7:00-11:00 pm

Where: at the Community House, of course (620 Lincoln Ave.)

Tickets are in $50 in advance, or $65 at the door. Visit winnetkacommunityhouse.org for tickets.

• Consumer confidence is up to 56 from a low of 40.9

• Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been up every quarter for the past seven quarters.

• Industrial production was up every month in 2011.

• Inflation held under 4% for the past two years.

• December jobless claims hit the lowest level since 2008.

• The unemployment rate is down to 8.6%, the lowest in two and a half years.

• Over 1,766,000 jobs were created in 2011.

• Retail sales have gained every month for the past six months.

• Holiday sales were up 3.8% over the last year and beat the ten-year average of 2.6%.

• The home affordability index of 183.7 is the highest level in decades.