Oak Park and River Forest Community Calendar

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Updated: February 27, 2012 8:16AM

Oak Leaves and Forest Leaves welcome items for the Community Calendar, as well as items for Business Briefs, Campus News, Community Briefs, School Digest and Your Page. Items must be received minimum of 10 days prior to publication. Fax (708) 383-3678; e-mail oakpark@pioneerlocal.com; or mail to Pioneer Press, 1010 W. Lake St., Suite 104, Oak Park, IL 60301.

Benefits

Chinese New Year Celebration: 6-11 p.m. Jan. 28, at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association historic clubhouse, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. The annual Benevolence Fundraiser to welcome Year of the Dragon 4710. Family entertainment will include a traditional Lion Dance with taiko drummers, Chinese instrumental performances, fan and ribbon dancers, calligraphers and more. Dinner, cash bar, raffles and a silent auction. Fee: $75 for adults; $25 for students age 13-16; $15 for children age 4-12. Reservations are required. For more information call (708) 386-2729, or go to www.19thcenturycharity.org.

OPRFHS Debate Team Benefit: 7 p.m. Jan. 31 a screening of “Dear Mr. Fidrych” at Oak Park-River Forest High School’s “Little Theatre,” 201 N. Scoville Ave., Oak Park. “Dear Mr. Fidrych” is an award-winning independent film shot partly in Oak Park and River Forest, written and directed by Oak Parker Mike Cramer, and featuring a cast of Oak Park and River Forest kids and parents, plus 1970s baseball superstar, the late Mark “The Bird” Fidrych. The director and several cast members will be there, and all proceeds from the screening will support the high school’s Debate Team. Advance tickets: $8 for adults; $6 for students and children; $10 at the door. Available online at www.oprfhs.revtrak.net/tek9.asp?pg=products&grp=70.

“Jersey Boys” Leading Cast Sing: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the East Leyden High School Auditorium, 3400 Rose St., Franklin Park. The River Grove School Education Foundation will present “Under the Streetlamp,” an intimate night of music with the recent leading cast members of the Chicago production of “Jersey Boys.” Great music from the 1960s performed by four gentlemen who list Broadway, TV and feature films in their résumés. Tickets: $40. Limited number of tickets available for the “VIP Meet and Greet” after the event to be held at The Underpass Restaurant and Lounge, 9400 Grand Ave., Franklin Park. To order tickets visit www.rgsedfoundation.com and click on the “Upcoming Events” tab or call Kathie Bruce at (708) 574-1474.

Clubs

AT&T TelecomPioneers: Forest Life Member Club’s monthly luncheon will be held beginning with cash bar at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch at 12:30 p.m. March 8 at Bohemian Crystal, 639 N. Blackhawk Drive, Westmont. Entertainment by storyteller Genny Riddle. Cost $20. Reservations by March 1. Call Lorie Kallas at (630) 629-1633.

Et cetera

Sensory Friendly Films: 10 a.m. Feb. 25 - “The Secret World of Arrietty”; March 10 - “Dr. Seuss ’The Lorax’ ”; April 7 - “Pirates! Band of Misfits.” AMC Theatres and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities and sensory issues a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis. In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for children with autism or other special needs, AMC movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing — in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event. A list and map of participating theaters is available at www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms. This nationwide event has 148 theaters in 63 markets in the United States and Canada.

Gathering

OPRFCC: (Oak Park-River Forest Community of Congregations) annual meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. with heavy finger food followed at 7:30 p.m. by the program titled “CeaseFire Presents a Human Face to the Interrupters.” It will be held Monday, Jan. 30, at Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 875 Lake St., Oak Park. Donations accepted. R.S.V.P. to Jane Wood (708) 383-6369; oprfcoc@gmail.com.

Government

The following groups meet in Oak Park Village Hall, Madison Street and Lombard. Visit www.oak-park.us, mouse over to News, then click on Meeting Calendar. An interpreter is available. Human Resources Dept. (708) 383-6400, Ext. 2326 or (708) 848-1911 (TTY/TDD). Need 48 hours notice. CC is Council Chambers.

Today: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Emergency Telephone System Board.

Jan. 31: 7-9 p.m. Water Conservation Plan Forum.

Youth Services Committee: 6:45 p.m. Feb. 21 at Oak Park Township, 105 S. Oak Park Ave. The public is welcome to attend. The committee is comprised of area volunteers who meet on a monthly basis to discuss issues affecting Oak Park and River Forest youth. Volunteers are chosen through an application process and term of service is three years. If interested in serving on the committee, call Youth Services (708) 445-2727.

Community Mental Health: Board of Oak Park Township meets 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township offices, 1100 Lake St., Lower Level, Room 35 in Oak Park. Lisa DeVivo, executive director, (708) 358-8855; www.cmhb-oakpark.org; e-mail cmhb@cmhb-oakpark.org.

River Forest Public Library: Board meetings, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 the Board of Trustees holds its regular meeting at the library, 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest. The public is always invited to attend these meetings. Visit www.riverforestlibrary.org and “Check out the world from here!”

River Forest Village Board: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Community Room of Village Hall, 400 Park Ave. Public invited.

Health Notes

Halau i Ka Pono: is in its fourth year of Hawaiian dance classes at its new location, 38 Lake St., Oak Park. Hula is the beautiful cultural expression of the Hawaiian people. It is recommended for developing core strength and flexibility through its gentle yet powerful movements and a way to gain new self-perspective through a fun coordination of mind and body. Instructor: June Kaililani Tanoue, Kumu Hula (Master Teacher of the Hula). Hula Classes. Beginning Adult Hula I: 11 a.m.-noon Wednesdays. Great way to learn (or re-learn) the basic hand and feet motions and strengthen core, arm, leg and feet muscles while enjoying the beautiful music of Hawaii. Open to men and women. Also: New Keiki (Children’s) Hula Class: (ages 5-12) 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays. Children will learn basic hula hand and foot motions. Also: Adult Hula II - Hula Kahiko (Ancient Hula): 6-7 p.m. Wednesdays. Focuses on the traditional chants, dance, culture of the Hawaiian people. Beginners welcome — men and women. Also: Adult Hula II for Women: 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays, hula danced to modern Hawaiian Music. Also: Hula Workshop: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 19. Fee: $45. Focus on basic feet and hands during the first hour and learn a hula in the next two hours. The first hour of the workshop is perfect for beginners and intermediate hula dancers wanting to improve technique. The third hour is good for hula dancers with at least six months of experience with permission of the Kumu. You may take either two or three hours of this workshop. RSVP to june@halauikapono.org or call (708) 297-6321; www.halauikapono.org.

Laughter Yoga Club: of Oak Park meets 7-7:45 p.m. Feb. 14 second Tuesday at Mills Park Tower, 1025 Pleasant Place, Oak Park. Fee free and contortion free. David Kelm (708) 975-9300; e-mail david1945@aol.com; www.laughteryoga.org.

Leukemia Research Foundation: 1-4 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Leukemia Research Foundation’s annual Town Hall Meeting. The meeting will be held at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Feinberg Pavilion - Conference Room A, 251 E. Huron in Chicago. Medical experts will answer questions regarding leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes and multiple myeloma from patients and their families. Attendees can learn the latest about their disease — and pose questions to a panel of medical experts in the field of hematology/oncology. The panel includes Ima Garcia, a Leukemia Research Foundation 2011 Nurse of the Year who offers another perspective useful to caregivers attending the Town Hall Meeting. Complimentary parking (vouchers handed out at check-in) will be available at the Huron/St. Clair parking garage. View the list of participating oncologists and get more information at www.leukemia-research.org/TownHall or call (847) 424-0600.

Oak Park Meditation Group: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays at Hug the Moon Wellness Studio, 415 Harrison St., Oak Park. The practice of mindful meditation provides a warm, genuine basis for realizing your inherent wisdom so that you can engage fully and compassionately with the world. Sessions, sponsored by the Shambhala Meditation Center of Chicago, include meditation instruction, practice, reading and discussion. For more information e-mail oakpark@chicagoshambhala.org, visit www.chicago.shambhala.org or call (847) 743-8147.

Here’s Help

GPEO: (Growing Place Empowerment Organization) 6-7 p.m. Friendship and support; 7-8 p.m. Program. Fridays at Progress Center for Independent Living, 7521 W. Madison St., Forest Park. Use back door. Front door is locked evenings. Not about mental health illness — about staying well and enjoying life. The GPEO is a community-based, not-for-profit organization run by persons with a history of mental illness who are now in recovery. They have become empowered to share successful strategies of education, peer support, advocacy and life enhancing experiences with their peers. Must be over 18. GPEO does not provide or replace professional help. Wheelchair accessible. Personal assistants welcome. Programs vary weekly and are free. However, contributions of $1 per visit are suggested. Volunteers and donations always welcome. Call (708) 209-1500; e-mail lucys@cyberonic.com.

Epilepsy Support Group: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at Oak Park Hospital, 520 S. Maple St., Oak Park, in Conference Room A, just left of the main entrance. The group brings together equality, skill, knowledge and support; always looking to move forward the lives of those who come together. Whether you feel like you’ve lost your courage, your heart, your brain or your way, the quickest way back is working together. Call Patty Martin at (708) 302-7153

Veterans for Unification: next meeting 10-11:30 a.m. Jan. 28 at main Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., second floor meeting room, (1 block west of Oak Park Avenue and 3 blocks east of Harlem Avenue). Library: (708) 383-8200. Special guest speaker Keith R. Gill, director of museum operations, Cantigny First Division Museum, Wheaton. Veterans for Unification’s mission is to educate the Veteran community and support quality care and benefits for all Veterans in the VA Health Care System. Veterans for Unification is a not-for-profit 501c(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible. Send check or money order to: Veterans for Unification, 159 N. Marion, No. 198, Oak Park, IL 60301. This organization welcomes all veterans and those who support veterans. Dues are $20 a year for a great cause: join today. Street and indoor parking/WC accessible/public transportation: contact RTA. Veterans for Unification (773) 586-4432 or (847) 827-0835; http://VeteransForUnification.org/vu/.

Kids’ Stuff

Oak Park Youth Baseball Softball: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 4 at Longfellow Center, 610 S. Ridgeland in Oak Park, register for the 2012 season. Boys age 6 to 12 can register for baseball and girls currently in kindergarten and who were at least five years old by Dec. 31, 2011, to age 14, may register for softball. Players who were in the program last year need only bring proof of Oak Park residency or proof of enrollment at an Oak Park school. New players must bring a copy of the child’s birth certificate and proof of Oak Park residency or enrollment at an Oak Park school. More information on Oak Park Youth Baseball softball can be found at www.opybs.org.

Legacy Sports Camp: 4-5 p.m. Feb. 1, 8, 15 Gold Glove Camp at the ARC, 18 W. Chicago Ave., Oak Park. The camp is appropriate for boys and girls ages 8-12. The camp will teach basic and advanced fundamentals and drills for outfield, infield and catching. Fee: $85. Also: Intro to T-Ball: 2-3 p.m. Feb. 12, 19, 26 and March 4 at the ARC. This camp is appropriate for boys and girls ages 5-7. T-Ball fundamentals. Fee: $65. Also: T-Ball Phase 2: 3-4 p.m. Feb. 12, 19, 26 and March 4. This camp is appropriate for boys and girls ages 6-8 and will build on the training on skills from Intro to T-Ball. All players do not need to have attended the Intro to T-Ball course to participate. Legacy Sports Camp offers a variety of year-round sports programs hosted both at local schools and The Arc, 18 W. Chicago Ave. Legacy also offers birthday parties. Founded by Oak Park natives Caleb Fields and Dan Kane. To register or for more info go to www.legacysportscamp.com.

Learning

Knitting Classes: 7 p.m. Jan. 31 at main Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St. By reference librarian and experienced knitter Helen Blinder with local knitting instructor Sue Jaffee, an accomplished knitter and knitting instructor from the Tangled Web and Knit Just Knits, in Oak Park. Second class of five classes is the last of a two-session for experienced knitters titled “All Wrapped Up.” Learn to knit a cozy continuous cabled scarf. Also: “Ewe Need a Headband?” 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28, join instructor Sue Jaffee. Also: “Novel Knitters 101” 7 p.m. March 20 for beginning knitters. Learn the basic concepts of knitting, including casting on, binding off, the knit stitch, the purl stitch and more. Also: “Knit Happens!” 1:30 p.m. March 26 teens are invited to join instructor Sue Jaffee for a “staycation” and learn the basics of knitting in this two-session program. All classes free. Reservations required. Register in person, online or call (708) 452-3480. A required materials list will be provided in advance of each class. Visit www.oppl.org or call (708) 383-8200.

Religion Notes

Faith Introduction: Unitarian Universalism, 1-3 p.m. Feb. 5 at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park. This two-hour class is offered once a month and is taught by Unity Temple’s senior minister the Rev. Alan Taylor. Unitarian Universalim’s principles, values, beliefs and practices will be addressed. In addition, learn more about the history of Unitarian Universalism’s faith tradition, the history of the congregation and congregational life today. To register for this free class e-mail tlewis@unitytemple.org.

Zen Life & Meditation Center: New location at 38 Lake St., in Oak Park. The Center helps individuals live a Zen-inspired life of openness, empathy and clarity. A variety of offerings, private counseling, reiki and retreats. New “A Moment of Zen”: 1-3 p.m. Jan. 29. Tour and introduction to the new Zen Life & Meditation Center. Meet the co-founders Robert Althouse and June Tanoue. Free. Also: Intro Primer Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Jan. 31 and 10-11:30 a.m. Feb. 4. This series of four Tuesday night or Saturday morning classes will ground you in the fundamentals of living a Zen-inspired life. Also: Fridays with Roshi: 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 3. Once a month, Zen teacher Robert Joshin Althouse Roshi gathers with friends and students to facilitate a public exploration of how to live a Zen-inspired life. The theme for February is “Connecting with Heart.” Cost: $15; free for members. Also: Day of Mindfulness: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 11. Retreat conducted in silence. Talk, optional private interviews with teacher, work practice, light body work, homemade Zen lunch and a closing council circle. Informal and open retreat for beginners wanting to strengthen their mindfulness practice. Cost: $65; $50 for members. Call (708) 689-1220 or www.zlmc.org.

Reunions

St. John Vianney: Catholic Elementary School in Northlake is turning 60 years old in 2012 and the SJV Alumni Association is planning a huge party on July 21. The Alumni Association is looking for all alumni, teachers and parents from the Class of 1955 through the Class of 2011. If you were a teacher, parent or you graduated from St. John Vianney between 1955 and 2011, contact Mary Rioux-Martorelli, Class of 1970, at pandm214@aol.com or Jeanette Lentini-Foley, Class of 1982, at jeanettefoley@comcast.net for more details visit the reunion website at www.sjvreunion.com. If you do not have access to the Internet feel free to call Mary Rioux-Martorelli at (708) 562-9225.

Seniors

ARCC: (Active Retired Citizens Club) meets noon-2 p.m. twice monthly, the first and third Friday of the month on the Triton College Campus, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. Next meeting Feb. 3. The ARCC is an activity and social club for community residents who are young at heart, and interested in expanding their social and intellectual life through adult education and community programs. Dues are $12 in district and $15 out of district. For more information, call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3603.

RSVP: (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program). Meets in Room R-221, of the Robert Collins Center on Triton’s main campus, 2000 Fifth Ave., in River Grove. RSVP is a volunteer program for individuals who are 55+ who want to make a difference in their communities. Call the RSVP office at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3835 or 3603.

Trailside Museum

Trailside Museum of Natural History is at 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest (Chicago and Thatcher avenues) and is run by Cook County Forest Preserve District. Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise stated. Call (708) 366-6530. Most programs are free.

Groundhogs and Other Hibernators: 1 p.m. Jan. 29. Local hibernators are beginning to stir. Learn when and where to view these elusive animals and explore their interesting natural history. For adults and children 10 and older.

Nature Story Times: 10:30 a.m. Feb. 2 and Feb. 16. Nature-inspired stories, crafts and activities for ages 3-5 with an adult. Fee: $1 per child.

A Closer Look: 1-3 p.m. Feb. 5. View nature up close using microscopes and hand lenses. Study the amazing, intricate patterns and details of insects, plants and fungi. Family drop-in program.

Darwin Day Celebration: Noon-3 p.m. Feb. 12. It’s Charles Darwin’s Birthday! Celebrate this naturalist’s birthday with Trailside naturalists, and explore adaptations, fitness, selection and survival of species through educational activities and displays. Drop-in program for adults and children.

Morning Fitness Hike: 9 a.m. Feb. 18. Join in a brisk naturalist-led walk on the museum’s scenic trails to see what’s happening in nature this month. Adult program; dress for the weather!

Warm Hearts, Cold Noses Hike: 1 p.m. Feb. 19. Join in s late winter nature walk through beautiful Thatcher Woods. Dress for the weather! Family program.

Trailside Museum: is open Feb. 20, Presidents Day.

Nature Fun: 1-3 p.m. Feb. 20. Drop in for nature-related crafts and educational activities. Family program.

Owl Secrets: 1 p.m. Feb. 26. Children ages 8 and up with an adult are invited to learn amazing facts about owls through touchable owl artifacts and fun activities including dissecting owl pellets. Fee: $1 per child.

Volunteers

Send news of volunteer opportunities for Community Calendars, to oakpark@pioneerlocal.com or call (708) 524-4417.

Animal Care League: Volunteer Program. Family Team/Green Team. For families with children age 10-16. Parents need to be with and interacting with their children at all times. Minimum of four hours or more per month; 1 hour cleaning of shelter include folding laundry, washing pet dishes, sweeping, cleaning floors, washing windows, doors. Adult Team. For 17 and older. Volunteers start out on the Green Team then train for other teams. Adults can also help outside the shelter at off-site adoption events; humane educational visits at schools; Web photographer; Foster care; Special events; pick up donations; Second Chance Shop and Economy Shop. Come to the shelter at 1011 Garfield St., Oak Park, in person and fill out an application. There is a $25 volunteer training fee. Sign up for volunteer orientation. Call (708) 848-8155; visit www.animalcareleague.org; e-mail aclcontact@yahoo.com.

West Suburban PADS: Several openings for volunteers in the emergency shelter. Second Shift: 10:30 p.m.-5 a.m., two volunteers or Shelter Relief Staff. Third Shift: 5-7:30 a.m. Site Captain plus five volunteers needed for the following days: the second Monday morning of every month at Euclid United Methodist Church, Oak Park; the third Thursday of every month at Grace Episcopal Church, Oak Park; and the third Friday of every month at First United Methodist Church, Oak Park. Contact Shelter Manager Emily Aker at shelter@westsuburbanpads.org or (708) 338-1724, Ext. 228. Also: Are you interested in a regular, 20-hours-per-week volunteer position answering the telephone at the Administrative Offices in Maywood? Contact Lynda Schueler at lschueler@westsuburbanpads.org or (708) 338-1724, Ext. 223. Also: Spring Cleaning: at the daytime, weekday Support Center in Maywood, 1851 S. 9th Ave. If you are interested and available between 3 and 5 p.m. on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, or between 1 and 5 p.m. on a Wednesday, contact Supportive Services Manager Justin Schloer at jschloer@westsuburbanpads.org or (708) 338-1724, Ext. 235. Also: Sack Lunch Providers: needed March 28. Sack lunches for 54 guests. Drop-off lunches at the shelter between 6:30-9 p.m. that evening, to be served the next morning as guests leave the shelter. Also: Friday Night Drivers Needed: Drivers are needed to take shelter guests from St. Eulalia’s Catholic Church,1851 S. 9th Ave., in Maywood to the shelter site at St. John’s Lutheran, 305 S. Circle Ave, Forest Park. These guests attend job training and a support group until 6:45 p.m. They then need a ride directly to the shelter site. Your total commitment is about 30 minutes each Friday. You may volunteer for as many Friday nights per month as you wish. Visit online at www.westsuburbanpads.org; on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wspads; and on Twitter at WestSubPADS. West Suburban PADS exists to serve individuals who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, with dignity and respect, through shelter, housing, preventive and supportive services.