Oak Park and River Forest Community Calendar

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Updated: February 20, 2012 8:29AM

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

Oak Park Women’s Guild: 10 a.m. Jan. 28, special showing of “How To Train Your Dragon” at Lake Theatre, 1022 Lake St., in Oak Park. Family-friendly fund-raising event in support of an Oak Park family. William “Bill” Figatner, a devoted husband and father of two sixth-graders, lost his battle with cancer on Dec. 29. All of the proceeds from the movie screening will go directly to the family to cover medical bills and other expenses. Tickets are $5. More information and a Paypal button for additional donations can be found at www.oakparkwomensguild.org/movie.html.

Clubs

North Suburban Needlearts Guild: 9:30 a.m. Feb. 7 general meeting at the Gloria Dei Church, 1133 Pfingston Road, Northbrook. Program by Akemi Nakano Cohn, who will present Katazone in Kimonos and “My Work.” She has studied traditional Japanese dyeing and printing techniques for 10 years under the master Haru Izumi in Yokohama Japan. With a bachelor of fine arts from Tama Art University in Tokyo and a master of fine arts in fiber arts from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield, Mich., Cohn has taught at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her work has been shown nationally and internationally and she has executed many commissions including “The Light Curtain of Forest” at the Unitarian Church of Evanston. Guests are welcome. There is no charge for first time guests. Visit www.needleartsguild.com. The North Suburban Needlearts Guild is a Chicago area organization that draws members from Wisconsin, Indiana and the greater Chicago area.

Oak Park Photography Club: 7 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month, at the main Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St. An exhibit of photography by 20 members of the club is in the Narrow Gallery at the Oak Park Arms, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. The exhibit runs through Jan. 27. The members of the OPPC are a diverse group spanning three generations and all skill levels.

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 an opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis. AMC movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own 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

Armenian Winter Fest and Dance: 4-11 p.m. Jan. 21 at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church, 6700 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago. Outdoor grilled shish kebob and chicken kebob dinners each $15; homemade pastries; live Armenian music 7:30 to close, and special performance by the Armenian Dance Company of Chicago at 7 p.m.; Raffle, Backgammon and Pinochle Room; Free admission and free parking. Call Violet or Paula at (773) 637-1711.

League of Women Voters: New Member Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Jan. 21 at Forest Park Library, 7555 Jackson Boulevard. League friends and neighbors who want an opportunity to be directly involved in the League are invited to come out and learn more about active participation in democracy through our observer corps at local government board meetings, the get-out-the-vote campaign and voter registration with voter services and face-to-face meetings with our local legislators. Sarah Meyer Hughes, Publicity Chair; sarahmeyerhughes@hotmail.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: 7-10 p.m. Building Codes Advisory Commission; 7-10 p.m. Plan Commission.

Jan. 23: 7-9:30 p.m. Transportation Commission; 7-9:30 p.m. Village Board Special Meeting; 7:30-9:30 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Education Committee.

Jan. 24: 6-9 p.m. Board of Health; 7:30-9 p.m. Liquor Control Review Board.

Jan. 25: 8-9:30 a.m. Business Association Council; 7-9:30 p.m. Universal Access Commission; 7-9 p.m. Community Design Commission; 7:30-9:30 p.m. Architectural Review Committee/Historic Preservation Commission.

Jan. 26: 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. Jan. 23 in the Community Room of Village Hall, 400 Park Ave. Public invited.

Health Notes

Halau i Ka Pono: is in it’s 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 and 7-8 p.m. Mondays. 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: Hula Workshop: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 22. 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. Fee: $30/$45. R.S.V.P. to june@halauikapono.org or call (708) 297-6321; www.halauikapono.org.

Laughter Yoga Club: of Oak Park meets 7 p.m. Feb. 14 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.

Here’s Help

Compassionate Friends: East Suburban Chapter, 7-8:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Cornerstone Community Church of Brookfield, 9008 Fairview Ave. Also: 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at Cicero Community Center, 2250 S. 49th Ave., Room 101. A free grief support meeting for parents who have lost a child to any cause of death. Visit www.compassionatefriends.org or call Gary Parmenter (630) 935-1228 or e-mail tcfeastsuburban@aol.com. (Serves people within the borders of Northlake, Countryside, Cicero and Oak Park.)

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.

Free Legal Clinic: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 21 at 5943 W. Madison St., Chicago. Commissioner Earlean Collins invites you to a free legal clinic. For an appointment call (312) 217-9656 or (773) 626-2184 or e-mail streetjusticeinc@gmail.com. Legal areas include, but not limited to: Wills, Divorces, Foreclosures, Expungements (to file you’ll need 1) rap sheet, 2) Court disposition, 3) a clean drop if drug/alcohol related case), Criminal Law, Child Support, Bankruptcy and other Criminal and Civil matters.

Kids’ Stuff

Oak Park Youth Baseball Softball: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 21 and 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.

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.

Religion Notes

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. Day of Mindfulness: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 21. A one-day Mindfulness Meditation Retreat conducted in silence. It includes meditation (seated and walking), a talk, optional private interviews with teacher, work practice, light body work, home-made Zen lunch and a closing council circle. This informal and open retreat is ideal for beginners. Everyone is welcome. Fee: $65/$50 for members. To register call (708) 689-1220 or www.zlmc.org. Free Ongoing Meditation: Open to the public. 6-7 a.m. Monday-Friday (free-style - no bells); 6-6:45 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday (two 20-minute periods with 5-minute walking meditation).

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) next meets noon-2 p.m. Jan. 20. 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. ARCC meets twice monthly; the first and third Fridays of the month on the Triton College Campus, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. 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.

Morning Fitness Hike: 9 a.m. Jan. 21. Take a brisk hike with a naturalist to see what is going on in nature this month. Dress for the weather! Adult program.

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 a 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.