Arts and Entertainment

theater

“The Medium at Large” Through Nov. 23, Village Players Performing Arts Center, Mainstage Theater, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. $25 adults, $20 students and seniors. For tickets, call ((866) 764-1010.
 

“The Murder Room” La Grange Repertory Theatre, Nov. 22 and 23, Plymouth Place, Dole Hall, 315 N. La Grange Road, La Grange Park. Performance times are 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. $12 adults, $8 seniors. For more information and tickets, visit www.lagrangerepertorytheatre.com.

“At Large!” 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, Village Players Performing Arts Center, Blackbox Theater, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park. One-woman show by playwright and actress, Keri Marcouillier. All tickets $20. For tickets, call (866) 764-1010.

Musical revue “The Sparkle Sisters: Seven Secrets of Highly Effective Chicks,” 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, Village Players Performing Arts Center, Mainstage Theater, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park. $25 adults, $20 students and seniors. For tickets, call (866) 764-1010.

music

Musical comedy performance 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, The Ashbary Coffee House, 8695 Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Comedian and singer-songwriter, Matt Griffo, will perform. He will perform for the Hot Cup of Comedy Showcase. (708) 839-6963.

“The Nutcracker” Midwest Ballet Theatre, 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 22 and 23, Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Guest artists are Anne Milewski and Sean Stewart, soloists with American Ballet Theatre. Tickets are $14 adults, $13 seniors and students age 12 to 18, $12 children under 12. For ticket information, call (630) 971-9751.

Christmas concert Oak Park Concert Chorale, 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, St. John Lutheran Church, 305 Circle Ave., Forest Park. $18 adults, $10 seniors and students. For tickets, call 9708) 383-4742.

Jazz vocalist Petra Van Nuis, 8 to 11 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25,Salt Creek Wine Bar, 8900 Fairview Ave., Brookfield. (708) 387-2432, www.saltcreekwinebar.com.

Holiday concert “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” Sweet Adelines chorus, Choral-Aires Chorus and the Brotherhood of Harmony Chorus, 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Addison Trail High School, 213 N. Lombard Road. $18 adults, $15 seniors, children and groups. Tickets available at the door or in advance by contacting Connie Harr at ch1234@att.com.

Chorus seeks new members The Choral-Aires, an award-winning Sweet Adelines Chorus, invites local women who like to sing, to attend a series of guest nights to prepare for the group’s Dec. 13 Christmas show, “Let There be Peace on Earth,” presented with the Brotherhood of Harmony Chorus. Guest nights are held from 7 to 10 p.m. each Monday, through Dec. 8, at Elmhurst Presbyterian Church, 367 Spring Road. For information, call Jane Toftey at (630) 665-8387, www.choral-aires.org.

Library

Young adult movie night 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Movie is “Iron Man.” Free popcorn. (708) 485-6917.

Word Basics class 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Hands-on introduction to document creation, editing and saving. Participants should know how to use a computer mouse. Register at (708) 485-6917.

Preschool storytime 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays, through Nov. 25, North Riverside Public Library, 2400 S. DesPlaines Ave. Ages 3 to 5. (708) 447-0869.

Lapsit storytime 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, through Nov. 20, North Riverside Public Library, 2400 S. DesPlaines Ave. Ages 12 to 36 months. (708) 447-0869.

Late night at the library 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Ages 12 to 18. Games and snacks. (708) 485-6917.

Movie showing 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road. Movie is “The Future of Food.” Sponsored by the Near West Citizens for Peace and Justice. Free. (708) 442-6366.

Holiday concert and tree trim 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, Lyons Public Library, 4209 Joliet Ave. The Convertibles, a barbershop quartet, will perform. Decorate library tree after concert. Registration required at (708) 447-3577.

Miscellaneous

Create a Thanksgiving centerpiece Pleasant Dale Park District, 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, Recreation Center, 7425 S. Wolf Road, Burr Ridge. Ages 4 to 9. Cost is $10 residents, $12 non-residents. Register at (630) 662-6220.

Thanksgiving week camp Pleasant Dale Park District, Monday to Wednesday, Nov. 24 to 26, Park District’s Chalet, 8300 S. Wolf Road, Willow Springs. Ages 5 to 14. Trips to Brookfield Zoo, Odyssey Fun World and Pump It Up. Trips begin at 10 a.m. Before care starts at 7 a.m. and after care until 6 p.m. One day registration is $35 residents, $42 non-residents. All three days registration is $100 residents, $121 non-residents. Register at (630) 662-6220.

Zumba fitness classes 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Brookfield Recreation Department, 8820 Brookfield Ave. All fitness levels welcome. Includes salsa, merengue and cha cha. Drop-in fee is $10. For more information, call (708) 369-0017.

Weekly presentations and films Riverside Historical Museum is sponsoring a free weekly series of live presentations and films at 7 p.m. Thursdays through Dec. 18, at the Riverside Library, 1 Burling Road. “Historic Storytelling” series focuses on the early history of Chicago and the Riverside area. For more information and program schedule, visit www.riversidemuseum.net.

Theater and dinner trip SEASPAR, Saturday, Nov. 22, Marriott Lincolnshire. Play is “All Shook Up!” Transportation is provided from Denning Park, 4903 Gilbert Ave., LaGrange, at 1 p.m., returning at 7:30 p.m. Teens and adults. $95 per person. Pizza dinner after the play. SEASPAR provides year-round recreation services for individuals with disabilities. For more information and to register, call (630) 960-7600.

Chicago Storm player appearance 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road. “Poolside with the Penguins” in the zoo. Scheduled Chicago Storm Soccer Team player is defender Chris Brisson. www.CZS.org.

Seagull Swim Club membership Pleasant Dale Park District’s Chalet Seagull group is currently accepting memberships for those who enjoy socializing and engaging in water exercises. The group meets every week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Chalet, 8300 S. Wolf Road, Willow Springs. Membership is free with a Chalet membership or Swim club membership. For more information, call (708) 246-4030.

Infant and child wellness checks Fimreite Chiropractic, 4727 Willow Springs Road, La Grange, offers free infant and child wellness checks. For an appointment, call (708) 352-3352, www.DrFimreite.com.

Weekly dances Swing dancing evening, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. The Outcast Jazz Band will perform. $12 adults, $10 students. (708) 839-1000, www.willowbrookballroom.com.

Clubs

Palacky Lodge Sponsoring a casino trip to Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, Ind., on Saturday, Dec. 6. Bus leaves Palacky Odd Fellow/Rebekah Hall, 9234 Broadway, Brookfield, at 10 a.m. Cost of trip is $5. For reservations, call (708) 865-1432 or (708) 485-8429.

BrookPark Sr. Social Club 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, Brookfield Municipal Building, Recreation Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave. Call (708) 447-2214.

Newcomers and Neighbors La Grange area play group, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Mondays, First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, 150 S. Ashland Ave. $3 per family. (708) 482-0042.

Tower Chorale 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. Mondays, Grand Center, 4211 Grand Ave., Western Springs. www.towerchorale.org.

Village Vocal Chords Women’s barbershop chorus, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 47th Street and Brainard Avenue, La Grange. (708) 275-8329, villagevocalchords.com.

Western Springs Rotary Club 7 a.m. Tuesdays, First United Methodist Church, 4300 Howard Ave. (708) 482-6666.

Brookfield-Riverside Rotary Club Noon Tuesdays, Paisans Restaurant, 3720 Grand Blvd., Brookfield. (708) 485-9224.

Lions Club of La Grange 1 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday, Blueberry Hill, 49 S. La Grange Road, La Grange.

Business Network International 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Blueberry Hill Cafe, La Grange Road and Harris Avenue, La Grange. Contact Anthony Lumpkin, (708) 344-4334, drlumpkindds12@msn.com.

Rotary Club of Countryside 7 a.m. Wednesdays, William Tell Banquets, 6201 W. Joliet Road, Countryside.

Kiwanis Club of Western Springs 8 a.m. every second and fourth Wednesday, Community Bank, 1000 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs. Call Dr. Sarah Kelly, (708) 246-6611.

Brookfield-La Grange Park Lions Club 7 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesday. Call president for location.

Suburban Collectors Club Stamp collectors, 8 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesday, Sokol Spirit Hall, 3909 Prairie Ave., Brookfield. Contact Jack, (630) 257-7430, philaburn@aol.com.

Support groups

Take Off Pounds Sensibly 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, LaGrange Park Library, 555 N. LaGrange Road.

Al-Anon 9:30 a.m. Mondays, St. John’s United Church of Christ, 4500 Prescott Ave., Lyons.

Families Anonymous 7:45 to 9:15 p.m. Mondays, Dixon Education Center at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, 5101 S. Willow Springs Road. (708) 606-4599, fa-lagrange@comcast.net.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly Riverside chapter, 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road. (708) 442-7944.

Eight Corners Al-Anon 10 a.m. Tuesdays, First Congregational Church of Brookfield, 9146 Lincoln Ave.

Tuesday morning Al-Anon 9:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Presbyterian Church of Western Springs, Graham Charter Room, 5250 Wolf Road. (708) 246-5220.

1 Day At A Time-ers Al-Anon Family group, 9:30 a.m.  Wednesdays, St. Barbara’s Rectory, 4008 Prairie Ave., Brookfield.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly Brookfield Chapter, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, First Congregational Church of Christ, 9146 Lincoln Ave. (708) 352-0890.

West Suburban Celiac Group Celiac sprue disease support network, 7 p.m. every fourth Wednesday, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Contact LuEllen Giera, ljoy824@hotmail.com or (708) 819-0866 after 5 p.m.

Seminars/classes

Guided meditation 7:45 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Focus Yoga, 9047 Monroe Ave., Brookfield. (708) 471-0487, www.focusyogastudio.com.

Tai chi class 10:05 a.m. Fridays, Bethlehem Woods, 1571 W. Ogden Ave., La Grange Park. Held by ConfiCare Act II program for adults 50 and older. Free for members. (708) 245-8170.

Small group fitness training Nine-week program, 3:30, 4:30 or 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30, 7:30 or 8:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, Professional Office Building, 1323 Memorial Drive. Open enrollment. $250. Contact Wayne Guccione, (708) 245-7930.

Health program Southwest Suburban Center on Aging, La Grange, “Take Charge of Your Health” program for people managing chronic illnesses, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Mondays, through Dec. 15, Center on Aging, 111 W. Harris Ave., La Grange. Topics covered include coping with fatigue, frustration, pain and isolation; exercising, flexibility and endurance; using medications; practicing good nutrition; and evaluating new treatment options. Free. Registration required at (708) 354-1323.

Fitness Fun Aerobics exercise group, 8 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 8:30 a.m. Saturdays, Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, Dixon Education Center, 5101 S. Willow Springs Road, La Grange. Held by ConfiCare Act II program for adults 50 and older. $5 per session, $4 member discount. (708) 245-8170.

Abusive relationship support Groups for women and children, Constance Morris House, 6120 S. Archer Road, Summit. (708) 485-5254.
 
Cake decorating school Wilton School of Cake Decorating, 7511 Lemont Road, Darien, offers 50 courses throughout the year. Fees range from $75 to $950. (630) 985-6077, www.school.wilton.com.

Fundraisers

Food drive Hillgrove Family Chiropractic, 817 W. Hillgrove Ave., La Grange, is holding a food drive for the Greater Chicago Food Depository from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, through Nov. 26. Most needed canned items are vegetables, chili, soup, tuna, beans, pasta, rice and cereal. (708) 352-4866.

Country Store and Bake Sale Craft Show 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, La Grange Highlands Middle School gym, 1850 Plainfield Road, La Grange Highlands. Sponsored by the La Grange Highlands Woman’s club. Includes 50 crafters, bake sale, hot lunch and children’s and adults’ raffles. Proceeds benefit the Saturday Meals Program of La Grange. For more information, call (708) 784-0435.

Food drive, eyeglasses and flag collection Cub Scout Pack 73 and Boy Scout Troop 73, chartered by the Westchester Community Church, and Pack/Troop 172, chartered by Divine Infant Church, will hold their annual Scouting for Food drive on Saturday, Nov. 22. The Scouts will also collect used eyeglasses for the Lions clubs and flags that are no longer fit to be flown. On Saturday, Nov. 15, residents will receive a flyer at their home with details. Residents who receive a flyer can leave their donations on their front porch by 9 a.m. on Nov. 22. Anyone else wishing to make a donation can bring itmes to the Westchester Community Church, 1840 Westchester Blvd., by noon on Nov. 22. The drive accepts non-perishable food items and household/personal items such as soaps and toilet tissue. For more information, call Ed Colaianni at (708) 409-0865.

Used eyeglasses collection The Riverside Township Lions Club will sponsor a special collection of used eyeglasses at churches in Riverside and North Riverside on “Spectacle” Sunday, Nov. 23. Collection boxes will be available for parishioners to drop off their used eyeglasses. For more information, visit www.LionsRiversideTownship.org.

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society donations Burlington Coat Factory, 2208 Harlem Ave., North Riverside, is encouraging shoppers to purchase a balloon icon now through Nov. 28 to support the society and its nationwide “Light the Night Walk” initiative. The balloon icons are a minimum of $1, but customers can donate more. For more information, call Kenneth Wolff at (708) 447-4855.

Entertainment coupon books Humanitarian Service Project’s Senior Citizen Project selling 2009 Entertainment coupon books for $20 each. Includes coupons for dining, travel, movies, groceries, entertainment, car rental and dry cleaning. Books can be picked up in La Grange or mail ordered. For more information or to order books, call Laura at (708) 354-4209.

Entertainment Discount Savings Books The Athletic Booster Club at SEASPAR is selling 2009 Entertainment Books to support its programs. $20 per book. Three Chicagoland editions available. Orders can be taken for other cities in other states. $5 per book purchased is tax-deductible. Call (630) 960-7600 to order or purchase books at SEASPAR office, 4500 Belmont Road, Downers Grove.

Food drive Fimreite Chiropractic will host a food drive through Nov. 26, at the office, 4727 Willow Springs Road, La Grange. Donate a small bag of non-perishable food or $20 and receive a full chiropractic exam and all necessary x-rays. For more information, call (708) 352-3352, www.DrFimreite.com.

Interest groups

Volunteers needed CatNap from the Heart, a non-profit animal shelter, is seeking volunteers to help with animal care and cage cleaning at the shelter, one to three hours any day of the week from 9 a.m. to noon. For an interview, call Bobbi, (708) 352-3914.

Volunteers wanted BEDS PLUS seeking volunteers to serve four-hour shifts once per month. Site volunteers and support volunteers (laundry and cook teams) are needed. Shelter sites are local. Orientation class on Dec. 1. For more information or reservation, call (708) 354-0858.

Morton East High School 33rd reunion Class of 1975, 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, Michael Anthony’s Restaurant, 6434 W. Ogden Ave., Berwyn. No cover. Cash food and bar. If interested, call Jeannie Mizerka Mikota at (708) 601-2248, jmikota@aol.com.

Bowen High School 40th reunion Class of 1969, 6 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2009, Holiday Inn Mart Plaza, 350 N. Orleans St., Chicago. $110 per person, $195 per couple may be purchased by sending a check to Phyllis Volk, 250 E. Pearson St., Unit 906, Chicago, IL 60611, payable to Phyllis Volk and indicate Bowen Reunion in the memo section. For more information and “lost classmates” addresses, visit www.freewebs.com/bowen1969reunion, or call Brett Weiss at (630) 248-5405.

Lincoln Elementary School 63rd reunion Class of 1945. Plans being made. Looking for “lost classmates.” Call Lorraine Scott, (708) 352-7943.

St. Eulalia Elementary School reunion Class of 1971. Plans being made. If interested in attending, call Noreen Collins Kuenster, (708) 442-2628.

Morton West High School 20th reunion Class of 1989. Plans being made. Looking for “lost classmates.” For more information or to register for the reunion, contact mortonwest89@gmail.com.

special events

Nickey Chicago Chevy Vettefest Presented by Bill Stasek Chevrolet, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22 and 23, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. For more information about the fest, call Championship Auto Shows, Inc. at (248) 373-1700 or visit www.chevyvettefest.net.

Holiday social Czechoslovakian Society of America Cultural Division, noon, Sunday, Dec. 7, Crystal Sky Banquets, 7941 W. 47th St., Lyons. Cash bar, dinner starts at 1 p.m. Entertainment includes the Moravian Dancers and the Half-and-Half Singers. $22 adults, $10 children age 9 and under. Reservations must be returned to Caroline Johnston, 3209 Park Ave., Brookfield, IL 60513 by Nov. 29. Make checks payable to CSA Cultural Division. Include names and lodge number of all attending and seating preferences. For more information, call Caroline at (708) 387-9423.

Religion

Moms prayer group Lyons Township High School group, 9 a.m. Fridays, at 11323 Hiawatha Lane, Indian Head Park. Call Suzanne, (708) 246-5774.

Pumpkins and Holly Craft Show and Bake Sale 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, St. Barbara’s Parish Center, 4015 S. Prairie Ave., Brookfield. Fifty crafters, homemade pastries, raffles and refreshments. Free.

Jazz concert “Jazz from Every Angle,” 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph Chapel, 1515 W. Ogden Ave., La Grange Park. Jazz vocalist, Janice Borla, will perform. A reception follows the performance. $21 adults, $15 seniors and students, in advance. $23 adults at the door. For tickets, call (708) 482-5054.

“The Power of Giving Thanks” Center for Spiritual Living, 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, First United Church of Christ, 1000 Elgin Ave., Forest Park. Rev. Mike Gerdes will speak. For more information, call (630) 532-1372.

Choir practice Cherub Choir, ages 4 and 5, 11:30 a.m. Sundays; Crusader Choir, grades one to five, 4 p.m. Wednesdays; Sanctuary Choir, adults, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, 150 S. Ashland Ave. New members welcome. (708) 354-0771, www.fpclg.org.

Thanksgiving Eve soup dinner and worship 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, 150 S. Ashland Ave. Soups, chili and breads at 6 p.m. Traditional worship service at 7 p.m. Free-will offering accepted. Call (708) 354-0771.

“Compassionate Communications” series Center for Spiritual Living, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Dec. 12, First United Church of Christ, 1000 Elgin Ave., Forest Park. Learn and practice conversation skills that promote respectful outcomes instead of conflict. Based on “Non-Violent Communications” by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg. For more information, call (630) 532-1372.

Handbell choir practice  Handbells I, adults, 9 a.m. Wednesdays; Handbells II, adults, middle school and high school students, 6:45 p.m. Thursdays, First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, 150 S. Ashland Ave. New members welcome. (708) 354-0771, www.fpclg.org.

Halloween candy collection The First Presbyterian Church of La Grange and the Cossitt School Girl Scouts are collecting excess Halloween candy which will be sorted and bagged for an inner-city soup kitchen. Candy will be sorted and bagged during the church’s monthly  mission night at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24. Extra candy may be dropped off at the church, 150 S. Ashland Ave., by Nov. 24. For more information, call (708) 354-0771.