Arts and Entertainment

Theater

“Kita y Fernanda” Through Oct. 25, Berwyn Cultural Center, 6420 16th St. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 5 and 8 p.m Saturdays; 3 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19. $16. For tickets, call (708) 795-6704, www.16thstreettheater.org.

“Amadeus” Thursday to Sunday, Oct. 23 to 26, Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs. Performance times are 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Oct.  25 and 26. Tickets are $18 and $20. For tickets, call (708) 246-3380, www.theatrewesternsprings.com.

Halloween show Riverside Township Radio Players, “Canterville Ghost” and Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Lodger,” 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, Riverside Township Hall Auditorium, 27 Riverside Road. Free. For more information, call (708) 447-5117.

“The Medium at Large” Through Nov. 16, 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.

Music

Jazz/blues music Jazz Central, jaaz quartet, 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, Salt Creek Wine Bar, 8900 Fairview Ave., Brookfield. (708) 387-2432, www.saltcreekwinebar.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 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.

Art

National juried ceramics exhibition Clay3, Oct. 24 to Nov. 22, IBEW Building, atrium, 28600 Bella Vista Parkway, Warrenville. First national ceramic show presented by ClaySpace Ceramics Arts Studio, a not-for-profit corporation. Show hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Opening reception, 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 24.

“Opinion Pieces” exhibit Through Nov. 22, Riverside Arts Center, Freeark Gallery, 32 E.. Quincy, Riverside. Artist is Ruth Freeark, founder and president of the Riverside Arts Center. Made of images and words torn from newpapers and magazines, embellished with paint. (708) 442-6400.

“The Two Carols” exhibit Through Oct. 31, La Grange Art League Gallery, 122 Calendar Ave. Featured artists include Carol Friedle and Carole Wilson. (708) 247-6968.

Library

Preschool story time 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays, through Oct. 28, North Riverside Public Library, 2400 S. DesPlaines Ave. Ages 3 to 5. Register at (708) 447-0869.

After school story time 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, North Riverside Public Library, 2400 S. DesPlaines Ave. Grades kindergarten and older. Register at (708) 447-0869.

Lapsit story time 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, through Oct. 30, North Riverside Public Library, 2400 S. DesPlaines Ave. Age 12 to 36 months with adult. Register at (708) 447-0869.

“Games Geeks Play” 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Science and adventure activities for grades 3 to 5. Register at (708) 485-6917, www.brookfieldpubliclibrary.info.

Introduction to Word class 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. An introductory class for adults. Register at (708) 485-6917, www.brookfieldpubliclibrary.info.

“Magic Matt’s Spooky Fun Show” 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, La Grange Public Library, 10 W. Cossitt Ave. All ages. No registration required. (708) 352-0576.

Movies showing 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Movies are “Dracula” and “Nosferatu.” Register at (708) 485-6917, www.brookfieldpubliclibrary.info.

Introduction to the Internet 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. A hands-on introduction to Internet basics. Register at (708) 485-6917, www.brookfieldpubliclibrary.info.

Miscellaneous

Weekly dances Sunday afternoon ballroom dance, 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 26, The Teddy Lee Orchestra will play, $14; Sunday night swing dance, 7:30 p.m. to midnight, Oct. 26, $10, Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs.  (708) 839-1000, www.willowbrookballroom.com.

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.

New Speaker event 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, Hauser Junior High School, 65 Woodside Road, Riverside. Inspirational speaker, Lloyd Bachach, will discuss achieving one’s dreams. Public invited. (630) 442-6781.

Drumming circle 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, Westchester Community Church, 1840 Westchester Blvd. Ojibway traditional teachings and drums circle with Ron Kanutski, Little Medicine Wheel Cloud of Bear Clan. Bring hand drum or rattle to share songs, stories and teachings of the Ojibway people to promote healing and good life. An offering basket will be out to offset the costs of Kanutski’s travel expenses. Suggested donation: $25 per person, $40 per couple/family. For more information, call (708) 715-5042.

Haunted house 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25, and Thursday, Oct. 30, Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair Ave., Westchester. Children under 10 years of age should come between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Refreshments available for purchase. $5 admission. (708) 562-0184.

Boo! at the Zoo 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 25 and 26, Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road. Family activites including hay maze, pumpkin carving, costume parade, demonstrations, games. For more information, call (708) 688-8000, www.CZS.org.

Walking tour Frederick Law Olmsted Society, 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26. Tours depart Riverside Train Depot and walk through the south side of Riverside. $10, $7 seniors and society members. For group tours, call (708) 442-7675, www.olmstedsociety.org.

“The Refugee Experience” 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, The Well, 1515 W. Ogden Ave., La Grange Park. Stories from refugees who have left wars, genocide and poverty for the United States. Ethnic foods from the various refugee families will be shared at the end of the presentation. Free-will donation accepted. Register at (708) 482-5088.

Clubs

Brookfield Jazz Society 7 p.m. Thursdays, Cottage at Irish Times, 8869 Burlington Ave., Brookfield. $5 cover charge for non-members at live events. Regular meetings are free. Oct. 23 is “Free and Easy Night.” www.brookfieldjazz.org.

La Grange Kiwanis Club Noon to 1:15 p.m. Thursdays, Township of Lyons, first floor rear, 6404 Joliet Road. (708) 352-2992.

Western Springs Seniors Club Day trip, Thursday, Oct. 23, to “Some Enchanted Evening” at Pheasant Run Playhouse in St. Charles. Bus leaves at 11:15 a.m. and returns at 5:30 p.m. $50 members, $55 for guests. To register, call (708) 784-8966 or (708) 246-9267.

Broadview Rotary Club 12:15 p.m. Thursdays, Sawa’s Old Warsaw Restaurant, 9200 W. Cermak Road.

Sewing and Service Circle Women’s Club of First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, 9:30 a.m. every fourth Thursday, Westminster Hall, 150 S. Ashland Ave., La Grange. (708) 354-0771.

Golden K Kiwanis Club 10 a.m. Fridays, King-Bruwaert House, 6101 S. County Line Road, Burr Ridge. (630) 323-2250.

La Grange Rotary Club 12:15 p.m. Fridays, Café 36, 22 Calendar Ave. www.lagrangerotary.org.

Brookfield Garden Club 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Village Hall, lower level, 8820 Brookfield Ave. Carpool to Morton Arboretum. Call Nancy, (708) 387-1247.

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.

West Suburban Lapidary Club 8 p.m. every fourth Friday, The Abbey, 407 W. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst. (708) 442-5452.

Support groups

Divorce support group 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, through Nov. 19, First United Methodist Church of La Grange, 100 W. Cossitt Ave. For men and women struggling with divorce. Different topic each week. $30 includes book and handouts. For more information or to register, call (708) 352-1250.

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.

Depression and Bipolar Alliance Support group, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Conference Room 2 of MacNeal Hospital, 3249 S. Oak Park Ave. DBSA-berwyn@yahoo.com.

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.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly Countryside Chapter, 6 p.m. weigh-in, 6:30 p.m. meeting Thursdays, Countryside City Hall, 5550 East Ave. Call Donna, (708) 579-9633.

Al-Anon 10 to 11 a.m. Thursdays, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 203 S. Kensington Ave., La Grange.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly La Grange Chapter, 6:30 p.m. weigh-in, 6:40 p.m. meeting Thursdays, Grace Lutheran Church, 200 N. Catherine Ave. Call Meribeth, (708) 354-9126.

Overeaters Anonymous 9 to 10:30 a.m. Fridays and 7 to 8 p.m. Sundays, First Congregational Church, 100 S. 6th Ave., La Grange. Call Jane, (708) 579-1785.

Al-Anon Friday Morning Serenity Seekers, 9:30 a.m. Fridays, First United Church of Burr Ridge, 15W100 Plainfield Road.

Friday morning regulars Men’s group on aging issues, 9 a.m. Fridays, Southwest Suburban Center on Aging, 111 W. Harris Ave., La Grange. (708) 354-1323 Ext. 15.

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

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.

Sitting tall meditation 8 to 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Focus Yoga, 9047 Monroe Ave., Brookfield. Explore meditation postures and techniques. Beginners welcome. $14. Register at (708) 471-0487, www.focusyogastudio.com.

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.

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

Spaghetti dinner fundraiser 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, Robinson School, 4431 Gage Ave., Lyons. Also features Ryan Anderson’s haunted house. Tickets for the dinner are $6 ages 12 and up, $4 ages 5 to 11, ages 4 and under free. Tickets to the haunted house are $2. (708) 783-4700.

Antique appraisal fundraiser Pleasant Dale Park District, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Recreation Center, 7425 S. Wolf Road, Burr Ridge. Guests can bring up to three items to be appraised by accredited appraisers. A donation of $10 is requested for each item to be appraised. Proceeds go toward the Veteran’s Memorial to be built in Burr Ridge. Register by calling Tim Vaclav with the Burr Ridge Police Department at (630) 323-8181.

Book sale donations Congress Park School is accepting donations of gently used books, VHS, DVD and computer games for their used book sale. Drop-of days are 3:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 23 and 24; 2:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 29; and 3:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 30. Donations can be dropped off at the school, 9311 Shields Ave, Door 11, Brookfield. Donors will receive a free book coupon with each bag or box of donations. (708) 482-2430.

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.

Interest groups

Crafters/artists wanted Stagg High School, Palos Hills, Music Boosters art and craft show on Nov. 15 and 16. Cost is $95 per 80-square-feet booth space for both days. For more information or application, call (708) 974-7520 or (708) 361-8298.

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.

Morton East High School 35th reunion Class of 1973, Saturday, Nov. 1, Holiday Inn, 7800 Kingery Highway, Willowbrook. If interested in attending, call the high school at (708) 222-5700, or visit www.mortoneastclassof73.com.

Morton East High School 25th reunion Class of 1983. Reunion previously scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1, has been postponed until spring 2009. Current mail and e-mail addresses should still be sent to mehs1983@hotmail.com, or visit http://geocities.com/mehs1983reunion/.

Harrison Technical High School 50th reunion Class of 1958, Saturday, Nov. 8, Crystal Sky Banquets, 7941 W. 47th St., McCook. Call Steve Satek, (708) 246-1130, or Diane Thomas, (708) 749-7566.

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.

Special events

Farmers market 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, through Oct. 25, Brookfield Village Hall parking lot, 8820 Brookfield Ave.

Open house Czechoslovak Heritage Museum will hold an open house beginning at 11 a.m., with a 1 p.m. program, Saturday, Oct. 25, in the headquarters of Czechoslovakian Society of America Fraternal Life, 122 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook. Commemoration of the 90th anniversary of Czechoslovak independence. Tour of collections of crystal, embroidery, costume arts, toys, paintings and sculpture and program of traditional folk dancing in authentic Moravian costumes and singing of popular Czech and American songs. Susan Marcinkus will present her film, “Pictures from the Old Country,” and answer questions. Author Malynne Sternstein, “Czechs of Chicagoland,” will give a presentation featuring photos and stories that did not appear in her book. Refreshments available for purchase. For more information, call Cary Mentzer, (630) 472-0500.

Christmas in the Village Holiday Market Western Springs Historical Society and Vintage Cottage, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, Village Club of Western Springs, 4221 Lawn Ave. Includes antiques, holiday items, gifts and artist goods. Wine tasting and tea room. Tickets for the High Tea can be purchased in advance at Vintage Cottage, 917 Burlington Ave. or Village Gourmet, 23 S. Prospect Ave., Clarendon Hills. Admission is $5 per person. Tickets sold at the door or purchased in advance. For more information, call (708) 246-2034.

Open house “Around the World in 80 Minutes,” 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, Good Buy Travel and Cruises, 9528 W.147th St., Orland Park. Representatives from major cruise lines and tour companies will be on hand. Prizes awarded. Refreshments served. Free. To register, call (708) 403-4777.

Annual luncheon Southwest Suburban Center on Aging, 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, La Grange Country Club, 620 S. Brainard Ave. Keynote speaker is Melissa Isaacson, Chicago Tribune writer. $30. For reservations, call Niki Chibucos, (708) 354-1323, Ext. 26.

Ghost stories at the Scout cabin Riverside Parks and Recreation, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, Scout Cabin, 27 Riverside Road. Storyteller tells haunted tales suitable for all age groups. Refreshments available. For more information, call (708) 442-7025.

Religion

Haunted house Through Oct. 31, St. Louise de Marillac Church, 1112 Raymond Ave., La Grange Park. Hours are Mondays to Thursdays, 6 to 8 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 6:30 to 10 p.m.; and Sundays, 4 to 6:30 p.m. Open on Halloween from 6 to 10 p.m. First hour each night is “lights on” for little children. Admission is $7 adults, $3 children age 6 to 11, $1 age 5 and under. Proceeds benefit the Youth Ministry program. For more information, call (708) 352-7388.

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

Pancake breakfast 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, North Riverside Community Presbyterian Church, 2350 S. 8th Ave. $5, children under 6 free. Tickets available at the door or call the church at (708) 447-5200.

Pumpkin Festival 10 a.m. to noon, Faith Lutheran churchm 3801 Madison Ave., Brookfield. First 100 children who attend will receive a free pumpkin. All children receive a free goodie bag and have the opportunity to complete a craft project. Baked goods, juice and coffee available. Pictures taken of children in their costumes. For more information, call (708) 485-0096, www.faithinbrookfield.com.

Craft sale 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Westchester Community Church, 1840 Westchester Blvd. Includes crafts for all seasons and a cafe serving breakfast and lunch. Free. Call (708) 865-1282.

Bible survey class 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. Sundays, Grace Lutheran Church, 200 N. Catherine Ave., La Grange. The Rev. Said Ailabouni leads the discussion of the Bible, along with sharing stories from his personal experiences in Galilee and the Middle East. There is a charge for supplemental materials. Fourth-quarter classes run through Nov. 12. For more information, call (708) 352-0730.

Organ concert 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, First Baptist Church, 20 N. Ashland Ave., La Grange. Nathan Lemanhieu will play an eclectic mix of water-themed music. For more information, call (708) 352-2740.

Presentation of Bibles 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, 150 S. Ashland Ave. At worship service, third graders will receive Bibles. (708) 354-0771, www.fpclg.org.

Church anniversary First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, 150 S. Ashland Ave., celebrating 118th anniversary. The church museum will be open on Sunday, Oct. 26, before and after worship service at 10 a.m. (708) 354-0771, www.fpclg.org.

Prayer Shawl Ministry 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, 150 S. Ashland Ave. Group knits shawls given to those in need. New members welcome. (708) 354-0771, www.fpclg.org.

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.

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.

Crafters wanted St. Pius X Church Council of Catholic Women seeking crafters for Holiday Craft Bazaar Nov. 9, at the church, 4300 Oak Park Ave., Stickney. For more information or application, call Jeanine at (708) 484-2401.