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. 18 and 19 and 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. 19, 25 and 26; and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19. Tickets are $18 and $20. For tickets, call (708) 246-3380, www.theatrewesternsprings.com.

Rolling Mojo Comedy Show 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, La Grange Theater, 80 S. La Grange Road. Features Robert Hines, Vince Carone and Vinnie Rapponi. Hosted by Dan Brennan. $20 adults, $10 seniors. For tickets, call (312) 804-4783, www.rollingmojocomedy.com.

“The Medium at Large” Oct. 19 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 Zvonimir Tot Duo, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, 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

“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

Friends of the Library Writer’s Workshop 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, Brookfield Public Library, 3906 Grand Blvd. Workshop for writers of poetry or prose. New members welcome. For more information, call (708) 485-6917, www.brookfieldpubliclibrary.info.

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.

Book discussion 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Book is “Dracula,” by Bram Stoker. New members welcome. Register at (708) 485-6917, www.brookfieldpubliclibrary.info.

“The Spoonman” program 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, North Riverside Public Library, 2400 S. DesPlaines Ave. Jim Cruise, “The Spoonman,” will perform with two household tablespoons using music and interactive comedy. All ages. 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.

Fall book sale Friends of the Library, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., sale open to public. Sunday, Oct. 19, 1:30 to 3 p.m., bag sale. For more information, call (708) 485-6917.

Miscellaneous

Weekly dances Country and western dance, 7:30 to 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 20 and 21, $8; Latin/salsa dance, 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22, $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.

Senior activities Pleasant Dale Park District’s “Forever Young” senior program, 11:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, Park District, 7425 S. Wolf Road, Burr Ridge. Includes catered lunch featuring a speaker or entertainment. Cost is $6. For more information or to register, call Chris Yesutis, (630) 662-6220.

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.

Boo! at the Zoo 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 18, 19, 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.

Haunted hayride and bonfire Pleasant Dale Park District, 5 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, Walker Park, 7425 S. Wolf Road, Burr Ridge. All ages, under 15 with adult. $5 residents, $7 non-residents. Children under age 3 are free. Register at (630) 662-6220.

“The History of Comics” program Flagg Creek Heritage Society, 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, Pleasant Dale Park District Recreation Center, 7425 Wolf Road, Burr Ridge. Richard Pietrzyk will speak. Free. Public invited. For more information, call (708) 839-9616.

Family Day 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, Focus Yoga, 9047 Monroe Ave., Brookfield. Yoga and Jujitsu classes for the family. Register at (708) 471-0487, www.focusyogastudio.com.

Clubs

Spares Sunday Evening Club Senior dance, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. every first and third Sunday, American Legion, 9757 Pacific Ave., Franklin Park. $8 members, $9 guests. (847) 965-5730.

Western Springs Garden Club 12:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, First Congregational Church, Plymouth Hall, 1106 Chestnut St., Western Springs. Sharon Batt, owner of Expressions in Wheaton will speak on “Holiday Arrangements.”

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

Suburban Garden Club 7:30 to 9 p.m. every third Monday, First Methodist Church in Western Springs, 4300 Howard Ave. (708) 447-4649.

LaGrange Park Women’s Club 1 p.m. every third Monday, September through May, Village Church, 1150 Meadowcrest Road, LaGrange Park. Call Folle Cantone, (708) 354-6741.

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.

Village Vocal Chords Women’s barbershop chorus, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 47th Street and Brainard Avenue, La Grange. Looking for singing women of all ages to join group. To register or arrange a visit, call (708) 275-8329, villagevocalchords.com.

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

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.

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

Willow Springs Senior Club 10:30 a.m. every third Tuesday, Senior/Community Center, 8156 Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Call Maria Barsevich, (708) 839-8717, or Dolores Nedved, (708) 839-5696.

Old Glory Lodge 7 p.m. every first and third Tuesday, Westchester Masonic Temple, 10210 Canterbury St.

Thirsty Runners Club Weekly fun run, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Blue Water Lounge, 9016 W. 31st St., Brookfield. For serious and recreational runners. For information, call Gina or Gregg, (708) 485-WATR.

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.

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

Support groups

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.

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.

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.

“Breast Cancer and the Family: What Does it Mean?” lecture 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, Dixon Education Center, 5101 S. Willow Springs Road. Dr. Colleen Hagen, senior attending surgeon at the hospital, will speak. Free. Registration is recommended at (630) 856-7525.

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.

Estate planning and elder law seminar 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, La Grange Country Club, 620 S. Brainard Ave. Attorney Bill Wilson will discuss the use of trusts, power of attorney, veterans’ benefits, and estate planning. Free. Open to public. For more information, call (708) 482-7090.

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

Oktoberfest fundraiser 6:30 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Oct. 18, St. Cletus School, 700 W. 55th St., La Grange. Food and entertainment. Adults age 21 and older with identification. Proceeds benefit school’s early childhood education program. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. For tickets, call (708) 352-4820, www.stcletusschool.com.

Beer in the ‘Burbs fundraiser Westchester Community Image Council, 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Fresh Meadow Golf Course, 2144 S. Wolf Road, Hillside. Beer tasting and dinner. Representatives from Goose Island, Three Floyds and Summit Ale breweries will serve samples of their beverages with casual buffet. Cash bar. $35 per person. Reservations required by calling Cheryl Rodriguez at (773) 704-1484.

CROP Hunger Walk fundraiser 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, First United Methodist Church of La Grange, 100 W. Cossitt Ave. Walk is through La Grange and Western Springs to raise awareness and funds for hunger. For more information, visit www.churchworldservice.org/CROP.

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 West High School 10th reunion Class of 1998, Saturday, Oct. 25, FitzGerald’s Nightclub, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Buffet from 7 to 11 p.m.; DJ from 8 to 11 p.m. $40 per person, pay at the door. Price includes appetizer buffet, three drink tickets per person and free parking. Reservations by Oct. 11 to sltomcat@hotmail.com.

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.

Cemetery walking tour “The Tale of the Tombstones: Untimely Endings,” 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, Forest Home Cemetery, 863 DesPlaines Ave., Forest Park. Costumed interpreters tell stories of people whose lives were cut short by foul play, disease or unselfish acts of heroism. Sponsored by The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest and Drechsler, Brown and Williams Funeral Home. $10 historical society members; $15 non-members. For tickets, call (708) 848-6755.

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.

National Red Ribbon Week march Monday, Oct. 20, over 100 students from Hauser Junior High School, Komarek School, Gross Middle School and Riverside-Brookfield High School will walk to a billboard located at 9021 Ogden Ave., Brookfield to create an awareness of the drug threat to youth. March begins at the R-B football stadium, 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, at 9 a.m. An assembly will be held at billboard site at 10 a.m. The police departments of Riverside, Brookfield and North Riverside will accompany the walk and local officials will speak at the assembly. The public is welcome to walk with the students.

Candidate forum La Grange AARP, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, First Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall, 151 S. Catherine Ave., La Grange. Question and answer session after speakers. All interested voters are welcome.

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.

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.

Octoberfest 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, Ascension Lutheran Church, 400 Nuttall Road, Riverside. German food, beer and wine, music, sing-along and children’s games. $12 adults, $5 children under 12. (708) 447-2600.

Pancake breakfast 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, St. Bernardine Church, Fearon Hall, 815 Elgin Ave., Forest Park. Doll house raffle, bake sale, prizes. Sponsored by St. Bernardine CCD program. $5 per person. (708) 366-3553.

Oktoberfest and polka Mass Sunday, Oct. 19, Divine Providence Church, 2550 Mayfair Ave., Westchester. Polka Mass with the Joe-Pat Orchestra will be held at 11:30 a.m. Oktoberfest held in the McInerney Center from 1 to 4 p.m. Music, German food, children’s activities, raffles. Admission is free. For more information, call (708) 562-3364.

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.

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.

Mission night 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, 150 S. Ashland Ave. Participants will prepare mostacholi and sausage that will be delivered to served to their partner church, First Presbyterian Church of Chicago. Candy and cookies will be bagged aas part of a ministry outreach program. Call (708) 354-0771.

Women’s Book Group First Presbyterian Church of La Grange Women’s Book Group will meet at a member’s home at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21. Erna Reihsmann will lead the discussion of “The Spirit of Sweet Grass” by Nicole Seitz. Dessert will be served at 1 p.m., followed by the discussion. For more information, call (708) 354-0771.

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.