arts and entertainment
music
“The Winter Dance Party: A Tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson” 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Concert commemorates the 50th anniversary of the deaths of the three singers. Suitable for all ages. $20 in advance; $25 at the door. For more information or tickets, call (708) 839-1000.

Chorus seeks new members The Village Vocal Chords, an award-winning harmony chorus, seeks new members and invites local women who like to sing, to attend chorus practices at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at St. John’s Lutheran Church, lower level, 505 S. Park Road, La Grange. For information, call Michael Bogert at (708) 275-8329.

theater
“Cupid and Psyche” Weekends, Jan. 16 to 31, Morton College, Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, 3801 Central Ave., Cicero. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. This is the Chicago premiere production of the off-Broadway musical. Stars Laura Kirin of Westchester and directed by Eddie Sugarman of Western Springs. Tickets range from $8 to $15 and are available by calling (708) 656-1800, www.jpactheatre.com.

“Far From Freud” Village Players, weekends, Jan. 16 to 25, Village Players Performing Arts Center, Playground Theater, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 6 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $20 and are available by calling (866) 764-1010, www.village-players.org.

“Bye Bye Birdie” auditions Orland Park Theatre Troupe, 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, and 7 to 10 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, Orland Park’s Old Village Hall, 14413 S. Beacon Ave. For more audition information, call the Village of Orland Park Recreation and Parks Department at (708) 403-7275.

art
Art opening 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, Salt Creek Wine Bar, 8900 Fairview Ave., Brookfield. Features the artwork of Mary Ellen Ponsford. Complimentary hors d’ouevres. (708) 387-2432, www.saltcreekwinebar.com.

LIBRARY
Winter reading program Brookfield Public Library’s winter reading program, “Book a New Adventure at Your Library,” runs through Feb. 23 at the library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Goal is to read three books. Prizes are given for beginning and completing the program. Register at (708) 485-6917.

Writer’s Workshop Friends of the Library, 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. For writers of poetry or prose. New members welcome. Register at (708) 485-6917, www.brookfieldpubliclibrary.info.

“A Movie While You Munch Your Lunch” 11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, North Riverside Public Library, 2400 S. DesPlaines Ave. Bring lunch and watch “Open Season 2.” Juice and dessert will be provided. Register at (708) 447-0869.

Preschool storytime 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays, through Jan. 27, North Riverside Public Library, 2400 S. DesPlaines Ave. Children ages 3 to 5. For more information or registration, call (708) 447-0869.

After school storytime 3:30 p.m. alternating Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 21 and 26, North Riverside Public Library, 2400 S. DesPlaines Ave. Grades kindergarten and up. For more information or registration, call (708) 447-0869.

“Connect With Chicago Wilderness” 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, La Grange Park Library, 555 N. La Grange Road. A Chicago Wilderness representative will speak on the group’s activities. Sponsored by the Save the Prairie Society. Free. (708) 354-5512.

Computer Kids 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Ages 11 and up. Ages 7 to 12. Learn basic computer skills and do a craft. Register at (708) 485-6917, www.brookfieldpubliclibrary.info.

Finger painting 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, La Grange Public Library, 10 W. Cossitt Ave. Ages 2 to 5. Bring a smock. Register at (708) 352-0576, www.lagrangelibrary.org.

Watercolor Whimsy 3:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, La Grange Public Library, 10 W. Cossitt Ave. Grades kindergarten to second. Learn watercolor techniques. Register at (708) 352-0576, www.lagrangelibrary.org.

Winter crafts 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, North Riverside Public Library, 2400 S. DesPlaines Ave. Children grades preschool and up. For more information or registration, call (708) 447-0869.

Lapsit storytime 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, through Jan. 29, North Riverside Public Library, 2400 S. DesPlaines Ave. Children ages 12 to 36 months and adult. For more information or registration, call (708) 447-0869.

Introduction to Microsoft Excel 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Adults. Learn basic computer skills. Register at (708) 485-6917, www.brookfieldpubliclibrary.info.

Chicago Wolves Hockey team reading program Children and teens reading program through April at North Riverside Public Library, 2400 S. DesPlaines Ave. Chances to win Chicago Wolves prizes. Record books read on reading chart to enter monthly drawings. For more information, call the Youth Services desk at (708) 447-0869.

Miscellaneous
Line dancing classes 7 p.m., beginning Monday, Feb. 2, Willow Springs Community Center, 8156 S. Archer Ave. For more information or to register, call Village Hall at (708) 467-3700.

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.

“Book Look” group 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, Dixon Education Center Classroom, 5101 S. Willow Springs Road. For ConfiCare Act II members. Book is “Man in the Dark” by Paul Auster. Reservations requested by calling (630) 856-7525.

Reading and booksigning 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, Borders Books and Music, 1 N. La Grange Road, La Grange. Author is Emmy award-winning writer/producer, Stephen Cannell, “On the Grind.” (708) 579-9660.

Westchester baseball registration 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, Westchester Park District, 10201 Bond St. For more information, call Jeff at (708) 531-1016, or visit www.leaguelineup.com/wbi.

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.

Preschool registration La Grange Elementary School District 102 preschool programs for children ages 3 to 5 has open enrollment for the 2008-09 school year. Services are provided at no cost to families and children with special needs. For more information, call (708) 482-2430, Ext. 3047.

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. Jan. 15 features live jazz with the Done Deal Band. 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.

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

Western Springs Historical Society Volunteer fair, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, Thomas Ford Library, Conference Room, 800 Chestnut St., Western Springs. Informational fair for people interested in volunteering for the society. Includes an overview of the group’s projects and volunteer jobs, such as serving as tour guides, researching in the archives, planning children’s programs and working on special events. High school students welcome. For more information, call (708) 246-9230.

Chicago Suburban Radio Association 7:30 p.m. every third Thursday, Grace Lutheran Church, 1100 Manchester St., Westchester. www.csraham.com.

West Suburban Toastmasters 7 to 8:45 p.m. every first and third Thursday, La Grange Park Public Library, 555 N. La Grange Road. Contact Carol Markov, cmarkov@abelsontaylor.com.

The Leisuretime Club Senior men’s bridge club, noon, Thursdays, Lyonsville Congregational Church, 6871 Joliet Road, Indian Head Park. All men of any bridge playing experience welcome. Club hosts three 8-week bridge tournaments a year. For more information, call Vern Kramer, (708) 246-8888, or Bob Terp, (708) 784-0921.

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.

Olmsted Society 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road. Dean Eastman will present, “The Restoration and Conversion of the Coonley Coach House.”

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.

Scrabble Club #518 1 to 5 p.m. every first and third Saturday, La Grange Park Village Hall, Community Room, 447 N. Catherine Ave. $1 per meeting. Call Roberta Krenek, (708) 354-5970.

Catholic Alumni Club of Chicago 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 17, Giordano’s Restaurant, 10410 W. Cermak Road, Westchester. Meet for pizza and drinks. Afterward, go to a local theater for a movie. For reservations, call Marlene at (708) 450-8280.

Support groups
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.

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.

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

Seminars/classes
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.

“The Power of Habit: Using Hypnosis for Positive Change” The Holistic Healthcare Council, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, Western Springs Chamber office, 9440 Joliet Road, Hodgkins. Wendy Kerr, certified Hypnotherapist, will speak. Door prizes. $10. For more information, call (708) 352-1048.

“Organizing Your Life” workshop 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, SoTish, 23 S. La Grange Road, La Grange. Led by Susan Reardon, business coach and owner of The Growth Coach and SoTish; Amber Kostelny-Cussen, professional organizer and owner of Amber’s Organizing; and Stacy Schuler, owner of ORG Within Reach, a home organization firm. Presents solutions and strategies in the areas of business growth, organization and designing dream space. $25. Reservations required by calling (708) 386-0810 or visiting www.AmbersOrganizing.com.

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.

Yoga Detox 10:30 a.m. to noon, Sunday, Jan. 18, Focus Yoga, 9047 Monroe Ave., Brookfield. $15. Register at (708) 471-0487, www.focusyogastudio.com.

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
Clothing drive Fimreite Chiropractic, 4727 Willow Springs Road, La Grange, hosting a clothing drive from Jan. 19 to 23. Free exam, X-rays and consultation provided for donation of clothing items. Donation times are 8 to 10 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; and 3:30 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. For more information, call (708) 352-3352, www.DrFimreite.com.

Annual Kelly Mallecki Replenishment Drive LifeSource Blood Centers, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, Willow Springs Community Center, 8156 S. Archer Ave. If unable to donate on Feb. 7, can go to any LifeSource donation center and donate blood using Code 066C to credit Kelly Mallecki Drive. For appointments, call LifeSource at (847) 803-7943 or visit www.lifesource.org. Walk-ins welcome. For more information on the blood drive, visit www.caringforKelly.org.

Concert fundraiser 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, St. Louise de Marillac Parish Center, 31st St. and Harrison Ave., La Grange Park. American English, Beatles tribute band, will perform. All ages. Tickets on sale now at $30 each or $25 each for two or more tickets. For tickets, call (708) 352-2202, www.stlouisedemarillac.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 classes available. For more information on classes or reservations, call (708) 354-0858.

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.

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 Crafters needed for upcoming Spring Fling Craft Show and Bake Sale on Saturday, March 28, at St. Barbara Parish Center, 4015 S. Prairie Ave., Brookfield. Spaces are nine feet wide by eight feet deep and cost $25. Eight-foot tables rent for $10 and electric hook-up is $5. No vendors. For an application, call Jenny at (708) 485-1962.