arts and entertainment
music
Jazz/rock music Bifunkal, 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10; “Chanteuse Tuesday” featuring Petra Van Nuis, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., Salt Creek Wine Bar, 8900 Fairview Ave., Brookfield. (708) 387-2432, www.saltcreekwinebar.com.

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.

LIBRARY
“It’s Bizarre!” 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Ages 11 and up. Craft, food and activities for ages 11 and up. Register at (708) 485-6917, Ext. 140.

Winter reading program Brookfield Public Library’s winter reading program, “Book a New Adventure at Your Library,” runs from Jan. 12 to 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.

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.

Clear the Closet Clutter program 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, La Grange Public Library, 10 W. Cossitt Ave. Consultant Nancy Pipal will give tips on how to clean your closet. Free. Registration requiested at (708) 352-0576, www.lagrangelibrary.org.

WIntroduction to Word class 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. An introductory class for adults. Register at (708) 485-6917.

Film discussion 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Movie is “Ben X.” Register at (708) 485-6917.

After school storytime 3:30 p.m. alternating Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 12, 21 and 26, North Riverside Public Library, 2400 S. DesPlaines Ave. Grades kindergarten and up. For more information or registration, call (708) 447-0869.

“The Secrets of Selling on eBay” 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, Lyons Public Library, 4209 Joliet Ave. Vivienne Porter will speak on tips for successful selling of items on the Internet. Refreshments will be served. Registration required at (708) 447-3577.

Writers’ Workshop 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, La Grange Public Library, 10 W. Cossitt Ave. Adult writers bring in poems, manuscripts and other written works for feedback from other writers. Registration requiested at (708) 352-0576, www.lagrangelibrary.org.

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.

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.

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
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.

2009 Mandala Community 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, The Blue Feather Books and Botanicals, Ltd., 19 W Harris Ave., La Grange. Create a luminous hands mandala, a creative art tool used for reflections of a personal journey inward. No art experience required. $25. For more information, call (708) 352-8481.

Dinner and a Movie Wednesday, Jan. 14, P.J. Klems Restaurant, 8000 Ogden Ave., Lyons. Doors open at 6 p.m. Movie starts at 7 p.m. Program is a Laurel and Hardy film festival. A raffle will be held. Free. For dinner, call the restaurant at (708) 447-4343 to make a reservation.

Wine tasting “Chocolates and the Wines That Love Them,” 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, Salt Creek Wine Bar, 8900 Fairview Ave., Brookfield. Presented by chocolatier, Gina Tuozo of Choco-Lots, and Franz Herder of Upper Left Corner Wine Company. Appetizers served. Opportunity to buy featured wines and chocolates at a special price. $20 per person. Register at (708) 387-2432, www.saltcreekwinebar.com.

“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.

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
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.

Western Springs Garden Club 12:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, First Congregational Church, Plymouth Hall, 1106 Chestnut St., Western Springs. Program is “Kermit Was Wrong: It’s Easy Being Green.” Susan Grupp will discuss ways to make eco-friendly choices. Call Diane, (630) 887-9839.

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.

West Suburban Clown Club 7 p.m. every second Monday, basement of Victorian Manor Nursing Home, 337 S. Ninth Ave., La Grange. Call Bea Koza, (708) 484-7771.

Investment club SPEC, 7:30 p.m. every second Monday, at a member’s home. Call Sheila Parisi, (708) 246-2212.

Western Springs Seniors Club 1 p.m. every second Monday, Western Springs Recreation Center, 1500 Walker St.

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.

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.

Riverside Township Lions Club Noon, Tuesday, Jan. 13, The Scottish Home, 28th St. and DesPlaines Ave., North Riverside. For more information, visit www.LionsRiversideTownship.org.

Hofmann Dam River Rats Conservation and environmental club, 6:30 p.m. every second Tuesday, Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road.

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

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

Willow Springs Lions Club 6 p.m. every first and third Wednesday, Willow Crossing Tavern, 8524 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Call Mike Smigielski, (708) 839-5178, or Al Baines, (708) 839-0029.

Support groups
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.

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.

Multiple sclerosis group La Grange/LaGrange Park area group, 7 p.m. every third Wednesday, LaGrange Park Library, 555 N. La Grange Road. Call Vivian, (708) 482-0477.

Mental illness caregiver group 10 a.m. every first and third Wednesday, Southwest Suburban Center on Aging, 111 W. Harris Ave., La Grange. Register at (708) 354-1323.

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.

Art classes La Grange Art League is accepting registration for its winter class sessions beginning Monday, Jan. 12, at the League, 122 Calendar Ave. For a list of classes or to register, visit www.lagrangeartleague.org.

Art lecture 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, The Community House, 415 W. 8th St., Hinsdale. David Stark of the Art Institute of Chicago will speak on “Art in the Courtroom: Famous Trials About Art.” Open to public. $10. For reservations, call Dorita Malecki at (630) 323-3839.

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.

“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.

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
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.