Arts and Entertainment

Theater

“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

Rock/blues music The Southsiders Duo, 8 to 11 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, 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 held from 7 to 10 p.m. each Monday, through Dec. 8, at Elmhurst Presbyterian Church, 367 Spring Road. On Monday, Oct. 27, members will wear pink and donate to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s Passionately Pink for the Cure. Community members are invited to join the chorus during its practice. For information, call Jane Toftey at (630) 665-8387, www.choral-aires.org.

Art

National juried ceramics exhibition Clay3, Through 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.

“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

Art of Andrew Wyeth program  7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, La Grange Public Library, 10 W. Cossitt Ave. Art historian and professor, Jeff Mishur, will give a slide lecture on the artist and his works. Free. No registration required. (708) 352-0576.

Young adult movie night 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Movie is “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” For teens. Free popcorn. Register at (708) 485-6917, Ext. 140.

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.

“Remembering Riverview” 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Craig Burda and Ralph Lopez will discuss the park’s history. Register at (708) 485-6917, Ext. 140.

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.

Vampire lecture 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, North Riverside Public Library, 2400 S. DesPlaines Ave. Martin Riccardo will give a slide presentation on “Vampires: The Creatures of the Night.” Free. Registration required at (708) 447-0869.

Introduction to online genealogy 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. A hands-on introduction to the library’s genealogy databases. Register at (708) 485-6917, Ext. 140.

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.

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.

Haunted house 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 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. Saturday and Sunday, 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.

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.

“Reel and a movie” event Brookfield Recreation Department, 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. Halloween movie will be shown in the Recreation Hall. No registration required. No admission charge for movie. An optional dinner will be available for purchase from a Brookfield restaurant. For more information, call (708) 485-1528.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Facing foreclosure support group 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, 4100 Lacey Road, Downers Grove. Free. Spanish speaking available. For more information, call (630) 774-2413.

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.

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.

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

Card and bunco party fundraiser Canton James Steiner and James Steiner Auxiliary sponsoring a card and bunco party at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the Palacky Oddfellow/Rebekah Hall, 9234 Broadway, Brookfield. Proceeds benefit autism. $4. For more information or reservations, call (708) 485-8429.

Book sale donations Congress Park School is accepting donations of gently used books, VHS, DVD and computer games for their used book sale. Drop-off days are 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.

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

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.

Open house and flu shot clinic 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, La Grange Pointe, 51 E. Cossitt Ave. Open house for new senior living center and flu shot clinic by the Dominick’s pharmacy. Shots are free for qualified Medicare Part B participants and $20 for all others. Reservations required by calling (708) 354-7600.

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.

Chili cook-off and Halloween party 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Grace Lutheran Church, 200 N. Catherine Ave., La Grange. Halloween party begins at 4:30 p.m., followed by chili tasting and picnic meal at 6 p.m. $5 per person; $20 per family. Tickets available at the door. For more information, call Kerrie Folisi at (708) 352-0730.

Pumpkin Festival 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 25, Faith Lutheran Church, 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.

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.

“Overcoming Fear: The Shadows of Your Mind” 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, First United Church of Christ, 1000 Elgin Ave., Forest Park. Rev. Mike Gerdes will speak. For more information, call (630) 532-1372.

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.