Arts and Entertainment

music

“Holiday Magic” concert The Tower Chorale, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, Hinsdale Union Church, 137 S. Garfield St. Features a variety of sacred and secular holiday music, including “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Special guests include the Highland Middle School Show Choir. $15 adults, $12 seniors and students. Tickets available at the door.

Holiday concert “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” Sweet Adelines chorus, Choral-Aires Chorus and the Brotherhood of Harmony Chorus, 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Addison Trail High School, 213 N. Lombard Road. $18 adults, $15 seniors, children and groups. Tickets available at the door or in advance by contacting Connie Harr at ch1234@att.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. For information, call Jane Toftey at (630) 665-8387, www.choral-aires.org.

Library

Late night at the library 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Ages 12 to 18. Games and snacks. (708) 485-6917.

Holiday concert and tree trim 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, Lyons Public Library, 4209 Joliet Ave. The Convertibles, a barbershop quartet, will perform. Decorate library tree after concert. Registration required at (708) 447-3577.

Designing Blogs and Web sites class 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Hands-on class shows how to use templates and add graphics to Web sites. Register at (708) 485-6917.

Lyric Opera lecture 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, La Grange Public Library, 10 S. Cossitt Ave. Lyric Opera docent, Carla Thorpe, will speak on opera, “Madama Butterfly.” Free. No registration required. (708) 352-0576.

“Away Wii Go: Family Day” 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Seniors bring in children and grandchildren for a family Nintendo Wii gaming event. (708) 485-6917.

“Tech Gadgets 101” 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Vivienne Porter will speak on the latest tech toys on the market for holiday presents. Register at (708) 485-6917.

“Your Library Online” class 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Class demonstrates resources available through the library’s Web site. Register at (708) 485-6917.

Microsoft Excel class 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd. Class teaches the basics of Excel including budge spreadsheets and formulas. Register at (708) 485-6917.

Movie showing 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, North Riverside Public Library, 2400 S. DesPlaines Ave. Movie is “The Nativity Story.” No registration required. (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.

Film discussion group CineVerse, Oak Lawn Park District’s free film discussion group, 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec, 3, Oak View Community Center, 4625 W. 110th St. Movie is “Persepolils.” For more information, call Erik, (708) 785-5014.

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.

Circus trip North Riverside Recreation Department, Sunday, Nov. 30, United Center, Chicago. Bus leaves at noon and returns at 4 p.m. $34 residents, $39 non-residents. For reservations, call (708) 442-5515.

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.

Weekly dances Rock and Roll tribute show with American English and Danny Fox, 7 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Nov. 29, Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Danny Fox tribute to Bob Dylan at 7 p.m.; American English tribute to the Beatles at 8 p.m. $15 to $20. (708) 839-1000, www.willowbrookballroom.com.

Clubs

Palacky Lodge Sponsoring a casino trip to Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, Ind., on Saturday, Dec. 6. Bus leaves Palacky Odd Fellow/Rebekah Hall, 9234 Broadway, Brookfield, at 10 a.m. Cost of trip is $5. For reservations, call (708) 865-1432 or (708) 485-8429.

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.

Garden Club of LaGrange Park Noon every first Monday, October to May, LaGrange Park Village Hall, 447 N. Catherine Ave. Call Audrey, (708) 354-3484.

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.

Brookfield Jaycees 7:30 p.m. every first Tuesday, VFW Hall, 8844 Ogden Ave., Brookfield. www.brookfieldjaycees.com.

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

Brookfield Junior Chamber Group 7:34 p.m. every first Tuesday, Joe’s Saloon, 9220 47th St., Brookfield. Pre-meeting social, 6:34 p.m. (708) 387-4695, www.brookfieldjaycees.com.

North Riverside Garden Club 7:30 p.m. every first Wednesday, North Riverside Village Hall, 2401 S. Des Plaines Ave. (708) 442-5515.

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.

I Ciceroni Italian language club, 7 p.m. every first Wednesday, Pompei, 7215 W. Lake St., River Forest. Contact Maria DiMarco, (708) 562-7915, iciceroni@yahoo.com.

Ladies Aid of the Bohemian Home 1 p.m. every first Wednesday, except July, Aug., Jan.,Tabor Hills Pavillion, 1327 Crystal Ave., Naperville. Board meeting, 11 a.m. $8 for noon lunch. To register for lunch, call Vlasta, (630) 322-8681.

Countryside Lions Club 6 p.m. every first Wednesday and Thursday after the third Wednesday, Old Country Buffet, 21 Countryside Plaza, Countryside. Call Barbara, (708) 352-7912.

AT&T Telecom Pioneers-Forest Life Member Club Christmas lunch, 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, Alta Villa Banquets, 430 N. Addison Road, Addison. Chinese auction will be held. $18. Call Lori Kallas, (630) 629-1633.

Sokol Tabor Will host Sokol and Sokolice Tabor Christmas dinner, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, Sokol Tabor lower hall, 16th St. and Clarence Ave., Berwyn. Sokol Tabor will hold their December unit meeting following the dinner and Sokolice Tabor will hold their annual meeting and election of officers. Call (708) 484-1509.

Support groups

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.

Epilepsy support group 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every first and third Monday, RUSH Oak Park Hospital, North Conference Room, 500 S. Maple Ave. (708) 366-7153.

Multiple Sclerosis support group 7 to 9 p.m. every first Monday, Forest Park Community Center, 7640 W. Jackson Blvd. Newly diagnosed and families welcome. For more information, call Linda, (708) 280-6789.

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.

Alzheimer support group 7 to 9 p.m. every first Tuesday, Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, 5101 S. Willow Springs Road, La Grange. (708) 245-9000.

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.

Mental illness caregivers Support group, 10 a.m. every first and third Wednesday, Senior Center, 111 W. Harris Ave., La Grange. Register at (708) 354-1323.

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.

Health program Southwest Suburban Center on Aging, La Grange, “Take Charge of Your Health” program for people managing chronic illnesses, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Mondays, through Dec. 15, Center on Aging, 111 W. Harris Ave., La Grange. Topics covered include coping with fatigue, frustration, pain and isolation; exercising, flexibility and endurance; using medications; practicing good nutrition; and evaluating new treatment options. Free. Registration required at (708) 354-1323.

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

Book fair fundraiser Brookfield School District 95, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, Barnes and Noble Booksellers, Oak Brook Center. Activities include a performance by the S.E. Gross Middle School band; pictures with “The Grinch;” student poetry slam and a scavenger hunt. Guest author, Juanita Liepelt, will read her book, “Blue, the Luckiest Dog in the World.” Principal Sorensen from Brook Park School will read, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Proceeds from sales with book fair vouchers support purchase of new books for schools’ libraries. For more information, visit www.district95.org.

Holiday house walk Oak Park-River Forest Infant Welfare Society, 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. Tour features six homes in the historic estate district of Oak Park. Includes in-home displays by local merchants. Also, a Dine and Share program is available that donates a percentage of cost of dinner at select local restaurants to the Children’s Clinic. Tickets in advance are $31.50. Student tickets are $20. Tickets at the door are $40. Tickets may be purchased online until Dec. 3 at www.childrenscliniciws.org. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the event at the check-in location, the Oak Park Art League, 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, between 4 and 8 p.m. All advance sale tickets will be held at the Art League. For more information, call (708) 848-0528, Ext. 300.

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

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 class on Dec. 1. For more information or reservation, call (708) 354-0858.

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
 
Breakfast with Santa Riverside Junior Women’s Charity, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 6, Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road. Includes breakfast, Christmas craft and photo with Santa. $5 per child. Accompanying adults are free. For tickets, call (877) RIV-JRS1, www.riversidejuniors.org.

Santa breakfast 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, Meadowbrook Manor, 339 S. 9th Ave., La Grange. Santa will arrive at 9:30 a.m. Includes photo with Santa, breakfast and other activities. Reservations required at (708) 354-4660.

Holiday social Czechoslovakian Society of America Cultural Division, noon, Sunday, Dec. 7, Crystal Sky Banquets, 7941 W. 47th St., Lyons. Cash bar, dinner starts at 1 p.m. Entertainment includes the Moravian Dancers and the Half-and-Half Singers. $22 adults, $10 children age 9 and under. Reservations must be returned to Caroline Johnston, 3209 Park Ave., Brookfield, IL 60513 by Nov. 29. Make checks payable to CSA Cultural Division. Include names and lodge number of all attending and seating preferences. For more information, call Caroline at (708) 387-9423.

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.

Thrift shop and rummage sale 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, First Congregational Church of Berwyn, basement, 6500 W. 34th St. New items, slightly used items and Christmas items. Free coffee. (708) 749-0676.

Advent afternoon of reflection 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, The Well, 1515 W. Ogden Ave., La Grange Park. Led by Fr. Bob Casey. $10 For more information, call (708) 482-5088.

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.

“Pondering the Beloved” 1 to 2:30 p.m. Mondays, Dec. 1 to 15, The Well, 1515 W. Ogden Ave., La Grange Park. Discussion group on Advent themes. Led by Bridget Sperduto. $10 per session. For more information, call (708) 482-5088.

“Sing a Song of Christmas” program Elizabeth Fellowship of the Brookfield United Methodist Church will be hostesses at a Christmas musical program at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the church, 3541 Park Ave. Features popular musicians Hank Mitchell and Pete Cuchetto. Refreshments served. $5. Reservations by Dec. 1 to Donna DeBraal, (708) 588-1644, or Peggy Kissick, (708) 459-7062.

“Compassionate Communications” series Center for Spiritual Living, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Dec. 12, First United Church of Christ, 1000 Elgin Ave., Forest Park. Learn and practice conversation skills that promote respectful outcomes instead of conflict. Based on “Non-Violent Communications” by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg. For more information, call (630) 532-1372.

“Let’s Take Back Christmas-Sacred Sanity for the Holy Days” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, St. Barbara Parish, Prairie Rooms A-B, 4009 Prairie Ave., Brookfield. Fr. Bob Pawell will offer tips to enhance the holy time of the year and not get stressed out. For more information, call Deacon Dave Brencic at (708) 485-6614.

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.