Arts and Entertainment

Music

“WDCB’s Jazz Wednesdays” From 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays at Carlucci, 1801 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove. No cover. (630) 512-0990, www.CarlucciRestaurant.com.

Acoustic rock Bobby K. and Steve, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays at Shanahan’s, 2009 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove. No cover. (630) 725-9110.

Open mike music From 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays at Stillwater, 5141 Main St., Downers Grove. Hosted by Bob Hartwell. “Sign up, plug in and play.” Public invited. (630) 324-4291.

Ensemble concert 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, Downers Grove North High School, Clarence Johnson Auditorium, 4436 Main St. Group is Project, a fusion of jazz, hip-hop and world music. Free. (630) 795-8400.

Folk music Jamie Anderson, 8:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. $5. (630) 969-9720, info@twowaystreet.org.

Bluegrass Jam 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, Two-Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. $1. (630) 969-9720, info@twowaystreet.org.

“The Nutcracker” Midwest Ballet Theatre, 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 22 and 23, Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Guest artists are Anne Milewski and Sean Stewart, soloists with American Ballet Theatre. Tickets are $14 adults, $13 seniors and students age 12 to 18, $12 children under 12. For ticket information, call (630) 971-9751.

Monthly open mike 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. For high school and college-age students. Free. (630) 969-9720, info@twowaystreet.org.

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.

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.

Art classes available TLD Design Center and Gallery, 26 E. Quincy St., Westmont. (630) 963-9573, www.tlddesigns.com.

Lodaat Art Gallery Global art and antiquities, 431 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove. (630) 852-7544, www.lodaat.com.

theater

“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” Grove Players, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 23, The Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. $18 adults, $14 seniors, $10 students. Tickets available in advance at Consider It Done, 5133 Main St., Downers Grove, or at www.groveplayers.org.

“A Christmas Carol” 10 a.m. Nov. 20 to 21, 24, 28 to 30, Dec. 1 to 4, 6, 9 to 12, and 15 to 20; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17, Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. All ages. Dinner or breakfast buffet offered before performances on Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 10, 17 and 20. Show only tickets are $9. For tickets, call (630) 530-0111.

“The Murder Room” La Grange Repertory Theatre, Nov. 21 to 23, Plymouth Place, Dole Hall, 315 N. La Grange Road, La Grange Park. Performance times are 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. $12 adults, $8 seniors. For more information and tickets, visit www.lagrangerepertorytheatre.com.

Miscellaneous

Bar trivia Myles Above Productions, Inc., 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Spats Bar, 28331 Dodge St. Warrenville. Comedy show and interactive trivia questions. Prizes awarded. (630) 728-3813.

Fun runs 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Runners Grove, 5155 Main St., Downers Grove. Free. (630) 493-0800.

Dancing in Naperville Swing lessons, 7 p.m. Wednesdays; Salsa lessons, 8 p.m. Thursdays, Frankie’s Blue Room, 16 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville. (630) 416-4898.

Beginner line dance classes Ages 40 to 95, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Downers Grove Park District Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave. $4 weekly. Classes ongoing. Easy dances. Contact Susan Shields, (630) 533-5233, stradsusan@hotmail.com.

Weekly wine tasting Includes live music, 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays, deVine, 29 N. Cass Ave., Westmont. $15. (630) 964-9463.

Theater and dinner trip SEASPAR, Saturday, Nov. 22, Marriott Lincolnshire. Play is “All Shook Up!” Transportation is provided from SEASPAR, 4500 Belmont Road, Downers Grove, at 12:30 p.m., returning at 8 p.m. Teens and adults. $95 per person. Pizza dinner after the play. SEASPAR provides year-round recreation services for individuals with disabilities. For more information and to register, call (630) 960-7600.

Actors with special needs play trip SEASPAR, Sunday, Nov. 23, Lyons Township High School Performing Arts Center, 4900 S. Willow Springs Road, Western Springs. Play is “Cinderella.” Transportation is provided from SEASPAR, 4500 Belmont Road, Downers Grove, at 1 p.m., returning at 5 p.m. Teens and adults. $16 per person. Performance by the Lyons Township Continuing Education Program. SEASPAR provides year-round recreation services for individuals with disabilities. For more information and to register, call (630) 960-7600.

Movie showing After Hours Film Society, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, Tivoli Theater, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Movie is the winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2008, “Frozen River.” $5 members, $9 non-members. For more information, call (630) 534-4528, www.afterhoursfilmsociety.com.

Violin and piano lessons Free violin and piano lessons for ages 7 to 9 in Downers Grove. Violin and piano will be provided. For more information, call (630) 533-5233, or e-mail, stradsusan@hotmail.com.

Discount movie drinks Classic Cinema’s celebrates its 30th anniversary with 75 cent drinks in November at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. For more information, visit www.classiccineams.com.

Dance lessons Weekly, Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. (708) 839-1000, www.willowbrookballroom.com.

Clubs

Lodge Leads Organization Downers Grove Chamber of Commerce executives group, 7:15 a.m. Thursdays, First United Methodist Church, 1032 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. Networking begins at 7 a.m. Call Keith Hoffman, (630) 306-5626.

Woodridge Jaycees 6:30 p.m. every third Thursday, Shanahan’s Irish Food and Spirits, 1999 W. 75th St., Woodridge. www.woodridgejaycees.org.

Leads Club of Oak Brook 7:30 a.m. Thursdays at DuPage Club, 1901 S. Meyers Road, Oakbrook Terrace. Call Jeff Wambold, (630) 573-8990, Ext. 304.

Western Lights Chorus 7 p.m. Thursdays at Seventh Day Adventist Church Hall, 201 N. Oak St., Hinsdale. Guests welcome. (773) 631-2466, www.westernlightschorus.com.

Sales Professionals of Illinois Inc. 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Thursdays at Pancake Delight House at 75th Street and Fairview Avenue, Darien. Call Eve Dunn, (630) 852-0580.

Naperville Networkers Business networking, 7:01 a.m. Thursdays, Big Apple Pancake House, 2799 Maple Ave., Lisle. Call Matt Ewald, (630) 678-1700.

Pride of the Prairie Quilters 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, Peace Lutheran Church, 415 W. Main St., Plainfield. Features Jodi Barrows of SnS Publishing, speaking on “Three Novel Series.” Call (630) 552-9186.

WildOnes Greater DuPage Chapter, 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, Naperville Municipal Building, Room C, 400 S. Eagle St. Speaker is Debbie Maurer, a restoration ecologist for the Lake County Forest Preserves. Program is “The New Invasives Watch List.” Visitors welcome. Call Pat Clancy, (630) 964-0448.

Hinsdale Rotary Club 12:15 p.m. Fridays at Oaks Hotel and Conference Center, County Line and Frontage roads, Burr Ridge. (630) 654-8045, www.hinsdalerotary.org.

Toastmasters Club No. 7446 Noon to 1 p.m. Mondays, McDonald’s Corp. Headquarters, 2111 McDonald Drive, Oak Brook. Call Alex Pronove, (630) 337-0597.

Rotary Club of Downers Grove 12:15 p.m. Mondays. For meeting location, call Joe Kenny, (630) 334-2858.

Westmont Rotary Club Noon Tuesdays, Cucina Roma, Route 83 and Ogden Avenue, Westmont. Call Irv Kaplan, (630) 971-1299.

Rotary Club of Darien 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Argonne National Laboratory Guest House, Cass Avenue, Darien. (630) 434-5075, www.darienrotaryclub.org.

Oak Brook Speakers Toastmasters 5:30 to 6:35 p.m. Tuesdays, FOCUS, 430 W. 22nd St., Lombard. Call Bob, (312) 401-8614. Oakbrookspeakers@cs.com.

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Kiwanis Club 5:30 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday, Hinsdale Public Library, 20 E. Maple St. (630) 323-4234.

Downers Grove Junior Women’s Club 7 p.m. every fourth Tuesday, September through May, Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. Meet on third Tuesday in December and March. (630) 632-5345, www.dgjwc.org.

Chorus of DuPage All-male barbershop chorus, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 815 S. Washington St., Naperville. Call Jerry Broz, (630) 964-3139.

League of Women Voters Downers Grove/Woodridge/Lisle, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, Downers Grove Fire Department, 5420 Main St. Speaker is Barbara Yong, founding member of the Illinois Wage Hub. Topic is “The Wage Gap: Does It Still Exist?” Call Nancy, (630) 968-8706.

Downers Grove Kiwanis Club 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1125 Franklin St., Downers Grove. Call Gloria Caracello, (630) 968-6300.

Runners Grove Running Club 6:30 a.m. Wednesdays, The Runners Grove, 5155 Main St., Downers Grove. Run distances spanning 2 to 10 miles at paces varying between a walk and fast run. Refreshments served at completion of every run. New members welcome. Call (630) 493-0800.

Infant Welfare Society Downers Grove chapter, every fourth Wednesday September through May, at members’ homes. Call Sue Mazeika, (630) 985-5240.

WHBCD Kiwanis Breakfast Club For Willowbrook, Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills and Darien, 8 a.m. every second and fourth Wednesday, Holiday Inn-Willowbrook, 7800 Kingery Highway. Call Dorothy Catinella, (630) 887-7737.

Ellsworth Park Toastmasters Club 7 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesday, Downers Grove. For meeting locations, call Mike Baker, (630) 795-0180. groups.msn.com/EllsworthParkToastmasters.

Faithful Circle Quilters 7:30 p.m. every fourth Wednesday or Thursday, First Presbyterian Church, 4th and Fairview, Downers Grove. (630) 620-5575, www.fcquilters.com.

Downers Grove Toastmasters 7 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesday. For more information and location, call Geoff Thoren at (630) 988-1797.

Walking club Contours Express, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, 70 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove. Free. (630) 810-9777.

Support groups

Take Off Pounds Sensibly Two Westmont chapters meet Thursdays, Park Federal Bank, 21 E. Ogden Ave., Westmont. Chapter 1748, 9 a.m. Call Lesa Hips, (630) 887-7725. Chapter 1855, 5:30 p.m. (630) 995-5036.

Overeaters Anonymous Noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays, St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 3910 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Babysitting available. Call Margaret, (630) 719-1625.

Parents of Young Children Support group, 9:30 to 11 a.m. every third Thursday, First United Methodist Church, 1032 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. Call Shelia Hallmann, (630) 968-7120, Ext. 111.

Overeaters Anonymous Newcomer/speaker meeting, 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. Thursdays, St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 3910 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. (630) 653-8608.

Garden Foundation Domestic violence support group, 7 p.m. Thursdays, Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St. Call Michelle Roty, (630) 379-9427.

Depression and Bipolar Alliance Caregivers support group, 7 p.m. Thursdays, Oak Rooms of Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, 3815 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. $2 donation suggested. (630) 415-1480.

Grief and loss support group For adolescents, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, Center for Social Skill, Growth and Development, 935 Curtiss St., Suite 1A, Downers Grove. Call Jennifer Shea, (630) 241-2010.

Mental illness support group National Alliance on Mental Illness, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, North Pavillion, Community Education Room, 3815 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Free. Call Susan Piasecki, (630) 752-0066.

Reformers Unanimous Addiction program, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays, Marquette Manor Baptist Church, 333 75th St., Downers Grove. Call Joel Dedic, (630) 800-6540.

AA/Alanon Couples communication group, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturdays, St. Andrews Church, 1125 Franklin St., Downers Grove. Call Bruce/Sharon, (630) 852-7142.

Overeaters Anonymous 9:30 a.m. Saturdays, Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 725 75th St., Darien. (630) 972-9074.

Nar-Anon Family Group “Stepping into Serenity,” support for family and friends who are close to someone with a drug addiction problem, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sundays, Linden Oaks Hospital, Room 105, 852 S. West St., Naperville. For more information, call the NarAnon Helpline at (312) 409-0598.

Depression & Bipolar Support For adults only, 1 p.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, Oak Rooms near the cafeteria, 39th Street and Highland Avenue, Downers Grove. $2 suggested donation. (630) 415-1480.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly 6:30 p.m. Mondays, First United Methodist Church, 1032 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. (630) 964-2043.

National Association for Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders of Glen Ellyn Eating disorder support group, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, 751 Roosevelt Road, Building 7, Suite 115, Glen Ellyn. Bilingual services offered. For more information, call Dana Castellano, (312) 882-0494, www.anad.org.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society Support group, 7 p.m. every fourth Tuesday, Our Saviour’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 815 S. Washington St., Naperville. Call Alice Chlumecky, (630) 852-4295, or Gayle Schweinert, (630) 420-8548.

Autism Support Group 9:30 to 11 a.m. every fourth Tuesday, Communication Clubhouse, 2901 Finley Road, Suite 102, Downers Grove. RSVP to Dian Lee at (630) 495-6800, Ext. 117.

New Mothers Support Group 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center, 3551 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Free. Register with Advocate’s Health Advisor, (800) 323-8622, ask for class code 4B10.

Postpartum Depression Support 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, 3815 Highland Ave. $15. Register with Health Advisor, (800) 323-8622, visit www.advocatehealth.com.

Al-Anon 8 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Faith United Methodist Church, 432 59th St., Downers Grove. Participants should enter the rear of the church and go to Room B-6.

Al-Anon family groups “Courage to Change,” 1 p.m. Wednesday, Community Presbyterian Church, Room 8, 39 N. Prospect Ave., Clarendon Hills.

Families Anonymous support group  Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, New Day Center/Outpatient Behavioral Health Services office, 740 Pasquinelli Drive, Suite 104, room C, Westmont. For people adversely affected by a loved one’s addiction to alcohol or drugs. (630) 856-7701.

Alzheimer’s caregiver group 2 to 3:30 p.m. every last Wednesday, Room 264 at Christ Church of Oak Brook, 31st Street and York Road, Oak Brook. Call Jim Toler, group facilitator, (630) 964-9797.

classes/seminars

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

Luncheon and fashion show fundraiser “Let It Snow, Let It Snow,” Lisle-Naperville Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, Saturday, Nov. 22, Hilton Hotel, 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. for shopping in the “Sugar Plum Shops,” made up of a variety of crafters with jewelry, purses, clothing, candy, music boxes and books. Tickets are available from any member of the chapter, or by calling Marva Maxwell, (630) 964-4692.

“Shop for a Cause” event 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, St. Andrew’s Parish Halll, 1125 Franklin St., Downers Grove. Sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women’s Group. Half of proceeds donated to Family Shelter Service of Downers Grove. Vendors include Pampered Chef, Party Lite and Longaberger. Raffles and prizes. Raffle tickets are three for $5. For more information, call 9630) 985-6414.

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.

Bonfield Express 5K Race fundraiser 7 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27, Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Registration from 7 to 8 a.m. Race begins on Main St. near Curtiss St. Award ceremony in Downers Grove Parking Garage. Annual race dedicated to the memory of Jim Bonfield, a former dean, coach and teacher at Downers Grove South High School for 32 years. Proceeds provide scholarship assistance to students. Fees are $25 for individuals and $85 for up to four immediate family members. On-line registration available at www.bonfieldexpress.com.

Grand raffle fundraiser St. Joseph School, Downers Grove, is hosting its Grand Raffle, that offers the ticket buyer up to 30 chances to win over a three-month period on a single ticket. In November, December and January there will be 10 grand prize winners of $1,000 each. Raffle tickets are $100 each. All entrants will be added back to the raffle for subsequent drawings. Monthly drawings will be held in the St. Joseph Church Narthex following the 5 p.m. Mass on  Dec. 14 and Jan. 25. Winners do not need to be present. To enter, mail a check to St. Joseph Parish  Center, Attn: Grand Raffle, 4824 Highland Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515. Upon recepit of payment, a raffle ticket will be mailed. For more information or purchasing with a credit card, visit www.stjosephdg.org.

interest groups

50th anniversary celebration The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club is planning their 50th anniversary celebration luncheon on Sunday, June 14. Looking for all past members to attend. Former members can register current contact information at www.DGJWC.org. Invitations will be sent in the spring.

St. Eulalia Elementary School reunion Class of 1971. Plans being made. If interested in attending, call Noreen Collins Kuenster, (708) 442-2628.

Downers Grove North High School 50th reunion Class of 1960. Plans being made for 2010. Send addresses to Rolfe Sick, 8003 Fairmont Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60516.

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.

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.

Harper High School 50th reunion Class of January and June 1959. Plans being made for summer of 2009. If interested in attending, call Cliff Gustafson, (815) 372-9937.

special events


Exempt Our Elevators Advocate Group meeting 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, United Methodist Church, 7970 Lake St., River Forest. Group is advocating exempting condominium elevators from state regulations that mandate expensive upgrades to existing elevators. Meeting open to condo owners and apartment dwellers. For more information, e-mail Al Popowits at algailpopowits@earthlink.net.

Nickey Chicago Chevy Vettefest Presented by Bill Stasek Chevrolet, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22 and 23, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. For more information about the fest, call Championship Auto Shows, Inc. at (248) 373-1700 or visit www.chevyvettefest.net.

Breakfast with Santa 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, Oak Rooms, 3815 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Breakfast served from 9 to 10 a.m., with Santa arriving at 9:30 a.m. for photo opportunities. Entertainment and raffles. $10 adults, $6 children ages 2 to 12. Under 2 years are free. Reservations accepted through Nov. 29 at (630) 275-1181.

religion

Shop for a Cause event 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, St. Andrew’s parish hall, 1125 Franklin St., Downers Grove. Sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women’s group. Prizes to be raffled. Tickets are three for $5. (630) 968-9188.

Pumpkins and Holly Craft Show and Bake Sale 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, St. Barbara’s Parish Center, 4015 S. Prairie Ave., Brookfield. Fifty crafters, homemade pastries, raffles and refreshments. Free.

Handbell concert “The Hanging of the Greens 2008,” 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, First United Methodist Church, 1032 Maple, Downers Grove. Performance by the Ringers of First United Methodist Church, Westminster Handbell Ensemble and Chancel Ringers. Child care provided. $7 in advance, $9 at the door. For tickets, call (630) 968-7120.