ARTFULLY DONE
Studio Vino: Wine and Paint
Dec. 5
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Participants bring the wine, and all other supplies are provided at this fun gathering. From first-timers to experienced painters, all are welcome to enjoy creating a uniquely themed project to take home, with guidance from an instructor. Time: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $78. RR, MD
Drawing Workshop
Dec. 15
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
This supportive workshop for beginners and experienced artists will focus on fundamental concepts such as measurement and proportion, shading and value. Supplies are included. Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $72. RR, MD
'Creating Peace'
Through November
Celestial Art Curation Gallery
9 E. First St. Suite 2
http://www.celestialartcuration.com/
The public is invited to "Creating Peace: The Power of Art to Calm & Uplift," a solo exhibition of original artworks by Western Springs artist Jen Diver.
FAITH COMMUNITIES
GriefShare
Tuesdays through Dec. 10
Hinsdale United Methodist Church
945 S. Garfield St.
This support group provides care for those grieving the loss of a loved one through the use of videos featuring leading grief recovery experts, small group discussion, and journaling and personal study exercises. Workbooks will be provided. To enroll or for more information, contact Pastor Lisa Capozzoli at [email protected]. Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
FAMILY FUN
Grand Times with Grandparents
Nov. 30
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Drop in any time to play classic and new games, experience the Curiosity Kits collection and enjoy other activities and snacks. Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Grandparent & Me Yoga
Dec. 12
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Bring a mat or towel to practice breathing techniques, mindfulness and gentle yoga stretches with your grandparent. Chairs will be incorporated into the practice. Time: 4 to 5 p.m. RR
FOR A CAUSE
Bernie's Book Bank Drive
Through Jan. 7
http://www.berniesbookbank.org/
Donate new or gently used children's books to increase book ownership among underserved children throughout Chicagoland. Hinsdale drop-off locations are 400 Pamela Circle, 608 E. First St., Hinsdale Bank & Trust at 25 E. First St. and CorePower Yoga at 34 S. Vine St.
GAME ON
Jodie Harrison registration
Ongoing
The Community House
415 E. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Sign up for the Jodie Harrison recreational youth basketball league for kids in second through eighth grades, emphasizing instruction and helping kids learn and enjoy the game of basketball. Practices begin the week of Jan. 6, and games begin Jan. 18; there will be one weekday practice and one weekend game per week. Cost: $319 through Nov. 30, then $335. RR, MD
GREAT OUTDOORS
Serenity Walk Under the New Moon
Dec. 1
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Take a 2-mile walk in the world's largest Urban Night Sky Place. The program is for ages 14 and up and is dependent upon trail conditions. Time: 5:30 p.m. RR
Winter Tree Identification
Dec. 3 & 6 or 6 & 14
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 719-2468
Learn how to recognize winter trees using buds, fruits, bark and branching patterns. This program includes a self-paced online lesson followed by an in-person field session for practical application of the skills learned. Options are access to self-paced online components Dec. 3 and on-site session from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 6; or access to online components Dec. 6 and on-site session from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 14. Cost: $65. RR, MD
Wilderness Survival
Dec. 7
Camp Bullfrog Lake
9600 Wolf Road, Willow Springs
Ages 8 and up will learn 10 essentials tailored to the local terrain in order to navigate confidently, find shelter and overcome challenges. The program is presented by REI. Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. RR
Fire Basics
Dec. 7
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Learn the basics of fire building and the different types of campfires. S'mores will be provided. Time: 1 p.m. RR
Cross-Country Ski Seminar
Dec. 7
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 W. 111th St., Lemont
(630) 257-2045
Learn the basics of cross-country ski equipment and how to prepare for your first cross-country skiing experience. We'll cover skis, boots, and poles – including classic, skating and telemark equipment. Time: 1 p.m. RR
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Tai Chi
Dec. 2-30
Westmont Community Center
75 E. Richmond Ave.
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr
(630) 789-7090
Experience the ancient art of Chi Gung and Tai Chi Chuan, with focus for both the beginner and the advanced. The training will help enhance physical balance, cultivate relaxation, develop sound posture and skeletal alignments and more. Classes meet twice a week; sign up for either the Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday sessions. Time: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Cost: $84. RR
Cancer after 65
Dec. 3
Wellness House
131 N. County Line Road
(630) 323-5150
UChicago Medicine geriatric oncologist James Wallace will discuss what is evaluated in a comprehensive geriatric evaluation to optimize cancer treatment and overall management. Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m. RR
Making Sense of Nutrition Headlines
Dec. 9
(630) 323-5150
In this online program, oncology dietitian Emily Guzman will distinguish reliable science from misinformation in the media, put headlines into the context of existing evidence and build confidence in identifying trustworthy sources of cancer nutrition information. Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. RR
Yoga Flow
Thursdays, Dec. 12-Jan. 30
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Practice Vinyasa-style yoga designed to foster and grow flexibility, balance, strength and mindfulness. Participants should bring a mat, water and yoga blocks, if available. No class Dec. 26 or Jan. 2. Time: 9 to 10 a.m. Cost: $90. RR, MD
Spring Rock Parkrun
Every Saturday
4400 Central Ave., Western Springs
http://www.parkrun.us/springrock/
Sign up for this at-your-pace 5K run organized entirely by volunteers. Just register with parkrun once, and bring a scannable copy of the barcode to the run in order to receive a time. Join the group for a post-run coffee at Starbucks. The course is available at the website above, and run results and reports will posted a day or two after each event. Time: 8 a.m.
LISTEN & LEARN
Proactive Tax Planning Strategies
Dec. 2
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Learn how to harness different financial tools to reduce one's tax burden from Hinsdale resident Charlie Russ, president of Russ Financial Group and member of the village's finance commission. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR
Wrap It Green!
Dec. 10
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Learn creative and sustainable ways to wrap gifts for the holidays or any other special occasion, including creating custom gift wrap by transforming common household items into beautiful wrapping paper, embellishments and gift tags. Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Book Gifts for Everyone on Your List
Dec. 12
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Discover a curated selection of must-read books that enlighten, entertain or inspire. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR
NOTEWORTHY
DuPage Community Jazz Ensemble
Dec. 6
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
Join director Matt Shevitz, guest artist saxophonist Vincent Herring and artists-in-residence saxophonist Jim Buennig, trumpeter Constantine Alexander, trombonist Henry Sparks and guitarist Scott Hesse for a concert featuring two big bands playing songs by Monika Herzig, Bob Mintzer, Quincy Jones and Herring himself. Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $7.
The Four Phantoms
Dec. 7
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
This quartet of Phantoms from "The Phantom of the Opera" – Brent Barrett, John Cudia, Franc D'Ambrosio and Ciarán Sheehan - will be joined in this celebration of the iconic musical by special guest Kaley Ann Voorhees, one of the youngest sopranos to play the role of Christine on Broadway. Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $59-$76.
Lee Murdock with the Dock Wallopers
Dec. 14
Unitarian Church of Hinsdale
11 W. Maple St.
(630) 941-7797
Murdock combines ragtime, Irish, blues and folk styles with this flair for storytelling in songs. His music is grounded in the work song tradition, and the concert will feature the song of the ship that brought Christmas trees to Chicago for many years. Streaming tickets are also available. Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $20
ON STAGE
'Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr.'
Fridays to Sundays, Dec. 6-15
Theatre of Western Springs
4384 Hampton Ave.
http://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com
(708) 246-3380
The Children's Theatre of Western Springs presents this beloved stage adaptation of Dahl's classic story, promising a delightful experience for audiences of all ages. An ASL performance will be included at the 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, performance, and a special sensory-friendly performance will be staged at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11. Times: 7 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $17, $13 for ages 18 and under.
'A Year with Frog and Toad'
Dec. 8
Nazareth Academy
1209 W. Ogden, LaGrange Park
http://www.nazarethacademy.com
(708) 354-0061
Based on Arnold Lobel's well-loved books, this Naz Drama children's play tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons as cheerful Frog and rather grumpy Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. Time: noon. Tickets: $5, available at the door.
'Disney's The Little Mermaid'
Through Jan. 12
Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
http://www.drurylanetheatre.com/the-little-mermaid
(630) 530-0111
Dive beneath the waves with Ariel, a young mermaid with a captivating voice and an insatiable curiosity, as she defies her father and makes a daring deal for the chance to create the world of her dreams on land. Enjoy favorites like "Under the Sea," "Part of Your World," and "Kiss the Girl." Times: 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 1:30 and 7 p.m. Thursdays, 7 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: start at $52.95.
SIGN UP NOW
American Writers Museum & Lunch
Dec. 3
Leave from The Community House
415 E. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Enjoy a visit to the American Writers Museum in Chicago, an interactive, inspirational and surprising world of American writing of all genres, including the current exhibit, 'Twas the Night Before: A Holiday Tour, highlighting the tales and cherished traditions that have shaped holiday celebrations through the power of words. Then enjoy a boxed lunch from a local restaurant. Coach bus transportation included. Registration ends 10 days prior to the event. Time: 9:45 a.m. departure, 1:45 p.m. return. Cost: $100. RR, MD
Board Game Night
Dec. 3
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Learn to play the award-winning game Azul with library game masters, or bring friends or family to play another game in the collection. Adults and youth 14 and up are welcome. Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. RR
TEENS & TWEENS
Finals Prep with P.A.S.S.
Dec. 1, 8 & 14-18
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
High schoolers can kick start their finals prep with help from P.A.S.S. tutors, Hinsdale Central students providing peer study groups and one-to-one academic support. Sessions will be available in calculus, trigonometry, precalculus, integrated math, algebra, chemistry, biology, physics and Spanish. Visit the website above for the schedule. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m. RR
Key
RR - registration required
MD - member discount