Community Events Calendar
FAITH COMMUNITIES
Women & Girls Advent Service
Dec. 5
Zion Lutheran Church
204 S Grant St., Hinsdale
Join this beautiful Advent Service featuring classic hymns by a soloist and strings musician. The program is geared toward women and girls age 8 and up. RSVP to [email protected] or (630) 323-0384. Time: 6:30 p.m.
Adult Inter-Faith Fellowship Lunch
Dec. 13
Union Church
137 S. Garfield Ave.
(630) 794-0664
Hear the Hinsdale Central Chamber Choir at the group's December luncheon. The ultimate goal of the AIFF is inclusivity and fellowship, while also supporting charities that reduce hunger, domestic violence and other worthy causes through contributions. Reservations are due by Dec. 7. Call Elizabeth Jung at the number listed above or email her at [email protected]. Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Cost: $15 per person by cash or check.
FAMILY FUN
Family Homes
Dec. 3
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Families work together on creating their own dream home. Time: 2 to 3 p.m. RR
Nature Treasure Hunt
Dec 6
Bemis Woods-South
Ogden Avenue west of Wolf Road near Western Springs
(312) 533-5751
Kids and families can search for various natural items on a short-looped trail in Grove 7 and win a prize. Hours: 10 a.m. to noon.
Stairs, Stories & S'mores
Dec. 9
Swallow Cliff Woods-North
Calumet Sag Road east of 104th Avenue near Palos Park
(312) 533-5751
Families are invited to drop in and challenge themselves by climbing to the top of the Swallow Cliff stairs. Then enjoy the story trail and s'mores and, weather permitting, sledding/snowshoeing. Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunrise Hike
Dec. 10
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Come join this "before hours" hike to experience the dawning of a new day. Time: 6:45 p.m. RR
GREAT OUTDOORS
Nature at Night
Dec. 6
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 719-2468
See the arboretum at night with a guide on a hike through the woods on trails lit only by the moon and stars. Take in the symphony of sounds and peaceful stillness of an evening outdoors, and look for signs of nocturnal wildlife. This program is for ages 16 and older. Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Cost: $24. RR, MD
Forest Therapy Walk
Dec. 9
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 719-2468
Experience the healing and wellness-promoting effects of shinrin-yoku, the practice of bathing the senses in the atmosphere of the forest, on a three-hour walk along a tree-lined trail with a certified forest therapy guide. A tea ceremony will conclude the walk, with tea made from edible plants foraged from the forest. Time: 9 a.m. to noon. Cost: $46. RR, MD
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Meditation for Holiday Stress
Dec. 11
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Join meditation practitioner Umesh Bhatia to learn the positive effects of meditation, including reducing stress-related responses, improving concentration and enhancing clarity of thought and mental equilibrium to help with seasonal stress. Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m. RR
Burning Beats
Through Dec. 15
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Participants will dance their way a healthier, happier self, enjoying the music, contagious energy and company of like-minded individuals while getting the heart pumping and burning calories. With easy to follow routines, this group exercise class is perfect for all fitness and skill levels. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Times: 9:30 a.m. Sundays, 10 a.m. Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. Fridays. Cost: $15 for walk-ins, $5 for students, $100 for a 10-class punch card.
HELP WANTED
Volunteer for Wellness House
Dec. 23
Cantigny Park
1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
(630) 654-5109
Volunteer for a 4-hour or 8-hour shift at the Christmas at Cantigny festival to help Wellness House receive $5,000. Volunteers guide guests through the outdoor lights and exhibits and/or answer logistical questions. Training will be provided, and meals and breaks will be given. Wellness House will receive the grant if all shifts are filled. Sign up with Lizz Hawkey using the contact information above.
LISTEN & LEARN
Surviving the Holidays
Dec. 6
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author Lori Gottlieb will share tools to help cope with stress in everyday life and especially while preparing for the holidays. This virtual event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR
Pet First Aid & CPR Workshop
Dec. 9
County Campus
120 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton
http://www.dupagecounty.gov/government/departments/animal_services
Learn techniques to address the most common emergencies pet owners may experience, including how to notice abnormalities and detect early warning signs in pets and how to perform essential pre-vet care. The class is available to those 16 and older. The exact location of the class will be provided after registration. Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $100.
ON STAGE
'Seussical Jr' & 'Legally Blonde Jr' double feature
Nov. 30 & Dec. 1
Performing Arts Center
Lyons Township South Campus
4900 Willow Springs Road, Western Springs
http://www.ticketpeak.co/bam/events
Enjoy a double feature of musical theater as both divisions of the BAM Conservatory Ensemble perform their competition productions back to back. With no sets, props or costumes, the performances maximize the use of the actors' faces and bodies. Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $22-$26.
'Schoolhouse Rock Live!, Jr.'
Dec. 3
Nazareth Academy
1209 W. Ogden Ave., LaGrange Park
http://www.nazarethacademy.com
(708) 354-0061
Based on the award-winning 1970s cartoons, this student musical teaches lessons with clever, memorable songs such as "Just a Bill" and "Conjunction Junction." Time: 1 p.m. Tickets: $5 at the door.
'Mary Poppins Jr.'
Dec. 8-17
Theatre of Western Springs
4384 Hampton Ave.
http://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com
(708) 246-3380
Young Jane and Michael Banks have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Times: 7 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $16, $13 for age 18 and under.
SIGN UP NOW
Magnolia open house
Dec. 2
Magnolia Senior Living
10 N. Washington St.
(630) 214-1632
Take a tour of this retirement community in the heart of Hinsdale, which also offers assisted living and memory care. RSVP by calling the number above. Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. RR
New Moms Book Group
Dec. 19
Standard Market
333 E. Ogden Ave., Westmont
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Enjoy a night out with this monthly group for moms with children under the age of 5. The December selection is "Holding Pattern" by Jenny Xie. Books are available for on the library's book club holds shelf a month before each meeting. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR
STEPPING BACK
Grace Bagley Exhibit Tour
and Talk
Dec. 2
Bagley House
121 S. County Line Road, Hinsdale
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Join the Hinsdale Public Library on this visit to the Grace Bagley Exhibit at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home currently being restored. Attendees can take a self-guided tour of the exhibit and hear a talk from historian, researcher and writer Julia Bachrach. The program is limited to Hinsdale residents and their guests. Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. RR
Finding Grace Exhibit
Saturdays & Sundays through Dec. 17
Bagley House
121 S. County Line Road, Hinsdale
http://www.hinsdalehistory.org
The Hinsdale Historical Society presents Finding Grace: The Forgotten Story of Social Reformer Grace Bagley, who began her extraordinary life of service in Hinsdale and became a pioneer in social reform on the national level. The 1894 home Frank Lloyd Wright designed for her and her husband is currently being restored by owner Safina Uberoi. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
TEENS & TWEENS
Teen Game Time
Dec. 1, 8 & 15
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
The library is bringing out the Nintendo Switch for middle and high schoolers, so stop by for a Mario Kart race. Hours: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Teens Behind the Scenes
Dec. 3
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Youth ages 13-19 can join a naturalist and learn how animals at the nature center are cared for. Time: 2 p.m. RR
Teen Take Home Craft: Mystery Bag
Dec. 8
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Pick up a mystery bag of materials during regular library hours to create a unique craft.
WEE ONES
Toddler Obstacle Course
Dec. 15
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Hop, skip and jump through the library's obstacle course. Time: 10 to 11 a.m. RR
Key
RR - registration required
MD - member discount