ARTFULLY DONE
Through Her Eyes
Ongoing
Virgil Catherine Gallery
50 S. Washington St., Hinsdale
http://www.virgilcatherinegallery.com
The gallery is holding this exhibit featuring a number of local female artists, including Hinsdale's Maureen Claffy. An artists' reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 14.
Micro Minis Nature Collage
Tuesdays, March 19-April 23
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 206-9566
Learn how to make detailed 2-by-2-inch nature-themed collage works using image transfers techniques, recycled papers, small embellishments, stenciling, stamping and other elements. Time: 9:30 a.m. to noon. Cost: $140. RR
Nature's Ambiguities
Through March 20
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 206-9566
Connect to nature through art in comfort inside beautiful and historic Mayslake Hall with this exhibit featuring dozens of works by the Downers Grove Artists Guild. Hours: noon to 3 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekends.
FAMILY FUN
Truckin' Into Spring
March 24
Bemis Woods-South
Ogden Avenue west of Wolf Road, near Western Springs
(312) 533-5751
In partnership with Go Ape Chicago, enjoy the Treetop Nets, a nature obstacle course, and more. Food trucks and vendors will be onsite. Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
FOR A CAUSE
Blood drive
March 21
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
The American Red Cross invites residents to help address a critical blood shortage with a donation to help those in need. To make an appointment, visit the website above and type in zip code "60521" to find the drive. Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
GAME ON
Chicago Elite Volleyball Development Club
Mondays & Thursdays, March 18-May 13
Willow Springs & Lombard
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Boys and girls ages 8-12 can learn the fundamentals and rules of volleyball and have the opportunity to play in games against other teams within the league. Chicago Elite will select all teams, which may be co-ed. Efforts will be made to place individuals from the same school together. Practices are at TPS Sports+Fitness in Willow Springs from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Mondays and at the Connect 44 Center in Lombard from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: $288. RR, MD
Competitive Mah Jongg Open Play
Thursdays through April 25
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Enjoy American Mah Jongg in this lively weekly co-ed group for players who know the game well. Walk-ins are welcome; the fee is paid at the door. Questions? Email Cheryl Wrzesinski at [email protected] or Gloria Javor at [email protected]. Time: 1 to 3:30 p.m. Cost: $2.
GREAT OUTDOORS
Signs of Spring
March 16
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 W. 111th St., Lemont
(630) 257-2045
Join this walk to look for signs of spring's arrival and learn how plants and animals respond to the longer days. Time: 1 p.m. RR
Wildlife Tracking and Observation
March 17
McDowell Grove
4S500 Raymond Drive, Naperville
(630) 942-6200
Reconnect with nature by developing an acute awareness of the stories told by local wildlife and the natural world through observation and deduction. The program is for ages 18 and up. Time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Cost: $5. RR
Wine and Woodcocks
March 21
The Preserve at Oak Meadows
900 N. Wood Dale Road, Addison
(630) 933-7248
Grab a glass of wine and learn about the mysterious life led by the American woodcock before embarking on a twilight walk to watch these odd birds as they dance across the sky. For ages 21 and up only. Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $20. RR
Women's Wilderness Walk
March 23
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Celebrate Women's History Month with a guided walk, and learn about women who helped shape the conservation field. Time: 10 a.m. RR
Maple Sugaring
Weekends through March 31
Kline Creek Farm
(630) 876-5900
All ages are invited to discover how sap becomes syrup by using tapping tools from the 1890s, checking the collection buckets and watching sap thicken over the fire. A admission donation of $5 per person is suggested for ages 3 and up. Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Mental Health Tune-Ups
March 17
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Help raise awareness of the importance of mental health while benefiting from time spent in nature. Time: noon. RR
The Healing Power of Meditation
March 20
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Gain tools to cope with everyday stress and enhance relaxation as instructor Zelma Pierce Chamberlain shares how meditation can improve physical, mental and spiritual health. Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. RR
Burning Beats
Through April 30
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Get a high-energy dance workout that is equal parts fun and fitness. Beginners and seasoned dancers are welcome to tone their bodies and burn calories while listening to a motivating soundtrack of pop anthems and Latin grooves. Times: 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 to 10 a.m. Fridays. Cost: $15 for adult walk-ins, $5 for ages 10-17; $109 for a 10-class punch card.
JUST FOR KIDS
Kids Can Cook
March 25
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Kids in grades three through five are invited to make and enjoy the best sweet and savory snacks! Time: 2 to 3 p.m. RR
Homework Helpers & Reading Ambassadors
Tuesdays to Thursdays in March & April
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Students in kindergarten through eighth grade can drop in to receive one-on-one homework or reading help from a local high school student volunteer. Time: 4 to 5 p.m.
LISTEN & LEARN
Ruth E. Carter and Costume Design
March 20
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
In this virtual program, the two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer of the "Black Panther" franchise will discuss how she develops an authentic story through costume and character. Her research and diligence to the craft also was evident in her work on Spike Lee's "Malcolm X," Steven Spielberg's "Amistad" and Ava DuVernay's "Selma." Carter will be joined in conversation with Aisha Harris, co-host of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour. This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR
Regenerating Communities with Permaculture
March 21
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
(630) 719-2468
In the North Lawndale neighborhood on Chicago's west side, the transformation of vacant lots into accessible green spaces that employ the techniques of permaculture is enabling community members to grow food, find healing and create a safer and healthier environment. Learn about the principles and ethics of permaculture and how they have been applied successfully in North Lawndale and beyond. This program is offered both in person and online. Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $24. RR, MD
NOTEWORTHY
SBC Voice Finalists
March 17
St. Paul's United Church of Christ
5739 Dunham Road, Downers Grove
http://www.sinfoniettabelcanto.org
Sinfonietta Bel Canto presents its annual showcase of young vocal talent. The program features a performance of Borowski's "Peintures," along with voice finalists singing pieces from Mozart, Fauré, Rossini, Donizette and more. Awards will presented at the end of the concert. Time: 3 p.m. Tickets: $25, $22 for seniors, $8 for students.
Ostrega Uhl Project
March 22
Union Church of Hinsdale
137 S. Garfield Ave.
http://www.eventcreate.com/e/bestofbrahms
Join this string quartet in its season finale performance, "Best of Brahms," featuring the composer's exuberant first piano trio, the soaring and inspiring melodies of his second symphony in a special one-of-a-kind arrangement for string quintet, the famous Hungarian Dance No. 5 and the Piano Quintet in F minor. Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $25, free for children with adult ticket purchase.
ON SCREEN
'Flamin' Hot'
March 20
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
The Global Flicks Series continues with the inspiring story of Richard Montañez who, as a Frito Lay janitor, disrupted the food industry by channeling his Mexican heritage to turn Flamin' Hot Cheetos from a snack into an iconic global pop culture phenomenon. Then return to the MAC at 7 p.m. April 4 for An Evening with Richard Montañez to hear more about his journey, including a talk with MAC director Diana Martinez and audience Q&A. He also will sign copies of his book, "Flamin' Hot." Admission for the April 4 program is $10. Film times: 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.
ON STAGE
'Artificial Hinstelligence'
March 15-16
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
The Community House Players return to the stage for their hilarious antics and affectionate mockery of all things Hinsdale in this year's edition of The Community Revue. This original musical comedy promises to walk right up to the edge of appropriate humor and, sometimes, jump right by it. Proceeds benefit The Community House. Time: 6:45 p.m. Tickets: $125. RR
'The Odd Couple (Female Version)'
March 15-17
Theatre of Western Springs
4384 Hampton Ave.
http://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com
(708) 246-4043
The Children's Theatre of Western Springs High School Repertory presents this fresh spin on Neil Simon's classic comedy by reimagining Felix and Oscar as Florence and Olive, mismatched roommates navigating the ups and downs of friendship and domestic life in 1980s New York City. Times: 7 p.m. March 15, 3 & 7 p.m. March 16, 2 p.m. March 17. Tickets: $16, $13 for ages 18 and under.
'Don Quixote'
March 22-23
McAninch Arts Center
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
http://www.saltcreekballet.org
Salt Creek Ballet presents this work drawing inspiration from Miguel de Cervantes' epic 17-century novel with compositions of Ludwig Minkus. The ballet narrates the tale of Don Quixote, an imaginative old knight who, spurred by a vision, embarks on a quest with his loyal companion Sancho Panza to find the idealized Dulcinea. The performance is 90 minutes, including intermission. The Fiesta de Familia is included in the ticket price and takes place immediately following the Saturday show, complete with tambourines, Spanish fans and the magical touch of confetti. Time: 7 p.m. March 22, 1 p.m. March 23. Tickets: $32-$40.
SIGN UP NOW
Eclipse Glasses Giveaway
Ongoing
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
The first 400 Hinsdale Public Library cardholders to register will receive a free pair of eclipse-viewing glasses for their household. They'll be available for pick up April 5–7.
New Moms Book Group
March 19
The Cube @ The Standard Market
333 E. Ogden Ave., Westmont
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Moms with children under the age of 5 - and especially brand new moms - are invited to join this monthly gathering sponsored by the Hinsdale Public Library to discuss and relax. This month's title is "Now is Not the Time to Panic" by Devin Wilson. Copies are available on the Book Club Holds shelf at the library. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR
SPRING BREAK
Spring Break Camp
March 25-29
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Kids ages 5-13 will enjoy different activities each day at this camp, including art, science and STEM. Campers will go on a field trip March 27. Sign up for the entire week or on a daily basis. Children should pack a sack lunch daily. Extended hours are available from 3:30 to 6 p.m. for an additional fee. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost: $400 for the week, $85 per day. RR, MD
HHS Spring Break Camps
March 25-29
Hinsdale Humane Society
21 Salt Creek Lane
http://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org
Kids ages 6-9 will enjoy fun games, activities, and animal interaction (whenever age-appropriate animals are available), with different activities each day in Critter Camp from 9 to 11:30 a.m.. Kids 10-12 can attend Animal Advocates Camp from noon to 2:30 p.m. Cost: $50 per day.
Pitcher, Catcher & Infielder Skills Camp
March 25-28
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Kids ages 7-12 can prepare for the upcoming baseball and softball seasons by working on infield and outfield positioning, footwork, double plays and more. Pitchers will learn proper form and age appropriate grips, and catchers will get tips on framing to get strike calls. Time: 10:30 to noon. Cost: $100.
Soccer Camp
March 25-28
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Kids ages 6-10 will sharpen their skills and knowledge of soccer fundamentals such as passing, dribbling, shooting, ball control, stealing the ball from opposing teams and defense along with teamwork and sportsmanship through fun games, competitions and skill-building activities. Time: 1 to 3 p.m. Cost: $133. RR, MD
STEPPING BACK
Leslie Goddard as Rachel Carson
March 23
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 206-9566
In this historical portrayal, Goddard performs as the famed biologist and author who warned the world of the potentially dire environmental impact of chemical pesticides in her best-selling 1962 book, "Silent Spring." Time: 2 to 3 p.m. Cost: $5. RR
TEEN & TWEENS
Teen Game Time
March 15 & 22
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Play Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch or enjoy a classic board game in the Community Meeting Room. Time: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Teen Self-Defense Workshop
March 17
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Middle school and high school students will be introduced to basic physical self-defense skills and techniques focusing on the areas of mindset, skill set and planning. Time: 1 to 3 p.m. Cost: $41. RR, MD
Babysitters Certification
March 23
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Youth ages 11-15 in this American Red Cross course will gain the skills to safely and responsibly provide care for children and infants , along with leadership skills and tools for developing a babysitting business. Participants receive a workbook, training materials and a certificate. Attendance is required for the entire day; participants should pack a sack lunch. Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $105. RR, MD
Key
RR - registration required
MD - member discount