Community Events Calendar

http://www.hinsdalecentralfoundation.org

(630) 986-1976

Learn how to paint poppies and peonies in the loose style with Audrey Ra of Audrey Ra Design. Time: 7 to 8:15 p.m. RR

CENTRAL TIME

Teacher Appreciation 2024

Through May 3

The Hinsdale Central Foundation is inviting families to make a donation to honor a special teacher, coach, sponsor or staff member during Teacher Appreciation Week. Parents can nominate their own former teachers or coaches and donate in their name. The individual will receive a message from the donor and a special certificate to display. Donations will support programs that benefit teachers, students and families. Donations may be made on the foundation's website listed above or pay by Venmo to @HCHS-Foundation. Include the individual to be honored, their department or position, the amount to be donated and a personal message.

Central Booster Board

meeting

May 15

Grill 89

800 E. Ogden Ave., Westmont

http://www.theboosters.com

The final 2023-24 Hinsdale Central High School Booster Board meeting is open to the public. All HCHS parents interested in joining the board are welcome to stop by for food/drink and to learn more. Time: 6 p.m.

FAMILY FUN

Mommy + Me Tea Party

May 8

The Community House

415 W. Eighth St.

(630) 323-7500

Children ages 3-6 and their favorite adults can share a memorable and enchanting tea party experience, including a creative tea cup craft, imaginative play, pretend tea time and quality bonding. Time: 1 to 1:45 p.m. Cost: $54.

Fishing: With Mom

May 12

Hidden Lake

Route 53 south of Butterfield Road, Downers Grove

http://www.kitchen-walk.com

(630) 933-7248

Spend the morning by the lake with moms, creating memories and learning skills to increase fishing success. All ages are welcome. Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost: $5 per person. RR

FOR A CAUSE

Hinsdale Kitchen Walk

May 10

Hinsdale homes

The Hinsdale Historical Society Women's Board is sponsoring its annual event showcasing the kitchens of six different homes in the village, which are listed at the website above. Proceeds support the Hinsdale Historical Society and its mission to bridge the past, present and future by engaging the community with its history and architecture. A limited number of premium preview tickets are available.Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets: $95.

Bikes for Military Kids

Through May 18

http://www.tinyurl.com/4dawbc49

Help support Hinsdale Rotary's annual drive to provide new bikes and helmets to 80 kids of active Illinois military members. The presentation of the bikes will take place May 18 - Armed Forces Day - at The Community House.

A Pint for Kim

May 11

Naperville North High School

899 N. Mill St.

http://www.apintforkim.com

This 5th annual blood drive honors former Naperville resident Kimberly Sandford, who required more than 40 blood transfusions in her final months battling a rare cancer. The event also will feature a huge car show, live music, raffles, games, food trucks, a kids' area and more. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are preferred. Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

GAME ON

Chicago Elite Youth Volleyball

Tuesdays, May 7-28

The Community House

415 W. Eighth St.

http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr

(630) 789-7090

Boys and girls ages 6-11 can learn and develop key fundamentals including ball movements, hitting, serving, passing, setting and defense. Players will grow in confidence, assertiveness and sportsmanship in a competitive setting. Time: 5 to 6 p.m. for ages 6-11, 6 to 7 p.m. for ages 11-14. Cost: $115.

GREAT OUTDOORS

Spring Birding

May 4 & 8

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center

12545 W. 111th St., Lemont

(630) 257-2045

Join this guided walk to learn how to identify birds and appreciate their ecological significance. Binoculars will be available for loan. Time: 8:30 a.m.

Early Morning Bird Walk

May 4 & 11

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs

(708) 839-6897

Join this search for migrating birds. Binoculars are recommended. Time: 8:30 a.m. RR

Spring Sensory Walk

May 4

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs

(708) 839-6897

Enjoy a leisurely walk and appreciate the sights, smells and sounds of springtime in nature. Time: 1:30 to 3 p.m. RR

Forest Hike

May 6

Meacham Grove

South Circle Avenue north of I-20, Bloomingdale

(630) 933-7248

Enjoy the wonders of the forest preserves and get some healthy exercise on a guided, quick-paced 3- to 5-mile hike. Time 8:30 to 10 p.m. Cost: $5. RR

Frog Talk

May 10

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs

(708) 839-6897

Learn why frogs communicate while taking a walk along wetlands. Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m. RR

World Migratory Bird Day

May 11

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center

12545 W. 111th St., Lemont

(630) 257-2045

Celebrate migratory birds and watch bird banding demonstrations while learning how insects affect bird populations. Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Learn to Kayak

May 11

Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch

107th Street west of South Willow Springs Road near Willow Springs

(312) 533-5751

Ages 14 and up will learn the fundamentals of kayaking in a comfortable setting and at a relaxed pace from expert REI guides. Water safety basics, trip planning and how to enjoy one's time on the water will also be taught. Kayaks, paddles and necessary safety equipment will be provided. Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. RR

GREEN THUMB

ABC's of Composting

May 6

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Join Kay McKeen of SCARCE to dig into the basics of composting and learn about this simple and affordable way to fight climate change while reducing garbage and restoring the soil. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR

Grow a Low-Maintenance Garden

May 9

Morton Arboretum

4100 Route 53, Lisle

http://www.mortonarb.org

(630) 719-2468

Find out which shrubs and perennials a horticulturist chooses when planting a lower-maintenance garden, and learn why certain plants are easier to care for and how to select the right set of plants for a site. Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost: $49. RR

Annual Plant Sale

May 11

Hinsdale History Museum

15 S. Clay St.

The Garden Study Club of Hinsdale will hold its annual plant sale featuring perennials from members' gardens as well as English garden baskets. Proceeds help fund the club's ongoing maintenance of the history museum garden and other projects. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Native Plant presale

May 16

Mayslake Peabody Estate

1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook

Purchase a ticket for access to the presale and shop for native flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees. Visitors should bring their own box or wagon. Plant experts answer questions and make planting recommendations, and plant availability will be based on what the supplier is able to deliver the week of the sale. Proceeds support the Friends of the Forest Preserve District. The actual sale runs 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 16 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 18. Time 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets are limited. Cost: $20.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Learn to Meditate

May 8 & 15

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Both novice and experienced meditators are invited to join Zelma Chamberlain for this two-part workshop on how to meditate in a focused, profound way. The second session will build upon the learning in the first session. Time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. RR

Self-Defense for Mental Health

May 12 or 13

The Community House

415 W. Eighth St.

(630) 323-7500

Learn how the brain controls responses during a self-defense situation, how one recovers from a traumatic experience, and why others play a critical role in the recovery process as well as the benefits of preventative and responsive self-defense training. Attendees will practice basic striking on soft targets and learn escapes from common grabs. Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 12, 7 to 9 p.m. May 13. Cost: $49.50. RR, MD

HELP WANTED

Mayslake Peabody Estate survey

Ongoing

The DuPage County Forest Preserve District invites the public to share feedback on a conceptual master plan for Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, aimed at enhancing the center's amenities and programming to ensure the site continues to serve as a vibrant cultural hub for generations to come. The conceptual plan details possible uses of the building, identifies specific areas for improvement and discusses how to preserve the mansion as a museum space while updating rooms. Visit the website above to take the survey.

JUST FOR KIDS

Spirit of Life Painting Workshop

May 4

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Kids from third to eighth grade can explore their creativity in this workshop inspired by the world renowned Chinese artists the Zhou Brothers, and led by Hinsdale artist InJung Oh, founder of OH Art Foundation. The Zhou Brothers will visit the library from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11, for a meet-and-greet and to sign copies of their book. Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m. RR

LISTEN & LEARN

The Many Lives of Kal Penn

May 7

(630) 986-1976

Actor, writer, producer and former associate director of the White House Office of Public Engagement Kal Penn will share his myriad accomplishments in a unique and fun game show-style experience in this Illinois Libraries Present Zoom program. Audience members can submit questions for Penn to answer when registering. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR

Mastering Your Home Network

May 9

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

http://www.clarendonhillslibrary.org

(630) 986-1976

Unlock the secrets of the home network, including getting the best out of routers, modems, switches and more. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR

Severe Weather 101

May 13

Clarendon Hills Public Library

7 N. Prospect Ave.

(630) 323-8188

Nick Bartholomew, owner of Storm Science, which explores the fundamentals of extreme weather, will discuss storm chasing, local climatology, previous tornado occurrences and storm safety. Time: 7 p.m. RR

NOTEWORTHY

Billy Elton

May 3

Theatre of Western Springs

4384 Hampton Ave.

http://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com

(708) 246-3380

This vibrant eight-piece tribute band to the music of Billy Joel and Elton John will perform the legendary artists' biggest hits and hidden gems to create a thrilling and ever-evolving experience for fans of all ages as part of the TWS Performance Series. Time 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $40. RR, MD

La Mer

May 4

Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church

149 W. Brush Hill Road

http://www.elmhurstsymphony.org/la-mer

(630) 941-0202

The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra presents this concert featuring Debussy's "Ibéria"(from Images pour orchestre), Saint-Saëns' Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor and Debussy's "La mer." A pre-concert discussion will be held at 5:45 p.m. in the church's upper gathering area. Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $35-$45.

A Night at the Opera

May 5

McAninch Arts Center

College of DuPage

425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn

http://www.soundsgoodchoir.org

(630) 942-4000

Join the DuPage Chorale and four vocal soloists for an evening of favorite opera choruses and arias, including Verdi's "Anvil Chorus" from "Il Trovatore," Purcell's "When I Am Laid in Earth" and Final Chorus from "Dido and Aeneas," "Habanera" from Bizet's "Carmen," and a little Gilbert and Sullivan to round out the program. Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $17, $15 for seniors, $7 for youth.

'Feels Like Home'

May 7

The Community House

415 W. Eighth St.

(630) 395-9542

The Hinsdale Sounds Good! Choir, part of area's largest choral-music organization for adults 55 and older, presents this free program featuring hits from artists ranging from Nat "King" Cole and Crosby, Stills and Nash to Aaron Copland and Antonin Dvorak, as well as new songs by Kyle Pederson, PinkZebra and more. Time: 7 to 8 p.m.

Guitar Ensemble

May 9

McAninch Arts Center

College of DuPage

425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn

(630) 942-4000

Come hear a lively mix of blues, jazz, funk and even classical arranged for a variety of guitarists, acoustic and electric. Time: 11 a.m.

Jazz/Pop Combos

May 10

McAninch Arts Center

College of DuPage

425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn

http://www.goodshepherd-naperville.org

(630) 942-4000

The student ensemble performance will feature a variety of types of jazz, ranging from classic to contemporary, instrumental as well as vocal. Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $7.

New Horizons Band of DuPage

May 11

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

1310 Shepherd Drive, Naperville

The group of musicians from Chicago and surrounding suburbs will perform well-known selections and audience favorites, and feature the concert band, brass choir, German band, jazz band and woodwind consort. Light refreshments will follow the concert. Time: 3 p.m. Admission: Free, donations accepted.

Joe Jencks and Deidre McCalla

May 18

Unitarian Church of Hinsdale

11 W. Maple St.

http://www.acousticren.com

(630) 941-7797

A 25-year veteran of the international folk circuit, Joe Jencks is an award-winning songwriter and celebrated Chicago-based vocalist who merges conservatory training with his Irish roots and working-class upbringing in musical narratives filled with heart, soul, groove and grit. Singer-songwriter Deidre McCalla has long been at the forefront of redefining the understanding of how Black folk do folk. Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $20.

ON STAGE

'Into the Earth with You'

Thursdays to Sundays, May 2-June 2

McAninch Arts Center

College of DuPage

425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn

http://www.drurylanetheatre.com

(630) 942-4000

The Buffalo Theatre Ensemble presents the world premiere of this Brian Watkins play, following three sisters - whose granddad has died - can't forget what's buried when an impossible discovery upends their notions of loss. A pre-show discussion with the director and designers will be held at 6:45 p.m. May 2; a post-show discussion with the director, cast and crew will beheld May 10. The production contains adult themes and language. An ASL performance will be given Thursday, May 23. Times: 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $44, $42 for seniors.

'Guys and Dolls'

Through June 9

Drury Lane Theatre

100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace

(630) 530-0111

The beloved Broadway musical comedy promises an unforgettable evening at the theatre. Times: 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 1:30 and 7 p.m. Thursdays, 7 p.m. Fridays, 3 & 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 & 6 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $100.75-$111.25.

RUNS & WALKS

Walk for Wellness House

May 5

Wellness House

131 N. County Line Road

http://www.wellnesshouse.org

Walk, run or join in the fun remotely with this annual event to benefit Wellness House, which provides free programs (online and in-person) for people affected by cancer. Register as an individual or as a team, and help raise money from family and friends. Time: 8 a.m. program, 8:30 a.m. walk/run. Cost: $30.

Pink 5K

May 11

Central Park

1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook

http://www.obparks.org

Help fight breast cancer by participating in this 10th annual run/walk event Register as an individual or as a team of 15 members or more. Proceeds benefit Hinsdale Hospital Foundation's Open Arms breast cancer outreach fund. Time: 8 a.m. Cost: $35, $40 on race day.

Run for the Roses 5K

May 19

Forest Road School

901 Forest Road, LaGrange Park

http://www.raceroster.com/events/2024/85145/run-for-the-roses

This LaGrange Park Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event benefits Pillars Health. The registration deadline is May 15. Time: 8 a.m. Cost: $40.

SIGN UP NOW

It's a Beautiful Book Club

2nd Thursdays, May-August

The Community House

415 W. Eighth St.

(630) 323-7500

Join this monthly book club led by retired teacher Margaret Gross. Registration is only needed once per season. Walk-ins are welcome. Books likely will be available at local libraries. For more information, email [email protected]. Time: 10 to 11 a.m. Cost: $2 at the door. RR

TEENS & TWEENS

Make a Bracelet

May 6

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Youth in middle and high school can make and wear a unique bracelet using beads and charms. Time: 4 to 5 p.m. RR

WEE ONES

Toddler Art: Nature

May 10

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Little ones will enjoy a mini-storytime and craft all about living things and the great outdoors. Time: 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. or 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. RR

Junior Firefighters

May 17

Hinsdale Fire Department

121 Symonds Drive