Community Events Calendar

ARTFULLY DONE

Heartwork Exhibit Opening

April 20

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info

(630) 986-1976

Join this art reception honoring the work Heartwork students have created during a series of classes over the past year under the instruction of local artist Maureen Claffy. The work will be on display in the library's Quiet Room through April 30. Light refreshments will be available. Time: 2 to 3 p.m. RR

FOR A CAUSE

Blood drive

April 20

Rejuvenate Health

534 Chestnut St.

http://www.versiti.org/IL

(847) 305-9998

Rejuvenate Health and JLF Fitness are sponsoring this blood drive in cooperation with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois and reminding residents that one donation can save up to three lives. A photo ID is required. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are encouraged. Visit the website or text or call the number listed above. Time: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Derby Day Party

May 4

Butterfield Country Club

2800 Midwest Road, Oak Brook

http://www.brightpoint.org/events

Watch the Kentucky Derby live on the big screen at Hinsdale Auxiliary's 69th annual event to benefit Brightpoint (formerly Children's Home & Aid) and its comprehensive behavioral health services for parents, children and youth across Illinois. Enjoy cocktails followed by dinner and dancing. Register by noon May 1. Time: 4:30 to 11 p.m. Tickets: $185, $1,800 for table of 10.

Hinsdale Kitchen Walk

May 10

Hinsdale homes

http://www.kitchen-walk.com

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. Tickets can be purchased online or at Yakee Peddler, 30 E. Hinsdale Ave. Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets: $75.

GREEN THUMB

Containers and Raised Beds

April 20

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info

(630) 986-1976

Learn from a master gardener how to raise productive vegetables in containers and other above-ground growing systems for safe and fruitful backyard vegetables while maximizing garden space. Construction material options also will be discussed. Time: 10 to 11 a.m. RR

Arbor Day Plant Sale

April 25-27

Morton Arboretum

4100 Route 53, Lisle

http://www.mortonarb.org

(630) 719-2468

Thousands of carefully chosen plants will be available for sale, and expert Plant Geniuses will be on hand to answer questions and suggest plants. Tickets must be purchased for a specific entry time in advance. Early access tickets allow shoppers to enter early Thursday, April 25. Hours: 9 a.m. to noon for early access, 1 to 4 p.m. April 25; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 26 & 27. Tickets: $32, $47 for early access April 25. RR, MD

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Eating Strategies during Chemotherapy

April 25

Wellness House

131 N. County Line Road

http://www.wellnesshouse.org

(630) 323-5150

Getting enough food and water during treatment can be difficult when not feeling well due to side effects from chemo. Learn strategies from a registered dietitian for curbing or decreasing the severity of common side effects, such as nausea, poor appetite and taste changes. Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m. RR

HELP WANTED

Park Clean-up Day

April 22

http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr

Residents of all ages, Scout groups, churches, businesses and service organizations are invited to honor Earth Day by pitching in for this annual event. Tasks include planting trees and removing debris. Volunteers can request to work at a specific park. Hours: 4 p.m. to dusk. RR

JUST FOR KIDS

Earth Day Craft & Snack

April 22

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info

(630) 986-1976

Kids in kindergarten through fifth grade can celebrate Earth Day by making a craft and enjoying a sweet snack. Time: 4 to 5 p.m. RR

Homework Helpers & Reading Ambassadors

Tuesdays in 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

A Year Inside College Admissions

April 24

Hinsdale Central auditorium

5500 S. Grant St.

http://www.d181foundation.org

For an entire admissions cycle, Jeff Selingo was embedded in three admissions offices and followed a group of high school seniors through the process, as well as players behind the scenes, including marketers, financial aid consultants and rankers. Hear Selingo dispel the entrenched notions of how to compete and win at the admissions game, share why families should broaden their notion of what qualifies as a "good" college and explain how the COVID-19 pandemic will impact admissions in the long run. The program is part of the Community Speaker Series sponsored by District 86, District 181 and the District 181 Foundation. Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m. RR

United Foods of America: Mexican Inspirations

April 25

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info

(630) 986-1976

In preparation for Cinco de Mayo, learn about the regional foods around the country that have roots in Mexican cuisine, from the California fish taco to the Texas fajita. Enjoy a few samples as well. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR

NOTEWORTHY

'Around the World in 80 Minutes'

April 27 & 28

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

203 S. Kensington Ave., La Grange

http://www.hinsdalechorale.org

(312) 510-1823

The Hinsdale Chorale will perform its spring concert featuring a wide array of traditional, folk, liturgical and dance songs from a variety of cultures around the world and in nine different languages. Pieces include the traditional Zimbabwe greeting, "Sorida," folk songs from Newfoundland and Ireland, "Barun Barune," a traditional Iranian folk song and Eric Whitacre's "Five Hebrew Love Songs." Times: 7 p.m. April 27, 3 p.m. April 28. Tickets: $20, $15 for students and seniors.

ON STAGE

'Putnam County Spelling Bee'

April 18-20

Hinsdale South High School

7401 S. Clarendon Hills Road, Darien

The Hinsdale South Fine Arts Department presents this popular musical. Tickets may be purchased an hour before the show. Times: 7 p.m. April 18-20, 2 p.m. April 20. Tickets: $20, $10 for students.

'Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach'

Fridays to Sundays, April 19-28

Theatre of Western Springs

4384 Hampton Ave.

http://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com

Based on the poignantly quirky story, this new take on tale features a wickedly tuneful score and a witty and charming book. When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that grows a tremendous peach, rolls into the ocean and launches a journey of enormous proportions. Times: 7 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $16, $13 for kids.

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 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.

STEPPING BACK

Finding Grace exhibit

opening reception

April 30

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info

(630) 986-1976

Celebrate the rediscovered life of Hinsdale social reformer Grace Bagley, owner of the Frank Lloyd Wright Bagley House. Bagley worked closely with Jane Addams and made substantial contributions to reform efforts. Historians Julia Bachrach and Jean Follett will share a bit about the exhibit, and light refreshments will be served. The exhibit will run in the library's Quiet Room from April 30 to May 31. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR

Key

RR - registration required

MD - member discount