Jack Bhandakar has the title role in "James and the Giant Peach Jr.," with Lucy Hufford as Ladybug and Zoe Vladika as Centipede. The show runs through Sunday at the Children's Theatre of Western Springs. See Page 26 for details. (photo provided)
ARTFULLY DONE
Watercolor & Mixed Media
Thursdays, May 2-June 20
Westmont Community Center
75 E. Richmond St.
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr
(630) 789-7090
Students of all skill levels can receive individualized painting instruction in a choice of media, with emphasis on composition, color value and technique. Time: 10 a.m. to noon. Cost: $114. RR
CENTRAL TIME
Teacher Appreciation 2024
Through May 3
http://www.hinsdalecentralfoundation.org
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.
FAITH COMUNITIES
Adult Inter-Faith Fellowship
May 8
Union Church
137 S. Garfield Ave.
(630) 688-1706
June Scott, an 80-year member of Union Church and former longtime Hinsdale resident, will share stories of her trip to Patagonia, one of the last untouched areas of the planet. Scott, who has visited 105 countries, will share her experiences with the mesmerizing landscapes, rare animals, glaciers waterfalls and deep forests of this southern extremity of South America. Reservations are due May 2. Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Cost: $15. RR
FAMILY FUN
Fishing: With Mom
May 12
Hidden Lake
Route 53 south of Butterfield Road, Downers Grove
(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
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
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. Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets: $75.
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
April 28. May 1 or 4
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.
Walk and Talk: Black Partridge Woods
May 1
Black Partridge Woods
Bluff Road east of I-355 near Lemont
(312) 533-5751
Learn more about this natural area on a slower paced 2-mile hike with frequent stops. Time: 10 a.m.
GREEN THUMB
Cocktails and Conservation: Plant Your Own Container Garden
May 2
The Preserve at Oak Meadows
900 N. Wood Dale Road, Addison
(630) 933-7248
Learn about native wildflowers, how to identify them and how to easily grow them at home in a container garden. Sip a signature cocktail made with native plant ingredients while potting up a container of native flowers, grasses and sedges for home. Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $40. RR
ABC's of Composting
May 6
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(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
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.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Tai Chi
May 1-May 29
Westmont Community Center
75 E. Richmond St.
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr
Learn the ancient art of Chi Gung and Tai Chi Chuan to enhance balance, cultivate relaxation and strengthen the muscles, tendons and ligaments, among other benefits. Students can sign up for either the Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday session; beginner and advanced students are welcome. Time: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Cost: $42.
Learn to Meditate
May 8 & 15
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(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
JUST FOR KIDS
May the 4th Be With You
May 3
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Youth of all ages are invited to drop by this all-day celebration of the Star Wars universe to enjoy games, crafts and snacks. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Spirit of Life Painting Workshop
May 4
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(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
DuPage Forest Preserve talk
April 27
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Learn about everything happening at Fullersburg Woods and beyond with Jeannine Kannegiesser, chief partnership and philanthropy officer with the DuPage County Forest Preserve District of. Time: 10 to 11 a.m. RR
The Many Lives of Kal Penn
May 7
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(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
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, Eric Whitacre's "Five Hebrew Love Songs" and more. Times: 7 p.m. April 27, 3 p.m. April 28. Tickets: $20, $15 for students and seniors.
'Feels Like Home'
May 7
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.soundsgoodchoir.org
(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.
ON STAGE
'Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach'
Fridays to Sundays through April 28
Theatre of Western Springs
4384 Hampton Ave.
http://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com
Based on the poignantly quirky story, this brand 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 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
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.
Walk the Walk for Mental Health
May 19
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
This 18th annual one-mile color walk celebrates mental and physical wellness, access to mental health services, and ending the stigma associated with discussing mental health with family, friends and the community. The event will begin with a health expo featuring local fitness and health and wellness vendors and a colorful opening ceremony, and end with a post-walk party with food trucks, games, face-painting, music and more. Time: 8 to 11:30 a.m. Cost: $30, $20 for children age 3 and up (early bird price); $45/$35.
SPECIAL EVENTS
S'more Fullersburg Fun
April 27
Graue Mill and Museum
3800 York Road, Oak Brook
Enjoy an afternoon at the Graue Mill in Fullersburg Woods. Visit the museum and purchase a $5 kit to make s'mores outside in the fireplace. All supplies are included for a group of four. Hours: noon to 4 p.m. RR
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 that impacted Chicago and the nation. 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
