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.
(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
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
(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
(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.
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
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