Dr. Michele Borba, the next speaker in the Community Speaker Series, will share why empathy is a vital skill for children at The Community House Feb. 5 and 6. See Page 18 for details. (photo provided)
FAMILY FUN
Lunar New Year Festival
Jan. 25
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with crafts, games and performances for kids. Hours: 2 to 4 p.m.
Feeding Time
Jan. 25
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Learn about the diets of the nature center's ambassador animals and observe a feeding demonstration. Time: 11 a.m. to noon.
Family Lego Lab
Jan. 29
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Build an inventive Lego structure as a family using teamwork and imagination. Return to the library to see the creation on display. Time: 6 to 7 p.m. RR
FOR A CAUSE
Candor's 50th Benefit
Feb. 1
Oak Brook Manor
800 Oak Brook Road
http://www.candorhealthed.org/dancing-through-the-decades-2024
Celebrate 50 years of health education for Chicagoland youth at the Hinsdale-based organization's "Dancing through the Decades" benefit, featuring cocktails, dinner and dancing to the hits from the 1970s, '80s, '90s and 2000s. Bid on auction items, take photos with friends and support high quality sex education, social emotional learning and substance abuse prevention programs for the next generation. Time: 6 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. dinner. Tickets: $175. RR
Blood Drive
Feb. 3
Hinsdale Humane Society
21 Salt Creek Lane
http://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org/events
(630) 323-5630
The Hinsdale Humane Society is partnering with the American Red Cross to host this drive. Schedule an appointment at the website above; donors should bring a photo ID, blood donor card or two other forms of ID. Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. RR
Trivia Night
Feb. 7
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
The D181 Foundation is hosting its third annual fundraiser competition featuring a cash bar a 50/50 cash raffle. Order a Gone Grazy charcuterie board for the table for $90 by Jan. 31. Proceeds raised will help fund a new Starlab mobile planetarium to be used at all D181 schools. Time: 7 p.m. doors open, 7:30 p.m. program starts. Tickets: $75, $500 for table of eight.
GREAT OUTDOORS
Fishing: Hard Water Classic
Feb. 1
Blackwell Forest Preserve
Butterfield Road west of Winfield Road, Warrenville
(630) 933-7248
Take part in the only competitive ice-fishing tournament in DuPage, and then stick around for door prizes and awards. Participants should bring their own equipment and bait. All ages are welcome; those under 18 must be with an adult. Time: noon to 3:30 p.m. Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the event. RR
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Heart Saver CPR/AED
Jan. 25
Hinsdale Fire Department
121 Symonds Drive
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr
(630) 789-7090
Taught by the members of the Hinsdale Fire Department, this course is for those 14 and older with little to no medical training and teaches how to perform CPR, use an AED and provide first aid, and covers medical, injury and environmental emergencies. Participants will receive an American Heart Association certificate. Time: 8 a.m. to noon. Cost: $50. RR
Cancer Thriving and Surviving
Wednesdays, Jan. 29-March 5
(630) 654-5012
This six-week interactive online Wellness House workshop for cancer survivors and caregivers is highly participative, where mutual support and success builds confidence in one's ability to manage health and maintain an active and fulfilling life. Register by calling the number above or sending an email to [email protected]. Time: 10 a.m. to noon. RR
JUST FOR KIDS
Sweet Treats Club
Jan. 25
Clarendon Hills Community Center
315 Chicago Ave.
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr
(630) 789-7090
Kids ages 4-12 will learn to make donuts in this hands-on pastry and baking class, gaining understanding of the ingredients and methods used as well as the fundamentals of dough and basic decorating skills. Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost: $39.
January Scavenger Hunt
Through Jan. 31
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Kids of all ages can stop by the library any time and find the woodland animals hiding around the Youth Services Department, learning fun facts about them along the way. Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.
LISTEN & LEARN
A Conversation with Paul Lisnek
Jan. 28
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 323-8188
Join this virtual conversation with award-winning political analyst Paul Lisnek to hear his take on the presidential election and what to expect in the upcoming four years. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR
How Birds Got Their Names
Jan. 30
Learn how scientists name birds, the history of common names for birds and the future changes that bird names may undergo in this virtual presentation. Time: 6 p.m. RR
Polar Vortex
Feb. 1
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 W. 111th St., Lemont
(630) 257-2045
What causes the extreme, cold temperatures during the winter? Stay warm inside while learning about this cold weather event. Time: 1 p.m.
Genealogy Research Using Fold3
Feb. 4
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 323-8188
Learn how to conduct genealogy research by incorporating the Fold3 database, which provides access to the stories, photos and personal documents of the men and women who served. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR
Empathy and the Unselfie Revolution
Feb. 5 or 6
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.d181foundation.org/community-speaker-series
Dr. Michele Borba will share why empathy is a skill that's vital for children's mental health, resilience, leadership skills and job success. Parents will gain tools to help children become more empathetic. The talk is part of the Community Speaker Series sponsored by Hinsdale High School District 86, Community Consolidated Elementary District 181 and the District 181 Foundation. Times: 7 to 8:30 Feb. 5, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 6. RR
Home and Life Organization Systems
Feb. 6
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Angie Randall of The Orderly Life will guide participants through a 90-minute interactive workshop to implement two organization systems designed to transform one's daily routine and prepare for any situation: the Ultimate Home Management Binder and the "What If?" Emergency Binder. Time: 6 p.m. Cost: $192. RR, MD
Master Your Time, Home & Finances
Feb. 8
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Learn essential strategies to prepare for life's unexpected situations, gain financial control, efficiently manage one's home and perfect one's time management skills. Through hands-on activities and filling out organizational systems, participants will gain skills that will pay dividends long after the workshop ends. Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $300. RR, MD
NOTEWORTHY
SBC Concerto Finalists
Jan. 26
St. Paul's UCC
5739 Dunham Road, Downers Grove
http://www.sinfoniettabelcanto.org
Sinfonietta Bel Canto presents this program featuring Ravel's "Pavane for a Dead Princess" and "Le Tombeau de Couperin" as well as performances by the eight 2025 SBC Concerto contest finalists (five pianists, two cellists and a violinist). Awards based on audience vote will be presented at the end of the concert. Time: 4 p.m. Tickets: $25, $22 for seniors, $8 for students.
ON SCREEN
Black History Month Drop-in
Feb. 1
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Enjoy a short viewing of the award-winning PBS series "America Outdoors" by writer and conservationist Baratunde Thurston. Snacks will be provided. Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
ON STAGE
'The Elixir of Love'
Jan. 25-26
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
421 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
This Donizetti romantic comedy opera tells the story of a young villager who seeks a love potion from a traveling quack doctor to win the heart of the town's wealthy owner. The opera is sung in Italian with English subtitles. Time: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25, 3 p.m. Jan. 26. Tickets: $67, $65 for seniors.
'Native Gardens'
Thursdays to Sundays, Jan. 30 – Mar. 2
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
421 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
The comedy follows Pablo, a high-powered lawyer, and his very pregnant wife, doctoral candidate Tania, who have purchased their first home, right next door to community stalwarts Virginia and Frank. A disagreement over a long-standing fence line derails the young couple's American Dream with a hilarious all-out war of taste, class, privilege and entitlement. A pre-show discussion with the director and designers will be held at 6:45 p.m. Jan. 30; a post-show discussion with the director and cast will be held Feb. 7. Times: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $44, $42 for seniors.
'Outside Mullingar'
Thursdays to Sundays through Feb. 2
Theatre of Western Springs
4384 Hampton Ave.
http://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com
(708) 246-4043.
This compassionate, delightful work celebrates that it's never too late to take a chance on love as Anthony and Rosemary's romantic journey is heartbreaking, funny and moving. Times: 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays. Tickets: $28, $15 for children and students.
SIGN UP NOW
Notre Dame Open House
Jan. 26
Notre Dame School
66 Norfolk Ave., Clarendon Hills
Learn more about Notre Dame School and, if desired, schedule a private tour. Time: 10:30 a.m. RR
Romantic Night Hike
Feb. 7
Fullersburg Woods
3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook
(630) 933-7248
Experience the magic of an evening walk along lantern-lit trails on a self-guided, 1- to 2-mile journey leading to roaring fires, marshmallow roasting and hot chocolate. The trails close at 9 p.m. The program is for ages 18 and up. Times: 6, 7 & 8 p.m. slots. Cost: $12 per person. RR
SPECIAL EVENTS
Lunar New Year
Jan. 26
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Welcome good luck and fortune in 2025 by celebrating the Year of the Snake with activities, crafts and performances. Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Spring Festival
Feb. 1
Hinsdale Central High School
5500 S. Grant St.
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with food, a tea ceremony, talent show, a photo booth and more. Hours: 5 to 8 p.m.
Chocolate Weekend
Feb. 1 & 2
Morton Arboretum
4100 Route 53, Lisle
Attend presentations by chocolatiers and cacao experts, sample an array of chocolate confections, learn about the history of chocolate through the ages, see how rare cacao beans around the world are grown and sourced, and see how chocolate artisans are adopting more sustainable and equitable practices. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free with $15.95 arboretum admission. RR
Poetry Trail: Black History Month
Feb. 2
Bemis Woods-South
Ogden Avenue west of Wolf Road near Western Springs
(312) 533-5751
In honor of Black History Month, walk a short, looped trail in Grove 7 and read poetry written by African American authors along the way. Time: 10 a.m. to noon.
TEENS & TWEENS
Teen Knitting and Crocheting Club
Jan. 27
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Learn how to knit and crochet with guidance or bring a project to work on with peers. Time: 5 to 6 p.m. RR
RPG Club
Wednesdays, Jan. 29-March 19
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Create, draw and build role-play characters, write stories and backgrounds, and then act out the character by dressing up and fighting the BBEG (Big Bad Evil Guy) at the conclusion of a quest. Participants will be supplied with a polyhedral dice. Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $238. RR, MD
After Dark Trivia Night
Jan. 31
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
High school students are invited to enjoy a hot chocolate bar and popcorn while competing against classmates in teams of up to six for the 2025 Trivia Night Trophy. Sleepover attire is optional. Sign up as a single player or as part of team. Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m. RR
Key
RR - registration required
MD - member discount
