Saturday, Feb. 7: The fun is all in the details for the 200th birthday party for Abraham Lincoln at Magic Tree, Oak Park’s independent children’s bookstore. Headgear that partygoers will be decorating will match the treat they’ll be served: Yes, Forest Park cake artist Chris Vasilakis will present a chocolate creation in the shape of a stovepipe hat. At the center of the thematic festivity will be a visit with author Jim Aylesworth, a former Oak Park teacher who now lives in Chicago. He’ll introduce his new book, Our Abe Lincoln ($16.99) through a school play in which student actors will sing their lines to the tune of “Old Gray Mare,” a presidential campaign song in Lincoln’s time. The party will be from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Aylesworth will begin speaking at 2 p.m. and then will sign copies of his book. There is no admission fee, but you do need to call 848-0770 to reserve a spot. Magic Tree Bookstore is at 141 N. Oak Park Ave.
Monday, Feb. 9: The latest Monday night class at Marion Street Cheese Market takes a page from dating game tradition to make playful matches between wine and chocolate. Classmates will vote on favorite pairings, which, through Valentine’s Day weekend, will then be featured on the café’s dessert menu. The class will start at 7 p.m. and run until about 9:30 p.m. The fee is $30, payable the evening of the class or ahead at 725-7200. Marion Street Cheese Market is at 100 S. Marion in Oak Park.
Monday, Feb. 9: From a strong adhesive to a fashion detail, duct tape holds in popularity. Many young adults are embracing wallets, key fobs, purses and other accessories made of the hardware store staple. So in its series for fifth through eighth graders, the Forest Park Library is hosting a Duct Tape Creations workshop. Instruction will begin with coaching for a duct tape wallet, but there will be encouragement for other renderings, too. The workshop, which is free, will be at 4 p.m. in the Austin Room of the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson. Fifth through eighth graders from neighboring communities are welcome. To register, call 366-7171 or go to www.fppl.org.
