Movies in the Great Outdoors
Thursday, August 17, Shown at Dusk (approx. 8:18 p.m.), Scoville Park:
See “The Queen of Katwe,” the 2016 release where “a Ugandan girl sees her world rapidly change after being introduced to the game of chess,” according to IMDb. Bring a blanket and a picnic. Free; no registration. Rated PG. Coming Saturday, Sept. 23, “Beauty and the Beast,” from 2017. Sponsored by the Park District of Oak Park.
Questions: 708-725-2200. Lake St. and Oak Park Ave.
Church of Beethoven: Vocal and Oboe Performance
Sunday, Aug. 20, 10:30 a.m., Open Door Theater:
Tenor Henry Pleas III will perform “Ten Blake Songs” by Vaughn Williams with Margie Arito, oboist, in a family-friendly concert. The Church of Beethoven brings classical music to a casual setting. $10, adults; $5 children and students. Info/tickets: churchofbeethoven-oakpark.com. 902 S. Ridgeland Ave., Oak Park.
11th Annual Wright Ride
Sunday, Aug. 20, Check in from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Marion and North Blvd.:
Wright Ride is a 10, 30, 50, or 68-mile route with rest stops and snacks. The ten-mile route through Oak Park is family friendly and includes Frank Lloyd Wright sites and interpreters along the way. Other routes go beyond Oak Park. Sponsored by Oak Park Cycle Club, a group of recreational riders of all skill levels from Oak Park and neighboring communities. $15 or $25, adults; $5, children under 12. Proceeds benefit local organizations. More/register: oakparkcycleclub.org.
Last Free Concert in the Park
Sunday, Aug. 20, 5:30 p.m., Scoville Park:
Enjoy this summer activity before it’s over – bring the family, picnic with friends and relax to some live outdoor music provided by Dave Rudolph as he presents his Kids and Family Show. Sponsored by Adam Doe, State Farm. Lake St. and Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.
National Vegetarian Museum Comes to Oak Park
Traveling Exhibit
Daily through August 30 during regular hours, Main Library:
Learn about the history of the vegetarian movement in a 12-panel exhibit that tells who recommended a vegetarian diet in 1921, what role Chicago played in vegetarian history, and more. 834 Lake Street.
How Does Your Diet Impact the Environment?
Thursday, Aug. 17, 7 to 9 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library:
Susan Lincke, PhD, a 20-year vegetarian/vegan, environmentalist and an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Wisconsin, Parkside, will explain why growing vegetables is greener than raising animals for meat. 834 Lake Street.
Vegan Food Demo and Recipe Exchange
Sunday, Aug.20, 2 to 4 p.m. Veterans Room, Main Library:
Hear about the vegan movement from Kay Stepkin, founder of The National Vegetarian Museum. Make vegan dishes and bring a favorite vegan recipe to share. 834 Lake Street.
Tales and Tails with Elizabeth Berg
Thursday, August 17, noon to 1:30 p.m., Forest Park Public Library:
See the Oak Park author read from her book of Facebook postings, “Make Someone Happy,” and hear a preview of her upcoming novel, “The Story of Arthur Truluv.” Joining her is partner Bill and their dog, Gabby. She will be signing her books. Refreshments served and a tie-in to an animal shelter might help you find your next best friend. Free. Register: fppl.org. 7555 Jackson Boulevard, Forest Park.
Author Talk and Book Signing: “The Death Gap”
Wednesday, Aug. 23, 7 to 9 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library:
According to David Ansell, MD, author of the May release “The Death Gap: How Inequality Kills,” the greatest health crisis today is not cancer, heart disease, obesity, or diabetes. It’s something more common and less talked about – poverty. The Book Table will have books for purchase. More: oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St.
Final Week: Meet Up and Eat Up
Weekdays through August 18, Light of Liberty Church and New Life Ministries:
This free summer meals program for kids and teens under 18 is put on by the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry. Come for lunch from 11:30 to 1:30 at Light of Liberty Church, 2 Washington Blvd., Oak Park. Breakfast and lunch is available from 9 to 10 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m., at New Life Ministries, 634 N. Austin Blvd., Oak Park. More: 708-386-1324 x1112, lauren@oprffoodpantry.org.
Third Friday Gallery Walk
Friday, Aug. 18, 6 to 10 p.m., The Oak Park Arts District:
Harrison Street galleries display owner’s art as well as guest artists’. This month, see children’s work from the Summer Creative Arts Workshop and hear the music of singer-songwriter Mike Felton, all free at Buzz Café. More: oakparkartsdistric.com. Between Ridgeland and Austin.
Millennium Park Excursion for Seniors
Saturday, Aug. 19, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Oak Park Township Senior Services:
All River Forest and Oak Park seniors can join in the fun with a trip to Millennium Park. $5 for round-trip bus fare. Seating is limited; reservations required: 708-383-4806. 105 S. Oak Park Ave.
Calendar Events
As you’ve likely noticed, our Calendar has changed to Big Week. Fewer items, higher profile. If you would like your event to be featured here, please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published. We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights.
Email calendar@wjinc.com.
