Piano Performances

Oak Park Veterans Day Ceremony

Sunday, Nov. 11, 10:55 a.m., Peace Triumphant Monument, Scoville Park:

At 11 a.m., bells will toll across the United States to remember the Armistice that ended WWI, 100 years ago. Come honor all veterans and hear patriotic singing, a bugler in a WWI uniform and a rifle salute.
Oak Park Ave. and Lake St.

Black Minds Matter: Foundations of Black Male Research and Practice

Tuesday, Nov. 13, 6 to 8 p.m., Idea Box, Main Library: 

This series explores issues facing black males in education. Looking at research on black students in education, this session analyzes strategies and practices to support success. Next up: Dec. 4, Ascription of Intelligence, and Dec. 11, Assumptions of Criminality. Register: oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Golden Gala – The Historical Society’s 50th Anniversary

Friday, Nov. 16, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Carleton Hotel:

Enjoy cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres while celebrating 50 years of community service. Proceeds fund the one-year-old Oak Park River Forest Museum. Presentation honoring “exceptional residents” Harriet Hausman and Doug Deuchler at 7:30 p.m. $100; $90, members. Tickets/more: 708-848-6755, oprfmuseum.org. 1110 Pleasant St., Oak Park.

Emerging Leaders: Dr. Chala Holland

Thursday, Nov. 8, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Second Floor Gallery, Main Library: 

This educational leader with a passion for students, teaching and learning was featued in “America to Me.” Holland has led multiple districts in addressing disparities in achievement and improving outcomes for all students. More: oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Writers and Book Lovers Events

Thursday, Nov. 8, 6 to 9 p.m., Buzz Café:

Meet Illusions author Madeline J. Reynolds as she does readings (7 p.m.) and signs books (8 p.m.) at this book launch for her new young-adult release. 905 S. Lombard Ave, Oak Park. 

Monday, Nov. 12, 5 to 7 p.m., Small Meeting Room, Main Library: 

It’s National Novel Writing Month. At this Writers Workshop, hear from authors Eddie S. Pierce (5 p.m.) and Owen J. Patterson (6 p.m.) as they talk about creative processes and publishing. They will also help on your writing journey. More: oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Tuesday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club:

See Oak Park author Elizabeth Berg talk about her latest novel, Night of Miracles. $10, redeemable toward book purchase at event. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.

Wednesday, Nov. 14, 7 to 9 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library: 

Meet Robert Horsey whose first novel, Gifted, is based on his work as a critical-care registered nurse. More: oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella”

Friday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 10, 2:30 and 7 p.m., Auditorium, Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School:

See BRAVO’s 7th and 8th graders in an adaptation of the classic fairy tale. Though Nov. 17. $12; $8, students/seniors. Tickets: bravoperformingarts.org. 325 S. Kenilworth Ave., Oak Park.

“Schoolhouse Rock, LIVE!”

Friday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 10 and 11, 3 p.m., Lund Auditorium, Performing Arts Center, Dominican University:

Dominican’s Department of Theatre Arts brings the pop-culture cartoon phenomenon to life on the musical stage. $18; $5, students/children. Tickets/more: events.dom.edu/schoolhouse-rock-live, 708-488-5000. 7900 W. Division St., River Forest.

Raise the Roof Talent Showcase 

Friday, Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m., First United Church:  

See a ladies barbershop quartet and bluegrass strings, along with jazz, swing, comedy and dance acts too. $10 to $20, suggested donation. 848 Lake St., Oak Park.

A Rose by Any Other Name: The Scientific Names of Plants 

Wednesday, Nov. 14, 1 p.m., Cheney Mansion:  

Join the Garden Club of Oak Park – River Forest for a presentation by Jack Shouba who has taught classes at Morton Arboretum for 20 years. Learn how scientific plant names are precise, descriptive, interesting and usually related to familiar English words. Social time and business meeting at noon. More: gcoprf.org. 220 N. Euclid, Oak Park.

The Best Medicine

Friday, Nov. 9, 8 p.m., Open Door Theater:    

Get a quick fix for everything going on in the world with a healthy dose of non-reality from improvisers from The Spew and The Real Housewives of Oak Park. $15. Tickets:  opendoortheater.net, 708-386-5510. 902 S. Ridgeland, Oak Park.

“The Nerd” 

Friday, Nov. 9,  and Saturday, Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 11, 3 p.m., Madison Street Theatre:

The Collective at Concordia presents a “rollicking farce” through Nov. 18. $15; $10, students/ seniors. Tickets/more: cucnerd.brownpapertickets.com/. 1010 Madison St., Oak Park.

Piano Performances

Friday, Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m., Chapel, Concordia University Chicago:

Hear Esther Nyberg perform Bach’s Toccata in D Major, Beethoven’s Piano Sonata in C Major, Chopin’s Barcarolle and Muczynski’s Dream Cycle. Free. Questions: 708-209-3060. 7400 Augusta St., River Forest.

Wednesday, Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club:

Henry Fogel Presents Pablo Suaste, a 2017 competition-winning Mexican pianist. Following, the audience is invited to talk with Suaste and Fogel. $30; $10, students. 708-386-2729, ninteenthcentury.org. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.  

A Grateful Veteran 

Saturday, Nov. 10, 2 to 4 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library: 

Bosnian War veteran Tom Kens shares how life onboard aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy forged his attitude of gratitude. As a wellness coach, Kens helps others develop gratitude and strategies for successful lives. More: oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Symphony of OP-RF Veterans Day Concert 

Sunday, Nov. 11, 4 p.m., Chapel, Concordia University Chicago:

Hear the 2018 Community Orchestra of the Year perform Gould’s American Salute, Ravel’s Piano Concerto for the Left Hand and Vaughan Williams’ Symphony No. 3. Preconcert conversation at 3 p.m. Bring a coat or cash to donate for veterans and their families. $28; free, students. Tickets/more: symphonyoprf.org/2018-2019-season. 7400 Augusta, River Forest.

Social-Emotional Learning Series: Gender Identity

Caregivers learn how to approach topics using books and more to start conversations. 

Wednesday, Nov. 7, 7 to 8 p.m., Meeting Room, Dole Library:

Attend a caregiver workshop on gender identity for adults. 

Wednesday, Nov. 14, 3 to 4 p.m., Meeting Room, Dole Library:

This family program for 5- to 8-year-olds, with caregivers, explores the spectrum of gender identity in an interactive workshop format. Questions: multicultural@oppl.org. 255 Augusta St., Oak Park.

League of Women Voters: Imagine OPRF

Tuesday, Nov. 13, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Nineteenth Century Club:

Come to a community discussion regarding the ending of the Imagine OPRF Work Group as it presents its facilities master plan to the District 200 Board. Meet Lynn Kamenitsa and Mike Poirier, Work Group co-chairs, and discuss the master plan. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. 

Holiday Shopping and More

Friday, Nov. 9, Noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Catherine-St. Lucy: 

Shop the Christmas Bazaar for collectibles, toys, baked goods, arts/crafts, jewelry and more. Free admission. Inquire: 708-386-8077, stcatherinestlucy.org. 38 N. Austin, Oak Park.

Friday, Nov. 9, 4 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 10, 10 am. to 4 p.m., Pleasant Home:

Locally handcrafted items and gourmet treats at the Petite Boutique Holiday Market. Enjoy live music and purchase libations on Friday evening. 217 Home Ave., Oak Park.

Sunday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Monday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oak Park Temple: 

Women of Oak Park Temple have collected clothing, toys, furniture, books, electronics and more for The Rummage Sale. Preview Saturday, Nov. 10, 6 to 8 p.m., $5. Free other days. 1235 Harlem Ave. 

Tuesday, Nov. 13, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Social Hall, Dominican University:

At the Fair Trade Fair, find products created by artisans in developing countries and sold by Chicago-area organizations. Questions: jmack@dom.edu. 7900 Division St., River Forest.

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.

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