Virtual Pet Adoption
Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., Zoom
The Animal Care League is showcasing adoptable dogs and cats. Those looking to give pets their forever homes can talk with foster families who are living with the animals. Meet dogs from 11 a.m. to noon and cats from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. To learn more and access video call info go to: facebook.com/Animal-Care-League-280577880811/
Fun Home
May 12 to 24, Stream via Vimeo
See the musical staged at Victory Gardens Theater of Chicago during their 2017/18 season and watch the performance of Oak Park teen Leo Gonzalez. Fun Home, which won five Tony’s, is inspired by Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir. Alison sets out to unravel the many mysteries of her childhood through a series of memories and conversations – from her coming out to her moving journey to acceptance. $20. More/to purchase: victorygardens.org/event/fun-home-streaming
Mini-STEAM Projects
Thursdays through May, 3 to 3:30 p.m., River Forest Library YouTube, Facebook and Instagram pages
STEAM = science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Engage your kids with fun, educational projects each week at home with the help of your local library.
Mini-Story Time
Daily through May, 10 to 11 a.m., River Forest Library YouTube, Facebook and Instagram pages
Here is something to keep those babies, toddlers and preschoolers entertained – a story time just for them, with help from River Forest librarians.
Middle School Book Group: They Called Us Enemy
Start reading now; virtual discussion Friday, May 29, 4 to 5 p.m., Zoom
Meet virtually with students in grades 5 to 8 and share thoughts and opinions on the graphic memoir by George Takei. In it, Takei reveals the story of his family’s incarceration during the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. The book is available through Hoopla with a library card. Register to receive meeting info: oppl.org/calendar (go to the May 29 event).
In Celebration of Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 10
Mother’s Day was first proposed by abolitionist and poet Julia Ward Howe. In her 1872 Proclamation, she suggested observing the holiday as a day dedicated to peace and the importance of coming together during challenging times. Explore titles on peace, suggested by Oak Park librarians and more: oppl.org/news-events/authors-books/in-celebration-of-mothers-day-titles-for-peace
Senior Salutations – OPRF High School students needed.
If you’re a high school student, Senior Salutations connects teens as pen pals with local senior citizens living in retirement homes to combat the loneliness and lessen the mental health consequences of prolonged isolation in both groups during this time and to foster intergenerational communication and empathy now and in the future. An initiative of Jackson Tanner and Eleanor Sigel. Sign up to be connected with a local senior citizen: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_kpjQQrWF7G8WX_IzOb9OCAKq
NAMI Connection Support Groups
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Metro Suburban provides support for those living with mental illness. Join by call-in or video chat.
Tuesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Meeting number 293 567 969, password: ConnectT
Call-in number 312-535-8110, access code: 293567969
Saturdays, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Meeting number 290 198 416, password: ConnectS
Call-in number 312-535-8110, access code 290198416
Sundays, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Meeting number 292 138 327, password: ConnectSu
Call-in number 312-535-8110, access code: 292138327
More and to install Cisco Webex meeting app: namimetsub.org/recovery-programs/nami-connection
NAMI Virtual Drop-in Center
While the Oak Park Drop-in Center of the National Alliance on Mental Illinois (NAMI) Metro Suburban is closed, those living with mental illness can join others for discussions on a variety of topics, support and skill building, hosted by the Drop-in Center staff and guest speakers.
Daily, 2 to 3 p.m.
Meeting number 290260490, password: Daily2
Call in number 312-535-8110, access code: 290260490
Daily, 5 to 6 p.m.
Meeting number 297 135 209, password: Daily5
Call in number 312-535-8110, access code: 297135209
More and to install Cisco Webex meeting app: namimetsub.org/recovery-programs/the-drop-in-center
GriefShare
Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., through July 28
Join a support group at Grace Lutheran Church, initially online, and in-person later when it is safe to do so. More: 708-366-6900, gracechurch@graceriverforest.org
Grief Journaling Workshops
Thursday, May 7, 6 to 8 p.m., Zoom
Have you experienced the loss of a loved one? Or, are you experiencing ambiguous loss (loss without closure, such as infertility or a loved one with Alzheimer’s) or anticipatory grief? Sessions begin with prompts followed by time to journal. At the end, there is time to share (optional). Resources for grief, where to get help, writing and more is provided. All welcome. Also, Sunday, May 24, 2 to 4 p.m. Register: oppl.org/calendar.
