Help Make History
The Oak Park River Forest Museum is collecting stories, photos, samples of homemade signs and other documentation and using an online tool to survey how residents are living, working and surviving the COVID-19 pandemic. An exhibit and time capsule are being planned. More: 708-848-6755, oprfmuseum.org/living-history-capturing-oprf-stories-during-2020-pandemic.
Live Virtual Tours of Hemingway’s Birthplace
Wednesdays through Sundays, 1 and 3 p.m., Google Meet
Join a docent on a live tour at Ernest Hemingway’s Birthplace Home in Oak Park, seeing and learning about the space, the author’s family and early years while interacting along the way. Up to 15 may join each live tour. $15. Reservations (at least six hours prior): hemingwaybirthplace.com
IMPACT for Teens
Mondays, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
and Saturdays, 1 to 3 p.m., Zoom
IMPACT is Berwyn’s 16th Street Theater’s teen-led, self-directed program for ages 13 to 19. 16th Street provides the space, resources, guidance and professional workshops. Previously an in-person program, the group now meets virtually. Any teen is welcome to try it out. Email: education@16thstreettheater.org
Unity Temple History Quiz Contest
Through May 29
Celebrate National Preservation Month by testing your Unity Temple knowledge. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and recently restored, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other Wright buildings. Prizes include a wood display model of Unity Temple (UTRF members only), a model kit and guided tours upon reopening. Brought by Unity Temple Restoration Foundation in partnership with the Little Building Co. of Queensland, Australia. Online quiz: littlebuildingco.com/unity-temple-quiz.
No Shush Salon
Thursday, May 28, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.,
Zoom through the Oak Park Public Library
Listen to performances by local creative types and share your own works-in-progress or newly finished endeavors at this monthly open mic night. Each person has 15 minutes to present. Spectators welcome. Up next: June 25, July 30, Aug. 27. Register: oppl.org/calendar.
Val’s Purchases Help Support Young Musicians
Through June 30
Need more music in your life? Purchase LPs and more from Oak Park retailer Val’s halla Records and 10 percent of the purchase goes to PING! (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation). Val’s has recently created on online shop and offers free curbside pickup and local delivery, or mail delivery. Use code PING-ROCKS. Shop: valshallarecords.com/
Better Lake Street
Reward Program
Through Aug. 31
Shop and dine in Downtown Oak Park, Hemingway District or Pleasant District and save your receipts. Receipts from online shopping and delivery purchases are accepted. Receive $25 in reward certificates by spending $20 or more at five businesses with a total of $200 or more. Reward certificates must be used Sept. 1 through Oct. 15 at participating businesses. Reward books are limited. More: downtownoakpark.net/better-lake-street/
The Great Reverb Bake-Off
Saturday, May 30, 7 p.m.,
@echotheatercollective Facebook Page, You Tube
Join Echo Theater Collective’s in-house ensemble for a performance of new and adapted works written/found by its members. Ensemble members “baked up” a narrative or work from ingredients — a phrase, object or feeling. What came out of the oven is a mixture of poems, jokes, scenes and monologues.
Mask-Making for
Local Distribution
The Park District of Oak Park is still collecting home-made masks to distribute to Oak Parkers, including meal delivery volunteers, first responders and others. Masks are required in all businesses and public areas where social distancing may be difficult. To donate homemade masks, email Maureen.McCarthy@pdop.org. If you need a mask and have no other alternative to acquire one, Oak Park residents can visit the Oak Park Police Department, 123 Madison St. Mask-making instructions/more: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
