Big Week | July 8-15

Rare Bird Preserves Mini Market | Thursdays, 8 to 10 a.m., alley behind Rare Bird Preserves

“Harmony in the Universe” | Wednesdays, 1 to 6 p.m., Dancing Krow Studio & Social Club

Book Launch: “Little Kings”

Book Launch: “Little Kings”

Oak Park and River Forest High School English Teacher and Spoken Word Educator Peter Kahn has released his debut collection of poetry. In this recorded live event, Kahn is joined by acclaimed poets Jacob Sam-La Rose, Nick Makoha and Malika Booker, as well as the most recent winner of both the T.S. Eliot Prize and the Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize, Roger Robinson, who all share their work. Watch the program here:  youtube.com/watch?v=TRvENIHAbFs&feature=youtu.be

Rare Bird Preserves Mini Market 

Thursdays, 8 to 10 a.m., alley behind Rare Bird Preserves

Pick up pastries and provisions from Rare Bird, produce from Mick Klug Farm, Publican Quality bread, flowers and more. Inquire: theshop@rarebirdpreserves.com

Virtual Scavenger Hunt

Beginning Saturday, July 11, 8:30 a.m., Oak Park parks 

The Park District of Oak Park has created virtual scavenger hunts in the parks throughout Oak Park. Once details and clues of each hunt by park and region become available online Saturday, complete the hunt by uploading your answers to the website listed in the instructions. Winners will receive treats and prizes. Everyone gets to enjoy time outside enjoying the parks. More: pdop.org/events/virtual-scavenger-hunt

Music by the Numbers

Thursday, July 8, 4 to 5 p.m., Virtually 

Enjoy members of the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest perform at Cheney Mansion each week as they count up from a solo performance to a duet and so on. This week, see Uli Widmaier, viola, play J.S. Bach’s Chaconne. Brought with the Park District of Oak Park. Up next:

July 15 Saint-Saëns Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso (duet)

July 22 String Trios of Beethoven and Schubert (trio)

July 29 Quartets by Beethoven and Schumann, featuring Maestro Jay Friedman in Beethoven’s Three Equali for Four Trombones 

August 5 Schubert’s heavenly String Quintet in C, movt. 1 

August 12 Music of Poulenc, including the Divertissement from the Sextet 

August 19 Selections from Schütz’s Symphoniae Sacrae featuring Jay Friedman, trombone, and Douglas Anderson, baritone (septet)

August 26 Beethoven’s Wind Octet, Andante and Menuet-Trio 

September 2 Grieg’s Holberg Suite (nonet)

$5 per concert, Oak Park residents; $50 for the series, OP residents. $8 per concert, non-residents; $67 for the series, non-residents. Register: 708-725-2720, pdop.org. 

“Harmony in the Universe”

Wednesdays, 1 to 6 p.m., Dancing Krow Studio & Social Club

See the summer art exhibit from the collective led by Karen Schuman. While there, shop for art by local artists and handmade soaps. 43 Harrison, Oak Park.

Magic Trick Workshop

Friday, July 10, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., Virtually with the River forest Public Library

Join professional magician Gary Kantor and learn at-home magic tricks. Be prepared with a deck of cards, rubber bands, crayons, paper and a writing implement. For grade K – 4. Register: 

riverforestlibrary.librarymarket.com/events/magic-trick-workshop

Peace of Mind Meditation Retreat

Saturday, July 11, 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Live stream 

This beginner-friendly meditation retreat explores the power of mantra meditation and imagination to overcome inner obstacles and make authentic spiritual progress. Includes practical teaching, guided meditation and Q&A. With Kadampa Buddhist monk Gen Kelsang Zamling. Attend just the morning, just the afternoon or both. $20, per session; $35, full day. More/register: meditateinchicago.org/retreat

Virtual Town Halls with Illinois Senate President Don Harmon and State Representative Camille Lilly 

Thursday, July 9, and Tuesday, July 14, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

At this Town Hall, constituents can submit questions beforehand to be discussed at the virtual meeting. Topics include the spring legislative session, COVID-19 and more. Register/submit a question: donharmon.org. Phone inquiries, Sen. Harmon: 708-848-2002, Questions for Rep Lilly: 708-613-5939.

Chicago Fit/Lit Challenge

Monday, July 13, through Monday, Aug. 17, 1 to 2 p.m., Zoom Meeting Room and Discord Channel with the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame

Here is a way for youth to combine physical fitness (walking or biking), reading and writing (or video narratives) this summer. For example, read The Wizard of Oz, take a trip to Oz Park, then tell (through writing or video) about what you experienced. The next week you read Blue Balliett’s The Wright3, check out the exterior of Robie House and share your thoughts. Group meets Mondays. Points are awarded for site visits, completed books and responses. Prizes go to the most active participants. $75; scholarships available. More/register: chicagoliteraryhof.org/events_entry/chicago-fit-lit-challenge

Better Lake Street Reward Program

Through August 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 grand 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/