“A Thirties Affair”
Thursday, Oct. 29, and Friday, Oct. 30, 6 p.m., Zoom
See OPRFHS’s student directed production, “a show with a big love triangle, hard decisions and many 1930s movie references.” Free. Tickets/more: oprfhs.org/theatre/current-theater-season
Coffee Monday
Nov. 2, 10 to 11 a.m., Zoom through the River Forest Public Library
Join Officer Ben Ransom, who will share resources through the River Forest Police Department for those dealing with dementia. Minerva McLaren, Volunteer Coordinator at Triton College, will talk about the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and their volunteer programs during COVID. Ruth Reko will speak about other local volunteer opportunities. Held the first Monday of each month. Brought in partnership with River Forest Township. Register: riverforestlibrary.librarymarket.com/events/coffee-monday-zoom-6
Request Mail-in Ballot, Register and Early Voting for Presidential Election
Oak Park Village Hall is hosting early voting through Nov. 2 and has one of 50 boxes in Cook County for voters to drop off mail-in ballots, 123 Madison St. On Election Day, Nov. 3, voters must cast ballots at their designated polling place. Any registered voter in suburban Cook County may request a mail ballot online through Oct. 29. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3. Be ready with your driver’s license/state ID number or the last four digits of your Social Security number, as well as an email and your mailing address. If you have moved or need to register to vote, you can do so in-person at a “grace period” location through Nov. 2, or in-person on election day at your polling place. Two forms of ID, including one with current address, are needed. More/apply: cookcountyclerk.com/agency/elections
Restorative Justice Conference
Wednesdays and Fridays, through October 30, Zoom with the Oak Park Library
This year’s theme is The Medicine Wheel: Balancing Humanity. Each week, explore one of the four quadrants – mental, spiritual, emotional or physical. More/register: oppl.org/news-events/teens/all-october-participate-in-the-virtual-restorative-justice-conference/
Virtual Workforce Readiness Festival Seeks Youth Video Entries
Submission deadline Friday, Nov. 6; Festival Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Creative minds ages 15-19 and 20-24 interested in sharing their passions may submit three- to seven-minute video clips for use at the festival. There is a cash prize for each group. The festival includes workshops, entertainment, live performances and fun activities focused on art, music, entertainment, sports and culinary arts. Brought in partnership with Mi Casa Holiday, BUILD Chicago and YourPassion1st. Free. More: eventbrite.com/e/virtual-workforce-readiness-festival-tickets-123158499387
Genuinely Fake: A History of Fraudulent Art
Monday, Nov 2, 1:30 p.m., Zoom with the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association
Art historian Dr. Giovanni Aloi will look at cases of fakes, frauds, misattributions and thievery to understand the motives behind art crimes, including the unsolved heist at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston, and the forgeries of Eric Hebborn, who sold thousands of fake paintings and drawings made in the style of the Old Masters. Register: nineteenthcentury.org
Rags to Witches V
Friday, Oct. 30, 4 p.m., and Saturday Oct. 31, 5 p.m., Virtually with Ragdale artist community
First, enjoy a family friendly Kids Edition of this 5th annual event. On Halloween, teens and adults can take part in the Ghostathon featuring performers and artists. Free; donations welcome. Register/more: ragdale.org/event-details?eid=122746302495
Peace Vigil
Sunday, Nov. 1, 5 p.m., Lawn of First United Church
Join in prayer for a stop to gun violence as well as for the loss of so many lives during the pandemic. Prayers will also address violence in the streets of Kenosha and the hope that the upcoming national election will occur peacefully. The vigil concludes with candlelight and ringing of the church bells to memorialize those who perished due to violence and COVID-19. 848 Lake St., Oak Park.
Mind Boggle: Domestic Violence Awareness
Thursday, Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m., Zoom with the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association
Join Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Aileen Bhandari and learn about the Cycle of Domestic Violence, the difficulties of leaving abusive relationships and resources on how to break the cycle of domestic violence. Register/more: nineteenthcentury.org
Supported Halloween
Saturday, Oct. 31, 11 to 11:30 a.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library:
Children with disabilities ages 3 and up, along with a caregiver, are invited to join librarians for Halloween books, songs, dancing and more. Costumes encouraged. Siblings welcome. Register: oppl.org/calendar
Writers’ Word Feast: NaNoWriMo Kickoff and Come Write In
Saturday, Oct. 31, 11 to 11:59 p.m., and Sundays, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., through Nov. 29, Zoom with the Oak Park Library
National Novel Writing Month is a challenge to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. (Learn more: nanowrimo.org) Join the local writers’ group – all are welcome – for a late night kickoff to discuss plans and set up NaNoWriMo profiles for the upcoming month. At midnight, be prepared to write. Starting Sunday, Nov. 1, spend time on writing with prompts and sprints. Register: oppl.org/calendar.
