The Conservation of Paintings: Historical and Technical Discoveries
Wednesday, April 14, 5 p.m., Zoom with Concordia University Chicago
Join conservator and art historian Barry Bauman to hear about his 46 years of experience treating and analyzing damaged paintings and what he has uncovered from lost signatures to hidden dates and entire paintings hidden beneath other works. Register: cuchicago.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZGacg73AQ-OYYBroQQzCUg
Free Learn and Grow Lecture Series
Thursdays in April, 7 to 8 p.m., Virtually with The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory
Programs are for all gardening skill levels.
April 8 – Essential Garden Tools & Care with Master Gardener Don Nekrosius.
April 15 – Plant Dividing with Master Gardener Kayla Chase, who shares when, how and why to divide perennials.
April 22 – Edibles & Raised Beds with Master Gardener Suzette Gacek, who offers tips on growing herbs and edibles and previews varieties available at The Friends annual plant sale in May.
April 29 – Container Companions with Master Gardener Ellen Kuner.
Register: pdop.org
Take Home Toddler Exploration Time (TET): Trees
Register by April 9; Lesson on Friday, April 16, 9:30 to 10 a.m., Virtually with The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory (FOPCON)
Young learners can enjoy stories, lessons and crafts led by education docents. Participants pick up a craft bag with all the pieces needed to complete the craft prior to the lesson from the Oak Park Conservatory. On Friday, join virtually to participate in the TET lesson. Next up, May 14, Seeds. $8; free, FOPCON members. 615 Garfield St., Oak Park. Register: fopcon.org/conservatory-events/category/for-children/
Healthy Lawn, Healthy Family
Saturday, April 10, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Zoom with the River Forest Public Library
Keep your family, lawn and the environment healthy. Learn strategies to eliminate the use of pesticides and other chemicals in residential lawn-care routines. Presented by David Murphy from The Deep Roots Project, and Ryan Anderson and Vytas Pabedinskas from Midwest Grows Green. Brought in partnership with the River Forest Sustainability Commission. Register: riverforestlibrary.librarymarket.com/events/healthy-lawn-healthy-family-0
Our Village, Our Story: The History of Early Black Residents in Oak Park and Its Importance Today
Thursday, April 8, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library
Hear the rarely told history of Black residents who lived in Oak Park from as early as 1880. Stan West, author of Suburban Promised Land, will discuss the rich stories of these early Oak Parkers, the discrimination that made them leave and the connection to our community today. West will be joined by Christian Harris with Walk the Walk. A Q&A follows. Register: oppl.org/calendar
Thrive Talk: The Year that Wasn’t—Young Adults & the Pandemic
Thursday, April 8, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library
Hosted by Thrive Counseling, this talk focuses on young adults in their late 20s to early 40s. Milestones, such as dating, starting a family and taking on new career opportunities have often been put on hold during the pandemic, sometimes resulting in feelings of loss and depression. Learn how to honor grief without guilt, cope in real time and create meaning, even during this challenging time. Explore how to rebuild a sense of hope and look toward the future. Register: oppl.org/calendar
New: Chair Yoga
Tuesday, April 13, 3 to 3:30 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library
As part of the new Self-care Tuesdays at the Library, try out this yoga class for everybody. Chair yoga can improve flexibility, concentration, and strength, while boosting mood, and reducing stress and joint strain. Free. Offered every other Tuesday; next up, April 27. Register: oppl.org/calendar
COVID-19 Vaccine Sign-Up Help
Saturday, April 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Outside the Main Library Entrance
Join Students Advocating For Equity (SAFE), an Oak Park and River Forest High School club, if you are a community members struggling with finding a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Masks required. Appointments not guaranteed. Vaccine info can also be found here: vaccinefinder.org, oppl.org/news-events/announcements/covid-19-vaccine-information. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
FitzGerald’s Patio is Open, Truck Concert Anniversary
The outdoor patio is hopping with live music throughout the week. Bring the whole family on Sundays, 1 to 6 p.m. for Honky Tonk music, including Greasy Gravy (1 p.m.) and Big Sadie (4 p.m.) on April 11. Or check out the Wednesday evening Jazz series (7 p.m.), including local drummer/composer Quin Kirchner on April 14. Patio reservations/more: fitzgeraldsnightclub.com/shows/list. And, Jon Langford is back for the one year anniversary of FitzGerald’s Community Truck Concerts. He and the team will be making their way through south Oak Park. Request a visit here: fitzgeraldsnightclub.com/event2/10927755/fitzgeralds-community-truck-concert-jon-langford/
