Take Home Toddler Exploration Time (TET): Seeds
Register by May 14; Lesson on Friday, May 21, 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. $5-8; free, FOPCON members. Register: fopcon.org/conservatory-events/category/for-children
Ramadan & Islam Around the World
Through Wednesday, May 12, Idea Box, Main Library
Throughout the month of Ramadan, view a collection of Muslims artifacts from different parts of world, including traditional dresses from Iraq, India, Pakistan, Palestine as well as Islamic artwork, prayer rugs, and rosaries. Presented by Oak Parker Dima Ali. More: oppl.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=51363. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Handel Week 2021 Season
Through May 31, Virtually with Handel Week Festival
Enjoy three concerts recorded from previous seasons. View Sing and Play in Dulcet Tone: The Intimate Handel Music for Soprano, Mezzo, Two Violins & Basso Continuo; Music for Royal Fireworks and Water Music; and Sing and Play in Dulcet Tone: The Intimate Handel, Music for Mezzo, Harpsichord, Flute and Basso Continuo. $15, each concert; $40, three concerts.
To order/more: handelweek.com
Star Wars Skate Night
Friday, May 7, 7 to 8:15 p.m., Ridgeland Common Recreation Center Ice Rink
Dress up in Star Wars attire, skate to Star Wars music and test Jedi skills in this family-friendly activity on the ice. $0-$10. Register: pdop.org. 415 Lake St., Oak Park
Mother’s Day Gift-making Kits
Through May 9, Bead in Hand
Pick up a DIY kit to make at home. Choose from a wire bird’s nest, flowers in a pot pendant or bouquet of flowers pendant. $5-$10, includes materials and instruction. Some materials, such as chain/cord are extra. All ages; younger kids may need help. Store hours: beadinhand.com. 145 Harrison St., Oak Park.
“The Taming of the Shrew”
Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7, 6 p.m., Virtually with the OPRFHS Theatre Department
See an exploration of the various aspects of feminine expression and how it can be both liberating and restricting. In this version of the famous Shakespeare comedy, it is presented in the controversial setting of the 1950s. Pay what you can. Tickets/more: oprfhs.ticketleap.com/taming-of-the-shrew
Summer Yoga Series
Saturday, May 8, 2 to 3 p.m., River Forest Public Library Garden
Join a 3-part, monthly yoga series led by Rhonda Fentry from Rhonda’s Rhythms. Join one or more. Weather and COVID safety permitting, this program will be socially distanced and held outside. It may be switched to Zoom. May is a chair yoga class. Next up: Gentle Yoga on June 12 and all levels on July 10. Held in partnership with River Forest Township. 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest. Register: riverforestlibrary.librarymarket.com/events/summer-yoga-series-1
Shop and Share Benefitting Local Nonprofits
Support local businesses, get useful products and benefit a local nonprofit:
- Through May 8, shop self-care products at Ten Thousand Villages and 15 percent of the purchase goes to Sarah’s Inn. 121 N. Marion St., Oak Park
- Shop Westgate Flowers, mention NAMI, and a portion of the sale goes to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Metro Suburban, through May 9. Order: 708-386-0072. 841 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park
- At Kribi Coffee, through the end of May, purchase a bag of Together Strong coffee, a custom created blend, and $5 of each bag goes toward supporting Sarah’s Inn and its mission to improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence. 7324 Madison St., Forest Park
Defunding the Police: A Discussion with Elected Women of Color
Thursday, May 6, 7 to 8 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library
Join Oak Park trustee Arti Walker-Peddakolta and Evanston alderwoman Cicely L. Fleming in a discussion about the challenges and successes of defunding the police and about their work on behalf of their communities to rethink public safety. What defunding the police could look like in Oak Park and beyond, and what forms defunding the police can take will be discussed. Q&A follows. Register: oppl.org/calendar
Sound Opinions: The 10 Most Important Artists in Chicago Music History
Tuesday, May 11, 7 to 8 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library
Music critics Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot trace the city’s rich musical history and discuss the 10 artists they feel contributed the most enduring and influential sounds over the past half-century. Genres include Gospel, Blues, Rock, R&B and more. Register: oppl.org/calendar
