Native Predatory Wasps: Their Role as Pollinators and Beneficial Insects
Sunday, July 18, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Zoom with West Cook Wild Ones
Wasps need diverse, flower-rich landscapes to hunt for their prey, insects and spiders. Learn the natural history and biology of native wasps including their nesting habitat, prey specificity and the ecosystems services they provide—pest insect population control and pollination. Presented by bee and wasp expert Heather Holm. Free. Register: westcook.wildones.org/2021-year-of-the-butterfly
Get the Dirt – Your Garden Questions Answered
Tuesday, July 20, 7 to 8 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Conservatory
Join a live Q & A to get gardening advice and tips from Conservatory plant experts. Also, learn what to be doing in the garden now. Submit questions in advance or bring them to the live panel. Free. Register: pdop.org
Sizzling Summer Dance on the Patio – Swing
Friday, June 18, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Cheney Mansion
Step out for hot nights of dance all summer for both instruction and open dancing on the patio. Individually boxed appetizers available; registration includes two drink tickets. Non-alcoholic beverages available. 21+. $30, Oak Park residents; $39, non-residents. Up next – Aug. 12, Line Dancing. 220 N. Euclid Ave., Oak Park.
Writers’ Word Feast
Sunday, July 18, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Zoom through the Oak Park Library
Bring your words and words yet to be written to this writers’ group for all types and genres. Each writer has a chance to read a story, poem or novel chapter and receive feedback from the group. Every first and third Sunday. Up next: Aug. 1. Register: oppl.org/calendar
Side Yard Sounds
Friday, July 16, 7 to 9 p.m., Compound Yellow
See BCMC | Cooper Crain and Bill McKay. Crain’s organ and synths and MacKay’s guitar mix as they draw their songs from elegiac themes and spontaneous statements to create provocative epilogues, warm avant-garde noir and fiery over-driven jams. Next up – Friday, July 23, Edith Yokley. $15. Tickets/more (or pay with cash or card at the door): facebook.com/compoundyellow, compoundyellow.com/events. 244 Lake St., Oak Park.
Midwest Pro-Future Community Conversations
Sunday, July 18, 3 p.m., In person and on Zoom with Compound Yellow (CY)
CY’s eco resident Tony Foley hosts a research and discussion group on Midwestern ecology, history and identity within the context of climate collapse. This generative brainstorming event is meant to explore, collaborate and openly share ideas, concerns and perspectives to help navigate the near future under climate change with awareness and gratitude. Questions/RSVP: midwestprofuture@gmail.com. More: compoundyellow.com/events. 244 Lake St., Oak Park.
Developmental Screenings for Young Children
Friday, July 16, 9 to 11 a.m. or Wednesday, July 21, 3 to 5 p.m., Oak-Leyden Developmental Services
A developmental screening takes a closer look at how a child is developing. If you have children under age 5, sign up for a 15-minute screening with an Oak-Leyden therapist to see if your child is meeting their developmental milestones. Screenings are usually a combination of play-based activities and parent questions. If further action is needed, Oak-Leyden will help with referrals or other community resources. Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0MR6MHeX32CqK2gpCfaAcik6ddRtz0gj4mrJMC25-9FvXBw/viewform. 411 Chicago Ave., Oak Park.
Memory Cafe
Tuesday, July 20, 2 to 4 p.m., Zoom through the Oak Park Library
Join for conversation and enjoyable activities at this welcoming virtual event for individuals living with memory changes along with their care partners. Held along with Oak Park Township Senior Services and River Forest Public Library. Register: oppl.org/calendar
Teen Environmental Club
Sunday, July 18, 1 to 3 p.m., Main Library Entrance
Join the Teen Environmental Club for a monthly Adopt-a-Block cleanup. Meet at 1 p.m. and walk as a group to a nearby designated block. Litter clean-up supplies provided. Led by the Leading Edge Teen Advisory Board (LETAB) where teens gain leadership skills and work together to build community. Register: oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
TechGirlz Workshop: Internet Safety – How to Stay Safe Online
Saturday, July 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library
Students in grades 5 through 8 will complete some simple online exercises to learn how to keep themselves and their families safe. Laptop, Mac, PC or Chromebook with internet access required. Register: oppl.org/calendar
Concerts in the Park – Sushi Roll
Sunday, July 18, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Scoville Park
Enjoy family-friendly music and entertainment courtesy of the Park District of Oak Park. Grab a blanket, pack a picnic and listen to a variety of music each Sunday through Aug. 29. This week, Sushi Roll performs pop, driving rock and theatrics. Up next:
July 25 – Billy Elton Band, playing Billy Joel and Elton John covers
Aug. 1 – The Flat Cats, featuring swing and jazz
Free. Drop in event. Lake and Oak Park Ave. More: pdop.org/events/summer-concerts
