Cookie Walk

Saturday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m., United Lutheran Church:

The 26th annual Cookie Walk allows cookie lovers to fill a box for $13 and buy tickets for a raffle or purchase fair trade items. Proceeds go to selected charities. The church is located at 409 Greenfield St. (at Ridgeland) in Oak Park.

Reigning Pianos

Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2:30 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club:

The final concert in the "Reigning Pianos" series features Conley Johnson with special guest stars, 8-year-old Freya Pang and 7-year-old Emmie Guo, both of whom recently won youth competitions. Tickets are $20, students free with a school ID. Visit www.nineteenthcentury.org. Proceeds from this concert series are funding the restoration of the club's two Steinway pianos. Doors open at 2 p.m. 178 Forest Ave. Call 708-386-2729 for more.

Christmas songfest

Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m., First United Church of Oak Park:

Sing We Joyous celebrates Music at First's 10th anniversary with over 70 performers, including three choruses, a band, dance, and sing-alongs. 848 Lake St. Visit http://www.firstunitedoakpark.com/ministries/music/ for tickets. Discounted tickets available at Magic Tree Bookstore, 141 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.

Multicultural song and dance

Sunday, Dec. 11 from 2 to 3 p.m., Oak Park Public Library:

The Lajkonik Song and Dance Ensemble celebrates Poland, one of many cultures represented in the library's new Multicultural Collection. The ensemble will perform national and regional Polish dances while showcasing Polish costumes and winter holiday traditions. Learn more about the ensemble at http://www.lajkonikchicago.us/. 834 Lake St.

Speed4Sarah Concert

Friday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m., FitzGerald's Nightclub:

A concert and silent auction to support ALS TDI and the Young Faces of ALS (www.yfals.com), including Sarah Coglianese, a young mother, Oak Park native and OPRF High School grad who contracted ALS in her 30s. Live music will be provided by Nasty Snacks, Sam Lewis, Wes Cichosz, and Eric Lambert. $20 in advance, $25 day of the concert. Speed4Sarah's goal is to raise awareness of ALS through the stories and faces of those who are living with the disease. http://www.speed4sarah.com/ speed4sarah.donations@gmail.com. FitzGerald's, 6615 W Roosevelt Rd. Berwyn.

Screening 'Loving'

Thursday, Dec. 8 at 7:10 p.m., Lake Theatre:

The village of Oak Park's Community Relations Commission will host a private screening of the motion picture Loving, a historical drama about the 1967 U.S. Supreme Court decision that invalidated state laws
prohibiting interracial marriage. A reception prior to the screening is set for 5:30 p.m. at the Austin Gardens Educational Center, 167 Forest Ave. The screening will begin at 7:10 p.m. at The Lake, 1022 Lake St. Tickets are $8.50 at the box office and seating is limited. Call village hall to register.

The film will also run at its regular times through at least Dec. 15. Visit www.classic
cinemas.com for more.

Holiday Gift and Art Fair

Saturday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., McDonough Hall, St. Giles Parish:

Purchase handmade art and other gifts from 16 local artists plus two Fair Trade organizations, Harambee and the North Central College Alternative Trade Project. The artists also donate a percentage of their proceeds to these two organizations. The rest of the proceeds benefit the St. Giles Family Mass Community. Free admission. 1101 Columbian, 2nd floor, corner of Greenfield.

English Country Dance

Monday, Dec. 12 from 7 to 10 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club:

The Regency Ball celebrates Miss Jane Austen with live music provided by Tim Macdonald on fiddle and Jeremy Ward on violone, assisted by special guests Brandi Berry, violin, and Brandon Acker, lute. $15 adults, $10 students to view this special dance. Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. Call 708-386-2729 or visit www.nineteenthcentury.org for more.

Floral arrangements

Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m., Cheney Mansion:

Joseph Wells from the floral department of Fresh Markets will demonstrate how to decorate your home using flowers, etc. picked up while grocery shopping. Social hour at noon followed by the program at 1 p.m. The program is sponsored by the Oak Park-River Forest Garden Club. 220 N. Euclid in Oak Park. For more visit http://gcoprf.org.

A Play and a Pint

Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., backroom of Connolly's Irish Pub:

Festival Theatre's ongoing play reading series continues with "Jacob Marley's Christmas," read aloud by author Tom Mula. $10 cover includes a complimentary drink ticket. Doors open at 5 p.m. for early-bird seating and dining. 1109 South Blvd. For more information, call 708-445-4440.

The internet revolution 

Monday, Dec. 12 at 1:15 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club:

Joseph Harmon speaks on his book, The Internet Revolution in the Sciences and Humanities. Previously seen at Remy Bumppo in Galileo, Harmon, a science writer, editor and manager at Argonne National Laboratory, reveals how the internet is transforming the way scientists and humanities scholars are generating and evaluating new knowledge. $10 suggested donation. Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, 178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park. Call 708-386-2729 or visit www.nineteenthcentury.org

Calendar Events

As you've likely noticed, our Calendar has changed to Big Week. Fewer items, higher profile. If you would like your event to be featured here, please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published. We can't publish everything, but we'll do our best to feature the week's highlights.
Email calendar@wjinc.com.