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(630) 789-7080

Wood burning beginners will learn to use a pyrography pen as well as the different ways of creating an image onto wood. No artistic ability needed. Pyrography pens may be purchased in advance or from the instructor for $15 to $18 (advance notice needed). Time: 6 to 8 p.m. Cost: $26.

Rooted in Beauty and Preserved for You

Through Dec. 6

Mayslake Peabody Estate

1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook

http://www.bamtheatre.com

(630) 206-9566

Photographers from In Focus and artists from the forest district share their personal expressions of life and experience. Hours: noon to 3 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

FAMILY FUN

‘Peter Pan Jr.’

Nov. 13-16

BAMtheatre

520 N. Cass Ave., Westmont

BAMtheatre’s Broadway Minis present this adventurous musical about the mischievous Peter who never grows up, as he takes Wendy Darling and her brothers, John and Michael, on a magical journey to Neverland. Times: see website above for full schedule. Tickets: $22-$26.

FOR A CAUSE

Books & Brunch

Nov. 11

The Abbington

Route 53 & Butterfield Road, Glen Ellyn

http://www.alcw.org

The Assistance League Chicagoland West will hold its annual fundraiser luncheon featuring conversations with authors Renee Rosen, Donna Seaman and Shelby Van Pelt. Guests can also enjoy a book stall, silent auction, raffles and a boutique. Proceeds help provide essential supplies for local students in need. Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets: $125.

Holiday Boutique Shopping Night

Nov. 13

St. Isaac Jogues Parish Center

306 W. Fourth St.

(630) 323-1248

More than 20 local vendors will sell holiday gifts, home goods, seasonal decor, clothing, beauty items and more, with complimentary food and wine. Proceeds benefit the SIJ Women’s Ministry Scholarship Fund. Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

GAME ON

Soccer Shots Premier

Sundays, Nov. 16-Dec. 21

The Community House

415 W. Eighth St.

(630) 323-7500

Kids ages 5-9 will focus on individual skills, fitness and sportsmanship, with an opportunity to be challenged through fun games and team interaction. Children will also be introduced to competition in a developmentally appropriate manner. Time: 5:20 to 6:05 p.m. Cost: $132. RR, MD

GREAT OUTDOORS

Hike Morton Arboretum’s Trails

Nov. 8

Morton Arboretum

4100 Route 53, Lisle

http://www.mortonarb.org

Explore the arboretum’s trails on a guided hike, enjoying fall colors while learning about the history, plants and animals of the arboretum. Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon. Cost: $24. RR, MD

Monk Parakeet Research in Chicago

Nov. 8

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center

12545 West 111th St., Lemont

(630) 257-2045

Biology professor Christopher Appelt of St. Xavier University, who has studied monk parakeets in Chicago for 20 years, will discuss his work, what he’s learned and what’s left to learn. Time: 1 p.m. RR

Sunrise Hike

Nov. 9

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs

(708) 839-6897

Enjoy a “before hours” hike to experience the dawning of a new day. Time: 5:45 a.m. RR

Salt Creek Restoration Hike

Nov. 15

Fullersburg Woods

3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook

(630) 933-7248

Take a 2-mile hike along Salt Creek to learn about river restoration and other habitat restoration projects happening in the preserve. The program is for ages 18 and up. Time: 10 to 11 a.m. Cost: $5. RR

Fire for the Forest

Nov. 15

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs

(708) 839-6897

Explore how prescribed burns benefit the environment during a 1-mile hike. Time: 10 to 11:30 a.m. RR

Thankful for the Dark Sky

Nov. 20

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs

(708) 839-6897

Stroll beneath the dark sky and offer gratitude to Mother Nature for this beautiful experience during a 2-mile hike. Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m. RR

GREEN THUMB

From Spore to Table

Nov. 9

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs

http://www.wellnesshouse.org

(708) 839-6897

Learn how to cultivate mushrooms at home. Refreshments will be provided. The program is for ages 16 & up. Time: 1:30 p.m.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Skin Health During Cancer Treatment

Nov. 11

Wellness House

131 N. County Line Road

(630) 323-5150

Lida Zheng, oncodermatologist at Northwestern Medicine, will discuss various skin-related side effects during cancer treatment, how to treat them and ways to reduce discomfort. Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m. RR

Heart Saver CPR/AED

Nov. 15

Hinsdale Fire Department

121 Symonds Drive

http://www.wellnesshouse.org

(630) 789-7090

Taught by the members of the Hinsdale Fire Department, this course teaches how to perform CPR, use an AED and provide first aid. It covers topics such as medical, injury and environmental emergencies. Participants will receive an American Heart Association certificate. Time: 8 a.m. to noon. Cost: $50. RR

Hot Topics in Blood Cancers

Nov. 15

Wellness House

131 N. County Line Road

(630) 323-5150

Join top oncologists, surgeons and health care professionals in the Chicagoland area to learn about the latest updates in the research, treatment and side effect management for blood cancers. A light breakfast will be followed by a morning session, concurrent breakout sessions, a luncheon and an afternoon session. See website for full schedule. Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. RR

Tai Chi Hike

Nov. 16

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs

http://www.wellnesshouse.org

(708) 839-6897

Certified instructors from “Elevate Tai Chi” teach how to make mindful movements on a guided walk along a trail. Time: 10 a.m. RR

Massage for Scar Tissue and Lymphedema

Nov. 18

Wellness House

131 N. County Line Road

(630) 323-5150

Learn ways massage therapy can impact these post-cancer situations, including techniques one can use on oneself. Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m.

HELP WANTED

Wine Donation Party

Nov. 13

The Community House

415 W. Eighth St.

http://www.thecommunityhouse.networkforgood.com/events/92990-wine-donation-party

(630) 323-7500

Bring a wine donation for the upcoming Holiday Ball and enjoy an enchanting evening featuring fine wine, music and delicious hors d’oeuvres. Time: 6 p.m.

JUST FOR KIDS

Wiffle Wars

Nov. 9

Robbins Park

Seventh and Vine streets

https://thecommunityhouse.networkforgood.com/events/91212-wiffle-wars-tournament

(630) 323-7500

This fun-filled tournament for ages 8-10, organized by The Community House‘s Junior Board, will feature friendly competition while supporting TCH youth programs. Bats will be provided, and players will receive a T-shirt. Time: noon to 4 p.m. Cost: $300 for team of four, $375 for team of five. RR

Hobby Club: Chess

Nov. 10

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Learn how to move each chess piece and some simple strategies. Feel free to bring a chess set or use one provided. Time: 4 to 5 p.m. RR

Comic Book Illustration

Tuesdays, Nov 11-Dec. 9

The Community House

415 W. Eighth St.

Kids ages 8 and up – parents are welcome, too – will learn about various comic art styles and methods of storytelling, including basic illustration techniques to create personal comics. Continuing students begin using tools like the professionals. Some supplies included; additional individual supply list provided by instructor. Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $140. RR, MD

Magic Classes

Nov. 11

Clarendon Hills Community Center

315 Chicago Avenue

(630) 789-7090

Kids ages 5-12 will learn some magic tricks and as well as how to work with an audience. Ages 5-8 will learn basic tricks in Magic Class, while ages 9-12 will learn more intricate tricks and how to truly perform in Intro to Magic-Advanced. Each participant will leave with a trick to perform for their friends and family. Time: 5 to 6 p.m. for Magic Class, 6:15 to 7:15 for Intro to Magic-Advanced. Cost: $25. RR

Manga Mania: My Neighbor Totoro

Nov. 14

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Join in a fun afternoon of manga and making whimsical dream catchers while exploring the magical world of Hayao Miyazaki’s “My Neighbor Totoro.” Time: 4 to 4:45 p.m.

Friendsgiving

Nov. 20

Clarendon Hills Community Center

315 Chicago Avenue

(630) 789-7090

Young chefs ages 5-12 will cook up fun and festive dishes – such as mini casseroles, hand pies and sweet treats – to share with friends in this hands-on class. Time: 4 to 5:15 p.m. Cost: $51. RR

LISTEN & LEARN

Gone Grazy with Janice Gerges

Nov. 10

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Join Hinsdale resident, author and boutique owner Janice Gerges to hear about how a passion for food and entertaining led her to write a cookbook and open a bespoke charcuterie shop. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR

A Journey into Coffee

Nov. 12

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Learn how coffee is farmed, processed and the intricate roasting process from Matt Sloan of Riverside’s Sloan Coffee Roasting. Leave with expert brewing tips and samples of locally roasted beans. Time: 7 to 8 p.m.

Decluttering your Computer

Nov. 13

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Learn to organize digital files using smart folder systems, consistent naming strategies and helpful tools for both Mac and Windows, as well as how to find and safely remove duplicate and oversized files to free up space. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR

Resumes vs. Robots

Nov. 17

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Learn how to get a resume past the Applicant Tracking System and into the hands of a hiring manager. The program is presented by People’s Resource Center. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR

NOTEWORTHY

Soweto Gospel Choir

Nov. 8

McAninch Arts Center

College of DuPage

425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn

(630) 942-4000

Get swept away by the electrifying energy and soul-stirring harmonies of this internationally renowned 20-member South African ensemble as they explore the theme of peace. Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $55-$69.

The Life & Music of George Michael

Nov. 9

McAninch Arts Center

College of DuPage

425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn

http://www.elmhurstsymphony.org

(630) 942-4000

Chronicling the journey of one of the biggest international stars of our time, this tribute show captures the performance and sound of George Michael while telling his story through early music hits from Wham! through his illustrious solo career. VIP packages available; visit the website above for information. Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $62-$72.

Classical Giants

Nov. 16

Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church

149 W. Brush Hill Road

(630) 941-0202

The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra will perform with soloist William Welter, principal oboist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, in a program featuring Beethoven’s “Egmont Overture, Op. 84, and Mozart’s Oboe Concerto in C and Symphony No. 39 in E-flat. A pre-concert talk will be held at 1:45 p.m. Time: 3 p.m. Tickets: $35-$45, $32-$42 for seniors, $12 for students.

ON STAGE

‘Peter and the Starcatcher’

Nov. 7-9

Theatre of Western Springs

4384 Hampton Ave.

http://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com

(708) 246-4043

The High School Repertory Company presents this whimsical and imaginative prequel to Peter Pan, revealing how a nameless orphan becomes the legendary Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up. Times: 7 p.m. Nov. 7, 2:30 & 7 p.m. Nov. 8, 2:30 p.m. Nov. 9. Tickets: $17, $13 for ages 18 and under.

‘Sister Act’

Nov. 12–Jan. 11

Drury Lane Theatre

100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace

http://www.drurylanetheatre.com

(630) 530-0111

Based on the hit 1992 film, this divine, feel-good musical comedy will inspire rejoicing with the whole family this holiday season. The show contains depictions of guns and violence and a simulated gunshot. Visit the website above for the full schedule and ticket pricing.

‘Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors’

Nov, 14-16 & 21-23

Lincoln Center

935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove

http://www.groveplayers.org

(630) 415-3682

Sink your teeth into this fast-paced, side-splitting spoof of the classic vampire tale. Times: 7:30 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $23, $20 for seniors & students, $15 opening night special.

‘Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley’

Thursdays to Sundays, Nov 20-Dec 21

McAninch Arts Center

College of DuPage

425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn

(630) 942-4000

In this final chapter of the “Christmas at Pemberley” trilogy, secrets are revealed as arranged engagements and meddlesome siblings come together for the holidays. But nothing will stop determined friends from forging their own way in a holiday tale filled with music, ambition and sisterhood. A pre-show discussion will be held from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. Nov 20 in MAC Room 117; a post-show discussion will be held Nov. 28. The Dec. 11 show will feature an ASL performance. Times: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $45, $43 for seniors

The Game’s Afoot

Thursdays to Sundays through Nov. 23

McAninch Arts Center

College of DuPage

425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn

(630) 942-4000

Broadway star William Gillette, celebrated for his role as Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of holiday cheer. Festivities take a deadly turn when a guest is murdered in this mystery that blends suspense and humor. The production contains mature themes and language. A pre-show discussion will be held from 5:45 to 6:15 p.m. Nov. 6; a post-show discussion will be held Nov. 14. Times: 7 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $18, $16 for students.

Walden Writing Workshop

Nov. 8, 15, 22 & 29

Mayslake Peabody Estate

1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook

http://www.westmontparks.org/wpa/event/openmicnight

(630) 206-9566

Explore poetry with a published poet and creative journal editor. Begin by sharing thoughts and analysis of an assigned poem. Then write an original piece to read to others in the class for feedback, if desired. A different poem will be discussed each week, so sign up for one or multiple sessions. Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Cost: $15 per session. RR

Open Mic Night

Nov. 8

Park Place

141 S. Linden Ave., Westmont

Westmont Performing Arts invites the members of the public to showcase their talent for singing, dancing, stand-up comedy, magic, improv, instrumental music or anything else. Sign up for a five- or 10-minute time slot. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Time: 7 to 9 p.m. RR

Spinning for Beginners

Nov. 9

Graue Mill and Museum

3800 York Road, Oak Brook

(630) 850-8110

Discover how the ancient craft of spinning wool helped clothe a nation, and then learn the basics by trying it on an old-fashioned spinning wheel. The program is for ages 12 and up; those under 18 must be with an adult. Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Cost: $5. RR

Got Coins? Collecting & Appraisals

Nov. 17

The Community House

415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale

(630) 323-7500

Join this month’s Golden Brunch Club to hear Brandon Malinowski, an avid coin collector and life member of the American Numismatic Association, and Bill Burke, former president of the Oak Forest Numismatic Society, discuss the four new quarters issued yearly honoring American women who excelled in various fields. Attendees are invited to bring their own collections for appraisal, and get advice on collecting, preserving and selling coin collections. Brunch worthy treats and refreshments will be provided. The registration deadline is Nov. 10. Time: 10 to 11 a.m. RR

SPECIAL EVENTS

Pumpkin Smash

Nov. 8

The Community House

415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale

Green your Halloween with the Rotary Club of Hinsdale. Bring pumpkins to this collection event to keep them out of landfills, reducing methane emissions. Pumpkins will become nutrient-rich compost for local gardens and trees. Time: 8 a.m. to noon.

STEPPING BACK

Fossil Quarry Tour

Nov. 9

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center

12545 W. 111th St., Lemont

http://www.hinsdalehistory.org

(630) 257-2045

An indoor presentation about fossils of the Chicago region is followed by a 1.5-mile walk to visit Sagawau’s fossil quarry. Time: 1 to 3 p.m. RR

A Maher Meetup

Nov. 15

Coffeen House

306 S. Garfield Ave

Join us this special edition in the Maher Meetup series by visiting the home of William & Helen Coffeen designed by celebrated architect, George Maher. Time: 2 p.m. Admission: $35.

Thanksgiving at the Museum

Nov. 16

Hinsdale History Museum

15 S. Clay St.

http://www.hinsdalehistory.org

Tour the museum and kick off the season of gratitude with pie and refreshments. The event is sponsored by the Society Junior Board. Time: 4 to 6 p.m. Cost: $10. RR

President Lincoln and Thanksgiving

Nov. 20

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Historical reenactor Kevin Wood portrays Lincoln to share the story of how the national observance of Thanksgiving came to be established during his presidency. Time: 7 to 8 p.m.

The Legacy of Bob Hope

Through Dec. 7

First Division Museum

Cantigny Park

1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton

http://www.cantigny.org

(630) 260-8185

Come see the exhibit So Ready for Laughter: The Legacy of Bob Hope on loan from the National WWII Museum, and learn about Hope’s unique contribution to the World War II effort through the humor he injected into American camps across the globe. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Tuesdays). Cost: Free, parking is $6 to $21, depending on day.

TALK IT OUT

Leaf Turners Book Club

Nov. 19

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Explore the wonders of nature with the library’s quarterly book discussion led by Master Naturalist Stephanie Rens-Domiano. The fall selection is “The Backyard Bird Chronicles” by Amy Tan. Copies are available for checkout on the Book Club Holds Shelf. Time: 7 to 8 p.m. RR

TEENS & TWEENS

n Teen Service Hour: Letters of Love

Nov. 12

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

(630) 986-1976

Make greeting cards for Letters of Love, a nonprofit organization that distributes handmade cards to children and families in children’s hospitals throughout the nation, and earn one volunteer service hour. Time: 4 to 5 p.m. RR

Pipe Cleaner Flowers

Nov. 17

Hinsdale Public Library

20 E. Maple St.

http://www.villageofhinsdale.org

(630) 986-1976

Learn to make favorite flowers like lilies, daisies and lavender out of pipe cleaners, floral wire and hot glue. Time: 4 to 4:30 p.m.

WEE ONES

Bluey Bash Dance and Play Party

Nov. 14

Westmont Community Center

75 E. Richmond St.

(630) 789-7090

Kids ages 3-6 can wear their favorite Bluey gear and get ready to dance and play. A snack and craft are included. Time: 4 to 6 p.m. Cost: $40. RR

Soccer Shots Mini & Classic

Sundays, Nov 16- Dec. 21

The Community House

415 W. Eighth St.