Calendar

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Updated: April 10, 2012 11:53AM

The Doings welcomes items for the Community Calendar. Items must be received a minimum of 10 days prior to publication. Email items to doingsnews@pioneerlocal.com.

Enjoy the
Outdoors

Tapping Into Fun — Hike to the sugarbush to tap a sugar maple tree, and learn how syrup is made. Two sessions: 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook. The program is for individuals ages 6 and up; under 14 must be with an adult. Cost is $3 per person. To register, call (630) 850-8110.

Romantic Night Hike — A lantern-lit self-guided walk through the woods with a sweetheart, then warm up with hot cocoa around a cozy fire from 7-9 p.m. Feb. 11 at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, 3609 Spring Road, in Oak Brook. Adults only; cost is $10 per couple. To register, call (630) 850-8110.

Libraries

The Oak Brook Public Library, 600 Oak Brook Road, (630) 368-7700, www.oak-brook.lib.il.us, offers the following programs. Most programs require registration:

Art historian Jeff Mishur will discuss the art and life of American artist Mark Rothko at 7 p.m.. Feb. 22

A Shen Yun Show (vocal and dance reflecting Chinese culture) will be given at 2 p.m. Feb. 12.

Computer classes – Intro to MS Word at noon Feb. 10; Computer Tips and Tools at noon Feb. 13; Intro to MS Excel, noon Feb. 24; Computer Help, Feb. 27 (register to obtain a time between 10 a.m.-3 p.m.) – Learn to create and save a workbook, use everyday commands, insert and delete columns and rows and enter text and numbers.

A book discussion of Cast of Shadows by Kevin Guilfoile will be at 2 p.m. Feb. 15.

Join Bill DeJesus as he demonstrates Korean traditional martial arts at 2 p.m. Feb. 11.

Baby Tales for children ages 6-23 months is at 10 a.m. Tuesdays through Feb. 21. Parents and children interact through stories, dance, songs and books.

Toddling Twos runs at 10 a.m. Mondays through Feb. 20 – Includes books, flannel boards, music and craft.

Terrific 3s and 4s is at 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 22. The story time includes a craft, dancing and books.

Kindergartners through second-graders can enjoy a story or two and embellish it with a creative craft at 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Feb. 21.

Saturday Storytime for kindergartners through second-graders at 11 a.m. Saturdays through Feb. 25, is for individuals who cannot make the weekday program. The sessions will feature a simple story and themed craft.

The activity room is open from 6-8:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays for teens in sixth grade and older to complete homework and socialize with peers. An assortment of games are available when a break is needed from studying. A librarian is available to assist with reference questions.

The Oak Brook Public Library Winter Reading Clubs are open through March 3.

The Oak Brook Public Library offers the addition of eBooks for the Kindle to downloadable options. It subscribes to eMediaLibray by Over Drive to supply eBooks and audiobooks for mobile devices. Downloadable books also can be read or heard on laptops and computers.

Parks

Oak Brook Park District, 1450 Forest Gate Road; (630) 990-4233; www.obparks.org:

The Family Aquatic Center and the Fitness Center present the annual Oak Brook Indoor Sprint Triathlon for all ages and skill levels March 4. The indoor event features a 10-minute swim, 15-minute stationary spin bike and 15-minute treadmill run with scheduled time between each event. Each participant will be assigned a heat based on their gender and age, and confirmations will be sent out the week before the event. Heats start every 20 minutes beginning at 7 a.m. with six participants per heat and a total of eight heats. Age groups are 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 and older. The Oak Brook Indoor Sprint Triathlon is part of the Midwest Indoor Sprint Triathlon Series. All registrants will receive a T-shirt and race packet. Early Bird registration, ending Feb. 17, is $25 for residents and for nonresidents, Afterward the fee is $30 for residents and $40 for nonresidents.

The Oak Brook Park District Family Aquatic Center presents the Dive-in-Movie program from 7-9 p.m. Feb. 10, featuring “The Sword in the Stone.” Float in the pool on your own inflatable raft or noodle while watching a movie on the poolside big screen. Entry for members is free, $3 for residents and $5 for nonresidents, preregistered. The cost is $1 more at the door. Contact Kathy Chartrand at (630) 645-9590.

Attend the Friday Night Cosmic Swim from 6-9:30 p.m. Fridays at the Family Aquatic Center, 1450 Forest Gate Road. The water in the leisure pool changes color. Regular admission fees apply; www.obparks.org.

Parents and children ages 7 and younger are invited to drop-in and enjoy splashing around the Oak Brook Park District Family Aquatic Center’s indoor beach-like recreational pool with special water play features from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Resident fee is $6, nonresident fee is $8 (members are free).

Boost your mood and fitness level at the Oak Brook Park District Indoor Family Aquatic Center, 1450 Forest Gate Road in Oak Brook. The following aquatic exercise classes are free to members or $10 for adult residents and $12 for nonresidents per session (there is a $4 discount for seniors 55+). No registration is necessary:

Aqua Cardiotone from 9-10 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Aqua Cardiotone is great exercise for people with beginning or advanced athletic skills. Learn water exercises for strength and conditioning of all the major muscle groups. Aerobic interval drills will improve athletic ability. Ages 18 and older.

Aqua Max Mature from 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Enjoy the five major benefits of water workouts: improve flexibility, increase muscle tone, increase cardiovascular endurance, enhance overall fitness and have fun. Adults ages 55+ will use low impact moves focusing on balance, posture and mobility.

Arthritis Water Therapy from 10-11 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday. This water therapy class is designed to safely keep joints moving and improve sense of well-being, led by a trained and certified instructor. Ages 18 and older.

Pilates Plus Aqua from 8-9 a.m. Fridays. This innovative class combines the cardio benefits of an aerobics class with beginner level Pilates to strengthen, lengthen and align posture. It will also improve balance and flexibility and tighten core. Ages 18 and older.

Oakbrook Terrace Park District Fitness Center, 1 Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, (630) 574-0420; visit www.obtpd.org/fc.

Children can participate in a one-day magic class, as they learn a collection of tricks that involve coins, ropes, cards and mind-reading. The class is held in partnership with the Oakbrook Terrace, Wheaton and Butterfield park districts. The Magic Mania class will be taught by magician Gary Kantor and will be held from 4-4:55 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Wheaton Park District, 102 Wesley St.. Classes are for children ranging in age from 5–12. All materials will be provided, and each child will receive a magic kit to take home. Children will be grouped by age and will learn tricks that are age-appropriate. The cost is $18 for residents and $20 for nonresidents. Register by Feb. 15.

The Oakbrook Terrace Park District will offer a Scrap and Chat class from 6-11 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Heritage Center. The Park District will provide a room, snacks and tables. The fee is $5 for residents and $10 for nonresidents.

The Lake View Nature Center, 17W063 Hodges Road, Oakbrook Terrace, offers classes for nature lovers. Call (630) 941-8747 or visit www.obtpd.org/lvnc to register.

The Lake View Nature Center is looking for boys and girls ages 6-9 years old to take part in its Nature Navigators: Opossum Prowl class from 1-4 p.m. Feb. 18. Children will learn all about the opossum and all the behaviors and adaptations of North America’s only marsupial through hands-on activities and stories. Participants will share a snack, take a nature hike and explore the Nature Center’s winter exhibit on nocturnal animals. Dress for the outdoors. Participants must have completed kindergarten to attend. The cost is $22 for residents and $27 for nonresidents.

Children can investigate the world of nature when they join the Lake View Nature Center Safari Club. Kids will learn about the plants and animals all around them through activities, crafts and stories. The Safari Club is open to children ages 4-10. Safari Club classes will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. Feb. 24. The cost is $18 for residents and $23 for nonresidents. Children are asked to dress in snow pants, boots, hats, and gloves for a night hike. A snack is provided.

The Lake View Nature Center will conduct a winter exhibit, “Step into the Night,” running to April 1. The exhibit will feature native nocturnal animals and their adaptations for survival at night. The exhibit will be open during regular Lake View Nature Center operating hours which are: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays; and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The Lake View Nature Center is closed the first Monday of each month and all major holidays. All ages are welcome and admission is free; donations are always appreciated.

Join NEDSRA and the Oakbrook Terrace Park District for a day of outdoor winter fun from 1-4 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Family Winter Play Day event. There will be games, activity stations, winter sport demonstrations (including snow shoes), a nature hike and sledding. Guests can enjoy a snack while warming up by the fire. Family Winter Play Day will be held at Terrace View Park and the Lake View Nature Center. The event is free to the public; donations are always appreciated.

The Lake View Nature Center will hold a Young Explorers class for children ages 3-6. The class will teach children how to use their senses to learn about local plants and animals. Children are asked to come prepared to spend time outside hiking and exploring; wear boots and snow pants; and bring extra shoes and socks for indoor exploration. Children must be toilet-trained. Classes will be held from 9-11 a.m. or 12:30-2:30 p.m. Feb. 13 and 27. Cost is $26 for residents and $31 for nonresidents. Register at least one week prior to class start date.

York Center Park District,1609 S. Luther Ave., Lombard; (630) 629-0886; www.yorkcenterparks.org/:

Mardi Gras Daddy/Daughter Dance on Feb. 10: Celebrate Mardi Gras New Orleans-style. Dads, let your little girl dance the night away, get pampered in the nail salon or make a magical Mardi Gras mask all her own. Light appetizers will be served at the beginning of the evening, ending with an ice cream sundae bar. A picture is included in the registration fee. One male chaperone per three girls. All ages welcome; the event is from 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Cost is $25/couple, $5 each additional girl for residents and $30/couple; $5 each additional girl for nonresidents.

Teen Action Network on Feb. 9: York Center Park District Teen Action Volunteers have the opportunity to meet service requirements. York Center is able to offer volunteer opportunities to teens in eighth to 12th grades. Help out with preschool programs, special events, and even all-day camps. After completing a training session, teens will be able to volunteer for any or all the programs. Training will be from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and is free. Additional training dates are: March 9, April 10 and May 9.

Adult Afternoon Classic Movies, Thursdays, Feb. 9, March 8, April 12 and May 10: Enjoy popcorn and soda while watching films. The program is for age 18 and older. Movies will be: Feb. 9 - “Summer Stock”; March 8 - “The King and I”; April 12 - “My Fair Lady”; and May 10 - “Ziegfeld Follies” Films are shown from 12:30-2:30 p.m.; Cost is $2 per day. Register one week in advance.

Ski/Snowboarding Trip, Feb. 10-11: Join the York Center Park District at the Illinois Park and Recreation Association’s annual All Night Ski Trip to Chestnut Mountain in Galena. Everyone is guaranteed six hours of ski/snowboard time, and free lessons are available to everyone. Snowboards with retaining straps are allowed. There is supervisory staff on the slopes and in the lodge. Food and soft drinks will be available for purchase all night. Drinks and snacks will be provided on the bus only. Drop-off is 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10 in the early evening and pick-up is Feb. 11 in the morning. Details will be sent out prior to the trip for ages 11 years and older, Cost is $70 for lift only or $80 for lift and rental.

Youth Valentine’s Day Crafts, Feb. 13: Kids will go home with their own homemade heart door hanger and Valentine’s Day card, make their own heart shaped crayons and take home plenty of valentines to hand out at school the next day. The program is for ages 6-10 and will be from 3:45-5 p.m. The fee is $6 for residents and $8 for nonresident.

Preschool Valentine’s Day With Clifford, Feb. 14: Watch a Valentine’s Day movie, make a craft and eat hot dogs for lunch. The program is for ages 3-5 and meets from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $8 per resident and $10 per nonresident.

Youth Valentine’s Day Treats, Feb. 14: Make red velvet whoopie pie sandwich cakes and decorate candy heart sugar cookies with different colored icing. Dress to make a mess. Each participant will go home with enough to share with family. The program is for youth ages 6-10 years and meets from 3:30-4:45 p.m. Cost is $12 for residents and $15 for nonresidents.

Chicago Auto Show Outing, Feb. 16: Transportation will be provided to McCormick Place in Chicago. All ages are welcome (12 and under must be accompanied by an adult). The trip is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fee is for transportation only and is $8 for residents and $10 for nonresidents. Register by Feb. 13.

Youth Movie & Pizza (“Mr. Popper’s Penguins”), Feb. 17: Parents can drop off their kids at the York Center Park District for Movie & Pizza Night and take themselves out on the town. The kids will watch the film while they enjoy pizza right out of the oven along with juice. The program is for youth ages 5-10 and is from 6-8 p.m. Cost is $5.

Teen Restaurant Trip To Bahama Breeze, Feb. 17: Teens will be transported to the Bahama Breeze Restaurant in Schaumburg. The trip is for ages 11 years and older. Future trips – March 23: Cheeseburger in Paradise, Downers Grove; April 20: Buca Di Beppo, Lombard; and May 18: Lalo’s, Schaumburg. Time is 5-7 p.m. Fee for transportation only is $3 per trip.

Teen Chicago Wolves Hockey Game Outing, Feb. 18: Teens can get their friends together and cheer on the Chicago Wolves hockey team as they play Charlotte at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. Enjoy the fireworks and T-shirt tosses. Fee includes transportation to and from the game from the York Center Park District and ticket. The trip is for ages 11-15 and goes from 5:30-11 p.m. Cost is $15 for residents per game and $20 for nonresidents. (Future game: March 24, Wolves vs. Hamilton).

After School Recreation, weekdays until June 4: Child can be picked up at participating schools (York Center, Stevenson and Westmore) and transported to the York Center Park District. Each week’s activities are planned around a theme. The information packet can be picked up at the YCPD front desk. This program follows the School District 45 schedule. Ages: afternoon kindergarten-fifth grade; from school dismissal to 6 p.m. Register one week in advance. Space is limited.

All Day Camp – The York Center Park District offers care on days when school is closed for holidays and regular closings. This program follows similar guidelines as the YCPD After School Program, but is offered from 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. on days when children do not have school (excluding weekends). Enjoy fun activities, crafts, snacks and much more. Campers must provide their own lunch; parents are asked to use disposable lunch bags labeled with the child’s name. The District 45 calendar is followed: Feb. 20, March 2; Ages: 5 to 12 years; 9 a.m.-3 p.m./ 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (Extended Care); Fee: $25 per day/$35 per day (Extended Care); Register one week in advance.

Men’s Open Gym Basketball – Tuesdays through Feb. 28: Guys can sharpen up those skills. Bring a friend or make some new ones. Gym shoes are required and all participants must sign a waiver release form before playing. Ages: 18 years and older; 8-10 p.m. Fee: $5 per night.

Youth Open Gym Basketball: Thursdays through April 19: Kids can shoot around, play knock-out, or a pick-up game with friends. Note: Parents or guardians must sign a waiver release and emergency information form in order for child to play. If the minimum is not met by 5:15 p.m., the program will be cancelled for that night. Note: There will be no Open Gym Basketball Feb. 9, March 1 and 29 due to special events held in the gym. Ages: 7-12 years; 5-6 p.m.; $2/day.

Teen Open Basketball – Thursdays through April 19: Teens can play a variety of basketball games or just shoot some hoops. Teams will be created every week. If the minimum is not met by 6:15 p.m., the program will be canceled for that night. Note: Parents must sign a waiver release and emergency information form in order for their child to participate in the program. Ages: 11-15 years; (No basketball Feb. 9, March 1 and 29); 6-7 p.m.; $2 each night.

Fun Filled Fridays – One Friday per month through May: Preschoolers are invited for themed parties. They will make a craft, eat lunch and play games that go along with the theme. Children can bring an appropriate toy with their name on it to each class. Ages: 3-5 years; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 17 – Jake & the Neverland Pirates; Mar. 23 – The Backyardigans; April 20 – The Chipmucks; May 11 – Baseball. Fee: $8/resident; $10/nonresident.

Teen Movie & Pizza Party – Selected Fridays, up to May 18: Catch some of this year’s best flicks one Thursday a month at the York Center Park District. Pizza and soda will be served while kids watch movies rated PG or PG-13. Parents must sign a waiver registration form in order for teen to participate. Feb. 24 - “You Again”; March 23 - “Beastly”; April 20 - “Tron: Legacy”; May 18 - “Waiting For Forever.” Ages: 11-15 years; 7-9 p.m.; $5/per night.

Community

WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake — Enjoy an evening of jazz featuring Claudia Hommel and Bobby Schiff from 7:30-9 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook. Adults only; $25 premium seating; $20 general admission; and $18 for seniors over 65 and students and groups of six or more. For tickets, call (630) 206-9566.

Church Group Meetings

The community is invited to join a new group forming at Christ Church of Oak Brook for those single and over 55 years of age. 55+ Singles is for those looking for ways to grow in spirit and wanting to make a difference. Group meets 7 p.m. every Thursday at Christ Church, 501 Oak Brook Road, Oak Brook. Higher Ground, the singles ministry for those 35 to 59, meets 7 p.m. Wednesdays. All singles invited to attend Sunday Singles class, where singles meet to dig deeper into the truths of the Bible. Sunday Singles meets 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See http://my.cc-ob.org/singles. Call Joyce McAndrew (630) 321-6761.