Oak Brook venue missing out on top act - me!

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Updated: April 10, 2012 11:53AM

Here’s Judy’s pick of coming community activities in the Oak Brook/Oakbrook Terrace area, spiced with a little commentary.

And a scat-a-tat-tat, too: Adults are invited to 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. To purchase tickets, call (630) 206-9566.

I wanted to perform at this concert because, in my estimation (unfortunately, no one else’s), I rival the late, great Ella Fitzgerald as a jazz singer. However, after auditioning for the Mayslake people, I was politely told, “Thanks, but no thanks,” followed by - upon my 13th rendition of “Lullaby of Birdland” - “Go or we’ll call the police.” Well, shoo-be-doo-be-doo-wop, you Mayslake meanies.

En garde!: Join Bill DeJesus as he demonstrates traditional martial arts at 2 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Oak Brook Public Library, 600 Oak Brook Road. Admission is free. To register, call (630) 368-7700 or visit www.oak-brook.lib.il.us.

I’m certainly interested in marital arts, which I assume means the art of having a successful marriage (please, get your mind out of the gutter), and I’m always looking for new tips. In particular, I’m intrigued by Kendo, the Japanese marital art of sword-fighting … What? It’s martial arts, not marital arts – it has nothing to do with marriage? Oh. Too bad, because a bit of swordplay when my hero and I argue might be useful - I’ve about exhausted the two-week pout.

Can’t wait for the cocoa: Go for a Romantic Night Hike from 7-9 p.m. Feb. 11 at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook. Enjoy a lantern-lit, self-guided walk through the woods with a sweetheart, then warm up with hot cocoa around a cozy fire. Adults only; $10 per couple. To register, call (630) 850-8110.

When I suggested to my hero that we go on this Romantic Night Hike through the woods, he said, “And listen to you blubbering, ‘It’s too cold, and do bugs come out in winter? I don’t wanna see any bugs, and if I see a fox, I’m gonna faint, and what if that big shadow is a lost crocodile’ – no thanks.” I realized he was right; but we’re still going - I’ll be the one blindfolded.

City kids - a tad tougher: A Young Explorers class, designed for children ages 3- 6, will be held from 9-11 a.m. or 12:30-2:30 p.m.,Feb. 13 and Feb. 27 at the Lake View Nature Center, 17W063 Hodges Road, Oakbrook Terrace. The class will teach children how to use their senses to learn about local plants and animals. Children, who must be toilet-trained, must come prepared to spend time outside hiking and exploring - with boots and snow pants, and extra shoes and socks for indoor exploration. Register at least one week prior to class start date. For costs and to register, call (630) 941-8747 or visit www.obtpd.org/lvnc.

Kids today have so many opportunities. For example, this class will teach children “ … to use their senses to learn about local plants and animals.” In the Chicago neighborhood I grew up in, the only sense kids had was to stay outside – learning about plants or animals or who cared – otherwise we’d get blamed for everything – “Why’s your brother crying, I’m gonna give you such a smack.” Ah, memories.

I want popcorn and Raisinets, too: The Oak Brook Park District Family Aquatic Center, 1450 Forest Gate Road, presents a Dive-in-Movie program from 7-9 p.m. Feb. 10, featuring “The Sword in the Stone.” Bring an inflatable raft or noodle and float in the pool while watching a movie on the poolside big screen. For costs and to register, call Kathy Chartrand at (630) 645-9590.

Dear Oak Brook Park District: I do want to attend your Dive-In-Movie event, but am requesting that 10 lifeguards (cute ones) surround my inflatable raft throughout the film to ensure I do not tip over or even get splashed - as I hate the water and am adamant about not getting my hair wet. This, of course, also requires the lifeguards (I mean, really cute ones) to carry me above their heads to and from the float. Awaiting your reply, I am Judy “I Pay My Taxes and Expect a Lot” Brinkworth.