Holiday Magic returns
A beloved holiday tradition returns this weekend through the month of December when Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road in Brookfield, flips the switch on Holiday Magic, the festival of lights that takes place on Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Dec. 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22 as well as Thursday through Tuesday, Dec. 26-31.
The zoo is open each day of the event from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Come early and stay later for the festivities, which begin at 4 p.m.
Each night will feature music and live entertainment, ice carving demonstrations, magic shows and more, including an opportunity to takes a few turns around the new ice rink.
Guests should park in the north lot. Regular admission and parking fees apply. Ice rink is extra. For more, visit CZS.org/Magic or call 708-688-8000.
Magical moment
North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., kicks off the holiday season with a magic performance by the Amazing Tim Adamz followed by a visit from Santa on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Adamz has performed on TV shows like “The Bozo Show” and at venues such as the United Center with an act the blends comedy and magic. Following the show be sure to visit with Santa – bring your camera.
Join Komarek’s focus group
Komarek School District 94 in North Riverside invites district residents to participate in a one of a series of focus groups they’ll be holding in the coming weeks as they work to plan major improvements to the campus, which would be funded via a referendum.
The same presentation will be given to each group, and you’ll be able to provide input and feedback to school officials.
The first two sessions will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 3. One will be held at the North Riverside Village Commons, 2401 Desplaines Ave. from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (lunch provided at 11 a.m.) The other will be at the Komarek School gymnasium, 8940 24th St. in North Riverside at 7 p.m. (dinner provided at 6:30 p.m.)
For more information, visit komarekschool.org.
LTHS Future Freshman Night
Lyons Township High School’s South Campus, 4900 S. Willow Springs Road in Western Springs, will roll out the red carpet for eighth-grade students and their parents on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. for its Future Freshman Night.
The evening will provide incoming Lions and their parents with information about the academic programs and student activities available at LTHS. Tour South Campus, visit with students involved in extra-curricular activities and athletics and more.
Finally, the evening includes a Freshman Focus Overview, presented by the superintendent, principal and administrators from LTHS. For additional information, call 708-579-6500.
Snow, snow, snow!
North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., gets into the season with a screening of the holiday film classic “White Christmas,” starring Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.
Watch as Army buddies, Bing and Danny come to the rescue of their old commanding general, by putting on a show with the help of a sister song-and-dance team. Popcorn and juice included.
More info is at northriversidelibrary.org/events or by calling 708-447-0869.
And more
ν Lyons Township High School para-educators are organizing a collection of new winter hats, scarves, gloves/mittens and socks for District 204-area children and adults in need. The drive continues through Jan. 14, 2020. Drop off items at the libraries/discovery centers at either the North Campus, 100 S. Brainard Ave. in LaGrange or South Campus, 4900 S. Willow Springs Road in Western Springs.
ν Riverside Parks and Rec invites children to drop off letters to Santa Claus at a special mailbox that will be placed on the east side of the historic water tower, 10 Pine Ave. Letters received through Dec. 20 will get a response, but the mailbox stays open until Christmas.
ν Compassion Factory Art Gallery and Studio, 9210 Broadway Ave. in Brookfield, presents “Symmetry,” an exhibit of work featuring artists Bala Thiagarajan and Rita Sharha through Dec. 21. An opening reception will be held Friday, Dec. 6 from 7 to 10 p.m. Gallery hours are Thursdays from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
ν Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., presents the work of Andy Young in “Ominous Thinkly Devices” through Dec. 19. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. Free and open to the public.
ν Brookfield Public Library, 3609 Grand Blvd., presents Virtual Reality: White House Holiday Touron Nov. 30 at 3 p.m. Kick off the holidays with a virtual tour of the White House at Christmastime. Register online at brookfieldlibrary.info, at 708-485-6917 or in person at the library.
ν Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, invites kids in preschool and kindergarten to Hands On Stories on Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. Registration suggested at 708-442-6366 or by emailing [email protected].
ν North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., invites adults and seniors to Tai Chi on Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. and invites seniors with limited mobility to Move and Groove with Jo McMahon on Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. To sign up for senior and adult events, call 708-447-0869 or visit northriversidelibrary.org/events.
For kids there’s Messy Mornings for Munchkins (ages 2-5) on Dec. 3 at 11:30 a.m. and Tech Fun for Teens: Heat Transfers (grades 5-12) on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.
ν The Brookfield Elks Lodge, 9022 31st St., hosts bingo every Monday night. Doors open at 5 p.m. and games start at 7 p.m. minimum cash payout of $2,275 a night, plus pull tabs, lightning, tic-tac and raffles.
ν The community is invited to jog, walk or run inside on the indoor track at the Lyons Township High School South Campus fieldhouse, 4900 S. Willow Springs Road in Western Springs, beginning Dec. 2 from 6 to 7 a.m. on days when school is in session. Free.
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