Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Park District of Forest Park:
Come and be whisked away to a winter wonderland with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children will enjoy breakfast with their families and get to meet Santa. Please bring your own camera to take pictures. Register early because spots are limited. Residents $9 per person/non-residents $15 per person.
Holiday Home Makeover
This year the Park District of Forest Park will hold its 13th Annual Holiday Home Makeover Contest. The best decorated houses in Forest Park will receive free pool passes for up to four family members. On Dec. 15, the park district staff will serve as judges, and drive through the village to determine the winners. Factors being considered are: curb appeal, creativity, use of theme, place, use of yard and house, and originality. Families may win every three years.
Holiday Cheer Concert
Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m., Forest Park Public Library:
Award-winning Patti Ecker will perform holiday song favorites, along with some Olde
English gems. More info at 708-689-6125 or visit www.fppl.org/events. 7555 Jackson Blvd.
Baby & Kids Clothing & Toy Swap
Saturday, Dec. 10 & 11, all day, Forest Park Public Library:
The library’s annual family free-cycling event for gently used clothing and toys returns. Shop for free this weekend. A toy or clothes donation is not required to participate but donations will be accepted through the end of the day on Sunday. Come by anytime on Saturday or Sunday. Jackson Boulevard and Desplaines Avenue.
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.
Chamber Holiday Luncheon
Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 11:30, Park District of Forest Park:
Gathering time from 11:30 to noon, lunch served at noon at the administration building, 7501 W. Harrison St. Monetary and non-perishable food donations for the Forest Park Food Pantry will be collected. $25 per person, check, cash or charge at the door. Please RSVP by Dec. 9 to info@exploreforestpark.com.
Winter Band and Choir Concert
Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m., Forest Park Middle School Cafetorium:
925 Beloit Ave. Call 708-366-5742 for more information.
Counter Coffee open mic
Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 7-10 p.m.
This month’s open mic features piano accompanist, Mark Burnell, who coordinates the evening and will play any music you bring. When you arrive, give Mark your name and he’ll add you to the performance list. Each performer sings one song at a time. If you stay and enjoy the other singers, you will get a chance to sing a few times.
Shoebox Project
Through Dec. 10, deliver hope and love at the Park District of Forest Park administration building. Drop off a wrapped shoebox (top and bottom wrapped separately so it can open easily) with personal items for women living in shelters. The items should be similar to what you might give your mom or sister, and bring comfort and love to the women. For more information, visit/www.shoeboxprojectusa.org.
Concert of Lessons and Carols
Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m., St. John Lutheran Church:
Welcome the holiday season with a special concert of Christmas readings and carols performed by St. John’s adult and children’s choirs. Reception with Christmas cookies and spiced cider will immediately follow.
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.
