Community Events Calendar
March, 2010

Wednesday March 10th

Thursday March 11th

AROMATHERAPY WORKSHOP - 7:00 to 8:00 PM - The Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd. in Forest Park presents an "Aromatherapy Workshop". Learn how aromatic plants can help reduce stress, relieve headaches, lift spirits and stimulate mindfulness, and take home a bottle of aromatic hydrating mist! Free! Please register. To register or for more information call the Reference Department at 708-366-7171 or visit www.fppl.org.

Friday March 12th

IRISH STEW - 7:30 PM - The Village Players Performing Arts Center, 1010 Madison Street presents "Irish Stew". A tasty stew requires a combination of diverse ingredients. Which is why the upcoming production of Irish Stew at Village Players is mixing together a recipe of music, storytelling and visual arts to re-create the rich flavor of a pub in rural Ireland. Tickets: Adult: $25.00, Senior (65 and older): $20.00, Student (with ID): $20.00. For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office at 866-764-1010 or visit www.village-players.org.

"THE ANALYTICAL ENGINE: A ROMANTIC COMEDY" - 8 PM - The Circle Theatre, 7300 West Madison Street in Forest Park, presents "The Analytical Engine: A Romantic Comedy", by Jon Steinhagen. A World Premiere! In 1850 Connecticut, Hippolyta Powell has actually built the world's first computer, an analytical engine. Rather than use the machine to solve complex mathematical equations, she has used it to find her "perfect match," much to the consternation of her family, the chosen suitor, Lord Byron's daughter, and the man who truly loves her. Multiple Jeff Award winner Jon Steinhagen penned this period-perfect World Premiere with a wink to Match.com and eHarmony. Winner of the 2009 Julie Harris Playwright Award! All Seats On Sale! Only $20.00. To purchase tickets or for more information call 708-771-0700 or visit www.circle-theatre.org.

OPENING RECEPTION: SPRING ARTIST MEMBER EXHIBIT - 7:00 to 9:00 PM - The Oak Park Art League: Spring Artist Member Exhibit, a Group show of artwork by OPAL Artist Members at the Oak Park Art League, 720 Chicago Ave, in Oak Park from March 12th - April 2nd. An Opening reception will be held from 7 - 9 PM. For more information call 708-386-9853 or visit www.opal-art.com.

Saturday March 13th

ECONOMY SHOP - 9 AM to 3 PM - The Economy Shop, 103 S. Grove Ave., Oak Park. Bargains and treasures waiting to be discovered! We accept Visa & Master Cards. For more information go to www.economyshop.org or call 708-383-2449.

A CHORUS LINE - 8 PM - The Village Players Performing Arts Center, 1010 Madison Street presents "A Chorus Line" book by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and music by Marvin Hamlisch. Directed/Choreographed by Shawn Quinlan. Zach and Larry are ready to cast for their next upcoming Broadway production, but Zach decides to change up things at the audition for their dancing chorus. As each one hopes to become part of a singular groups, they all tell their individual life stories that make them all so very different. This presentation is sponsored by Forest Park National Bank. Tickets: Adult: $25.00, Senior (65 and older): $20.00, Student (with ID): $20.00. For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office at 866-764-1010 or visit www.village-players.org.

IRISH STEW - 7:30 PM - The Village Players Performing Arts Center, 1010 Madison Street presents "Irish Stew". A tasty stew requires a combination of diverse ingredients. Which is why the upcoming production of Irish Stew at Village Players is mixing together a recipe of music, storytelling and visual arts to re-create the rich flavor of a pub in rural Ireland. Tickets: Adult: $25.00, Senior (65 and older): $20.00, Student (with ID): $20.00. For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office at 866-764-1010 or visit www.village-players.org.

"THE ANALYTICAL ENGINE: A ROMANTIC COMEDY" - 8 PM - The Circle Theatre, 7300 West Madison Street in Forest Park, presents "The Analytical Engine: A Romantic Comedy", by Jon Steinhagen. A World Premiere! In 1850 Connecticut, Hippolyta Powell has actually built the world's first computer, an analytical engine. Rather than use the machine to solve complex mathematical equations, she has used it to find her "perfect match," much to the consternation of her family, the chosen suitor, Lord Byron's daughter, and the man who truly loves her. Multiple Jeff Award winner Jon Steinhagen penned this period-perfect World Premiere with a wink to Match.com and eHarmony. Winner of the 2009 Julie Harris Playwright Award! All Seats On Sale! Only $20.00. To purchase tickets or for more information call 708-771-0700 or visit www.circle-theatre.org.

DISCOVER THE EXPLORATION STATION - 10:00 AM to Noon PM - The Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield Street in Oak Park, invites Kids and Families to "Discover the Exploration Station". Every Saturday through May 30th from 10 a.m. until noon, docents will offer the Exploration Station! There will be a new program every month highlighting special aspects of the conservatory for both adults and children. Programs will include leaf shapes, ferns, bananas, the chocolate tree, plant movement, birds and fruits from foreign countries. Come explore! For more information call the Oak Park Conservatory at 708-386-4700.

Sunday March 14th

30th ANNUAL TRUSTEE BENEFIT CONCERT - 3:00 PM - Two of the hottest starts in opera today come together for the 30th Annual Dominican University Trustee Benefit Concert to help raise scholarship funds at the Dominican University Performing Arts Center. Lund Auditorium, 7900 West Division Street in River Forest. Nathan Gunn and Elizabeth Futral, both Chicago favorites with numerous appearances on the Lyric stage, join forces to make this a special concert in an intimate venue. Ravinia Festival President and CEO Welz Kauffman will receive the Bravo Award in recognition for his contribution to the arts. Tickets: $75/$55. For more information or to Purchase Gala Tickets, call Kristin Short at (708) 524-6299 or visit www.dom.edu/pac/SpecialEvents.html.

A CHORUS LINE - 3 PM - The Village Players Performing Arts Center, 1010 Madison Street presents "A Chorus Line" book by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and music by Marvin Hamlisch. Directed/Choreographed by Shawn Quinlan. Zach and Larry are ready to cast for their next upcoming Broadway production, but Zach decides to change up things at the audition for their dancing chorus. As each one hopes to become part of a singular groups, they all tell their individual life stories that make them all so very different. This presentation is sponsored by Forest Park National Bank. Tickets: Adult: $25.00, Senior (65 and older): $20.00, Student (with ID): $20.00. For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office at 866-764-1010 or visit www.village-players.org.

IRISH STEW - 2:30 PM - The Village Players Performing Arts Center, 1010 Madison Street presents "Irish Stew". A tasty stew requires a combination of diverse ingredients. Which is why the upcoming production of Irish Stew at Village Players is mixing together a recipe of music, storytelling and visual arts to re-create the rich flavor of a pub in rural Ireland. Tickets: Adult: $25.00, Senior (65 and older): $20.00, Student (with ID): $20.00. For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office at 866-764-1010 or visit www.village-players.org.

"THE ANALYTICAL ENGINE: A ROMANTIC COMEDY" - 3 PM - The Circle Theatre, 7300 West Madison Street in Forest Park, presents "The Analytical Engine: A Romantic Comedy", by Jon Steinhagen. A World Premiere! In 1850 Connecticut, Hippolyta Powell has actually built the world's first computer, an analytical engine. Rather than use the machine to solve complex mathematical equations, she has used it to find her "perfect match," much to the consternation of her family, the chosen suitor, Lord Byron's daughter, and the man who truly loves her. Multiple Jeff Award winner Jon Steinhagen penned this period-perfect World Premiere with a wink to Match.com and eHarmony. Winner of the 2009 Julie Harris Playwright Award! All Seats On Sale! Only $20.00. To purchase tickets or for more information call 708-771-0700 or visit www.circle-theatre.org.

SUSTAINABLE GARDEN SOLUTIONS - 1:00 to 2:30 PM - The Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave. in River Forest presents "Sustainable Garden Solutions". Garden not thriving? We will discuss solving your garden problems through plant selection and soil improvement. Bring your questions, pictures and soil samples. For adults; space is limited; REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Please call to register. For more information contact Sara Rose at 708-366-6530 or visit www.fpdcc.com.

Monday March 15th

Tuesday March 16th

Wednesday March 17th - St. Patrick's Day

OAK PARK STRATEGIC HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN WORKSHOP - 7 PM - The Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission is leading a community wide effort to create a 10-year Strategic Historic Preservation Plan to help guide efforts to identify and protect important historic resources throughout the Village of Oak Park. The last of three community workshops is at Beye School, 230 N. Cuyler Ave. With residents' help, the new plan will replace a long-range plan created in 1994. For more information on the plan or the process, call 708-358-5417 or e-mail planning@oak-park.us. Information also is posted on the Historic Preservation pages of the Village web site at www.oak-park.us.

Thursday March 18th

OPENING RECEPTION GROUP EXHIBIT AT PRAIRIE TITLE - 6:00 to 8:00 PM - The Oak Park Art League hosts an Opening reception to promote the ongoing Oak Park Art League: Group Exhibit at Prairie Title, 6821 W North Ave. in Oak Park, which runs starting March 9 through May 11, 2010. Artwork by Oak Park Art League members: Sandra Campbell, Heather Young, Sharron Ott & Stacy Hall. For more information call Bryan Northup at 708-386-9853 or visit www.opal-art.com.

Friday March 19th

A CHORUS LINE - 8 PM - The Village Players Performing Arts Center, 1010 Madison Street presents "A Chorus Line" book by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and music by Marvin Hamlisch. Directed/Choreographed by Shawn Quinlan. Zach and Larry are ready to cast for their next upcoming Broadway production, but Zach decides to change up things at the audition for their dancing chorus. As each one hopes to become part of a singular groups, they all tell their individual life stories that make them all so very different. This presentation is sponsored by Forest Park National Bank. Tickets: Adult: $25.00, Senior (65 and older): $20.00, Student (with ID): $20.00. For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office at 866-764-1010 or visit www.village-players.org.

"THE ANALYTICAL ENGINE: A ROMANTIC COMEDY" - 8 PM - The Circle Theatre, 7300 West Madison Street in Forest Park, presents "The Analytical Engine: A Romantic Comedy", by Jon Steinhagen. A World Premiere! In 1850 Connecticut, Hippolyta Powell has actually built the world's first computer, an analytical engine. Rather than use the machine to solve complex mathematical equations, she has used it to find her "perfect match," much to the consternation of her family, the chosen suitor, Lord Byron's daughter, and the man who truly loves her. Multiple Jeff Award winner Jon Steinhagen penned this period-perfect World Premiere with a wink to Match.com and eHarmony. Winner of the 2009 Julie Harris Playwright Award! All Seats On Sale! Only $20.00. To purchase tickets or for more information call 708-771-0700 or visit www.circle-theatre.org.

Saturday March 20th - First Day of Spring

ECONOMY SHOP - 9 AM to 3 PM - The Economy Shop, 103 S. Grove Ave., Oak Park. Bargains and treasures waiting to be discovered! We accept Visa & Master Cards. For more information go to www.economyshop.org or call 708-383-2449.

A CHORUS LINE - 8 PM - The Village Players Performing Arts Center, 1010 Madison Street presents "A Chorus Line" book by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and music by Marvin Hamlisch. Directed/Choreographed by Shawn Quinlan. Zach and Larry are ready to cast for their next upcoming Broadway production, but Zach decides to change up things at the audition for their dancing chorus. As each one hopes to become part of a singular groups, they all tell their individual life stories that make them all so very different. This presentation is sponsored by Forest Park National Bank. Tickets: Adult: $25.00, Senior (65 and older): $20.00, Student (with ID): $20.00. For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office at 866-764-1010 or visit www.village-players.org.

"THE ANALYTICAL ENGINE: A ROMANTIC COMEDY" - 8 PM - The Circle Theatre, 7300 West Madison Street in Forest Park, presents "The Analytical Engine: A Romantic Comedy", by Jon Steinhagen. A World Premiere! In 1850 Connecticut, Hippolyta Powell has actually built the world's first computer, an analytical engine. Rather than use the machine to solve complex mathematical equations, she has used it to find her "perfect match," much to the consternation of her family, the chosen suitor, Lord Byron's daughter, and the man who truly loves her. Multiple Jeff Award winner Jon Steinhagen penned this period-perfect World Premiere with a wink to Match.com and eHarmony. Winner of the 2009 Julie Harris Playwright Award! All Seats On Sale! Only $20.00. To purchase tickets or for more information call 708-771-0700 or visit www.circle-theatre.org.

MORNING FITNESS HIKE - 9:00 to 10:00 PM - The Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave. in River Forest presents "Morning Fitness Hike". Enjoy a brisk naturalist-led 1 hour hike on our scenic trails on the first day of spring. Meet at the entrance to Trailside Museum. Adult program; please dress for the weather and for rough, muddy ground. For more information contact Lisa Schwarz at 708-366-6530 or visit www.fpdcc.com.

DISCOVER THE EXPLORATION STATION - 10:00 AM to Noon PM - The Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield Street in Oak Park, invites Kids and Families to "Discover the Exploration Station". Every Saturday through May 30th from 10 a.m. until noon, docents will offer the Exploration Station! There will be a new program every month highlighting special aspects of the conservatory for both adults and children. Programs will include leaf shapes, ferns, bananas, the chocolate tree, plant movement, birds and fruits from foreign countries. Come explore! For more information call the Oak Park Conservatory at 708-386-4700.

2ND ANNUAL IRISH SODA BREAD BAKE-OFF! - 3 PM - The Irish Shop, is sponsoring their 2nd Annual Irish Soda Bread Bake-Off Contest on Saturday March 20, 2010 .The entries will be judged at 3pm at The Irish Shop, 100 N Oak Park Ave in Oak Park capping off Three weeks of celebrations honoring Saint Patrick, Irelands patron saint. The competition is open to non professional cooks and bakers. Contestants can enter their breads in any of the following three categories. Category #1: Plain Soda Bread, Category #2 Wheaten Soda Bread, Category #3: Soda Bread with Fruit, Nuts, or Seeds. Entries will be judged by appearance texture, and taste. The entry with the highest total score will be awarded first place, and receive a $100 gift certificate from The Irish Shop. The winning recipe will also be published in the Irish American News as well as in The Irish Shop News letter. A $50.00 gift certificate will be awarded for second place, and a $25.00 gift certificate for third place. All entrants will receive a 20% discount on their next purchase at The Irish Shop. “A family’s Irish soda bread recipe is a well treasured secret handed down from generation to generation” says Irish Shop co-owner Jim August. Entry forms are available at The Irish Shop, or by e-mail at www.theirishshopoakpark.com. All entries must be submitted by 2:30pm on March 20, 2010 at The Irish Shop, 100 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park IL. 60301. Each entry must be accompanied by a completed entry form.

Sunday March 21st

A CHORUS LINE - 3 PM - The Village Players Performing Arts Center, 1010 Madison Street presents "A Chorus Line" book by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and music by Marvin Hamlisch. Directed/Choreographed by Shawn Quinlan. Zach and Larry are ready to cast for their next upcoming Broadway production, but Zach decides to change up things at the audition for their dancing chorus. As each one hopes to become part of a singular groups, they all tell their individual life stories that make them all so very different. This presentation is sponsored by Forest Park National Bank. Tickets: Adult: $25.00, Senior (65 and older): $20.00, Student (with ID): $20.00. For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office at 866-764-1010 or visit www.village-players.org.

"THE ANALYTICAL ENGINE: A ROMANTIC COMEDY" - 3 PM - The Circle Theatre, 7300 West Madison Street in Forest Park, presents "The Analytical Engine: A Romantic Comedy", by Jon Steinhagen. A World Premiere! In 1850 Connecticut, Hippolyta Powell has actually built the world's first computer, an analytical engine. Rather than use the machine to solve complex mathematical equations, she has used it to find her "perfect match," much to the consternation of her family, the chosen suitor, Lord Byron's daughter, and the man who truly loves her. Multiple Jeff Award winner Jon Steinhagen penned this period-perfect World Premiere with a wink to Match.com and eHarmony. Winner of the 2009 Julie Harris Playwright Award! All Seats On Sale! Only $20.00. To purchase tickets or for more information call 708-771-0700 or visit www.circle-theatre.org.

"THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL" - 3 PM - The Free Readers Ensemble presents "The Trip To Bountiful" by Horton Foote and directed by Thad Anzur at the Oak Park Library, 834 W. Lake Street (West of Oak Park Ave.) Oak Park in the 2ND Floor/Veteran’s Room. Living in a three-room Houston apartment shared with her son and daughter-in-law, aging widow - Carrie Watts dreams of visiting Bountiful; the town where she grew up and raised her own family. Stealing away with her latest pension check, her trip is fatefully doomed by the family's call to the police. The Sheriff who tracks her down at the bus station however, does take her on to her old homestead. Carrie's quest for self-meaning in an ever-changing world is - The Trip to Bountiful. Admission is free. For directions or more information: contact the Oak Park Public Library, 708-383-8200 or Check the Free Readers web site at www.freereaders.com.

Monday March 22nd

Tuesday March 23rd

Wednesday March 24th

2010 ANNUAL MEETING - 6:00 to 8:00 PM - The Oak Park Area Arts Council will hold their 2010 Annual Meeting at Pleasant Home, 217 S. Home Ave. in Oak Park. Reception will begin at 6:00 pm, the meeting with remarks, presentations and announcement of the 2010 ArtsFunds grant recipients will start at 7:00 pm. For more information call 708-358-5690 or visit www.OakParkAreaArtsCouncil.org.

RACE THAT'S GOOD FOR LIFE FITNESS WALK REGISTRATION & WELLNESS TALK - 6:30 to 9:00 PM - Whole Foods and Eastlake Chiropractic & Healthcare Center will be joining forces in the name of health! From 6:30-8:30 pm they will be hosting a registration table at Whole Foods for The Race That's Good For Life and Fitness Walk; scheduled for April 11th. In addition to providing the public with an opportunity to get involved in the community event, Dr. Melinda Morales of Eastlake will be giving a small presentation regarding complete wellness. Come out and sign up for the race and learn how to achieve wellness in your everyday life! Contact Courtney at 708.383.3900 for more information or to learn how to sign up!

Thursday March 25th

MUD - 7:30 PM - The Village Players Performing Arts Center, 1010 Madison Street presents "Mud" by Maria Irene Fornes as part of their Current Studio Season: Women on the Cutting Edge. Mae and Lloyd have an odd partnership that they grew into, with Lloyd taking care of the farm and pigs while Mae takes care of the household chores. Mud is a complex tale with simple characters and meager situations, where one will resonate with the need to achieve something more. . Tickets: Adult: $25.00, Senior (65 and older): $20.00, Student (with ID): $20.00. For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office at 866-764-1010 or visit www.village-players.org.

Friday March 26th

A CHORUS LINE - 8 PM - The Village Players Performing Arts Center, 1010 Madison Street presents "A Chorus Line" book by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and music by Marvin Hamlisch. Directed/Choreographed by Shawn Quinlan. Zach and Larry are ready to cast for their next upcoming Broadway production, but Zach decides to change up things at the audition for their dancing chorus. As each one hopes to become part of a singular groups, they all tell their individual life stories that make them all so very different. This presentation is sponsored by Forest Park National Bank. Tickets: Adult: $25.00, Senior (65 and older): $20.00, Student (with ID): $20.00. For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office at 866-764-1010 or visit www.village-players.org.

MUD - 7:30 PM - The Village Players Performing Arts Center, 1010 Madison Street presents "Mud" by Maria Irene Fornes as part of their Current Studio Season: Women on the Cutting Edge. Mae and Lloyd have an odd partnership that they grew into, with Lloyd taking care of the farm and pigs while Mae takes care of the household chores. Mud is a complex tale with simple characters and meager situations, where one will resonate with the need to achieve something more. . Tickets: Adult: $25.00, Senior (65 and older): $20.00, Student (with ID): $20.00. For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office at 866-764-1010 or visit www.village-players.org.

"THE ANALYTICAL ENGINE: A ROMANTIC COMEDY" - 8 PM - The Circle Theatre, 7300 West Madison Street in Forest Park, presents "The Analytical Engine: A Romantic Comedy", by Jon Steinhagen. A World Premiere! In 1850 Connecticut, Hippolyta Powell has actually built the world's first computer, an analytical engine. Rather than use the machine to solve complex mathematical equations, she has used it to find her "perfect match," much to the consternation of her family, the chosen suitor, Lord Byron's daughter, and the man who truly loves her. Multiple Jeff Award winner Jon Steinhagen penned this period-perfect World Premiere with a wink to Match.com and eHarmony. Winner of the 2009 Julie Harris Playwright Award! All Seats On Sale! Only $20.00. To purchase tickets or for more information call 708-771-0700 or visit www.circle-theatre.org.

Saturday March 27th

A CHORUS LINE - 8 PM - The Village Players Performing Arts Center, 1010 Madison Street presents "A Chorus Line" book by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and music by Marvin Hamlisch. Directed/Choreographed by Shawn Quinlan. Zach and Larry are ready to cast for their next upcoming Broadway production, but Zach decides to change up things at the audition for their dancing chorus. As each one hopes to become part of a singular groups, they all tell their individual life stories that make them all so very different. This presentation is sponsored by Forest Park National Bank. Tickets: Adult: $25.00, Senior (65 and older): $20.00, Student (with ID): $20.00. For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office at 866-764-1010 or visit www.village-players.org.

MUD - 7:30 PM - The Village Players Performing Arts Center, 1010 Madison Street presents "Mud" by Maria Irene Fornes as part of their Current Studio Season: Women on the Cutting Edge. Mae and Lloyd have an odd partnership that they grew into, with Lloyd taking care of the farm and pigs while Mae takes care of the household chores. Mud is a complex tale with simple characters and meager situations, where one will resonate with the need to achieve something more. . Tickets: Adult: $25.00, Senior (65 and older): $20.00, Student (with ID): $20.00. For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office at 866-764-1010 or visit www.village-players.org.

"THE ANALYTICAL ENGINE: A ROMANTIC COMEDY" - 8 PM - The Circle Theatre, 7300 West Madison Street in Forest Park, presents "The Analytical Engine: A Romantic Comedy", by Jon Steinhagen. A World Premiere! In 1850 Connecticut, Hippolyta Powell has actually built the world's first computer, an analytical engine. Rather than use the machine to solve complex mathematical equations, she has used it to find her "perfect match," much to the consternation of her family, the chosen suitor, Lord Byron's daughter, and the man who truly loves her. Multiple Jeff Award winner Jon Steinhagen penned this period-perfect World Premiere with a wink to Match.com and eHarmony. Winner of the 2009 Julie Harris Playwright Award! All Seats On Sale! Only $20.00. To purchase tickets or for more information call 708-771-0700 or visit www.circle-theatre.org.

JAZZIN' IT UP FOR BUDDHA - 6:00 to 9:00 PM - The Vajrayana Buddhist Center, 13 Harrison Street in Oak Park hosts "Jazzin' it Up for Buddha". Join the Vajrayana Buddhist Center for an evening of fun and jazz music provided by members and friends of the Center and enjoy tasty hors d'oeuvres and beverages as we gather together to raise funds to improve the shrines for our beautiful statues. Tickets are $35 per person. To purchase tickets or for more information call Fran Vonzee at 708-763-0132 or visit www.meditateinchicago.org.

DISCOVER THE EXPLORATION STATION - 10:00 AM to Noon PM - The Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield Street in Oak Park, invites Kids and Families to "Discover the Exploration Station". Every Saturday through May 30th from 10 a.m. until noon, docents will offer the Exploration Station! There will be a new program every month highlighting special aspects of the conservatory for both adults and children. Programs will include leaf shapes, ferns, bananas, the chocolate tree, plant movement, birds and fruits from foreign countries. Come explore! For more information call the Oak Park Conservatory at 708-386-4700.

TRASH OR TREASURE? ANTIQUES APPRAISAL - 1:00 to 3:00 PM - The Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd. in Forest Park presents "Trash or Treasure? Antiques Appraisal". Forest Park Library cardholders can get antiques appraised by a professional appraiser. Registration required. For more information call the Reference Department at 708-366-7171 or visit www.fppl.org.

Sunday March 28th

A CHORUS LINE - 3 PM - The Village Players Performing Arts Center, 1010 Madison Street presents "A Chorus Line" book by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and music by Marvin Hamlisch. Directed/Choreographed by Shawn Quinlan. Zach and Larry are ready to cast for their next upcoming Broadway production, but Zach decides to change up things at the audition for their dancing chorus. As each one hopes to become part of a singular groups, they all tell their individual life stories that make them all so very different. This presentation is sponsored by Forest Park National Bank. Tickets: Adult: $25.00, Senior (65 and older): $20.00, Student (with ID): $20.00. For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office at 866-764-1010 or visit www.village-players.org.

MUD - 2:30 PM - The Village Players Performing Arts Center, 1010 Madison Street presents "Mud" by Maria Irene Fornes as part of their Current Studio Season: Women on the Cutting Edge. Mae and Lloyd have an odd partnership that they grew into, with Lloyd taking care of the farm and pigs while Mae takes care of the household chores. Mud is a complex tale with simple characters and meager situations, where one will resonate with the need to achieve something more. . Tickets: Adult: $25.00, Senior (65 and older): $20.00, Student (with ID): $20.00. For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office at 866-764-1010 or visit www.village-players.org.

"THE ANALYTICAL ENGINE: A ROMANTIC COMEDY" - 3 PM - The Circle Theatre, 7300 West Madison Street in Forest Park, presents "The Analytical Engine: A Romantic Comedy", by Jon Steinhagen. A World Premiere! In 1850 Connecticut, Hippolyta Powell has actually built the world's first computer, an analytical engine. Rather than use the machine to solve complex mathematical equations, she has used it to find her "perfect match," much to the consternation of her family, the chosen suitor, Lord Byron's daughter, and the man who truly loves her. Multiple Jeff Award winner Jon Steinhagen penned this period-perfect World Premiere with a wink to Match.com and eHarmony. Winner of the 2009 Julie Harris Playwright Award! All Seats On Sale! Only $20.00. To purchase tickets or for more information call 708-771-0700 or visit www.circle-theatre.org.

Monday March 29th

Tuesday March 30th

Wednesday March 31st

SPRING NATURE BREAK FOR KIDS & FAMILIES - 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM - The Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave. in River Forest presents "Spring Nature Break for Kids and Families". It is Spring Break! Time to get outside and re-connect with nature! Children accompanied by an adult are invited to a fun day of nature walks and activities. Guided kid's nature hikes will be held at 11:00 and at 1:00; also, simple nature crafts and other indoor and outdoor nature activities will be ongoing. Join the fun - it's free! For more information contact Irene Flebbe at 708-366-6530 or visit www.fpdcc.com.