Firefighters Read to Kids Today and More: The Week Ahead

Loads are happening this week in Forest Park, Oak Park and River Forest. Here's just a smidgen.

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Game On

Open chess play for players of all ages and skills will take place at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8, in the Book Discussion Room of Oak Park's main library, 834 Lake St. The weekly event is free and open to the public. Call 708-383-8200 for more information.

Stay Informed

Learn about lifestyle changes and early-detection options women can use to decrease their risk of breast cancer during a program at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9 in the Rush Medical Office building at Rush Oak Park Hospital. The event will take place in Room 2000 at 610 S. Maple Ave. It is free and open to the public. To register, call 708-660-4636.

Cameras Ready

In honor of Fire Prevention Week, River Forest Fire Chief James Eggert will read stories to elementary school children at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9 at fire station, 400 Park Ave. The event, sponsored by the River Forest Public Library, is best experienced by youngsters ages 5 and up. It is free and open to the public. Call 708-366-5205 for details.

Forest Park Board Meets Tuesday

Because of the Columbus Day Holiday, Forest Park commissioners will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 517 Des Plaines Ave.

Play and Learn

A weekly play group aimed for toddlers to practice Spanish and English will take place at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10 at the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd.  Call 708-366-7171 for more information.

Make it Up

Join us after-hours for a special night of improvisational theater at 6:30 p.m., Friday Oct. 12 at the Maze branch of the Oak Park Public Library, 845 Gunderson Ave. Watch performers from our kid, teen, and adult improv workshops ham-it-up onstage and see if it's something you'd like to do, too. It's fun, it's funny and everyone is welcome. Refreshments provided, and it's free. Register at the library, online or call 708-386-4751.

Get Scared

Get ready for Halloween by taking a haunted house tour with the Park District of Forest Park. Eleven to 18-year-olds will travel to Dream Reapers in Melrose Park and then jaunt out to Lombard for the "infamous" Jaycees Haunted House. The journey is from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12 and leaves from and returns to the Park District of Forest Park administrative building, 7501 Harrison St. A stop at a fast food restaurant will replenish participants. The cost is $35 for residents, $45 for non-residents. Call 708-366-7500 for more information.  

Lace 'Em Up

The snow might not be flying yet but it's never too early to lace up the skates. Ridgeland Common, 415 W. Lake St., in Oak Park will offer a public skate, Fridays, 5:45 to 7:45 pm, Saturdays, 5:15 to 7:30 pm and Sundays, 2 to 4 p.m. Family skate will be from 1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. And adult skate for folks 18 years of age and up will be from 10:15 to 11:15 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission to family or public skate is $6 a person or by season pass; admission to adult skate is $4 per person or by season pass. Skates are available for rental. For more information, call 708-383-0002.

Wait for Spring

The Oak Park Conservatory will host its annual fall bulb sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 at 615 Garfield St. purchase premium bulbs in unusual varieties not found at the big box stores.  Choose from tulip, narcissus, hyacinths, muscari, and many, many other varieties chosen for their beauty, fragrance and ability to survive our winters. All proceeds support conservatory programming. The catalog is posted. Call 708-386-4700 for more information.

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