Zuzu's Petals, Holiday Gift Ideas: the Week Ahead

The holiday's getting closer. Here are a few ways to take in the cheer.

Read A Story

Willard Elementary School Principal Merryl Brownlow will share some of her favorite stories during Local Celebrity Spotlight at 4 pm, Tuesday, Dec. 11 at the River Forest Public Library , 735 Lathrop Ave.  This kid-friendly event is great for elementary school children ages 5 and up. And it's free. Call 708-366-5205 for more information.

Oscar Winner at Maze Library

The Artist , the 2012 winner of This year's Academy Award for Best Picture, will be shown at 1:30 pm Wednesday, Dec. 12 at the Maze Branch of the Oak Park Public Library, 845 Gunderson Ave. Directed by Michel Hazanavicius, this romantic comedy is about the transition from silent film to talkies. It's a silent picture with great scene stealing by Uggie the dog. It's free and open to the public.

Hear Seasonal Sounds

More than 300 students from all of OPRF's Oak Park and River Forest High School's instrumental ensembles will take part in this year's Winter Festival of Music, at 7:30 pm, Thursday, Dec. 13 at the high school, 201 N. Scoville Ave. Orchestras, choirs, jazz bands and more will take part. A pre-concert reception will be at 6:45 pm. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors.

Catch the Classics

Phil Passen will play some oldies but goodies and some new ones as well during a holiday concert at 7 pm, Thursday, Dec. 13 at the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 W. Jackson Blvd. in Forest Park. Treats will be served during this family-friendly event with this talented hammer dulcimer player.

Relive the Best of the Best

Take a break from your holiday preparations and view memorable clips from the best holiday movies at 2 pm, Thursday, Dec. 13, at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St.

Enjoy funny and fabulous scenes from the past 50 years, including Jimmy Stewart's thrill at returning home to Bedford Falls. Test your memory with a Hollywood Holiday Trivia Challenge and enjoy seasonal treats. You’ll also have time to share the favorite holiday films that drew you and your family together around a screen. Bob Burton, Professor Emeritus of Broadcasting from Oakton Community College and long-time Oak Park resident will present the program.

Need a Holiday Gift? Go Orange and Blue!

A wide selection of Huskiewear is ready for the fan of the orange and blue. Stuff is available in sizes from newborn to 3X adult–and everything in between. Sounds like it could be really tough to decide too: six different styles of sweatpants, more than 12 designs of sweatshirts, socks, hats, scarfs, RESPECT shirts Be one of the first to show your Huskie pride with the new Huskie Powerdecal, the backlit, LED, motion-sensing automotive decal sold by the University of Illinois and other Big Ten bookstores. Get them now at the OPRF bookstore. Hours are 7:30 am to 3:45 pm Monday through Friday. Profits from the sale of Huskie merchandise contribute directly to the many projects, both educational and athletic, supported by the OPRFHS Booster Club.

Wear Your Pride Forest Park Style

The Village of Forest Park has begun selling Pride Wear—men's and women's tee-shirts, as well as a unisex baseball cap.

The women's shirts are made of 100-percent cotton; the men's of a fabric similar to Dri-Fit, a polyester, cotton and spandex blend that's popular in a lot of sports clothing. Both shirts come in sizes medium, large and extra-large.

Each is $12 and can be purchased by coming in to village hall, 517 Des Plaines Ave. or calling 708-366-2323.

Related Topics: Oak Park Public Library, Forest Park Public Library, River Forest Public Library, Oak Park and River Forest High School, Village of Forest Park, Willard Elementary School