Slm nov 2016

ELMHURST ¢ OAK BROOK

Suburban Life MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

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INSIDE

ELMHURST & OAK BROOK EDITION

BUSINESS & CIVIC 7 ACUMEN AND EMPATHY Elmhurst Hospital’s Susan Mitchell is this month’s Woman of Distinction

ARTS IN ELMHURST 8 SENSE OF PLACE Museum exhibit to focus on local artists 10 SCULPTURES THAT BREATHE WITH LIFE Colorful, interactive art

by Claire Ashley 11 DINNER AT THE MUSEUM Elmhurst Art Museum offers dining experience like no other 12 THE JAZZ SINGER Whimsical lyrics and a bold sound make Gayle Bisesi a voice to remember 14 TAKING THE STAGE GreenMan Theater Troupe offers season of great local performance

FAMILY IN FOCUS 16 DEALING WITH GRIEF AS WE AGE Columnist Renee Cerveny offers advice to help loved ones

DINING & ENTERTAINING 22 GRAPES AND GRATITUDE Start a beautiful holiday meal with a perfect wine

OUT & ABOUT 25 A JOYFUL NOISE The Spirito Singers of Oak Brook bring joy to the holidays with annual performance 26 HOLIDAY EVENTS ABOUND Get a handle on all things holiday in your community!

FASHION AND BEAUTY

14 TAKING THE STATE

GreenMan Theater Troupe offers season of great local performance

20 THE BOOT Retail whiz Stacy Kallas discuss the hottest accessory of the season 21 STONE COLD STYLE The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art introduces community to gem work

Photos by Ben Beach

4 | NOVEMBER 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

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Editor’s Note Hello, once again, from Suburban Life Magazine!

In this seasonal edition, focused on Elmhurst and Oak Brook, we salute the arts in your hometown – from musicians to vocalists, sculptors to stage actors –we will fill your calendar with great options to entertain this holiday season.

In this issue, we introduce you to local jazz singer Gayle Bisesi, who shares her whimsical approach to songwriting and the joy the music brings to her and her family.

You’ll meet Claire Ashley, a Scotland-born art professor who’s work with inflatable sculptures is big, bold, and loads of fun. She creates pieces that move as if they are alive, and invites you to interact with the art itself.

We will preview several upcoming arts events around our town, including concerts by the Spirito Singers, a hands-on-day at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, and an amazing dinner series at the Elmhurst Art Museum.

Discover the treasure of local theater company GreenMan Theater Troupe, and find out what’s hitting the stage in the coming months.

The holidays are right around the corner, and we have a great calendar of holiday-themed events for you and your family, all over the community. There are tree lightings and chances to meet Santa, craft and art shows, movies and more.

It’s all right here, in the pages of the Elmhurst-Oak Brook Suburban Life Magazine.

Suburban Life Suburban Life Magazine Published by Shaw Media 1101 W. 31st Street Downers Grove, IL 60515 Phone: 630-368-1100 suburbanlifemagazine@shawmedia.com

Join us as we pay homage to the arts, and usher in the holiday season, right here in your hometown!

Thanks for reading–

Sherri Dauskurdas Editor

Director of Niche Publishing Laura Shaw lshaw@shawmedia.com Advertising Bill Korbel 630-427-6230 bkorbel@shawmedia.com Editor Sherri Dauskurdas 630-427-6263 sdauskurdas@shawmedia.com

on the COVER Accomplished jazz singer Gayle Bisesi of Elmhurst shares her story, and her songs.

Photo by ALDO RISOLVO Salon Services by MARIO TRICOCI Stylist-MEGAN Makeup-LAURA

6 | NOVEMBER 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Designer Carol Manderfield 630-427-6253 cmanderfield@shawmedia.com Correspondents Kelsey O’Connor, Allison Horne, Melissa Riske, Diane Kriegar Spivak, Diane Moca, Yvonne Benson Photographers Aldo Risolvo, Ben Beach

Suburban Life Magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like each month’s edition mailed to your home, send payment information and address to Suburban Life Magazine, 7717 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or via email at subscriptions@shawmedia. com.

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ACUMEN AND EMPATHY

Susan Mitchell builds career with solid skills, caring heart

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE

I

n her role as the chief human resource officer and executive vice president for Edward-Elmhurst Health, Susan Mitchell says the formula for success is one part strong business sense, and one part kindness.

“I have a passion for helping others anyway I can,” Mitchell says.

She directs human resources for the more than 10,000 employees in the health three hospital sites –Elmhurst Hospital, Edward Hospital and Linden Oaks Behavioral Health Hospital. The three hospitals merged in 2013.

“The integration went very well,” Mitchell says.

Mitchell began her career in staffing and sales and worked in senior management positions for Fortune 500 companies before making a transition into the human resources area. She says along the way, each of her career moves helped her to approach human resources from the perspective of a business partner, working with leaders to achieve the organizational goals.

Longtime friend Kathryn Chmura and former work associate says Mitchell is a wonderful mentor to others and through the years she has helped many people find the right job or make a career transition.

“I have watched her develop into a professional and she really has evolved as a senior executive,” Chmura says. “She is very successful and looked to as a leader.”

Prior to working for the health care operations Mitchell worked with the Tribune Company and Tribune Publishing for 13 years, where she at one time was vice president of human resources reporting to the chief executive officer of Tribune Publishing and as vice president of human resource directing human resource services and projects for more than 30,000 employees.

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Mitchell credits her rise through the ranks to wonderful mentors of her own, along the way.

She took her seat at the executive table in industries at a time when there weren’t many other females in top leadership positions.

Mitchell says she felt a great responsibility as a woman serving as a top officer and knowing the importance of achieving success in those roles.

It is a message she often shares with her now grown daughter, who is at the start of her own career.

Mitchell raised her daughter following a divorce and faced the challenges as a working mother balancing a career and parental responsibilities.

She said her experience as a single mother is just one of the reasons she was drawn to help other single mothers by dedicating time service to Family Shelter Services in Wheaton, which provides support and more for victims of domestic violence. She served on the board for the nonprofit and while her term on the nonprofit’s board has ended; Mitchell remains a strong advocate for the agency and bringing awareness to the needs in the community.

Outside of her day job, Mitchell is involved in the foundations supporting the hospitals and said they are an important part of supporting the hospital. Through the foundations fundraising the hospitals have been able to purchase highly specialized equipment as well as give back to the community through charitable care.

“Fundraising is so important for our community,” Mitchell says.

Mitchell grew up in a rural community in central Illinois and said her parents were her early inspiration for helping others.

“My father and mother were always willing to lend a helping hand,” Mitchell says.

“They taught me the importance of kindness.”

“My father and mother were always willing to lend a helping hand,” Mitchell says. “They taught me the importance of kindness.”

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2016 | 7

‘Sense of Place’ offers museum-goers a look at local art

By ALLISON HORNE

T

he Elmhurst Art Museum is diving into new territory with their next exhibition, “Sense of Place.”

Set to kick off on December 10, the juried show, the museum’s first-ever open call exhibition, features pieces from local artists and others nationwide and is slated to run through February 12, 2017.

The exhibition will be curated by Frank Tumino, curatorial chair of the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild, Carrie Secrist, owner of the Carrie Secrist Gallery, and Jenny Gibbs, executive director of the Elmhurst Art Museum.

“I wanted to do a juried exhibition as one of the ways to celebrate our 20th anniversary,” Gibbs says. “It’s the firstever open call exhibition and hopefully not the last. I’d like to do this every year.”

Photos provided

Cassandra Swierenga

The open call exhibition is basically a blind review. Artists from all over the world submit their work and the three judges choose which pieces they want to feature, without knowing the artists or where they are from.

“The common thread between them is the place; the challenge was for them to bring us work that somehow conveys a particular sense of place; sometimes that’s representational, sometimes it’s sound, sometimes it’s more evocative,” Gibbs says.

David Wallace Haskins

8 | NOVEMBER 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

It wasn’t easy to narrow down all of the submissions. Gibbs says that of 400 submissions, the three jurors had managed to whittle it down to 50 a week before the final deadline, but still needed to get it down to 30-40.

ARTS IN ELMHURST

“It’s a really subjective process,” Gibbs says. “It’s not something I can quantify to determine if it’s effective. A lot of it is emotional.”

One of the interesting aspects of an open call exhibition is that the artists can be someone located across the country, a new artist who has never had their work displayed, or even your next-door neighbor. The judges make their choices purely based on the work submitted.

One of the local artists selected, Elmhurst resident David Wallace Haskins, has had a connection to the Elmhurst art museum since he was a child.

When he was in fifth grade, he moved across the street from where the museum is currently located, and would walk through Wilder Park multiple times a day his entire childhood.

“I spent many hours in that space,” Haskins says. “It’s an understatement to say I have some connection to the space.”

Haskins recently wrapped up a solo show, “Presence,” at the Elmhurst Art Museum, which featured three rooms, “Light Seeing Light,” “Soundcube” and “Void Room” that encourage viewers to interact with sight and sound, and simply be present in the moment you are living in.

“My work is about slowing it down enough for you to be present,” Haskins says. “I want to create a little bit of disorientation that can create reorientation.”

One of his most notable pieces, which the museum is in the process of trying to purchase, is “Sky Cube,” an 8’x8’x8’ steel cube which is situated in front of mysuburbanlife.com/magazine

a 4-foot bench made of limestone on which you can watch the sky move across the surface of the cube.

sounds for 10 hours in August.

“I investigate boundaries between contrast and phenomenon and things that are seeming incompatible,” Haskins says.

Another local artist selected for the exhibition is Cassandra Swierenga, currently the president of the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild.

His newest experiential piece set to be featured in “Sense of Place” is called “Summer : Winter,” and it plays upon two contrasting phenomenon. The idea behind it was being on one side of the sun and traveling to the other side.

Swierenga always had a creative side growing up, but it didn’t really hit her until around 17 years ago, when her children were grown and she decided to take a painting class at College of DuPage. When the professor made a comment to Swierenga about possibly continuing to paint, she followed her advice.

“One side it’s very cold and everything is dead and quiet, and there are no sounds of summer and no ambient sound, especially when there’s snow,” Haskins says. “You have this dead sound, dry air, and no animal sounds, and very little sound of people.

“On the other side, we’re in the same place in the same space but it’s so different,” Haskins says.

“It’s brimming with light, there are crickets, leaves, softball games being played, tennis balls, and the park just comes alive. I thought it would be interesting to juxtapose those.”

His piece is designed to be an experience for museum-goers.

The idea is that you will be in the museum looking out on the snow and winter scenery, but the sounds in the room will be of the summer.

“You’re literally standing there at 1 p.m. in December and you’re hearing the sounds of 1 p.m. in the summer,” Haskins says. “Everything is synched up in time. It’s amazing what your imagination can do for you. It’s very disorienting, in a fun sense.”

To achieve the product, he went out in the park with multiple microphones and recorded the mysuburbanlife.com/magazine

“Hour for hour, minute for minute, it’s the exact time and place… just six months earlier,” he adds.

The piece selected for this exhibit is “Best Medicine,” which is an oil painting of her two sisters, her mother and herself, pictured laughing the day after Swierenga’s daughter’s wedding.

“The whole family was just sitting in the backyard, and I had a nephew who was snapping all kinds of photos,” Swierenga says. “He caught that moment of all of us laughing. We don’t remember what we were laughing about, but when I saw the picture he took, I sort of filed it away under ‘project ideas.’”

This year, she decided it was time to sit down and paint it.

“When I was painting it, our family was going through some difficult circumstances,” Swierenga says. “It was great to come home and work on the painting and enjoy today and be thankful for today. It brought a smile to my face, because it is kind of my own therapy.”

Swierenga notes that the painted ladies all are wearing primary colored shirts, because they were her first real relationships. Her mother, Sylvia Van Zee, is wearing yellow, her sister, Rene Vaatenburg,

Dwora Fried

is in blue, and her oldest sister, Wendy Voss, is in red. They also have heads slightly larger than their bodies, because Swierenga wanted to emphasize that they were “laughing their heads off.”

“When I thought about place, initially I thought about an actual physical place, like a home,” she says. “But when I thought more about where I felt like I belonged, I kind of thought about the people in my life, and how I feel more of a place with them than an actual physical place.”

Another artist being featured is Dwora Fried, a Los Angeles-based artist who was born in Vienna, Austria, and studied French literature at the University of Tel Aviv and art at the Avni School of Fine Arts in Israel before settling in the United States.

Around 10 years ago, Fried found herself traveling back to Vienna two to three times a year to take care of her mother, who had dementia.

“My mom had kind of stopped talking,” Fried says. “So I went to IKEA and bought some boxes at the time. They had glass fronts, they were small, and they were all the same. My mother had so much stuff in her house, so I started filling [the boxes] up, thinking I was going to make memory boxes. But all of a sudden I realized I was developing a new kind of art.”

Fried’s mother was a holocaust survivor, and had always told Fried that when she was 10, she had to leave everything behind and never

ARTS IN ELMHURST

got the chance to have a childhood or play with dolls. So as she got older, her mom began collecting dolls and other trinkets and her house was filled. “[The boxes] were small, claustrophobic, and reminded me of my mom’s apartment, which brought up a lot from my childhood and what it was like to grow up in Vienna,” Fried says. “I submitted [my pieces] because of the theme.

The sense of space and home spoke to me because that’s what my art is about.”

Fried had two pieces selected for the exhibition, “The Blues” and “Camouflage.” She uses her own photographs in her pieces, and all of the toys and elements used are collected from flea markets she visits on her travels.

“I’m mostly attracted to things from the ‘40s and ‘50s, because they have a sense that someone played with them,” Fried says.

“You’re touching someone else’s life. I always wonder which children played with it.”

Each artist has a different vision of their own “Sense of Place,” which is what makes this exhibition so different and unique for everyone.”

“I’m really looking forward to seeing all of the work together,” Gibbs says. “It’ll be nice to see a lot of the artists come to the museum, introduce themselves to each other, and play off each other. It’s basically a big dinner party with mystery guests.”

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2016 | 9

C

laire Ashley studied painting as a student in her native Scotland, but the genre never really had the right “fit” for her. Ashley came into her own after a summer internship at Hospitalfield House (a summer school for eight Scottish art students) in Arbroath, Scotland, where she met then dean of School of the Art Institute of Chicago Martin Prekop, who encouraged her work.

Today Ashley works in inflatable contemporary art and is an instructor at the renowned art school. Her work can currently be viewed at “BLOW UP: Inflatable Contemporary Art,” at the Elmhurst Art Museum through Nov. 27.

Writer Diane Kriegar Spivak talked to the artist recently, and learned about her journey through contemporary art. ¢ SPIVAK: Did you always have a passion for the arts?

ASHLEY: When my sister and I were kids we would sit and draw for hours. Early on I was interested in making drawings. At 18, I went to the School of Art in Aberdeen, in Scotland. I earned my master’s degree at SAIC in Chicago. ¢ SPIVAK: How would you describe your work?

ASHLEY: Inflatable sculptures that I look at as paintings. I knew from early on I could not work with a straight edge or a flat surface. Over the years I’ve done a lot of experimentation. The inflatable is something I really like because it has a sort of ‘live being’ quality to it. It’s constantly breathing – sucking air in and breathing it out. I like that it has a relationship to the body and to an alien or live being of some sort. I treat the surface as a painting. I’m trained as a painter rather than a sculptor. I create this hybrid,

Photos provided

mangled versions of painting. I’m really serious about abstraction and color, but I love that they have this humor to them because of the form that I’m painting on.

It changes things entirely when you’re painting on a shape that has a cartoonish, comedic quality to it. It performs or moves through space in another way that is sometimes playful and sometimes with a little more dark humor. I want a tongue-in-cheek, but sort of an absurd quality to the way these paintings exist in the world. ¢ SPIVAK: You mention humor in your work. Explain that.

ASHLEY: I’m really critical of contemporary art. It often scares people away. I think humor and the idea of interactivity allows it to become a little more democratic.

I’m interested in my work drawing people in, making them curious and want to touch it. With most contemporary art you’re not allowed to do that. I want people to feel they can touch it and for it to connect with them on the level of physicality and also a level of entertainment, and thinking about what art could be. The humor is part of that interest in accessibility. ¢ SPIVAK: How did your background affect your work?

ASHLEY: Scots have a really

self-deprecating sense of humor and you’re not really allowed to say your doing a fabulous job.

I think that’s part of not taking yourself too seriously and humor being a major part of the Scottish sense of self. I think that’s part of the reason I do the work I do.

Growing up in Scotland, humor pieces are an important part of my identity; allowing some absurdity in your pieces and recognizing its fragility or failures because you’re recognizing yourself in them. ¢ SPIVAK: Tell us about your works in the BLOW UP exhibit at the Elmhurst Art Museum.

ASHLEY: These pieces were shown at the Chicago Cultural Center in 2013. This show has been traveling for two years. I originated at the Bedford Gallery in California. It’s nice to move the work around the country.

The pieces are more anthropomorphic shapes, also thinking about clowns or jesters.

Or chickens. I never want the work to sit exactly in a way that is recognizable but I want the work to have an uncanny look: there’s something that you recognize and there’s something that is abstract happening at the same time, so you’re not quite able to put your finger on it.

‘Dinner at the Museum’ features lively art of conversation

By DIANE MOCA

The Elmhurst Art Museum is drawing in a new crowd by turning the sometimes pensive and personal experience of art appreciation into a collective engagement of lively conversation and insightful interaction.

Dinner At The Museum debuted this year as a way for current members of the Elmhurst Art Museum to meet and engage with new supporters over a great meal, amid the backdrop of a new exhibit. The regular event features a sit-down dinner and customized, guided tours for small groups. It lasts two hours on an evening when the museum normally would be closed.

Goltermann has been a friend of the museum since the 1990s and has watched it evolve. She says she is looking forward to the next Dinner At The Museum, planned for mid-December, after the opening of “Sense and Place,” the first ever open-call exhibition at the Elmhurst Art Museum.

The Elmhurst Art Museum features a new exhibit followed by a dinner about every three months.

Dinner At The Museum costs $75 for nonmembers and $65 for members. Membership to the museum is $18 for seniors, $22 for individuals and $40 for families. Visit www. elmhurstartmuseum.org for menu and details.

Elmhurst Art Museum Executive Director Jenny Gibbs created the event series because she loves hosting dinner parties for friends at her own home, and wanted to test a similar idea at the museum.

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“It is like a dinner party with surprise guests,” says Gibbs. “A large part of it is just a social event. We have a mix of familiar faces and new faces. Fun, new friendships come out of it.”

Long-time supporter Betsy Goltermann calls it “a real opportunity to be in a special place with likeminded people.” She attended the recent Dinner At The Museum in October with her mother and father.

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“I go to a lot of events in DuPage County, and this one was unique in its personal and intimate feeling,” says Goltermann, adding she loved the presentation of “Birth Death Breath: An Inflatable Opera” as well as the quality of the food and the chance to sit down and eat, instead of walking around munching on hors d’oeuvres.

“We are looking at making our programming relevant and reaching different members of the community,” she says. “We want events that are meaningful.” mysuburbanlife.com/magazine

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The informal event features banquet style seating or cafe tables to encourage people to sit next to others they don’t know. About 45 people have come together for each Dinner At The Museum, and Gibbs said the last two events even attracted couples on a first date.

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ARTS IN ELMHURST

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2016 | 11

When opportunity knocked, Gayle Bisesi did more than just answer. She opened the door invited it in, and sang it a song.

That’s the way it’s been for Bisesi, now an acclaimed jazz vocalist and composer, her entire career.

As a performer, the Elmhurst resident has had the honor of sharing the stage with Patti Austin, New York Voices, John Pizzarelli, and Clark Terry, among others. On the international circuit, her singing has taken her to such places as the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, North Sea Jazz Festival in The Netherlands, Ontario Jazz Festival, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, France, as well as New York City. Gayle is also the recipient of the prestigious Downbeat Award for Best Jazz Vocalist.

It started a long time ago when Bisesi, who always had participated in her school musicals and theater, was approached to sing in the high school jazz band.

“It was my freshman year when I caught the jazz bug,” she recalls. “My mom wrote a grant for me to attend MacArthur High School which was on the opposite side of town. She knew they had a fabulous music program and made it happen. “

GRATEFUL Elmhurst jazz singer pays homage to teachers by sharing her gifts with the community

By SHERRI DAUSKURDAS | Photos by ALDO RISOLVO

There, Bisesi was introduced to Jim Culbertson (Jazz Band Director) and Steve McClarey (Choral Director). Singing with the band, and then with a vocal quartet, she and her fellow singers ended up going on a European tour.

“They opened my eyes to a bigger world outside of Decatur, Illinois and increased my musical palette,” she says. “They lit a fire under me that has never stopped burning. I owe so much to the two of them. They introduced me to jazz and gave my voice a home.”

for jazz lessons with Susan Moninger, now director of choral ensembles at Elmhurst College.

That education allowed Bisesi to sing fearlessly, willing to try new techniques, new styles, and new arrangements whenever possible.

“I was the only who would ‘scat’,” she says. “ I didn’t even know what I was doing – or if I was even doing it well – but I loved the spontaneity of it. It was a lot of fun.”

Her newfound love led her back to Elmhurst after high school, where she studied at Elmhurst College, renown for its focus on not only jazz, but the arts in general.

“I performed in Susan’s vocal jazz ensemble ‘Late Night Blues’ and went on to be the lead vocalist with the world-renowned Elmhurst College Jazz Band under the direction of Doug Beach,” she said. She graduated in 1996, and continues to tour, compose and record her own music, perform in several groups and ensembles. Now, many years later, Moninger and Beach brought Bisesi back to Elmhurst to teach in the jazz department.

As an educator at Elmhurst College, she is the Director of “Blue” vocal jazz ensemble, teaches private jazz voice lessons, is the Director of Music Admission and the Co-Director of the Vocal Voyage Summer Camp - a four day voice camp centered around singing through the musical genres—Classical, Jazz, Musical Theater and Pop. “It is an honor and privilege to be their colleague now and to continue to learn from them.”

Recently, with a successful career and a family of her own, she has moved back to Elmhurst with husband Nick Bisesi, also an acclaimed jazz musician, to raise their daughter.

“It’s alive,” she says. “There’s a hustle and bustle in the downtown, and a rich sense of the arts, via not only the college by the community that surrounds it. The school gives it this vibrancy.”

It was her husband, Nick, a professional jazz saxophonist who also teaches at Elmhurst College in the Community Music Program, who first inspired his wife to write and record her own music.

“Nick challenged me to make this CD, make it personal, write my own music,” she says. “He was, and is my muse. I wrote the lyrics, melodies and arrangement concepts and he helped me put it all together with what was essentially his band.

Now when performing live, we go by “Bisesi.”

If her teachers gave it a home, Bisesi’s mother The songs are lighthearted, and most of the lyrics gave it wings to leave the nest. Beginning from speak to ordinary things. age 13, Bisesi’s mom would drive the young singer four hours from their home in Decatur to Elmhurst “I loved the Charlie Parker song, ‘Another Hairdo’

but there were no lyrics for it,” she recalls.

Her rendition memorializes some of her favorites from year’s past, – the Dorothy Hamill bob, the wild and curly styles of Diana Ross, the teased up coifs of the ‘80s.

On a more sensitive plane are songs about parenting, love, even astrology. “’Day after day’ was about my dad, always telling me to stick with it, not give up, ” she says.

The result is a CD full of everyday moments and life lessons, in an accessible, enjoyable collection.

“I want people to be able to relate to the lyrics in my songs, to be able to feel something when they listen to my music, to connect with their heart,” she says. “I thought about the concept for the CD and overall wanted people to feel like they really knew me after listening to my music.

I tried to write about all the different sides of myself. The lyrics may be lighthearted, but hopefully the messages run deep.”

And for Bisesi, perhaps the song that leaves her most affected is “I am grateful” which she is, for everyone who has influenced her life and career as a jazz vocalist.

“I owe so much to Jeff Deutsch who was my private jazz teacher at Elmhurst College, Susan Moninger, Doug Beach and Judy Grimes (past Director of Music Education at Elmhurst College),” she says.

“I have had the best teachers who have helped shape me into the person I am today. I will never stop learning. It keeps me sane, young and whole.”

And it’s that experience which drives Bisesi to connect with her own students, and share what she has learned along the way.

“I challenge them all the time to dig deep, really understand the message that they are singing,” she says. “Embrace, embody and invest in the emotional content of the lyric. Don’t just tell a story, become the story – wear it, be vulnerable on stage, allow people into your world and help them feel something, whether good or bad.

“Playing jazz is a spiritual, creative and spontaneous experience. Music is the gateway to the heart, to the soul. It is powerful, so treat it with respect and sing the truth from your heart - always! “

DEC. 2 &3

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2016 | 13

Local actors take stage, pursue passion as part of GreenMan Theater Troupe

By YVONNE BENSON | Photos by KEN BEACH

Nickel and Dimed

By Joan Holden, based on the book by Barbara Ehrenreich Directed by Jack T. Smith November 11 – 20, 2016

The McAddams Family: Spring Break!

(A new murder mystery dinner theatre fundraiser) Written and directed by Carolyn Thomas-Davidoff February 24 – March 5, 2017

A Tale of Two Cities Adapted by Christopher Walsh, based on the book

by Charles Dickens Directed by David Soria May 5 – 21, 2017 Performances take stage at First United Methodist Church of Elmhurst 232 S. York Road. Visit www.greenmantheatre.org for details.

I

f you are looking for an inspiring theater experience, not too far from your own front door, consider the productions of GreenMan Theater Troupe of Elmhurst.

“If I’m going to portray Hamlet, then I need to look at the world through his eyes and then I can help you, in the audience, see the world through his eyes too,” he says.

Taking the stage at First United Methodist Church in Elmhurst, the community theater group has been performing for 12 years, offering local theater-goers four productions annually.

It’s with this in mind that the GreenMan Theatre Troupe chooses plays and class offerings. Planned a year in advance, for example, this season’s performances pay mind to the political and economic fabric of the nation.

There are all kinds of people involved with GreenMan Theatre. There are folks who are making their debut – who are blossoming for the first time on stage, next to seasoned pros. There also are people like Artistic Director David Soria, involved in theater for most of their lives, but who pursue full-time jobs off the stage.

These volunteers make up the foundation of this accomplished community theater group.

GreenMan’s upcoming show, Nickel and Dimed by Joan Holden, opens November 11 and runs through the November 20. It is based on Barbara Ehrenreich’s bestselling book, Nickel and Dimed, on (Not) Getting by in America. Performances are Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:00. Tickets are $17, $15 for students/seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the website or at the door.

Nickel and Dimed tells the story of a journalist who goes undercover to see what it’s like to work lowpaying jobs. She tries a series of jobs including a server, maid and a store employee. Her journey is funny and eye-opening. She interacts with her colleagues and Soria also says he believes the arts, particularly theater, realizes what it’s like for them. helps to nurture a sense of empathy. “[It] deals with low wage work and the challenges that people at the bottom have making it on a daily “To direct a play, you have to look at all of the basis,” Soria says. “I thought this would be a good year characters and understand each one and their struggles and look at the world through their eyes,” he to look at those lives. It doesn’t matter who wins [the election]; the issue of people who are struggling at the explains. “The actor needs to create the illusion of the bottom will still be there. The people who have to go character for the audience.

“I think that we need to encourage our families and schools that the arts – theater, music, visual arts – this tapestry of creativity, is vital for children to experience.” Soria says, “It gives them a richer view of life.”

14 | NOVEMBER 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

ARTS IN ELMHURST

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off to a low wage job and figure out how to make ends meet will still be there.”

In addition to plays, the GreenMan Theatre Troupe offers classes (like how to audition) and dinner theater. “[The dinner theater] is more expensive because it’s a fund raiser,” he explains. “The title of the show this year is McAdams Family Spring Break. These are original murder mystery that the director has been writing a well as directing.”

There are many ways to be involved with the GreenMan Theatre Troupe beyond the obvious directing and acting. For example, Ken Beach is a professional photographer who volunteers his time and talents for them. Perhaps most importantly, attending as a member of the audience offers the greatest support.

“We’re an all-volunteer organization.

Nobody from top to bottom gets paid,” he says. “We’re doing it for the love of it.”

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2016 | 15

DEALING WITH GRIEF AS WE AGE With RENEE CERVENY

Even in old age, when people become used to their friends and family members passing on, it can be hard to deal with grief. In fact, as deaths mount, it may become even more difficult to let go. You can help your aging parents and older relatives deal with grief using the following strategies, and put them in your pocket to use as well.

TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT IT Counseling and therapy are excellent ways to deal with grief.

However, older generations often don’t have the same comfort with expressing themselves that younger people have been taught, so it may take a little coaxing to get your loved one in to see someone.

GET PHYSICAL EXERCISE Exercise can work wonders.

While it can’t make the loss go away, it does raise endorphin levels and help us deal with grief more effectively. Routine physical exercise can make loss feel less painful, give us safe space in which to experience memories and sadness, and ensure we stay physically sound while healing. Help your loved ones by encouraging them to remain active, even amidst grief.

EXPRESS FEELINGS CREATIVELY Art, music, journaling and other creative means of expression all can help process grief and eventually put it to rest.

Especially for people who were creative when they were younger, this can be an effective means of both dealing with loss and engaging in enjoyable activities.

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRIEF AND DEPRESSION Some grief-related depression is normal, and it may take a while to move on after a loss.

However, if your loved one does not seem to be coping with the loss, falls silent or loses interest in activities that formerly filled them with joy, seems unable to deal with normal life, or mentions desires to harm or kill themselves, these are all JOIN A SUPPORT serious signs of depression.

GROUP Depression warrants counseling Being around people going through the same experience can and, in severe cases, possibly medication. Do not ignore it. help when you’re dealing with loss at any age. If your relative PREPARE FOR lives in a senior community, you’ll EMOTIONAL HOLIDAYS have an easy time finding a group Holidays are when family to join. Attending consistently traditionally gathers and is the best way to experience celebrates just being together, results. and a new loss can feel especially 16 | NOVEMBER 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

FAMILY IN FOCUS

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raw at such times. Know that the holidays may be hard, but stress the importance of just enjoying one another’s company anyway. Other important events, including anniversaries and birthdays, also can be very sad. Try to help your loved one find new ways of celebrating, like paying a visit to a grave or throwing a remembrance party.

JUST FEEL Oftentimes, especially with the older set, there is an expectation that we will harbor our feelings inside or move past them immediately. While this might have been an emotional necessity in the Great Depression, it’s not necessary today. Express to your parent or relative a willingness to listen to feelings, and support for just experiencing those feelings. And if the person for whom they’re grieving was close to both of you, know that it’s okay to follow these rules yourself, too.

Dealing with grief isn’t easy, but it is possible. While the above tips won’t bring immediate relief, they will help.

Renee Cerveny is Executive Director at Lexington Square Senior Residence

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The Boot

The hottest accessory trend of the season With STACY KALLAS Let’s not forget about the traditional up-to-the-knee boot. The same color and material guides apply as the other two styles. But the real talking point for these are the heels! Square, rounded, flat, stiletto, platform – the We all love them – ankle, midi, thighhigh – and whatever your passion, they heel has endless options this season.

Whatever your style, you have so many all are a “go” for this season. So, let’s boots to choose from this season, talk about what’s hot for Fall 2016: so make it fun and make it your own.

If you are an avid trend follower, then you know the ankle boot is all the rage Remember, style is about what looks good on you, not the runway. this season. If you do not have a pair One of the best things about transitioning from summer to fall is the fashion. And what excites most women about fall trends, definitely are the accessories…namely boots!

we recommend you buy one. Every woman needs a pair in her closet! They come in all shapes, from flats to heels, velvet to leather and colors galore! The choices are endless so make sure you buy what expresses your style.

Over-the-knee boots make a statement. Choose from lux suede to soft leather to patent leather, in a variety of colors (taupe, brown, gray, classic black). Just like the ankle boot, all the colors are in this season. And the once-negative perception of overthe-knee boots is long gone, so you do not have to feel even adventurous to buy a pair.

20 | NOVEMBER 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

FASHION & BEAUTY

Stacy Kallas is the director of marketing and advertising at Stratford Square Mall in Bloomingdale.

She has served as a director for super regional shopping centers throughout the Chicago area for more than 15 years. She highlights current fashion trends and stores within Stratford mall.

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ARTISAN DAY INTRODUCES COMMUNITY TO LAPIDARY ART

By YVONNE BENSON

In order to make compelling art, the artist needs to understand the medium. Anyone who ever has tried painting knows that there is a world of difference between working with oil paints compared to watercolor. The same goes for working with rocks or stones. A stone cutter uses different techniques for working with marble, jade or even gems. Furthermore, there are skills for making large sculptures such as Auguste Rodin’s marble The Kiss that would be lost when attempting one of Peter Carl Fabergé’s famous eggs.

It’s this sort of distinction that Educator and Program Coordinator Sara Kurth is trying to show to guests at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Elmhurst.

Every year, the Museum of Lapidary Art hosts Lapidary Day. Admission to the museum and event are free and the West Suburban Lapidary Club has demonstrations, hands-on activities and children’s crafts.

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“It’s evolved over time but the basic essence of it is to give people the chance to see lapidary in action,” described Kurth.

“We’ve made picture frames with rocks on it or make rock critters – something for the kids to be able to take home to remember.

It gives people the chance to answer that question: what is lapidary?”

“I think it’s fun for people to come and experience the club for free. It’s such a nice time of year because it’s starting to get cold and people are looking for things to do… We hope to cultivate more lapidary artists for the future.”

Lapidary Day takes place Saturday, November 19; however, the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art is open daily except Mondays. Visit lizzadromuseum.org for details.

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2016 | 21

Grapes, and gratitude

START A BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAY MEAL WITH THE PERFECT CHOICE OF WINE With GINA HOWES

T

hanksgiving is a day to celebrate some of the greatest joys in life--family, food and drink! While the turkey and stuffing may be the stars of the show--there is also a very important key player--wine!

Choosing the perfect Turkey Day vino can be overwhelming, but don’t fret. Just like the sage and onions in your stuffing, the most important factor is balance. Assuming your menu will consist of a variety of dishes with a wide array of flavors, it is important to select wines with balanced structure and body. Heavily oaked wines or those with strong tannins may overwhelm more delicate flavors in side dishes and vegetable plates. The key is for the food and wine to work together to create harmony, not fight each other to win over your palate.

BRING ON THE BUBBLY! Sparkling wine is perfect for any celebration, and is a must have at every Thanksgiving dinner.

The beauty of bubbly goes far beyond a toast over appetizers – its versatility will sustain itself throughout each course.

wines. Classic white pairings include Riesling, un-oaked Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

These selections work well as they express just enough acidity, citrus and stone fruit to delight your palate without overpowering your meal.

Bright red fruit and light floral notes in the Graham Beck Sparkling Brut Rose will refresh your palate between every bite of a savory dish.

If crisp bubbles and a dry finish are more your style, opt for a Prosecco or Brut. The bright citrus and fresh apple notes of these wines will balance out sweeter dishes like cranberries and sweet potato casserole. And when in doubt-- choose Champagne. Its nutty, toasty flavors and creamy mouth feel will bring decadence to any dinner table. We adore the classic and lovely Taittinger Brut for all celebrations.

For red wine lovers, the reigning champion of Thanksgiving dinner is Pinot Noir. With low tannins, medium body and juicy flavors of red fruit, berries and currants- Pinot Noir is a foolproof choice for every table. Pinots from Oregon will express a lighter body, minerality and a wide array of elegant flavors: crushed cherries, red plums and a hint of floral. Two of our favorites are the 2013 Yamhill Valley Vineyards and 2014 Illahe Estate selections, both from the Willamette Valley.

TURKEY TIME Fortunately, turkey is a dish that is complemented beautifully by both white and red

22 | NOVEMBER 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

California Pinot Noir tends to be a bit fuller bodied. With lush palates and characteristics of dark red fruit, vanilla and cherry cola, these wines can hold up to bolder flavored dishes or deep fried turkey. The 2014 Lyric by Etude (Santa DINING & ENTERTAINING

Barbara), 2014 Bread and Butter (Napa) and 2013 David Bruce (Russian River Valley) all are great choices for a silky, bold Pinot.

Looking to try something new this holiday?

Step outside your comfort zone with a Pinot Blanc, Viognier, Cabernet Franc or California Zinfandel. Much like the traditional choices, these wines express refreshing acidity and ripe fruit that will leave you craving another sip in between every bite. The options are endless for these varietals, but a few fantastic choices are: 2012 McKinley Springs Viognier (Horse Heaven Hills, Washington), 2014 Trimbach Pinot Blanc (Alsace, France), 2013 Two Mountain Cabernet Franc Reserve (Yakima Valley, Washington) and the 2013 Tres Sabores Zinfandel (Napa Valley, California).

The best part of Thanksgiving day is quality time spent with the ones we love. Your guests may rave about your perfectly prepared mashed potatoes for years to come, but more mysuburbanlife.com/magazine

tannins

importantly they will retell the wonderful memories made that day. Regardless of what is in your glass on the 24th--make sure to toast to everything and everyone you are thankful for!

Cheers!

Gina is the manager of Tannins in Elmhurst. Her love for wine began at home, while sharing wine and pizza nights with her family. In 2013, a trip to Burgundy furthered this passion, especially for French wine. She believes there is always a reason to drink bubbly, and the best pairing for any bottle is good friends. mysuburbanlife.com/magazine

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2016 | 23

Painting Spirits

‘Tis The Season ... to plan a party!

At Bottle & Bottle we’re known for our chic, elegant studios (they’re like a loft in Paris). But our secret sauce is helping you create the perfect party. And, we would love to help you paint your spirits bright this holiday!

Here’s our guide to the top four ways to plan a Picture-Perfect Holiday Party:

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Gather the right mix of people to share in the planning decisions. It’s a good way to make sure your party will represent everyone’s interests.

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At Bottle & Bottega, we have thousands of art pieces and numerous art forms to choose from, so rest assured your art image and experience will match your theme!

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Ditch the crowded bar and restaurant scene and host your party in our private studio.

We do all the setup and cleanup, so your team has all the fun. Or, pop up with us! We can take our parties anywhere (just ask!).

Like anything, the best spaces and days fill up fast, so don’t delay. Just submit the Party Request Form on our website to inquire about dates.

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A joyful noise

singers to music education and community service in an engaging, disciplined environment.

The group, which was founded in 2008, focuses on a wide range of classical music, from baroque to gospel.

Spirito! Singers to kick off holiday season with annual winter show

“There’s such a rich deep curriculum base of music,” says Molly Lindberg, artistic director and founder of Spirito! Singers. “We do pretty challenging music from all different eras.”

By KELSEY O’CONNOR

The girls’ choir is comprised of two groups. The Bravura is the higher level ensemble for students entering 9th through 12th grades. All singers must audition and demonstrate various skills, such as the ability to learn vocal lines quickly, knowledge of major and minor key signatures, and music reading fluency.This season, the Bravura includes 85 singers, representing 16 different local high schools. The group rehearses once a week in Elmhurst.

It’s not often you can hear a performance by an elite, multi-generational choir. But the Spirito!

Singers winter concert is just that. The choral group will be performing its annual winter show on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. Both shows will take place at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church.

This year’s concert, titled “Repeat the Sounding Joy,” will feature a challenging repertoire of Christmas, sacred and secular music. All three Spirito! ensembles will perform, both separately and together. This includes 246 singers of all ages, accompanied by a full orchestra.

The Spirito! Singers works to expose young

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The younger ensemble, the Ragazze, is made up of girls entering 5th through 8th grades. Weekly rehearsals are held in Downers Grove, Elmhurst and LaGrange. The ensemble has 22 singers this season.

Besides rehearsals, the girls participate in a multi-level music curriculum. These thirty-

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minute classes are dedicated to the development of choral artistry, vocal technique, music theory, and performing style There is also a Men of Spirito! Ensemble for male singers age 18 and older. This adult choir is more recreational and does not include auditions or classroom theory training. There are currently 36 members from throughout the western suburbs.

Many of the men in the group are fathers of singers in the girls’ ensembles.

Each year, the group bestows a service award on a community member dedicated to philanthropic work. This year’s winner is Mark Milligan, cofounder and president of Bridge Communities, an organization that helps homeless families become self-sufficient.

“I was always taken by how impactful the singing was for people. It elevates the spirit,” says Lindberg. “When I founded Spirito!, I wanted to make sure it wasn’t just about us doing concerts. I wanted to make sure that we were out there spreading joy.” u For more information on the Spirito! Singers and to buy tickets to the winter concert, visit www.spiritosingers.org.

SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2016 | 25

Holiday events abound in Oak Brook, Elmhurst

By DIANE KRIEGER SPIVAK

Ready or not, the holiday season is upon us. From tree lightings to crafts, Santa visits, movies, dance parties and more, opportunities abound for all ages to join in the fun in Oak Brook and Elmhurst.

We’ve listed the season’s major happenings for you so you can gear up and get ready to rock your holidays.

ELMHURST ¢ ELMHURST PARK DISTRICT WILDER MANSION HOLIDAY MARKET Friday, Nov. 4, 4-9 p.m. & Saturday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., 211 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst. Enjoy arts and crafts including jewelry, fiber, handbags, glass, ceramics, gourmet food, and unique holiday gifts from more than 50 artisans and culinary food vendors. Free admission. Contact Roz Long at roz@rglmarketingforthearts.com or at (630) 712-6541 for more information. ¢ SPRING ROAD HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING Nov. 18, 6 p.m. Visit with Santa Claus (he’ll arrive at around 6:30 aboard a fire engine!), enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, festive Christmas carols by the Lincoln School Singers (6:00-6:30pm). At the Gazebo, intersection of the Prairie Path and Spring Road- 483 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst. Tree lighting after Santa arrives. ¢ ELMHURST CITY CENTRE’S TREE LIGHTING Saturday, Nov. 26, 5 to 7 p.m., Elmhurst City Centre Plaza, York and Schiller Streets, downtown Elmhurst. Santa will arrive by fire truck to help Mayor Morley light the city’s tree. Santa will stay in the plaza until 7 p.m. for pictures with all the kids. There will be music, treats and a $5 Elmhurst City Centre Gift Certificate to the first 200 adults (18+) to check into the City Centre office at 147 N. York starting at 5 p.m.. ¢ SANTA’S SPECIAL KIDS HOLIDAY EVENT Wed., Dec. 7, 3:30-8 p.m., Wilder Mansion, 211 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, (630) 530-7700, www. specialkidsday.org. Since 1990, on the first 26 | NOVEMBER 2016 | SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Wednesday in December about four hundred special needs children and their families are treated to a free afternoon and evening of bonding with Santa Claus. Children have their picture taken, receive appropriate toys, enjoy cookies and ice cream, face painting, performers and activities. ¢ ELMHURST PARK DISTRICT TREE LIGHTING IN WILDER PARK Thursday, Dec. 8, 5:30 p.m.,Wilder Park, 175 S Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Join in the holiday spirit with an old fashioned celebration in Wilder Park.

Featuring holiday entertainment, a special visitor from the North Pole, and children’s activities in Wilder Mansion, the Old-Fashioned Tree Lighting will put you in the spirit of the season. Warm up with cookies and hot cocoa and enjoy the wonderful tree decorations. ¢ PUPPETS ON THE WILD SIDE WINTER PERFORMANCE FOR FAMILIES Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, 630-279-8696, www.elmhurstlibrary. org: Dec. 9, 7-7:30 p.m.

The library’s talented puppeteers present a fantastic show of funny tales, holiday skits, and a hand-clapping sing-along in the large meeting room. Pick up tickets with valid EPL card at the Help Desk beginning at 9 a.m. the day of the program. ¢ ELMHURST CITY CENTRE’S HOMETOWN HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN DAY Saturday, Dec. 10. Free showing of “Elf” at the York Theatre starting at 9:30 am. Free elf hats to kids as they leave following the movie. Santa will be in the plaza for pictures and to hear holiday wishes from 11 am - 1 p.m.. ¢ SANTA’S SECRET WORKSHOP Saturday, Dec. 10, 1-4 p.m.,Wilder Mansion, 211 S Prospect Ave. A special place where children can purchase inexpensive holiday gifts for those they love! Items are kid priced and kid friendly!

Santa’s Workshop will be stocked with great gifts for Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Brother, Sister, and more. Children shop upstairs while parents enjoy coffee downstairs. Santa’s elves will help small hands with wrapping and making purchases.

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¢ CHRISTMAS IN CHICAGO, ADULT PROGRAM Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, 630-279-8696, www.elmhurstlibrary. org: Dec. 13, 1-2 p.m., Large Meeting Room.

Relive the traditions of the holiday and how they have evolved over the years. In the early 20th century the annual Thanksgiving Day Chicago Christmas Parade began. Department stores on State Street competed to outdo each other with elaborate window displays. There was caroling under the Marshall Field clock and a special Christmas meal under the Walnut Room Christmas tree. Competing with Field’s were Sears, Wards, Wieboldt, Rothschild and more.

Learn how Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer started as a promotional coloring book given away by the State Street Ward’s store. Register online, by phone or in person. ¢ SLEIGH RIDES & ICE SCULPTURES Dec. 17, 11am-2pm. Walk up and down Spring Road to see the Ice Sculptures sponsored by businesses. Enjoy an old fashioned sleigh ride (wagon ride if no snow), visit with Santa and warm up with hot chocolate and cookies at the Prairie Path Gazebo. ¢ LAST-MINUTE HOLIDAY HELP SERIES, ADULTS, TEENS, KIDS Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Avenue, 630-279-8696, www.elmhurstlibrary.org, Dec. 19, 3:30-4:30 p.m..

Are you rushing around before the holidays officially begin this weekend? Have no fear, EPL is here! All week long, drop in to finish up your holiday list. From how to properly wrap a present to simple decorations, EPL’s got a line up of great ways to get in the spirit. ¢ NEW YEAR’S EVE KIDS DANCE PARTY, ELMHURST RESIDENTS ONLY Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Avenue, 630-279-8696, www.elmhurstlibrary.org: Dec. 31, 10-10:45 am and 11:30 am-12:15 p.m.. Dance your way into the new year to your favorite storytime dance songs right up to the New Year’s countdown. Dress up or come as you are. Get tickets with a valid EPL card starting at 9:00 a.m. the day of the party.

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OAK BROOK ¢ OAK BROOK PARK DISTRICT KIDS CERAMICS - SNOWMAN & ORNAMENTS Wednesday, Nov. 9 and Nov. 30, 4-6 p.m.. $54/$68 Kids will make specific seasonalthemed hand-built projects on the first day and glaze their projects on the second day. All materials and firing are included.

Participants should wear appropriate clothing for an art class. Studio C. Ages 7-11. ¢ OAK BROOK PUBLIC LIBRARY OPEN CRAFTS FOR KIDS Tuesday, Nov. 22, 12-3 p.m.. Drop in and make a Thanksgiving-themed craft. ¢ OAK BROOK PUBLIC LIBRARY HOLIDAY TUNES Saturday, Dec. 3, 1 p.m. Join Robyn Vitson for a medley of holiday songs sure to delight the hearts of all ages. Register at (630) 368-7725. ¢ OAK BROOK PUBLIC LIBRARY PINE CONE ORNAMENTS FOR ADULTS Sunday, Dec.11, 2 p.m. Turn pinecones into cute ornaments you can hang from your tree, your door, or anywhere that needs a little holiday spirit. All materials provided.

Register at (630) 368-7725. ¢ OAK BROOK PARK DISTRICT SANTA STOCKING DELIVERIES Wednesday, Dec, 14, 6-8:30 p.m., Monday Dec. 19, 6-8:30 p.m. Sign up for a night your family will be home for a visit from Santa himself. Santa will bring children in the Oak Brook Park District boundary a holiday stocking full of fun gifts and treats. Ages 1 to 10. $30. ¢ OAK BROOK PARK DISTRICT HOLIDAY EXPRESS Dec. 21, 4:20-7:00 p.m., Family Recreation Center, 450 Forest Gate Road. It’s time to take a ride to the North Pole! Sign up for your “train ride” from the Family Recreation Center to meet Santa. Activities include crafts, reading of the Polar Express, bounce house, light refreshments and more. Preregistration ends Friday, Dec. 16. Come early to participate in other activities. ¢ OAK BROOK PARK DISTRICT DIVE-IN MOVIES Watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” from the water! Family Recreation Center, 450 Forest Gate Road, Dec. 27, 7 p.m. Float in the pool on your own inflatable raft or noodle while watching the movie on the poolside big screen. Members/Residents are FREE! Nonresidents pay $5 at the door. mysuburbanlife.com/magazine

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SUBURBAN LIFE MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2016 | 27

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