Sun Calendar: Jan. 9 through 23

The DuPage Children's Museum will open its SMART Cafe on Thursday. | Sun-Times Media file photo

Updated: February 10, 2013 6:03PM

Wednesday

Wacky Wednesday Klub — Titanic: Didn’t anyone tell them, “Don’t Break the Ice?” A giant version of the game will be played out from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. at the 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive. This program, for children in grades 3 to 5, requires registration at www.naperville-lib.org. Visit www.naperville-lib.org or call 630-961-4100.

Wheatland Township Christmas tree pickup: Wheatland Township Road District will again pick up Christmas Trees in the unincorporated area of the township. Pickup will begin today and continue through Friday, Jan. 11. The trees must be out by 7 a.m. Call the office at 630-717-0092.

Lisle Township Board of Trustees: The board meets at 7:30 p.m. at township headquarters, 4711 Indiana Ave., Lisle.

Freedom from Smoking: A free program at 7 tonight, Lose the Butts, Lose the Risk, will preview the American Lung Association seven-week Freedom From Smoking session from 7 to 8:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 16 through Feb. 27, at the Edward Education Center. Quit week begins Feb. 4. A $60 fee covers all course materials. Call 630-527-6363 to register.

Thursday

Anti-Art — Caravaggio, His Followers and Rivals: Terah Walkup, The Art Institute of Chicago, will explore Caravaggio’s controversy and influence in Italy and beyond Italian borders, his street brawl escapades and his enormous talents as an artist. Coffee and early seating is at 6:30, program at 7 p.m., 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive. Visit www.naperville-lib.org or call 630-961-4100.

The Fox Valley Genealogical Society: The first meeting of the year will feature “Overcoming Brick Walls Revisited,” at 7:30 p.m. at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, room B/C. Visit www.ilfvgs.org.

Learn to make films: Kevin Martin, a 2006 graduate of Montini Catholic High School, will offer “Making Your Own Film” with the help of Kidz Kabaret from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, at Center Stage Theater, 1665 Quincy Ave., suite 143, Naperville. Martin runs his own production company and has produced films and commercials. Cost is $35. Email Steve Santay at stephen.santay@gmail.com to learn more.

SMART Cafe: The DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville, will officially celebrate the grand opening of its 60-seat café with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Visit www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

Naperville Park District: The Board of Commissioners will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. in council chambers at the Naperville Municipal Building, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville.

Public Utilities Advisory Board: The meeting will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, in the second floor conference room east of the Electric Service Center, 1392 W. Aurora Ave.

Naperville Area Illinois State Music Teachers Association: The group’s monthly meeting will be at 9:15 a.m. at Brookdale Music, 1550 N. Rt. 59 in Naperville. The featured program is “Comprehensively Trained Pianists: Preparing Students for College Music Study (and the real world!),” presented by Marcia Bosits, associate professor of piano and director of piano pedagogy at Northwestern University. Visit www.napervilleismta.org or email info@napervilleismta.org.

Friday

Art exhibit: North Central College presents Jan-Ru Wan’s “ReMaterialization/Relive Memory” exhibit Jan. 11 through March 24. Wan uses found materials to create artwork and question the emotional construct of the human condition. The public is welcome to this free exhibit and to an artist reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, in the College’s Schoenherr Gallery at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Call 630-637-5543 for more information or visit northcentralcollege.edu/show.

The Union: North Central College’s The Union presents singer/songwriter and guitarist John Mark McMillan with musician Mike Reeb who has opened for Switchfoot at 7 p.m. at The Union, 129 W. Benton Ave. Tickets are $12 at the door and $10 in advance. Call 630-637-7469 or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’: Naperville’s School of Performing Arts presents three performances of the Tony Award-winning musical at 7 p.m. Jan. 11-12 and at 2 p.m. Jan. 12 in North Central College’s Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. Tickets are $18 for reserved seating and $15/adults and $10/students for general seating. Call 630-717-6622 for more information.

or visit schoolofperformingarts.com.

Micro-retreat for women: Women of all ages are invited to experience “The Wisdom and Spirituality of Native Peoples” from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Lighthouse room in St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville. Contact Anne Schultz at 630-355-8980, ext. 113, or at aschultz@stapostle.org.

Home-Schoolers “Closer Look” Field Trip: Learn about forest preserve flora and fauna in an interactive setting. During this session, “Signs of Wildlife,” look at evidence wild animals leave behind to let us know they’re there from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Willowbrook Wildlife Center, 525 S. Park Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. Ages 5 and older; younger than 18 with an adult. Cost is $5 per family. To register, call 630-942-6200.

DCM Family Fun Friday Night: Extended hours on Friday nights provide greater access to DuPage Children’s Museum exhibits and activities as well as give families with working parents and siblings greater opportunity to enjoy time together. Folk singer Carol Weston will be performing songs from her American songbook beginning at 6 p.m. at 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. The American Songbag is a sing‐along, foot‐stompin’ good time for all ages that includes many all‐American favorites and familiar show tunes.

Website contest: Residents have until 5 p.m. today to vote for the city of Naperville in the CivicPlus Extreme Website Makeover 2012. The grand prize winner will receive a free website makeover. Visit http://civicplus.checkboxonline.com/Digital-Citizen-Engagement-Survey.aspx.

Saturday, Jan. 12

Family film: The Naper Boulevard Library will screen “Happy Feet Two” from 1 to 3 p.m. A short activity will kick off the viewing, which has a PG rating. The library is at 2035 S. Naper Blvd. For more information, visit www.naperville-lib.org or call 630-961-4100.

College debt discussion: To help make sense of the college financial maze, the Grace United Methodist Church Foundation is offering a free panel discussion, “Where Did the Money Go?,” for 16- to 25-year-olds from 10 a.m. to noon in Grace Church’s Fellowship Hall, 300 E. Gartner Road in Naperville. Register online at www.peopleofgrace.org or call 630-355-1748.

Marc Cohn concert: Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Marc Cohn performs at 8 p.m. in North Central College’s Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. His latest album “Parade” builds on the success of such hits as “Walking in Memphis.” An opening set will be performed by singer/songwriter Rebecca Pidgeon. Tickets are $40 and $30; call 630-637-7469 or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

Calling volunteers: The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County will host an informational open house for prospective volunteers from 9 a.m. to noon at its headquarters, 3S580 Naperville Road in Wheaton. A one-hour overview of all 11 specialized programs will begin at 10 a.m. Weekly, monthly and one-time volunteer opportunities are available. Call Volunteer Services at 630-933-7681 for more details.

Democratic Women of DuPage County’s annual brunch: The brunch is at 10 a.m. Jan. 12 at the Double Tree Suites, 2111 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove. Tammy Duckworth, recently elected U.S. representative for the 8th Congressional District, will speak about “Women, Politics and the Workplace.” The cost is $40. Cash/checks will be accepted at the door or may be paid in advance by contacting treasurer Kevin Allen at 630-408-7934.

Volunteer Restoration Workday: Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed. Two sessions: 9 a.m. to noon at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, 3609 Spring Road in Oak Brook; 9 a.m. to noon at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville. All ages; younger than 14 with an adult. Free. To register, call 630-933-7681 at least five business days in advance.

Palestinian art exhibition: Our Saviours Lutheran, Naperville, will be one of three Chicago-area churches hosting an exhibition of Palestinian art, titled “Room for Hope,” through Feb. 4. Art works in the exhibit include paintings, photography and multi-mediums by both Christian and Muslim artists. Our Saviours Lutheran Church, 815 S. Washington St., Naperville, will have a special reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 12. Email ruth.nelson@me.com.

Electronics recycling: The city’s recycling drop-off center is now open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, 180 Fort Hill Drive. Accepted items include personal computers, laptops, all-in-ones, monitors, televisions, large peripherals, copiers, computer cables, keyboards, mice, fax machines, VCRs, DVD players, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, video game consoles and more. Visit www.naperville.il.us/electronicsrecycle.aspx. The center also is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Visit www.naperville.il.us/recyclecenter.aspx.

Blood drive: Donate blood between 7:30 a.m. to noon at Holy Spirit Catholic Community, 2003 Hassert Blvd. and Book Road. Learn more at Heartland Blood Center, 1200 N. Highland Ave., Aurora, 630-892-7056 or www.heartlandbc.org.

Sunday, Jan. 13

New Release Sunday – “Prometheus” (R) (2012): Director Ridley Scott’s “Prometheus” follows a group of explorers as they uncover the beginning of life on Earth and are faced with a battle to save the future of the human race, 2 p.m., 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr. For more information visit the library’s website, www.naperville-lib.org or call 630-961-4100.

Art exhibit: North Central College presents an exhibit of artwork by Laura Lein-Svencner from Jan. 13 through March 7. Lein-Svencner sands, alters and manipulates materials to form textures. The public is welcome to this free exhibit and to an artist’s talk and reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 22 in the College’s Oesterle Library Gallery, 320 E. School St. Call 630-637-5543 for more information or visit northcentralcollege.edu/show.

Oh the Humanity! — The Hindenburg Disaster: On May 6, 1937, WLS reporter Herb Morrison was sent to Lakehurst Naval Air Station in New Jersey to cover the first anniversary of transatlantic passenger service, but what he witnessed was one of the greatest disasters of the 20th century. Hear Morrison, portrayed by veteran actor and historian Terry Lynch, recount the horrific details of that day on the 75th anniversary of the disaster. The presentation will be from 4 to 5 p.m. at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St. For tickets, call 630-420-6010 or visit www.napersettlement.museum.

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides: Enjoy a 15-minute ride through the prairies and woodlands of Danada Forest Preserve as you learn about its history. Wagons are used if there is less than 4 inches of packed snow on the trail. Noon – 3 p.m. at Danada Equestrian Center, 3S507 Naperville Road in Wheaton. $5 per person ages 13 and up; $2 ages 5 – 12; under 5 free. Rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of 15 or more are encouraged to reserve private rides. Call 630-668-6012.

Ice Fishing for Beginners: Learn the basics of ice fishing, including safety, equipment, techniques and tips for forest preserve lakes. Fishing will follow if conditions permit. Equipment and bait provided. 1 – 3 p.m. at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton on Butterfield Road two miles west of Naperville Road. Ages 6 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. To register, call 630-933-7248.

Owls of DuPage: Find out why people give a hoot about owls, and learn about the species that live in DuPage from 1 to 3 p.m. at Willowbrook Wildlife Center, 525 S. Park Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. Ages 10 and up with an adult. Free. To register, call 630-942-6200.

Monday, Jan. 14

E-Books Workshop: Download E-Books: Got an e-reader and wonder how to download e-books from over 6,000 titles available from the Library? Bring your Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader, iPad or other device capable of displaying Adobe-DRM protected EPUB, PDF or Kindle e-books and we will help you join the world of e-reading. Register for this program that meets from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave. at www.naperville-lib.org. For more information visit the library’s website, www.naperville-lib.org or call 630-961-4100.

Fair Housing Advisory Commission: The meeting will be at 6:30 p.m.in the city manager’s conference room on the second floor of the Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. Fair Housing Advisory Commission meetings are typically are held at 6:30 p.m. on the first Monday of every month. Visit www.naperville.il.us/fhac.aspx.

Meet Chicago Wolves hockey player: Alex Friesen, a center with the Chicago Wolves Hockey Team, will talk about reading and hockey at 4 p.m. in the Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave. During the program, one lucky child will have the opportunity to try on the official hockey gear, including pads. Photos of Friesen will be available and everyone can get Alex’s autograph. Join the fun for $5 a child.

Christmas tree pickup: The Naperville Township Road District will pick up Christmas trees discarded by residents in the unincorporated areas of Naperville Township on Mondays in January. Township residents should have their trees by the curb the night before. Remove ornaments, tinsel and plastic bags. Wreaths will not be accepted. Wreaths can be left with refuse.

Tuesday, Jan. 15

Exam Cram 2: Have finals now? Come to Exam Cram 2! We have reserved space in the Library just for you! We’ll have lots of tables for group study, free Wi-Fi and reference help. We’ll also have board games and snacks for brains that need a break, 4 to 8:30 p.m., Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave. For more information visit the library’s website, www.naperville-lib.org or call 630-961-4100.

Science Fair Genius Station: Middle Schoolers, your science fair is just around the corner and the Naperville Public Library is here to help! Our resident science geniuses, Dr. Judy Aulik and Lisa Durbin, offer individual appointments to help you develop a strong hypothesis, find great sources for your research and more. Reserve your 15-minute appointment by calling 630-637-4952 or emailing rsnyder@naperville-lib.org. Visit the library’s website, www.naperville-lib.org or call 630-961-4100.

Blood drive: Donate between 4 and 7 p.m. at The Addison of Naperville Apartments, 1598 Fairway Drive. Learn more at Heartland Blood Center, 1200 N. Highland Ave., Aurora, 630-892-7056 or www.heartlandbc.org.

Melanie Benjamin book reading: The author will launch her new book “The Aviator’s Wife” at 7 p.m. at Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. The book is about Ann Morrow and Charles Lindbergh. Benjamin’s first national bestseller was “Alice I Have Been,” followed by “The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb.” Call 630-355-2665.

Film screening: North Central College presents a screening of “Get on the Bus,” a 1996 film directed by Spike Lee and starring Hill Harper, at 7 p.m. in the theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St. Free and open to the public, the film is one event in the college’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. week, which features Harper as its keynote speaker Jan. 21. Call 630-637-5156.

Wednesday, Jan. 16

Computer Class — iPad: New Features: Have a new iPad with new system? Would you like to learn how to use it to its full potential? Join us as we discuss how to manage content, use apps and browse the web. Learn new features introduced with the new system. Bring your devices and any questions you have, 6 to 8 p.m., Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave. This is a no-fee class but registration is required at any Computer Lab in any of the 3 library buildings.

Naperville Park District preschool information night: Parents are invited to learn more about the Naperville Park District’s preschool programs at the upcoming meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Seager Park Interpretive Center, 1163 Plank Road. Parents do not need to register. Visit www.napervilleparks.org.

Tea & Talk: The parties are scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Jan. 15, Jan. 29 and Feb. 12 at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Each individual program is $15 per person; the series of four programs is $50. For teens through adults. Call 630-420-6010 for reservations.

Freedom from Smoking: The American Lung Association will teach this seven-week session from 7 to 8:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 16 through Feb. 27, at the Edward Education Center. Quit week begins Feb. 4. A $60 fee covers all course materials. Call 630-527-6363 to register. Not Sure? Join us for a FREE, no obligation preview program: Lose the Butts, Lose the Risk on January 9th at 7:00pm. Call 630-527-6363 to register.

Preschool information night: Parents in the community are invited to learn more about the Naperville Park District’s preschool programs at the upcoming information night from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Seager Park Interpretive Center, 1163 Plank Road. Visit www.napervilleparks.org or call 630-848-5000.

Clare Vanderpool book signing: The Newbery Medal winner will read from her book “Navigating Early” at 7 p.m. at Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave. in Naperville. Call 630-355-2665.

Thursday, Jan. 17

Teen Movie Series — ‘The Hunger Games’: All Tributes assemble and join us as we watch “The Hunger Games,” (PG-13) eat snacks from the various districts, try your hand at a Cinna approved craft and see if you can beat Katniss in an archery contest from 4 to 7 p.m. at the 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive.

Student theater: North Central College students direct and perform “Float,” a funny, soulful play about five Midwestern women, written by Chicago-based playwright Patricia Kane. Three performances will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17-19 in the College’s Madden Theatre at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Tickets are $5/adults, $3/students and senior citizens; call 630-637-7469 or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

Volunteer opportunity: Become an adult literacy tutor and help change someone’s future. The next tutor training workshop series dates are: Jan. 17, 21, 24, 28, 31 and Feb. 14. The classes meet from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Nichols Public Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. Contact Literacy DuPage at 630-416-6699, info@literacydupage.org or visit www.literacydupage.org.

Friday, Jan. 18

Stuffed Animal Sleepover: Bring in your favorite stuffed animal for a sleepover at the Library. Drop off your stuffed animal from 5 to 7 p.m., 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr., create a special nametag and say goodnight, while leaving it in the care of the Children’s staff. Come back the next morning to reunite with your stuffed animal, find out what happened during the sleepover and enjoy a special storytime. You’ll be surprised to see pictures of the fun they had at the Library! For more information visit the library’s website, www.naperville-lib.org or call 630-961-4100.

Hip-hop at The Union: North Central College’s The Union presents popular Christian rapper KB with hip-hop artist Kareem Manuel at 7 p.m. at The Union, 129 W. Benton Ave. Tickets are $12 at the door and $10 in advance. Call 630-637-7469 or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix. Visit theunionnetwork.com.

Saturday, Jan. 19

ACT Kaplan Practice Test: Give yourself every opportunity for scoring success and for attending the college/university of your choice by enrolling in this ACT practice program. Please bring #2 pencils, an approved calculator and a healthy snack. The exam begins promptly at 10 a.m., Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave., and no one will be admitted once the exam has started. This program is for teens in grades 9 – 12 and requires registration at www.naperville-lib.org. This program is presented in partnership with Kaplan.

Kids Night out: Benedictine University will provide area children with a variety of activities that promote fitness and fun while offering their parents a break with its “Kids Nite Out” program from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, Jan. 19, Feb. 2 and March 2 in the campus’ Dan and Ada Rice Center. Open to boys or girls ages 4 through 12, the fee is $15 per child per date. Each child must be registered by a parent at the door on each night of the program. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. and children must be picked up promptly at 9 p.m. Call Kate Heidkamp at 630-829-6149.

The Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation: The homeowners group has invited area legislators to join them and provide a heads-up on what homeowners can expect from Springfield in the new year. Meet for networking at 8 a.m. in meeting rooms B&C on the lower level of the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville. The meeting begins at 8:30 and adjourns by 10.

Jan. 20

Chicago Sinfonietta: Conductor Mei-Ann Chen leads the Chicago Sinfonietta’s annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 3 p.m. in North Central College’s Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Featured guests include Metropolitan Opera clarinetist Anthony McGill and renowned bass-baritone Eric Owens. Tickets are $50 and $40/adults, $10/children and students. Call 630-637-7469 or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides: Enjoy a 15-minute ride through the prairies and woodlands of Danada Forest Preserve as you learn about its history. Wagons are used if there is less than 4 inches of packed snow on the trail. Noon – 3 p.m. at Danada Equestrian Center, 3S507 Naperville Road in Wheaton. $5 per person ages 13 and up; $2 ages 5 – 12; under 5 free. Rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of 15 or more are encouraged to reserve private rides. Call 630-668-6012.

DuPage Birding Club: The club will bird along the edge of DuPage County from Waterfall Glen to Springbrook Prairie and places in between. The Southern (DuPage) Birding Tour begins at 8 a.m. at Waterfall Glen at the intersection of Bluff and Cass roads with leader Jeff Smith. Email mrqmagoo@comcast.net.

Jan. 21

Visit Day: High school students and their parents or guardians are invited to attend North Central College’s Visit Day on Monday, Jan. 21. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Wentz Concert Hall lobby at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., and concludes with lunch at 12:30 p.m. High-achieving students are invited to an optional session at 9 a.m. Visitors can take a walking tour and attend informative sessions on financial aid, academic highlights and student life. For more information and to register call 630-637-5800 or visit northcentralcollege.edu/visit.

Actor to speak at NCC: North Central College hosts Hill Harper, ward-winning actor, bestselling author and philanthropist, as keynote speaker for the college’s annual celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Harper will give a talk at 7 p.m. in the college’s Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Admission is $5 at the door. He is a star of the TV drama “CSI: NY,” author of four New York Times bestsellers and recipient of seven NAACP Image Awards for writing and acting. Contact Dorothy Pleas at 630-637-5156.

Jan. 22

Naperville Junior Woman’s Club: The club’s next new member meeting is at 7 p.m. Aurelios Pizza, 1975 Springbrook Square Drive, Naperville. Call 630-922-3600.

Artist’s talk and reception: Laura Lein-Svencner, whose artwork is on display at North Central College from Jan. 13 through March 7, will give a free artist’s talk and greet visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. Complimentary refreshments will be served in the college’s Oesterle Library Gallery, 320 E. School St. Call 630-637-5543 or visit northcentralcollege.edu/show.

Jan. 23

Naperville Garden Club: The club will meet at 8:45 a.m. at Celebration Community Life Center, 919 S Washington St. Cost is $5. Contact Deb Tritt at 630-717-9616. The program features Kimball & Beau Architectural Design and Antiques.

Technology Center of DuPage: The public high school campus where DuPage County students can explore one of 24 career pathways, earn free college credit, and get a head start on their future while still in high school invites the community to learn more about this unique college and career prep elective at the TCD community open house, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sign up at www.tcdupage.org. The campus is at 301 S. Swift Road in Addison. Call 630-691-7572 during regular school hours.

Jan. 25

100th anniversary celebration: The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Inaugural Gala & Silent Auction, serving as the formal welcoming of the 2013 Board of Directors. The gala’s theme, “Centennial Celebration, Connecting Our Community,” reflects a yearlong focus on the past 100 years. The black-tie optional event will be from 6 to 11 p.m. Jan. 25, at Bobak’s Signature Events, 6440 Double Eagle Drive, Woodridge. Tickets are $100. Register at www.naperville.net or call 630-355-4141.

Poetry Slam: North Central College’s The Union presents a Poetry Slam, featuring New York’s award-winning poet and actor Carlos Andres Gomez at 7 p.m. at The Union, 129 W. Benton Ave. Students also will perform poetry during this annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week event. Tickets are $12 at the door and $10 in advance. Call 630-637-7469 or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix. Visit theunionnetwork.com.

Jan. 26

Fundraiser: The Second City Touring Company performs “Laughing Matters,” fundraiser benefiting the Naperville Education Foundation (School District 203’s charitable arm) beginning at 7 p.m. at Wentz Concert Hall of North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Purchase tickets online at www.nef203.org. Contact Ann E. Spehar at 630-420-3086, nef@naperville203.org.

Volunteer Restoration Workday: Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed. 1 – 4 p.m. at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville on Plainfield-Naperville Road one-half mile south of 75th Street. All ages; under 14 with an adult. Free. To register, call 630-933-7681 at least five business days in advance. Groups of five or more must call 10 business days in advance.

Gospel music: North Central College’s annual Gospel Extravaganza will celebrate its 25th anniversary at 7 p.m. in Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. The concert will feature North Central’s Voices of Praise gospel choir, Dexter Walker and Zion Movement, the Wheaton College Gospel Choir, Voices of Praise Choir from the DuPage African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Lisle and dancer-choreographer Glorielle Williams. Tickets are $15/adults, $10/students and senior citizens. Call the North Central College box office at 630-637-7469 or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

Comedic benefit: The Naperville Education Foundation will host its annual Yuks for Youth fundraising event at 8 p.m. in North Central College’s Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Refreshments and cocktails will be served at 7 p.m. followed by a performance titled “Laughing Matters” by The Second City. Visit nef203.org.

Jan. 27

Cast-Iron Cooking: Help prepare a hearty meal over an open campfire, and learn tips for cooking with cast iron. 1 – 3:30 p.m. at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton on Butterfield Road two miles west of Naperville Road. Ages 5 and up; under 18 with an adult. $10 per person ages 13 and up; $5 ages 5 – 12. Registration begins Jan. 14. Call 630-933-7248.

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides: Enjoy a 15-minute ride through the prairies and woodlands of Danada Forest Preserve as you learn about its history. Wagons are used if there is less than 4 inches of packed snow on the trail. Noon – 3 p.m. at Danada Equestrian Center, 3S507 Naperville Road in Wheaton. $5 per person ages 13 and up; $2 ages 5 – 12; under 5 free. Rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of 15 or more are encouraged to reserve private rides. Call 630-668-6012.

Music: Popular Chicagoland cabaret duo Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael return to North Central College to perform “All in the Musical Family” at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, in the College’s Madden Theatre at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Menzie and Michael delight audiences with their rare chemistry, inventive arrangements and genuine love for music and for one another. Tickets are $35 and $30; call 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

Jan. 28

Learn the Flamenco: North Central College will host a free Flamenco Dance Workshop for beginners Monday, Jan. 28, as part of its annual Flamenco Festival. Jelena Sanchez, North Central adjunct instructor of Spanish, will teach arm and body movements, footwork and musical rhythms in flamenco dance from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. in Heininger Auditorium at Larrance Academic Center, 309 E. School St. For more information contact Sanchez at jsanchez@noctrl.edu.

Jan. 30

Disaster preparedness: Free Community Emergency Response Team classes will be from 6:45 to 9:30 p.m. Jan. 30, and Feb. 6, 13 and 20 at the Naperville Electric Service Center, 1392 Aurora Ave. The final class will be from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at Fire Station No. 4, 1979 Brookdale Road. Participants must be 18 years of age and either live or be employed in the city of Naperville. Download a registration form and waiver from the CERT website at www.napercert.org.

Feb. 9

Ice fishing: The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s “Hard-Water Classic” Ice-Fishing Tournament is from noon to 3:30 p.m. on Silver Lake at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Registration is $15 per person in advance online at signmeup.com/86766. Check-in is at Blackwell from 11 to 11:45 a.m., and tournament fishing is from noon to 3:30 p.m. For details, call 630-876-5931.

Feb. 22

Learn business of being artist: North Central College’s 13th annual Self Employment in the Arts Conference from Feb. 22-23 will help aspiring artists learn to become successful entrepreneurs. The conference at the Hilton Lisle/Naperville Hotel, 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle, will start at 1 p.m. Feb. 22 and end at 4 p.m. Feb. 23. The registration fee for students is $95 for the full conference or $55 for a day. Scholarships are available. To register, visit selfemploymentinthearts.com or contact 630-637-5468 or aerogers@noctrl.edu.

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