Virtual Zoo Run
You won’t be able to run past lions, tigers or bears this year, but Brookfield Zoo still invites runners and walkers of all ages to participate in the virtual Zoo Run 5K. Youngsters 4 to 13 years old are invited to participate in a virtual 1-mile Kids’ Dash.
Go online to register, and you’ll receive a running packet in the mail, which includes a numbered bib to be worn during your run or walk. You’ll choose their own course and are encouraged to explore the local wildlife in the area.
Once completed, participants have until Sept. 6 to submit their official run time online to see how their stats match up to other runners in the virtual race.
Registration for the virtual 5K is $40 and includes a moisture-wicking T-shirt. The fee for the 1-mile Kids’ Dash is $25. Kids also receive a T-shirt
All proceeds will benefit the Chicago Zoological Society Animal Care and Conservation Fund.
Classic songs of Rodgers and Porter
North Riverside Public Library hosts a YouTube Live event, “The Classic Songs of Richard Rodgers and Cole Porter,” on the library’s YouTube Channel on Thursday, July 23 at 7 p.m.
Trumpeter, bandleader and pop music historian Steve Cooper presents some of the best songs of composers Richard Rodgers and Cole Porter, along with fascinating and humorous behind-the-scenes stories about the music.
Just visit the library’s YouTube channel at the appointed hour.
Brookfield Chamber’s 60-to-Win is back
COVID-19 may have canceled a bevy of events in 2020, but the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce’s 60-to-Win raffle fundraiser is not one of them.
Tickets ($20 each) are now on sale, so get yours while they last. The chamber sells just 1,100 tickets and each ticket purchased gives you 60 chances to win cash prizes totaling $10,000.
The raffle is a major fundraiser that helps the chamber sponsor events such as the Street Dance, Farmers Market, Car Show, Fine Arts Festival, Easter Egg Hunt, Holiday Celebration and more.
You can buy tickets at Betty’s Flowers & Gifts, Tischler’s, Mary’s Morning Mix-Up, Edward Jones, Priority Print, Douglas Auto, the Brookfield Farmers Market, Pub 78 and Joe’s Saloon. Or if you’d like to purchase your ticket on line, e-mail info@brookfieldchamber.net.
Lyons Township open for tax appeals
The Lyons Township Assessor’s Office, 6404 Joliet Rd., Countryside, is open for property tax appeals through Aug. 14. Property owners who seek in-person assistance must make an appointment. Due to COBID-19 restrictions, appointment slots are limited.
The assessor’s office will not be accepting any type of paperwork for the safety of staff and taxpayers. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (closed for lunch noon to 1 p.m.) with extended hours until 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 4.
You can also file your appeal online at the Cook County Assessor’s website. Email service@lyonsts.com to request comparable properties.
If you have questions, call 708-482-8300, and choose Option 1.
RAC hosts book, plant, art supply fundraiser
Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., will host a Plant, Used Book and Art Supply Sale to help cover costs from the loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 24-26 from 1 to 5 p.m.
In addition to used art books and art-making materials, you can pick up indoor and outdoor plants. Make an appointment, wear a mask and be ready to socially distance as you browse the sale in the outdoor sculpture garden. Only a limited number of people will be allowed inside at one time.
For more information email to csilverman@riversideartscenter.com.
And more
• North Riverside Public Library is offering the following virtual programs through Facebook Live, conference calls and the teleconferencing app Zoom. Programs include Talented Tuesdays every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. via Facebook Live on North Riverside Public Library’s Facebook page; Game Night Fridays every Friday at 7 p.m. via Zoom; Spanish Language Book Club via Zoom on July 24 at 10:30 a.m.; Stretching and Meditation via conference call (800-747-5150, Code 1453322) on July 27 at 6:30 p.m.; and Films by Phone discussing “On Golden Pond” via conference call (800-747-5150, Code 1453322) on July 28 at 6:30 p.m. RSVP to bodenl@northriversidelibrary.org or visit the library’s website for all Zoom meeting access info.
• Brookfield Public Library offers virtual classes and programs for patrons of all ages throughout the week. Most youth activities will be presented live on the library’s Facebook page. Events include literacy classes and Geek Labs, Zumba for Families and Mammals & More. Youth Services will also host a weekly sidewalk art challenge on Sundays. Each week’s winner will receive a gift card to a local business. For adults, there’s Chair Yoga with Susan Wilkens of Dancing Cranes via Zoom on July 23 at 11 a.m. register for access info by visiting the library’s online calendare page.
• Riverside Arts Center is offering Boredom Buster Boxes and Virtual Party Boxes to give the kids some hands-on fun. Each box all the materials needed to complete an art project and instruction sheets. Order online and RAC will deliver the boxes to your front porch (no contact). Order at the Riverside Arts Center website.
You can also enjoy the annual Members’ and Kids’ Exhibition virtually. Visit the RAC website, scroll down the home page to the exhibit information and click the “download” button. The exhibition includes all manner of styles and media, from figurative and abstract painting to photography, sculpture, glass and ceramics.
• Riverside Public Library offers virtual programs for adults, kids and families, including 20 Tips to College Planning Success presented via Zoom by HelloCollege on July 29 at 6:30 p.m. Visit Riverside Public Library’s online calendar page to register and get Zoom access info.
