Behind the scenes at Brookfield Zoo
Learn about the many facets of the Animal Programs Department at Brookfield Zoo, including nutrition, veterinary services, animal welfare and husbandry during “The Zoo Beyond the Exhibits: Maintaining a Leadership Role,” the latest in the zoo’s Virtual Lecture Series on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.
Bill Zeigler, senior vice president of animal programs for the Chicago Zoological Society, will discuss how Brookfield Zoo’s 2,600 animals are cared for, from enrichment and preventative healthcare to local and international conservation efforts.
Following the presentation, there will be time for questions and answers. The lecture is free, although a $10 donation is appreciated. Online reservations are required and can be made at the Chicago Zoological Society’s website.
Valentine photo contest at North Riverside Mall
Enter for a chance to win $250 during a special Valentines’ Day Photo Contest at North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road, through Feb. 14.
Visit the Valentine’s Loveseat, which is located on the lower level next to Finish Line, and take a photo. Then post the photo to Instagram or Facebook and tag #lovenrpmall and #lovewins. The winner will be randomly selected and notified via social media on Feb. 14 at 5 p.m.
There’s no cost to participate. The mall is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Brookfield Library takes you on a Surfin’ Safari
It may be the dead of winter, but you can feel the warm breeze and hear surf-rock inflected sounds of summer during the Zoom presentation “The History of The Beach Boys,” courtesy of the Brookfield Public Library on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.
Join music historian Gary Wenstrup for “good vibrations” and look at The Beach Boys’ sunniest years – 1962-67.
Registration is required by phone at 708-485-6917, ext. 130 or online at the Brookfield Public Library’s website.
Fast food – just healthy
North Riverside Public Library invites you to join certified sports nutritionist Stefanie Rock for “Rethinking Fast Food: Quick Tips and Recipes for Healthy Meals and Snacks,” which will be broadcast on Facebook Live and YouTube on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.
Learn to make delicious and healthy recipes with some unexpected tips and tricks. The class will be recorded and available to watch until March 3.
Abe Lincoln as storyteller
Riverside Public Library presents Abraham Lincoln interpreter Kevin Wood in a special Zoom program “Lincoln as a Storyteller” on Friday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m.
Wood, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the nation’s 16th president, will shed light on our nation’s history and Lincoln’s own personal history by way of some of the late president’s favorite stories and jokes.
Register for program access by visiting the library’s online calendar.
And more
- Sarah’s Inn marks Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month with a two-part virtual event “Dating Download: Media’s Influence in Dating” on what dating looks like today, dating violence and how media can influence our understanding of relationships. Each session will have a panel discussion. A session for adults is Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m. and one for teens on Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. Find out more at sarahsinn.org/youth-committee.
- Lyons Township High School invites the community to enjoy an exhibit of student artwork online. The virtual exhibit features pieces of art in various mediums and from all levels, including drawings, paintings, photographs, jewelry, textiles, video and sculpture.
- Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., presents “Softening Space” featuring constructions, installations and paintings by Camille Silverman in the Freeark Gallery through Feb. 11 and “Invisible Visible,” a collaboration between artist Colleen Plumb and writer Katherine Kassouf Cummings in the FlexSpace Gallery through Feb. 22. The gallery is open by appointment. Visit the Riverside Arts Center website for more information.
- Chicago Zoological Society’s animal care staff presents “Bringing to Zoo to You” Facebook Live chats each weekday at 11 a.m. through February. If you can’t tune in at 11 a.m., you can watch the videos later on Brookfield Zoo’s Facebook page or YouTube channel.
- North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., offers a number of virtual programs through Facebook Live, conference calls and the teleconferencing app Zoom. Programs include Game Night Wednesdays on Feb. 3 and 10 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.
There’s also NRPL Book Club on Feb. 9 at 6:45 p.m. via conference call (800-747-5150, code 1453322). The book for February is “Today We Go Home” by Kelli Estes.
RSVP to bodenl@northriversidelibrary.org or visit the library’s online calendar for adult 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. For adults, there’s Chair Yoga via Zoom on Feb. 4 at 11 a.m. and Illinois Senior Medicare Patrol Series: How to Read Your MSN via Zoom on Feb. 9 in February at 11 a.m. Visit the library’s online calendar to register for Zoom programs.
