St. Mary’s presents ‘High School Musical Jr.’

A cast of 29 fourth through eighth graders at St. Mary School, 97 Herrick Road in Riverside, will perform “High School Musical Jr.” in the Parish Center on Feb. 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. and on Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

The fun-filled 60-minute musical, designed for middle school performers, is based on the 2002 Disney Channel movie and subsequent theatrical tour.

Presale tickets are $9 with credit card and can be purchased online at tinyurl.com/ymd62nyy. Tickets at the door are $10 (check only). Seating is general admission.

Join the 2023 Citizens Police Academy

There’s still time to register for the 2023 Brookfield Citizens Police Academy, which starts Feb. 23 and meets for 10 weeks each Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. through April 27.

The academy provides an understanding and working knowledge of how law enforcement operates. Each week, training staff will provide an in-depth look at everything from evidence and crime scene processing to use of force.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Brookfield. Contact Officer David Kudla at pdhelp@brookfieldil.gov with questions. Application forms are at brookfieldil.gov/departments/police-department.

Aging Care Connections Pride Café

Join Aging Care Connections on Feb. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. either in person at 111 W. Harris Ave. in LaGrange or virtually via Zoom at their Pride Café, providing space for LGBT+ seniors who are interested in age-related or LGBT+ related topics, discussion and social opportunities.

Contact Hanah Sebek at 708-603-2270 or hsebek@agingcareconnections.org to get the Zoom link or with questions or input.

Ruth Negga and Joel Edgarton in “Loving”

Movies with Marty screens ‘Loving’

Join film enthusiast Marty Blank at the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., on Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. for a screening and discussion of “Loving,” a 2016 film starring Ruth Negga and Joel Edgarton based on the true court case of Loving v. Virginia during which an interracial couple fought for their right to marry in 1958 Virginia.

Register to attend by calling 708-485-6917, ext. 130 or online.

Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle

Join curator Margaret Schlesigner as she takes you on a tour inside the beloved Museum of Science and Industry exhibit Colleen Moore’s Enchanted Fairy Castle on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road.

Watch a livestream at the library or at home via Zoom and learn about Moore, a silent film star and philanthropist, and roam from room to room through her famous miniature castle.

Register to attend or obtain a Zoom link at riversidelibrary.org/events.

And more

  • Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., hosts Creativity Fest every Saturday in February from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring creative projects, activities and workshops for all ages Suggested donation of $10 per person each day at the door. Visit riversideartscenter.com for more.
  • Tickets for Reading Between the Wines 2023, a fundraiser for the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, to be held Feb. 25 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. are now on sale. Tickets are $35 per person or $50, which includes the wine tasting and a breakout port tasting (limited to 20 people). Get tickets by clicking the link at riversidelibrary.org.
  • Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., presents artist Bobbi Meier’s show “Imperfect Rituals” through Feb. 18. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.

There’s also “Mujer Quetzalcoatl” featuring the work of Alex Velazquez Brightbill, through March 30 in the lobby of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road in Riverside. Viewing hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  • North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., presents iPhone & iPad Basics on Feb. 16 at 2 p.m., After School Art Escape (child with adult) on Feb. 16 at 4 p.m., Lego Club (child with adult) on Feb. 17 at 4 p.m., Sensory Storytime (child with adult) on Feb. 18 at 10 a.m., Light Painting with a Flashlight (grades 6-12) on Feb. 18 at 1:30 p.m., Morning Munchkin Stories with Miss Karen on Feb. 20 at 10:30 a.m., Silly Science (10-under with adult) on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m., Chair Yoga on Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. and Story Safari (child with adult) on Feb. 22 at 10:30 a.m. Register for programs online.
  • Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., presents Fairytale Storytime on Feb. 16 at 10:30 a.m., Yoga Storytime (ages 3-5) on Feb. 17 at 1 p.m., Chair Yoga (virtual) on Feb. 20 at 11 a.m., Books & Bites Cookbook Club looking at “Sara Mouton Cooks at Home” on Feb. 21 at noon and Will You Be My STEAM Valentine on Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. Call 708-485-6917 or visit online to register for programs.
  • Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, presents Chess Meet Up (grades K-8) on Feb. 16 at 4 p.m., Friday Storytimes (all ages) on Feb. 17 at 9:30 and 10:15 a.m., Presidents Day Trivia and Games all day Feb. 17-20,  Loving Your Inner Child with Nannies for Non-Profits (ages 4+) on Feb. 18at 12:30 p.m., Mini-Movers Storytime (3-under with caregiver) on Feb. 20 at 9:30 and 10:15 a.m. and Indoor Beach Party (all ages) on Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. To register for programs, visit online.
  •  The Brookfield Elks Lodge, 9022 31st St., hosts bingo the second Sunday of every month. Doors open at 1 p.m. and games start at 2 p.m. with cash payouts.