As the state of Illinois remains under a stay-at-home-order due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many local organizations are turning to virtual events. Here are this week’s top picks.
Just Discuss: Poetry
The Book Stall, Winnetka
May 7, 14, 21 and 28, 10-11 a.m.
$80 for four sessions. It’s a new virtual exercise, conducted via Zoom with Alice Moody. Poetry might just be the antidote we all need. Reserve your spot by emailing [email protected] or call/text 847-843-6321.
Levy Senior Center Virtual Programs – Fitness Classes
The Levy Senior Center, Evanston
May 7, 10 a.m.
All fitness classes will have new Zoom links. View the fitness schedule and registration links. Once you find the Levy Center Remote Class Schedule, you can Click on the Link that brings you to the Zoom event. Each day of the week has remote choices. Call 847-448-8250 or visit LSCFevanston.org.
Y Community Virtual Coffee Chat
The Leaning Tower of Niles YMCA
May 7, 10:30 -11:15 a.m.
ymcachicago.org/pages/yonthego
To keep the community connected, this free virtual event is facilitated by Meg Helder to help participants learn and participate in some basic mindfulness practices and share their own practices. Scroll down to click Attend and Register.
May Telephone Topics
The Mather of Evanston
May 7, 1 p.m.
Pick up your telephone and dial up free, fun and interesting topics from the comfort of your home. All calls are free. This topic includes: Poetry by Marion Mango, poet and writer. Listen or share favorite poetry you have written or admire.
Teen Education and Support Group
Yellowbrick, Evanston
May 5 – June 4, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1-2 p.m.
Free. Yellowbrick approaches mental health for adolescents in a way that is unique. Now running free Virtual Adolescent Educational Support. Registration form must be signed by the teen and parent/legal guardian. Participation is on a group-by-group basis and you may participate in any or all of the groups. Upcoming are May 7 – Staying on track academically; May 12 – The impact of the quarantine on friendships
Anonymous Teen Writers
Eisenhower Public Library District, Harwood Heights
May 7, 4-5:30 p.m.
eisenhowerlibrary.evanced.info/
Writers in grades 7-12 are invited to join in on Zoom video chat for some socializing, discussion, and, of course, writing! Share your poems and stories in a supportive space or listen to others read.
Watch Live: Goodnight with Dolly
Niles-Maine District Library
May 7, 6-6:30p.m.
nmdl.libnet.info/event/4262401
Kids can join Dolly Parton for a live bedtime story online.
A Community Virtual 5K QuaRUNtine Challenge
North Suburban YMCA, Northbrook
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Open to all ages to stay active and get outside. A complete six week, in-home training program for beginners as well as advanced runners is on the website. Participants find pre-recorded strength training videos and active recovery workouts too.
Play at Home
Glencoe Park District
Throughout May
Glencoe Park District is here to help while you #stayathome – registration is now open for May virtual classes. More than 60 programs including soccer skills, tennis, fashion design, Lego STEM skills, an E-Sports Madden Tournament, drawing, sculpting, ceramics, and more, led by your favorite Glencoe Park District instructors. ? ?To register for a class, visit the link.
Betty Crocker: The Story a Legendary Cookbook
North Shore Senior Center, Northfield
May 8, 1-2:30 p.m.
This online class is with instructor: Leslie Goddard. If you have questions or would like more information, please email [email protected] or call 847-784-6030.
Watch Now: Chicago Movie Tours
Niles-Maine District Library
May 9, all day
nmdl.libnet.info/event/4269708
Virtual film education and learning with Chicago Movie Tours & Talks offering exclusive, expert-led walking tours, lectures, and immersive experiences related to Chicago and cinema. Kelli Marshall is a public speaker, tour guide and educator who helps visitors and residents discover Chicago through film.
Virtual Dungeons & Dragons – Teen League
Wilmette Public Library
May 9, 1-4 p.m.
Open to grades 7-12 to go on adventures with an intrepid crew of heroes with our virtual Dungeons & Dragons sessions. Join the Wilmette Public Library RPG League Discord server to connect with other players, register for our game sessions, and chat about tabletop gaming in general. Learn to use the free website Roll20.net to play with us and even set up your own games with friends. E-mail the teen librarian Krista for an invite to our Discord server to get starteds. Currently rolling dice weekly on Saturdays. Updates are posted to our teen Instagram account at @wilmettelibraryteens.
Graphic Novel Book Club for Kids
Evanston Public Library
May 9, 1-2 p.m.
For grades 3-5, who love graphic novels. Now come talk about them.
Virtual Dungeons and Dragons
Evanston Public Library
May 9, 2-4:30 p.m.
For grades 6-12 to join for a virtual D&D game using Roll20.net. You must register (please use valid email) to take part and create an account on https://roll20.net/.
Engage Live: Young Chicago Authors Presents Emcee Wreckshop
Niles-Maine District Library
May 9, 4-6 p.m.
nmdl.libnet.info/event/4259542
To reserve your spot to this special event performance DM us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook to receive login info.
45th Annual Mother’s Day House “Walk-By”
The Evanston History Center
Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, or on any day after
This year’s House Walk will be an exterior only, “Walk-By,” as people safely walk, ride, or drive in order to take part in this year’s event. Highlighted are the homes of Evanston women who fought for suffrage and those who served their community through elected office. Call EHC at 847-475-3410 to purchase tickets. EHC members receive a $5 per ticket discount. Children 12 and over require a ticket. Tickets for $30 and discounted member tickets $25 may be purchased online until 5 p.m. May 9. Tickets may be purchased online throughout the month of May for $35 each.
Watch Now: Mother’s Day
Niles-Maine District Library
May 10, all day
nmdl.libnet.info/event/4269714
Adults can virtually learn as they celebrate Mother’s Day by exploring these national tributes to women and Mothers.
Watch Now: Ken Burns films online
Niles-Maine District Library
May 11, all day
nmdl.libnet.info/event/4269726
Select full-length films that will be added and available until June 30.
Virtual Spanish Storytime with Señora Kus
Northbrook Public Library
May 11, 11-11:30 a.m.
visit.northbrook.info/event/4260083
Explore the Spanish language with virtual songs, stories, rhymes and movement. Bilingual storytime is designed to provide English speakers with a brain-building dose of Spanish. Meets virtually on RingCentral. Register, then check your email on the morning of the program for a link.
COVID-19: A Discussion with a Doctor
North Suburban YMCA, Northbrook
May 11, 1 p.m.
Dr. Mike Ellison, M.D., retired hematologist, brings an unbiased, nuanced picture of virus biology, testing, treatment and vaccination. Bring your questions, concerns and problems for this free discussion. Register for this program to receive a reminder email the day of the event by emailing Karen Brownlee at the North Suburban YMCA: [email protected]. Virtual Program available at the link or 847-576-3011.
Bill of Rights: Its Origin, Main Principles and Points of Contention
North Shore Senior Center, Northfield
May 11, 1-2:30 p.m.
Free, Class ID: 8698. This online class is with instructor Julie Strauss. If you have questions or would like more information, please email [email protected] or call 847-784-6030.
EPL & MENA Online: Watermelon Democracy – Egypt’s Turbulent Transition
Evanston Public Library
May 11, 6-7:30 p.m.
This is a special Zoom lecture in EPL and Northwestern University’s continuing series on the culture, politics, religion, and society of the Middle East and North Africa. Must register for the Zoom meeting.
Virtual Film Series: The Iron Horse
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Eisenhower Public Library District, Harwood Heights
May 11, 6-9 p.m.
eisenhowerlibrary.evanced.info/
Celebrating the best films of 1924 with online Watch Parties on the Facebook Page. At this adult/senior virtual event, anyone can watch and comment on the videos at the same time to create a shared viewing experience.
Teen Mental Health Happy Hour
Evanston Public Library
May 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
A virtual event for teens, with activities, tips and friends to help support a healthy mind and heart. Register.
Virtual Go Green Reads Book Discussion
The Book Stall, Winnetka
May 11, 6:30 p.m.
“The Dorito Effect: The Surprising New Truth About Food and Flavor” by Mark Schatzker. This free virtual discussion is a Zoom meeting; email to [email protected] for login details.
Virtual LEGO Club
Glenview Public Library
May 12, all day.
Must log in to register with library card number. Sign-up to receive an email for a home Lego challenge. Tackle the challenge during the following week and send back a picture of your home creation. Pictures are shared with other Lego Club participants via email and a gallery of photos posted to the Facebook page. YS Department can be reached at: [email protected]
Virtual Environmental Book Club: Drawdown
Northbrook Public Library
May 12, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
visit.northbrook.info/event/4254634
Discuss the top 100 solutions to reverse global warming as presented in “Drawdown” edited by Paul Hawken. Register for this online session.
Choose-Your-Own-History? Creative Pedagogies For Holocaust Education
Illinois Holocaust Museum Education Center
May 12, 4-5 p.m.
In this workshop, led by Unsilence, explore a series of highly interactive Unsilence learning experiences — including a webquest, a choose-your-own-pathway story, and an interactive testimony — for teaching about hidden Holocaust histories of the Roma, disabled, homosexual, and political victims of Nazism, as well as rarely talked about experiences of Jewish survivors.
Estate Planning 101: Trusts aren’t just for the Pritzkers
North Suburban YMCA, Northbrook
May 13, at 9 a.m.
uberconference.com/nsymca
Elder Law Attorney Matt Margolis teaches about the importance of estate planning, no matter your level of wealth. This discussion covers what is important to include in your estate planning and how to use trusts and other tools to protect your loved ones. Register for this program to receive a reminder email the day of the event by emailing Karen Brownlee at the North Suburban YMCA at [email protected]. Virtual Program available at the link or call 847-576-3011.
May Telephone Topics
The Mather of Evanston
May 13, 1 p.m.
Pick up your telephone and dial up free, fun, and interesting topics from the comfort of your home. All calls are free. This topic includes: Game Time with Jeanne: Comedy Hour by Jeanne Roppolo, author, storyteller. Join in for a comedy hour with new and old friends to laugh our way to a healthier future.
Levy Senior Center Foundation Virtual Spring Lecture Series
The Levy Senior Center, Evanston
May 13, 1 p.m.
Leslie Goddard brings historic women to life via Zoom. The award-winning historian, public speaker and author portrays Georgia O’Keeffe (May 13), Jacqueline Kennedy (May 20) and Eleanor Roosevelt (May 26). All lectures will start at 1 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is required. Register and receive an invitation to the Zoom webinar along with guidance about how to connect to Zoom.
Book Discussion Group: Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (Online Class)
North Shore Senior Center, Northfield
May 13, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Free, Class ID: 8410
This online class is with instructor Donette Jensen. If you have questions or would like more information, please email [email protected] or call 847-784-6030.
Virtual Teen Book Club – Grades 8-12
Park Ridge Public Library
May 13, 4-5 p.m.
Join us for a virtual discussion of Brave Enough by Kati Gardner. Copies are available for immediate checkout via Hoopla. This program takes place via Zoom. Max: 10
https://parkridgelibrary.libcal.com/event/6657713
Just Write: Teens
The Book Stall, Winnetka
May 13 –Wednesdays, May 6-June 3, from 4-5 p.m.
https://shop.thebookstall.com/
$100 for 5 sessions
This is not like English class—it is a workshop for teens to unleash their inner-writer. Takes place via Zoom and led by Sarah Kloos, experienced teaching artist and published author. Reserve your spot, email: [email protected] or call/text 847-843-6321.
Mission Impossible Another Country Discussion on Zoom
Evanston Public Library
https://evanston.libnet.info/events
May 13, 7- 8:30 p.m.
The Mission Impossible Groups will meet for this adult online session, via Zoom, to discuss Book 1 of “Another Country” by James Baldwin. Register.
LitLounge: Good Riddance: Online Event
Skokie Public Library
May 13, 7:30-9 p.m.
https://skokielibrary.info/events/12459/litlounge-good-riddance-online-event
Adults grab a downloadable copy of Good Riddance by Elinor Lipman on Hoopla and join in for the conversation in the online LitLounge. Sign up for this event and receive the Zoom meeting link.
No Specific Dates/Times
Reconnect with M-NASR: Virtual Programming
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Maine-Niles Assoc. of Special Recreation, Morton Grove
No specific dates/times
https://mnasr.org/virtual-programming/
M-NASR is offering virtual programming. See the link for a listing of the schedule and programs being offered for youth 5-15; and teens/adults 13 and older; and all-inclusive activities. M-NASR Staff would love to virtually connect with you in a 1:1 video chat session.
?To submit your own events, email [email protected].