Silent Film Festival set at Tivoli Theatre
Students from 12 high schools will screen their original motion pictures during the ninth annual Student Silent Film Festival, which starts at 6:45 p.m. Jan. 28 at Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave. in Downers Grove.
Competitors and their film titles include submissions such as “The Master Deck” by Lyons Township, “King of Hearts” by Neuqua Valley, “Witch’s Game” by Hillcrest, “The Silence Between Us” by Homewood-Flossmoor, “Final Deal” by Oak Forest and “Missing” by Tinley Park.
A panel made up of industry professionals from arts education and entertainment will evaluate the movies. Three winners will be chosen based on cinematography, technical editing, lighting and narrative development.
The movies tell their stories without voices or sound effects. They will be accompanied by live music by Derek Berg, a professional pianist, on the SilentFilmtronic 2000, which uses samples of instruments from classic synthesizers.
Tickets to the festival, which is open to the public, cost $20 in advance at www.studentsilentfilmfestival.org. Tickets at the door cost $25.
The event was founded in 2017 by animator and entrepreneur Ed Newmann, of Hinsdale, Lyons Township High School teacher and LTF station manager Bill Allan, of LaGrange, and Clarendon Hills Music Academy CEO Derek Berg, of Clarendon Hills.
Learn more about Oak Park’s bond for indoor pool
Residents can provide their input on a bond referendum proposed to build and equip an indoor aquatics facility addition, replacing the outdoor pool at the Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex, 415 Lake St. in Oak Park.
The Park District of Oak Park has set information sessions for 7 p.m. Jan. 22, Feb. 4 and Feb. 25 at the Community Recreation Center, 229 Madison St. Child care will be provided; reservations are required at 708-725-2000 or pdop.org.
The referendum will be voted on March 17. The bond is a 20-year general obligation bonds of not more than $40 million that would provide an indoor splash pad, new locker room areas, updated lobby and user access, 25-yard lap pool with six to eight lanes, warm-water pool for fitness, swim instruction, therapy and recreational swimming, and a birthday room.
Gain art, craft supplies for free in Clarendon Hills
An art and craft supplies swap is planned for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Clarendon Hills Public Library, 7 N. Prospect Ave.
Area residents were invited to clean out their craft areas to provide supplies set out on tables at the library. Crafters don’t need to donate items to be able to select items.
Past swaps have included paint, paper, yarn and supplies for sink stamping, needlecraft, jewelry-making and scrapbooking.
Details are at clarendonhillslibrary.org or 630-323-8188.
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Seed swap, sale, talks planned at Oak Park Conservatory
Gardeners can get a jump start on their hobby with a series of seed-related events at Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St. in Oak Park.
Winter Sowing, set for 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 22, is a free virtual lecture that highlights a method to grow healthy seedlings. Those who register, which can be done online at oakparkconservatory.org, will receive a Zoom link and learn about techniques and supplies.
Seeds will be sold from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays through the early spring.
A seed swap is planned for noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 25. Gardeners can celebrate the tradition of swapping seeds and talk with experts. Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory can swap seeds starting at 11 a.m. Information is at 708-725-2400.
Triton’s Child Development Center earns highest accreditation
Employees at Triton College’s Child Development Center have something to smile about, thanks to the center earning the highest level of accreditation, Accreditation+ through 2030 from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
The center received a score of 97.7%, including perfect ratings in seven of the association’s 10 standards. The ranking shows that the center meets “rigorous, research-based standards for teaching, curriculum, relationships, health and safety, family engagement and leadership,” per a news release.
Misti Sanchez, the center’s director, noted that the recognition shows what her team brings to the center every day. “These scores make it clear that children in our center are supported socially, emotionally, physically and academically. Families can feel confident knowing their children are in a program that prioritizes excellence and remains consistently aligned with national best practices,” she shared in the release.
The center at Triton, which is in River Grove, is open to children 15 months old to 5 years old. Learn more at www.triton.edu/students/child-development-center.
Darien offers new gym with Planet Fitness opening
Planet Fitness has opened a club at 7415 S. Cass Ave. in Darien.
The facility, which has more than 25,000 square feet, is “a gym for all fitness levels, providing a judgment free environment that offers an accessible and non-intimidating environment for its guests,” a news release noted.
All memberships include strength- and brand-name cardio equipment, access to a free Planet Fitness app that has hundreds of on-demand digital exercises and free fitness training with certified trainers.
The gym is open for 24 hours Monday to Thursday, until 10 p.m. Fridays and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Membership pricing and other information is at www.PlanetFitness.com.
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