BHHS Chicago is collecting toys until December 7th. Help make a child's holiday brighter this holiday season by donating a new, unwrapped toy at one of our conveniently located offices.

Local Event: BHHS Chicago Holiday Toy Collection

Cook County

Oak Park-River Forest

Illinois

BHHS Chicago Holiday Toy Collection

BHHS Chicago is collecting toys until December 7th. Help make a child's holiday brighter this holiday season by donating a new,...

River Grove SD 85-5

Elmwood Park IL

Volleyball Benefit

Pilgrim Congregational Church Of Oak Park, IL, UCC

Voices of Hope Community Chorus will present its fall 2026 concert, “Why We Sing: Exploring the Power of Music” for two performances.
Glenview — November 14 | 7:30 PM Oak Park — November 15 | 4:00 PM
The uplifting program features songs that inspire us, songs that encourage us to persevere, songs whose beauty touches us, and songs with irresistible, contagious energy.&nbsp;It includes music of diverse styles, including gospel, evocative ballads, and hand-clapping/foot-tapping/high-octane get-up-and-dance songs.&nbsp;Among the selections are songs made famous by Elton John, Bob Dylan, Simon &amp; Garfunkel, Gloria Estefan, the Doobie Brothers, and the musical “Hairspray”. Every song in the program has the power to move people in its own, distinct way.
Join us for an exhilarating, soul-stirring afternoon or evening of music and meaning — and walk out at the conclusion feeling better about life than when you entered.
Tickets:&nbsp;<a href="https://events.ticketleap.com/events/voices-of-hope-community-chorus" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">events.ticketleap.com/events/voices-of-hope-community-chorus</a><a href="https://events.ticketleap.com/events/voices-of-hope-community-chorus" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>

Local Event: Voices of Hope Community Chorus Presents Why We Sing: Exploring the Power of Music

Voices of Hope Community Chorus Presents Why We...

Voices of Hope Community Chorus will present its fall 2026 concert, “Why We Sing: Exploring the Power of Music” for two...

Voices of Hope Community Chorus Presents Why We Sing: Exploring the Power of Music

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association

Heralding the Christmas season, Camerata Chicago and Camerata Chicago Chorus will feature Part I of George Frideric Handel’s "Messiah," HWV 56 — traditionally known as the Christmas section — followed by the jubilant “Hallelujah” chorus from Part II, sung first by the chorus and repeated as an audience sing-along.
The concert, led by founder and music director Drostan Hall, opens with Handel’s celebratory “Zadok the Priest,” HWV 258, for orchestra and chorus, an anthem written for the coronation of England’s King George II. The text is derived from the biblical account of the anointing of King Solomon by Zadok and the public’s rejoicing.
The piece opens with a long suspenseful build-up leading to the chorus’s glorious entry.
Hall sees a spiritual connection between these works. “’Zadok’ is about the anointment of an earthly king, recognized by God and the Church,” he says. “‘Messiah’ is about the arrival of the heavenly king.”
Soloists are countertenor Key'mon Murrah, mezzo-soprano Camille Robles, tenor Daniel Luis Espinal, and bass-baritone Laureano Quant.
Tickets and information
Single tickets are $50 adults, $40 seniors 65 and over, $10 students, $2 children 14 and under. VIP tickets are $75.
Using online code CCPR provides a 15% discount.
Tickets and information are available at CamerataChicago.org and by phone 312-799-0916. Email: andiamo@cameratachicago.org.

Local Event: Camerata Chicago — Handel's 'Messiah'

Camerata Chicago — Handel's 'Messiah'

Heralding the Christmas season, Camerata Chicago and Camerata Chicago Chorus will feature Part I of George Frideric Handel’s...

The WiseGuys at Tony D's

Celebrate the&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;Semiquincentennial&nbsp; with the Oak Park&nbsp;


Chamber Orchestra. Attend a patriotic brass festival featuring marches,fanfares, and medleys, performed by top Chicago musicians.
Our Monday Enrichment&nbsp;programs, on music, art, literature, science and social sciences, are&nbsp;always free to the public, with freewill donations appreciated. &nbsp;
For more information visit our website at <a href="https://www.nineteenthcentury.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.nineteenthcentury.org</a>. The&nbsp;Nineteenth Century Charitable Association is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, and an Illinois nonprofit organization. Our mission is strengthening our community through learning, giving, and sharing our landmark building,&nbsp;The Nineteenth Century Club. The Association was established in 1891 by a group of visionary women who believed education, charitable activities and civic involvement were vital elements in a thriving community. The spirit of the founders continues through grants, scholarships and public programming.&nbsp; We promote life-long learning through dynamic, multi-cultural programs featuring music, art, literature, science and the social sciences.

Local Event: Celebration America 250

Celebration America 250

Celebrate the U.S. Semiquincentennial  with the Oak Park 


Chamber Orchestra. Attend a patriotic brass festival featuring...

Deciphering the Music of Black Holes and Neutron StarsAdler Planetarium Astrophysicist, Dr. Michael Zevin, will tell all that we ever wanted to know about those ripples in the fabric of space and time known as Black Holes.&nbsp; First predicted by Albert Einstein, and confirmed nearly a century later, astrophysicists are learning about gravitational waves, changing understanding of black holes, neutron stars and stellar evolutions.
Our Monday Enrichment&nbsp;programs, on music, art, literature, science and social sciences, are&nbsp;always free to the public, with freewill donations appreciated. &nbsp;
For more information visit our website at <a href="https://www.nineteenthcentury.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.nineteenthcentury.org</a>. The&nbsp;Nineteenth Century Charitable Association is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, and an Illinois nonprofit organization. Our mission is strengthening our community through learning, giving, and sharing our landmark building,&nbsp;The Nineteenth Century Club. The Association was established in 1891 by a group of visionary women who believed education, charitable activities and civic involvement were vital elements in a thriving community. The spirit of the founders continues through grants, scholarships and public programming.&nbsp; We promote life-long learning through dynamic, multi-cultural programs featuring music, art, literature, science and the social sciences.

Local Event: Composing the Einstein Symphony

Composing the Einstein Symphony

Deciphering the Music of Black Holes and Neutron StarsAdler Planetarium Astrophysicist, Dr. Michael Zevin, will tell all that...

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Forest Park

West Side

Park Ridge

DuPage County

David Giuliani

Elmhurst

North Center-Roscoe Village

Bucktown-Wicker Park

Lincoln Square

Niles-Morton Grove

Lakeview

Cook

Elmwood Park

Mission Ready: Estate Planning Tips for Veterans

Cathy Yanda | Baird & Warner | Oak Park & River Forest

For many veterans, the home is the cornerstone of the American Dream they served to protect. But when it comes to "mission-readiness," many overlook how military benefits intersect with real estate and estate planning. Whether you used a VA loan or are looking to pass your legacy to your children, here are critical steps to ensure your plan is as disciplined as your service. 1. The "Trust" Factor with VA Loans If you bought your home with a VA-backed loan, you can generally transfer it into a Living Trust without triggering a "due-on-sale" clause, provided it remains your primary residence. This allows your family to avoid probate—the long, expensive court process of proving ownership after you pass. 2. Protect Your Tax Exemptions Illinois offers significant property tax breaks for disabled veterans. However, these don't always "travel" automatically. If you move your home into a trust, ensure your attorney includes specific language that preserves your right to the homestead and veteran tax exemptions. Also, check if these exemptions are portable for a surviving spouse. 3. Update Your Beneficiaries A common mistake is updating a Will but forgetting the beneficiary forms on life insurance (VGLI) or a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The Rule: A beneficiary form overrides a Will. If an old beneficiary is still listed on your policy, they will likely receive the payout regardless of what your Will says. 4. Secure Your DD214 In the military, if it isn’t in writing, it didn’t happen. Your family will need your DD214 to access almost every benefit, from burial honors to survivor pensions. Keep a digital and physical copy in a fireproof safe and ensure your executor knows the location. About the Author: Cathy Yanda is a USMC Veteran and a REALTOR® with Baird &amp; Warner in Oak Park. As a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) and Military Relocation Professional (MRP), she is dedicated to helping fellow veterans navigate the complexities of real estate and legacy planning.

Cathy Yanda | Baird & Warner | Oak Park & River...

For many veterans, the home is the cornerstone of the American Dream they served to protect. But when it comes to "mission-readiness," many...

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Events and Things to Do in Elmwood Park, IL

Thursday, November 12

BHHS Chicago Holiday Toy Collection

NOV

12

9:00 AM

101 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL

Friday, November 20

Camerata Chicago — Handel's 'Messiah'

NOV

20

7:30 PM

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, 178 Forest Ave, Oak Park, IL

Also around town...

Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Thursday, November 12

Friday, November 13

Sunday, November 15

Friday, November 20

Saturday, November 21

Monday, November 23

Monday, November 30

BHHS Chicago Holiday Toy Collection

Camerata Chicago — Handel's 'Messiah'

Cathy Yanda | Baird & Warner | Oak Park & River Forest