<p>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.</p>

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,...

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association

<blockquote><table><tbody><tr><td><table><tbody><tr><td><table><tbody><tr><td><table><tbody><tr><td><table><tbody><tr><td><p>Please join the League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest for a discussion on Medical Aid in Dying (MAID), also known as Deb’s Law, Illinois’ new End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act, which took effect September 12, 2026.&nbsp; We will discuss who may qualify, the safeguards and process involved, and how MAID fits alongside hospice, palliative care, and other end-of-life options. We will also explore how thoughtful advance planning and compassionate support can help individuals and families navigate this option with clarity, dignity, and respect for the person’s values and wishes. Our speakers are Julie Lindblad Iverson, a Geriatric Care Manager and End-of-Life Doula, and Tiffany Noelle Johnson, an End-of-Life Doula, advocate, and the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Wally’s Hearth. Tiffany also leads the Oak Park End-of-Life Options Coalition.&nbsp;Free and open to the public.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></blockquote>

Local Event: Medical Aid in Dying (Deb's Law)

Medical Aid in Dying (Deb's Law)

Please join the League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest for a discussion on Medical Aid in Dying (MAID), also known...

River Forest Public Library

Maywood IL

Nature Art Studio (Grades K-4)

Global Film Forum

Family Storytime and Play (Ages 0-6)

Pilgrim Congregational Church Of Oak Park, IL, UCC

<p>Voices of Hope Community Chorus will present its fall 2026 concert, “Why We Sing: Exploring the Power of Music” for two performances.</p>
<p>Glenview — November 14 | 7:30 PM<br>Oak Park — November 15 | 4:00 PM</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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></p>

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

LEGO Club (Grades K-4)

Tuesday Tales (Ages 0-6)

Middle School Makers (Grades 5-8)

Mahjong Open Play

Story Stretchers (Grades K-4)

<p>Celebrate the&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;Semiquincentennial&nbsp; with the <b>Oak Park&nbsp;</b></p>
<b>
</b>
<p><b>Chamber Orchestra</b>. Attend a patriotic brass festival featuring marches,fanfares, and medleys, performed by top Chicago musicians.</p>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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.</p>

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...

<p><i><b></b>Deciphering the Music of Black Holes and Neutron Stars</i></p><p>Adler Planetarium Astrophysicist, <b>Dr. Michael Zevin</b>, 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.</p>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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.</p>

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

DuPage County

David Giuliani

Elmhurst

La Grange

Western Springs

Oak Brook

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills

Bucktown-Wicker Park

Park Ridge

Cook

Maywood

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.<br /><br />1. The "Trust" Factor with VA Loans<br />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.<br /><br />2. Protect Your Tax Exemptions<br />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.<br /><br />3. Update Your Beneficiaries<br />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.<br /><br />4. Secure Your DD214<br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />

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 Maywood, IL

Thursday, November 12

BHHS Chicago Holiday Toy Collection

NOV

12

9:00 AM

101 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL

Medical Aid in Dying (Deb's Law)

NOV

12

9:30 AM

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

Tuesday, November 17

Wednesday, November 18

Monday, November 23

Monday, November 30

BHHS Chicago Holiday Toy Collection

Medical Aid in Dying (Deb's Law)

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