That’s What She Said coming to Aurora University
Stories take center stage during That’s What She Said – Chicago West the evening of April 25 in Crimi Auditorium at Aurora University, 1347 Prairie St. in Aurora.
The live storytelling event features women sharing true personal stories that range from deeply moving to laugh-out-loud funny, bringing together a diverse group of women with different perspectives and life experiences.
This production, co-produced by Ellen Cleary and Jennifer Richardson and directed by Lisa Ellstrom, has partnered with the charity Beautifully EmpowHERed, which will benefit from a portion of ticket sales.
This event’s cast highlights women from the western suburbs and their performances”span the full range of human experience, from navigating serious challenges to finding humor in everyday moments, creating a night that is both deeply relatable and genuinely entertaining,” per a news release. “The result is a powerful sense of connection for both the storytellers and the audience.”
Doors open at 6 p.m. to allow mingling with attendees, exploring vendor booths and having a beverage, and the show starts at 7 p.m. Parking is free.
Tickets, which cost $33.85, are available online at TWSSChiWest.eventbrite.com. They also can be bought at the door via a QR code.
Cool County Forest Preserves mark Earth Day
A series of events celebrating Earth Day are planned at Forest Preserves of Cook County parks in the area:
Day of Stewardship starts at 10 a.m. April 18 at Evans Field, West Bloomingdale Avenue and Thatcher Avenue in River Grove. It’s a litter cleanup and restoration workday for those 13 and older. Equipment will be provided.
Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave. in River Forest, hosts activities from 10 a.m. to noon April 18.
Earth Day celebration is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18 at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 WIllow Springs Road in Willow Springs. Art, stewardship and educational activities take place as well as plant giveaways.
Earth Day cleanup at 3 to 5 p.m. April 22 at Jerome Huppert Woods on North Thatcher Avenue south of West Fullerton Avenue in River Grove. Little pickers and supplies will be available to check out to pick up litter in the preserve.
Information on forest preserve events is at fpdcc.com/events.
Elmhurst Holocaust lecture features diplomat who saved thousands
The powerful story of how a Swiss diplomat serving in Hungary from 1942 until the end of World War II will be shared during “Carl Lutz: The Forgotten Rescuer” at 7 p.m. April 19 in the Founders Lounge at the Frick Center at Elmhurst University, 190 Prospect Ave. in Elmhurst.
Historian, writer and professional communicator Amy Lutz, who isn’t related to Carl Lutz, will share the story. SHe worked at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum for five years.
Carl Lutz is credited with saving more than 62,000 Jews during the war, according to a news release. He issued letters of protection, established safe houses and pulled people out of death marches to concentration camps in Germany and Austria, reportedly saving half of the Jewish population in Budapest from concentration camps.
Admission to the talk is free, but registration is encouraged at elmhurst.edu.Cultural.
Darien Garden Club marks silver anniversary
The Darien Garden Club will have a 25th anniversary celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. April 27 in Community Center Rooms 4 & 5 of the Darien Park District, 7301 Fairview Ave. in Darien.
The relaxed event will feature reminiscing as past presidents and members mingle. Photo slide shows, giveaways, light refreshments, and announcements about upcoming events will be included.
Reservations are suggested to receive reminders. Visit dariengardenclub.com.
The club typically meets for socializing at 6:30 p.m. followed by a presentation at 7 p.m. and meeting at 8 p.m. the first Monday of each month at St. John Lutheran Church, 7214 Cass Ave. and virtually. Members do not need to live in Darien.
Hinsdale Central performs ‘Hadestown: Teen Edition’
“Hadestown: Teen Edition” is the next performance presented bv Hinsdale Central Drama.
The musical can be seen at 7 p.m April 24, 5 p.m. April 25 and 1 p.m. April 26 at the high school, 5500 S. Grant St. in Hinsdale. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Buy them at ticketpeak.com/go/hcdrama.
The musical, based on Anais Mitchell’s acclaimed work, “brings the mythic journey to life through a talented ensemble cast, exploring themes of hope and industry amidst a soul-stirring score,” a news release reads.
Men’s book club kicks off with beer sampling
Area readers are invited to join a new men’s books club, which has its inaugural meeting 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 28 at The Book Loft Oak Park, 1047 Lake St.
The first selection, “Bitter Brew: The Rise and Fall of Anheuser-Busch and America’s Kings of Beer” by William Knoedelseder, was chosen by staff at One Lake Brewing. Samples sponsored by the brewery will be available for anyone 21 and older.
The book can be bought for 20% off at the store. RSVP at thebookloftoakpark.com.
Kirsten Haglund Foundation Chicagoland Freedom Walk slated
The Kirsten Haglund Foundation and Meadows Behavioral Health have teamed up to offer a free day of community sport and joyful movement 10 a.m. to noon April 25 at Hidden Lake Dupage County Forest Preserve in Lombard.
Performances, a silent auction, speakers and mental health resources on eating disorder recovery will be included.
Meadows is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The Kristen Haglund Foundation offers networking, hope and financial aid to those who want help overcoming eating disorders.
Register online at kirstenhaglundfoundation.org/events or by emailing teekaa.khf@gmail.com or calling 708-600-7022.
Send news to pioneerwest@tribpub.com.
