Weekend Planner: Ice Show, Coat Drives, BMX Biking, Amazing Race, Photo Dating

Senior Center Variety Show

When/Where: Sunday, October 9 at 2 p.m. at the Park Ridge Senior Center; 100 S Western Ave, Park Ridge.

Why Go: Enjoy songs, dances and much more performed by Senior Center members. Refreshments will be served after the show.

Pricing: $8

First Fridays

When/Where: Friday, October 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the uptown Park Ridge area. 

Why Go: Enter the amazing race and find clues around town that will earn you tickets to enter into a raffle. The prize is a gift basket with over $200 in gift certificates, coupons and merchandise.

Pricing: Free 

Columbus Day Showcase

When/Where: Monday, October 10 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Oakton Ice Arena; 2800 Oakton, Park Ridge.

Why Go: All are welcome to check out the figure skating exhibition, try out hockey, or just skate around with the Wolves mascot “Skates” at Oakton Ice Arena in honor of Columbus Day.

Pricing: N/A

When/Where: Drop off donations at collection locations by Oct. 14 at the, 1501 Ellinwood Ave., the, 1401 E. Oakton St., ITT Technical Institute in Mt. Prospect, 1401 Feehanville Drive, and the office, 2434 E. Dempster St.
Why Go: Donations will be brought to the, which serves hundreds of Des Plaines residents each month. The most used items include coats, windbreakers, hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, boots and new socks.
Pricing: Free


When/Where: Saturday, Oct. 8, noon, depart from and return to, 510 E. Algonquin Road in Des Plaines.
Why Go: Travel to the Plainfield Bike Park, I-55 Frontage Road north of Farm Road in Plainfield, for an afternoon of dirt jumps and other obstacles. Just a beginner to BMX biking? That’s OK! The bike park is designed for all skill levels. There are progressive skills areas from beginner to expert, so you can ride at the level you feel comfortable. Ages 5 to 17.
Pricing: $15


When/Where: Drop off donations at collection locations by Oct. 30 in Morton Grove, Skokie, Niles and Lincolnwood.
Why Go: The Rotary Club of Skokie Valley is holding a Coat Drive to help local families this winter. Collection boxes for men and women’s adult-sized coats, new and gently used, are at numerous locations.
Pricing: Free


When/Where: Sunday, Oct. 9 at 1:30-2:30 p.m.,, 781 Pearson St. in Des Plaines.
Why Go: Coffee Talk is a free monthly event held at and sponsored by Des Plaines History Center where visitors enjoy a historical themed discussion or performance. This month's theme is dating photographs through clothing. The public is welcome to bring in old photographs of family or others and will learn how to date them based on clothing style under the instruction of Ellie Carlson, a museum curator with over 25 years of experience.
Pricing: Free


When/Where: Throughout the month of October, 5960 W. Touhy Ave. in Niles, will donate a portion of proceeds to the Adult Down Syndrome Center at Advocate Lutheran General in Park Ridge.
Why Go: In celebration of October as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month this neighborhood favorite will make a donation to help provide comprehensive medical and psychosocial services for teens and adults with Down syndrome. Mention the promotion to your server.
Pricing: Free


When/Where: Saturday, Oct. 8, 1:30-4 p.m.,, 6140 Lincoln Ave. in Morton Grove.
Why Go: This series of workshops is for older adults and their caregivers. Each of the six two-and-a-half hour sessions provides information and self-management skills for older adults with a chronic illness and their caregivers. Participants learn how to cope with fatigue, pain, and isolation that may be related to ongoing health conditions; exercises to maintain and improve strength, flexibility and endurance; use of medications; communication with family and friends, and health professionals; good nutrition practices; problem solving, brainstorming and other techniques.
Pricing: Free

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