Itasca

Dan Pasquale D’Andrea, who recently launched the new season of the Salt Creek Sinfonietta in Hinsdale, takes the chamber orchestra on the road for a holiday benefit concert by the Combined Church Choir of Itasca. A busy music director, the Downers Grove resident also conducts the Senior Suburban Orchestra and College of DuPage Chamber Orchestra.

Salt Creek Sinfonietta is one of the musical ensembles conducted by Dan Pasquale D’Andrea, who grew up in Itasca and now lives in Downers Grove. SUBMITTED PHOTO

DO IT
It’s the holiday shopping season. And while many people have shopping for that perfect gift for a loved one on their minds, it’s important for one to remain aware of their surroundings while out shopping and be prepared in the event of a possible mugging.

Geoff Goodwin of Chicago wants to educate individuals on ways to fight back if attacked with a free self-defense class on Nov. 14 at the Northwest Athletic Club in Itasca. Goodwin, an eighth-degree black belt, currently teaches a couple of forms of martial arts at the club as a member of Juko-Kai International, one of the oldest martial arts organizations in the United States.

“You can’t just get away from someone,” Goodwin says. “You want to change their intent.” The class will feature very easy to remember techniques to escape from your assailant and ways to prevent one’s self from becoming a victim.

A Family Fall Festival in Itasca is being presented by the Lutheran Church and School of St. Luke from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 at 410 S. Rush St., Itasca.

The night will include free games with prizes, a trick or treat trail, hayrides and a bonfire. Hot apple cider, hot chocolate, hot dogs, nachos and homemade baked goods will be available for purchase.

Costumes are encouraged. A free-will donation will be appreciated to help with the cost of the event and in support of the National Youth Gathering Trip this summer.

Two charitable projects are under way through RE/MAX.

Ballgame
Agents from two local RE/MAX organizations will square off for their second annual softball game at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, to raise funds for Children’s Memorial Hospital of Chicago. The game will be played at the Itasca Park District Softball Complex, 650 N. Rohlwing Road.

A variety of beautiful art will be on exhibit as part of Itasca's inaugural "Benches on Parade" Art & Wine Festival this weekend.

The free, juried festival will be held from Friday through Sunday in Usher Park and will include the talents of a sidewalk chalk artist. Festival hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Humans and pets will walk together in an effort to help homeless dogs and cats at the Running for Animal Rescue on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 500 Park Blvd. in Itasca.

The Almost Home Foundation presents the benefit that includes a 5K Fun Run for humans only and a One Mile Dog Walk. All dogs must be on a leash to participate. The run/walk will be followed by cat and dog adoptions, giveaways, food and raffles.

Registration before Aug. 31 is $25 for one event and $45 for both. Registration thereafter is $35 for one event and $60 for both. Food and a free-t-shirt are included with registration.

To register, go to www.events.org/runningforanimalrescue. For more information, visit www.almosthomefoundation.org.

For a nostalgic program for Germanophiles, the Elmhurst Ladies Chorus (Damenchor for those in the linguistic know) will present a concert and dinner dance opening with cocktails at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at the Itasca Country Club.

The Elmhurst Men’s Chorus will be a special guest. The Ladies Chorus, directed by Glen Sorgatz, will perform a concert whose theme is “Waldesrauschen” (woodland whispers).