Lombard

The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra presents “A Celebration of Youth” this weekend in Lombard and Elmhurst. Twelve-year-old cello phenomenon Johannes Gray, who has been winning competitions and establishing himself as an important new talent on the instrument, will be featured in Dvorak’s Cello Concerto.

Performances begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, in Biester Auditorium at Glenbard East High School, 1014 S. Main St., Lombard, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at its new venue in Elmhurst, The Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 155 Brush Hill Road.

Johannes Gray SUBMITTED PHOTO

The artist Lolita, who gave martini glasses a makeover, will sign her hand-painted stemware from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Yorktown Shopping Center.

She will specifically be at Von Maur at the Lombard shopping center. 

Lolita's "Thankful-tini" martini glass. Each glass is designed by Lolita to represent special moments and personalities in life. They also contain a recipe on the bottom. SUBMITTED PHOTO

When Jersey Mike's Subs officially opens its doors in Lombard next week, owners Susan Klein and Christie Baines will celebrate their new ties to the community with a fundraiser for Glenbard East High School. Their grand opening takes place Wednesday, Nov. 18.

The new restaurant at 2820 S. Highland Ave., in the Highlands of Lombard, will host a five-day fundraiser to benefit the school. Anyone who has a fundraising coupon can get a free regular sub for a minimum $1 contribution from Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 18 to 22.

A new Jimmy John's opened today in Lombard, and they are celebrating with $1 sub sandwiches today at their location at 2770 S. Highland Ave.

But hurry, the sale only goes until 3 p.m. today!

Throw some fun back into Wednesday nights by participating in "Trivia Game Nights With a Twist" at Champps Americana in Lombard.

Myles Above Productions and Champps Americana will hold the trivia nights every Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. at the Lombard location, 2301 Fountain Square Drive. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m.

Test your knowledge on catergories such as sports, music, theater, entertainment, geography and history and win prizes. The "twist" of the evening includes getting extra points for audience participation.

For more information, call Myles Above Productions at (630) 728-3813 or visit www.mylesaboveproductions.com.

Foodies, perhaps inspired by this year’s hit film “Julie & Julia,” are invited to turn the Sweet Tomatoes salad bar into their culinary playground in a “recipe” contest.

The sweet reward for the top winner will be dining passes for the year and being highlighted cross-country for the effort. Ten finalists also earn passes.
  
The premise is to combine two to five ingredients in this challenge to “crEATe,” says Tracy Marks, public relations coordinator for the restaurant chain.

Maria Cabrera tosses a fresh batch of Strawberry Fields salad with caramelized walnuts at Sweet Tomatoes in Lombard. STAFF  PHOTO BY BILL ACKERMAN

Swing City Chicago, a weekend dedicated to a dance called West Coast Swing, will feature a unique fundraiser on Halloween for the Autism Society of Illinois from 7 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.

The fundraiser will involve 25 of the top West Coast Swing professionals from across the country.  Customers will pay $10 for 10 minutes of the professional dancers’ time. They can use that time however they want — to take a mini lesson, chat about dance or even dance with the professional; 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the Autism Society of Illinois.

Registrations are being taken for Studio, a free workshop for all actors and actresses who would like the opportunity to join the acting company at the Theatre of Western Springs. Studio will be taught by Kurt Naebig of Lombard, who was seen most recently in the film “Public Enemies.”
 
Few people realize that TWS is a non-audition theater. Graduating from Studio and a seven-play season subscription are requirements to becoming a member of the company. Once through Studio, an actor or actress can be cast as soon as the next play.

In 2008’s “Amadeus,” Susan Cardamone (left) of Western Springs gets a final hairspray by makeup chair Ginny Richardson of Burr Ridge. SUBMITTED PHOTO

A candy buffet. It sounds like something right out of a child’s fantasy, but the notion actually exists at Sweet Street Candies and Goodies in downtown Lombard.

Co-owner of the candy shop Tony DiGiulio says candy buffets are a cheaper alternative to dessert tables at special occasion events. Instead of offering cakes, pies and cookies, an assortment of candy can be served to fulfill guests’ sweet cravings.

Mike Bakatselos looks over his choice of candy at Sweet Street in Lombard Friday October 2, 2009. Sweet Street serves a variety of candy as well as chocolate. STAFF PHOTOS BY ERICA BENSON

As leafy canopies turn into rainbows, here are some of the best suburban vantage points to savor autumn’s splendor — from favorite trails to special events.

ST. CHARLES PADDLEWHEEL RIVERBOATS
ADDRESS 2 North Ave., St. Charles
PHONE (630) 584-2334
WEB www.stcriverboats.com
Leave dry land for a little time travel, taking in the scenery from aboard a St. Charles riverboat on a four-mile round trip on the Fox River. Tickets aboard the replica paddlewheeler cost $7.50 for adults and $6 for youth ages 2 to 15. A boat will set out at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 18, leaving from Pottawatomie Park. Before autumn fades, you also can book charter excursions by reservation.

THE MORTON ARBORETUM
ADDRESS At I-88 and Route 53, Lisle
PHONE (630) 968-0074
WEB www.mortonarb.org
Think trees, think Morton Arboretum. “Fall colors (can) be especially impressive because of the wide variety of trees and other plants from around the world,” says Ed Hedborn, Arboretum botanist and “Color Scout” who chronicles the changes in hues week by week. To take in the vistas, visitors can hike the 16 miles of trails, bicycle or drive the nine miles of roads, or hop a tram. Hedborn reports his weekly color findings at www.mortonarb.org/colorupdate and on the Bloom ‘n Color Hotline at (630) 719-7955. The Arboretum’s Fall Color Festival this month offers events for the whole family, such as art shows, a “Theatre-Hike” musical, wine tasting, pumpkin decorating, taffy apples and the lakeside Scarecrow Trail.

Take a ride on a St. Charles riverboat and scope beautiful
foliage lining the shores of the Fox River. SUBMITTED PHOTO