DuPage County Calendar of Events

Chronicle Media Staff

Oscar-nominated “Precious” star and “Empire” actress Gabourey Sidibe talks about her memoir, her version of the American experience at 7 p.m. May 12 at Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville.

May 11

Americans and Their Homes

2 p.m.

Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst

$6, free for museum members

The American home—whether in the 21st or the 19th century—can show the aspirations of its occupants. Award-winning author and history professor Michael H. Ebner will talk about the exterior and interior attributes of homes in Elmhurst, DuPage County and the Chicago metropolitan area. His presentation will emphasize the changing norms and expectations that Americans — past and present — associate with their home.

 

May 11

The Slave Registers of Southern Illinois

7:30 p.m.

Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville

Free

Anita Boyd will discuss the slave registers of Southern Illinois at the next meeting of the Fox Valley Genealogical Society. As early as 1815, prior to statehood, southern Illinois counties began recording the indentures of free Negroes. Attendees will be given an overview of the Illinois State Genealogical Society’s database and how to locate records.

 

May 11-May 13

Lombard Lilac Sale

3-7 p.m. May 11

8 a.m-5 p.m. May 12

8 a.m. while supplies last May 13

Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave., Lombard

Various prices

The Lombard Garden Club will sell about 400 lilac bushes and ivory silk Japanese lilac trees at the club’s largest fundraiser for the year. Proceeds will go to the beautification of Lombard and a scholarship for a Lombard high school student. For information, call (630) 495-0022.

 

May 12

Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Housewalk

10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.

Location information provided

$40 in advance, $45 at the door

This annual housewalk will feature four unique and beautiful Glen Ellyn homes showcasing both modern and historic architecture and design. All ticket proceeds benefit women and children in need in DuPage County. Purchase tickets online at glenellyninfantwelfare.org.

 

May 12

2017 Lilac Ball

6 p.m.

The Carlisle, 435 E. Butterfield Road, Lombard

$85

Ticket price includes hors d’oeuvres, dinner, open bar and dancing at the premier event of the Lombard Lilac Time celebration. For more information, call (630) 627-5040.

 

May 12

Gabourey Sidibe Book Signing

7 p.m.

Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville

Free

The Oscar-nominated “Precious” star and “Empire” actress talks about her memoir, her version of the American experience. In “This Is Just My Face,” she shares a one-of-a-kind life story. She will autograph books purchased at Anderson’s. Call (630) 355-2665 for more information.

 

May 13

Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast and Plant Sale

6-11 a.m.

Elmhurst American Legion, 310 W Butterfield Road, Elmhurst

Free

The Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst invites mothers and their families to the 64th annual Pancake Day Breakfast and Plant Sale. After breakfast, guests may purchase outdoor plants as Mother’s Day gifts or for the yard.

 

May 13

Dancing with the Starz Benefit

6 p.m.

Abbington Distinctive Banquets, 3S002 Route 53, Glen Ellyn

$125

This event raises funds to provide services for isolated/homebound elderly in DuPage County. At the event, celebrity dancers will be paired with professionals from the Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Cocktails and dinner will be served. For more information and tickets, call (630) 620-0804.

 

May 14

Wildflower Walk

1-2:30 p.m.

Knoch Knolls Nature Center, 320 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville

Free

Knoch Knolls Nature Center’s Wildflower Walk is for ages 16 and up. Led by a naturalist, participants will get an up-close view of different woodland flowers. The program is free but registration is required. Call (630) 864-3964.

 

May 17

The Challenge of Change: How to Cope with Losses Throughout Life

6 p.m.

Maple Glen, 750 S. Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn

Free

A complementary dinner will be served at this educational program about dementia. RSVP at (224) 227-3014 or mapleglenDCR@koelschsenior.com.