Although we can't be together right now, there are still plenty of ways we can spend time with each other. There are many virtual events taking place throughout the Chicago Southland that you and your family can enjoy from the safety of your home. Take a look all of the fun upcoming virtual events, and be sure to check back often!

	Winter Recreation Tuesday, January 19 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM The winter months can be the most challenging time to get out and get active. Many people devote the new year to changing themselves, so learn how you can do that even in the coldest months of the year with this Zoom webinar. Winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and more will be discussed as great ways to get off to a healthy start with your 2021 New Year’s resolutions! For more information, please call: 815-727-8700 Event link: https://fpdwc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SFIiovxmQpCPDOYHBlreOw
	Meet the Artist: Marianne Murphy Orland Tuesday, January 19 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Marianne Murphy Orland has performed as a Cabaret artist, Voice actor, Show band and Society Orchestra singer, locally and nationally, since your last 8-track tape got jammed in the machine. Notable venues for critically acclaimed and sold out performances have included: Chicago’s famed Auditorium Theatre, Park West, Victory Gardens, Drury Lane, The Acorn, Omaha Playhouse, Davenport’s Piano Bar and Cabaret, Metropolis Center for Performing Arts, Skokie Theatre, multiple college fine arts seasons (including, of course, Moraine Valley’s Fine and Performing Arts Center), various clubs and salon series in the US and Europe, and even the occasional private party on NYC’s Central Park West. Well, la di da! For more information, please call: 708-974-5500 Event link: https://www.facebook.com/85016166011/posts/10157389743691012/
	Quest for the Mississippi Wednesday, January 20 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Students learn about the travels of Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet down the “mighty Mississippi” River. An interpretive naturalist facilitates a “choose your adventure” activity where students use critical thinking skills to determine the best course of action when faced with the same hardships and successes of Marquette and Jolliet during their 2,500-mile voyage in the year 1673. For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://apm.activecommunities.com/fpdwc/Activity_Search/quest-for-the-mississippi-virtual-homeschool-program/7372
	Quest for the Mississippi Thursday, January 21 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Students learn about the travels of Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet down the “mighty Mississippi” River. An interpretive naturalist facilitates a “choose your adventure” activity where students use critical thinking skills to determine the best course of action when faced with the same hardships and successes of Marquette and Jolliet during their 2,500-mile voyage in the year 1673. For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://apm.activecommunities.com/fpdwc/Activity_Search/quest-for-the-mississippi-virtual-homeschool-program/7373
	Cookies & Comics - Virtual Author Visit Thursday, January 21 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Cookies & Comics is an all ages comic book discussion group. We're reading Inkberg Enigma by Johnathan King, who will be joining us for a virtual author visit! For more information, please call: 708-798-0121 Event link: https://www.homewoodlibrary.org/
	Breakfast with the Birds Friday, January 22 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Do you love birds? Then it is going to be your lucky day! This is a special chance to bird watch in our preserves from the comfort of your home. Log into a live broadcast streaming via Zoom to take in the wonderful sights of the birds of Isle a la Cache. The camera will be on our very active bird feeders. We will also be in the background, sharing information about what you’re seeing as well as ways you can turn your yard into a winter bird haven. So, grab some breakfast and coffee, while you log into Zoom for this relaxing program. For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://fpdwc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NLrzSLUnRAO5pP-6z1z0Fw
	Wind Melodies by Coleman & Mozart Saturday, January 23 thru Friday, February 12 Cost: Varies A virtual concert featuring Grammy nominated composer Valerie Coleman's Red Clay & Mississippi Delta and Mozart's Gran Partita. The 45-minute program runs 21 days only. For more information, please call: 708-481-7774 Event link: https://ipovirtualmusic.uscreen.io/catalog
	Star Stories Tuesday, January 26 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM Winter is an amazing time of year for stargazing. The constellations we see have been passed down to us across generations with patterns that reflect different stories from around the world. Star stories will show you how to identify the constellations while introducing you to the stories behind the familiar patterns in the sky. For more information, please call: 815-886-1467 Event link: https://fpdwc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uEq9kyL_SliEKXikNjIhsw
	Trail Safety Tuesday, January 26 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Everyone loves the Forest Preserve trails. Learn the best ways to stay safe while using them. Tips about proper etiquette and the District’s “Eyes, Ears, and Cellphones” program will be discussed. Time will be available for questions from the public as well. For more information, please call: 815-727-8700 Event link: https://fpdwc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ckLLOYpuSQu8IYsT4XR0Qw
	4.5 Billion Years in 45 Minutes Wednesday, January 27 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Fossils tell the chronological story of lifeforms on earth. Learn how time is divided and discover the developments displayed in each major period. As we imagine times past, we will also look at Illinois’ contribution to fossil evidence. This free webinar is designed for beginners wanting to grasp the geologic time scale. We will speed through time beginning with the formation of the Earth with simple language and fascinating photos. This presentation will be 45 minutes with additional time for questions and discussion at the end. For more information, please call: 815-722-9470 Event link: https://fpdwc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8eiGAOJ3TBeOmX-MfG5RPQ
	Birding in the Preserves Thursday, February 11 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Have you ever seen an interesting bird but didn’t know what it was? Are you interested in birds and want to know more? This virtual hike will highlight a select preserve & get you familiar with some of the birds found there. You may be surprised that there are so many different types. Learn where to go and what to expect when you venture out on the trail. Challenge yourself to identify birds that were seen that day and get tips and tricks where to look & how to identify them. Armed with this new information, you can go out on your own to find birds. As a bonus, find out how you can contribute to citizen science just by walking a preserve and recording what you observe. Finding & recording birds can add significance to any day. Free for all ages. Registration is required. For more information, please call: 708-946-2216 Event link: https://fpdwc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8OPHEVpyQaiMZXo8bP1gDw
	Oak Forest Fleadh Virtual 5K Saturday, March 6 thru Wednesday, March 17 Cost: $30 ($25 for kids 15 and under) The CNB Virtual Fleadh 5K takes place on March 6, 2021 and kicks off our FLEADH AROUND TOWN event. As a virtual event, participants can run or walk anywhere and any time between March 6 and March 17, 2021. Create your own fun with your group! Gather your family or friends the morning of March 6 and run it together. It may not be the traditional 5K competitive way, but the last few months we've all learned to adapt to new things! The love of running hasn't changed, so let's get creative and have some fun! To commemorate this virtual event, all participants will receive a long-sleeved performance shirt and finisher digital medal. Goody bags will be given out at packet pick-up (while supplies last). For more information, please call: 708-687-4600 Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/385431062750282/
	Sweet Home Chicago Blues: Celebrating 50 Years of Alligator Records Sunday, March 14 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Cost: Varies Sweet Home Chicago Blues will feature internationally renowned vocalist Shemekia Copeland, slide guitar master Lil’ Ed Williams, beloved Chicago blues guitarist and songwriter Toronzo Cannon and legendary harmonica player Billy Branch with his all-star band, The Sons of Blues. The Sons of Blues will serve as house band for the show, backing each of the headliners. For more information, please call: 708-235-2222 Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/758478994785735