BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Gorton Center - ECPv6.18.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://gortoncenter.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Gorton Center
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20270314T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20271107T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20280312T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20281105T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270105T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270105T153000
DTSTAMP:20261028T185229Z
CREATED:20261028T185229Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261028T185229Z
UID:20007661-1799154000-1799163000@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Drawing and Painting with Cheryl Steiger
DESCRIPTION:Discover Your Creative Potential\nCome develop your artistic skills and creativity in the way that works best for you! Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist\, this class offers a flexible and supportive environment to grow. \nTailored Instruction Just for You\nLooking to learn a new technique or improve specific skills? These individualized art classes provide a personalized approach to learning. Cheryl Steiger customizes instruction to your medium\, skill level\, interests\, and learning style. You can choose to work from photos\, a still life\, or your imagination. Please bring your own supplies. \nDrawing and painting do more than build skill—they also support your well-being. Art is therapeutic\, relaxing\, and helps improve fine motor skills\, hand-eye coordination\, problem-solving\, and creative thinking. Moreover\, creative expression boosts mood and may even help slow cognitive decline\, according to some research. \nMeet Your Instructor: Cheryl Steiger\nCheryl Steiger is a Chicago area artist and teacher. Cheryl grew up in Riverwoods\, IL. She studied fine and commercial art at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. In 1979\, she became a freelance illustrator\, also working on commissioned pieces and producing audio-visual shows\, cartooning and fashion illustration. Cheryl has been teaching art for the past 30 years at many Chicago institutions\, including The Art Center of Highland Park\, The Evanston Art Center and Edgebrook Chicago Public School. She shows her fine art locally and around the world. In the summer of 2007\, Cheryl participated in Chicago’s ecologically-themed Public Art Project\, Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet. Her small globe was on exhibit at The United Nations\, NY and The Kennedy Center\, and was purchased by the “Clinton Initiative”. The large globe is still being exhibited internationally.  \n “Creating art is my passion. Bringing my internal vision to the canvas to be shared is my greatest pleasure.”
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/drawing-and-painting-with-cheryl-steiger-january-5/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Art,Classes
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cheryl-Art-.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270106T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270106T173000
DTSTAMP:20260824T164339Z
CREATED:20260824T164339Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260824T164339Z
UID:20007500-1799251200-1799256600@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Teen Draw & Paint with Joalida Smit
DESCRIPTION:THEME: WINTER WONDERLAND\nCome hang out in a space where creativity comes alive. Artist and educator Joalida Smit invites teens to join her ongoing art class at the Gorton Center. This class is all about exploring\, experimenting\, and finding your own artistic voice. From the start\, the studio feels welcoming\, inspiring\, and full of possibility. \nFirst\, students ages 11 to 17 get to try out a wide mix of materials. They might begin with drawing or painting\, and then move on to mixed media. As they experiment\, they gain confidence. Little by little\, they start developing a style that feels uniquely their own. \nOn top of that\, Joalida’s teaching style makes this class stand out. Instead of rigid\, step-by-step lessons\, her approach is flexible and student-focused. She meets each young artist right where they are. Maybe your teen sketches all the time. Maybe they’ve never touched a paintbrush before. Either way\, Joalida gives encouragement and guidance to help them grow. \nHands-On Experience\nNext\, comes hands-on practice. Students work with graphite\, charcoal\, acrylics\, watercolor\, ink – you name it. They mix materials\, test new techniques\, and see what happens. Because of this\, every class feels fresh and exciting. \nAnd here’s the best part: the goal isn’t to finish identical projects. Instead\, the focus is on exploration\, creativity\, and storytelling. Students learn how to express themselves\, share their ideas\, and bring imagination to life. As a result\, they walk away with more than just artwork. They leave with stronger skills\, bigger confidence\, and a deeper connection to their creativity. \nFinally\, this class gives teens a safe\, supportive space to take risks\, try new things\, and grow as artists. Step by step\, they discover the joy of creating something that’s truly their own. \nSo\, why not join Joalida in the studio? It’s a place where individuality is celebrated\, creativity flows\, and every teen has a chance to shine. \nAll materials are provided\, so students can fully immerse themselves in the process without the need to bring supplies. Ages: 11 – 17 \nSkill Level: Intermediate to advanced – Prior art experience and a sincere interest in art are required. \nNote: This is an art development class\, not a recreational after-school club. Students are expected to take their art practice seriously and to respect the shared studio space. Teens who cannot adhere to the expectations of the class may be asked to leave. \nJoalida Smit is a Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist who lived and worked in London (UK) and Cape Town (SA) for the past 20 years. She pivoted to full time artist during COVID and now runs an art studio at The Gorton Center working on large scale canvases. Currently she is exploring innovative ways to incorporate art in the psychology work of personal transformation.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/teen-draw-paint-with-joalida-smit-january/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Art,Classes,Youth
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/joalida-teen-art-camp.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270109T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270109T093000
DTSTAMP:20261105T180750Z
CREATED:20260914T210811Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261105T180750Z
UID:20007562-1799485200-1799487000@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Soccer Shots Mini Parent - Assisted (2-3 yrs)
DESCRIPTION:Learn Soccer with Soccer Shots Mini – A Fun & Engaging Class for Toddlers! – *PARENT ASSISTED* \nLooking for an exciting way to introduce your little one to the game of soccer? Soccer Shots Mini is the perfect program for toddlers ages 2-3 to learn soccer in a fun\, engaging\, and supportive environment. \nDesigned specifically for young children\, this high-energy class focuses on fundamental soccer skills such as dribbling\, kicking\, and understanding basic game rules. Through interactive games\, playful songs\, and positive reinforcement\, kids will develop coordination\, confidence\, and a love for staying active. Plus\, with parent participation required\, you’ll get to be part of the fun and watch your child’s skills grow! \nWhat Makes Soccer Shots Mini Special?\n\nAge-Appropriate Activities – Engaging games designed for toddlers to learn soccer in a playful and stress-free setting.\nPositive Coaching – Encouraging instructors create a supportive environment where every child can thrive.\nBuild Confidence & Social Skills: Celebrate small victories and learn in an encouraging environment where participation is the main goal. Learn how to listen to a coach\, wait for their turn\, and work together with new friends.\nLearn Basic Soccer Concepts: Practice dribbling\, stopping the ball with their feet\, passing and teamwork. It’s a non-competitive\, safe space where every child can shine and discover the joy of the game.\nFree Soccer Jersey – Your registration includes a Soccer Shots jersey to make your little athlete feel like a pro!\n\nJoin the Fun!\nSoccer Shots Mini is more than just a class – it’s a wonderful first step into the world of sports. Whether your child is kicking their first soccer ball or just learning to follow simple directions\, this program is designed to build skills while having a blast.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/soccer-shots-mini-parent-assisted-2-3-yrs-january/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Classes,Sports,Youth
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/soccer-mini-use.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270111T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270111T193000
DTSTAMP:20261030T143143Z
CREATED:20261030T143143Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261030T143143Z
UID:20007646-1799688600-1799695800@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:North Shore Crafters: Community Craft Night
DESCRIPTION:Love to make things? Join our monthly craft night and meet fellow local makers. Bring the project you’re working on now. Knit a scarf. Sketch in your notebook. Build a scrapbook page. Stitch an embroidery hoop. Crochet\, paint\, or try something new. Every craft is welcome here. \nThis is a casual\, social crafting meetup. You set the pace. Chat with neighbors while you work. Swap tips\, tricks\, and techniques. Share your progress and get honest\, friendly feedback. Find fresh inspiration for your next DIY project. \nBeginners and experienced crafters both fit right in. Bring a half-finished project or start something new. Ask questions. Show off what you’ve made. Learn a skill from the person next to you. \nOur craft circle is about more than making. It’s about community. Meet creative people who live nearby. Build friendships around a shared love of handmade work. Unwind after a busy day and do something you enjoy. \nGrab your yarn\, needles\, sketchbook\, or supplies. Bring a friend. Come ready to create\, connect\, and have fun. \nPlease note: we need at least one registration to hold this event. If no one is signed up 48 hours before class starts\,  we’ll cancel this session. Registered guests will hear from us by email if anything changes.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/north-shore-crafters-community-craft-night/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Age,Art,Classes,Youth
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Community-Craft-Night-1.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270114T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270114T170000
DTSTAMP:20261103T205519Z
CREATED:20261103T200123Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261103T205519Z
UID:20007671-1799942400-1799946000@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:EV Junior Fashion Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Calling all future fashion designers! The EV Junior Fashion Workshop is perfect for young fashionistas ready to explore their passion for sewing and fashion design. Students will design small-scale outfits on their very own mini mannequins\, create custom jewelry\, participate in fun fashion games\, design paper doll outfits & more. With guidance from our EV Fine Arts instructor\, students will sew a custom outfit to wear using a sewing machine! \nThe class series concludes with our “EV Fashion Show\,” where students proudly showcase their handmade creations. Please note\, there is a snack break included in each session\, so don’t forget to pack a snack! No experience needed\, open to youth ages 4-6.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/ev-junior-fashion-workshop-jan/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Art,Classes,Sewing,Youth
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/EV-JUNIOR-SEWING.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270115T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270115T203000
DTSTAMP:20261111T182149Z
CREATED:20261111T172642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261111T182149Z
UID:20008076-1800039600-1800045000@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Line It Up Line Dancing
DESCRIPTION:Grab Your Boots and Get Ready to Line Dance!\nKick the dust off those boots. Pop on that cowboy hat. Slide into your favorite jeans. It’s time for line dancing! \nNever tried it before? Perfect. Want to brush up on your moves? Even better. This class is built for beginners – and for anyone who just wants to have fun. \nWe’ll start slow. Easy steps. Clear breakdowns. No pressure\, no partner\, no problem. Just laughs\, music\, and movement. \nThen\, the real fun begins. We’ll groove through country classics. We’ll jam to high-energy pop hits. These are the dances you’ll see at weddings\, parties\, and dance halls all over. And now\, you’ll know them too. \nCome solo. Come with friends. Either way\, you’ll walk out smiling\, sweaty\, and ready to show off your new moves. \nSo grab your boots\, grab your crew\, and let’s do some line dancing! \nLesley has been dancing her whole life. She’s been classically trained in Ballet and Jazz. She’s been teaching dance for 40 years. She currently works at Lake Forest Health and Fitness and Life Time Fitness in Vernon Hills. Her super power is making everyone feel successful. 
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/line-it-up-line-dancing-january-15/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Classes,Music,Wellness
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Line-Dance-1-scaled.jpg
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270120T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270120T203000
DTSTAMP:20260910T195031Z
CREATED:20260909T175611Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T195031Z
UID:20007547-1800471600-1800477000@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Silent Book Club January 2027
DESCRIPTION:What is Silent Blook Club? Silent Book Club is a global community of readers with 2\,200+ chapters in 70 countries. There’s no assigned reading — it’s bring your own book. \nMore than a million members gather in person\, online\, and in destinations around the world to read together and swap stories. All readers are welcome! And now\, we have a chapter in Lake Forest! \nA Silent Book Club event looks like this: \n7:00-7:20pm – People arrive\, order drinks/food\, share what they’re reading\n7:20-8:30pm – Quiet reading hour\n8:20-8:30pm (or longer if you wish) – optional socializing \nGorton concessions will be available during this event – soft drinks/beer/wine and popcorn and candy will be on site if you would like a snack during the event. \nWhile this event is free\, we ask that you register in advance so we can plan for the right number of attendees. \n 
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/silent-book-club-january-2027/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Age,Classes,Community,Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2C-scaled.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270126T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270126T193000
DTSTAMP:20261030T150040Z
CREATED:20261030T150040Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261030T150040Z
UID:20007657-1800984600-1800991800@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Monthly Crochet & Skill-Building Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Monthly Crochet & Skill-Building Workshop with NorthShore Crafters \nLooking for a cozy way to unwind? Join NorthShore Crafters for our Monthly Crochet & Skill-Building Workshop! First\, grab a seat and settle in. Then\, pick up your hook and let the fun begin. \nAre you brand new to crochet? Perfect. Have you been stitching for years? Great! This workshop welcomes everyone. In fact\, each monthly session introduces a fun new skill\, so there’s always something fresh to try. \nBest of all\, you don’t need to bring a thing. We give every participant a curated crochet kit. It includes all the materials you’ll need for the night. \nNext\, our instructor guides you step by step. First\, you’ll master the foundational stitches. After that\, you’ll learn how to read a pattern with confidence. Along the way\, you’ll pick up tips and tricks to make every stitch easier. \nBy the end of the night\, you’ll walk away with a brand-new skill. With a little luck\, you’ll take home a finished project\, too! So come back each month and keep growing at the Monthly Crochet & Skill-Building Workshop.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/monthly-crochet-skill-building-workshop/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Age,Art,Classes
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Crochet-Workshop.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270127T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270127T200000
DTSTAMP:20261023T161616Z
CREATED:20261023T161616Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261023T161616Z
UID:20007653-1801072800-1801080000@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Collaborative Songwriting
DESCRIPTION:Collaborative Songwriting\nBring your creativity and make music together in this three-part songwriting session with musician Nigel Haye. All musicians and music lovers are welcome. Bring an instrument if you play one. You can also join without one. \nPart 1: Share & Listen (January 27)\nBring a song or demo you’ve written. Share it with the group and get feedback. You can also simply share your work and enjoy hearing what others create. This part will grow as more participants bring songs and demos to share. \nPart 2: Create Together (February 3)\nThis session forms the heart of the workshop. Gather in a circle and create a brand-new song together. Start by choosing a vibe or theme. Then build a melody and develop the song’s structure and instrumentation. \nUse the instruments you bring or try something new. We’ll also have extra instruments for anyone who needs one. You can contribute lyrics\, melodies\, rhythms\, or ideas. Everyone can play a part in the creative process. \nPart 3: Perform & Record (February 10)\nBring the finished song to life with a group performance. Share it with other attendees\, parents\, or the group itself. We’ll also record the final song. Anyone who wants a copy can receive the audio file. \nCome ready to listen\, experiment\, share ideas\, and make something new with others. No one needs to arrive with a finished song. Just bring your creativity and a willingness to collaborate! \nAges 13+ \nMeet the Instructor\n \nMy music journey began at the beginning of the COVID pandemic in February 2020. I started learning nursery rhymes like Mary Had a Little Lamb\, scales\, chords\, and different techniques. This eventually led to exploring dynamic fingerpicking techniques within the next two years\, modeling artists like Elliott Smith and Hozier. I have since written many songs\, some of which have been released under my name Nigel Haye on all streaming platforms. I have been fortunate to start teaching classical guitar at a music shop in Mchenry for the past two years\, having a total of 10+ students throughout my time teaching/performing there.\nDuring the past three years\, I have also become competent in piano\, drums\, bass\, and singing. This helps being able to push/sway a potential song idea that comes up\, in multiple different ways. I graduated with a B.M. in Music Production from Elmhurst University in 2026. During my senior year\, I was fortunate to serve as president of the songwriting club\, SEMFA (Student Entertainment: Music & Fine Arts). During this time\, I created some new opportunities that the club had never seen before\, such as creating a tangible\, mixed audio recording of every song created\, club merchandise\, and establishing  an executive board to protect the club’s longevity for years to come. We hosted bi-weekly meetings that would have  anywhere from 10-30 students at every meeting to make/share       music together.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/collaborative-songwriting-january/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Classes,Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Collab-Songwriting-sized.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR