There are so many fun events in our region! Here’s a collection of many events that are guaranteed to nurture the mind and spirit.
November
“Between the States”
Through Dec. 11, 1-5 p.m. Tue.-Sun. Traveling Civil War exhibit of facsimile photographs by Mathew Brady, more. Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst, (630) 833-1457, elmhurst.org.
The Civil War: “Letters from Home”
Through Dec. 11, 1-5 p.m. Tue.-Sun. The war’s local impact through artwork inspired by family letters to an Elmhurst Civil War vet. Elmhurst Historical Museum, (630) 833-1457, elmhurst.org.
“Lest We Forget”
Through Feb. 4, 2012, museum hrs. Visit a recreated post-Civil War home; learn about historic objects at interactive multimedia presentations. Lake County Discovery Museum, 27277 N Forest Preserve Road, Wauconda, (847) 968-3400, lcfpd.org.
Authors on the Fox
Nov. 27, 1:30 p.m. Thavisouk Phrasavath, writer, director and actor, about his childhood experiences in war-torn Laos, screens his film and discusses his works. Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, 270 N. Grove Ave., (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
Physician Lecture: Don’t Sugarcoat Diabetes
Nov. 29, 6:30 p.m. Centegra endocrinologist Dr. Jyothi Goginen discusses the prevention and symptoms of diabetes and ways to feel better. Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center, 10450 Algonquin Road, Huntley, (877) 236-8347, centegra.org.
Fall Town Hall Meeting
Nov. 29, 7-8:30 p.m. Rep. Keith Farnham with a state legislator’s update. Info: Farnham’s constituent services, (847) 841-7130. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.
December
Tree Festival
Dec. 1-31, regular museum hours. See three live animals on Saturdays, 10:30-11 a.m.; trees decorated by local groups; a Wish Tree to donate gifts to the animals; guided tours. Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore, (815) 895-9777, mmnh.org.
4th Annual Candlelight Christmas
Dec. 2-3, 6-8:30 p.m. Members of the Col. Palmer family celebrate Christmas in 1861, at the close of the first year the Civil War. Timed/ticketed event; reservations req. Colonel Palmer House, Crystal Lake, (815) 477-5873 www.cl-his.org.
3rd Annual Snowflake Shuffle 5K
Dec. 3, 8-11 a.m. 5K run and walk raises money for TriCity Family Services. MillCreek Clubhouse, 39W525 Herrington Drive, Geneva. Info: (630) 232-1070, tricityfamilyservices.org.
“Healthy Solutions to PMS & Menopause”
Dec. 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free presentation about symptoms and drug-free solutions. Park Place, 406 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake, (815) 459-0680, crystallakeparks.org.
Pearl Harbor Day 70th Anniversary
Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m. A presentation and discussion of the event, including a screening of National Geographic’s Pearl Harbor: Legacy of Attack. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-6565.
Mammals of Volo Bog State Natural Area
Dec. 10, 1-3 p.m. Hands-on activities and hike. Ages 6/up. Reservations requested. Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside, (815) 344-1294, [email protected].
Authors on the Fox
Dec. 11, 1:30 p.m. Philip Aleo discusses his book, The Midwest Motorsports Legend: Meadowdale Raceways. Book sales and signing follow. Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
Winter Wetland Botany
Dec. 14, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn to recognize winter plants. Begins indoors and moves outside. Registration req. Volo Bog, Ingleside, (815) 344-1294.
Stories Behind Our Most Loved Christmas Hymns and Carols
Dec. 15, 7 p.m. A presentation by Rochelle Pennington, author of several books on Christmas traditions. Geneva History Center, 113 S. 3rd St., Geneva, (630) 232-4951, genevahistorycenter.org.
Ultimate Amazing Gingerbread Houses
Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m. Design and decorate a gingerbread house. Materials/refreshments provided. Ages 3-12 with parent. $29/couple. Woodscreek Park, Program Building, 1420 Willow Tree, Crystal Lake, (815) 459-0680, crystallakeparks.org.
Elgin Alive
Dec. 20, 7 p.m. “Earth Friendly Holiday Traditions from Around the World.” No registration. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 429-4680.
Seven Metals Tibetan Singing Bowls
Dec. 28, 6:45 p.m. Group relaxation using the singing bowls of Tibet. A towel, mat, pillow and comfortable clothes are suggested. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, gailborden.info.
January 2012
“Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War”
Jan. 3-Feb. 17, 2012. The American Library Association traveling exhibit runs in Aurora University’s Phillips Library. Reception Jan. 10, 4 p.m. Phillips Library, AU, Aurora, aurora.edu.
Film Discussion: Doctor Strangelove
Jan. 8, 1 p.m. Screening and discussion of Stanley Kubrick’s zany 1964 Cold War classic. Aurora Public Library, Eola Road Branch, 555 S. Eola Road, Aurora, (630) 264-3400, aurorapubliclibrary.org.
Photography Workshop
Jan. 8, 1:15-5:15 p.m. Class session/photo assignment, with critique/discussion. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-6565, gailborden.info.
Lyric Opera: Mozart’s The Magic Flute
Jan. 15, 2 p.m. Learn the story of Prince Tamino, and his magic flute, and hear excerpts from the opera. Lyric Opera Lecture Corps. West Branch Aurora Public Library, Aurora, (630)-264-3626.
Maria Finitzo: Telling a Story through Film
Jan. 19, 10 a.m. The Peabody-award-winning documentary filmmaker. Creative Living Series, Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Pillars of Honor
Jan. 22, 29, 2-4 p.m. A program to recognize our World War II veterans and see an actual scale model of the National World War II memorial. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 429-4680.
Tracks in the Snow
Jan. 25, 6-7 p.m. Ages 4-6. See who’s been in your yard by the tracks. Nature Center, 330 N. Main St. Crystal Lake, (815) 455-1763, crystallakeparks.org. ❚
Tracks in the Snow
Jan. 26, 6-7 p.m. Ages 7-11. The Nature Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-1763, crystallakeparks.org.
Groundhog Gala
Jan. 28, 6-9 p.m. Winter fundraiser with displays and demonstrations by natural history experts, live music, dancers, refreshments, open bar. Cost TBA. MMNH, Sycamore, (815) 895-9777.
Hold ’Em Tournament
January 29, 6:30 p.m. The second year for this Raue Center fundraiser, held onstage. Buy-In $100/ages 21+. Play for the chance to win great prizes. Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
February
Planning & Planting a Vegetable Garden
Feb. 1, 7 p.m. Master Gardener Vicki Hagstotz teaches you to grow your own food, from site selection through harvest. West Branch Aurora Library, Aurora, (630) 264-3626.
7th Annual Black History Family Festival
Feb. 4, 2-5 p.m. Throughout the whole library. Details to come. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 429-4680.
Reconstruction 101 for African Americans
Feb. 7, 7 p.m. Many African Americans think it’s impossible to find their family history. Geneaologist Tim Pinnick will share tips, strategies, and resources to guide you to a successful search. Aurora Library Eola Road Branch, (630) 264-3400, aurorapubliclibrary.org.
“Frank Lloyd Wright: Organic Architect”
Feb. 7, 7 p.m. Slide lecture presented by Jeff Mishur of Art Excursions. West Branch Aurora Library, (630) 264-3600.
Black History Month
Feb. 19, 3 p.m. Presentation. Aurora Library Eola Branch, (630) 264-3400, aurorapubliclibrary.org.
Frog/Toad Monitoring Workshop
Feb. 22, 7-9 p.m. A training session so volunteers can monitor MCCD areas or private wetlands. Registration req. Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 728-8307, habitatproject.org/frogsurvey.
Lyric Opera: Aida
Feb. 26, 2012, 2 p.m. Hear the tragic story of lovers Aida and Radames of ancient Egypt, and musical excerpts of the Verdi opera, presented by Lyric Opera Lecture Corps. West Branch Aurora Library, (630) 264-3626.