There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at upcoming lectures and educational enrichment.
January
The Essential P.T. Barnum
Jan. 12, 4 p.m. Author William Pack reveals the showman’s life through storytelling and historical performances. History Speaks Lecture Series. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, (630) 420-6010 napersettlement.org.
GHC: Remembering the Mill Race Inn
Jan. 14, noon-1 p.m. Brown Bag Lecture Series. Guest presenter Glorianne Campbell. BYO lunch. Cookies, drink provided. Registration $5/$3 members. Geneva History Center, 113 S. 3rd St., Geneva, (630) 232-4951, genevahistorycenter.org.
Finding Your Greatness with Jarrett Payton
Jan. 14, 7 p.m. The son of Walter Payton – himself an accomplished football player – is now a motivational speaker. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, bataviafineartscentre.org.
Senior Breakfast: Arthritis
Jan. 15, 9 a.m. Rheumatologist Glen Weiner, MD, discusses various types, symptoms and treatments. Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, 450 W. Hwy. 22, Barrington, (800) 323-8622, advocatehealth.com.
Ecology of a Cracker Childhood
Jan. 15, 7:30 p.m. Discuss this memoir of a child raised in rural isolation and religious fundamentalism who becomes passionate about saving the South’s longleaf pine ecosystem. $15/$10 members. Ryerson Woods, 21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods, (847) 968-3321, lcfpd.org.
Lecture: Are You a Hoarder?
Jan. 16, 7 p.m. Professional organizer Chris Faltynek, from A&E TV’s “Hoarders,” offers insights and tips. Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info, elginsymphony.org.
Super Smart Supercomputers
Jan. 17, 8 p.m. Dr. Pete Beckman, Argonne National Laboratory, talks about the latest technology. $7. Fermilab Lecture Series. Fermilab, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
Glaucoma: What You Should Know
Jan. 20, 6:30 p.m. Presented by Dr. Jeanine Baqai, ophthalmologist. Registration req. Advocate Sherman West Court, 1950 Larkin Ave, Elgin, (800) 323-8622, advocatehealth.com.
Preserving Elgin Bungalows
Jan. 20, 7 p.m. Historian Steve Stroud and Architect Eric Pepa discuss the variety of bungalow styles in Elgin, their features and examples. Registration req. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.
Read to Rover
Jan. 20, 10-11:30 a.m. School kids grades K-6 practice reading aloud to a certified therapy dog in 15-minute sessions. Gail Borden Public Library, Rakow Branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road, Elgin, (847) 531-7271, gailborden.info.
The Columbian Exposition, Part I
Jan. 21, 7-8:15 p.m. “The Grand Basin” presentation travels by steamer from downtown Chicago along Lake Michigan, to enter the fair by water. Meeting House, Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, (630) 420-6010 napersettlement.org.
Wildlife Conservation at LCFPD
Jan. 23, 1 p.m. Wildlife biologist Gary Glowacki speaks about the District’s latest conservation efforts, including work with Blanding’s turtles, smooth green snakes, forest amphibians and more. Registration req. Lake County Discovery Museum, 27277 Forest Preserve Dr., Wauconda, (847) 968-3400, lakecountydiscoverymuseum.org.
Dr. James Phillips
Jan. 26, 10 a.m. Creative Living Series. Dr. James Phillips leads a personal tour inside Chicago’s Field Museum. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Radon: A Hidden Danger
Jan. 29, 10 a.m. Daisy Viyuoh, BSN, RN, childcare nurse consultant, Kane County Health Department, discusses the importance of radon testing. Registration req. Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphonic Way, Elgin, (800) 323-8622, advocatehealth.com.
February
Winter Tree Identification
Feb. 1, 1-2:30 p.m. Learn the basics of identifying trees without leaves. Registration req. $15. Elburn Forest Preserve, 45W061 Ill. Rt. 38, Elburn, (847) 741-8350, (630) 232-5980, kaneforest.com.
Family Jam with Alina Celeste
Feb. 2, 2-3 p.m. This popular music teacher and performer emphasizes songs that bring families together. In Spanish and English. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.
The Columbian Exposition, Part II
Feb. 4, 7-8:15 p.m. Travel to the fair by train, and explore the buildings along the lagoon. Naper Settlement, Naperville, (630) 420-6010.
Eating the Mediterranean Way
Feb. 5, 11 a.m. Discover the health benefits of a Mediterranean-style diet. Registration req. Advocate Sherman Hospital, Elgin, advocatehealth.org.
Love Me Do
Feb. 6, 10-11:30 a.m. Courtship behavior in nature, from the Prairie Chicken to the battle of the bucks. Creek Bend Nature Center, LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W584 Dean St., St. Charles.
What Was Geneva Like in 1914?
Feb. 11, noon-1 p.m. Brown Bag Lecture Series. Learn how it looked and what happened. Bring a lunch. $5/$3 members. Geneva History Center, (630) 232-4951.
Chronic Pain: Are You Suffering?
Feb. 11, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Become empowered with helpful tips and information to help you improve your quality of life. Free. Registration req. Advocate Sherman Outpatient Center Algonquin, 600 S Randall Road, Algonquin, (800) 323-8622, advocatehealth.com.
Lunch & Learn: Exploring Korean Mountains
Feb. 13, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Explore the rich diversity of Korean plants on two high, rugged mountains and one offshore island. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Ill. Rt. 53, Lisle, (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.
The Science and Craft of Wooden Instruments
Feb. 15, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Discover how wood is used in instrument making. Morton Arboretum, Lisle, mortonarb.org.