On June 9 at Gail Borden Public Libray in Elgin, learn “Secrets of The Wizard of Oz & Gone with the Wind,” both 1939 “Best Picture” Oscar nominees marking their 75th anniversaries this year.

Mind & Spirit Calendar

There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at upcoming lectures and educational enrichment.

On June 9 at Gail Borden Public Libray in Elgin, learn “Secrets of The Wizard of Oz & Gone with the Wind,” both 1939 “Best Picture” Oscar nominees marking their 75th anniversaries this year.
On June 9 at Gail Borden Public Libray in Elgin, learn “Secrets of The Wizard of Oz & Gone with the Wind,” both 1939 “Best Picture” Oscar nominees marking their 75th anniversaries this year.

MAY

Fox River & Chain O’ Lakes Clean-Up
May 3, 8 a.m.-noon, multiple locations. Work from shore or your boat to clean up debris and litter. Site locations/updates at mccdistrict.org. Co-sponsors Conservation District & Fox Waterway Agency. Registration & info: (815) 338-6223, (815) 678-4532.

Civil War Field Camp
May 3, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Did you know that at the start of the war, Elgin attacked Geneva? This and more about Elgin’s involvement in the war. Artifacts, demos, more. Drop-in program. Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.

History of the Railroad
May 4, 1 p.m. Centennial Speaker Series & Crystal Lake Historical Society Fundraiser presentation by Craig Pfannkuche on the history of the railroad. $30; CLHS fundraiser luncheon. Tickets/info: (815) 455-1151, cl-his.org. Event: Crystal Lake Country Club, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake.

Spies & Spying in the Civil War
May 4, 4-5 p.m. History Speaks Lecture Series. Featuring the illustrations of acclaimed artist Jim Weren. Reservations rec. Century Memorial Chapel, Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, (630) 420-6010, napersettlement.org.

Take Control of Incontinence
May 8, 10-11 a.m. Learn some of the causes and safe nonsurgical methods for controlling urinary leakage, urgency and frequency. By Advocate Sherman Hospital. Free/registration req: advocatehealth.com. The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin.

Stories for a Spring Evening
May 9, 7–9 p.m. Tales and legends in a scenic setting. Rain or shine: on the patio if fair; inside if not. Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 479-5779, mccdistrict.org.

Wild Edibles Science Night
May 9, 6-8 p.m. Try beautiful tasty flower petals, grind your own cricket flour, snack on crunchy crawlies and more, at stations set up around the museum. $2 per person. Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Blvd., Elgin, (847) 741-6655, elginpublicmuseum.org.

Skin Cancer Screenings
May 13, 5:30-7 p.m. Dr. Suleman Bangash gives a brief explanation of the signs and symptoms of skin cancer. Talk followed by a mini screening of exposed skin ONLY: hands, face, neck, arms. By Advocate Sherman Hospital. Free/registration req: advocatehealth.com/classes. The Centre of Elgin.

Healthy Brain, Healthy Memory
May 15, 1-2:30 p.m. Entertaining presentation about your brain, activities to maintain and improve brain function, how memory works, age-related memory changes, strategies for improving retention and recall. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.

Paws to Read Summer Reading Kickoff
May 17, 1-4 p.m. An animal information fair to learn about all the different ways animals improve our everyday lives. Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.

9th Annual Fireside Chat about Elgin’s Past
May 18, 3 p.m. Share your memories or just listen during an informal discussion about various aspects of Elgin’s past. Led by Elgin historians E.C. “Mike” Alft and Jerry Turnquist. No registration. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.

27th Annual Little Angels Pledge Run
May 18, 9 a.m. Largest fundraiser for this residential facility in Elgin for children and young adults with severe disabilities. All bikes welcome. Start/end: Woodstock Harley-Davidson, 2050 S. Eastwood Dr., Woodstock. Info/donations: LApledgerun.com.

Living History Open House
May 18, noon-4 p.m. Visit with volunteers in historical attire, including the prominent and influential Samuel Walker, a resident after the Civil War. Powers-Walker House, Glacial Park Conservation Area, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood, (815) 479-5779, mccdistrict.org.

80 Years After: Bonnie and Clyde
May 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See the car that fraudulently toured the USA through the 1960s as Bonnie & Clyde’s Death Car. Volo Auto Museum, 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo, (815) 385-3644, volocars.com.

JUNE

Architectural Bike Tour
June 1, Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. A seven-mile round trip through downtown gives a history of Crystal Lake and its development. Participants provide own bike and required helmet. Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, (815) 455-1151, cl-hs.org.

Annual Heritage Trolley Tour
June 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Annual Crystal Lake Historic Preservation Commission’s 45-minute tour, highlighting different unique properties in the City. Downtown Crystal Lake Gazebo, Woodstock St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-3615, crystallake.org.

Historical Society House Walk
June 8, noon-5 p.m. Five historic and distinctive homes highlight the rich architectural heritage of Arlington Heights: Tickets: $30; $10 for tea. Arlington Heights Historical Society, 110 W. Fremont, Arlington Heights, (847) 255-1225, ahmuseum.org.

Birthing Center Tour
June 9, 6-7 p.m., 7:30-8:30 p.m. Discover why almost 3,000 families choose this birthing center each year. Tours included in five-week Lamaze series and the Childbirth Express class. Registration req./one registration per couple. Advocate Sherman Hospital, 1425 N. Randall Road, Elgin, advocatehealth.com.

Secrets of The Wizard of Oz & Gone with the Wind
June 9, 7 p.m. Celebrate the 75th anniversary of these 1939 movies. Film trivia expert Steven Frenzel highlights the films’ best moments and answers questions. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.

Freezer Jam Basics
June 10, 6:30-8 p.m. Learn an easy way to preserve your fresh summer fruits to enjoy during the winter. $15. Registration: crystallakeparkdistrict.org. Class: Palmer House, Crystal Lake.

The Quantum Universe
June 11, 8 p.m. Theoretical physicist Dr. Hitoshi Murayama, University of California, Berkley, discusses the recently discovered Higgs boson, theories on dark matter and the origin of the universe. $7. Fermilab, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.

Conversations About Dementia
June 12, 7 p.m. This program is designed to help you talk with your entire family, including the person with signs of dementia, about some challenging and often uncomfortable topics related to Alzheimer’s and dementia. McHenry Public Library, 809 Front St., McHenry, (815) 385-0036, mchenrylibrary.org.

Read To Rover
June 14, July 12, Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 15 minute sessions. School-aged kids may practice their reading skills by cuddling up with a good book and reading aloud to a fully trained and certified therapy dog. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.

Cholesterol Screening & Education
June 14 & July 14, screening time selected at registration. “Check and Chat” is a $25 cholesterol screening and education for the general public, 18 and over. Requires 12-14 hour fast. Meet with a cardiac rehab registered nurse for a 30 minute consultation following test. Total time: 45 minutes. Full refund if canceling at least 24 hours before the event; fewer than 24 hours, reschedule without penalty. Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, 450 W. Hwy. 22, Barrington. Registration: advocatehealth.com.

Infant CPR
June 18, 6-7:30 p.m. Accredited by the American Heart Association but not for certification. $10, registration required: advocatehealth.com. From Advocate Sherman Hospital. The Centre of Elgin.

Sound the Alarm
June 22, 1-4 p.m. See vintage fire trucks and equipment; learn the history of the Crystal Lake Fire Dept. Children’s fire safety class; tours. Free; Summer Sundays. Palmer House, Crystal Lake, cl-hs.org.

Training Day for Dads
June 25, 6-9 p.m. A class for new and expectant dads led and taught by experienced dads. Newborn care, bath demonstration by an RN, comforting techniques, discussions about before, during & after baby arrives. Light dinner. $20/25 percent cancellation fee. Registration: advocatehealth.com. Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, Barrington.

Animal Adventures
June 26, noon-2:30 p.m. Meet a Canada goose, a bunny and a red-tailed hawk, and learn about some of the animals in our own backyards from area wildlife rehabilitators at the Fox Valley Wildlife Center. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.

JULY

How Comic Books are Made
July 1, 7 p.m. 6th-8th graders are invited to learn how a comic book is made. The creative team behind Tango Comics’ The Infinium series: writer Rich Perez, artist Ron Ong and inker Rage Ledbetter will take you through the process from start to finish. Registration req. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, gailborden.info.

Do You Know What You’re Feeding Your Dog?
July 16, 7-8:30 p.m. Robin Massey, with more than 17 years’ experience as a canine specialist and owner of FYDOLAND dog care centers, shows you what to look for in dog food ingredients and what to stay away from. Please register. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, gailborden.info.

The Year was 1914
July 20, 1-4 p.m. As part of the Centennial Celebration, costumed presenters will demonstrate life in the Palmer House as it was in 1914. Free; Summer Sundays. Palmer House, Crystal Lake, cl-hs.org.

Where Nature Comes Home
July 25, 9:30 a.m. 11 a.m. Learn how one community in the suburbs became the first residential association to become a member of the Chicago Wilderness by transforming their lawns into prairie, woodland and wetland wildflowers, forbs, sedges, grasses and native rain gardens, presented by habitat restorer Dennis Paige. Please register. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, gailborden.info.

AUGUST

National Night Out
Aug. 5, 5:30-8:30 p.m. This event generates support and participation in local anti-crime efforts to strengthen neighborhood spirit and community relations. Learn about crime prevention and drug prevention. North School Park, Eastman St./Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, ahpd.org.

Chores on the Farm
Aug. 10, 1-4 p.m. Roll up your sleeves and help with farm chores like rug beating, washing and corn shucking.
The cellar will be open to show how it was essential for everyday living. Free; Summer Sundays. Col Palmer House, Crystal Lake, cl-hs.org.

Centennial Speaker Series: Schools
Aug. 10, 1 p.m. The Centennial Celebration continues with this Monthly Speaker Series featuring the history of the Crystal Lake Schools. Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-3615, crystallake100.com.

Why Does My Dog Do That?
Aug. 13, 7-8:30 p.m. This interactive class from Robin Massey, canine specialist and owner of FYDOLAND dog care centers, learn canine behavior, how to interpret basic cues from your dogs, and techniques to deal with common behavior problems. Please register. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, gailborden.info.