Learn how to use worms to dispose of your food scraps on May 3, at Prairieview Education Center, in Crystal Lake.

Events @ a Glance: Mind & Spirit Calendar

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

Learn how to use worms to dispose of your food scraps on May 3, at Prairieview Education Center, in Crystal Lake.

April

Snoopy and the Red Baron
Through June 17, Tue.-Fri. & Sun. 1-5 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The new traveling exhibit from the Charles Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, Calif., tells the story of the beloved character, including his origins in Schulz’s World War I research; reproductions of original comic strip artwork, WWI artifacts, film and photos. Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst, (630) 833-1457, elmhursthistory.org.

Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss
Through Sept. 1, during library hours. Explore the geology, history, biology and chemistry of the deep sea, and the technology used to explore it in this interactive, child-friendly exhibit. Additional interactive exhibits about the Fox River. Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.

The Real Red Baron
April 22, 2-4 p.m. University of Illinois history professor and author Peter Fritzsche explores the myth and reality of solo pilots during World War I and across the 20th century as well the origins of the aerial “dog fight.” Reg. online. Elmhurst History Museum Education Center, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst, (630) 530-6879, elmhursthistory.org.

Stereotypes
April 23, 7-8:30 p.m. Explore how Europeans and Americans perceive Islam, Muslims and the people and societies of the Middle East, and how these perceptions influence words and actions. Barrington Public Library, 505 N. Northwest Hwy., Barrington, (847) 382-1300, balibrary.org.

Poetry Night
April 23, May 28, June 25, 8-9:30 p.m. Perform yourself or enjoy your local favorites as they read, rhyme, sing, speak and perform their work in the cafe. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Metropolis Gala
April 28, 5 p.m.-midnight. “Night of the Stars” features performances by theater professionals and students; enjoy drinks, dinner, dessert, live and silent auctions, raffles and an after party. Proceeds benefit Metropolis Performing Arts Center’s theatrical and arts education programs. Arlington International Racecourse, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Laugh Out Proud
April 29, 2-4:30 p.m. Starring John DaCosse, Mike Toomey and Tim Benker, from WGN television and radio. Special guest Skip Griparis from “The Guys Who Gave Us Rock!” Benefitting veterans and their families. TLS Veterans, Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.

May

Dirty Deeds: Worm Composting
May 3, 7-9 p.m. Put your food scraps to good use when you learn how to compost using worms; reduce waste and create potting or garden soil easily and with no odors. Reg. online. Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 479-5779, mccdistrict.org.

Danielle Feinberg, Pixar
May 4, 8 p.m. Having worked on “Toy Story 2,” “Coco” and many others, Ms. Feinberg speaks about how art and science come together to create the magic of Pixar films. Get a behind-the-scenes look at problems the animation studio has encountered and how it has solved them. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.

How Much Screen Time is OK for My Child?
May 10, 6:30 p.m. Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, a professor at University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, highlights research on electronic screen usage and provides recommendations for families. Reg. rec. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.

Wild Edibles in Your Backyard
May 18, 7-9 p.m. Learn how many edible native or naturalized plants can grow in your own yard. Reg. req. Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 479-5779, mccdistrict.org.

The Accidental Hero
May 23, 7:30 p.m. A multimedia one-man show about a World War II American officer who miraculously liberates the Czech villages of his grandparents. Written and performed by Patrick Dewane, the officer’s grandson, who powerfully recounts his grandfather’s journey from Omaha Beach and the Battle of the Bulge to the end of the war. Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

An Evening of Natural Music
May 25, 7-9 p.m. Enjoy a combination of flute and drum circle music, along with a Native American legend about the origins of music. Bring your own natural instrument. Reg. req. Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 479-5779, mccdistrict.org.

June

Miracles, Mysteries and Mayhem
June 5, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Join the Elgin Genealogical Society’s monthly meeting and hear Chicago researcher Jeanne Larzalere Bloom’s tips on researching family trees. Reg. rec. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.

Ladies Night Out
June 7, 4-8 p.m. Stroll downtown for an evening of music, prizes and giveaways, sponsored by Ladies Night Out, a nonprofit group that fights against breast cancer. Various locations, downtown Sycamore. Info: (815) 895-3456, discoversycamore.com.

The Horses Never Left
June 10, 2-4 p.m. Take a ride with historian Barbara Benson and photographer/filmmaker Robert McGinley as they share photos and films recalling the people and horses that have made Barrington a foremost equestrian destination. A traditional hunt tea will be served. Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonwhitehouse.com.

WSR Lab Series: The Excavation of Mary Anning
June 18, 7 p.m. A fanciful history of the remarkable English fossil hunter Mary Anning, who must fight to claim her legacy in a 19th century society that refuses to acknowledge her important discoveries. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.