There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at upcoming lectures and educational enrichment.
October
Tribute to Barbara and George Bush
Oct. 6, 3-5 p.m. Barbara Rinella pays tribute to America’s longest married presidential couple, based on books by their granddaughters. Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Practicing Mindfulness
Oct. 9, 7-9 p.m. Dr. Arin Reeves and Dr. Krista Robinson-Lyles lead this session of Courageous Conversations on how we can bring our attention to the present moment, allow ourselves to think and breathe, and create space between ourselves and our reactions. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Witches Night Out
Oct. 10, 4:30-9:30 p.m. Don a creative witch’s hat and spend an evening with friends. Proceeds benefit Mutual Ground, a shelter for abused women, and other organizations helping people in need. Naperville Woman’s Club, Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, (630) 420-6010, witchesnightoutnaperville.org.
The Woman Who Loves Giraffes
Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m. See the film, followed by a Q&A with Anne Innis Dagg, the subject of the film, and its director, Alison Reid. Dagg’s work in South Africa became the foundation for many scientists following in her footsteps. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
The Big Sit
Oct. 13, 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Fall migration is in full swing. Find a good spot for bird watching and count the bird species you see or hear. Bring a lawn chair and binoculars, and wear layered clothing. Glacial Park Conservation Area, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood, (815) 479-5779, mccdistrict.org.
The Hamilton Effect
Oct. 17, coffee and conversation 9 a.m., program 10 a.m. Miguel Cervantes, lead “Hamilton” actor in the Chicago production, reports on the effect this game-changing musical has had on him, his family, young people and the world. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Dearly Departed
Oct. 18, 6-8 p.m. The 10th anniversary of this popular program, where Crystal Lake Historical Society volunteers re-create a true story from the town’s past. Tickets online. Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, (815) 477-5873, crystallakeparks.org.
The Headless Hessian of Sleepy Hollow
Oct. 19, 8 p.m. WVL Radio Theatre re-creates horror stories, including the Lizzie Borden axe murders, a tale of Edgar Allen Poe, and a re-imagining of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
Owl Walk
Oct. 20, 5-7 p.m. Search for the owls that live in the park; then head inside for a slide presentation and a visit from a live owl. Dress for the weather and walking over hilly terrain. Reg. online. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood, (815) 678-4532, mccdistrict.org.
Halloween Show for Children
Oct. 26, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Enter a forest on Halloween Eve to hear stories only the trees can tell, with some help from the moonlight. Children up to middle school age. Tickets online. TesserAct Theatre Ensemble, Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Lights Out, Everybody
Oct. 28, 7-8 p.m. Steve Darnall uses sound clips from some of radio’s best-known mystery and horror programs to illustrate how radio truly could be a theater of the mind. Featuring “Escape,” “Inner Sanctum” and “Lights Out.” Reg. online. Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
November
Dole Mansion Gala
Nov. 2, 5-11 p.m. A cocktail hour and progressive-style event marking the 200th birthday of Charles Dole, who established his Crystal Lake summer estate in 1865. Tickets online. The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, lakesideartspark.org.
Cultivating Curiosity
Nov. 13, 7-9 p.m. How can we keep our fervor for learning, understanding and adapting to the changing world around us? How do we remain open-minded? Dr. Arin Reeves explores. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Physics Slam VIII
Nov. 15, 8 p.m. Multiple scientists try their hardest to convince you in just 10 minutes that their work is the most fascinating. Tickets online. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
Tracking Trails
Nov. 17, 2-3:30 p.m. Learn how hunters and naturalists discover where an animal has been and how to find them. Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock, (815) 479-5779, mccdistrict.org.
Lennon & McCartney: Truth & Beauty
Nov. 21, coffee and conversation 9 a.m., program 10 a.m. Robert Rodriquez examines what the two chief songwriters brought through collaboration. Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Corn Husk Dolls
Nov. 23, 1-3 p.m. Make unique corn husk dolls to celebrate Thanksgiving; supplies provided. Reg. online. Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
Natural Wreath Making
Nov. 24, 3-4:30 p.m. Take a short, guided hike in the woodlands to collect materials, then make a wreath. Reg. online. Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 479-5779, mccdistrict.org.