There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at upcoming lectures and educational enrichment.
SEPTEMBER
Visualizing the Future
Sept. 18, 8 p.m. Dr. Chris Johnson, Univeristy of Utah, provides examples of visual computing as applied to important problems in biomedicine and discusses important research and clinical problems in neuroscience, cardiology and genetics. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
Nothin’ Up my Sleeve 2.0
Sept. 20, 3 p.m. A new magical experience, featuring Dennis DeBondt, Greg Hubbard and Trent James. Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, wsrep.org.
Artful Women: Georgann Prochaska
Sept. 27, 3 p.m. Listen to Prochaska discuss her memoir, “On Little Cat Feet,” and her experience caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease. Part of a lecture series centered on women in the arts. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Elgin Symphony Orchestra Listeners Club
Sept. 30, 1-3 p.m. This interactive lecture/discussion series, led by Jim Kendros, meets the Wednesday afternoon before the ESO’s Classics Masterworks performance and promises to broaden your understanding of the music to be performed that week. Gail Borden Public Library (GBPL), 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
TreeKeepers
Sept. 30-Nov. 7, Wed. 6:30-9 p.m., Sat. 1-4:30 p.m. Take an in-depth look at urban trees and their care in this multi-session, award-winning certificate program. Edward L. Ryerson Welcome Center, 21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods. Info: (847) 367-6640, lcfpd.org.
OCTOBER
Sahaja Yoga Meditation
Oct. 3-17, 10:30 a.m. Decrease stress and anxiety, enjoy a peaceful state of mind and improve general health. The Garlands, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. Info: (847) 382-1300,
chicagomeditation.org.
Living History Open House – Twilight
Oct. 8, 5-8 p.m. Enjoy the twilight ambiance of this 1850s house by candlelight while enjoying a fall evening viewing the ever-changing colors in the Lost Valley Marsh. Powers-Walker House, Glacial Park, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood, (815) 479-5779, mccdistrict.org.
Rebecca Eaton
Oct. 15, 10 a.m. The executive producer of the wildly popular “Masterpiece Mystery!” PBS series since 1985 reveals the secrets behind these shows. Creative Living Series. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Remembering Fermi: His Years at the University of Chicago
Oct. 16, 8 p.m. Dr. Jim Cronin, professor emeritus at the University of Chicago and once a graduate student under Dr. Enrico Fermi, remembers the Italian physicist and Fermilab namesake, who’s credited with creating the first nuclear chain reaction. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
NOVEMBER
Seventh Annual Green Living Expo
Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. More than 60 local businesses and organizations offer green products and services. Learn about topics like energy savings, composting, local food options, bird watching and connecting with the local eco-community. McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake, (815) 479-7765, mchenry.edu.
Coffee Brewing with FreshGround Roasting
Nov. 7, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Learn about the background of coffee; how it’s grown, processed and sourced; and why it’s important to know where your coffee comes from. Geneva Library, 127 James St., Geneva, (630) 232-0780, gpld.org.
Harvest Gathering of 1858
Nov. 8, noon-4 p.m. Try your hand at corn shelling, grinding corn into flour, or making a corn husk or yarn doll. Take farmhouse tours and watch a cavalry sergeant and his horse demonstrate the weapons of the era. Powers-Walker House, Glacial Park, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood, (815) 479-5779,
mccdistrict.org.
Birds of Prey: Migrating Majesty
Nov. 14, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Get up close and personal with at least five birds of prey, as Stillman Nature Center will be on-site to discuss each bird and its lifespan. Pre-registration is required. Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva, (630) 232-4542, genevaparks.org.
Artful Women: Terry Evans
Nov. 15, 3 p.m. Terry Evans has photographed the prairies and plains of North America and the urban prairie of Chicago. Combining both aerial and ground photography, she delves into the intricate and complex relationships between land and people. Part of a lecture series centered on women in the arts. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Physics Slam IV
Nov. 20, 8 p.m. This perennial favorite returns to Fermilab. Multiple physicists each have 10 minutes to dazzle you with their particular topic, each vying desperately for the title of Slam Champion. Fermilab, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
Thanksgiving for Nature Scavenger Hunt
Nov. 22, 1-3 p.m. Discover the gifts we receive from nature as you walk a designated trail searching for clues. Enjoy hot beverages and a bonfire afterward. Half Day Forest Perserve, 24255 N. Hwy. 21, Vernon Hills. Info: (847) 367-6640, lcfpd.org.