There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at upcoming lectures and educational enrichment.
December
Watercolor Painting
Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Teens and adults re-create vintage illustrations from classics such as “Alice in Wonderland,” “Peter Rabbit,” “Winnie the Pooh” and others. Reg. online. Gail Borden Public Library, Rakow Branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road, Elgin, (847) 531-7271, gailborden.info.
Winter Wonderland Mosaic
Dec. 11, 10 a.m.-noon. Seniors 55 and up create hand-painted papers and use them to assemble a mosaic of the winter season. Supplies provided. Reg. online. Grand Oaks, 1401 W. Ill. Rt. 176, Crystal Lake, (815) 459-0680, crystallakeparks.org.
Holiday Floral Design
Dec. 11, 6:30-8 p.m. Create an arrangement using a variety of conifer greens as well as fresh flowers. Bring shallow box, hand pruner and wire cutters if you have them. Reg. online. Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.
Courageous Conversations: The Art of Listening
Dec. 11, 7-9 p.m. Active listening with less judgment and more curiosity, humility and empathy is a skill that takes training and practice. This session of Courageous Conversations is led by Dr. Nancy Burgoyne of the Family Institute at Northwestern University. Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Christmas Bird Count
Dec. 14, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Be part of this nationwide event that helps researchers monitor bird populations and distribution trends. Participate as long as you like. Followed by recap dinner to report species and numbers. Reg. online. Cantigny, Wheaton, (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.
Christmas at the Silent Movies
Dec. 14, 8 p.m. Experience holiday-themed silent films, including “A Christmas Carol” and “The Night Before Christmas,” accompanied by their original historic orchestral scores, played by the Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
Hanukkah Stories, Traditions & Treats
Dec. 15, 2-3 p.m. Families learn about the Jewish Festival of Lights holiday through stories, music, food and the dreidel game. Gail Borden Public Library, Main Branch, 270 N. Grove, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
The Great Chicago Fire
Dec. 19, noon-1 p.m. Bring your lunch and learn about the devastating fire and its impact at this talk by Brian Failing, executive director of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum. Reg. online. Visitors Center, Cantigny, Wheaton, (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.
January
Mr. Freeze
Jan. 2, 11 a.m. Mr. Freeze of Fermilab amazes everyone with his chilly cryogenics show that explores the science of cold; see all the things you can do with liquid nitrogen. Gail Borden Public Library, Main Branch, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
Paleontologist Paul Sereno
Jan. 10, 8 p.m. The University of Chicago paleontologist returns to discuss his recent work. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
Book Talk with Mary Doria Russell
Jan. 12, 1-3 p.m. The award-winning author of six bestselling novels talks about her latest work, “The Women of Copper County,” the story of young union organizer Annie Clements, once known as America’s Joan of Arc. Gail Borden Public Library, Main Branch, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
Chinese New Year
Jan. 18, 1-3 p.m. Celebrate the Year of the Rat with some fun activities. Gail Borden Public Library, Main Branch, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
A Tale of Beatrix Potter
Jan. 19, 2 p.m. Debra Miller returns with a family-friendly portrayal of beloved children’s author and illustrator Beatrix Potter. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.
Discovering the Silent Cinema
Jan. 26, 2-3 p.m. Learn about our motion picture heritage and the music that played an important part in silent films, with silent film organist Jay Warren. Gail Borden Public Library, Main Branch, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
February
Sweet Treats: Cold Eats
Feb. 10 & 23, 9:30-11 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Learn where the flavors of some of our favorite treats come from, such as vanilla and fruits. Kids ages 4-10 make and taste fruit smoothies and flavored shaved ice, then take home the recipes. Reg. online. Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, 1000 Lake Cook Road, (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.
Alzheimer’s/Caregivers Support Group
Feb. 12 and second Wed. monthly, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Education, speakers and support for families and caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. First-time participants register at (847) 881-0473. Barrington Council on Aging, Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 E. Main St., Barrington, bacoa.org.
Courageous Conversations: Confronting Prejudice
Feb. 12, 7 p.m. Another in the series of Courageous Conversations, this session explores how we should respond to discrimination when we encounter it, how we respectfully correct misinformation of stereotypes and other related questions. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Discovering Antarctica: Heroic Tales
Feb. 22, 8 p.m. The intrepid Irish explorer Tom Crean is brought to life in a performance by Aidan Dooley; Crean was one of the few men to serve on Antarctic expeditions with both Robert Scott and Ernest Shackleton. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
Studying the Beginning of the Universe
Feb. 28, 8 p.m. What is the universe made of? What physics are responsible for the Big Bang? A lecture by Dr. Bradford Benson, an experimental cosmologist at the U. of Chicago, who builds instruments at the South Pole designed to answer questions such as these. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.